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M4 and A48 travel updates as heavy rain causes delays and major bridge closed

A major road was closed with multiple police cars and ambulances on the scene

• Updated 10:20, 2 MAY 2024

A serious accident involving a car and a van closed part of a main road near the M4. The A48 at Briton Ferry was closed westbound at the bridge over the River Neath between the A474 Briton Ferry roundabout and junction 42 of the M4 at Briton Ferry.

An eyewitness said there are four police cars and three ambulances at the scene on Thursday just after 8am. Police confirmed they were called to the scene at 7am. The road was reopened at 8.45am, but congestion remained and the closure was affecting traffic on the M4 for a time.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "Shortly after 7.00am today police were called concerning a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A48 at the Briton Ferry road bridge involving a car and a van.

"The westbound carriageway was closed while the collision was dealt with. There are no reports of any serious injuries. Both vehicles have been recovered and the road has now re-opened."

An earlier accident o the M4 caused delays in the Vale of Glamorgan as heavy rain batters the region . The eastbound carriageway was partially blocked at junction 34 Miskin in the Vale of Glamorgan and traffic cameras at 6.20am showed heavy traffic in the area.

The vehicles involved were moved quickly, but there is a warning of poor driving conditions and residual delays throughout the rush hour.

There was a Met Office weather warning in place until 8am on Thursday. It said: "Spells of heavy rain are expected this evening and overnight. In some places, most likely over northern and eastern parts of the warning area, there is a chance that rain will be accompanied by thunderstorms and frequent lightning. 20 to 40 mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely with 50 mm possible in a few places. In some places much of this rain may fall over a two or three hour period."

The Met Office weather for Wales says that the heavy, thundery rain through the morning, will ease for a time, but with further outbreaks arriving through the afternoon.

Police statement on Briton Ferry crash

South Wales Police has issued details:

Shortly after 7.00am today police were called concerning a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A48 at the Briton Ferry road bridge involving a car and a van. The westbound carriageway was closed while the collision was dealt with. There are no reports of any serious injuries. Both vehicles have been recovered and the road has now re-opened.

Congestion has now eased across the network

Traffic has returned to normal for the time of day on the M4 with no major incidents or accidents to report.

The weather warning came to an end at 8am, but there could be more heavy rain and thunderstorms in south Wales this afternoon.

M4 congestion has eased

Traffic Wales has confirmed that the delays on the M4 in the Vale of Glamorgan have now eased and returned to normal for the time of day.

Congestion remains on the M4

Traffic monitoring system Inrix is showing that there are still delays on the M4 and surrounding routes after the earlier closure on the A48 Briton Ferry bridge.

Delays on the motorway in the Vale of Glamorgan after an accident around 6am have eased.

Bridge has now been re-opened

The old Briton Ferry Bridge has now reopened but there are still delays in the area and it is causing congestion on the M4.

The road had been closed from the Briton Ferry roundabout to junction 42 of the M4 at Briton Ferry.

The road was closed until around 8.45am all lanes have been reopened.

Police warning for drivers

A statement from South Wales Police said

We are at the scene of a collision on the A48, Briton ferry bridge westbound The road is currently closed westbound towards junction 43 and vehicles are being diverted down onto Fabian way, It is expected to remain closed for some time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Delays are expected in the area."

M4 and A470 congestion warnings

Traffic Wales has issued an 8.15am congestion warning.

The congestion points are:

• A470 southbound Pontypridd - Coryton
• M4 eastbound junction 35 Pencoed - junction 34 Miskin in the Vale of Glamorgan
• M4 both directions J41 Pentyla/Baglan - J42 Earlswood near Swansea.

Accident near M4 causing delays

An accident is causing delays in Briton Ferry.

The A48 is closed westbound closed between the A474 Briton Ferry roundabout and junction 42 of the M4 at Briton Ferry.

M4 congestion warning

No accidents or incidents to report but there is a congestion warning from Traffic Wales:

Five-day forecast for Wales

Here is the five-day forecast for Wales:

Heavy, thundery rain through the morning, easing for a time, but with further outbreaks arriving through the afternoon. Best of any drier, brighter and warmer spells across North Wales, but even here some showers possible. Cool under cloud and rain. Maximum temperature 18 °C.

