Corporate parasites are weaponing manufactured fear to try to force a bailout of Thames Water onto an even more weakened Labour government. Potential investors are claiming that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could, rightly, push to bring utilities into public ownership. The Guardian reported this corporate leak, and said:

.Potential investors fear Andy Burnham could push to bring utility companies into public ownership

The establishment media portraits Burnham as some kind of big socialist threat to private equity. But we know he’s not the saviour some people like to think he is as his political history tells an entirely different story.

Thames Water cesspit

A bunch of creditors led by US investment firm Elliott Management is negotiating a shitty takeover deal for the collapsing water company. Private investors want tens of millions in environment fines written off. They also demand a reduction in environmental infrastructure investment until 2023. Because of course these vultures do.

Corporate ghouls are now using the threat of possible Burnham leadership bid to scare prime minister Keir Starmer into signing the ridiculous deal. And let’s be honest, Starmer’s spine bends to corporations at the slightest bit of pressure.

NEW: A YouGov poll of Labour members shows Andy Burnham would beat Keir Starmer in a leadership contest

Burnham: 59%
Starmer: 37%
Don't know: 4%

706 members, 14-16 May

— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) May 18, 2026

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These corporate parasites claim special administration would create unnecessary instability for the supply chain. In short, the public get the shitty end of the stick. But this panic is entirely artificial because Burnham is far from the socialist saviour that the mainstream media wants you to think.

Thames Water is suffocating under £17.6bn worth of debt which the company has accumulated since it was privatised. The company is drowning in debt, yet previous owners and capitalists have sucked billions out of it in dividends. Private shareholders got fat on massive payouts whilst leaving us to inherit a dried out husk and polluted waterways.

He’s not a saviour, he’s a very naughty boy

The media and capitalist parasites are trying to paint Burnham as some kind of ‘socialist saviour’ but nothing could be further from the truth. Canary author Willem Moore highlights the difficult yet ambitious path Burnham will have to travel in order to be selected for the upcoming Makerfield byelection. Once securely in his Westminster seat, Burnham can challenge Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party.

He has used the success of his public-owned Bee Network buses in Manchester to build a political case for wider nationalisation. On Saturday we publicly argued that the UK must put utilities back under stronger public control. It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But don’t believe everything you hear…

But, Burnham has already stated he will not pursue proportional representation, and has fallen short of calling for full re-nationalisation of our utilities. Yes, we would have stronger control over them, but they would not be entirely ours.

Andy Burnham: “I don’t blame anyone who left our party. I don’t blame anyone who voted for other parties”.

“We need to renationalise water, energy and housing.” pic.twitter.com/lS5TXENvXG

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— Tory Fibs (@ToryFibs) May 16, 2026

His own parliamentary voting record tells a story of soft-left politics that prioritises establishment compliance. And definitely not that of a radical overhaul the public so desperately needs. Burnham consistently voted for the Iraq war between 2002 and 2003. And of course, he then voted against investigations into the disastrous conflict.

Tellingly, in 2015, Burnham chose to abstain on the cruel Tory Welfare Reform Bill, which drove hundreds of thousands of people into poverty.

So, don’t believe the corporate fear-mongering you’re seeing in the mainstream media. Burnham may pay a good game publicly, but his voting record and actions show historically, he has always batted for the corporate team.

We, the public, need to reject corporate blackmail and the false promises of wannabe Labour leader Burnham. The UK needs real, full, collective ownership. We need a real leader who will tell these corporate parasites to get their teeth out of our utilities.

Featured image via the Canary

By Antifabot

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Real Madrid have agreed a two‑year deal to bring Jose Mourinho back as head coach. An announcement is expected after the club’s final game and his contract reportedly includes an option for a further year.

Mourinho returns to a volatile dressing room

Madrid have moved to reappoint Mourinho, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabéu, in a bid to restore stability after a trophyless season and a string of off‑field incidents. The deal is for two years with an option for a third, and the club plans a formal unveiling once the season finishes.

Florentino Pérez and the board appear to have prioritised experience and authority over a long‑term rebuild. Mourinho’s previous Real Madrid tenure (2010–13) included a La Liga title in 2012, and his relationship with the club’s president is well documented.

Mourinho is currently Benfica manager; his contract there reportedly contains a buy‑out clause of around £2.6m, which allows him to leave after an unbeaten league campaign that finished with Benfica third in Portugal. Sky Sports understands Mourinho will bring four coaches from Benfica to Madrid, signalling he intends to transplant much of his existing backroom structure.

