Wales is set to face a fresh round of spending cuts in order to direct more funds towards its struggling health service. Business rates for pubs, shops, and restaurants will be increased as part of Welsh Labour’s budget for the next 12 months from April. The discount of rate relief, which was previously at 75%… Continue reading Pub tax hike and new Welsh budget cuts to prop up NHS
Category: UK News
Memorial service to be held for Alistair Darling
A memorial service is scheduled to take place in Edinburgh for former Chancellor Alistair Darling who died in November aged 70 after being ill for a short while. The ceremony is set to be attended by various high-profile members of the political world including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and the First Minister of Scotland –… Continue reading Memorial service to be held for Alistair Darling
Stormont talks: What issues are affecting people in Northern Ireland?
As the prospect of a deal to restore devolution in Northern Ireland before Christmas is ruled out, the region remains without a functioning executive for almost two years. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) terminated the power-sharing institutions at the beginning of 2022 over post-Brexit trade regulations. It was hoped that an agreement to restore Stormont… Continue reading Stormont talks: What issues are affecting people in Northern Ireland?
NI talks: Chris Heaton-Harris to outline next steps
Today, Chris Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland secretary, is expected to outline the next steps for the UK government following a failed attempt to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland before Christmas. The DUP has been boycotting devolved government at Stormont for 22 months due to their objections to post-Brexit trade arrangements. Meanwhile, business groups have… Continue reading NI talks: Chris Heaton-Harris to outline next steps
Scotland's papers: Scottish budget tax plans and Mone PPE fallout
In today’s modern age, the internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. From social media to streaming services, we rely on the internet for entertainment, information, and communication. However, one significant issue with the internet is the abundance of fake news, misleading information, and propaganda that can spread quickly and easily. The… Continue reading Scotland's papers: Scottish budget tax plans and Mone PPE fallout
Dame Esther Rantzen: 'If I were PM, we would vote on assisted dying'
Dame Esther Rantzen, the prominent media personality and founder of ChildLine and The Silver Line charities, has said that if she were Prime Minister for one day, a national vote on assisted dying would be at the top of her agenda. Speaking to BBC News, Rantzen stated that “the law needs to catch up with… Continue reading Dame Esther Rantzen: 'If I were PM, we would vote on assisted dying'
Newspaper headlines: 'Furious' Covid PPE row and Esther Rantzen signs up for Dignitas
The Guardian has reported a dispute between Michelle Mone and the UK government over her links to a PPE company that was awarded contracts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mone, a Conservative peer, claimed that the Cabinet Office, the government, and the NHS were aware of her involvement before the company she co-owns with her husband… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Furious' Covid PPE row and Esther Rantzen signs up for Dignitas
Wasted wind power adds £40 to household energy bills, says think tank
According to a recent estimate by Carbon Tracker, wasted wind power will increase the average UK household’s electricity bill by £40 in 2023. The number could rise up to £150 in 2026. When there’s too much wind power generated, the national grid struggles to cope with the excess. As a result, wind farms are paid… Continue reading Wasted wind power adds £40 to household energy bills, says think tank
The grandmother who started doing triathlons in her late 50s
Sue Kingston, a Scottish grandmother in her 70s, has won the best performance award from Triathlon Scotland. Kingston participated in three international triathlon events this year, winning gold and silver medals for Great Britain in the 70-75 age bracket. The grandmother started her athletic journey at the age of 58, by swimming with the New… Continue reading The grandmother who started doing triathlons in her late 50s
Signed Coldplay guitar raises £3,500 for two schools near Frome
Coldplay fans around the world showed interest in a guitar signed by all four members of the band which was sold for £3,500 at auction. The Classic Vibe Telecaster by Fender was donated to two Somerset village schools, Rode and Norton, and raised funds for play equipment, building heating, and a minibus. Jill Clay, from… Continue reading Signed Coldplay guitar raises £3,500 for two schools near Frome