Ministers have launched a consultation to expand protection of England and Wales’s 550 official water bathing sites year-round, including popular surfing areas, due to concerns about pollution outside of summer months. This follows a crackdown on the water industry for sewage dumping in waterways, with plans to allow more people to enjoy and connect with the country’s beautiful waters. Bathing waters are monitored by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, with annual ratings based on water quality.
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Mapped: The rural Labour MPs most at risk from farmer inheritance tax backlash
The government's controversial decision to extend inheritance tax to farm properties has put a fifth of Labour's seats at risk, with at least 81 seats in rural areas likely to be affected. The move has sparked anger among constituents, particularly in areas where Labour won by a small margin, making them vulnerable to the Conservatives, Reform, or the SNP. The so-called "tractor tax" has led to protests from farmers and criticism from political leaders, with...
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