Lorna Slater gave 'guarantee' on bottle return scheme, court told

Phil Sim, a political correspondent, and Angus Cochrane of BBC Scotland reported on the ongoing legal battle between a waste firm and the Scottish government regarding a failed bottle return scheme. Biffa Waste Services is seeking over £166m in reparations following the government’s decision to delay the recycling initiative in 2023. The chief executive of… Continue reading Lorna Slater gave 'guarantee' on bottle return scheme, court told

Government insists it is cutting red tape for business

Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, has defended the government’s efforts to make it easier for businesses by reducing red tape. In an interview with the BBC, Kyle emphasized Labour’s commitment to implementing changes in a way that benefits both workers and businesses. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce a crackdown on unnecessary form-filling for businesses… Continue reading Government insists it is cutting red tape for business

Ian Watkins: Further arrests in prison death murder inquiry

Ian Watkins, the former frontman of Lostprophets, was tragically killed at HMP Wakefield on 11 October. Following his death, two men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder in connection with the incident. The suspects, aged 23 and 39, were apprehended at the prison by West Yorkshire Police. Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle… Continue reading Ian Watkins: Further arrests in prison death murder inquiry

Woman plays clarinet during four-hour brain surgery

Denise Bacon, a 65-year-old woman, recently underwent a unique experience during her brain surgery. Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, which affected her ability to engage in activities she once enjoyed such as walking, swimming, dancing, and playing the clarinet, Denise opted for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to alleviate her symptoms. Conducted by Professor Keyoumars Ashkan at… Continue reading Woman plays clarinet during four-hour brain surgery

Highest government borrowing in September for five years

According to official figures, UK government borrowing in September reached the highest level in five years, posing challenges for the chancellor in advance of next month’s Budget. The Office for National Statistics reported that borrowing, the difference between public spending and tax income, was £20.2bn in September, up £1.6bn from the previous year. The increase… Continue reading Highest government borrowing in September for five years

'Delighted' Crowborough woman played clarinet in brain surgery

A unique approach to treating Parkinson’s disease has shown promising results for a woman in East Sussex. Denise Bacon, 65, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2014, underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) at King’s College Hospital. During the procedure, she played the clarinet while electrical currents were delivered to her brain, resulting in instant… Continue reading 'Delighted' Crowborough woman played clarinet in brain surgery

Government faces £170m court case over recycling scheme

The Scottish government’s bottle return scheme faced a setback in 2023, leading to a legal battle between waste management company Biffa and the government. Biffa is seeking over £166 million in damages after the recycling plans were delayed. The company claims that the government was negligent in its assessment of the scheme’s feasibility, while Scottish… Continue reading Government faces £170m court case over recycling scheme

Private island Hallsmead Ait in River Thames up for grabs

A unique opportunity has arisen for those seeking a retreat in one of England’s most desirable riverside settings. Hallsmead Ait, a triangular private island located in Berkshire near Shiplake Lock in Oxfordshire, is now up for sale. Boaters and rowers passing by on the Thames have long admired the wooded island, which boasts its landing… Continue reading Private island Hallsmead Ait in River Thames up for grabs

Audit Office finds 'significant flaws' in implementation of energy strategy

A recent report discovered several significant flaws in the Department for the Economy’s execution of its energy strategy. A whopping £107 million has already been spent on this initiative, which aims to achieve net zero emissions and make energy more affordable. Unfortunately, the Northern Ireland Audit Office has raised concerns about the department’s ability to… Continue reading Audit Office finds 'significant flaws' in implementation of energy strategy

Nicholas Rossi: US fugitive who fled to Scotland jailed for rape

A man from the United States who staged his own death and escaped to Scotland to avoid rape charges has been sentenced to at least five years in prison. Nicholas Rossi, 38, hailing from Rhode Island, was found guilty in two separate trials in August and September for the rape of two women in Utah… Continue reading Nicholas Rossi: US fugitive who fled to Scotland jailed for rape