Blog horizontal

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were treated to a musical spectacular by a group of Co Tyrone superstars. Charles and Camilla warmly applauded trainees at the social enterprise Superstars Coffee Dock after their special performance of Greased Lightning from the film Grease. Superstars provides training opportunities for people with learning difficulties in a cafe and bakery as well as clubs and activities, an initiative which started off […]

Babies wrapped in blankets were carried to safety as more people arrived in Kent after crossing the English Channel. Several children, including some who appeared to be only a few weeks or months old and others who were too young to walk, were among the large numbers of people seen being brought ashore in Dover on Tuesday. Crossings have continued this week amid warm weather and calm seas. The number […]

The plant will be based at the Royal Mint’s headquarters in Llantrisant The Royal Mint is soon to start work on its own in-house recycling facility to extract gold from electronic waste. The plant will be based at the mint’s headquarters in Llantrisant, South Wales, with work on the site due to start this month. It is due to be fully operational by early 2023, the Royal Mint said, and […]

The claims have been made by the RMT Union P&O Ferries vessels will be blocked from sailing if they fail safety checks, the Government said, amid claims Indian seafarers to replace sacked crews are being paid £1.81 an hour. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been instructed to inspect the company’s ferries prior to them being able to re-enter service to ensure the new crews […]

She performed to a packed stadium in Poland, where she is now a refugee The mother of a Ukrainian girl who went viral for singing Disney hit Let It Go in a bomb shelter has said she is “proud” after her daughter sang onstage in front of thousands of people. Seven-year-old Amelia Anisovych was reunited with her mother days before she performed to a packed stadium in Poland, where she […]

The Foreign Secretary said she is “appalled” at the alleged “abduction and deportation” of Ukrainians amid reports captives are being shipped to forced-labour camps in Russia. The Foreign Secretary said she is “appalled” at the alleged “abduction and deportation” of Ukrainians amid reports captives are being shipped to forced-labour camps in Russia. With Ukrainian city Mariupol under constant siege by Russian troops, there have been suggestions from Ukraine MPs that […]

England’s bid to snatch victory in the second Test against the West Indies was set to go all the way, with seven wickets needed in the final session and Kraigg Brathwaite once again standing firm. England’s bid to snatch victory in the second Test against the West Indies was set to go all the way, with seven wickets needed in the final session and Kraigg Brathwaite once again standing firm. […]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russian forces are blockading his country’s largest cities to wear the population into submission but he warned the strategy will fail and Moscow will lose in the long run if it does not end its war. Mr Zelenskyy accused the Kremlin of deliberately creating “a humanitarian catastrophe ” and appealed for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him, using a huge Moscow stadium rally […]

The Foreign Secretary has warned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia might be being used as a “smokescreen” for the Kremlin to regroup troops for a fresh offensive. Liz Truss said it was up to president Volodymyr Zelensky how his country approached peace talks. But in an interview with The Times she said she feared the negotiations – which have been said to have made some progress – were a […]

The UN migration agency said on Friday that nearly 6.5 million people have been displaced inside Ukraine, on top of the 3.2 million who have already fled the country. The estimates from the International Organisation for Migration suggests Ukraine is fast on course in just three weeks toward the levels of displacement from Syria’s devastating war, which has driven about 13 million people from their homes both in the country […]

Channel 4 will air a documentary about Richard Ratcliffe’s campaign to free his wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe after she was detained in Iran. The single-episode documentary, called Nazanin, follows the life of Mr Ratcliffe over the past six years as he balances a political campaign with raising their daughter, Gabriella. The broadcaster said it includes how the seven-year-old has coped with the separation from her mother and the moment when Mr […]

Pub giant JD Wetherspoon said it has seen a “return to more normal trading patterns in recent weeks” following the end of pandemic restrictions. The group said sales over the past three weeks have been marginally below pre-pandemic levels as it more than halved its losses amid the continued recovery in trade. Bosses said the company is in a strong position, with “a full complement of staff” and is “fully […]

Workers at a gas distribution company are to vote in the next few weeks on whether to strike over pay. The GMB union said 2,000 of its members at Cadent will be balloted from March 25 to April 8. If workers vote to take action, a strike could take place from April 22, said the GMB. The ballot comes after workers rejected a 4% pay offer, which the union said […]

The new data has come from the Health Foundation working in partnership with NHS England Only one in 10 patients using an online system actually requests to see their GP face-to-face, according to study of more than 7.5 million records. The new data, from experts at the Health Foundation working in partnership with NHS England, found that most patients were happy with telephone calls. Researchers behind the study said the […]

The Natural History Museum had a 21 per cent increase in visitors last year The Natural History Museum was the most visited UK museum in 2021. The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) has revealed that the London museum had a 21% increase in attendance with 1,571,413 visitors last year, making it the most popular indoor attraction in the UK. It has achieved this despite being closed for five months […]

That's according to the National Audit Office Attempts to remedy financial losses suffered by British Steel pension savers have left many people not being fully compensated, according to a public spending watchdog. Some who transferred out of the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) suffered significant losses because they were given unsuitable advice and the regulated financial advice market failed to protect them, the National Audit Office (NAO) said. Nearly 8,000 […]

She arrived at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in the early hours of Thursday morning Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has touched down on British soil for the first time since she was detained in Iran six years ago. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe arrived at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in the early hours of Thursday morning. The mother-of-one, whose husband Richard has long campaigned for her release, left Iran with fellow British-Iranian Anoosheh Ashoori, […]

Boris Johnson said there is “no way Ukraine is going to join Nato anytime soon” as Ukraine’s leader said peace talks with Russia had taken a “realistic” turn. The Prime Minister, who is visiting the Gulf as he tries to wean the West off Russian energy, said he understood the “reality of the position” expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an address to London, in which he appeared to […]

Detained British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is returning to Britain after the Government settled an outstanding £400 million debt owed to the regime in Tehran. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe and a second dual national, Anoosheh Ashoori, will be reunited with their families in the UK after being released by the Iranian authorities. A third dual national, Morad Tahbaz, has been released from prison on furlough. The announcement brings […]

HSBC has said it will shut 69 branches as it continues to close banks because of customers switching online. HSBC has said it will shut 69 branches as it continues to close banks because of customers switching online. The move, which could hit around 400 workers across the branches, is the latest in a flurry of closure announcements by the UK’s biggest banks. In January last year, the bank announced […]

Frankie Smith was serving an 8 year sentence it has now been increased to 12years. The mother of Star Hobson has had her prison sentence for causing or allowing the 16-month-old’s death increased by the Court of Appeal. Frankie Smith, 20, was jailed at Bradford Crown Court in December last year for her role in the death of her daughter, who was killed by Smith’s former partner, Savannah Brockhill. Star […]

Tennis star Emma Raducanu, presenter Clara Amfo and Melanie Brown of the Spice Girls were among the winners at Stylist’s Remarkable Women Awards. The event, at The Londoner hotel, honoured women who excel in their field and was hosted by comedian and creator of BBC series Starstruck, Rose Matafeo. Fashion, acting, activism and music were among the areas celebrated during the ceremony. Radio DJ Vick Hope presented the musician of […]

He is to add Larbalestier as a third middle name, along with Carl and Davidson Lewis Hamilton has revealed he is in the process of adding his mother’s surname, Larbalestier, as an additional middle name. It is understood it will be included as a third middle name, along with Carl and Davidson, rather than become a double-barrelled surname for the seven-time world champion. Hamilton’s father Anthony and his mother Carmen […]