Rain and drizzle will continue overnight, with further heavy bursts at times. Cloud becoming extensive with mist and murk for most by dawn. Minimum temperature 7 °C.

Generally overcast with further spells of rain and drizzle, slowly easing. Perhaps becoming brighter across South Wales later in the day. Maximum temperature 16 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Remaining changeable over the weekend with showers of longer spells of rain at times, mixed in with some sunshine. Feeling warm in any sunshine and light winds.

Congestion points this morning

Traffic monitors are showing:

• Very slow traffic and traffic heavier than normal on M4 eastbound at Junction 34 Miskin
• A48 Culverhouse Cross eastbound just before that A4232 at Port Road. Travel time is 10 minutes.

Thunderstorms with frequent lightning

The majority of the thunderstorms appear to have hit in south-east England.

Second M4 accident reported

There was also an accident his morning on the M4 between junction 33 Cardiff West and junction 32 Coryton.

All lanes have now re-opened but there was a closure westbound for a time before 6am.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain

It's been a dramatic - and noisy - start to the day in some southern parts with heavy downpours and thunderstorms over the last few hours.

This was the radar picture at 4am.

Storms have come from France

The thunderstorms and heavy rain affecting southern parts of Wales and England have come from France.

GMTV weather presenter has shared this video of the storms there.

Poor driving conditions

Heavy rain in the region is causing very difficult driving conditions this morning.

This was from the traffic camera at junction 24 where there was an accident around 6am this morning.

One lane closed on M4

One lane of the M4 has been closed eastbound at junction 34 Miskin after that earlier accident.

Traffic monitors says that traffic is "coping well" with the closure at the moment.

Forecast for Wales on Thursday

The Met Office forecast for Wales on Thursday says:

Heavy, thundery rain through the morning, easing for a time, but with further outbreaks arriving through the afternoon. Best of any drier, brighter and warmer spells across North Wales, but even here some showers possible. Cool under cloud and rain. Maximum temperature 18 °C. Rain and drizzle will continue overnight, with further heavy bursts at times. Cloud becoming extensive with mist and murk for most by dawn. Minimum temperature 7 °C.

Weather warning remains in place

The accident was cleared quickly and traffic has returned to normal for the time of year in the Vale of Glamorgan area.

Conditions still look very wet with the weather warning in place until 8am.

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Down Under: 16 Most Beautiful Towns In New South Wales

• Port Macquarie offers a blend of history and natural beauty, with stunning waters and the opportunity for whale and dolphin watching.
• Orange is a quaint town known for its fresh produce, local vineyards, and impressive autumn display, making it a great destination for a peaceful getaway.
• Armidale boasts beautiful national parks and opportunities for wine tasting, making it a charming town to visit for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Worldwide, people travel to Australia to experience its vibrant energy, wildlife, and beach culture or even stay at Australia's first underwater hotel, Reefsuites . That said, there's one part of Down Under that always stands out; from its beautiful beaches to its mesmerizing natural beauty, New South Wales is one of the most diverse locations to visit in Australia. With its capital, Sydney, it is home to some of the country's most iconic monuments and attractions.

With its vast landscapes, bustling cities, and many outdoor activities opportunities, New South Wales is one of the most popular destinations in Australia to explore. With so much to do and see, choosing the best places to visit in New South Wales may be challenging, so this list narrows it down for jetsetters! Ready to plan a trip? Here are the best towns in NSW for the Australian vacation of a lifetime.

UPDATE: 2023/11/30 12:06 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Two More Towns To Explore In New South Wales!

This article has been refreshed with two more towns worth seeing in New South Wales, whether on the coast or inland. One of the magical parts about seeing this area is its natural scenery, with seasonal changes and coastal views worthy of a postcard.

Port Macquarie

Whale and dolphin watching makes port macquarie a perfect stop.

One of the many gorgeous towns in New South Wales is Port Macquarie, a town sitting at the mouth of the Hastings River. Here is where many people come on vacation during the spring and summer holidays and see the Mid-North Coast and its stunning waters.

What makes Port Macquarie special is its 19th-century history, with St. Thomas' Anglican Church being a staple of the coastal town's past. Many buildings here feel old-school, boasting centuries of history and stories to tell, some of which can still be toured today. Whale and dolphin watching is also a popular pastime here, so feel free to grab some binoculars, set up camp, and spend the day catching glimpses of beautiful sea creatures.

