Officials raise concerns over Steve Barclay's role in local waste project

Officials raise concerns over Steve Barclay's role in local waste project

Steve Barclay, the UK’s environment secretary, has been questioned over his role in a proposed waste incinerator in his constituency, according to information obtained by the BBC. While Barclay opposes the plant, he also will not have any say in the project as Mark Spencer, a junior minister, will make the decision. Officials raised concerns… Continue reading Officials raise concerns over Steve Barclay's role in local waste project

UK bids to host 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham

UK bids to host 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham

The British government has put forward a bid to host the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027, as part of a bid totalling £26m made through the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. The decision of the successful host city will be made by the Invictus Games Foundation. Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games… Continue reading UK bids to host 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham

GMB union staff to strike over alleged sexual harassment failures

GMB union staff to strike over alleged sexual harassment failures

Members of the GMB, one of the UK’s largest trade unions, have voted for industrial action over claims that the organisation has failed to address its “institutional sexism.” The employees, who are based in the North East, Yorkshire, and Humber (NEYH) regions, allege that promised reforms following an internal investigation have not materialised. The enquiry… Continue reading GMB union staff to strike over alleged sexual harassment failures

Scottish Parliament staff banned from wearing rainbow lanyard

Scottish Parliament staff banned from wearing rainbow lanyard

Scottish Parliament staff are facing new rules that state they are no longer allowed to wear accessories supporting social movements or campaigns while at work. The policy was instigated out of concerns that outward displays of personal beliefs or values could be misconstrued as impartiality when carrying out parliamentary duties. The new rules dictate that… Continue reading Scottish Parliament staff banned from wearing rainbow lanyard

Victoria Square apartment owners will not pay rates, minister says

Victoria Square apartment owners will not pay rates, minister says

The Land and Property Services (LPS) has confirmed it will not issue rates bills to the owners of the Victoria Square apartments in Belfast this year. Stormont’s finance minister, Caoimhe Archibald, said all ministers were “deeply concerned” about the residents’ plight and were working to find a solution. The residents were advised to leave the… Continue reading Victoria Square apartment owners will not pay rates, minister says

Bank of England says 'not yet' time to cut interest rates

Bank of England says 'not yet' time to cut interest rates

Interest rates in the UK are to remain unchanged at 5.25%, according to the Bank of England, in what was widely-expected news. This is the fifth time in a row rates will remain the same, leaving the cost of borrowing at its highest level in 16 years. Eight of the nine setters voted to hold… Continue reading Bank of England says 'not yet' time to cut interest rates

Essex care director jailed for £151k council Covid fraud

Essex care director jailed for £151k council Covid fraud

The director of a care company in the UK has been sent to prison for 38 months for submitting fake invoices to her local council’s Covid-19 response fund. Caroline Hunt, a resident of Clacton-on-Sea, had presented £151,000 in fraudulent invoices to Essex County Council. At Chelmsford Crown Court, she confessed to eight gang charges and… Continue reading Essex care director jailed for £151k council Covid fraud

Who could be Ireland's next taoiseach?

Who could be Ireland's next taoiseach?

After Leo Varadkar’s recent resignation as taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, nominations for a new leader officially opened. Simon Harris, the current Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, has gained the support of at least 15 senators, MEPs, and TDs and has become a clear favorite for the role. Nominations… Continue reading Who could be Ireland's next taoiseach?

Julie Goodyear: Coronation Street's Bet Lynch slowly fading away, says husband

Julie Goodyear: Coronation Street's Bet Lynch slowly fading away, says husband

Julie Goodyear’s husband, Scott Brand, has spoken publicly about the “extremely painful” and slow deterioration of his wife’s health following her dementia diagnosis. The Coronation Street actress, who played the role of leopard-skin-wearing Bet Lynch, has been unable to recognise people and has lost interest in her appearance. Brand shared that he missed the daily joys… Continue reading Julie Goodyear: Coronation Street's Bet Lynch slowly fading away, says husband

Women's state pensions: Campaigners urge payouts as Waspi report due

Women's state pensions: Campaigners urge payouts as Waspi report due

A report long-awaited by campaigners, which focuses on how the decision to increase the retirement age of women born in the 1950s affected them, is set to be published on Thursday. The Office of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has been investigating a potential injustice resulting from the decision to raise women’s retirement age… Continue reading Women's state pensions: Campaigners urge payouts as Waspi report due