The Memory Hole
The scope, stated
This tool monitors publicly-funded broadcasters: the BBC and Channel 4. You pay for them by law; the law says they must be impartial; we check. Commercial outlets - left and right alike - are out of scope, because nobody is compelled to fund them. Inside the scope the standard is identical: same capture cadence, same checks, no exceptions - the check log is part of the database. Publication is automatic: a substantive change publishes here once the machine has confirmed it was still present at a second re-fetch and an artifact screen has confirmed it is a real edit, not capture noise - the same rules every time, with anything uncertain held for human review rather than discarded. No editor chooses what appears. If we get one wrong, the correction is a new record that supersedes the old one, in the open. This is a chronological feed of individual records. It carries no rankings, no totals, no league table, and never will: an aggregate score is a verdict wearing a spreadsheet.
BBC News · changed, detected 01 Aug 2026
Burnham pauses early prison release scheme
REMOVED: "No prisoners will be let out under this policy until we have conducted an urgent review and done everything we can to minimise risk to the public," the prime minister said.
REMOVED: In 2024, the Labour government announced emergency measures to release some prisoners early to ease overcrowding.
ADDED: It came after criticism of the scheme from survivors and victims' families, including the widow of PC Andrew Harper who described the possibility of his killers' early release as "deplorable".
ADDED: The Sentencing Act, which was due to come into effect in September, would have seen some offenders let out at varying stages in a bid to ease prison overcrowding.
BBC News · changed, detected 01 Aug 2026
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to accept trade minister job
ADDED: Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, said Sarwar's move offered an opportunity to "reshape and remould" the party in Scotland.
ADDED: He told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast : "Over the past five years, our policy offering has been nowhere near good enough.
BBC News · changed, detected 01 Aug 2026
Government to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues
Government to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues - BBC News
Andy Burnham says 20% business rates cut for English pubs a first step - BBC NewsREMOVED: In his third policy announcement since becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham said: "For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets."
REMOVED: The cut will cost £100m and will be funded by a review of tax relief on firms such as vape shops which "do not make a positive contribution to local communities", the government said.
ADDED: It is his third policy announcement since entering No 10, and the government estimates the plan will save firms around £1,100 next year.
ADDED: With a cost of £100m, it will be funded by a review of tax relief on firms such as vape shops which "do not make a positive contribution to local communities", the government said.
BBC News · changed, detected 01 Aug 2026
Burnham acting like he's still mayor, says Badenoch
Andy Burnham acting like he's still mayor, says Kemi Badenoch - BBC News
Andy Burnham acting like he's still a mayor, says Kemi Badenoch - BBC NewsREMOVED: "Every day, Andy Burnham seems to float a new, expensive idea," she said. "We have seen this movie before. Tax rises are coming".
ADDED: She also criticised him for "floating" possible future policies such as providing social care free at the point of use, a huge expansion in council house building, and increasing the tax-free personal allowance.
ADDED: "He doesn't actually know what he wants to do, he is thinking out loud. All that we know is it's going to cost a lot of money," she added.
BBC News · changed, detected 01 Aug 2026
Former defence minister Al Carns turns down ministerial offer
ADDED: Downing Street released a list of further appointments late on Wednesday, including a peerage for Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar .
ADDED: Sarwar had called for Sir Keir to go after the May elections and his elevation to the Lords will enable him to take up the role of business minister under Burnham.
BBC News · changed, detected 01 Aug 2026
Burnham says he will review early prisoner release scheme
Burnham says he will review early prisoner release scheme - BBC News
PC Harper's widow criticises early prisoner release plan as Burnham to review scheme - BBC NewsREMOVED: Speaking to reporters in Bath, he said: "I can't say that I can change the policy completely, but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward."
REMOVED: Tens of thousands of inmates have been let out of prison to create more space in jails since September 2024.
ADDED: The widow of PC Andrew Harper has described the possible early release of prisoners as "deplorable", following reports that two of his killers could be freed early.
ADDED: Lissie Harper said politicians were "making decisions from behind a desk that will have real and lasting consequences" for the families of victims.
BBC News · changed, detected 31 Jul 2026
Streeting apologises after early prisoner release comments heard on mic
Streeting apologises after early prisoner release comments heard on mic - BBC News
Andy Burnham rebukes ministers after prisoner releases joke - BBC NewsREMOVED: Watch: Streeting and Mahmood heard on hot mic joking about early prisoner release scheme
REMOVED: Wes Streeting has said there was "no ill intent" behind comments he made about the early prisoner release scheme, which were caught on camera.
ADDED: Watch: Streeting and Mahmood were overheard whilst chatting on Tuesday
ADDED: Prime Minister Andy Burnham has rebuked some of his cabinet ministers after they were caught on camera sharing a joke about releasing prisoners.
