Angela Rayner urges UK to boost nighttime economy with reforms, citing cost pressures and regional decline.

Angela Rayner, former deputy prime minister, urged the UK government to speed up delivery on election promises, calling for urgent support for the nighttime economy amid rising costs and struggling towns. Speaking in Liverpool, she advocated for a business rates review, relaxed licensing, and a dedicated minister, proposing "rocket boosters" to stimulate activity. She highlighted challenges like energy prices, minimum wage hikes, and VAT, stressing the sector’s role in revitalizing high streets. Mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram backed the push, with Burnham joking about a potential sequel to their book “Head North.” Critics, including Rayner and Burnham, also challenged Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tax decisions, demanding more inclusive economic policies and greater grassroots engagement, amid growing internal Labour tensions over leadership and direction.