UK Government unveils new £380m investment in creative sector support. The funding targets film, music, video games, and regional creative clusters — aiming to double private investment, support innovation and jobs, and anchor the creative economy within the forthcoming ten‑year industrial strategy.
Sam Laidlaw in talks for chairmanship amid strategic shifts. The former Centrica CEO’s discussions to succeed Helge Lund as BP chairman come at a tense time as BP faces shareholder pressure to accelerate its strategic transformation. Activist investor Elliott Management has urged BP to abandon renewable commitments, sparking shareholder dissent.
Government borrowing rose to £17.7bn in May. This marked the second-highest May figure in over three decades, exceeding expectations and reigniting debate over the UK’s fiscal path. While tax receipts continue to climb, the persistent deficit and pressure to fund public services suggest the Chancellor may soon face difficult decisions on taxation.