BBC News · changed, detected 31 Jul 2026
Angela Rayner: Labour's working-class warrior bounces back
Angela Rayner: Labour's working-class warrior bounces back - BBC News
Angela Rayner: Cabinet comeback for one of Labour's biggest names - BBC NewsBBC News · changed, detected 31 Jul 2026
Whitehall officials offered move to No 10 North in Manchester
REMOVED: It comes as the first details are emerging about the new No 10 North which has already started work, according to sources close to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
REMOVED: Haigh, who is the first secretary of state, is thought to have been asked to lead a new Office for the Prime Minister, which will give her control of key decision- making bodies across government.
ADDED: It comes as the first details are emerging about the new No 10 North, which Downing Street says is already up and running.
ADDED: Haigh, who is the first secretary of state, is thought to have been asked to lead a new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (OPMC), which will give her control of key decision-making bodies across government.
BBC News · changed, detected 31 Jul 2026
Sir Chris Bryant appointed new NI secretary
Sir Chris Bryant appointed as new NI secretary under Andy Burnham - BBC News
Sir Chris Bryant outlines 'checklist' of issues as he takes up NI secretary role - BBC NewsREMOVED: Sir Chris Bryant has been appointed secretary of state for Northern Ireland, following Andy Burnham's Cabinet reshuffle as prime minister.
REMOVED: The MP for Rhondda and Ogmore has replaced Hilary Benn , who was appointed in 2024.
ADDED: Northern Ireland's newly-appointed secretary of state has said he has "a bit of a checklist" of issues he wants to address as he takes on the role.
ADDED: Sir Chris Bryant was appointed to the job following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Cabinet reshuffle on Monday.
BBC News · changed, detected 31 Jul 2026
VAT to be cut from household electricity bills in October
REMOVED: The reduction from 5% VAT will come into effect on 1 October, saving a typical household about £45 a year.
REMOVED: But Darren Jones, who was sacked as chief secretary to the prime minister on Monday, accused the government of announcing an unfunded tax cut.
ADDED: The reduction from 5% VAT to zero will come into effect on 1 October, saving a typical household about £45 a year.
ADDED: But Labour's Darren Jones, who was sacked as chief secretary to the prime minister on Monday, accused the government of announcing an unfunded tax cut.
BBC News · changed, detected 31 Jul 2026
Former Labour leader 'thrilled to bits' as son becomes new Welsh secretary
REMOVED: Former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock is "thrilled to bits" his son has been promoted to the cabinet as the new Secretary of State for Wales.
REMOVED: Stephen Kinnock was appointed on Monday as Andy Burnham unveiled his prime ministerial team.
ADDED: Former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock has described news of his son's appointment as Welsh secretary as "a delight".
ADDED: Stephen Kinnock was given his first cabinet role after Andy Burnham took over as prime minister on Monday.
BBC News · changed, detected 30 Jul 2026
John Healey becomes chancellor weeks after shock resignation from defence job
John Healey becomes chancellor weeks after shock resignation from defence job - BBC News
Who is new chancellor John Healey? Labour veteran who quit as defence secretary - BBC NewsREMOVED: In the early 2000s, he held a string of ministerial posts, including housing, local government, and at the Treasury in the Blair and Gordon Brown governments.
REMOVED: He also assisted Brown as his parliamentary private secretary.
ADDED: In the early 2000s, he held a string of ministerial posts, including housing, local government in the Blair and Gordon Brown governments.
ADDED: He spent five years at Brown's Treasury where he oversaw policies such as the child trust funds and attempts to regenerate and devolve power - the Regional Development Agencies, later scrapped by the coalition government.
Channel 4 News · changed, detected 30 Jul 2026
the-full-list-of-candidates-standing-in-clacton-byelection
REMOVED: The Reform UK Leader and Count Binface are among the 20 independents who will fight for the seat on 13 August.
BBC News · changed, detected 30 Jul 2026
Key takeaways as Andy Burnham becomes PM
REMOVED: This was swiftly followed by a No 10 press release promising an extra £340m for the task over the next five years.
REMOVED: A big moment will be when we find out who his chancellor will be - Rachel Reeves has already confirmed she will be leaving government after turning down the offer of another cabinet role.
ADDED: This was swiftly followed by a No 10 press release promising an extra £340m for the task over the next five years from within the housing department budget.
ADDED: Rachel Reeves had already confirmed she would be leaving the role and would not be serving in Burnham's cabinet, turning down the offer of another job.
BBC News · changed, detected 30 Jul 2026
Analysis: Burnham's policy choices reveal what kind of PM he wants to be
REMOVED: There was also a promise to do something about the cost of living, with more detail tomorrow on the "breathing space" he is offering hard pressed families.
ADDED: There was also a promise to do something about the cost of living, with more detail tomorrow on the "breathing space" he is offering hard-pressed families.
