Government abandons plans to delay 30 council elections

The government has reversed its earlier decision to postpone 30 council elections in England, following legal advice. Initially, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had approved the postponements to facilitate a significant restructuring that would abolish some local authorities. These delays were intended to extend the council terms until 2027 to aid the planned reorganisation. Reform… Continue reading Government abandons plans to delay 30 council elections

Officers call for Police Scotland cars to be equipped with guns

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents the vast majority of frontline officers in Scotland, has proposed that these officers should have access to firearms securely stored in their patrol vehicles. This recommendation follows the example set by New Zealand, where police routinely do not carry guns but can quickly retrieve them from locked cabinets… Continue reading Officers call for Police Scotland cars to be equipped with guns

Puberty blockers: Nesbitt decision to halt trial is 'disgraceful' – O'Neill

Last week, it was revealed that Northern Ireland was participating in a clinical trial related to gender identity services, a matter examined in a review conducted by Dr Hilary Cass. However, this involvement has since been suspended by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. First Minister Michelle O’Neill expressed disappointment over the decision, suggesting that Nesbitt should… Continue reading Puberty blockers: Nesbitt decision to halt trial is 'disgraceful' – O'Neill

Students begin Covid compensation claim against 36 more universities

More than 170,000 current and former students are pursuing legal action against 36 universities, arguing that the education they received during the Covid pandemic did not match what they had paid for. This development follows a settlement reached between University College London (UCL) and the Student Claim Group, a representative body now expanding its claims… Continue reading Students begin Covid compensation claim against 36 more universities

North London measles outbreak: Unvaccinated pupils could be excluded from school

Authorities in north London have issued warnings to parents regarding a recent measles outbreak, emphasizing that children who are not fully vaccinated against the disease might be excluded from school. Enfield Council communicated in a letter to families late last month that unvaccinated students who have close contact with confirmed measles cases could face a… Continue reading North London measles outbreak: Unvaccinated pupils could be excluded from school

Date set for trial of Chloe Mitchell murder accused

The court proceedings for the individual accused of killing Chloe Mitchell are scheduled to begin on March 9. The trial will be held at Belfast Crown Court, where Brandon John Rainey, who previously lived on James Street in Ballymena, will face charges related to the case. Chloe Mitchell, aged 21, disappeared from her residence in… Continue reading Date set for trial of Chloe Mitchell murder accused

Lord of the Rings star Morfydd Clark cast in new Beatles biopic

Welsh actress Morfydd Clark, known for her role as Galadriel in Amazon Prime’s “The Rings of Power,” has been cast to portray Cynthia Lennon, the first wife of John Lennon, in Sir Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles biopic. This four-part film series will explore the lives and careers of the famous Liverpool band, presenting each installment… Continue reading Lord of the Rings star Morfydd Clark cast in new Beatles biopic

Brewdog staff 'upset and concerned' by sale plans

Employees at Brewdog are expressing significant anxiety about their job security following reports that the craft beer company might be sold. According to the Unite union, staff have been left uneasy after hearing about the potential sale, which could involve breaking up the Aberdeenshire-based firm, as financial advisors AlixPartners have been hired to attract new… Continue reading Brewdog staff 'upset and concerned' by sale plans

Abandoned tents and unsafe fires: What Highland rangers dealt with last summer

Rangers operating across the Highlands documented thousands of instances of outdoor toileting, a surge in unsafe fires, and a rise in fly-tipping throughout the last summer, as revealed in a recent report. The presence of syringes at various locations led to the provision of sharps disposal boxes to safely manage the disposal of these hazardous… Continue reading Abandoned tents and unsafe fires: What Highland rangers dealt with last summer

Bradford job-seekers share struggle to find work

Nineteen-year-old Fatima Rashid has been meticulously tracking her job applications for the last three years, maintaining a spreadsheet which currently lists 205 applications without success. Since leaving school at 16, she has struggled to secure employment in Bradford, one of England’s most economically challenged cities. Fatima describes the process as a “nightmare,” noting that available… Continue reading Bradford job-seekers share struggle to find work