• What to see & do : Koala Conservation Hospital Port Macquarie, Tacking Point Lighthouse, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, Port Macquarie Museum, Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park, Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard

For those wanting to see a lot of Australia during a visit, a trip on the Indian Pacific Train may be worth the ticket.

Fresh produce, great climate, and closeness to Sydney make Orange a good visit

For those after a quaint and peaceful stay in New South Wales, Orange is the perfect town to stay in. Orange is a hub for fresh produce, local vineyards, and an impressive autumn display located in the Central Tablelands region. It is the country's snowiest city heading into winter.

Orange, NSW, has always been a retreat for those in the country wanting a laid-back weekend getaway and retirees looking for their final move. It's beautiful, stuns throughout the four seasons, and has a population of nearly 42,000 people. Although not nearly as bustling as Sydney, Orange is the perfect place to unwind, stroll, and enjoy the crisp air. The gardens and public green spaces alone are reasons to come here for a short trip.

• What to see & do : Orange Botanic Gardens, Cook Park, Swinging Bridge, Mortimer's Wines, Philip Shaw Wines, The Oriana, Orange Regional Gallery, Orange Regional Museum

National Parks galore: Armidale is nature's bounty in NSW

From beautiful National Parks to delicious opportunities for wine tasting, Armidale is one of New South Wales's most charming towns to visit. Known as one of New South Wales's best regions for fresh produce, it is a perfect destination to visit various farmers' markets to find organic fruits and vegetables.

Whether driving its breathtaking road, Waterfall Way, or visiting attractions such as the New England Regional Art Museum - it will be anything but a dull moment in Armidale, Australia.

• What to see & do: Waterfall Way, NERAM, Saumarez Homestead, Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral

South West Rocks

Grab a camera, folks; south west rocks' natural beauty is instagrammable.

Many Insta-worthy places in Australia will leave visitors spellbound. However, the chambering town of South West Rocks is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and nature in this part of Australia, making it one of the most picturesque towns in New South Wales.

A trip to South West Rocks is a fantastic choice for those looking to experience Australia's famed beaches or outdoor enthusiasts looking for gorgeous hiking trails. Lucky visitors may see a kangaroo or two!

• What to see & do: Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Maritime Museum, Horseshoe Bay Beach, Arakoon National Park

Related: Salute The Penguins' Parade At This Scenic Island In Australia

Perfectly quaint with rustic charm, Mudgee is a NSW countryside retreat

Experience Australia's countryside by planning a trip to the town of Mudgee, which easily earns its place among the most beautiful towns in NSW. With its fantastic cuisine and 19th-century aura, it will leave visitors awe-struck.

A journey to Mudgee is a scenic way to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital of New South Wales, Sydney, granting visitors an amazing countryside haven far from city life. Although there are many beautiful cities in Australia to add to one's bucket list that are far more popular, Mudgee is a superb rural alternative; it's a great getaway for fantastic wine tasting, camping, tasting authentic foods, immersing in history, and much more!

• What to see & do: Lowe Wines, The Drip Gorge, Browse the locally-stocked farmers markets, Journey to the wetlands

Kingscliff is the start of the Gold Coast with stunning beaches and great surfing

Kingscliff is a coastal town and is said to be the start of the Gold Coast. With some of the best things to do in Australia's Gold Coast found in and around this area, Kingscliff is a fantastic place to visit in NSW, especially for its famed beach culture.

Offering everything from surfing to various water activities such as paddleboarding, it is the perfect destination to soak in some sun and catch some waves. Kingscliff is also famous for hosting the Australian Longboard Surfing Open, so be sure to check out dates to see the next event!

• What to see & do: Tropical Fruit World, Sambara Spa, New Age Gallery, Cudgen Cliff, Springbrook National Park

A coastal village with endless water, beaches, hiking, and scenery

Bundeena is a coastal village in New South Wales, known for its charming beaches and fantastic water. It offers visitors various activities such as paddleboarding, snorkeling, swimming, etc.

What's more, Bundeena provides picturesque hiking trails offering stunning scenery, from parks to coastal views to mesmerizing waterfalls. Each trail in this town could quite easily rival many of the slightly more well-known beautiful hikes in Australia .

