Author: Dave Carter

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has introduced a support package aimed at British pubs, featuring a 15% discount on business rates set to take effect in April. While the Mirror describes this move as “long-awaited,” the response from publicans remains lukewarm, with the outlet calling the measures “half measures.” Many in the pub industry feel that the… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Half measures' and 'Fake jobs for sale'

Intrusive thoughts are those sudden, often unsettling ideas that can pop into anyone’s mind during everyday situations. For example, you might find yourself in a dull meeting thinking, “What if I just started shouting?” or while driving, wondering, “What if I crash?” Most people experience these kinds of fleeting thoughts occasionally and typically dismiss them… Continue reading Intrusive thoughts: 'What if I just started shouting right now?'

EasyJet has been instructed to cease advertising carry-on baggage fees starting “from £5.99” after failing to provide the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with evidence supporting that passengers can actually secure cabin bag storage at that rate. The ASA highlighted that customers are likely to interpret this pricing as a guaranteed option for their hand luggage… Continue reading EasyJet ad banned for claiming bags available for £5.99

A charity has raised concerns that many vulnerable individuals are missing out on benefits due to being directed to online calculators that they struggle to use. According to the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, a significant number of people who are entitled to financial support rarely have access to in-person advisers, a situation that… Continue reading Vulnerable people missing out on benefits due to online tool, charity claims

The conflict in Ukraine is now nearing its fifth year, marked by a halt in peace negotiations and a series of Russian assaults on critical energy infrastructure amid an especially harsh winter. Recent talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States ended without any clear progress, and uncertainty surrounds when these discussions might resume. During… Continue reading Can Scotland's Ukrainian refugees ever go home?

A rise in scabies cases has been reported, with many people describing their experience with the parasitic infestation as extremely difficult. Jane Grandon from Caerphilly recounted how scabies, caused by tiny mites that tunnel into the skin, had a significant negative effect on her life. After several misdiagnoses and time off work, she faced financial… Continue reading Mum's scabies 'nightmare' as cases of parasitic infestation rise

Sir Keir Starmer is undertaking a significant visit to Beijing, marking the first time a British prime minister has traveled to China since 2018. His itinerary includes a scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Accompanying him are around 60 leaders from British business and cultural sectors, representing major organizations such as HSBC, GSK,… Continue reading Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer flies to China for three-day visit

The government is proposing new regulations to increase transparency and improve standards within veterinary practices. Under these plans, vets would be required to publicly share prices for common treatments, enabling pet owners to compare costs and select the best value care for their animals. Additionally, veterinary clinics would need to obtain an official operating license,… Continue reading Vets may have to publish prices of common treatments in government plans

A tragic incident during live-fire training has claimed the life of a 25-year-old British Army officer, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney passed away on Sunday following the event at a military training facility in Northumberland. At the time, he held the role of a fire support… Continue reading British Army officer dies after incident during live fire training

A yellow rain and wind warning remains in place across Northern Ireland until midnight, with an ice warning also issued from 03:00 to 10:00 on Wednesday. **Incidents and Impact:** – At about 08:18 GMT on Tuesday, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service reported an incident in the Snowhill Road area involving a woman, whose injuries are… Continue reading Power being restored after disruption caused by Storm Chandra