Andy Burnham 'set to make' banning VAR a key part of Labour's election manifesto

Andy Burnham said he could make banning VAR a key part of Labour’s next general election manifesto, arguing the technology “kills the spontaneity” of celebrations and “hasn’t levelled things up.” Speaking as an Everton fan, Burnham said he felt big clubs received more decisions, and that he had believed VAR would correct that—but he added that, in his view, it still doesn’t get calls right. When pressed by Ladbible on whether he could ban it, Burnham replied: “You’re putting an idea in my head,” adding it was essentially being written into the manifesto. The comments came after Prime Minister Burnham gave support to the start of drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, a decision backed by the North Sea Transition Authority. Adura expects the project could produce about 6% of UK North Sea gas, while Burnham said it would protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm without compromising renewable targets.