UK Economy & Devolution: Chancellor John Healey used a Midlands factory stop to pitch proposals giving metropolitan areas more power to attract private investment, aligning with Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s push to shift decisions from Whitehall to regions. Local Government & Infrastructure: Fenland councillors urged Parliament to change rules that let developers use a “right to connect” to public sewers even when water firms can’t object, after sewage failures near Coates raised fears for up to 200 homes. Workers’ Rights: The government named 660 firms nationwide for underpaying staff; in Cambridgeshire, four Peterborough businesses and one Fenland firm were listed, with millions repaid to workers. Public Safety & Justice: Cyprus Justice Minister Costas Fytiris told MPs 10,000 domestic violence cases were reported in five years, while lawmakers warned of “critical gaps” and backed a new “Red Flagging” platform. Foreign Affairs: Nepal’s foreign minister met China’s ambassador Zhang Maoming after mudslide relief, while Russia’s Lavrov prepared talks with Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow. Domestic Violence & Policy: Athens’ metro excavation dispute: Greece’s deputy transport minister said damaged buildings will be fully restored at contractors’ expense before tunnelling resumes. Appointments: Victoria Premier Ben Carroll appointed Camille Kingston as Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance, making her the first woman to hold the substantive role. Ghana Evacuation Costs: Ghana’s foreign minister said GH¢49.7m was spent evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, with four deaths reported between April and July.