England’s 2026 local election results point to a significant reshaping of the political landscape, with Reform UK emerging as a clear early winner, alongside losses for both Labour and the Conservatives across several councils and mayoral contests. While counting is still underway, with Scotland, Wales and many urban authorities set to declare this afternoon, the early picture suggests a clear trend, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage saying this morning, “the best is yet to come.”

Mara Kruze has been named the recipient of the British Tugowners Association (BTA) Tug Trainee of the Year Award 2026, announced at the BTA Annual Conference on 7 May. Mara was presented with the award by UK Chamber of Shipping President Karrie Trauth and Captain Neil Atkinson MNM MSc CMMar FNI, Head of Fleetwood Nautical Campus.

In this Horizon Scan, we sit down with UK Chamber Policy Director, Tim Springett to explore the enduring safety challenges facing shipping and why repeated accidents point to deeper cultural and leadership issues. From moving beyond compliance to using audits and inspections as opportunities for learning, the discussion highlights what is needed to build more effective safety cultures across the industry. Looking ahead, Tim reflects on the pace of change driven by new technologies and alternative fuels — themes at the heart of the Safety Culture Conference in Glasgow.