Immediate challenges waiting at the Bernabéu

Squad cohesion is the headline problem. Real Madrid’s season was undermined by internal tensions and a high‑profile altercation that required medical attention for a first‑team player. Mourinho’s mandate will be to reimpose discipline and clear lines of authority.

Tactically, Mourinho inherits a squad that has underperformed in LaLiga and exited the Champions League earlier than expected. He will need to balance short‑term fixes with the club’s long‑term transfer and development plans.

What to expect next

• Official announcement: expected after Real Madrid’s final league fixture.
• Backroom changes: four Benfica coaches likely to join, suggesting a rapid overhaul of training and match‑day routines.
• Contract length: two years, with a possibility for a third; Mourinho’s Benfica clause makes the move financially straightforward.

This is a pragmatic, short‑term appointment aimed at restoring order and delivering immediate results rather than signalling a full strategic reset. Mourinho brings experience and a proven ability to impose structure, but he also brings a style and intensity that will test a squad already under strain.

Featured image via Getty Images/Angel Martinez

By Maryam Jameela

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We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

You know how it goes: maybe you have a special appointment booked in (if you catch my drift) or you just want to go swimming and enjoy the sun.

The bush has gotten a little out of control, so you pull out a weed whacker, only to leave yourself looking like you’ve been mauled by a million mosquitos. Ingrown hair central. God forbid you want to wear a speedo!

Finding a body razor that doesn’t inflict an intense itch upon you is tricky, to say the least. But (deep breath) there’s finally a solution.

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Gillette has just launched a new body and intimate razor range, made up:

All products in the collection are designed for an ultra-close shave, which means they’re suitable for the areas on your with the most sensitive skin, and (here’s the kicker) to leave zero nicks and cuts.

It might sound almost too good to be true, but the consistent five-star reviews for each product speak for themselves.

“Amazing, best shaver I’ve ever had,” said someone who bought the GilletteLabs Body + Intimate i7 Hair Trimmer for Men. “No pulling, no cuts, and a great finish.”

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Another said: “Tbh I do not have words to express this but all I can say is that this product has literally made my life so easier as this is one of the smoothest and most effective product I’ve ever tried in terms of functionality.”

Convinced to let it in your pants?

Here’s what the range has to offer.

Thanks to the brand’s new SkinFirst technology, this hair trimmer won’t leave any unwanted indentations on your skin. And you won’t need to worry about making an unfortunate bush pattern, as the razor head has its own LED light that makes it easy to see all the more shadowy areas.

But it doesn’t end there: this clever device is also loaded with Autosense technology that automatically adjust the intensity to match your hair density, leaving you with an even trim. Bonus points for the fact it’s completely waterproof, and has added grip in case you do want to use it in the shower.

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The kit comes with three heads, a storage pouch, charging stand, cleaning brush, and shower hanger for easy access ;).

Not bothered by all the bells and whistles? This trimmer has the same close shave as the i7, except it doesn’t come with the same LED light for visibility.

But considering it’s a whole £30 cheaper, there’s not much difference, except it comes with one comb instead of two.

It even has a whopping 80 minutes of charge, which is, what? Like, eight uses before you need to power it up with the included charger.

If you’re more of an analogue kind of guy, these razor heads promise as smooth a shave.

To prevent clogging from all those long, thick hairs, the blades are widely spaced. Plus, they come with a Lubrastrip to make that glide smoother than anything you’ve ever accomplished in someone’s DMs.

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Gillette

Want the best of everything? In this set, you’ll get the i5 trimmer (with an LED light), a GilletteLabs razor with three spare razor heads, and the brand’s 2-in-1 Shave Cream & Cleanser.

You’ll also get a storage pouch and cleaning brush, so you can keep your new bush bestie clean while you switch between trimming and shaving.

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Ryan Garcia has named Conor Benn as his next opponent and is targeting a Las Vegas date on 12 September for his first WBC welterweight title defence. Negotiations are ongoing and the fight is not yet contractually confirmed.

Garcia-Benn blockbuster on the horizon

Ryan Garcia signalled the matchup during recent media appearances and livestreams, pointing to Las Vegas on 12 September as the target for his next fight.

Garcia won the WBC welterweight title earlier this year and is preparing to make his first defence; Conor Benn has publicly pushed for the shot and sits at the top of the WBC 147lb rankings.

• Star power: Both fighters bring commercial pull. Garcia with a large U.S. following and social-media reach, Benn with a high-profile UK fanbase and recent main-event experience.