• What to see & do: Enjoy the many beaches, Bundeena Royal National Park, Calmly explore the waters by kayak, Hike through Jibbon Loop Track

Kangaroo Valley

National park hikes, the kangaroo river, and untouched beauty make this spot a must.

Kangaroo Valley is one of New South Wales's most beautiful towns. Home to breathtaking valleys, creeks, unique swimming locations, and the Kangaroo River, it makes for an epic trip when traveling in the area.

It is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers because Kangaroo Valley offers many stunning natural beauties, including the rich flora and fauna of Morton National Park, an area that also houses the famous Fitzroy Falls.

While nature scenery and scenic hiking trails attract most visitors, one of Kangaroo Valley's famous features is the Hampden Bridge, a Victorian suspension bridge that crosses the river, which comes with sandstone towers that resemble medieval castle structures.

• What to see & do: Kangaroo River, Pioneer Village Museum, Morton National Park, Camping

Related: 10 Getaways For Couples: Top Romantic Cities In Australia

Horse lovers and fans of equestrian culture will love this charming NSW town

Take a trip to the horse capital of Australia by visiting the charming town of Scone, Scone is a historic New South Wales town with beautiful natural scenery and a unique equestrian culture, home to dozens of horse stud farms.

Scone is an excellent choice for those who want to learn more about horses and immerse in anything related to horses. Its lovely landscapes make it a perfect place for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, walking, running, camping, and more.

• What to see & do: Hunter Warbirds Military Museum, Elizabeth Park, Scone Mountain National Park, Hike the Polblue Swamp Track

With a zoo worth writing home about, Dubbo is a great New South Wales destination

Dubbo is an inland city located in New South Wales, Australia.

Dubbo offers much to do, including seeing all the animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo , experiencing rural life at Dundullimal Homestead , or walking through the charming Shoyoen Japanese Gardens.

• What to see & do: Dundullimal Homestead, Shoyoen Japanese Gardens, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Observatory (best at night)

The fertile Liverpool plains give Gunnedah its allure

Gunnedah is a beautiful countryside town in New South Wales with much to do and see. It is a lovely place to visit for anyone looking to escape city life and enjoy one of the most agricultural areas of New South Wales, Australia, thanks to forming part of the fertile Liverpool plains.

It will be the escape of a lifetime, from museums to wildlife parks, mesmerizing lookouts, and rich history.

• What to see & do: Gunnedah Rural Museum, Waterways Wildlife Park

Enjoy gorgeous views of Gunnedah from the Porcupine Lookout .

Related: 10 Incredible Places to Visit in Australia That Will Blow Your Mind Away

Award-winning restaurants and pretty architecture make Berry worth a gander

Head to Berry, one of the many beautiful villages in New South Wales, Australia, known for its picturesque attractions and immaculate architecture. The town has many restaurants, shops, antiques, markets, and more for its visitors.

In fact, Berry's local economy is driven by the many sophisticated gift and craft shops, allowing visitors to find the perfect souvenirs to bring back home. It's also a pretty good place to try delicious food; it's home to award-winning restaurants and superb wineries. Don't forget to visit the famous Berry Donut Van for some delightful donuts when in the area!

• What to see & do: Berry Donut Van, Berry Country Fair, Berry Museum, The Treat Factory

With a vibrant downtown and coastal beauty, Avoca is a great Sydney getaway

For a truly relaxing and natural vacation experience that combines with town amenities, Avoca is a must-stop when traveling along the Australian coastline. This charming town mixes a downtown vibe with untouched coastal beauty, offering visitors the best of both worlds - seaside nature spots and urban comforts.

In particular, Avoca Beach is known for being a surfers' paradise, with wavy and sunny shores perfect for connecting with nature. Also, this beautiful New South Wales town makes for a perfect detour after a weekend exploring the state's capital city of Sydney , as it's only one hour away.

• What to see & do: Australian Reptile Park, Captain Cook Lookout, Avoca Chinese Garden

Crescent Head

Crescent head is a haven for beach lovers and surfing fans.

Although Avoca is above a great beach destination near Sydney, Crescent Head, besides holding a great cultural and historical impact, is officially recognized as one of the best surf spots in the whole country .

