Minister tells social media firms to take down dangerous driving content in wake of fatal A66 crash in Middlesbrough – UK politics live

The government has promised that business rate valuations will be “made fairer” for pubs and hotels in England and Wales, as Andy Burnham faces growing calls to help the UK’s struggling hospitality sector. An independent review for England and Wales will look at improving the system for hospitality venues, which were hit by higher business rate bills this year after the end of pandemic-era relief and when new revaluations took effect. It comes after Burnham announced last month that he would cut business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England by 20% from April next year. The government has faced calls to reduce the tax burden on hospitality businesses, which have also struggled to cope with rising energy and food bills in recent years. The review, which will be led by Jerry Schurder, an independent business rates specialist, will report back to the Treasury by the end of March 2027. It will consider valuations before the next revaluation date in 2029. The rise in