Which councils are parties targeting at the 2024 local elections?

Which councils are parties targeting at the 2024 local elections?

The upcoming local elections on May 2nd will see 2,660 council seats contested across 107 areas, with the Labour and Conservative parties each defending nearly 1,000 seats. The results will provide indicators of the parties’ national standing ahead of the next general election, although local politicians are expected to focus their campaigns on neighborhood issues… Continue reading Which councils are parties targeting at the 2024 local elections?

Home Office worker arrested for ‘selling’ UK residency

Home Office worker arrested for ‘selling’ UK residency

A member of staff at the Home Office has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to sell UK residency to an asylum seeker in Northern Ireland. The official allegedly contacted the asylum seeker and requested £2,000 in exchange for approving their refugee application. Sensitive records from the Home Office were believed to have been used… Continue reading Home Office worker arrested for ‘selling’ UK residency

Vaping: Give addicted kids nicotine patches, says report

Vaping: Give addicted kids nicotine patches, says report

Health officials in Wales have called for nicotine patches to be offered to children who are addicted to vaping. The incident response group at Public Health Wales, which produced the report, also called for a ban on disposable vaping devices and any flavours associated with childhood, such as bubblegum and watermelon. The study concluded that… Continue reading Vaping: Give addicted kids nicotine patches, says report

Passions run high as Lords insist on Rwanda bill changes

Passions run high as Lords insist on Rwanda bill changes

MPs and the House of Lords are at a standoff over the government’s Rwanda deportation bill. Peers have demanded changes to the bill, including an amendment that blocks sending asylum seekers to Rwanda who have assisted the UK military. However, MPs have overturned those changes made by the Lords on Monday. Despite expected approval on… Continue reading Passions run high as Lords insist on Rwanda bill changes

Changes to 20mph speed limit policy promised by minister

Changes to 20mph speed limit policy promised by minister

The new Welsh transport secretary, Ken Skates, has stated that 20mph speed zones should be aimed at schools, hospitals, and nurseries, due to the potential safety risk for children and the elderly. The new approach will see changes to the existing 20mph limit, with locals’ voices being a critical consideration in decisions made. Welsh Conservative… Continue reading Changes to 20mph speed limit policy promised by minister

Shannon Matthews: Man behind kidnapping plot dies

Shannon Matthews: Man behind kidnapping plot dies

Michael Donovan, the man who, along with Shannon Matthews’ mother Karen Matthews, staged the fake kidnap of the West Yorkshire girl, has passed away at the age of 54. Matthews and Donovan planned the nine-year-old’s disappearance in 2008 with the aim of claiming a £50,000 reward. The search for Shannon lasted for 24 days before… Continue reading Shannon Matthews: Man behind kidnapping plot dies

Hugh Grant settles privacy case against Sun publisher

Hugh Grant settles privacy case against Sun publisher

Hugh Grant, the actor best known for his roles in romantic comedies like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, has settled a privacy case against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the Sun’s publisher. Grant had been suing NGN, alleging they had used private investigators to tap his phone and burgle his house. NGN denied… Continue reading Hugh Grant settles privacy case against Sun publisher

Mohammed Abbkr sentenced for setting worshippers alight

Mohammed Abbkr sentenced for setting worshippers alight

A man who carried out two attacks on worshippers outside mosques has been given an indefinite hospital order. Mohammed Abbkr, aged 29, sprayed petrol before setting alight Hashi Odowa, 82, and Mohammed Rayaz, 72, in London and Birmingham in February and March last year. Abbkr’s sentencing was delayed while judges ordered a psychiatric test. He… Continue reading Mohammed Abbkr sentenced for setting worshippers alight

Post Office Nick Read boss cleared of misconduct claims

Post Office Nick Read boss cleared of misconduct claims

An external investigation launched on behalf of the Post Office has cleared its CEO, Nick Read, of allegations of misconduct. The company’s board has given its full support to Read in the wake of the investigation. The government has also indicated its confidence in his leadership. The charges were brought to the attention of a… Continue reading Post Office Nick Read boss cleared of misconduct claims