• Mandate and timing: Benn is the WBC’s mandatory contender and has been vocal about getting the title shot; the September window answers that demand if the camps can finalise terms.

The practical hurdles

Promotional and broadcast alignments remain the main obstacles. Garcia is aligned with Golden Boy Promotions while Benn recently signed with Zuffa Boxing, creating a promotional friction that must be resolved before a contract is signed.

There are also scheduling complications: the proposed date coincides with another major event in Riyadh, which could affect broadcast windows and promotional logistics if both are staged on 12 September.

Form and recent runs

• Garcia captured the WBC belt by defeating Mario Barrios earlier this year and has been positioning himself for high-profile defences.

• Benn returned to action with a win over Regis Prograis and has rebuilt momentum since joining Zuffa Boxing.

Both fighters have had past issues with drug-testing processes that were publicly resolved; those histories are part of the backdrop but are not current impediments to the matchup.

What to watch next

1. Contract confirmation: A joint announcement from Golden Boy and Zuffa (or the fighters’ camps) will be the clearest sign the fight is locked in.

2. Broadcast partner: Whether Netflix, DAZN, or another platform picks up the card will shape the global reach and timing.

3. Venue and undercard: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas has been mentioned; undercard choices will indicate how the promoters plan to sell the event.

This is a high-stakes, commercially attractive fight that makes sense on paper: a WBC title defence against the mandatory contender, staged in a major market. The matchup is targeted for 12 September in Las Vegas, but it remains subject to negotiation and formal confirmation from the promoters and broadcasters.

Featured image via Getty Images/Steve Marcus

By Faz Ali

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Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo is poised to make his West End debut in a new revival of Rent.

On Monday morning, it was announced that Gaten will play Mark Cohen in the new production, a role previously portrayed on stage by the likes of Anthony Rapp, Oliver Thornton and Neil Patrick Harris.

The new production coincides with Rent’s 30th anniversary, and will run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 26 September.

Director Luke Sheppard enthused: “This is Rent in the hands of a new generation of performers who love and adore this piece, and with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark, it promises to be a thrilling experience.”

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Rent centres around a group of struggling artists in New York’s East Village, and is loosely based on the Puccini opera La Bohème.

Telling the story of a year in the group’s lives, the show explores themes including sexuality, addiction and HIV, and has become renowned for its soundtrack, including musical theatre staples Seasons Of Love, La Vie Bohème and Take Me Or Leave Me.

Phil Bray/Sony/Kobal/Shutterstock

Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said they were “absolutely delighted to be bringing Rent back to the West End”, noting: “Jonathan Larson’s musical remains as powerful and resonant as ever, and Luke has found a way to honour its legacy while making it feel thrillingly fresh for today’s audiences.

“We cannot wait to share this production and all that we have planned for it. It promises to be a truly special theatrical event.”

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More casting announcements will be announced in due course, with tickets for the production now on sale.

Gaten is best known for his performance as Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix sci-fi drama, a role he began playing when he was still in his early teens.

However, he actually began his career as a child actor on Broadway, in the casts of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and Les Misérables.

Since his rise to fame in Stranger Things, the 23-year-old has also continued to act on stage in Broadway productions of shows including Dear Evan Hansen and Sweeney Todd.

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He is also due to appear in the new Lin-Manuel Miranda movie adaptation of the musical Octet, alongside the likes of Rachel Zegler, Jonathan Groff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Amanda Seyfried and Tramell Tillman.

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We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Is this a safe space? My immediate thought was ‘awww’ when I saw these pans.

That’s not something I ever thought I’d say about a cooking implement, FYI, but here we are. Our Place always gets to me.

The fact the brand is making mini versions of anything is a (not to be oxymoronic) huge win in my book, but it’s about more than what’s on the outside!

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As well as being made from non-toxic, non-stick ceramic, all of its pans can be popped in the oven, just as safely as they can be used on the hob.

They also come with a matching lid, and a wooden spatula that nests perfectly on the handle.

As for what you can cook in these teenies, the Mini Always Pan has a 1.1 litre capacity, which makes it ideal for frying an egg, blooming spices, making pancakes, or even whipping up a tiny cookie in your Wonder Oven.

Meanwhile, the Perfect Pot is a little bigger, holding 2.4 litres, which if you ask me is a truly wondrous size for rice for two or simmering a stew.

And, if matching your pan to the rest of your kitchen is important to you (no judgement here) the minis come in the brand’s signature black, pink, green, grey, and blue.