The main activity that people from all over the world come to do is surfing, both on one of the beaches around town or in the area's renowned surfing reserve . The surrounding natural setting also makes for great camping spots, promising an authentic experience in the Australian wilderness.

• What to see & do: Goolawah Regional Park, Crescent Head Surfing Reserve, Crescent Head Lookout

Related: Here Is How To Travel To Australia On A Budget (Even When It Seems Impossible)

Hot air balloon central: Canowindra truly puts the wind in its name

When sea and land have nothing left to offer, Canowindra takes the adventure to the sky for a surreal experience that will forever be remembered. With the most-recorded liftoffs in the country each year, this New South Wales town has been dubbed the air balloon capital of Australia.

So, if being a couple of thousand feet in the air is not an issue, taking an Aussie balloon ride gives a unique view of the gorgeous landscapes from above.

• What to see & do: Aussie Balloon Trek through the skies, Cowra Wine Tours, The Age of Fishes Museum

This coastal town is a humpback whale magnet each spring

The coastal town of Eden is where nature is the main course for adventuring. Not only is it bordered by the magnificent Twofold Bay , but its waters become a tourist attraction each spring when thousands of humpback whales visit Eden before heading back home to Antarctica for their annual migratory cycle.

The town has also dedicated itself to studying and preserving the history of these wonderful animals and the natural beauty surrounding them in multiple museums and research centers open to the public.

• What to see & do: Killer Whale Museum, Green Cape Lighthouse, Ben Boyd Tower, Bundlan Way Story Walk

• Travel Updates

Body pulled from waters of La Perouse in eastern Sydney amid desperate search for passenger lost overboard

A cruise ship where a passenger reportedly fell overboard has been snapped arriving in Sydney, ending a day of tragedy for emergency services and travellers.

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The first images have emerged of a cruise ship pulling into Sydney hours after a search and rescue effort which ended in tragedy.

A body was pulled from the waters off eastern Sydney about 10.30am after a passenger reportedly fell overboard from the P & O Pacific Adventure at 4am on Monday.

Passengers due to leave from White Bay Cruise Terminal were left stranded for some 7½ hours.

In a statement, police said a report will be prepared for the coroner after a body was found in the waters of La Perouse by officers attached to Police Marine Area Command.

Police will launch an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

The ship’s delayed arrival brings an end to the tragic day after it was set to dock in Sydney Harbour at 6am, only for authorities to launch the search for the missing passenger.

In a statement, P & O Cruises Australia said Pacific Adventure’s voyage to White Bay in the afternoon had been delayed, with the ship expected to leave later tonight on a four-night voyage to Queensland.

“We thank guests for their care, understanding and patience on what’s been a distressing day for guests and crew,” a spokeswoman said

“Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this difficult time.

Customers were left stranded and confused at White Bay Cruise Terminal on Monday.

At noon, cruisers were given the option to retrieve checked baggage and had shuttle buses ready to ferry them back to Darling Harbour.

In a text to travellers, P & O Cruises Australia said Pacific Adventure was slated for a 2.30pm docking at White Bay.

The company stated the check-in for the cruise had been delayed by some 7½ hours as a result of the search and rescue operation.

“All guests will need to be on-board by 10.30pm,” the text states.

“Dinner and the on-board entertainment program will be extended and we do not expect the later departure to impact the itinerary.”

Earlier, NSW Police said they were leading the search following a reports a person was in the water.

“Just after 4am today emergency services received reports a person had gone overboard off a ship 10 nautical miles off Sydney Heads,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

“NSW Police Marine Area Command have deployed a number of resources to search for the person and are leading the co-ordination of the water search.”

A Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter has also been combing a large body of water off Sydney Heads.

A statement from P & O Cruises Australian said more than 2600 guests were on-board, and the ship has been onsite searching “with other nearby vessels deployed to the area by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre”.

“The family of this guest is being cared for by our on-board team while every effort is being made to find them,” it read.

“Pacific Adventure’s arrival into White Bay Terminal this morning has been delayed while the search continues.”

One passenger told radio station 2GB they had been woken up with a “man overboard call”.

Another listener, Brad, who was on his way to the terminal to pick up passengers, told breakfast host Ben Fordham that passengers had told him not to rush, as the ship was “stopped outside the head and somebody’s gone overboard”.

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The Pacific Adventure was previously billed as Golden Princess, before facing controversy for docking and disembarking in Melbourne while carrying Covid-compromised passengers in April 2020.

