The best events coming up in Manchester this week

Labour’s turbulent first year: U-turns, leadership questions and the growing threat from reform as many voters lose patience.

4m

One year after Labour’s landslide victory, the government faces deepening turmoil, high-profile policy reversals, and mounting public frustration.With party unity under pressure and Reform UK’s surge reshaping the political landscape, serious questions are being asked about the future of Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves.

‘It should be the same punishment for assaulting humans’: Londoners on rise in animal cruelty

1m

We ask Londoners what they think about the rise in animal cruelty, and what their pets mean to them.

Leeds reflects on looking after pets and animal cruelty

1m

The RSPCA is highlighting a rise in animal cruelty cases and asking people to think about how we treat our pets. If you’ve got pets, how close are you to them, and why are they so important to you? If you don’t, what do you think responsible pet care should look like?

Your reflections on council tax and Leeds improvements

3m

Do you think council tax is fair? What repairs or improvements should Leeds City Council prioritise?

How close are you to your pets - and what does responsible pet care look like?

1m

As the RSPCA highlights a rise in cruelty cases, we ask people in Birmingham how important their pets are to them - or, if they don’t have pets, what they believe responsible ownership should involve.

Too much student housing? City councillors push back

1m

A ten-storey student block has been approved in Birmingham, while another scheme was blocked—reigniting debate over whether the city is prioritising student developments over much-needed housing. Councillors warn of family homes being lost and question whether student demand is being overstated.

WHSmith rebrands to TGJones across UK high streets

3m

WHSmith is now TGJones, and River Island is closing dozens of stores—including one in Sutton Coldfield. From Birmingham city centre, we ask shoppers how they feel about the names vanishing from their high street.

People on the street: How should we treat our pets?

1m

We went out into Manchester to ask people on the streets about how they treat their pets and what prospective new pet-owners need to think about before making a commitment.

How much paternity leave should be given in the UK?

1m

The government is carrying out a once-in-a-generation review of parental leave and pay to modernise the system.How much time off do you think new dads should be given when a baby is born, and why?

Northumberland Line Stations Delayed Until 2026

1m

Two of the remaining stations on the £300 million Northumberland Line will now not reopen to the public until 2026 due to engineering setbacks.