Widespread parts of Greater Manchester have woken up to a blanket of snow this morning, as amber weather warnings continue.
After sleet and snow that didn’t really give much of an indication that it would stick – apart from on higher ground, maybe – falling across most of the region over the last day or so, and after a night of windy and blizzard conditions, Greater Manchester has this morning woken up to a blanket of snow – with snow still falling in many places.
With the snow coming down heavy overnight, coupled with the strong winds to create blizzard conditions branded “awful” and “treacherous”, many major roads around the region remain closed or impassable this morning.
Multiple crashes were reported in Greater Manchester and Lancashire late last night, with jack-knifed lorries blocking parts of major routes.
Greater Manchester wakes up to blanket of snow as amber weather warning continues / Credit: Geograph | Pexels
Drivers were also left stuck for several hours on the M62, and the motorway is still being described as “chaos” this morning.
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Dozens of primary and secondary schools in Oldham and Bury have already announced they will be shut today due to the “adverse weather conditions”, with the number growing as the hours go on, and schools in other boroughs expected to announce closures throughout the morning as important access roads remain closed.
The significant snowfall today comes after a number of National Severe Weather Warnings were put in place by the Met Office across the UK at the start of this week, as Storm Larisa continues to batter the country.
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Amber warnings have been issued, highlighting further snowfall for central and northern England, northern Wales and eastern parts of Northern Ireland.
Three amber warnings have been issued by the Met Office for parts of northern England, the Midlands, North Wales, and Northern Ireland – which means “significant” travel disruption is likely, as well as possible power cuts, and a chance that some rural communities could become cut off.
An amber snow warning for parts of Greater Manchester and the Pennines is set to remain in place until 12pm today.
A yellow warning for snow and ice also remains in place until 2pm.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Keir Starmer’s speech in full as he resigns as UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader
Emily Sergeant
Keir Starmer has today resigned as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.
Starmer was first elected as leader of the Labour Party on 4 April 2020, following his victory in that year’s leadership election, and was then elected to the role of Prime Minister at the 2015 General Election – with a majority of 17,048 (52.9% vote share).
Former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, was also rumoured to be running, however he has today announced his formal backing of Burnham instead.
Timeline wise, Starmer says he will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable for the takeover, with nominations opening on 9 July and to be completed by the summer recess (16 July), and in the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, adding: “I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.”
Keir Starmer’s resignation speech in full
“Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life.
“A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair. The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy.
“Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again, that my party was finished. That we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible.
“But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party.
“Ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security. And becoming a party that, once again, stood proudly with, not against, our national flag. The hard work of change was with a singular purpose. Not power for power’s sake but to change Britain for the better. To build a fairer country, with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few.
“And look at what we’ve achieved in just two years. An economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers. Wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power. Investment secured. Infrastructure being built.
“An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years. The biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation. The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. Small boat crossings falling, asylum hotels closing, protecting young people from social media, and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made.
“Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law. Securing trade dues, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values, and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe.
“Change promised by a Labour government. Change fought for by a Labour government, change delivered by a Labour government.
“But I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party, to take us into power, and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered. The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace.
“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.
“I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
“I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.
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“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.
“I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support.
“I want to thank the brilliant No 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service.
“And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job. Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side, through good times and bad. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.
“Thank you very much.”
Featured Image – Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street (via Flickr)
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Andy Burnham officially announces his intention to run for Prime Minister
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has officially announced his intention to run for leader of the Labour Party, and therefore, Prime Minister.
Merely days after he clinched the victory in the crucial Makerfield by-election, winning 24,927 votes (54.8% vote share) and a majority of 9,231 over second place, and less than two hours after Keir Starmer announced his resignation, Andy Burnham has now officially chucked his hat into the ring to take over the position.
It was already widely rumoured that if Starmer was to step down this week, which he has, that Burnham would likely be the front runner to take over.
But now Burnham‘s intentions to run are no longer rumours, they are confirmed.
Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will…
Taking to social media this morning to announce his running for Labour Party leader, Andy Burnham said: “Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
“His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.
“The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.
“As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be. People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.
“The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”
Timeline wise, Keir Starmer says he will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable for the takeover, with nominations opening on 9 July and to be completed by the summer recess (16 July), and in the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, adding: “I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.”
Emily Sergeant -
10th March 2023 