ADDED: Burnham has said he will be "looking at" the tax-free personal allowance ahead of his first Budget in the autumn but stressed that changing it would be "difficult" in the current economic circumstances, and it could have "significant consequences".
BBC News · changed, detected 30 Jul 2026
Burnham to promise 'more breathing room' in first speech as PM
REMOVED: Earlier, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the incoming prime minister was a "people pleaser" at a time when the country needed someone who could "take tough decisions, who can face down Labour MPs".
REMOVED: "The job is not a popularity contest. It is making the lives of all of the people outside this building better. And he has not said what he's going to do. It's all airy-fairy stuff," she said.
ADDED: "You have refused calls to come to Parliament for questions from MPs, and you have not submitted yourself to serious media scrutiny," Badenoch wrote.
ADDED: It also included a promise of Conservative support to cut the benefits bill, and urged the incoming prime minister to rule out any new tax rises.
BBC News · changed, detected 26 Jul 2026
Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, deputy leader says
REMOVED: Andy Burnham will stand by promises made in Labour's 2024 election manifesto but will be bolder and more ambitious, Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell has said.
REMOVED: Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Powell said Burnham's leadership would be a moment for "clearing the decks of all the other things that might distract" from the cost of living and the economy.
ADDED: Andy Burnham will stand by promises made in Labour's 2024 election manifesto but will be bolder and more ambitious, the party's deputy leader has said.
ADDED: Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Lucy Powell said Burnham's leadership would be a moment for "clearing the decks of all the other things that might distract" from the cost of living and the economy.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Is Burnham promising a new dawn for North Sea oil and gas?
ADDED: "The People of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has stated that he will be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil!".
ADDED: He said it would be "a big day" for the UK and "very much appreciated by everybody".
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling
REMOVED: Andy Burnham will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea when he becomes prime minister on Monday, the BBC has been told.
REMOVED: The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto - which the new leader said he would follow - had pledged to not issue new licences but to honour existing ones.
ADDED: Andy Burnham will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea after he becomes prime minister, the BBC has been told.
ADDED: The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto - which the new leader said he would follow - had pledged to issue no new licences but to honour existing ones.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Greens leader renews call for extra security after Ann Widdecombe death
REMOVED: The Home Office and the Green Party have been contacted for comment about Polanski's comments.
REMOVED: His remarks come amid a growing chorus of voices over whether politicians are being provided with enough security.
ADDED: A Home Office spokesperson said: "No politician should be facing the threat of violence, abuse, or harassment – they must be able to go about their vital work safely and freely.
ADDED: "The government keeps security provisions for elected representatives under regular review."
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living in first major policy pledge
Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on 'helping with cost of living' - BBC News
Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on 'helping with cost of living' - BBC NewsREMOVED: Now, by dropping the plans entirely Burnham's spokesperson said, the "time and resource that was going to be spent on a national ID scheme will go instead to where it's most needed, such as helping with the cost of living".
REMOVED: At the time, Starmer argued that mandatory digital ID for workers would make it easier to clamp down on immigrants working illegally and modernise the state.
ADDED: Now, by dropping the plans entirely, Burnham's spokesperson said the "time and resource that was going to be spent on a national ID scheme will go instead to where it's most needed, such as helping with the cost of living".
ADDED: At the time, he argued that mandatory digital ID for workers would make it easier to clamp down on immigrants working illegally and modernise the state.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
When does Andy Burnham become prime minister? Six key questions answered
What you need to know as Andy Burnham set to become UK prime minister - BBC News
A very quick guide to new prime minister Andy Burnham and his policies - BBC NewsREMOVED: It means he will soon become the UK's prime minister - the seventh in the last 10 years.
REMOVED: Burnham becomes Labour leader on Friday - but he will not become prime minister until Monday, three days later.
ADDED: Burnham, who became leader of the Labour Party on Friday, is the fourth prime minister in five years.
ADDED: Andy Burnham has been fairly tight-lipped about his plans for specific policies, but here's some of what we know:
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Sadiq Khan among 26 new peers to enter the Lords
REMOVED: London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is one of 26 new peers to be given seats in the House of Lords in one of Sir Keir Starmer's last acts as prime minister.
REMOVED: The nominations come as Sir Keir prepares to leave office on Monday, when Andy Burnham is due to become the next prime minister.
ADDED: Joining the Lords would allow Sir Sadiq to become a government minister but the BBC understands he is not seeking a role in Andy Burnham's incoming government.
ADDED: The nominations come as Sir Keir prepares to leave office on Monday, when Burnham is due to become the next prime minister.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Pakistan resisting UK attempts to deport grooming gang leader
REMOVED: Tahir Andrabi, a spokesman for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the BBC that Shabir Ahmed must be dealt with in accordance with UK laws and the government of Pakistan has "no connection whatsoever with this matter".
