Boat stranded on edge of giant hole in Whitchurch canal pulled to safety

A narrowboat named the Pacemaker was saved after it was found dangerously close to falling into a large hole that formed when part of the Llangollen Canal in Whitchurch, Shropshire, collapsed. The incident happened on Monday, triggered by what authorities described as an “embankment failure.” Paul Stowe, the boat’s owner and resident along with his… Continue reading Boat stranded on edge of giant hole in Whitchurch canal pulled to safety

British boy, 13, fatally stabbed in central Portugal

A 13-year-old boy identified locally as British national Alfie Hallett was tragically killed in central Portugal on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the parish of Casais in Tomar, where the boy was discovered with multiple injuries inflicted by a bladed weapon. Authorities responded to the scene amid a distressing situation involving another individual connected to… Continue reading British boy, 13, fatally stabbed in central Portugal

Busiest Christmas Eve for air travel, says aviation body

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that Christmas Eve will see the highest number of air travelers at UK airports since record-keeping began in 1972. More than 335,000 passengers are expected to take to the skies across the country on Wednesday, marking a 5% increase compared to the same day in 2024. Despite this… Continue reading Busiest Christmas Eve for air travel, says aviation body

Flu cases in Scotland drop by more than a third

Recent data indicates a significant reduction in influenza cases across Scotland, with confirmed flu infections declining by more than one-third in the week leading up to December 21. Public Health Scotland (PHS) reported 1,297 laboratory-confirmed flu cases during this period, a substantial drop from 1,994 cases recorded the previous week. Alongside this decrease in infections,… Continue reading Flu cases in Scotland drop by more than a third

The Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes says this is toughest time as England captain amid drinking reports

Ben Stokes has openly acknowledged that he is enduring the most challenging period of his tenure as England’s cricket captain and has urged for greater empathy towards his teammates. The England squad’s dismal performance in the Ashes series against Australia has been overshadowed by reports suggesting excessive alcohol consumption among players during their time away… Continue reading The Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes says this is toughest time as England captain amid drinking reports

Farm inheritance tax: 'Santa has come early for farmers'

Farmers in Northern Ireland have greeted recent government proposals to increase the inheritance tax threshold on agricultural land with cautious optimism. Libby Clarke, a farmer from Magheralin in County Down who also sells farmland, described the changes as “Santa has come early for farmers,” highlighting relief over the government’s decision to raise the inheritance tax… Continue reading Farm inheritance tax: 'Santa has come early for farmers'

Starmer backs down in farm tax row – but why now?

The government recently made a significant retreat on a controversial inheritance tax policy, often referred to by critics as the “farms tax.” This policy had proposed imposing a 20% inheritance tax on family farms starting next April, but following opposition, about half of the farms initially targeted will now be exempt from the tax. The… Continue reading Starmer backs down in farm tax row – but why now?

Religion: Does faith have a role to play in sport?

In a recent football match, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi marked his goal against Arsenal by pointing towards the sky, a gesture he frequently makes. Similarly, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber, affectionately known by fans as “Pastor Timber,” mirrored this action during the penalty shoot-out. Both players, along with others from their teams, have recently highlighted the significance… Continue reading Religion: Does faith have a role to play in sport?

Manchester's Jewish community praises police for foiling gun plot

Jewish community leaders have expressed gratitude toward the police and an undercover agent whose efforts prevented a gun attack that could have caused significant harm. Walid Saadaoui, aged 38, and Amar Hussein, aged 52, were convicted at Preston Crown Court after attempting to smuggle firearms into the UK as part of an extremist plot inspired… Continue reading Manchester's Jewish community praises police for foiling gun plot

Monmouth flood victims gearing up to spend Christmas away from home

In Monmouth, the impact of devastating floods that struck just over a month ago continues to be deeply felt by residents and businesses alike. Many homes have become unsellable, with some families forced to spend their Christmas in rented accommodation while repairs are underway. Retailers face significant challenges as they work to recoup losses, often… Continue reading Monmouth flood victims gearing up to spend Christmas away from home