Author: Dave Carter

Storm Bram has caused significant disruption across large areas of the UK, bringing intense rainfall, strong winds, and warmer-than-usual temperatures for this time of year. Numerous train services, flights, and ferry crossings were cancelled, and thousands of households experienced power outages amid challenging weather conditions. In parts of Northern Ireland and northern Scotland, amber wind… Continue reading Storm Bram brings flooding and travel disruption to UK

Thirteen Labour MPs have recently supported a Liberal Democrat bill that calls on the government to initiate negotiations for the UK to join a bespoke customs union with the European Union. This move contrasts with Labour’s manifesto, which explicitly ruled out re-joining the existing EU customs union, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent statements… Continue reading Thirteen Labour MPs vote for talks on joining EU customs union

Defence Minister Luke Pollard expressed strong dismay upon learning about soldiers being injured while operating Ajax armoured vehicles, despite earlier assurances regarding their safety. This revelation followed the Army’s decision last month to suspend the use of these vehicles after 30 soldiers reported illness linked to noise and vibration exposure during a military exercise. The… Continue reading Defence minister 'disgusted' after soldiers injured in Ajax exercise

Ian Cooper, the leader of Staffordshire County Council, has stepped down following the revocation of his membership from Reform UK due to an investigation into his social media activity. Cooper had assumed leadership of the council after the local elections in May, when Reform UK gained control from the Conservatives. He will continue to serve… Continue reading Staffordshire council leader quits after social media probe

The government has appointed a former children’s commissioner to lead the inquiry into child sexual abuse committed by grooming gangs. Baroness Anne Longfield, who served as the children’s commissioner for England from 2015 until 2021, will chair the investigation following a turbulent period that saw four women resign from the survivors’ panel and the withdrawal… Continue reading Former children's commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield to lead grooming gangs inquiry

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed doubts about whether businesses are able to sustain the current minimum wage and has indicated that further increases should be reconsidered. Speaking to the BBC, Badenoch reflected on her time in government when she implemented a rise in the minimum wage, noting that many businesses reported losing staff as… Continue reading Minimum wage should not go any higher, suggests Badenoch

A public inquiry has officially commenced to investigate the murder of Emma Caldwell, a case that remained one of Scotland’s most prominent unresolved criminal investigations for many years. Emma, a 27-year-old sex worker, was killed in the woods of South Lanarkshire in 2005. It was not until last year that Iain Packer was found guilty… Continue reading Public inquiry into Emma Caldwell murder investigation begins

Storm Bram has swept across Wales, bringing with it significant rainfall, strong winds, power outages, and widespread travel interruptions. The storm’s impact has been severe enough to prompt flood warnings and cause traffic congestion, particularly on major routes such as the M4 near the Prince of Wales Bridge. Due to concerns over the stability of… Continue reading Storm Bram: Flood warnings in Wales and M4 Severn bridge chaos

A robbery involving a suitcase at London’s Heathrow Airport has led to charges against two men, following an assault thought to involve the use of pepper spray. Tyrone Richards, aged 31, and Anton Clarke-Butcher, aged 24, face two counts each of robbery and administering a noxious substance, according to HM Courts and Tribunal Service officials.… Continue reading Two charged over Heathrow Airport 'pepper spray' attack

A 28-year-old man named Sultani Bakatash has been charged in connection with the rape of two 14-year-old girls in Bolton over the recent weekend. He is scheduled to appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court, facing allegations relating to multiple sexual offences involving the teenage victims. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that Bakatash is an… Continue reading Man, 28, accused of raping two teenage girls in Bolton