6:50 am, September 29, 2026
Healey sets out plan for ‘new age of industrialisation’ to boost economy
John Healey has set out plans to reindustrialise Britain with investment in industry and support for apprenticeships as part of the Government’s search for economic growth.
The Chancellor used his speech to the Labour Party conference to seek to reassure financial markets with a commitment to being responsible with the nation’s finances while also attempting to build confidence in British industry.
He said reforming the welfare system to get people back into work was not just an ‘economic must’ but a ‘moral duty’.
Diesel prices in UK climb to record high
Chancellor John Healey has said he is ‘concerned’ as diesel prices in the UK hit a record high.
The average price of a litre of diesel stood at 199.18p on Monday, according to figures compiled by the RAC.
This is 56.8p more expensive than at the start of the US-Iran war on February 28 this year, when a litre averaged 142.38p.
MG announces sweeping updates for key models
MG has introduced a series of updates for some of its most popular models.
Applied to the MG3, MG ZS and MG HS, the upgrades are designed to make the cars more comfortable than before while introducing a greater range of technology.
On the MG3 and MG ZS Hybrid+, for instance, the motors have been refined to help reduce noise and vibration when travelling at speed. The latter now benefits from a 360-degree parking camera and wireless smartphone charging on SE versions, while Trophy-grade cars now get an opening panoramic sunroof and power tailgate.
The markets
Stocks in London closed mixed on Monday, with housebuilders the clear winners after the UK government unveiled a new equity loan programme for first-time buyers.
In London, the FTSE 100 index ended down 10.37 points, or 0.1%, at 10,684.88.
In European equities on Monday, the CAC 40 in Paris ended up slightly, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt closed down 0.1%.
Monday on Car Dealer
£492,000 director’s loan could face repayment demand after Ford dealer collapse
Administrators handling Pilgrims of March’s collapse are investigating a £492,424 director’s loan account and may demand repayment, while asset sales have improved prospects for unsecured creditors.
Major fire breaks out at Cox Automotive’s Bruntingthorpe vehicle services site
A major fire at Cox Automotive’s Manheim Vehicle Services site at Bruntingthorpe prompted a 10-crew emergency response. All staff were safely evacuated, with the site reopening afterwards.
IGA calls for further talks with minister after first Government meeting over MOT price rise
The IGA has held its first meeting with Government officials over its campaign to lift the MOT price cap, arguing frozen fees are becoming unsustainable for independent garages.
Trade Centre UK insists it is ‘committed’ to customers after fresh BBC investigation
Trade Centre UK has defended its customer service after a BBC investigation highlighted complaints from 34 buyers over allegedly faulty cars, refunds and Consumer Rights Act disputes.
Protect value and boost saleability with cosmetic and alloy repair insurance – Car Care Plan
Car Care Plan explains how cosmetic repair insurance and alloy wheel repair insurance can help preserve resale value and improve saleability [sponsored].
Mazda targets older cars as new service plan aims to win work back from independent garages
Mazda is targeting independent garages and fast-fit centres by expanding service plans to older cars, with 10% of early sales covering vehicles over 10 years old.
Police keeping ‘open mind’ over suspected airbase plot as five bailed
Police are considering ‘every possible angle’ including the use of proxies by a hostile state after five suspects were released on bail over the suspected terror plot near an RAF base.
Five British nationals were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism on Sunday after three suspicious vans were found near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which is used by the US.
It is understood that the material found was not viable explosives, but police have stressed that the investigation is continuing.
Child, 10, and two women ‘crushed to death’ in Channel crossing attempt
A 10-year-old child and two women have died after they were ‘likely crushed’ in a dinghy while attempting to cross the Channel.
French authorities said 105 people on board the ‘precarious’ migrant dinghy were rescued after calling for assistance at sea.
A medical team was transported to the rescue boat by helicopter to help the survivors, but the child and two women, who were in their 30s, could not be saved.
Weather outlook…
Northern England and Scotland will be cloudy and breezy, with rain developing in western areas, while Northern Ireland sees similar conditions.
Wales and the Midlands will be cloudy with patchy rain.
Southern England starts cloudy but becomes warmer and brighter, with sunny spells developing.