All remaining coronavirus travel measures including passenger locator forms will end on Friday in a move to make foreign holidays easier even as coronavirus cases rise in the UK. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Monday that the changes, which also include the requirement for unvaccinated people to be tested for Covid-19 before entering the UK, will “mean greater freedom in time for Easter”. After a meeting with senior ministers, […]

A people-smuggler who fled the UK after 39 Vietnamese nationals were found dead in the back of a lorry is facing jail. Dragos Stefan Damian, 28, was extradited from Italy to face a UK court following the investigation into the deaths of the men, women and children. The victims’ bodies were found in a lorry trailer after it was transported by ferry from Zeebrugge to Purfleet in Essex, early on […]

The Power Of The Dog won top honours at the Bafta film awards, where sci-fi blockbuster Dune also collected a string of gongs. The Power Of The Dog won top honours at the Bafta film awards, where sci-fi blockbuster Dune also collected a string of gongs. Will Smith and Joanna Scanlan were named winners of the top acting prizes, while No Time To Die actress Lashana Lynch was crowned EE […]

A mother has paid tribute to her “beautiful” 18-year-old son, after he was stabbed to death. A mother has paid tribute to her “beautiful” 18-year-old son, after he was stabbed to death. Abdikarim Abdalla Ahmed was stabbed on Market Street in Bury, Lancashire, shortly before 4pm on Friday. Emergency services treated him at the scene before he was taken to hospital, where he died. A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be […]

A Just Stop Oil protest has taken place near the red carpet for the Bafta film awards. A Just Stop Oil protest has taken place near the red carpet for the Bafta film awards. Protesters at the Royal Albert Hall in London could be heard chanting “just stop oil” and banging drums while surrounded by police. A statement from the organisation said that 30 young supporters of the campaign disrupted […]

Citizens Advice Scotland estimate over 236,000 did not have debt pre-pandemic, but do now More than 600,000 adults in Scotland entered debt during the pandemic, or saw their pre-existing debt get worse, according to new analysis. Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said that from its analysis of YouGov polling it estimates that 364,004 Scottish adults had debt before the pandemic which has got worse. A further 236,602 Scottish adults did not […]

That's according to the former head of the British armed forces, General Sir Nick Carter The former head of the British armed forces has said Russian leaders will be questioning “what they have unleashed” in Ukraine. General Sir Nick Carter told Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby on his BBC Radio 4 show The Archbishop Interviews that the people of Ukraine will be “suffering significantly” for years following the invasion. It […]

Permafrost, the frozen ground that covers around 60% of Russian territory, is estimated to hold twice as much greenhouse gas as the atmosphere Scientists trying to piece together data on the stability of one of the earth’s largest carbon sinks could see their work hampered by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Permafrost, the frozen ground that covers around 60% of Russian territory, is estimated to hold twice as much greenhouse […]

63 galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural venues will benefit from the support Arts and culture venues in England are set to share £48 million of funding to support their recovery and safeguard their future. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that 63 galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural venues will benefit from the support. It has said that the funding is part of the […]

The winning entry was made with vegetarian jackfruit ‘steak’, gluten-free craft ale and black pepper A vegetarian and gluten-free pie has claimed the Supreme Champion crown at this year’s British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray. There were 23 different classes of hot and cold savoury and dessert pies and pasties for the 151 judges to consider at the competition, which returned to its traditional March timing after the pandemic saw […]

The Princess Royal made the announcement during a visit to the TS Queen Mary, which is undergoing careful restoration in Glasgow A famous steam ship which once carried passengers including the Queen Mother and King George V is to sail again on the River Clyde. The Princess Royal made the announcement on Friday during a visit to the TS Queen Mary, which is undergoing careful restoration in Glasgow. Originally it […]

New stamp designs have been created based on heroes of the pandemic The Prince of Wales has voiced his appreciation for the act of sending letters as he met winners of a children’s competition for new stamp designs based on heroes of the pandemic. The winning eight designs, chosen from more than 600,000 entries, feature NHS workers, a scientist, a delivery driver and Captain Sir Tom Moore. Charles welcomed the […]

It is to rebrand as Evri Courier giant Hermes is to change its name and invest millions of pounds in pensions for its employees, the company has announced. The GMB union said it was a “breakthrough” deal which will give couriers proper retirement plans and the right to maternity and paternity leave. Hermes is to rebrand as Evri, with a new logo rolled out across the country. The move was […]

That's according to a report from MP's Leaseholders should not pay a penny to put right faults that are not of their doing in order to make their homes safe, MPs have said in a report into building safety remediation. The cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee issued a report in response to plans outlined in January by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove. Mr Gove said in January […]

Boris Johnson has condemned a reported Russian strike on a Ukrainian hospital as “depraved” as he vowed to step up support to the beleaguered Ukrainian military. Ukrainian officials reported that the maternity and children’s hospital in the besieged port city of Mariupol was severely damaged in the attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as an “atrocity” and reiterated his call to Western nations to impose a no-fly zone. In […]

Andy Burnham’s decision to reform bus services to bring them under public control in Greater Manchester was not unlawful, a High Court judge has found in a ruling against two bus companies. In March 2021, the mayor of the region made the decision to implement the Greater Manchester Franchising Scheme after consultations and a recommendation from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Bus companies Stagecoach Manchester and Rotala, the two […]

A British nuclear materials expert has warned that the reported cutting of power to the Chernobyl site could see the “complete failure” of the £1.25 billion programme to make the site safe. Professor Claire Corkhill, who is Chair in Nuclear Material Degradation in the University of Sheffield’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, was speaking after Ukrainian authorities said the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster had been knocked […]

Liverpool suffered their first Anfield defeat in a year after a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Inter Milan but still progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League courtesy of their two-goal first-leg advantage. Lautaro Martinez’s 61st-minute goal had given the visitors a chance of overturning the deficit but Alexis Sanchez’s red card for a second bookable offence less than two minutes later blew a hole in their hopes. Liverpool, who […]

Social media sites and search engines will be legally required to prevent paid-for scam adverts from appearing on their platforms as part of updated proposals for new online safety laws. Under the current draft of the Online Safety Bill, platforms will have a duty of care to protect users from fraud committed by other users, but the proposals have now been updated to also bring fraudulent paid-for adverts that appear […]

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky invoked British war leader Sir Winston Churchill in an emotional address to MPs, vowing to fight invading Russian troops in the air, sea and on the streets. In a speech to the House of Commons that was greeted before and after by standing ovations, Mr Zelensky repeated his call for a no-fly zone to be established by the West, begging for the UK to “make sure […]

Ed Sheeran has denied he “borrows” ideas from unknown songwriters without acknowledgement, during a High Court trial over the copyright of his hit song Shape Of You. The singer began giving live evidence on Monday as part of his legal battle with two songwriters, Sami Chokri and Ross O’Donoghue, who allege Mr Sheeran’s 2017 song rips off parts of their track Oh Why – something he denies. On Friday, at […]

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting plans to ensure Shane Warne’s legacy lives on through the new generation of cricketers by passing on the things he learned from the spin great. Warne died in Thailand on Friday at the age of 52 after suffering a suspected heart attack. The former leg-spinner took 708 Test wickets, the second-highest ever, in 145 Tests and is generally considered one of the best players in […]

Cabbies in London are queuing at ranks rather than driving in search of passengers because of spiralling diesel costs. Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said “extortionate” fuel prices are having a major impact on the drivers of the 10,000 diesel-powered black cabs on the capital’s roads. Latest figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of the fuel has reached […]

