Member of House of Lords found dead in Welsh river
In a statement the force said: 'Dyfed-Powys Police received a report concerning the safety of a man who was last seen swimming in the River Wye, Glasbury. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
'Following a multi-agency search on July 1, sadly, we can confirm the body of Lord David Lipsey was recovered.
'His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. They have asked for their privacy to be respected.'
Lord Lipsey, who previously worked as a journalist and Downing Street adviser under then prime minister Jim Callaghan, enter the Lords in 1999. He is also credited with coining the phrases 'New Labour' and 'winter of discontent'.
The Lord Speaker said the upper chamber extended its 'condolences to the noble Lord's family and friends'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
30 minutes ago
- Wales Online
'I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities'
'I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities' In this opinion piece to mark one year of Keir Starmer's government, Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth argues the Prime Minister has failed to fulfil his promises Leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth (Image: Ben Birchall/PA ) Restore hope, stop the chaos. The message - foregrounded and front-loaded in Labour's 2024 General Election Manifesto - was, superficially at least, a nod to better days ahead. It was a positive, and ultimately persuasive promise, which drew a line under the torrid Tory years – implying not only a new sense of order but an awareness that the founding principle of any government should be the betterment of those it serves. A palpable sense of anger had built up, not least driven by the unfairness and inequality which characterises modern Britain. A well-off family at the 80th wealth percentile had seen its wealth increase by 37 per cent between 2006-08 and 2018-20, whilst a modest family at the 40th wealth percentile had seen no real wealth growth at all. Few would deny that a re-building job was urgently required. The need to re-evaluate priorities and re-shape society, and to embed equity and equality became so apparent that not even the blue tinge of Starmer's Labour could ignore it. Article continues below And somewhere in this equation lay Wales, a nation reminded time and time again that we're 'better together' – and 'better still' with two Labour governments working together. It would therefore not be unreasonable for Wales to expect to see the promised dividend being delivered, with early signs to become apparent that years of Wales being short-changed by Westminster would come to an end. Exactly one year on since that General Election, the reality could hardly be more different. It is somewhat ironic that Keir Starmer's first anniversary in office coincides with Independence Day in the USA. Yes, Keir Starmer has set off his fair share of fireworks over the past year, but they've not been of the joyous kind that traditionally mark Fourth of July celebrations across the pond. Some of those feeling let down over the past 12 months may well cite Starmer's stance on UK-US relations as symptomatic of a wider lack of moral leadership. An unwillingness by the Labour leader to challenge Trump on foreign affairs in particular parallels many of his attitudes towards the domestic agenda, where principles have too often been cast aside. The disabled fearful, pensioners paying the price and farmers furious. Seldom has an incoming government wasted so little time before taking hope away. The 'Change' placards have long been flung on the scrapheap, replaced by a trudging managerialism at best, a reckless attitude towards some of the party's values at worst, and tired platitudes which can so often be painful to watch. Of course, the managerialism to which I refer has pervaded Welsh politics for far too long on Labour's watch. Six years ago, the current First Minister enthusiastically cheered America's freedom on Independence Day whilst serving as Minister for International Relations. Eluned Morgan appears to believe that independence, be it literal or independence of thought, is something for others to enjoy, whether for nations or individuals. And not only has she never appeared to fully believe in our nation's ability to stand on its own two feet, she's also failed to make our relationship with Westminster less unjust. Independence of thought and spirit on her part would go a long way in making the 'Red Welsh Way' something more meaningful than a slogan. I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities. For this reason 'the power of partnership' holds more currency for me than Labour's adopted 'Partnership in Power' mantra. The former cements the contract between the government and the people it serves, while the latter serves only to celebrate hegemony. Next May, the people of Wales have the opportunity to elect a new government underpinned by a new contract of respect and understanding. A new way whereby individuals feel that when the actions of government brush against their lives, they do so in a positive and meaningful sense. A contract which means that those in power lead rather than manage, and take responsibility for their actions – truthfully and transparently. I'm excited by the prospects of what Wales can achieve, and for Plaid Cymru, delivering positive change to build our nation is not just something we talk about, it's an instinctive driving force. From forcing the Labour Welsh Government's hand in introducing free school meals for all primary school pupils to winning the debate on taking action on second homes to help people be able to live in their communities, we already have a proud recent record of delivering. And that's been from opposition! When UK Labour's Secretary of State for Wales stood on the stage of her party conference last weekend to wrongly claim that Plaid Cymru would scrap free prescriptions, she achieved two things. Article continues below Firstly, she exposed her party's desperation in resorting to smearing opponents rather than offering positive solutions. Secondly, she strengthened my resolve to restore people's trust in those they put in office. From the expenses scandal to the plainly immoral Covid VIP lanes, voters are rightly angry, but I want to turn that anger into hope. With Plaid Cymru's plans to cut waiting times, support small businesses, tackle the cost of living crisis and harness our natural wealth, we can do things differently in Wales. For anyone who refuses to believe that this is as good as it gets for our communities, and for everyone let down by Westminster's broken promises, real change is possible with a Plaid Cymru government next May.
