UK government department steering England's transport policy and infrastructure
Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her Haytor, Devon, home after sustaining serious injuries. Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham and counter-terrorism officers have taken over parts of the inquiry. Authorities say there is currently no information to indicate a political motive or that the attack is terrorism-related.
Automakers have pulled several electric models from the U.S. market even as quarterly EV sales have risen. Q2 2026 U.S. consumer EV purchases have reached 247,226 vehicles, a sequential rise driven by higher fuel prices, new low-cost entrants and state rebates. Manufacturers and startups are responding with cheaper models, but many legacy brands have cancelled or delayed U.S. EV projects.
Coastguard Rescue Officers have had plans to switch to an expenses-only model halted. Current arrangements remain, with further engagement planned to understand how CROs can be recognised and rewarded. The change was scrapped after pressure from MPs, unions and coastguard volunteers who warned the move would damage public safety.
The Trans-Pennine Connect project proposes a 14-mile tunnel beneath the Peak District to connect Manchester and Sheffield, aiming to ease Congestion and reclaim nature along the route. Government says the plan is financially and environmentally costly and has no current approval. Local authorities welcome dialogue as EMCCA emphasises strategic context.
East Midlands Railway has issued a temporary reduced Intercity timetable on the Midland Main Line amid ongoing reliability problems with Hitachi's Class 810 Aurora trains. Hundreds of services are cancelled or shortened, with managers saying the changes aim to restore a more reliable service while Hitachi works on improving performance.
A driver with multiple bans and a history of dangerous driving has been jailed for 13 years after a crash on the A1 in which Jade Duncan died. The court heard he was over the drink-drive limit and travelling at high speed, following a string of prior offences.
The government has disclosed a new price range for HS2 at up to £102.7bn (2026 prices) and confirms first services will be delayed to 2036–2039, with full completion possibly by 2043. Top speeds are being reduced and automatic operation may be dropped to cut costs; Lovegrove’s critical report is among the influencing reviews.
COFEK has argued that the Finance Bill 2026 introduces a “hidden digital taxation” with retrogressive VAT changes and broadened tax powers that would burden consumers and small businesses. They warn that redefining royalty and management fees to cover digital payments could impose withholding taxes on digital transactions, affecting interchange and merchant charges. The lobby is calling for a 12‑month transition and restoration of zero-rated basic goods, while criticizing a 20% withholding on gambling winnings and a 25% excise on mobile phones activated on Kenyan networks. They also warn this could breach EAC rules and privacy safeguards in the virtual assets framework. Parliament is now reviewing submissions ahead of the third reading.
Namibia faces a costly road-safety crisis despite strong infrastructure. Fatalities exceed 400 annually, with vulnerable users bearing the brunt. Experts urge Safe System designs and careful deployment of speed-reduction measures on major roads, not highways.
The High Court has upheld the government’s approval of Gatwick’s Northern Runway project, preserving plans to expand capacity and deliver thousands of jobs, while opponents vow to appeal.
A roundup of how families are rethinking transport as fuel costs rise and new options appear, from hybrid and electric SUVs to bike-based living. The stories show varied responses, from embracing hybrids to ditching cars for cycles.
MAG has reported growth in passenger numbers for the year to 31 March, with Manchester Airport leading gains. Profits have risen as revenues climb, despite geopolitical tensions. Heathrow warns of softer demand amid the Iran-US war.
The NPR project has a £45bn funding cap and aims to connect northern cities with new or upgraded rail lines. MPs warn it risks repeating HS2’s failures, with unclear costs, routes and governance. The government maintains a disciplined, phased approach while engaging mayors and Network Rail.
Investigations show major retailers have marketed e-scooters for road use despite UK law banning privately owned devices from public spaces. The PA and regulators note that rental schemes comply with rules, while enforcement increases.
The Defence Investment Plan has uplifted defence spending by £15bn over four years, but almost a third remains unfunded. Downing Street says the autumn Budget will spell out how the gap will be filled, while Labour and defence chiefs warn of tax rises or spending cuts unless additional funding is secured.
The government has announced a defence investment plan raising the defence budget by a total of 15 billion pounds over four years, with questions over funding gaps and how it will meet NATO targets. Burnham is tipped to take over as prime minister, while debates continue over how the funds will be sourced and allocated.
The government has confirmed a phased plan to remove the masts of the SS Richard Montgomery, the wartime Liberty ship at Sheerness, to reduce the risk of explosives in the wreck. Work will begin in September with a jackup platform, and the masts will be conserved in the UK for public display at Chatham Historic Dockyard.