Burnham Abstains on Assisted Dying Vote; Macron to Visit London; Ferguson Returns to UK

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced he will abstain from voting on the upcoming assisted dying bill, stating his intention to avoid influencing the debate and allow MPs to reach their own conclusions. This decision comes as the bill is set to return to the Commons next month. In international affairs, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit London next week to inaugurate a Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum and will hold his first in-depth discussions with Prime Minister Burnham.

In other UK political developments, former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson is reportedly returning to the UK after relocating to Switzerland following the fallout from her association with Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, Chancellor John Healey's budget will defer setting a date for the UK to meet its 3% GDP defence spending target until next year's review. The Scottish government has published a draft independence bill, seeking referendum powers, and the Supreme Court is being asked to settle a dispute over documents related to an inquiry into Nicola Sturgeon.