REMOVED: Ahmed had dual British-Pakistani citizenship before being stripped of his UK passport following his 2012 conviction for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls.
ADDED: Tahir Andrabi, a spokesman for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the BBC that Shabir Ahmed must be dealt with in accordance with UK laws and the government of Pakistan had "no connection whatsoever with this matter".
ADDED: Downing Street insisted on Thursday that it was still in talks with Pakistan about the removal of Ahmed, who came to the UK in the late 1960s.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
UK says Falkland Islands 'definitely ours' after Argentina banner
ADDED: For its part, the government of the Falkland Islands said it was "disappointed but not surprised" about the banner and it hopes Fifa will "sanction all behaviour of this nature in line with its own rules"
ADDED: "We do not wish to see politics being brought into sport" a statement added.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Who is the frontrunner to be the UK's next chancellor?
REMOVED: The BBC has been told there are "live discussions" about putting Mahmood in Number 11, while the Financial Times , external is reporting it as a certainty based on three sources close to Burnham.
REMOVED: As Lord O'Neil puts it: "The ones whose names are in the papers are the ones who are putting themselves forward."
ADDED: The BBC has been told there are "live discussions" about putting Mahmood into Number 11, while the Financial Times , external is reporting it as a certainty based on three sources close to Burnham.
ADDED: In late June, he was the bookmakers' strong favourite for the number two job in British politics, with the former Labour party leader politically closer to Burnham than other rivals.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Burnham promises to 'bring hope back' as he becomes Labour leader
Burnham promises to 'bring hope back' as he becomes Labour leader - BBC News
Burnham says he is 'finalising' cabinet ahead of becoming PM on Monday - BBC NewsREMOVED: In a speech to Labour MPs and supporters, the former mayor of Greater Manchester said he would give "hope back" to working class communities across the UK, who he said the political class had "turned its back" on.
REMOVED: The new Labour leader also outlined his plan for devolving power away from Westminster to the regions and said would be a leader for all parts of the country.
ADDED: Asked why he had not announced his top team, the new Labour leader said: "It would be somewhat premature and would, I think, cause complete chaos if you start half a reshuffle before you're in the position."
ADDED: There has been widespread speculation about Burnham's cabinet picks, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood thought to be in the running to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
First Reform UK police commissioner elected
REMOVED: A former detective has been elected as the first Reform UK police and crime commissioner.
REMOVED: Colin Sutton, who led several high profile murder investigations during his 30-year-career, was confirmed as the new commissioner for Norfolk on Friday after 32,647 people voted for him.
ADDED: A former detective has become the first Reform UK candidate to be elected as a police and crime commissioner.
ADDED: Colin Sutton, who led several high profile murder investigations during his 30-year-career, was confirmed as the new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Norfolk on Friday after 32,647 people voted for him.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Burnham promises huge change - now to find out how he will deliver it
Burnham promises huge change - now to find out how he will deliver it - BBC News
Burnham promises huge change - but leaves questions about plan to deliver it - BBC NewsREMOVED: In the course of a whirlwind four weeks, every wing of the parliamentary Labour Party has anointed him as the only person able to reverse their electoral predicament.
REMOVED: That's where even some of his strongest supporters are little less sure.
ADDED: How could he not feel good? In the course of a whirlwind four weeks, every wing of the parliamentary Labour Party has anointed him as the only person able to reverse their electoral predicament.
ADDED: Ready? That's where even some of his strongest supporters are little less sure.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
MP found not guilty of sexually assaulting women
Suffolk MP Patrick Spencer not guilty of sexually assaulting women - BBC News
Suffolk MP Patrick Spencer not guilty of sexual assault - BBC NewsREMOVED: The 38-year-old denied two counts of sexual assault and was found not guilty following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. He could be seen sobbing with relief and later hugging his wife as the verdicts were returned.
REMOVED: A jury of eight men and four women returned the verdict after seven hours and six minutes of deliberation.
ADDED: An MP who was accused of touching the breasts of two women at London's Groucho Club has been found not guilty of sexual assault.
ADDED: The 38-year-old denied two counts of sexual assault and was found not guilty following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. He fell to his knees in the dock and could be seen sobbing as the verdicts were returned.
BBC News · changed, detected 24 Jul 2026
Burnham to promise new path for UK when he becomes new Labour leader
Andy Burnham to promise new path when he becomes new Labour leader - BBC News
Andy Burnham to promise new path when he becomes Labour leader - BBC NewsREMOVED: Andy Burnham will promise a new path for Britain in a speech as he becomes the new Labour leader on Friday.
REMOVED: The Makerfield MP will be confirmed in the role at a special party conference in central London, ahead of taking over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday.
ADDED: Andy Burnham will promise a new path for Britain in a speech later on Friday, as he is confirmed as the Labour leader.
ADDED: He will then take over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday.
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