First female Muslim minister to stand at the despatch box

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• Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

  From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.

• Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

  Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.

• Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

  A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.

• SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

  A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

• Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

  Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.

• Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

  A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.

• Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs

  Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.

• Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

  Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.

• Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

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• Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise

  A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.

• Bradford Council Offers Compromise on Ilkley Parking Plans

  Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.

• Police and Council Step Up Action on Anti-Social Behaviour

  West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.