Latest news with #SteveRotheram
The Guardian
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘A mess of our own making': Labour mayors reflect on Starmer's first year
Keir Starmer's government appears 'disjointed' from the rest of the Labour party just a year after taking power, regional mayors have said, with one blaming No 10 for overseeing 'a mess of our own making'. Steve Rotheram, the Labour mayor of Liverpool city region, said Downing Street's repeated missteps were 'winding up' people who wanted to back the government. Speaking as the party marked 12 months in government after a stunning election win last summer, during which Starmer campaigned on an agenda of national renewal centred around a message of 'change', Rotherham said people were willing to forgive the occasional miscalculation but that the climbdowns over winter fuel payments and the welfare bill had left Starmer's operation looking like 'a mess'. He said: 'What I think has exacerbated this feeling by many, not just politicians but people around the country, who look at this and think it's a mess. Well, it's a mess of our own making,' he said. 'We could have avoided some of this by just listening to some of the people in the party who want to support Starmer, want to support Labour, but are finding it difficult because the mistakes are made and they could have been avoided.' Rotheram, a former MP who was elected as first Liverpool city region mayor in 2017, said the government appeared 'disjointed' from the rest of Labour. He added: 'I don't think it's necessarily about Keir or Keir's team necessarily – although there are definitely some siren voices around all of that – but I do think it's about the feeling that there's a lack of connectivity between different bits of the party.' Tracy Brabin, the Labour mayor of West Yorkshire, urged Starmer to place the devolution of power at the heart of his premiership. She said 'The devolution revolution has been all too quickly forgotten by some [government] departments' despite mayors 'driving incredible change for our communities bringing growth, hope and optimism'. Brabin, a former shadow culture secretary who took office in West Yorkshire in 2021, said Labour had an opportunity to win back the trust of voters who had 'lost confidence in politicians ability to improve their lives' by backing mayors with more powers. The call was repeated by Oliver Coppard, the Labour mayor of South Yorkshire, who urged government ministers to invest more in frontline policing in the region and in its cultural sector. But he said ministers appeared 'genuinely interested' in what he was trying to achieve in South Yorkshire, describing dealings with them as 'chalk and cheese' compared with the 'absolute shambles' under the Conservatives. 'The difference is I think this government listens and I hope this government learns. That certainly seems to be the case. I want things to go better, of course I do, because what's good for South Yorkshire is good for this country and vice versa.' Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion Angela Rayner, the local government secretary, has promised to extend devolution to all parts of England, starting with new combined authorities in six regions – Cumbria, Cheshire, Essex, Hampshire, East Anglia and Sussex – due to elect metro mayors in May 2026, with a further scheme in Lancashire. That would mean almost 70% of England's population, about 40 million people, would be represented by 21 mayors with various levels of devolved powers. The Institute for Government said the plans could mark 'the start of a generational shift in power' away from Whitehall. Rotheram urged Starmer's government to use its existing mayors more frequently as a way of demonstrating the party's successes. 'My message is that we are here to help,' he said. 'There are things we can all do that will help the party demonstrate its economic competence. We haven't been used as much as we could and should have been, and hopefully we will in the future'.
