News from England
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London's City Hall Faces Battle for Full Devolution Powers, Claims Deputy Mayor
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business at City Hall, stated that London still faces a battle with Whitehall regarding full devolved powers. He claimed previous government departments denied powers because the issues were deemed "too important to devolve." Dawber suggested a fundamental change in approach now exists.
London properties searched in probe into suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford
Properties in London were searched as part of an investigation into a suspected terror plot targeting the RAF Fairford base. Scotland Yard confirmed these searches have concluded, though a quantity of petrol was recovered from vans found nearby. Five suspects from London were detained on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism.
Greenwich Leader Calls for Debate on Social Rent Reform Amid London Housing Costs
The leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich called for a debate on income-linked council housing rents. This discussion comes as London councils face pressure from temporary accommodation costs. The proposal suggests modernizing the current static formula governing local authority housing.
Lib Dem warns government intervention over Lambeth's £10m overspend
Lambeth’s Liberal Democrat finance lead, Chris Nicholson, warned that the government might send in commissioners if the Green administration does not act on its financial crisis. He cited a report forecasting a £10 million overspend this financial year. Nicholson also criticized spending priorities and delays in asset disposal.
London student groups plan pro-Palestine march for October 7 anniversary
Student groups in London are planning a pro-Palestine march to mark the October 7 anniversary. Jewish students have criticized this planned event as provocative and lacking sensitivity.
Council tax refund sought over Gallows Corner reopening delay
Residents in Romford are calling for a council tax refund after delays to reopening the Gallows Corner flyover. More than 1,900 people have signed the petition. The issue is tied to disruption caused by the prolonged closure, and campaigners are pressing for a response from local authorities.
Five Metropolitan Police officers injured after boat hits Westminster Bridge
Five Metropolitan Police officers were hurt when a police boat struck Westminster Bridge on Friday. The boat was responding to a report of a person in the water near Battersea. The incident prompted an immediate injury response and an investigation into what happened.
London police crime figures show falls in theft and robbery
New figures released on July 24 showed theft, personal robbery and vehicle offences had fallen across London. The Metropolitan Police and City Hall said neighbourhood crime was down by 14% in the latest 12-month period. The report said the biggest reductions were seen in several inner-London boroughs.
City Hall figures show neighbourhood crime falls across London
New figures published by the Metropolitan Police and City Hall show theft, personal robbery and vehicle offences fell across London. The data covers the 12 months to June and shows 35,000 fewer neighbourhood crimes were reported. Police said the biggest reductions were recorded in several boroughs including Westminster, Camden and Waltham Forest.
Wandsworth councillor Robert Morritt confirmed as new council leader
Wandsworth Council confirmed Robert Morritt as its new leader on 23 July. The announcement marks a change at the top of the borough's local government. Further decisions on council priorities are expected to follow under the new leadership.
Council tax refund sought over Gallows Corner reopening delay
More than 1,900 people have signed a petition calling for a council tax refund over delays to reopening the Gallows Corner flyover in Romford. The issue has drawn local attention because the closure has affected travel in east London. The BBC London page carrying the item was published on 2026-07-22 and updated on 2026-07-24.
Mayor responds to concerns over Tube train noise
Sadiq Khan said TfL should continue to treat complaints about rising Underground noise seriously. The issue has prompted renewed scrutiny of noise levels on parts of the network.
Met Police considers axing roads policing unit
The Metropolitan Police is reported to be exploring proposals to cut its roads policing unit and spread responsibilities across other departments. The force says the changes are still being considered.
Andy Burnham becomes prime minister and vows to rewires Britain
Andy Burnham became Britain's prime minister on 2026-07-20 and said he would focus on issues such as the cost of living and weak public services. The Reuters report was published from London and described him as promising to end years of instability. The article says he was due to move into office on Monday.
The London Minute Friday 17 July 2026
The roundup highlights a new draft London Plan, calls for action on Hammersmith Bridge, and several recent local developments across the capital. It also notes a community response in Leyton after an alleged racially aggravated assault.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan appointed to the House of Lords
Sadiq Khan was appointed to the House of Lords by outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The move comes near the end of Khan's current mayoral term.
Mayor publishes streamlined draft London Plan to boost affordable housing and support growth jobs and
The Mayor of London has published a streamlined draft London Plan and opened consultation on the proposals. The plan includes measures on affordable housing, climate resilience, biodiversity, green space, sustainable transport, and passive building design.
Met confirms inquiry after Electoral Commission referral over Jenrick donations allegations
The Metropolitan Police confirmed an inquiry after the Electoral Commission referred allegations linked to donations to Robert Jenrick’s 2024 Conservative leadership bid. The case concerns possible issues around political donations in London.
Hammersmith Bridge will stay car-free after repair bill hits £300m
Hammersmith and Fulham Council said there is no financial option that would allow a full restoration of Hammersmith Bridge for motor traffic. The estimated repair bill was put at £300 million.
Southwark approves 152 affordable homes in Bermondsey
Southwark Council approved plans for 152 affordable homes for key workers on a former community centre site in Bermondsey. The scheme is one of several recent housing and regeneration decisions in London.
London Trams strike to disrupt Wimbledon travel
London Trams services are set to be reduced and interrupted during strike action by maintenance workers in a pay dispute. TfL says buses and Overground should run normally, though they may be busier than usual.
Lady Mayor highlights legal sector and new courts complex
The City of London’s Lady Mayor said the UK’s legal system and investment in the Salisbury Square courts complex are foundations of trust, stability and economic growth. The remarks were published by the City of London on 1 July 2026.
Hammersmith Bridge may never reopen to cars, council says
Hammersmith and Fulham Council says there is no financial option that would allow Hammersmith Bridge to be fully restored for motor traffic. The crossing has been closed to vehicles since 2019 after structural cracks were found.
Hot air balloons set to soar over London in July
The Mayor's Air Balloon Regatta is planned to return to London this month, with up to 50 balloons expected to launch on the first suitable weather date. Organisers have named July 7, 21 and 28 as possible launch days.
Summarized from public news sources, not original Juncture reporting. Open the linked sources for the full story.
Places in England
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