Send costs will rise by billions without reforms, ministers told

A think tank has cautioned ministers that failing to reform the system supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) in England could result in an additional cost of £3bn annually by 2029. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has reported that the government is currently spending £12bn each year on Send support, showing… Continue reading Send costs will rise by billions without reforms, ministers told

Road and rail disruption at Storm Amy approaches

Scotland is bracing for powerful Storm Amy, with winds forecasted to reach up to 95mph, prompting an amber warning for north and west parts of the country. This warning will be in effect from 17:00 until 09:00 on Saturday. As a result, several ScotRail services and ferry journeys have already been canceled ahead of the… Continue reading Road and rail disruption at Storm Amy approaches

Ethan Ives-Griffiths: Life with killer grandparents 'like a cult'

BBC Wales reporter Brendon Williams covered the tragic story of toddler Ethan Ives-Griffiths, who was brutally murdered by his grandparents, Michael and Kerry Ives, at their home in Garden City, Flintshire in August 2021. The disturbing details that emerged about the violent household where Ethan lived did not shock everyone, as his paternal grandmother, Kellie… Continue reading Ethan Ives-Griffiths: Life with killer grandparents 'like a cult'

Manchester synagogue attacker named as Jihad Al-Shamie

The recent tragic event that took place at a synagogue in Manchester has left the community in shock. The attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, was a 35-year-old British man of Syrian descent. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to three others. The attack occurred when a car was driven into… Continue reading Manchester synagogue attacker named as Jihad Al-Shamie

Surgeon whose failures contributed to several deaths continues to work for NHS

investigation was ongoing. The General Medical Council is also continuing its review. Mr Vincent has since left his role at the hospital and an external review of the cardiac unit is ongoing – one of the recommendations from the internal investigation into Ms Booth. It is understood the hospital informed Mr Philip’s family of the… Continue reading Surgeon whose failures contributed to several deaths continues to work for NHS

Scots on intercepted Gaza aid flotilla detained in Israel

Four individuals from Scotland were among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces following the interception of an aid flotilla en route to Gaza. MSPs in the Scottish parliament identified Jim Hickey, Margaret Pancetta, Yvonne Ridley, and Sid Khan as the detainees. First Minister John Swinney stated that he would maintain close communication with the… Continue reading Scots on intercepted Gaza aid flotilla detained in Israel

Baroness Mone accuses chancellor of 'inflammatory' language

Baroness Michelle Mone is facing backlash after a firm associated with her and her husband was ordered to pay £122m for breaching a Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contract. Accusations of using “dangerous and inflammatory” language have been directed at the chancellor in connection to this incident. During a fringe event at Labour’s party conference,… Continue reading Baroness Mone accuses chancellor of 'inflammatory' language

Only Fools and Horses actor Patrick Murray dies aged 68

Beloved actor Patrick Murray, known for his role as Mickey Pearce in the iconic British comedy series Only Fools And Horses, has passed away at the age of 68. His character Mickey Pearce was a friend to Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, played by Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, respectively, appearing in 20 episodes… Continue reading Only Fools and Horses actor Patrick Murray dies aged 68

Apology needed for Covid errors, ex-children's commissioner says

The former children’s commissioner for England, Baroness Anne Longfield, is urging the Prime Minister to issue a formal apology to children once the Covid inquiry concludes. She highlighted the “avoidable mistakes” made by the government during the pandemic, emphasizing that adults were prioritized over children, with schools opening after pubs, shops, and theme parks. Baroness… Continue reading Apology needed for Covid errors, ex-children's commissioner says

Ely riots: People threw slate 'like frisbees', riot trial told

During a riot in Cardiff two years ago, a police officer shared the terrifying experience of people throwing slate “like they were throwing frisbees.” The violence erupted following the tragic deaths of two teenage boys in Ely, leading to eight defendants facing charges of rioting in May 2023. PC Dan Rogers from South Wales Police… Continue reading Ely riots: People threw slate 'like frisbees', riot trial told