UK politics: Former Brexit negotiator says UK must accept free movement to rejoin EU, but can avoid euro

Regional water councils planned

Eight new regional water councils are planned to bring local leaders, customers and businesses together to set priorities for water and flood infrastructure investment. The government says the councils will give communities greater influence over issues such as sewage, water quality, flooding, drought and future supplies.

Current water decisions are made nationally, although local challenges vary. Sewage discharge has harmed tourism around Lake Windermere, while drought and water shortages have stalled growth in Cambridge.

The government says mayors will also gain powers through a strengthened Water Bill to hold water companies to account. Existing partnerships in Greater Manchester and East Anglia have worked on drainage, regeneration and water scarcity.

Criticism of water proposals

A critic argued that the councils would not prevent further inaction and said Secretary of State Angela Eagle could not identify a power they would have to stop damage to waterways. The critic also said the promised water bill had not appeared. The critic called for a new Clean Water Authority, saying it should be able to address sewage, unjustified bonuses and legal accountability for water company executives.

Honour-based abuse figures rise

Police forces in the two nations recorded 3,145 offences related to honour-based abuse in the year to March, Home Office data showed. That was 7% more than the 2,949 recorded in the preceding year, and the highest annual figure since the year to March 2021.

The department said 2021 was the earliest year with comparable data. It warned that the totals include only offences reported to and recorded by police, and are likely to represent a fraction of actual offences.

The Home Office described honour-based abuse as a hidden crime, noting victims may be reluctant to approach authorities. It said improved police training and recognition of these crimes may also have contributed to the rise in reports. The article notes that abuse can include female genital mutilation and forced marriage.