Andy Burnham Pledges £140 Million for Coal Tip Safety

Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited the Welsh mining village of Aberfan on October 19 and 20, 2026, to meet survivors and bereaved families ahead of the 60th anniversary of the 1966 coal waste tip collapse. The disaster killed 144 people, including 116 children, when a colliery spoil tip engulfed Pantglas primary school and nearby homes.

During visits to the Aberfan cemetery, a community centre, and the Aberfan Disaster Memorial Garden, Burnham stated that the community was not treated properly by authorities at the time of the tragedy. He described the event as "one of the most horrifying tragedies this country has ever seen."

To address the ongoing risk posed by 2,600 disused coal tips in Wales, Burnham announced that the UK government is providing approximately £140 million to the Welsh government. This funding, supplemented by additional Welsh government resources, will establish an organization to manage coal tip safety across Wales and the rest of the country. Burnham was accompanied during these events by the Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Kinnock.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince William are scheduled to visit the town on Wednesday to mark the anniversary.