Boris Johnson has been urged to tell a powerful parliamentary committee everything he knows about Russian-born media mogul Evgeny Lebedev’s elevation to the House of Lords. Boris Johnson has been urged to tell a powerful parliamentary committee everything he knows about Russian-born media mogul Evgeny Lebedev’s elevation to the House of Lords. Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has written to the Prime Minister following a report in The Sunday […]

Care must be taken to make sure a shake-up to divorce rules does not negatively impact women’s pension rights, according to a former pensions minister. Care must be taken to make sure a shake-up to divorce rules does not negatively impact women’s pension rights, according to a former pensions minister. Divorced women can already be at high risk of poverty in retirement because often relatively little attention is given to […]

A Hampshire couple have set off in their motorhome with “literally a tonne of sweets” to offer assistance to people fleeing Ukraine. A Hampshire couple have set off in their motorhome with “literally a tonne of sweets” to offer assistance to people fleeing Ukraine. Laura Rice, 62, and her husband Ken, 65, from Andover, set off in Molly the motorhome on Saturday with the intention of reaching the border between […]

He took 708 test wickets, second only to Muttiah Muralitharan Australia great Shane Warne, one of the finest bowlers of all time who revived the art of leg-spin, has died aged 52 following a suspected heart attack. Warne – a larger-than-life character whose 708 Test wickets has only been surpassed by contemporary rival and fellow spinner Muttiah Muralitharan – could not be revived after being found unresponsive in his Thailand […]

Gavin Williamson, who was twice sacked as a Cabinet minister and oversaw the exams fiasco during the coronavirus pandemic, has been given a knighthood by Boris Johnson. Downing Street said on Thursday that the Queen has approved the honour for the Tory MP, who was widely criticised for a series of errors as education secretary. The Prime Minister sacked Mr Williamson from that role in September and he was previously […]

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has welcomed Roman Abramovich’s decision to put Chelsea up for sale and insisted a deal could be concluded “relatively quickly.” The Russian-Israeli billionaire has owned the Blues since 2003 and helped the club win 19 major trophies but his glittering reign at Stamford Bridge is close to an end. Abramovich announced on Wednesday he had made the “incredibly difficult decision” to put Chelsea up […]

Thirty-six Scots have died with coronavirus in the past 24 hours, figures have revealed, as another 9,491 cases were reported. There were 1,272 people in hospital on Wednesday with a recently confirmed case of Covid-19, Scottish Government statistics showed, with 16 in intensive care. Ten of these had been in intensive care for longer than 28 days. The latest figures showed 36 people had died within the past day with […]

Kylie Minogue has said she will be “forever grateful” for her time on Neighbours, after it was confirmed that the long-running Australian soap would stop production in June. It was announced that the daytime drama, which has been shown on UK television for more than 30 years, will end after it lost its key UK broadcaster partner and failed to find alternative funding. The popular show helped launch the careers […]

The University of Edinburgh has shares worth more than £1 million in a bank sanctioned after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has been revealed. As of January this year, records show the university has £1,109,251 in Sberbank stock, held via fund manager Baillie Gifford, which is based in the Scottish capital. The lender, Russia’s largest bank, has already caused tension at Holyrood in the last week as the Scottish Parliamentary […]

Russia has renewed its assault on Ukraine’s second-largest city in a pounding that lit up the skyline with balls of fire over populated areas, even as both sides said they are ready to resume talks aimed at stopping the new devastating war in Europe. The escalation of attacks on crowded cities followed an initial round of talks between outgunned Ukraine and nuclear power Russia on Monday that resulted in only […]

Fuel prices have hit a new record high as the cost of oil soars due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts was 151.67p on Tuesday, up from 151.16p on Monday. The average cost of a litre of diesel is also at a record high, reaching 155.23p. RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams warned prices […]

Boris Johnson accused Vladimir Putin of committing war crimes as he condemned “abhorrent” attacks on the citizens of Ukraine. The UK fears the Russian leader will unleash even greater force against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in the coming days. The Prime Minister spoke to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday morning, promising further support and weapons for the forces resisting Russia’s military. Strikes that damaged the Babi Yar Holocaust […]

They are braced for largest spike in fares since 2013 Train passengers in England and Wales will be hit with the largest fare rises in nearly a decade from today. Campaign group Railfuture accused the UK Government of “stoking the fire of the cost of living crisis” by enabling an increase in ticket prices of up to 3.8%. The cap on fare rises in England and Wales matches the Retail […]

The decision affects tournaments including the Champions League, and the World Cup Russia have been suspended from all UEFA and FIFA competitions, including the World Cup play-offs, the governing bodies have announced. Continental bosses UEFA and global governors FIFA have made the joint decision on a temporary expulsion for Russia from all club and national fixtures. Both UEFA and FIFA have removed Russia from all fixtures until “football can again […]

Liz Truss says all Russian banks would be hit with a full asset freeze within days Britain has announced new sanctions against Russian banks to heap pressure on Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine, as Downing Street eyed the possibility that economic pressure could bring down the Russian president’s regime. Boris Johnson said Mr Putin had made a “colossal mistake” in invading Ukraine, and praised the country for its […]

Boris Johnson told the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family on Sunday evening that he holds “no hostility” to the Russian people but there is “no possible excuse” for its leadership to choose to invade Ukraine. Boris Johnson told the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family on Sunday evening that he holds “no hostility” to the Russian people but there is “no possible excuse” for its leadership to choose to […]

Campaigners supporting Ukraine continue to be defiant in Edinburgh as thousands marched through the capital’s streets to condemn Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine. Campaigners supporting Ukraine continue to be defiant in Edinburgh as thousands marched through the capital’s streets to condemn Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine. Sounds of beating drums and bells rang out through the city as demonstrators headed from the Russian consulate to the Scottish Parliament […]

International charities and community groups are calling for donations to aid humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and to help those who flee the country. International charities and community groups are calling for donations to aid humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and to help those who flee the country. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) updated its estimate on the number of refugees that have left Ukraine, saying the total stands […]

Facebook is prohibiting Russian state media from advertising or monetising on its platform amid the invasion of Ukraine. The firm’s head of security policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, said in a statement: “We are now prohibiting Russian state media from running ads or monetising on our platform anywhere in the world. “We also continue to apply labels to additional Russian state media. “These changes have already begun rolling out and will continue […]

Charlie Ewels insists England aim to entertain while playing tough against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday. It is a make or break round-three clash between the rivals, who must win if they are to remain in the Guinness Six Nations title hunt after losing in the opening round. Twickenham will welcome its first home crowd in the tournament since March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and Ewels is determined […]

British Airways has cancelled all short-haul flights from Heathrow until midday and further disruption is expected throughout Saturday due to ongoing technical issues. The airline said the problem, which may also cause delays for its customers using Gatwick and London City Airport, is related to a hardware issue and is not because of a cyber attack. The major outage has caused cancellations and delays of flights, pile-ups of luggage and […]

The West’s chosen sanctions against Russia are misaligned with the urgency of the situation in Ukraine, as Moscow will only feel their “bite” in a matter of weeks and months, an expert has warned. Professor Kataryna Wolczuk, an associate fellow of the Chatham House think tank’s Russia and Eurasia programme, warned that the action from the West is “asymmetric” with Russian aggression, as Ukraine is “counting its time in terms […]

Former One Direction star Harry Styles’s stalker has been remanded in custody after allegedly forcing her way into his house. The Watermelon Sugar singer was at his north London home when Diana Tarazaga-Orero, 28, is said to have arrived last Wednesday. The Spanish national, a transgender woman, is accused of using violence to force her way inside, pushing a woman working at the address into a wall. Tarazaga-Orero, who was […]

