‘Britain’s economy buckles as inflation, unemployment and debt costs soar — plus Andy Burnham’s “Number 10 North” growth gamble, his costly rough-sleeping pledge and the EU migration pact that could force Britain to take thousands more asylum seekers’

Andy Burnham’s much-trumpeted plan to revive Britain’s economy from “Number 10 North” has been met with ridicule as inflation rises to 2.9%, unemployment hits 4.9% and government borrowing costs approach a two-decade high.Also: Burnham promises that every rough sleeper in England will be offered accommodation this winter — but Big Issue founder Lord Bird warns that housing alone cannot address the addiction, mental-health problems and inherited poverty driving people on to the streets.French politicians demand yet more British cash to tackle Channel crossings, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey calls for the UK to join the EU migration pact — potentially leaving Britain obliged to accept a large “fair share” of Europe’s asylum seekers.A Labour MP blames Britain’s colonial history and the global reach of the English language for illegal migration.And Green Party demands for tighter media regulation spark warnings that supposedly progressive politicians are using the Jason Arday controversy as an excuse to censor journalists and silence difficult questions.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.