According to The Guardian, the UK government has been advised to assess the European Union's trajectory before committing to a closer relationship with the bloc. This guidance came from the business secretary during ongoing discussions about the nation's post-Brexit positioning. Downing Street also marked the passing of renowned actor Sir Patrick Stewart, with the prime minister's spokesperson offering condolences. The spokesperson noted the PM's personal connection through former culture secretary Andy Burnham, who emphasized the cultural significance of Britain's leading actors. The briefing also touched on internal devolution matters, particularly contrasting the approach to regional governance in England versus Wales. Officials highlighted that Welsh regions differ significantly in population density and administrative structure from their English counterparts. While English city regions like Greater Manchester operate under mayoral combined authorities, Wales already functions through an all-Wales strategic framework managing skills, housing, and economic development. Critics argue that applying an English mayoral model to Wales overlooks these structural differences and existing devolved powers.
Source: The Guardian.
