NHS waiting lists see biggest drop but A&E and cancer pressures remain

Recent data from the Welsh government reveals the largest recorded monthly reduction in NHS waiting lists, with the current number of patients awaiting treatment falling to just under 757,900—a decline of 23,400. Additionally, the number of individuals waiting two years or longer for treatment has decreased, though most of these long waits are concentrated in… Continue reading NHS waiting lists see biggest drop but A&E and cancer pressures remain

Noah Donohoe: Details of mother's call to police played at inquest

The inquest into the tragic death of Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old schoolboy from Belfast, has revealed the distressing phone call made by his mother to police on the night he disappeared. Noah’s body was discovered in a storm drain in north Belfast on 27 June 2020, six days after he went missing. A post-mortem examination… Continue reading Noah Donohoe: Details of mother's call to police played at inquest

Two charged after collapse of funeral firm Safe Hands affected 46,000 people

Two individuals have been formally charged in connection with the downfall of a pre-paid funeral company that caused significant financial losses to tens of thousands of customers. Approximately 46,000 clients were affected when Safe Hands Plans Ltd (SHP) went into administration in 2022, resulting in many losing substantial sums of money. The Serious Fraud Office… Continue reading Two charged after collapse of funeral firm Safe Hands affected 46,000 people

Swinney denies government pressure to open scandal-hit hospital

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has firmly rejected claims that the Scottish government exerted pressure to hasten the opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) despite known safety issues related to its water system. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recently acknowledged that there had been pressure to open the hospital before all safety… Continue reading Swinney denies government pressure to open scandal-hit hospital

Starmer welcomes Trump dropping threats on Greenland

Sir Keir Starmer has expressed relief following US President Donald Trump’s decision to drop his tariff threats against European countries opposing his proposal to annex Greenland. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of moving beyond rhetoric to focus on cooperation in Arctic security matters. “Now we can start hard yards and finding a way forward… Continue reading Starmer welcomes Trump dropping threats on Greenland

UK holds off joining Trump's peace board over Putin concerns

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced that the United Kingdom will not immediately commit to signing the United States’ newly proposed Board of Peace, largely due to concerns involving Russian President Vladimir Putin’s potential participation. Speaking to the BBC from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Cooper confirmed that while the UK had been… Continue reading UK holds off joining Trump's peace board over Putin concerns

Weather warnings issued for heavy rain and flooding risk in parts of the UK

The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings across parts of the UK, including a more severe amber alert for heavy rainfall. Significant precipitation is expected in regions such as eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland, and certain areas of England and Wales, raising concerns over potential flooding. Alongside this rain, strong winds are forecast, particularly affecting… Continue reading Weather warnings issued for heavy rain and flooding risk in parts of the UK

Sharp fall in government borrowing in December, figures show

According to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK government borrowing experienced a significant decrease in December. The total borrowing — which represents the difference between public spending and tax revenues — stood at £11.6 billion for the month. This figure marks a substantial reduction of £7.1 billion, or 38%, compared to… Continue reading Sharp fall in government borrowing in December, figures show

Chloe Mitchell: Barrister strike adding to trauma, say family

The family of Chloe Mitchell, who was tragically killed in Ballymena in 2023, has expressed deep distress over the ongoing barristers’ strike, describing it as adding to their trauma. Chloe, 21, went missing in June 2023, and her remains were discovered nearly a week later. The accused murderer’s trial is scheduled for February, but due… Continue reading Chloe Mitchell: Barrister strike adding to trauma, say family

Gymnastics: GB's Alice Kinsella aiming for rare return to elite competition as a mum

Gymnast Alice Kinsella is undertaking a highly uncommon journey that has even attracted academic attention in the form of a university research paper. When she arrives at the British Gymnastics training centre in Lilleshall, attention initially centers not on her, but on her infant son Parker, who is just a few months old and delighting… Continue reading Gymnastics: GB's Alice Kinsella aiming for rare return to elite competition as a mum