Bethan Mckernan

A wildfire burning for more than three weeks across over 4,000 hectares near Blaenavon, south Wales, may be coming under control after emergency services received military support. Firefighters and soldiers have dug firebreaks, used helicopters and thermal-camera drones, and coordinated water supplies to protect nearby homes. The deep peat, extreme heat and drought have made the blaze difficult to extinguish, while at least 13 other fires are burning across the Welsh valleys and about 36 remain active across the UK. Officials link the record wildfire season to climate change and warn that arson has contributed significantly to fires in south Wales, although the Blaenavon blaze’s cause remains unknown. Cooler, wetter weather may be needed to end the fire, but autumn rain is not guaranteed to reverse drought conditions.

Half of England and all of Wales have been officially declared to be in drought after an exceptionally dry July, with southern England receiving only 1% of its long-term average rainfall. Repeated heatwaves, intensified by climate change, have dried landscapes, reduced river and reservoir levels, forced hosepipe bans affecting about 23 million people, and created conditions for record wildfire activity across England, Wales and Scotland. Farmers are harvesting early and struggling to irrigate crops, while wildlife and protected habitats face water shortages. Experts warn that UK summers are expected to become substantially hotter and drier, making long-term adaptation and emissions reduction increasingly urgent.

Eisteddfod y Garreg Las returns to the area around Cardigan Castle to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded eisteddfod, held by the medieval Welsh prince Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1176. The touring national festival, celebrating Welsh language, music, poetry and creativity, features more than 1,000 events and is expected to attract 150,000 visitors. Local committees raised £400,000 and hundreds of volunteers prepared the site, while a five-metre Lord Rhys puppet and traditional poetry prizes have helped connect the modern event with its historical roots. The festival's revival and evolution are presented as evidence of the enduring vitality of Welsh cultural traditions.

Girlguiding has launched its first full uniform redesign in more than 30 years, developed by Hemingway Design with input from 55,000 girls and women. The new policy requires members to wear only a top to be considered in uniform, while offering 30 clothing items and 15 customizable accessories featuring practical elements such as hidden pockets, thumb holes and badge sashes that can be used as cross-body bags. The charity says the changes are intended to support comfort, self-expression, confidence, belonging and sustainability, with old uniforms eligible for upcycling workshops. The launch comes shortly before Girlguiding changes its membership policy on 6 September to exclude transgender girls following the UK Supreme Court's ruling on biological sex.

Natural Resources Wales has declared drought status in north Wales and the Upper Severn after record-low river flows, exceptionally dry weather and widespread wildfires. The affected areas have received less than 2% of their expected July rainfall, while July is on course to be Wales’s driest month in almost 200 years. Rivers, wildlife, fisheries, crops and sensitive habitats are being affected, and Welsh Water has imposed hosepipe restrictions in parts of west Wales. Prolonged dry-weather conditions are also affecting much of England, where farmers are harvesting early and facing lower cereal yields. Experts warn that climate change will make UK summers hotter and drier, increasing pressure on water supplies and highlighting the need for greater long-term resilience.

Leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland express scepticism over Andy Burnham’s commitment to meaningful devolution beyond England, highlighting missteps in his early messaging and uncertainty about his plans for the Celtic nations. Burnham’s comments on regional distance, errors regarding devolved powers, and a perceived retreat from reforming the Barnett formula have reinforced doubts among pro‑independence parties and devolved administrations. Internal Labour divisions over the direction of devolution policy further complicate expectations, while Celtic leaders call for clearer commitments on justice, infrastructure and fiscal reforms.

A documentary follows Lebanese journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian activist Abd Alkader Habak as their relationship develops while documenting atrocities in Aleppo. Combining years of footage and personal communications, the film highlights the emotional burden of war reporting, the displacement experienced by Syrians, and the challenges of filming trauma responsibly with help from a psychotherapist. After Habak’s escape from Syria and the couple’s eventual marriage, the story culminates with his return home following Assad’s removal from power, underscoring the ongoing instability facing Syria and Lebanon.

Reform UK’s rapid emergence as the Senedd’s official opposition has produced controversy, with new members making provocative statements that prompted emotional reactions, walkouts and a formal rebuke. Party leaders defended their approach as legitimate scrutiny, while critics accused them of seeking attention through inflammatory rhetoric. Some Reform members mistakenly voted against their own party, highlighting inexperience within a largely new group. As Plaid Cymru’s minority government prepares to navigate its first major budget test, uncertainty remains over whether the new parliament will lean toward cooperation or confrontation, with concerns that Reform’s stance on issues such as refugees and climate policy could heighten tensions in the chamber.

