Burnham hosts Ireland’s taoiseach as he bids for UK exemptions from EU’s ‘Made in Europe’ plan – UK politics live

It is the first time the PM has used No 10 North to host an overseas visitRetail sales across Great Britain unexpectedly rose last month, the latest economic indicator to defy gloomy forecasts as the chancellor, John Healey, prepares to present next month’s budget. Mark Sweney has the story.Last night Sam Coates at Sky News released details of a 50-page policy memo produced by Keir Starmer’s aides earlier this year as they were struggling to find policies that would help him stay in office. The document, dated 23 April, says it contains “bold ideas that meet the moment”. Coates says