Drug deaths rise sharply in Scotland as figures remain worst in Europe

Scotland reported a significant rise in drug-related fatalities last year, with deaths increasing by 11% to total 1,133. This figure marks an increase of 116 deaths compared to the previous year, pushing the total number of drug-related deaths over the past decade to more than 11,000. According to the National Records of Scotland (NRS), after… Continue reading Drug deaths rise sharply in Scotland as figures remain worst in Europe

UK economy will grow by less than expected next year, OECD says

An international organization has forecast that the UK’s economic growth next year will be slightly lower than previously anticipated, influenced largely by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) identified the prolonged war involving the US and Israel in Iran as a key factor affecting the economic outlook… Continue reading UK economy will grow by less than expected next year, OECD says

Pornhub age checks investigated by Ofcom

Ofcom has initiated a formal investigation into Aylo, the company behind Pornhub, amid concerns regarding the effectiveness of the site’s newly implemented age verification system in preventing minors from accessing adult content. Earlier this year, the regulator disclosed that Pornhub began employing a fresh age-checking method for certain users, which involves a third party—in this… Continue reading Pornhub age checks investigated by Ofcom

Farmers' race for £233m funding like 'scramble for Oasis tickets'

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has expressed concerns regarding the swift opening and closing of a government scheme, which left numerous farmers financially disadvantaged. The union is demanding “clarity and urgency” from government officials, emphasizing that it had previously issued multiple warnings about an insufficient budget allocation for the initiative. Robyn Munt, vice-president of the… Continue reading Farmers' race for £233m funding like 'scramble for Oasis tickets'

Man's body found in a river in Hertfordshire sparks IOPC inquiry

An independent watchdog is currently investigating the death of a man who was being pursued by police before he was discovered in the River Lea. Emergency services responded to reports at the High Street and towpath area in Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, on 14 September around 13:20 BST. Police officers had been chasing the individual on… Continue reading Man's body found in a river in Hertfordshire sparks IOPC inquiry

Watch: 'My eyelids became infected – I was scared to sleep'

Surgeons who focus on eye-related procedures have observed a troubling trend involving patients experiencing complications after undergoing low-cost “bleph” eyelid surgeries, often performed overseas. These individuals have sought medical attention upon returning to the UK, driven by issues arising from these operations. A significant number of women have reported difficulties, including improper healing of scars… Continue reading Watch: 'My eyelids became infected – I was scared to sleep'

Open wounds and eyes that can't close – women warn about cheap bleph eyelid surgery

The demand for blepharoplasty procedures, which typically cost thousands of pounds in the UK, has risen sharply in recent years, driven by an aesthetic trend focused on tightening, smoothing, and lifting the face. This increase has prompted concerns among surgeons, who report complications linked to clinics operating across mainland Europe, Africa, and Asia. When adverse… Continue reading Open wounds and eyes that can't close – women warn about cheap bleph eyelid surgery

Chris Mason: From inside the room, how Burnham survived first Trump meeting

Positioned among a crowd of cameras, I was determined to catch former President Donald Trump’s attention and pose a question, all the while observing a leader attempting to appear magnanimous. Trump, known for his sharp tongue, can display warmth when he chooses, and this encounter was no exception. Sitting beside him was Andy Burnham, who… Continue reading Chris Mason: From inside the room, how Burnham survived first Trump meeting

Watch: Key moments from UK PM's first UN speech

On Tuesday, the UK prime minister delivered his inaugural speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During this significant address, he drew attention to the dangers associated with Russian disinformation campaigns. Additionally, he unveiled new initiatives aimed at establishing international standards for artificial intelligence. The prime minister emphasized the growing challenge of misinformation, particularly… Continue reading Watch: Key moments from UK PM's first UN speech

UK to fight Russian disinformation and push new global AI standards, Burnham says

The United Kingdom is preparing to establish a new centre dedicated to combating hostile state attacks, particularly Russian disinformation, and to spearhead efforts aimed at setting global safety standards for artificial intelligence, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Burnham highlighted the extensive use of various… Continue reading UK to fight Russian disinformation and push new global AI standards, Burnham says