Six people were hospitalised and 13 treated at the scene after a bus crashed and overturned on the A484 near Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire. A major incident was declared and later lifted as emergency services, including air ambulances, responded and all passengers were safely removed. Road closures remained in place for investigations, while officials urged the public to avoid the area and local health services warned of increased pressure on A&E departments.

Police in Blaina, Wales arrested a 14‑year‑old boy on suspicion of murdering Lilly, a missing 14‑year‑old girl whose body was discovered in Duffryn Park. Gwent Police are continuing inquiries, maintaining a significant presence in the area and urging the public to avoid speculation while providing any relevant information. The community, which had organized extensive searches, expressed shock and grief, with local leaders and churches offering support as forensic teams continue to examine the scene.

Residents and political figures from five key UK constituencies reflect on Brexit a decade after the referendum, with many who supported leaving the EU expressing regret or disappointment. Fishing and farming communities describe increased costs, bureaucracy, and a loss of promised control, while political landscapes have shifted significantly, including gains for Plaid Cymru in Wales and Reform UK in parts of England. Local Conservative parties report internal divisions and electoral losses tied to Brexit-related dissatisfaction. Stakeholders broadly agree that Brexit’s implementation failed to deliver anticipated benefits, with issues such as trade barriers, immigration policy, and economic pressures shaping their reassessments.

Ebbw Vale, once home to a major steelworks and long supported by EU development funds, continues to struggle with job shortages and economic stagnation a decade after Brexit. Despite new regeneration projects, technology investments and increased business openings, residents report little improvement amid the cost of living crisis. Many express regret over the Brexit vote, while shifting political loyalties have seen Plaid Cymru and Reform UK gain ground at Labour’s expense. Persistent unemployment, outward commuting and rising house prices contribute to a sense of frustration in one of Wales’s poorest regions.

New pubs and taphouses are opening in Wales even as closures increase across Britain, with venues such as Cardiff’s Pig & Swill thriving thanks to strong community support and local investment. Industry figures note that the wider Welsh hospitality sector still struggles, urging government action on business rates and cost pressures. Local residents welcome the new establishments, highlighting their value to neighbourhood life.

Large numbers of dead dogfish and other fish washed up on two beaches in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, raising concerns about discarded catches or possible marine pollution. Conservationist Cliff Benson suggested the deaths may have resulted from fishing boats discarding unwanted species, though pollution was also considered. The incident follows similar strandings in recent years, while organisations warn that abandoned fishing nets continue to cause extensive harm to marine life.

The River Wye’s entire catchment has been formally recognised as a living ecosystem with intrinsic rights in a charter adopted or soon to be adopted by local councils across Wales and England. The rights include protection from pollution, support for biodiversity and representation in governance, marking the UK’s first full river catchment charter. The move follows severe ecological decline linked to nutrient pollution from intensive poultry farming and sewage spills. More than 4,500 residents have taken high court action against Avara Foods and Dŵr Cymru, which deny responsibility. Campaigners welcome the charter but call for stronger regulation and urgent restoration measures to prevent irreversible environmental damage.

Researchers at Cardiff University are conducting the first comprehensive study on head impacts in women’s rugby, combining mouth guard data, cognitive tests, MRI scans and computational modelling to create evidence-based concussion protocols tailored for female athletes. The project addresses longstanding gaps in sports science research, highlighting physiological differences between men and women and the lack of data on female athletes. Players participating in the study expressed support, noting potential safety improvements for future generations. Early context underscores known long-term risks from head impacts in men’s rugby and identifies large-scale legal actions over brain injuries. The study will also explore understudied issues such as the effects of menstruation and breast health on performance and injury risks, with findings expected by the end of 2026.

Longstanding Labour strongholds in Blaenau Gwent and Tredegar rejected the party in the 2026 Senedd election, sending no Labour representatives and instead electing Plaid Cymru and Reform UK candidates. Local voters and former Labour MS Alun Davies expressed shock at the scale of the party’s collapse, which reflects broader losses across Wales and raises concerns for the upcoming general election. Plaid Cymru now leads a minority government with 43 seats, while Reform UK becomes the official opposition. Voter frustration with Labour’s disconnect from communities and concerns over Reform’s rhetoric influenced shifts, with Plaid candidates emphasizing the need to rebuild trust and deliver change.

