PM hoping for improved relations and ‘model of deeper devolution in Scotland and Wales’ Downing Street has paid tribute to Patrick Stewart following the actor’s death. At the daily lobby briefing, the PM’s spokesperson gave a comment that was a bit more extensive than the usual No 10 contribution when a great British celebrity dies. The spokesperson said that was because Andy Burnham feels strongly about the importance of actors. The spokesperson said: The prime minister was very sad to hear of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart. As a former culture secretary he knows how much Britain’s greatest actors mean to the country, and Sir Patrick was one of the very best. Just a reminder that when it comes to Wales, we are not comparing like with like. The term ‘region’ in an English context typically refers to an area covering between 1.5 and 3 million people. In Wales, regions cover much less
Burnham says he wants to ‘draw a line’ under relationship with devolved powers – UK politics live

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Liz Truss is like a broken record, Harry Kane is for ever Spurs, and the celebs in the castle are getting on my nerves You would have thought someone would have made an intervention by now. To save Liz Truss from the worst excesses and delusions of herself. Most former prime ministers – and there are enough of them by now – make the transition into civilian life with little fuss. More or less. John Major found himself elevated from national joke to statesman after 20 years; Tony Blair took the grandiose step of establishing his very own institute; Boris Johnson took his grumblings to the Daily Mail where he is now more or less ignored; Theresa May opted for obscurity; we have yet to find out Keir Starmer’s next move. Yet Liz Truss seems permanently scarred by her 49 days in office and its abrupt ending. Constantly feeling the need to pick away at the wound that will never heal. Continue