How Somerset Has Fared Since the General Election Sunday, July 13, 2025 somerset labour government election politics nhs transport economy rural reform Last week marked one year since the general election that saw Sir Keir Starmer lead Labour back into government after 14 years in opposition. As Somerset’s local democracy reporter, I’ve looked back over the past 12 months to … Read More
Major M5 Junction Upgrade Plans Under Threat as Funding Enters Review Phase Thursday, July 10, 2025 m5 cullompton infrastructure junction28 housing transport development government networknorth middevon Ambitious plans to upgrade junction 28 of the M5 motorway, a key project aimed at unlocking the development of around 5,000 new homes at Culm Garden Village in Cullompton, have encountered a significant setback. Originally … Read More
Portishead Railway Confirmed: Trains Expected to Run by 2028 Tuesday, July 8, 2025 portishead pill railway transport infrastructure bristol funding government northsomerset restoration Local leaders have celebrated a major milestone for the Portishead Railway revival, as the government officially confirmed its full support and funding today. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced a significant … Read More
Reopening of Long-Closed Portishead Railway Confirmed with Major Government Funding Tuesday, July 8, 2025 portishead railway transport investment bristol northsomerset infrastructure connectivity government reopening The UK government has officially confirmed the reopening of the Portishead Railway, ending a year of uncertainty. Today, the Department for Transport announced it will provide an additional £27.6 million towards the £180 … Read More
Keir Starmer’s Troubled Start: Backdown on Benefit Cuts Marks Difficult Beginning for New PM Wednesday, July 2, 2025 keirstarmer labour welfare universalcredit pip ukpolitics sirjohncurtice budget opposition government Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is enduring what political experts are calling one of the most challenging beginnings for a newly elected government in recent UK history. Just weeks after his Labour Party’s decisive victory … Read More
Government Secures Welfare Bill Passage Amid Major Concessions Tuesday, July 1, 2025 welfare pip universalcredit government legislation concessions labour chancellor fiscal disability The Government’s proposal to reform welfare payments for sick and disabled people has been approved by MPs, but only after significant concessions led to much of Sir Keir Starmer’s original plan being abandoned. … Read More