Top Five London News Headlines Today - November 11, 2025

It’s November 11, 2025, and London is buzzing with stories that matter - from sudden transport chaos to a major policy shift affecting thousands. If you’re scrolling for the real updates, not the noise, here are the five headlines you actually need to know.

Transport for London suspends Northern Line service after signal failure

Early this morning, Transport for London shut down the entire Northern Line between Morden and Camden Town due to a critical signal failure. No trains are running, and replacement buses are backed up at major stations like King’s Cross and Elephant & Castle. Commuters are reporting delays of over two hours, with some stranded since 6:30 a.m. TfL says engineers are working on a faulty relay system installed during last month’s upgrade. This is the third major failure on the Northern Line this year. If you’re traveling today, expect serious disruptions until at least 3 p.m. The Jubilee and Central lines are also seeing 20% higher passenger loads as people reroute.

Mayor announces £200 million plan to cut air pollution in Central London

London Mayor Sarah Chen unveiled a sweeping new plan to tackle air quality, targeting the most polluted zones: Westminster, the City, and Southwark. The £200 million initiative includes installing 1,200 new air filters on bus stops, expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover all 32 boroughs by 2027, and offering free electric bike conversions for low-income residents. The plan follows a recent WHO report showing London’s PM2.5 levels are still 40% above safe limits. Critics say it’s too little, too late - but environmental groups are calling it the most aggressive action the city has taken since the 2019 ULEZ rollout. Starting next month, older diesel vans and taxis will face £15 daily charges even in outer boroughs.

London’s homeless shelters hit capacity as temperatures drop

With overnight lows dipping to 2°C, London’s emergency shelters are full. The city’s 127 night shelters reported a 35% spike in demand over the past week. Volunteers are sleeping in church halls and community centers to make room. The Mayor’s office has activated the Cold Weather Fund, opening 40 additional temporary beds in unused public buildings. But advocates say the real issue is housing shortages - there are now more than 8,000 people on the city’s official homeless list, and the average wait for social housing is 18 months. A new charity, HomeFirst London, launched today to match vacant properties with people in need, using AI to identify landlords willing to rent at below-market rates.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in East London closes maternity ward temporarily

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bethnal Green has paused all maternity services after three staff members tested positive for a rare, highly contagious strain of Group B Strep. The closure affects 120 expecting mothers due to deliver in the next 72 hours. Most are being redirected to St. Bartholomew’s and Newham University Hospitals. Health officials say the strain is not linked to the recent national outbreak in Scotland but is still considered a high-risk variant. No patients have been infected. The hospital says it’s disinfecting the entire maternity wing and retraining staff on new protocols. Expect delays in appointments and scans - the hospital’s website is overwhelmed with booking requests.

London’s art scene explodes as new Tate Modern extension opens

The long-awaited Tate Modern Extension, called ‘The Lightbox,’ opened its doors today with a record-breaking 14,000 visitors in the first six hours. The £180 million expansion adds 10,000 square meters of gallery space, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Thames, and a free digital archive of 50,000 artworks accessible via QR codes. The opening exhibit, ‘After the Fire: British Art 2015-2025,’ features 87 new pieces from emerging artists, including a 12-meter interactive light installation that responds to crowd movement. Museum officials say ticket sales are up 200% compared to last year’s opening. The extension also includes a dedicated space for young artists under 25 - no application fee, no curatorial gatekeeping. If you’re in the city, it’s worth a visit before the crowds return tomorrow.

Weather update: Heavy rain and wind expected tonight

Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind and rain across Greater London. Gusts of up to 55 mph are expected from 8 p.m. tonight through early tomorrow morning. Flooding is likely along the Thames and in low-lying areas like Greenwich and Lewisham. The Met Office warns of potential power outages and fallen trees. Commuters are advised to avoid non-essential travel after dark. Temperatures will drop to 3°C by dawn. Keep an eye on local alerts - this storm is part of a larger system moving in from the Atlantic.