this year the european capital of culture is the english city of hull. recognition that brings with it tourism, funding and the arts. but liverpool will be the last. the eu commission has confirmed the uk will no longer be considered after brexit, disappointing these five cities that have already bid to hold the title in 2023. now you might think that is not entirely surprising given that britain is leaving the eu. but, outside countries have hosted the capital, including iceland and norway, though they are in the eea, the european economic area. earlier i spoke to the lord mayor of belfast, nuala mcallister, who's involved in the belfast—derry 2023 bid. so it's absolutely bitterly disappointing from hearing this from the european commission over the past 2a—hours. it's disappointing from our perspective, belfast in partnership with derry because northern ireland has unique circumstances. the european commission itself said this. doors are being closed on us. with regards to what we are being told, very little in fact. we need a little bit more polit

capital of culture in 2023. dundee, nottingham, leeds, milton keynes, belfast and londonderry had all submitted bids — but the european commission said the decision was one of the many concrete consequences of brexit. the government says it's deeply disappointed. the former labour minister ivan lewis has been suspended by the labour party while allegations of inappropriate behaviour are investigated. a complaint against mr lewis was made to the labour whips office earlier this month. mr lewis denies wrongdoing or non—consensual bahviour — but says he's sorry if he has made women who work with him feel "awkward". the labour party says it takes all allegations of sexual harassment extremely seriously. dozens of people had to be rescued from their homes in parts of cumbria and lancashire last night after heavy rainfall caused flooding. more than 70 people were helped to safety after the emergency services received hundreds of calls. a number of flood warnings are still in place. let's get the latest from our