The system for regulating water companies should be overhauled and replaced with one body for England and one body for Wales, a landmark review of the sector has advised. The much-anticipated report from the Independent Water Commission, led by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, outlines 88 recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments. Water minister Emma Hardy says she cannot guarantee the government will implement all 88 recommendations. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Environment Secretary Steve Reed says the water regulator Ofwat has “clearly failed everybody,” citing record pollution levels and rising bills. Reed said the government is committed to halving sewage discharges into England and Wales’ waterways by 2030. He called for “a revolution in our water sector” and said a report from Sir John Cunliffe will guide urgent regulatory reform. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Japan has completed the world’s most advanced undersea earthquake and tsunami detection system—3,500+ miles of fiber-optic cables linking 186 observatories across the ocean floor. It’s designed to warn citizens and infrastructure minutes ahead of massive quakes and tsunamis, a leap forward after the devastating 2011 disaster. The newly completed S-net and N-net networks allow near-instant detection of seismic activity along entire subduction zones. Meanwhile, Cardiff University in Wales has adapted nuclear explosion detectors to spot tsunamis faster than ever. But experts warn that the U.S. remains woefully behind—especially on the Pacific Northwest’s Cascadia megathrust fault. With just one cable and three sensors, the U.S. could face catastrophic consequences from a future magnitude 9.0 quake. Japan’s model could be the blueprint the rest of the world urgently needs.
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Rachel Reeves doesn’t say whether the UK believes strikes by the US on Iran were legal. The Chancellor tells broadcasters during a visit in the West Midlands: "It is up to the US to make that case. We were not involved in these actions and, of course, we would never comment on the legal advice that the government receives." Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Rachel Reeves has announced billions of pounds in funding for transport outside London, but also warns she has had to make difficult decisions ahead of her spending review next week. The ÂŁ15.6 billion package for mayoral authorities includes funding to extend the metros in Tyne and Wear, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, along with a renewed tram network in South Yorkshire and a new mass transit system in West Yorkshire. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed Heathrow's latest plans for a third runway, saying it's "so important" for Britain to "trade with countries around the world". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Lawyer Kavon Hussain, representing motorists at the Supreme Court, says he is "disappointed" in a ruling that has found lenders are not liable for hidden commission payments within car finance schemes. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Millions of drivers in car finance schemes will not receive compensation, after the Supreme Court ruled lenders are not liable for hidden commission payments. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Heathrow has submitted its latest plans for a third runway at Europe’s busiest airport. The total cost, including new terminals and infrastructure, will be £49 billion pounds. The airport says expansion will create up to 40,000 new jobs and add 0.43% to the UK’s GDP by 2050. However, the plans will face fierce opposition from locals, politicians and climate campaigners. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, "is not weak and nothing to be ashamed of", says Amanda Thorpe, widow of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte to Downing Street on Monday as pressure continues to mount on the Prime Minister to hike defence spending. The visit comes after Mr Rutte's visit to Yorkshire earlier in the day with Defence Secretary John Healey. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn