Wales’ industrial town, home to the steelworks and a shifting energy landscape
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour leader and will become prime minister on Monday after Keir Starmer formally resigns. He has pledged a "distinctively Labour" government that will devolve power to regions, prioritise cost-of-living measures and tackle social care while naming a new cabinet, with the chancellor slot the biggest early question.
A large fire at a Bermondsey recycling centre has drawn around 100 firefighters and more than 15 engines. Local residents are advised to keep doors and windows shut as smoke blankets parts of south London. Rail services are disrupted and authorities say the fire is under investigation.
Labour leadership discussions have outlined a plan to reinvest in defence, increase transparency, and pursue a stronger, Europe-facing foreign policy, as Nimble leadership contest continues to unfold.
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to develop full bids, with the winner receiving £3 million to host a year‑long cultural programme in 2028; runners‑up receive £250,000 each. The shortlist includes Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham. The decision will be made by an independent panel early next year.
ScotsRock has confirmed plans to convert the former CCA building on Sauchiehall Street into a cultural hub celebrating Scotland’s music legacy. Midge Ure will be inaugural patron, with Lulu, Jim Kerr, Travis and Del Amitri backing the project. The venture aims to provide a permanent exhibition, live venue, educational outreach and a year‑round programme while preserving the building’s cultural purpose.
The UK government has moved to nationalise British Steel, aiming to protect thousands of jobs and secure a domestic iron and steel supply for major projects and defense. An independent evaluation will determine possible compensation for the former owner, Jingye Group, as the government maintains operational control of the Scunthorpe plant amid ongoing market and energy pressures.
The Makerfield MP has been confirmed as Labour leader at a London conference and will become Prime Minister on Monday, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer. He vows to deliver a united, purposeful Labour focused on restoring hope and addressing living standards.