Sydney Morning Herald
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The world's unluckiest football club: Liverpool, a history of tragedy
In the mid-1980s, Liverpool, once a major port city, was struggling with mass unemployment following the decline of its maritime industry. There wasn't much to smile about for the people of Merseyside, so when their team made the European Cup final in 1985, large parts of the city got behind them. Liverpool were to play Juventus at the Heysel stadium in Brussels, Belgium, but an hour before kick-off, focus shifted from the pitch to a tragedy unfolding in the stands. Following an altercation between Juventus and Liverpool fans, a section of the Heysel Stadium collapsed after Liverpool fans charged at Juventus supporters, killing 39 people and injuring 600 others. Bizarrely, the match went ahead despite the collapse, with Juventus defeating Liverpool 1-0. An 18-month investigation would eventually reveal that Liverpool fans were partly culpable for the incident, with 26 arrested, and 14 of them later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. However, it was also ruled that the stadium was in a state of disrepair and had failed inspections before the match. In 2025, in a ceremony to mark 40 years since Heysel, Liverpool city mayor, Steve Rotheram, who was in the stadium that day, described the situation as 'an indelible stain on our city.' The Hillsborough disaster, 1989 The most devastating event in Liverpool's history still looms large over the club. On April 15, 1989, during an FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, a fatal crowd crush occurred. Things began to unravel when more than 2000 Liverpool fans managed to flood into a standing-room section behind one of the goals, despite the stadium already being at near capacity. The victims were crushed against metal anti-riot fences or trampled underfoot. Many suffocated. Ninety-four people died that day, with 766 others injured. It was the deadliest day in British sporting history. Three subsequent deaths would follow, bringing the final death toll for Hillsborough to 97. Compounding the grief for a devastated city was a back-and-forth blame game between victims' families and the local authorities, with police blaming the behaviour of fans for the tragedy. In 2016, a coroner's inquest into Hillsborough ruled that the supporters were unlawfully killed owing to grossly negligent failures by police and ambulance services to fulfil their duty of care. The Liverpool Parade incident, 2025 After securing a 20th league title, Liverpool fans had plenty to celebrate at the end of this season. Once it became clear that Liverpool were firm favourites to win this year's Premier League, talk turned to a full-scale parade. Supporters deserved to line the streets and celebrate their team, especially considering their last title came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic rendered real-life celebrations impossible. On May 26, 2025, an estimated million Liverpudlians were out in full force. But in a situation that feels all too familiar, celebrations were cut short when tragedy struck. At 6 pm, a car drove into a crowd on Water Street in Liverpool, resulting in 109 non-fatal injuries, including people being taken to the hospital. A 53-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm. While no deaths were reported, the incident served as a painful reminder to Liverpool fans who have endured a history tarred with tragedy and triumph in equal measure.
The Age
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
The world's unluckiest football club: Liverpool, a history of tragedy
In the mid-1980s, Liverpool, once a major port city, was struggling with mass unemployment following the decline of its maritime industry. There wasn't much to smile about for the people of Merseyside, so when their team made the European Cup final in 1985, large parts of the city got behind them. Liverpool were to play Juventus at the Heysel stadium in Brussels, Belgium, but an hour before kick-off, focus shifted from the pitch to a tragedy unfolding in the stands. Following an altercation between Juventus and Liverpool fans, a section of the Heysel Stadium collapsed after Liverpool fans charged at Juventus supporters, killing 39 people and injuring 600 others. Bizarrely, the match went ahead despite the collapse, with Juventus defeating Liverpool 1-0. An 18-month investigation would eventually reveal that Liverpool fans were partly culpable for the incident, with 26 arrested, and 14 of them later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. However, it was also ruled that the stadium was in a state of disrepair and had failed inspections before the match. In 2025, in a ceremony to mark 40 years since Heysel, Liverpool city mayor, Steve Rotheram, who was in the stadium that day, described the situation as 'an indelible stain on our city.' The Hillsborough disaster, 1989 The most devastating event in Liverpool's history still looms large over the club. On April 15, 1989, during an FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, a fatal crowd crush occurred. Things began to unravel when more than 2000 Liverpool fans managed to flood into a standing-room section behind one of the goals, despite the stadium already being at near capacity. The victims were crushed against metal anti-riot fences or trampled underfoot. Many suffocated. Ninety-four people died that day, with 766 others injured. It was the deadliest day in British sporting history. Three subsequent deaths would follow, bringing the final death toll for Hillsborough to 97. Compounding the grief for a devastated city was a back-and-forth blame game between victims' families and the local authorities, with police blaming the behaviour of fans for the tragedy. In 2016, a coroner's inquest into Hillsborough ruled that the supporters were unlawfully killed owing to grossly negligent failures by police and ambulance services to fulfil their duty of care. The Liverpool Parade incident, 2025 After securing a 20th league title, Liverpool fans had plenty to celebrate at the end of this season. Once it became clear that Liverpool were firm favourites to win this year's Premier League, talk turned to a full-scale parade. Supporters deserved to line the streets and celebrate their team, especially considering their last title came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic rendered real-life celebrations impossible. On May 26, 2025, an estimated million Liverpudlians were out in full force. But in a situation that feels all too familiar, celebrations were cut short when tragedy struck. At 6 pm, a car drove into a crowd on Water Street in Liverpool, resulting in 109 non-fatal injuries, including people being taken to the hospital. A 53-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm. While no deaths were reported, the incident served as a painful reminder to Liverpool fans who have endured a history tarred with tragedy and triumph in equal measure.
