Andy Burnham proposes plan to cut standing charges from gas bills

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called on government ministers to devise a strategy aimed at eliminating standing charges from gas bills. These standing charges are fixed daily fees that cover the costs related to maintaining connections to the gas supply network. Importantly, these fees differ depending on the region and are payable by households regardless… Continue reading Andy Burnham proposes plan to cut standing charges from gas bills

'Mindset shift' needed within government on No10 North, says deputy

Duncan Parish, the deputy director of Number 10 North, emphasized the necessity for a “mindset shift” within central government to overcome the institutional hurdles hindering progress. Speaking at a conference in Lincolnshire, Parish highlighted how government departments often encounter friction due to overlapping but slightly conflicting goals, which complicates the delivery of effective change. Set… Continue reading 'Mindset shift' needed within government on No10 North, says deputy

Tribute paid to Bridgend woman who died of 'stab wounds' after crash

A woman tragically died after crashing her car into a wall, following an incident in which she was reportedly stabbed. Eleanor Barnfield, aged 47, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital after police responded to the crash in Bridgend on Monday. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered she had sustained puncture wounds that were… Continue reading Tribute paid to Bridgend woman who died of 'stab wounds' after crash

Aberfan disaster: Royal Family pay respects to 'most tragic of days imaginable'

On the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, King Charles III reflected on the tragic event that claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults, describing it as “the most tragic of days imaginable.” The disaster occurred on 21 October 1966 when a colliery spoil tip collapsed, engulfing Pantglas Junior School and several nearby… Continue reading Aberfan disaster: Royal Family pay respects to 'most tragic of days imaginable'

Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch urges PM to overturn ban on new oil and gas licences

The UK government has recently given the green light for gas production at the Jackdaw field, located in the North Sea, sparking significant discussions regarding its environmental and economic consequences. Officials announced that gas extraction could begin by the end of this month, a move expected to contribute to heating millions of households across the… Continue reading Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch urges PM to overturn ban on new oil and gas licences

Holocaust school lessons to be improved after 'shocking' antisemitism review

Education Secretary Lucy Powell has announced that the government plans to enhance Holocaust education in schools following a comprehensive review that revealed the extensive extent of antisemitism in British society. This move will require schools and colleges in England to formally recognise antisemitism as a unique form of harm and implement specific measures to address… Continue reading Holocaust school lessons to be improved after 'shocking' antisemitism review

Jeffrey Donaldson to be interviewed over alleged rape inside Houses of Parliament

Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who is currently serving a prison sentence, is under investigation by London police over allegations that he raped a woman inside the Houses of Parliament. The BBC has revealed that the alleged incident took place in 2016, right at the center of the UK’s… Continue reading Jeffrey Donaldson to be interviewed over alleged rape inside Houses of Parliament

Belfast comedian Vittorio Angelone criticised for rape “joke”

A controversy has erupted involving Belfast comedian Vittorio Angelone after he made a remark about rape that mentioned Rebecca Goodwin, a content creator who had publicly revealed she was a victim of sexual assault. The comment was made during a 2025 episode of the “Have a Word” podcast, which featured a “roast” format where comedians… Continue reading Belfast comedian Vittorio Angelone criticised for rape “joke”

Civil servant admits he 'made mistakes' juggling five government jobs

A civil servant stands accused of fraudulently earning over £284,000 by simultaneously holding several public-sector positions. At Southwark Crown Court, Kashim Chowdhury, who faces nine counts of fraud, acknowledged making errors but denied any criminal intent. He explained to the jury that he had been overwhelmed and stressed, experiencing “terror and panic” at the prospect… Continue reading Civil servant admits he 'made mistakes' juggling five government jobs

Aberfan survivors' emotional memories 60 years on

Six decades ago, the tragic Aberfan disaster struck when a coal waste tip gave way, engulfing schools and residences. Four individuals who were children during that harrowing event have shared their memories of that day. Gerald Kirwan recounted to BBC Newsnight that he initially believed the disaster was an earthquake. In the aftermath, he discovered… Continue reading Aberfan survivors' emotional memories 60 years on