Politics

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is set to announce a new 'Help to Buy'-style scheme next week called 'Your First Home'. Reports say it would allow young people to buy their first home with a deposit of just 2.5%, a far lower barrier than most mortgages require. The proposal is drawing heavy attention online, with many debating whether such low-deposit buying would genuinely help first-time buyers or fuel house price inflation.

Speculation is swirling around Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, as talk grows that he could mount a challenge for the Labour leadership. Supporters point to his national profile and polling appeal, while critics question whether he has a viable route to power. No formal challenge has been declared, and Sir Keir Starmer remains party leader.

A court case concerning a march along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Northern Ireland, is drawing attention. The road has long been the focus of disputes over Orange Order parades past the nationalist Garvaghy area, a flashpoint of the Troubles. Any fresh legal proceedings over marching routes there renew debate about parading, residents' rights and public order in the area.

The United States has refused to back a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The decision sets Washington apart from other member states on global health cooperation and raises questions about the future of international pandemic readiness efforts.

Local communities are organizing against the construction of AI data centers in their areas, citing concerns over electricity and water consumption, noise, and limited local benefits. The resistance is turning into a broader political issue, with residents and officials questioning whether large-scale AI infrastructure should be built without greater local consent and planning oversight.