Rhyl Journal
31 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Corbyn says ‘discussions ongoing' as Sultana quits Labour to ‘co-lead new party'
The former Labour Party leader congratulated Coventry South MP Ms Sultana on her 'principled decision' to leave Sir Keir Starmer's party. In a statement on X, independent Islington North MP Mr Corbyn said: 'Real change is coming. Real change is coming. — Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) July 4, 2025 'One year on from the election, this Labour Government has refused to deliver the change people expected and deserved. Poverty, inequality and war are not inevitable. Our country needs to change direction, now. 'Congratulations to Zarah Sultana on her principled decision to leave the Labour Party. I am delighted that she will help us build a real alternative. 'The democratic foundations of a new kind of political party will soon take shape. Discussions are ongoing – and I am excited to work alongside all communities to fight for the future people deserve. 'Together, we can create something that is desperately missing from our broken political system: hope.' Ms Sultana, who had the Labour whip suspended last year, said on Thursday night she was quitting Sir Keir's party and would 'co-lead the founding of a new party' with the ex-Labour leader.
Powys County Times
32 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
PM's Europe ‘reset' has delivered change in French tactics on small boats: No 10
Sir Keir Starmer's 'reset' with Europe has delivered a change in French tactics on tackling small boats crossing the Channel, Downing Street has said. Number 10 said reports French police officers had used knives to puncture a boat in waters off the French coast for the first time were a 'significant moment' that could have 'a major impact' on smuggling gangs. A spokesman said: 'We welcome action from French law enforcement to take action in shallow waters, and what you have seen in recent weeks is a toughening of their approach.' The Government has repeatedly pushed for French authorities to do more to prevent boats leaving the shore, including changing existing rules to allow police officers to intervene when dinghies are in the water. Those changes have not yet come into effect, but reports on Friday suggested tougher action was already being taken. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she welcomed the reports, adding she had been 'working very closely with the French interior minister' to ensure the rules were changed 'as swiftly as possible'. Downing Street attributed the change in stance from French law enforcement was thanks to the Prime Minister's 'reset' in relations with Europe, as he has looked to heal the wounds caused by the Brexit years. The spokesman said: 'No government has been able to get this level of co-operation with the French. That is important. 'We are looking to see France change its maritime tactics, and that is down to the Prime Minister's efforts to reset our relationship across Europe.' But a charity operating in northern France told the PA news agency that French police had already been intervening in crossing attempts in shallow waters despite the new rules not yet being in place. Kate O'Neill, advocacy coordinator at Project Play, said: 'This is not a new tactic … it's something that has been happening for a long time in Calais and surrounding areas.' She also warned it was a 'dangerous' tactic as children were 'often in the middle of the boats'. Responding to footage of Friday's incident broadcast by the BBC, Ms O'Neill said: 'The events taking place in the BBC coverage are not only upsetting to watch, but show clear evidence of police officers endangering a child.' She added: 'While talks are ongoing to allow the interception of boats in shallow water, it remains illegal at this time under maritime law and violates the obligations of the UK and France under international law – including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 'This footage highlights the danger involved in intercepting and slashing boats in the water, and we implore decision makers to consider the potentially fatal consequences of allowing this to take place even more frequently.' In its manifesto last year, Labour promised to 'smash the gangs' smuggling people across the Channel in small boats. But a year into Sir Keir's premiership, the number of people making the journey has increased to record levels. Some 20,600 people have made the journey so far this year, up 52% on the same period in 2024. Downing Street acknowledged that the numbers 'must come down', but could not guarantee that they would in the next year. On Friday, Ms Cooper said part of the reason for the increase in crossings was a rise in the number of people being crammed onto each boat. She suggested that all migrants who arrive on an overcrowded boat where a child has died should face prosecution. Ms Cooper told the BBC's Today programme it was 'totally appalling' that children were being 'crushed to death on these overcrowded boats, and yet the boat still continues to the UK'. The Government has already included a new offence of 'endangering life at sea' in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently making its way through Parliament. Ms Cooper has previously said this would allow the authorities to act against people 'involved in behaviour that puts others at risk of serious injury or death, such as physical aggression, intimidation, or rejecting rescue attempts'. But on Friday, she appeared to go further by suggesting even getting on an overcrowded boat could result in prosecution. She said: 'If you've got a boat where we've seen all of those people all climb on board that boat, they are putting everybody else's lives at risk.' Some 15 children are reported to have died while attempting the crossing in 2024, and Ms O'Neill told PA police tactics were making the situation more dangerous. During a series of broadcast interviews, Ms Cooper also declined to confirm reports the UK was looking at a 'one in, one out' policy that would see people who had crossed the Channel returned to Europe in exchange for asylum seekers with connections to Britain. Asked about the policy, she would only tell Sky News that ministers were 'looking at a range of different issues' and 'different ways of doing returns'.
