Chris Mason: MPs take a new tone on Andrew – but how big is their appetite for radical changes?

A striking moment unfolded recently in the House of Commons when a government minister described the King’s brother as “rude, arrogant and entitled” during a session at the despatch box. This direct criticism of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor echoed remarks made by Sir Chris Bryant, who, as an opposition MP 15 years ago, voiced similar sentiments amid… Continue reading Chris Mason: MPs take a new tone on Andrew – but how big is their appetite for radical changes?

Newspaper headlines: 'US shuns war anniversary' and 'Prince of Darkness'

The Financial Times highlights the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine with a prominent front-page image showing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside various European leaders holding commemorative candles during a ceremony at Kyiv’s Independence Square. The paper notes a significant absence from the event, pointing out that the Trump administration chose not to send… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'US shuns war anniversary' and 'Prince of Darkness'

What do those affected by SEND reform think about the government's new plans?

The text you provided shares the perspectives of several individuals with direct experience of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and how the UK government’s proposed plans to reform Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) might affect children and families. Here is a summary of the key points from each person featured: — ### Ailith… Continue reading What do those affected by SEND reform think about the government's new plans?

Disabled woman put in nursing home against her will says she feels 'betrayed'

Lucinda Ritchie, a 33-year-old woman with multiple disabilities, has expressed feelings of betrayal, worthlessness, and fear after being relocated to a nursing home against her wishes. Previously, she lived independently in her adapted bungalow in Billingshurst, West Sussex, supported by 24-hour nursing care funded through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). However, following a hospital admission for… Continue reading Disabled woman put in nursing home against her will says she feels 'betrayed'

MI5: BBC and journalist take surveillance case to tribunal

A case involving allegations of unlawful surveillance against MI5 and police forces is set to be heard by a London court. The BBC, together with one of its former journalists, has brought the matter before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), which handles complaints related to covert intelligence activities. The journalist at the centre of the… Continue reading MI5: BBC and journalist take surveillance case to tribunal

ETA: What is the UK's new travel system and how are dual nationals affected?

A new system for travelers arriving in the UK will become mandatory starting Wednesday for citizens from a wide range of countries, including the United States and Australia. The UK government introduced this electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enhance the immigration framework. While officials state it will help streamline and secure border processes, the rollout… Continue reading ETA: What is the UK's new travel system and how are dual nationals affected?

Food waste collection deadline missed by one in four councils

A recent inquiry by the BBC reveals that nearly 25% of local councils in England will not meet the upcoming government-mandated deadline for providing weekly food waste collection services to all households. Despite promises from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) that “every household in England” would benefit from such collections starting… Continue reading Food waste collection deadline missed by one in four councils

Will walk-in GP clinics deliver one million extra appointments?

Scotland has launched the first of sixteen newly planned walk-in clinics designed to provide patients with GP-led care without the need to book appointments in advance. Most of these clinics are set to operate daily from noon until 8 pm, offering a variety of same-day assessments and treatments. However, an analysis by BBC Verify suggests… Continue reading Will walk-in GP clinics deliver one million extra appointments?

MPs openly criticising Andrew reflects shift in tradition

In an unprecedented parliamentary debate, Members of Parliament openly criticised a member of the Royal Family, marking a significant departure from established convention. The discussion centered on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with MPs describing him in harsh terms, calling him “a rude, arrogant, entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he… Continue reading MPs openly criticising Andrew reflects shift in tradition

Ex-Nigerian minister confronted tycoons who bribed her, court told

During proceedings at Southwark Crown Court, audio recordings were presented involving Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, reportedly confronting two oil businessmen with whom she allegedly had deteriorated relationships. These individuals, Olajide Omokore and Kolawole Aluko, are accused of providing bribes to Alison-Madueke in exchange for lucrative contracts tied to Nigeria’s oil sector. Prosecutors have… Continue reading Ex-Nigerian minister confronted tycoons who bribed her, court told