Paris will host this season’s Champions League final after the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to St Petersburg being stripped of its right to stage the match. The UEFA executive committee held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss its response to the crisis and has opted to remove the showpiece match from the 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena in Russia’s second-largest city. A statement from European football’s governing body read: “The […]

The Scottish Football Association is in talks with UEFA over the situation facing Scotland’s World Cup play-off opponents Ukraine. Ukraine are due to visit Hampden on March 24 in a play-off semi-final but football in the country has been suspended in the wake of Russia’s invasion. The fate of the game will be on the agenda at a UEFA executive committee meeting on Friday. An SFA spokesperson told the PA […]

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has said he will boycott the Russian Grand Prix. Formula One bosses are under increasing pressure to cancel the race – scheduled to take place on September 25 – after Russia president Vladimir Putin declared an invasion on neighbouring Ukraine. UEFA is understood to be drawing up contingency plans over where to host the Champions League final, with the showpiece due to take place in […]

Boris Johnson has vowed that Britain “cannot and will not just look away” as Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine and pledged to unite with allies to respond with a massive package of sanctions designed to “hobble the Russian economy”. In a televised statement at midday, the Prime Minister said the world could not stand by and allow the freedom of Ukraine to be “snuffed out” as Moscow hit […]

Politicians in Ukraine have approved a nationwide state of emergency amid fears of an all-out Russian invasion. The parliament approved Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decree that imposes the measure for 30 days starting on Thursday. The state of emergency allows authorities to impose restrictions on movement, block rallies and ban political parties and organizations “in the interests of national security and public order”. The move follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s […]

George Ezra will perform at the Platinum Party At The Palace celebrating the Queen’s 70-year Jubilee, it has been announced. The singer, 28, is the first act to be revealed for the live concert on June 4 which celebrates Britain’s longest serving monarch. Appearing on The One Show live from Buckingham Palace, Capital Breakfast presenter Roman Kemp stood in the music room to announce the news. In a statement, award-winning […]

The Duke of Sussex has launched a High Court libel action against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Court filings show Harry filed a claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) on Wednesday afternoon. It is understood the claim relates to an article published by The Mail On Sunday on Sunday February 20 relating to issues on his family’s security, under the headline “Revealed: How Harry tried to keep his legal […]

Germany has taken steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, as the West started taking punitive measures against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis. Mr Scholz told reporters in Berlin that his government was taking the measure in response to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. The pipeline bringing natural gas from Russia to Germany has long been criticised by the […]

Vladimir Putin appears “bent on a full-scale invasion” of Ukraine, Boris Johnson warned as he vowed to swiftly introduce the “first barrage” of sanctions against Russia. The Prime Minister said on Tuesday that the Russian president had “completely torn up international law” and is seemingly intent on capturing the capital of Kyiv. Mr Johnson’s warnings came after Moscow ordered troops into two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, allegedly to carry […]

Tyson Fury says Dillian Whyte has signed his side of the contract which paves the way for a world heavyweight title contest between the British rivals. Whyte, a mandatory challenger for the WBC title for several years, had until 6am on Tuesday to put pen to paper after Fury’s co-promoter Frank Warren won the purse bids with an offer of 41million US dollars (£30million). The 33-year-old Londoner is entitled to […]

The Prime Minister has also told MPs that free universal testing will end in April eople who test positive for coronavirus will no longer be legally required to isolate from Thursday, and free universal testing will end in April under Boris Johnson’s plan for “living with Covid”. The Prime Minister detailed the strategy for England to the Commons late on Monday afternoon after a Cabinet disagreement thought to centre on […]

British entrepreneur Jamal Edwards has died at the age of 31, according to his manager. Edwards gained fame from setting up new music platform SBTV – helping to launch a string of UK music careers including Dave and Jessie J. His manager told the PA news agency that Edwards died on Sunday morning. In 2014, the then 24-year-old was awarded an MBE for his services to music. Edwards was a […]

Rail services were disrupted on Sunday because of a strike by train conductors in a dispute over pay. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at TransPennine Express walked out, with further stoppages planned in the coming weeks. The action led to a “significant” reduction in services, hitting travellers including fans going to the Leeds v Manchester United Premier League game. The union said the strike was solidly […]

The Prime Minister has admitted that hard-hitting financial sanctions may not be enough to prevent Russian president Vladimir Putin from signing off an invasion of Ukraine. Boris Johnson warned that a Russian incursion across the border into Ukraine “could be the biggest war in Europe” since the Second World War, with casualties on both sides. The British leader, in comments made while at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, said […]

The Democratic Unionist Party has been left “devastated” by the sudden death of Christopher Stalford, party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said. The DUP MLA, who died suddenly at the age of 39, was described as someone who was “very articulate” and had a great sense of humour. The south Belfast representative and father-of-four died suddenly over the weekend. Political representatives from across Northern Ireland have been paying tribute to […]

England were held to a goalless draw by an organised Spain side in the second round of fixtures in the Arnold Clark Cup. After a 1-1 draw against Canada in the opening round, England went into the game looking to make a mark against a Spain side built around a core of players from Champions League winners Barcelona. Sarina Wiegman made eight changes from the Canada clash and the Lionesses […]

London’s O2 arena remains closed this weekend after parts of its roof were ripped off by Storm Eunice. In footage shared on social media the venue’s white roof covering could be seen flapping in the high winds after parts of it were torn away from supporting ribs the storm on Friday. Upcoming gigs scheduled include rapper Dave on Monday and Tuesday, and UB40 on Friday. In a post on Twitter, […]

Two in five shoppers received a substitute product in their latest online grocery order, with duck paste instead of duct tape and sausage rolls in place of toilet rolls among the stranger replacements, a poll has found. Aldi, which has a click and collect shopping service, was narrowly the most likely of the nine online supermarkets to put substitutions in customer orders, with 49% of its customers reporting that they […]

Hundreds of thousands of people remain without power and widespread disruption to travel services is continuing into Saturday in the wake of Storm Eunice. A clean-up is set to begin after the storm brought damage, disruption and record-breaking gusts of wind to the UK and Ireland, leading to the deaths of at least four people. As of Friday night the number of households without power listed by providers was: 6,000 […]

Weather warning continue in some parts of the UK on Saturday Four people have been killed, with several others injured, as Storm Eunice brought damage, disruption and potentially record-breaking gusts of wind to the UK and Ireland. A woman in her 30s died after a tree fell on a car in Haringey, north London, on Friday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said. It was the first confirmed death in England related […]

She left the rink crying because of her mistakes in the performace International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has launched a scathing attack on the team behind Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old figure skater at the centre of a drugs probe who wilted under the global glare of the Winter Olympics in Beijing on Thursday night. Bach said he was “disturbed” by the “chilling” attitude of Valieva’s coaches as she left […]

We're being told to avoid travelling Millions were bracing for “dangerous conditions” as winds from the second storm in a week prompted two rare red weather warnings for much of the south of England and part of Wales. The second rare highest alert – meaning a high impact is very likely – was issued to run from 10am until 3pm over the East of England on Friday due to fears […]

Thousands of homes have been left without power after Storm Dudley swept through parts of the UK. Capel Curig in Wales experienced gusts of up to 81mph, with Emley Moore in Yorkshire and Drumalbin in South Lanarkshire seeing 74mph winds. Northern Powergrid stated that as of 9pm on Wednesday, around 4,000 people were still without power. National Rail said as of 7am Thursday, dozens of train companies have been affected […]

He's on Netflix Kanye West told fans “never to give up on your dreams” as the first part of a new documentary about his life aired on Netflix. Film-maker Clarence “Coodie” Simmons helms the three-part series, dubbed Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy, alongside Chike Ozah. The 90 minute first episode, titled act i: VISION, was released on February 16 with the second part due on February 23. The global megastar and […]

It's all because of working from home Nearly nine million bedrooms have been “lost” as people have adapted their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a property website. Four in 10 (41%) homeowners have changed their property to better suit their needs, Zoopla found. Among those making changes, more than half (53%) have entirely repurposed at least one bedroom while some have lost multiple bedrooms. Zoopla estimated from the […]

Troops on border could still invade Russia has the ability to “overwhelm” Ukraine despite claims to have pulled back some forces from the border, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has warned. He urged caution about the “direction of travel from the Kremlin” as efforts to resolve the crisis by diplomatic means continued. Mr Wallace, who is in Brussels for talks with fellow Nato defence ministers, said there needs to be “clear […]

The Duke of York is facing a renewed call to give up one of his last remaining major titles after agreeing to settle the civil sex assault claim against him for what is widely reported to be a multimillion-pound sum. Andrew, whose status as a member of the royal family was left in tatters last month after the Queen stripped him of his honorary military roles and he gave up […]

The Coca-Cola bottling business for the UK and Europe has almost doubled its profits for the past year after it was boosted by the reopening of hospitality and acquisitions. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) hailed an “extraordinary year” which saw it post a 98.5% rise in profits after tax to 988 million euro (£828.5 million) for 2021, compared with the previous year. It added that revenues increased by 30% for the […]

The family of a cinematographer shot and killed on the set of the film Rust is suing Alec Baldwin and the movie’s producers for wrongful death, their attorneys said. Lawyers for the family of Halyna Hutchins announced the lawsuit filed in New Mexico in the name of Hutchins’ husband, Matthew Hutchins, and their son, Andros, at a Los Angeles news conference. At least three other lawsuits have been filed over […]

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is ready for talks with the US and Nato on limits for missile deployments and military transparency, in a new sign of easing East-West tensions. The statement came after Russia announced it was pulling back some troops from exercises that have raised fears of a potential invasion of Ukraine. Speaking after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Mr Putin said the US and […]

The Government needs to “get its house in order” if it is serious about tackling “dirty money” from Russia coming into the UK, Keir Starmer has said. The Labour leader also called for the Government to “go now and go hard” with sanctions against Russia, as he said the Prime Minister should return all “Russian-linked” donations to the Conservative party over the last 10 years. Sir Keir made the comments […]

That's according to Boris Johnson and Joe Biden A “crucial window for diplomacy and for Russia to step back from its threats towards Ukraine” remains, Boris Johnson and Joe Biden have said. The two leaders agreed during a call on Monday evening that western allies should stay “united in the face of Russian threats”, and will keep in close contact as the situation develops, according to a No 10 spokesperson. […]

The former X Factor winner has revealed her baby bump in a video on Instagram Alexandra Burke has revealed she is expecting with her first child with footballer boyfriend Darren Randolph. The former X Factor winner, 33, shared the news in a video on Instagram, which showed her revealing her baby bump. She captioned the video “Due June 2022.” The video shows Burke and Randolph on a country walk with […]

The regulator says the four firms involved, Clearpay, Klarna, Laybuy and Openpay, have fully co-operated Some buy now, pay later firms have agreed to change terms in their customer contracts to make them fairer and easier to understand. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it was concerned there was a potential risk of harm to consumers as a result of the way some firms’ terms had been drafted. The four […]

Britons with spouses in Ukraine have told of being “worried” and “frustrated” at being unable to see their loved ones as the prospect of a Russian invasion looms. Britons with spouses in Ukraine have told of being “worried” and “frustrated” at being unable to see their loved ones as the prospect of a Russian invasion looms. Thousands of Britons are being urged to leave the country immediately after the Foreign […]

TV producer Beryl Vertue, whose company created the hit series Men Behaving Badly and Sherlock, has died aged 90. TV producer Beryl Vertue, whose company created the hit series Men Behaving Badly and Sherlock, has died aged 90. The influential media executive “passed away peacefully” on Saturday surrounded by family. Across her varied career, Vertue progressed from secretary to talent agent before establishing herself as an award-winning producer of TV […]

An NHS hospital doctor has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. An NHS hospital doctor has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. The Sunday Times reported the arrest was for child sexual assault and followed complaints about the examinations of two girls aged seven and 15 at a hospital. Staffordshire Police confirmed there was an “ongoing” investigation into the actions of a 34-year-old West Midlands man who had […]

The chances of problems with the Northern Ireland Protocol being resolved before Stormont Assembly elections in May are “quite small”, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said. Sir Jeffrey said there was “very little progress” in ongoing discussions between the UK Government and the EU. European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss met in London on Friday as part of their attempt to break the deadlock over […]

Supermarket staples like pasta, tinned tomatoes and strawberry jam increased in price by around 8% in just one year. According to new figures, the overall price of a basket of 15 standard food items rose by £1.32. The data analysed by the BBC came from the retail research firm Assosia, which tracked the average cost of grocery items at Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. The company recorded more than 17,000 […]

Charlotte Bankes exited the Beijing Winter Olympics without a medal after finishing fifth in the mixed team snowboard-cross competition with team-mate Huw Nightingale at Genting Snow Park on Saturday. The 26-year-old Bankes arrived in the Chinese capital as reigning world champion and one of Britain’s best medal hopes but fluffed her lines in the individual event and was knocked out in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Bankes also missed out in […]

So far, around 60% of eligible young people between the ages of 18 and 34 have been boosted Some of the UK’s leading dating apps have joined forces to encourage young people to get their Covid-19 booster vaccinations ahead of Valentine’s Day. Tinder, Match, OurTime, OkCupid, Hinge, Plenty of Fish and Grindr have all backed the Get Boosted Now campaign, and some will also offer users the chance to use […]

Neil Coyle is the MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark A Labour MP has had the party whip suspended following allegations that he made racist comments to a journalist on the Parliamentary estate. Neil Coyle, the MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, has been accused of using offensive language in conversation with a reporter at Strangers’ Bar, who said it caused him to feel “uncomfortable in my place of work”. […]

Inmates in open prisons will be able to apply for apprenticeships in sectors such as hospitality and construction Prisoners will be able to study for apprenticeships to keep them on “the straight and narrow”, the Government has announced. For the first time, the law change will allow inmates in open prisons to apply for apprenticeships in sectors such as hospitality and construction. “Currently prisoners are unable to take advantage of […]

The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement following the resignation of it's Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick. She wrote: It is with huge sadness that following contact with the Mayor of London today, it is clear that the Mayor no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership to continue. He has left me no choice but to step aside as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. At his request, I have […]

It's on 18th March Tom Daley has been seen knitting red noses on the end of a diving board ahead of his Red Nose Day challenge, where he will be tackling a four-day journey from London to Plymouth by foot, water, boat and bike. Daley, 27, took up knitting just before the first lockdown in March 2020 and has previously said the hobby comes as a welcome distraction when he […]

Protests were held in York today Pig farmers are in a “desperate” position – with culls of thousands of healthy animals and producers quitting the industry, they warned as a summit was held on the crisis. Farmers demonstrated outside a meeting in York on Thursday as industry representatives met with the Environment Department (Defra) about the problems facing the pig production sector. The National Pig Association (NPA) said the backlog […]

Kurt Zouma’s two cats have been taken into the care of the RSPCA and the defender has been fined “the maximum amount possible” by West Ham following the mistreatment of his pet. Zouma, who played against Watford in the Premier League on Tuesday night, has been widely condemned after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping the animal. The RSPCA swiftly rebuked the “very upsetting” video after it […]

Little Mix have reminisced about their past performances at the Brit Awards as they congratulated the nominees and winners from this year’s show. The girl band were nominated for best British group and best international song for Heartbreak Anthem featuring Galantis and David Guetta, but missed out on the top prizes during Tuesday night’s ceremony in London. They made history last year as the first female band to win the […]

Bolton have issued banning orders to 14 of the club’s supporters after incidents of disorder and anti-social behaviour at three recent matches. Alongside the Greater Manchester Police, Bolton investigated incidents at the home games against Sunderland and Cambridge and last Saturday’s fixture at Morecambe. The banning orders have been issued to individuals aged 15-57. Eight orders were issued following incidents at Morecambe, where the match was stopped for around 10 […]

Joel Corry has said he expects Adele to “blow the roof off” the O2 Arena when she performs live during the Brit Awards. The chart-topping DJ and dance music producer was among the stars from the world of music arriving at the annual event. Clara Amfo and Maya Jama are welcoming award nominees during the red carpet show, while comedian Mo Gilligan will host this year’s ceremony, replacing Jack Whitehall […]

The Brit Awards is one of the first major red carpets of 2022, setting the tone for what styles are going to be fashionable this year. And it would seem like one particular look is dominating: the nearly naked trend. This is not a new trend – it has been popular on the Brits red carpet as far back as the Nineties – but has seen a resurgence over the […]

Oil giant BP has posted its highest annual profit in eight years amid mounting pressure on the sector as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. The group revealed it swung to a mammoth 12.8 billion US dollar (£9.5 billion) underlying replacement cost profit – its preferred measure – for 2021 from losses of 5.7 billion US dollars (£4.2 billion) the previous year. It notched up 4.07 billion US dollars (£3.01 billion) of […]

They will host more than 80 hours of Paralympics coverage around the clock The presenting team for Channel 4’s coverage of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will be made up entirely of disabled presenters and pundits in what the broadcaster says is a “global first” for a “world class sporting event”. The broadcaster has exclusive broadcast rights within the UK for the event. It will host more than 80 […]

It comes from a consortium led by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh University researchers say a new project examining the impact of moving key public services online on minority ethnic communities will play “an important role in tackling racial inequality”. A consortium led by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has launched what it described as the “world-leading study” after winning £3.3 million of funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Protecting […]

That's according to the TUC Millions of low-paid workers are facing a “perfect storm” of higher energy bills and tax rises while Universal Credit (UC) falls behind the cost of living, according to a new report. The TUC said its research suggested the number of workers on UC has increased by 1.3 million since just before the start of the pandemic. The union organisation called on the Government to improve […]

A British man awaiting trial in Greece over a protest against the Beijing Olympics has voiced fears that the case has been delayed until after the Games to avoid embarrassment to China. A British man awaiting trial in Greece over a protest against the Beijing Olympics has voiced fears that the case has been delayed until after the Games to avoid embarrassment to China. Jason Leith, 34, faces up to […]

A “broken and distraught” mother of a 20-year-old man stabbed to death in a town near Manchester has paid tribute to her “lovely” son. A “broken and distraught” mother of a 20-year-old man stabbed to death in a town near Manchester has paid tribute to her “lovely” son. At 9.30pm on Friday, Greater Manchester Police were called by the ambulance service responding to a report of a stabbing on Cheetham […]

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted with Harvey Elliott’s “fairytale” comeback from a serious ankle injury Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted with Harvey Elliott’s “fairytale” comeback from a serious ankle injury after the teenager scored his first goal for the club in the 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Cardiff. The 18-year-old marked his return from almost five months out with a fracture dislocation in September with a brilliant […]

Four men have been arrested after a flare was thrown onto the pitch during the FA Cup tie involving West Ham and Kidderminster Harriers. Four men have been arrested after a flare was thrown onto the pitch during the FA Cup tie involving West Ham and Kidderminster Harriers. West Mercia Police said the suspects, aged in their 20s and 30s and from Birmingham, Hampshire and Kidderminster, were arrested on suspicion […]

The Duke of York is due to give evidence under oath next month as part of the civil sex assault case against him. The Duke of York is due to give evidence under oath next month as part of the civil sex assault case against him. Andrew will face what is known as a deposition on March 10 in London, in what has been described as a neutral location. A […]

Boris Johnson has announced two new appointments to Downing Street in an attempt to try and steady the ship after a tumultuous week. Boris Johnson has announced two new appointments to Downing Street in an attempt to try and steady the ship after a tumultuous week. No 10 announced on Saturday evening that Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay will become the PM’s chief of staff and will […]

It follows comments made after the Euro 2020 final A football fan has admitted racially abusing former England defender Rio Ferdinand following the Euro 2020 final. Robert Whippe, 54, pleaded guilty at St Albans Magistrates’ Court to two counts of sending a grossly offensive message to Mr Ferdinand over his commentary on the Wembley final, the Crown Prosecution Service said. After England lost to Italy in a penalty shoot-out, Whippe […]

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf says reaching 15 million tests is a “major milestone” More than 15 million PCR tests have been carried out in Scotland since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, a figure hailed as a “milestone” for health teams across the country. A total of 15,092,074 of the tests, which include those performed by NHS Scotland, three NHS regional hubs and the network of health board diagnostic labs, […]

She has signed with the Germany-based music company BMG. Rita Ora has signed a record deal with BMG that gives her ownership of all future master recordings. The singer, whose hits include Let You Love Me and For You, said it is “empowering” knowing she is now in control of her music. Germany-based music company BMG features a roster of artists that includes Kylie Minogue, YouTuber and rapper KSI, and […]

The deposed statue of slave trader Edward Colston should be put on display in a museum in its current state, an independent commission has recommended. The We Are Bristol History Commission said the statue should enter the permanent collection of Bristol’s museum service and preserved in its current condition. It said it should be exhibited and the history of Colston should be presented in a “nuanced, contextualised and engaging way”. […]

Boris Johnson has defended the Government’s package to ease the impact of the cost-of-living crisis after the Chancellor said he could not rule out further rises later in the year. Rishi Sunak on Thursday announced a £9 billion package, including a one-off repayable £200 discount and a £150 rebate on council tax bills, and £144 million to councils to support vulnerable households amid surging energy prices. The Chancellor added he […]

West Brom have appointed Steve Bruce as their new manager on an 18-month contract. The 61-year-old is back in work having been sacked at Newcastle in October following the club’s takeover and is charged with taking the Baggies back to the Premier League. Bruce has plenty of experience of that, winning promotion from the Championship four times, and has managed in the midlands previously with both Aston Villa and Birmingham. […]

Boris Johnson has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that a further incursion into Ukraine would be a “tragic miscalculation” as they finally held their delayed call. The Prime Minister expressed his “deep concern” about Russia massing an estimated 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border when they spoke on Wednesday afternoon. Downing Street said Mr Johnson stressed during a call lasting around 45 minutes that Ukraine has a right to aspire […]

Ryanair has failed in its bid to overturn a court ruling that it cannot avoid paying compensation to passengers affected by industrial action. Tens of thousands of customers were affected when flights were cancelled due to a series of walkouts by pilots and cabin crew during the summer of 2018. The Dublin-based carrier claimed it was exempt from awarding compensation because the disruption was due to “extraordinary circumstances”. But the […]

Doctors of colour in the UK “live in fear” because of racism in the NHS, according to one psychiatrist. At least 75% of ethnic minority doctors have experienced racism in the last two years, according to a report from the British Medical Association (BMA) which was shared with the BBC. Ahmed Hankir, a psychiatrist working in London, said the statistic was “no surprise” to him. “It was painful to read, […]

The findings of a police investigation into parties in No 10 and Whitehall should be made public, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said. The findings of a police investigation into parties in No 10 and Whitehall should be made public, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said. Police are investigating 12 separate gatherings – including three that Boris Johnson is known to have attended and one in the Prime Minister’s Downing Street flat […]

Boris Johnson is visiting Ukraine today. The UK is set to provide tens of millions of pounds in an attempt to shore up democracy in Ukraine and reduce the country’s reliance on Russian energy as Boris Johnson held out hope he could defuse tensions on the country’s border. The Prime Minister will travel to Kyiv on Tuesday as tensions remained at a fever pitch between the Kremlin and the former […]

Radio News Hub has put together some of the big moves on Transfer Deadline Day Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was on the verge of joining Barcelona on a free transfer as the January transfer window closed with Tottenham and Everton making standout moves. The 32-year-old former Gunners captain arrived in Spain on Monday morning, sparking rumours of a loan move to the LaLiga side although confusion reigned as no agreement […]

Here is Sue Gray’s report into the “partygate” allegations of lockdown-busting gatherings in No 10 and Whitehall in full. 1. On 8 December 2021 the Prime Minister asked the Cabinet Secretary to carry out an investigation into allegations reported in the media relating to gatherings in No10 Downing Street and the Department for Education during November and December 2020. 2. On 17 December 2021 the Cabinet Secretary recused himself from […]

The family say they're heartbroken Actor Leonard Fenton, who played Dr Harold Legg in EastEnders, has died at the age of 95. He appeared in the first episode of EastEnders in February 1985, with his last scenes airing in 2019. A statement from his family said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29. Best known […]

The investigation into Downing Street parties will be published today Downing Street has said the limited version of the partygate inquiry that Sue Gray handed to Boris Johnson will be published on Monday afternoon, but would not commit to publishing a fuller report after police have finished investigating. No 10 said the pared-back report into allegations of lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street will be published on Monday afternoon in the […]

Hundreds of people have attended a commemoration event to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Thirteen civil rights protesters were shot dead by British soldiers on January 30 1972 in the city. Another man shot by paratroopers on the day died four months later. While many consider him the 14th victim of Bloody Sunday, his death was formally attributed to an inoperable brain tumour. As part of the commemorative […]

The Government has announced new plans to “breathe fresh life into disadvantaged communities” across England as part of its long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper. Wolverhampton and Sheffield will be the first of 20 areas selected to benefit from a “radical new regeneration programme” launched by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). The chosen locations will be prioritised for a £1.5 billion Brownfield Fund made available from April […]

The Prime Minister is looking at doubling the number of troops deployed to strengthen Europe’s borders, as he warned an incursion from Russia into Ukraine would be a “tragedy”. Boris Johnson said the new offer to Nato currently under consideration would “send a clear message to the Kremlin” that “we will not tolerate their destabilising activity”. In addition to bolstering troop numbers, No 10 said this could involve sending defensive […]

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wants more devolved powers for Holyrood “quickly” if he becomes Prime Minister. Sir Keir has asked former prime minister Gordon Brown to recommend improvements to devolution across the United Kingdom to counter nationalist support for independence. Speaking to the Daily Record, Sir Keir said giving the Scottish Parliament more powers would be an early priority for him, were he to become Prime Minister. With Labour […]

That's according to analysis by Post Office Travel Money Prices have fallen in many European ski resorts popular with UK tourists, according to new research. The overall cost of ski school, equipment hire, lift passes, meals and drinks are lower than last year in two-thirds of the resorts analysed by Post Office Travel Money. Bansko, Bulgaria was found to have the lowest prices out of the 28 resorts surveyed – […]

Graham Norton has described RuPaul’s forthcoming global spin-off series as like a “big family reunion” – despite many of the contestants and judges never having met. Drag Race: UK Versus The World on BBC Three will see nine internationally celebrated drag queens competing to be crowned Queen of the World, with the UK as host country. Each contestant will come from show host RuPaul’s “global sisterhood”, which includes the numerous […]

A man who bombarded former Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis with social media messages, letters and gifts has been jailed for stalking. Alex Boston, 43, was sentenced to 28 weeks in prison at Sefton Complex Case Court in Bootle on Friday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. The court also issued an indefinite restraining order which bans him from contacting Ms Davis or approaching her home. The CPS said Boston, of […]

Scotland Yard has thrown the Sue Gray inquiry into disarray by constraining her report over concerns its contents may impact the police investigation into possible lockdown breaches carrying fines, it is understood. The Metropolitan Police were widely criticised for asking the senior civil servant to make only “minimal reference” to No 10 events now subject to a criminal investigation, buying more time for Boris Johnson as he faces a threat […]

A letter has been signed by more than 300 experts, including 13 members of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies in a personal capacity Allowing poorer countries to remain unvaccinated is a “reckless approach to public health”, meaning coronavirus variants are more likely to develop, scientists have warned the Government. A letter signed by more than 300 experts, including 13 members of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies […]

A teenager has been arrested after two Jewish men were attacked in north London while locking up their shop. Police were called at 9.50pm on Wednesday to the scene in Cadoxton Avenue, Haringey, after receiving reports that two men had been assaulted. They were taken to a north London hospital to be treated. One man suffered bruising and a fractured bone in his hand while the second also suffered bruising […]

Liz Truss has been accused of a “grotesque misuse of taxpayers’ money” following reports she chartered a private jet to Australia which would have cost £500,000. The Independent reported the Foreign Secretary had opted for the private flight for her trip last week due to security concerns, although commercial flights were available. The newspaper said she had travelled on the private government Airbus A321, which a senior source told them […]

There's been over 60,000 cases. Police forces in England and Wales have recorded the highest number of rapes and sexual offences in a 12-month period, figures show. There were 63,136 rapes recorded in the year to September, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), up 13% from the previous period (56,119). This was the highest recorded annual figure to date and included 17,419 offences between July and September – […]

The Duke of York has demanded a trial by jury in the civil sex case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre, also known as Virginia Roberts, alleges Prince Andrew sexually assaulted her in three different locations between 2000 and 2002. The duke submitted 11 reasons why the case should be dismissed, including that Ms Giuffre’s claims are “barred by the doctrine of consent” and by “her own wrongful […]

FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s comments about African migrants have been described as “completely unacceptable” by Kick It Out chief executive Tony Burnett. Infantino controversially referenced migrants risking drowning in the Mediterranean during a speech to the Council of Europe on Wednesday, as he spoke about the global benefits of FIFA plans to reform the international calendar which include a proposal for biennial men’s and women’s World Cups. He said: “We […]

Viral sensation Jackie Weaver will be demonstrating her knowledge of The Chronicles Of Riddick film franchise, which stars Vin Diesel, when she appears on Celebrity Mastermind next month. Weaver shot to fame last year for the way she handled a chaotic parish council meeting, in which participants were seen losing their cool and trading insults. She is among the newly announced line-up of 56 celebrities who will appear on the […]

The council overseeing the region where 16-month-old Star Hobson was murdered has had its children’s social services removed from its control. On Tuesday, the Government announced that Bradford Council’s children’s social care services would be lifted into a trust to “drive rapid improvements” following recommendations from Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to Bradford’s children’s services commissioner. The trust will be owned by the council but run at “arms-length”, with a new […]

That's according to a report from The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Investigators have been unable to determine what started the fire that swept through Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh building, causing “catastrophic damage” more than three years ago. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said that due to the extensive damage at the site and the fact physical evidence was destroyed in the fire it has been unable […]

Investigators have been unable to determine what started the fire that swept through Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh building, causing “catastrophic damage” more than three years ago. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said that due to the extensive damage at the site and the fact physical evidence was destroyed in the fire it has been unable to establish how the blaze started and recorded the origin and cause […]

Boris Johnson was facing fresh allegations of breaking coronavirus rules, after it emerged staff gathered in No 10 to wish him a happy birthday during the first lockdown. Downing Street said staff only “gathered briefly” in the Cabinet Room after a meeting, after a report from ITV News suggested up to 30 people attended. The broadcaster suggested the Prime Minister’s wife, Carrie Johnson, had organised the surprise get-together on the […]

Watford have sacked boss Claudio Ranieri after just 16 weeks in the hot seat. The well-travelled Italian signed a two-year deal at Vicarage Road in October, replacing Xisco Munoz with the side 15th, having taken seven points from their first seven Premier League games. But Ranieri only managed to double that points tally during his 13 top-flight matches in charge and has been sacked by Watford after 112 days. The […]

A charity supporting thousands of victims and survivors of sexual abuse has appealed for help to find a new base in Manchester where it can operate for free. A charity supporting thousands of victims and survivors of sexual abuse has appealed for help to find a new base in Manchester where it can operate for free. Maggie Oliver, the detective who resigned from Greater Manchester Police and went public over […]

A man has been charged with causing injury by dangerous driving after a woman was left in a critical condition when a car fell from a bridge and landed in the middle of a busy motorway A man has been charged with causing injury by dangerous driving after a woman was left in a critical condition when a car fell from a bridge and landed in the middle of a […]

Liverpool reduced the gap at the top of the Premier League table to nine points after a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace. Liverpool reduced the gap at the top of the Premier League table to nine points after a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace. Two Andrew Robertson assists helped the Reds take control, with Virgil Van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on target in the first half. But Patrick Vieira’s side […]

Welsh ports have seen a 30% fall in traffic as a result of Brexit, a shipping operator has said. Welsh ports have seen a 30% fall in traffic as a result of Brexit, a shipping operator has said. Ian Davies, boss of Stena Line’s UK ports, said the decline seen in Holyhead and Fishguard was because of the new trading relationship with the European Union and not the Covid-19 pandemic. […]

Football club Hartlepool have paid tribute to Meat Loaf by playing a number of the late singer’s hits before kick-off. Football club Hartlepool have paid tribute to Meat Loaf by playing a number of the late singer’s hits before kick-off. The rock star, born Marvin Lee Aday, who has died aged 74, sold millions of albums worldwide, with Bat Out Of Hell being one of the best selling albums of […]

Petrol prices should be cut by as much as 3p a litre despite a 10% leap in wholesale costs since Christmas, according to new analysis. Petrol prices should be cut by as much as 3p a litre despite a 10% leap in wholesale costs since Christmas, according to new analysis. Since mid-December average petrol prices have been “stuck in a rut” at between 145.5p to 146.0p a litre, the AA […]

An English astrophysicist was killed by a stray bullet that travelled through a wall and hit him in his bed, according to US authorities. An English astrophysicist was killed by a stray bullet that travelled through a wall and hit him in his bed, according to US authorities. Dr Matthew Willson, 31, from Chertsey, Surrey, was found with a single gunshot wound to the head when police were called to […]

Three studies released on Friday offer more evidence that Covid-19 vaccines are standing up to the Omicron variant, at least among people who received booster shots. They are the first large US studies to look at vaccine protection against Omicron, health officials said. The papers echo previous research – including studies in Germany, South Africa and the UK – indicating available vaccines are less effective against Omicron than earlier versions […]

Business groups have urged the Government to take urgent action to deal with the energy crisis. They wrote to the Chancellor asking him to act “decisively” to support consumers with spiralling bills and help business manage inflated costs. They said: “In doing so the Government can set the conditions for a more resilient and competitive energy system that can underpin the UK’s transition to net zero in the years ahead. […]

We Don’t Talk About Bruno from the animated film Encanto has become the first original Disney song to reach number one in the singles chart, the Official Charts Company has confirmed. The track, which was written by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, secured 6.3 million streams in the UK this week, fending off challenges from Adele and Gayle. An ensemble piece, the recording features vocal performances from cast members including Rhenzy […]

Love Island star Liberty Poole has said Dancing On Ice viewers will get to see her as an “individual having fun” instead of in a romantic partnership. The reality TV star, 22, was coupled up with Jake Cornish in the latest series of Love Island but the pair called time on their romance just before the final and left the villa early. Poole, who is paired with professional skater Joe […]

MPs’ security costs increased by nearly a third last year and could rise further following the fatal stabbing of Sir David Amess, a watchdog has revealed. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) said the amount stood at £4.4 million for the financial year 2020/21, up from £3.4 million in 2019/20. Overall, MPs’ business costs amounted to nearly £138 million in 2020/21, IPSA said. Both staffing and office costs also rose […]

Rose Ayling-Ellis has said she feels “proud” to have encouraged Strictly Come Dancing to introduce sign language interpreters at its live shows, as the tour begins in Birmingham. The EastEnders star, the BBC One programme’s first deaf contestant, and her partner Giovanni Pernice are among the former contestants and pros taking to the floor at the Utilita Arena on Thursday. For the first time, the performances will have British Sign […]

Singer Rachel Stevens will not skate in Dancing On Ice this weekend due to injury, ITV has said. The former S Club 7 star was due to be among the second batch of celebrities taking to the ice on Sunday. ITV said in a statement: “Due to an injury sustained in training and on the expert advice from the Dancing On Ice medical professionals, Rachel Stevens will not skate in […]

New Zealand’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia has been postponed due to issues concerning quarantine requirements. The Black Caps were due to travel to Australia next week ahead of a three-match one-day international series and a one-off T20 international. New Zealand Cricket has announced that, because of problems players would have returning home after the tour, the matches will have to be rearranged. Government rules in New Zealand currently require […]

Boris Johnson faces moves by Tory MPs to oust him from Downing Street in response to the row over lockdown-busting parties. The Prime Minister has come under severe pressure following revelations about gatherings held at 10 Downing Street and Whitehall during coronavirus restrictions. Here is an examination of the key issues: – What’s the row about? The Prime Minister’s position has been perilous since he admitted attending a “bring your […]

The UK’s oldest working cinema is reopening under new ownership nearly two years after the pandemic forced its closure. The 112-year-old Electric Cinema in Birmingham is preparing to open doors to its two screens once again, after it closed in March 2020. It was built in 1897 as a music hall but became a cinema in late 1909. Its new owner, Kevin Markwick, said: “It’s a lovely place to sit […]

Daniel Radcliffe is set to star in an upcoming biopic about US musical parody sensation Weird Al Yankovic. The film will follow the life and career of the comedian who rose to fame with comical spoof versions of classic songs. Yankovic said he was “thrilled” to be portrayed by the Harry Potter star. “When my last movie UHF came out in 1989, I made a solemn vow to my fans […]

Boris Johnson has publicly apologised to the Queen and the country over events in Downing Street on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. Two parties were held in No 10 at a time of national mourning and with England under restrictions banning indoor mixing of households. The Prime Minister, who was at Chequers at the time of the parties in April 2021, appeared emotional when he was asked […]