#greater-manchester

#greater-manchester

On its own terms, Keir Starmer's faction blocking Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection is perfectly rational. It is screamingly obvious that the mayor of Greater Manchester sought a return to Westminster so that he could overthrow the prime minister, once Labour is battered in the May elections. Burnham promised he would be there to support the work of the government, not undermine it.

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

Campaigners say the apology is in contrast to the stance of the chief constable of Greater Manchester police (GMP), Stephen Watson, who earlier this year declined to apologise on behalf of his force, saying that do so could be seen as superficial and merely performative. Burnham's formal apology is made in a letter to the campaigner Peter Tatchell, who has been seeking apologies for the past homophobic persecution of LGBTQ+ people by UK police forces.

We are on the cusp of delivering a fully integrated, world-class transport system for our global city-region. These changes will make everyday journeys easier and open up new opportunities for people across Greater Manchester. Bringing rail into the Bee Network, alongside our long-term vision for rail in Greater Manchester, are all part of our plan and commitment to maximise good growth across the city region for the next decade and beyond, which our residents and businesses deserve.

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a reported stabbing at a synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester police said. The Manchester Evening News said a cordon had been set up after the incident, and a major road had been closed while officers attended. A statement from North West ambulance service said: Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.

Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46. Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde. Greater Manchester Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious. A police spokesperson said: "Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances." More to follow...