In May 2023 the Pacific Adventure made headlines off the coast of Sydney when a cabin fire caused by a guest smoking in bed led to a passenger evacuation off the coast of Sydney.

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Driver crossed into oncoming traffic in fatal crash on Route 202, police say

By Jessica MacAulay , Valerie Carr

Updated on: April 30, 2024 / 10:35 AM EDT / CBS Philadelphia

NORTH WALES, Pa. (CBS) -- Two people were killed in a head-on crash involving an SUV and a car-carrier truck on Route 202 near Horsham Road on Monday, police said.

Montgomery Township police were called to the scene just before 11:30 a.m. and found a 2017 Toyota RAV4 and a 2021 Peterbilt car-hauler truck. There was also a black 2006 Ford Mustang that had overturned on the road and had fallen off the truck during the collision.

Police said the Toyota was heading southbound on Route 202 when the driver, a 50-year-old woman, veered over the yellow line and crashed into the oncoming truck in the northbound lane.

Police said the driver of the Toyota, who was from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was ejected and pronounced dead on the scene. Her passenger, an 86-year-old woman from Ambler, was pulled from the vehicle by Montgomery Township firefighters and pronounced dead.

The driver of the Peterbilt, a 44-year-old Levittown man, was taken to Grand View Hospital with minor injuries.

Chopper 3 flew over the crash just before 2 p.m. 

The 202 Parkway between Horsham and County Line roads was closed Monday afternoon while police continued to investigate and clear the area. The road has since been reopened.

This story has been updated to reflect the crash occurred after 11 a.m.

• Fatal Car Crash
• Montgomery County

Jessica MacAulay is a digital producer for CBSPhiladelphia.com. Jessica started out her career in broadcast journalism originally as an intern for CBS Philadelphia. She covers breaking news, local community and crime stories.

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Politics live: Sunak accused of 'hiding from voters' - as SNP names new leader without contest

The SNP has named John Swinney as its new leader to replace Humza Yousaf. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak has insisted the general election is "not a foregone conclusion" despite the Tories taking a hammering in last week's local polls. While you scroll, listen to a new Politics At Jack And Sam's.

Monday 6 May 2024 20:00, UK

• New SNP leader reiterates independence aim
• Ex-candidate 'has big role to play' | What happens next?
• Connor Gillies: The big questions facing John Swinney
• PM insists general election 'not a foregone conclusion'
• Sunak accused of 'hiding from voters' by not setting poll date
• Exclusive:   UK 'considered using Iraq in Rwanda-type asylum deal'
• Politics At Jack And Sam's: Listen above and tap here to follow. 
• Vote 2024:   Council results in full  |  Mayoral results in full

Despite it being a bank holiday, the Politics Hub has kept on trucking today with more fallout from last week's local elections and the SNP naming its new leader.

Here's what you need to know to catch up:

• John Swinney was named the new leader of the SNP and vowed to unify both the party and Scotland, while still making the case for independence ;
• Rishi Sunak insisted the general election is "not a foregone conclusion" despite a bruising set of local results for the Tories ;
• But Labour accused the prime minister of "hiding from voters" by not setting the date for a national vote ;
• Documents seen by Sky News revealed the government considered using Iraq for a Rwanda-style deportation scheme ;
• Keir Starmer warned Israel against a seemingly imminent military offensive in the Gazan city of Rafah .

Good night - we'll be back tomorrow.

Rishi Sunak's internal critics have abandoned their attempt to unseat him because they have run out of time and do not believe Penny Mordaunt would do what is necessary to save the party.

The Politics At Jack And Sam's podcast discusses how the PM is unlikely to face a challenge but will be confronted by an exhausted, sceptical and in parts broken Tory party when parliament returns tomorrow.

He faces legislative challenges in the coming weeks, with revolts on the criminal justice bill and sentencing bill, that could be aggravated by the party's poor performance.

But efforts by plotters to oust Mr Sunak have been abandoned.

Read more - and listen to the podcast - below:

Train drivers begin a fresh wave of strikes tomorrow.

They are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from tomorrow to Thursday.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime until Saturday.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when…

The Foreign Office has denied the UK's ambassador to Russia was "summoned" by officials in Moscow over military support for Ukraine.