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For a limited time only, they also come in two new colours: forget-me-not blue and butter yellow (which is on sale now!). It’s safe to say I’m obsessed.

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On 15 May, Hibiscus – a feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional women’s organisation – gave a searing critique of Labour’s plans to:

champion the rights of women and girls to live in a world free from violence.

Of course, the feminist group welcomed the sentiment of the statement itself. However, it pointed out the glaring hypocrisy of Labour’s agenda to end violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Namely, a great many of the policies laid out in the King’s speech on 13 May would be actively harmful to Black and minoritised migrant women.

Hibiscus stated that:

At a time when meaningful action is urgently needed, the government has once again failed to address the structural inequalities that make women vulnerable to violence in the first place. There are no concrete commitments to invest in specialist support services, no long-term funding guarantees for by and for organisations, and no serious recognition of the socio-economic and political realities facing Black and minoritised migrant women. Instead, several of the proposed bills appear either dangerously indifferent to these realities or intentionally punitive in nature.

Labour not doing enough

Hibiscus voiced particular alarm at the proposed Immigration and Asylum Bill. It includes powers to revoke refugee status in greater numbers, and places greater restrictions on support for asylum-seeking survivors.
In particular, the Hibiscus stated that proposed measures to limit Article 8 applications:

will have devastating consequences for women already living in precarity.

‘Article 8 applications’ refers to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It guarantees the right to family and private life.

The feminist group also explained that tightening immigration rules leaves migrant women open to abuse:

For migrant women experiencing abuse, immigration status is often weaponised by perpetrators as a tool of control. Policies that deepen insecurity and threaten deportation create enormous barriers to reporting violence, seeking support, or leaving abusive situations safely. These proposals are harmful and dehumanising. They reinforce a hostile environment that leaves migrant and refugee women trapped between abuse and the fear of state violence.

The justice system

On top of this, Hibiscus stated that the proposed Police Reform Bill would only serve to entrench violence against racialised communities:

Expanding policing powers, increasing surveillance, and embedding greater use of AI and intelligence gathering cannot be separated from the realities of institutional racism, misogyny and discrimination within policing and state systems. These measures will deepen mistrust and disproportionately impact racialised communities, including migrant women whose vulnerabilities are already heightened by insecure immigration status.

A police chief in charge of AI use has already acknowledged that a new national police AI data centre will produce biased and racist results. However, this hasn’t stopped police forces forging ahead with adopting the technology.

Hibiscus also highlighted Labour’s current plans to scale back jury trials in England and Wales. As the Canary has previously reported, Black and brown people will likely be disproportionately affected by this change. On that point, Hibiscus highlighted that:

Weakening access to justice risks further undermining confidence in a system that many survivors already struggle to trust. Any government serious about tackling VAWG should be strengthening legal protections and improving access to justice, not eroding them.

The inverse of the over-scrutinisation of Black and brown women when they are suspected of a crime is the corresponding lack of urgency from both police and the media when Black and brown women are potential victims.

Campaign group ‘For Black Women UK’ highlighted the cases of five Black women who were found dead in bodies of water around the UK. Edna Mmbali Ombakho, for example, was missing for 35 days before she was found. However, due to a lack of widespread coverage or awareness-raising:

Many people only learned about her disappearance after she was found.

Blessing Olusegun
Kayon Williams
Taiwo Balogun
Samaria Ayanle
Edna Mmbali Ombakho

These are just some of the Black women whose lives tragically ended after they were later found in bodies of water.

Each woman had a life, a family, and people who loved them. pic.twitter.com/mhoPtNk4W8

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— For Black Women UK (@forblackwomenuk) March 16, 2026

Housing

We then move on to the field of housing, and its impacts on Black and minoritised migrant women. The Social Housing Renewal Bill ostensibly aims to help victim-survivors of domestic abuse to stay in their houses. However, as Hibiscus highlighted:

For many Black and minoritised women living within close-knit communities, remaining in the family home after leaving an abusive relationship can actually increase risk and isolation. Specialist by and for organisations have long challenged one-size-fits-all approaches to safety.

Likewise, migrant women are often excluded from vital social housing due to their immigration status. As such, Hibiscus highlighted that:

countless women remain at risk of homelessness, housing insecurity and ongoing abuse. Despite this, there is still no meaningful funding commitment to safely house migrant women experiencing violence.

