Prime Minister Burnham is expanding his Downing Street policy unit with new hires in 'Growth & Macroeconomics,' 'Public Control,' and 'Work, Social Security & Pensions.' Meanwhile, City of London Police are using road safety films to deter cyclists from running red lights, and an anonymous art piece satirizing inflation appeared outside the Bank of England.
The expansion of the Prime Minister's policy unit could signal upcoming fiscal priorities and policy directions, while the unconventional approaches to public order and artistic commentary highlight evolving civic engagement and regulatory strategies.
Prime Minister Burnham is reportedly looking to bolster his Downing Street policy unit with new hires across three key areas: 'Growth & Macroeconomics,' 'Public Control,' and 'Work, Social Security & Pensions.' This expansion comes as the administration is about three months into its tenure, with advisers from the previous government having undergone probation periods. The need for new advisers suggests a potential lack of radical policies in the upcoming Budget, as the core policy unit is still being established. Burnham's '10-year plan' speech is also anticipated by year-end, requiring a swift integration of new hires to translate ambitious promises into actionable policy.
In parallel, the City of London Police have adopted a novel approach to cyclist infractions, opting to show offenders a 'hard-hitting road-safety film' rather than issuing fines. This strategy, observed outside the Royal Exchange, aims to curb red-light running through guilt and public humiliation. The effectiveness of this method remains to be seen, but the force hopes it will encourage safer behavior among cyclists.
Separately, an anonymous art installation has appeared outside the Bank of England, appearing to satirize quantitative easing and inflation. The piece, featuring a printer churning out dollars on a discoball-tiled pedestal surrounded by British pounds, with a sign reading 'IN CASE OF EMERGENCY INFLATION BREAK GLASS,' has drawn attention for its economic commentary and unclear origins. While initial claims of it being a Banksy were dismissed due to perceived quality, the City of London Corporation has cordoned off the artwork for public safety.
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