It comes after Russia warned Ukrainian strikes on its territory with UK-supplied weapons could bring retaliatory attacks against British military facilities and equipment on Ukrainian soil or elsewhere.

Russia's foreign ministry said the UK's ambassador to Moscow, Nigel Casey, had been "summoned" to make him "reflect on the inevitable catastrophic consequences of such hostile steps by London".

But the Foreign Office said he had just taken part in a diplomatic meeting with ministry officials.

"The ambassador reiterated the UK's support for Ukraine in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression, and restated the UK's position on providing support to Ukraine," said a statement.

Read more below:

John Swinney is preparing to take over the SNP, and the role of Scotland's first minister, after days of Holyrood drama.

There is no doubt this is a proud moment for Mr Swinney, his wife and son. He was Nicola Sturgeon's deputy for the best part of a decade - and can now stand out from her shadow and set his own agenda.

His previous days as SNP leader in the early 2000s were described as a disaster - but everything is different now.

There are questions about how much of a fresh perspective he will be able to inject into the party he has been part of for 40 years.

He has the hangover of being education secretary during the COVID crisis when children's learning was harmed, overseeing Scotland's finances for a long time, and wiping his COVID WhatsApps.

And now, there are two major issues sitting in his in-tray that will shape the future of this party.

Read Connor's full analysis below:

Labour shadow minister Lisa Nandy has said the party "absolutely" supports people's right to peaceful protest after Oxford and Cambridge university students set up pro-Palestinian encampments on campus.

The scenes have echoed those seen at major US universities recently, though some of those have led to tense and sometimes violent stand-offs with police and security personnel.

Ms Nandy backed the policing of the UK protests so far, saying they have "broadly speaking, got the balance right".

"We absolutely support the right of people to peaceful protest and support the police in being able to make operational decisions about when peaceful protest spills into intimidation," she said.

You can read more on this from our reporter Niamh Lynch :

Here in the Politics Hub, we've been reporting on Israel's seemingly imminent military incursion into the Gazan city of Rafah today, as both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer have advised against it.

They have expressed concern about the number of citizens - many of whom have already evacuated their homes in other parts of Gaza - sheltering there.

Our Middle East blog team are now reporting a potentially major development, with Hamas saying it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar.

However, Israel has indicated it doesn't agree with the terms.

Follow live updates in our Middle East blog:

Aside from the local elections, the prime minister has today been questioned about Israel's seemingly imminent ground offensive in Rafah.

The country's military is telling Palestinians sheltering in Gaza's southernmost city to evacuate, even though many have already had to flee their homes.

Labour's Keir Starmer and David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, have today urged Israel not to carry out the incursion (see 17.00 post).

Rishi Sunak said he is "deeply concerned" about the prospect of the offensive because of the number of civilians sheltering in Rafah.

He said he had raised his concerns "repeatedly" with Israel's prime minister but also said Hamas had a role to play in ending the conflict.

Mr Sunak said: "The priority right now should be on all parties, but particularly Hamas, to agree to a deal, to release hostages and allow more aid to go in as part of a temporary pause which will allow us to build a sustainable ceasefire."

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about the different political parties.

With the local elections complete, Labour is still sitting comfortably ahead, with the Tories trailing behind.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

The results of the local elections made for grim reading for the Conservative Party.

Last Thursday, polls opened in 107 English councils, with thousands of seats up for grabs. Ultimately, the Tories lost 474 seats and 12 councils, while Labour gained 186 and eight respectively.

You can see the results in full below:

There were also a number of mayoral elections.

In total, 11 mayors were elected. Here are the results in full:

• Tees Valley, Conservative Ben Houchen re-elected
• York and North Yorkshire, Labour's David Skaith 
• North East, Labour's Kim McGuinness 
• East Midlands, Labour's Claire Ward
• Liverpool City Region, Labour's Steve Rotheram re-elected
• South Yorkshire, Labour's Oliver Coppard re-elected 
• Greater Manchester, Labour's Andy Burnham re-elected 
• West Yorkshire, Labour's Tracey Brabin re-elected 
• London, Labour's Sadiq Khan re-elected 
• Salford, Labour's Paul Dennett re-elected 
• West Midlands, Labour's Richard Parker defeats Conservative incumbent Andy Street

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