Welsh Parliament, devolved unicameral legislature
Reform UK’s Welsh leader has stood down for personal reasons after reporting to police over the weekend; he stresses he has done nothing wrong and will continue as a Senedd member while backing the next leader. The party faces defections and internal turmoil as Plaid Cymru and others react.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has urged reviving unused heritage buildings as a major, non-niche solution to Britain’s housing shortage. A heritage-to-housing scheme and tax incentives could help bring old buildings back into use, potentially delivering about 670,000 homes by 2029, as ministers face calls for broader VAT relief and better funding and training in heritage crafts.
The Prime Minister has met Scotland’s First Minister in Glasgow amid Commonwealth Games coverage, arguing for deeper devolution to spur growth while ruling out a new independence referendum. Both leaders commit to constructive engagement and addressing the cost of living.
The Welsh election ends Labour’s 26-year hold on the Senedd, with Plaid Cymru forming a minority government alongside Reform UK. The new coalition faces internal clashes over policy, from refugees to devolved powers, as it sets out its first days in power.
UK debate intensifies over data center growth as three-quarters of the country experiences drought. Greens call for stricter rules and local voice, while government argues pausing would risk investment and national data security.
The government has announced plans to let English mayors introduce an overnight visitor levy charged as a percentage of accommodation costs, with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups including UKHospitality, Hilton, Whitbread and Butlin's have criticised the move, warning it will raise prices, harm demand and cost jobs; local leaders say revenue will fund transport and services.