Keir Starmer resisted calls to resign after four ministers, including Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones, Miatta Fahnbulleh and Zubir Ahmed, quit amid anger over Labour’s election defeats and the government’s perceived lack of urgency. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, viewed as a potential successor, is due to meet Starmer but reportedly lacks the 81 MPs needed to launch a formal leadership challenge. More than 100 Labour MPs backed a letter opposing an immediate contest, narrowly outnumbering those calling for Starmer to go. The crisis has weakened the government politically, raised questions about Downing Street’s strategy and pushed up UK borrowing costs, while the King’s Speech and State Opening of Parliament are expected to proceed as planned.

Rhun ap Iorwerth was elected first minister of Wales after Plaid Cymru ended a century of Labour dominance in the Senedd elections. He secured support from his party and the Greens, while Labour and the Liberal Democrat abstained. Reform UK and Conservatives also nominated candidates, with Reform’s Dan Thomas pledging strong pro-union opposition. Plaid Cymru won the most seats under the new electoral system but will form a minority government, aiming for cooperation across parties and seeking additional powers from the UK government. Leadership changes followed Labour’s losses, and new presiding officers were elected as Ap Iorwerth prepared to form his cabinet.

Keir Starmer’s leadership came under intense pressure after more than 70 Labour MPs, several ministerial aides and reportedly senior cabinet ministers called for him to resign or set a timetable for an orderly departure. The revolt followed heavy local election defeats and a speech intended to restore confidence, which critics said was too vague and failed to stop further defections. Starmer insisted he would fight any challenge, promised a new direction for Britain, stronger links with the EU and legislation to nationalise British Steel, while allies argued that his supporters remained largely silent rather than publicly opposing the rebellion. Angela Rayner backed Andy Burnham’s possible return to Parliament, and Labour’s divisions were compounded by disputes over policy, electoral strategy and the party’s response to the cost of living, Gaza and proposed justice reforms.

Labour faced severe electoral setbacks across England, Wales and Scotland, losing more than 1,400 English council representatives and control of multiple councils to Reform UK, the Greens and other parties. Labour MP Catherine West said she would seek the signatures needed to trigger a leadership contest if no cabinet minister challenges Keir Starmer by Monday, while other MPs urged an orderly timetable for his departure. Starmer rejected calls to quit, arguing that a leadership change would create chaos, and brought in Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman in advisory roles. Welsh Labour appointed Ken Skates as interim leader after Eluned Morgan lost her Senedd seat, while the SNP remained dominant in Scotland and Plaid Cymru won the most Welsh seats. The results intensified questions about Labour's governing record, voter trust and its prospects at the next general election.

Welsh Labour suffered an unprecedented collapse in the 2026 Senedd elections, falling from over a century of dominance to third place with nine seats in the expanded parliament. Plaid Cymru is poised to form a minority government after strong gains across Wales, including former Labour strongholds. Discontent over public service performance, resentment toward UK Labour leadership, and the legacy of prior Welsh Labour administrations contributed to the decline. Eluned Morgan lost her seat and resigned, while Ken Skates was named interim leader. Internal criticism highlighted strained relations with Westminster and voter frustration over the NHS, education and slow progress under the UK Labour government. The party now faces a leadership contest and calls to redefine its Welsh identity to rebuild support.

John Swinney aims to coordinate with Michelle O’Neill and Rhun ap Iorwerth to form a united nationalist front against UK government policies on spending, the cost of living and the use of the Internal Markets Act. The parties intend to push for greater devolved authority, rejoining the EU and increased pressure on Westminster. Reform UK’s rise to second place in Scotland and Wales creates heightened political tension, while Swinney prepares to introduce a draft bill seeking powers for a second Scottish independence referendum despite legal constraints. Reform UK’s Malcolm Offord criticises Swinney’s refusal to cooperate, while disputes over Green Party policies add further friction within Holyrood politics.

Plaid Cymru secured a historic victory in the Welsh Senedd elections, ending a century of Labour dominance and positioning itself to form a minority government under Rhun ap Iorwerth. Reform UK made significant gains, pushing Labour into third place as Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan lost her seat and announced her resignation. Results reflected shifting political dynamics under a new electoral system, with voter frustration over public services and changing national political conditions contributing to Labour’s decline. Heightened turnout and concerns about Reform UK shaped voting behaviour, while Plaid’s win raises the prospect of future debates on Welsh independence.