Andy Burnham delivered a significant policy speech in Manchester yesterday, setting out ambitious plans to shift power away from London.

Economist Steve Schifferes has been looking at which levers will be available to the assumed prime-minister-in-waiting, if he wants to transform the country. From nationalisation to taxation, Schiffres explains here that the stakes are high – but the political pay off could be immense.

In a Q+A with a civil engineer, we find out why so many buildings collapsed catastrophically in Venezuela last week when two earthquakes hit, and how construction can be improved in the future to prevent loss of life.

And looking ahead of the USA’s 250th birthday, we learn about the people in Britain who supported the revolution.

And we’ve announced our judges for The Conversation Prize for writers 2026. Professor Catherine Clarke from the Institute of Historical Research joins Tim Minshall, professor of innovation at University of Cambridge, and our very own Steven Vass, senior editor on Science Insights. We’re looking for the best longform article and nonfiction book idea aimed at a general audience. The prize is £1,000, online publication of your article on our website, and mentorship from a Curtis Brown agent and a senior Faber book editor who will help you to develop your idea. There’s still time to submit your story but hurry, entry closes on 5th July 2026.