Former presiding officer Sir George Reid dies

Sir George Reid, a former Scottish Parliament presiding officer, has passed away at the age of 86. Prior to taking on the role of chairing the parliament’s debates in 2003, Sir George had already established himself as a prominent journalist and SNP politician. His political career began in 1974 when he was elected as the… Continue reading Former presiding officer Sir George Reid dies

Children charged with murder man dies on Isle of Sheppey

Three youths are facing murder charges after a man was discovered deceased on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. The suspects, a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 15, were taken into custody following an incident in Leysdown-on-Sea on Sunday evening. The victim, identified as Alexander Cashford, 49, was declared dead at the… Continue reading Children charged with murder man dies on Isle of Sheppey

UK, France and Germany ready to reimpose sanctions on Iran if nuclear talks don't resume

The E3 nations – the UK, France, and Germany – have informed the United Nations that they are willing to reinstate sanctions on Iran regarding its nuclear program if talks are not resumed by the end of August. This threat includes the activation of a “snapback” mechanism, which would see the return of previous sanctions… Continue reading UK, France and Germany ready to reimpose sanctions on Iran if nuclear talks don't resume

Mortgage rates below 5% for first time since Truss budget

BBC business reporter Tom Espiner has reported that the average two-year mortgage rate has fallen below 5% for the first time since the mini-budget announced by former Prime Minister Liz Truss in September 2022. Moneyfacts data reveals that the rate now stands at 4.99%, marking a significant milestone for homebuyers as lenders intensify their competitive… Continue reading Mortgage rates below 5% for first time since Truss budget

Toothpaste made from hair could stop decay, KCL scientists say

Researchers at King’s College London have made a groundbreaking discovery about a potential new use for keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and wool. They have found that this protein could be used to repair and protect damaged teeth. The study suggests that keratin can create a protective coating similar to natural enamel when… Continue reading Toothpaste made from hair could stop decay, KCL scientists say

'I made plans for my own funeral – now I'm on stage at the Fringe'

Yvonne Hughes, a Glaswegian comedian, found herself in a dark place five years ago when she was planning her own funeral. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby, she faced numerous health challenges throughout her life. However, the idea of performing comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe seemed like an impossible dream back then. Speaking on… Continue reading 'I made plans for my own funeral – now I'm on stage at the Fringe'

Shoplifters get warning from policing minister on visit to Woking

Minister Dame Diana Johnson has made it clear that shoplifters will not escape consequences for their actions, regardless of the value of the goods they steal. She reiterated this during a visit to Woking, as part of Surrey Police’s participation in the Safer Streets summer program. The initiative, encompassing eleven towns in Surrey, aims to… Continue reading Shoplifters get warning from policing minister on visit to Woking

Birmingham leaseholders hit with 'unfair' £200k energy bill

Ben Godfrey reported from Digbeth that leaseholders at a luxury apartment complex are feeling uneasy after being hit with a historical electricity bill exceeding £200,000. The managing company, Centrick, informed residents at Latitude Apartments in Birmingham about an unpaid British Gas bill from 2014 that needs to be settled by current occupants. Some residents have… Continue reading Birmingham leaseholders hit with 'unfair' £200k energy bill

US says UK human rights situation has worsened in past year

Kate Whannel, a political reporter, has discussed the latest report produced by the Trump administration, which highlights a decline in human rights in the UK over the past year. The report specifically points out restrictions on freedom of expression and antisemitism-related threats in Britain. The US president’s senior team, including Vice-President JD Vance, had previously… Continue reading US says UK human rights situation has worsened in past year

Police given new guidance on releasing suspects' nationalities and ethnicities

A shift in police guidance will see an increased emphasis on revealing the ethnicity and nationality of suspects charged in high-profile and sensitive investigations, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). The aim of this change is to mitigate public safety risks arising from misinformation surrounding incidents with significant public interest. While police forces… Continue reading Police given new guidance on releasing suspects' nationalities and ethnicities