Likewise, the organisation was also clear on how best to structure safe-housing initiatives:

Victim-survivors themselves are best placed to determine what safety looks like for them. Sustainable refuge funding, genuinely accessible housing options, and specialist support services remain essential.

Five key demands

For far too long, mainstream initiatives to combat VAWG have excluded Black and minoritised migrant women. That issue is compounded by policies that fail to acknowledge the ways in which:

racism, misogyny, poverty, immigration status and housing insecurity intersect to shape and exacerbate experiences of violence.

As such, the organisation made five key demands for any government that takes VAWG seriously:

• Long-term investment in specialist by-and-for services
• Safe and accessible housing for all survivors
• Equitable access to justice
• Protection of migrant women’s rights
• Policies developed through an intersectional lens

Hibiscus’ warning was stark:

Without this, promises made to address VAWG will remain empty.

Featured image via Getty Images/Chris J. Ratcliffe

By The Canary

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Arsenal scraped a nervy 1-0 victory over relegated Burnley at the Emirates, a result that leaves Mikel Arteta’s side one result away from the Premier League title depending on Manchester City’s outcome on Tuesday. The game was tight, tense, and ultimately decided by a set-piece header from Kai Havertz midway through the first half.

The match’s only goal arrived in the 37th minute. Bukayo Saka’s corner found Kai Havertz, who nodded home from close range to break the deadlock. It was another example of Arsenal’s season-long strength from dead balls. The club have scored heavily from set plays this campaign, and this goal underlined how those routines have been a consistent source of returns.

Arsenal pushed after the opener. Leandro Trossard rattled the post and Eberechi Eze struck the bar as the hosts hunted a second to ease nerves. Burnley, already relegated, offered little sustained threat but defended doggedly and forced Arsenal to work for every yard.

Arsenal discipline

The game was not without incident. Late in the match Havertz was involved in a high challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu that looked dangerous in real time. Referee Paul Tierney issued a yellow card on the pitch; VAR reviewed the incident for potential serious foul play and ultimately upheld the on-field decision, meaning Havertz avoided a red card. The decision drew criticism from some quarters but stood as the official ruling.

That moment could have changed the complexion of the match. Playing a man down would have invited pressure and uncertainty; instead Arsenal kept their full complement and saw out the win. The booking will still be a talking point, but it did not alter the result.What the result means

With the three points, Arsenal sit on the brink of the title. They will be crowned champions if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday. If City win, the title race will go to the final day. The narrow margin of victory means Arsenal still have work to do, but the position they occupy is unmistakable: one positive result away from lifting the trophy.

The atmosphere at the Emirates was electric before kick-off and remained charged throughout, but nerves crept in as the game wore on. For a squad that has carried expectation all season, this was a reminder that even routine fixtures can become tests of temperament when the prize is so close.

Performances and patterns

Standouts players: Declan Rice was named player of the match for his midfield control and defensive cover, while Havertz’s contribution was a goal and presence which was decisive. Gabriel and William Saliba marshalled the backline effectively, and David Raya did not face sustained danger. Burnley’s goalkeeper and defenders kept the scoreline respectable, but they rarely threatened to equalise.

Arsenal deliver set-piece’s with a cutting edge. Arsenal’s goal continued a season-long trend: they have been unusually productive from set plays. The team’s organisation and delivery from corners have supplied a steady stream of goals, and that efficiency has been a quietly influential factor in their title push.Arteta set up an attacking line-up and expected control through midfield. Arsenal dominated possession and territory for long spells but lacked the clinical edge to put the game beyond doubt. Burnley sat deep and looked to frustrate, offering occasional counters but little sustained pressure. The match became a test of patience for the home side. They had to keep probing, avoid mistakes, and take the chance when it comes. That approach paid off.

The immediate outlook

Arsenal now wait on Manchester City’s result. If City slip up, Arsenal will be champions without kicking another ball. If City win, the title race will be decided on the final day, and Arsenal will need to deliver again under pressure. Either way, this victory keeps Arteta’s team firmly in control of their destiny.

For Burnley, the season ends in relegation, but the visitors showed moments of resilience and will look to regroup for the Championship. For Arsenal, the focus is simple: maintain composure, manage expectations, and finish the job. The margin for error is small; the reward is huge.

One hand on the title

A single header, a VAR check, and a yellow card summed up a night of fine margins. Arsenal did what they needed to do: win. Now they stand one result away from the Premier League title, with the final chapter still to be written depending on Manchester City’s next outing.

Featured image via Getty Images/Julian Finney

By Maryam Jameela

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