ITV News
27-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Skeleton of new Mersey Ferry complete as Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram sees funnel lowered into place
The skeleton of the first new Mersey ferry for 60 years is now complete after the funnel was lowered into place. The last part of the Royal Daffodil's high-tech superstructure was completed at a special ceremony at Cammell Laird Shipyard in Birkenhead, with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram watching on. The funnel is 3.6 metres tall and, weighing in at around 2.5 tonnes, will eventually be painted red in line with the world-famous Mersey Ferries' traditional red, white and black colour scheme. Following this vital milestone all the mechanical and electric services will be added to bring the ferry into operation, and the interior of the boat will be fitted out, as well as the internal and external painting. The Royal Daffodil is due to take to the water in 2026 and will be the first new addition to the Mersey Ferries fleet since the 1960s. With state-of-the-art propulsion systems it will aim to be greener than its predecessors, offering improved environmental performance, greater accessibility, and enhanced comfort for passengers. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: 'The Mersey Ferries are more than just a way to get from A to B – they're a symbol of our identity, heritage, and pride. "Generations have grown up with them, and I'm determined to ensure they remain part of our future, too. 'Today's milestone isn't just about lowering a funnel – it's about raising expectations for what transport in our region can be: cleaner, greener, and built right here in our city region by local workers. "The new Royal Daffodil will carry the spirit of the Mersey with her, and – as my friend Gerry Marsden once said – I can't wait to see this Ferry 'Cross the Mersey.' The funnel is a crucial component of the ship, allowing exhaust from the three main engines to be safely expelled while supporting ventilation of the engine spaces. Historic Wirral shipbuilder Cammell Laird has played a strategic role in UK shipbuilding for the past 200 years, and is constructing the £26m Royal Daffodil on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, said: 'Today marks a significant milestone in what is a landmark project, not just for APCL Cammell Laird but for shipbuilding in the wider Merseyside region. "The installation of the funnel signals the completion of the Royal Daffodil's steel structure and brings us one step closer to delivering a vessel that combines innovation, heritage, and sustainability. 'This ferry is being built by our local workforce and apprentices, using local skills that has gone into every stage of its construction.' 'We look forward to completing the construction of the ferry and launching her on the river Mersey.' John Drummond, Project Director at APCL Cammell Laird, said: 'Being entrusted with building the first new Mersey Ferry in over 60 years is a real honour – and a responsibility we take seriously. 'As we continue with the next phase of the build, including mechanical systems and interior fit out, we look forward to seeing this iconic vessel take to the water and serve future generations of passengers across the Mersey.'
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Furnace fired up at £53m St Helens' sustainable glass factory
An experimental furnace that can make glass and other materials using lower carbon fuels has been fired up for the first time at a £54m research facility on technology developed by manufacturer Glass Future is being tested inside a building on James Roby Way, St Helens that was developed by the firm to carry out industrial trials. It is capable of producing up to 30 tonnes of glass per day, including flat sheets used for windows, as well as Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures Ltd said he hoped the centre would "become a beacon for decarbonisation in energy-intensive industries". The 165,000 sq ft (5,0292 sq m) site currently employs about 60 people, but the firm said there could be the potential for another 40 Kelly said he believed there was no other facility in the world that could produce the glass products using "such a wide range of sustainable fuel sources, including electric melting".Glass Futures is a not-for-profit company that has received funding from central Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, pressed the button to light the furnace said the launch showed St Helens was "again at the cutting edge of global innovation" after boasting nearly two centuries of industrial heritage. David Baines, MP for St Helens North, said it was "a milestone moment" for the borough, which had a 250-year history of glass research and Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, described it as "a hugely exciting moment" for the town and a "huge step forward towards a sustainable future". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
