National Insurance hike 'pain' to hit jobs and pay, firms warn

Starting from this week, businesses in the UK will have to pay more in National Insurance to fund public services. According to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, more than half of the £40bn total tax rise in the Budget will be paid for by businesses through increasing the National Insurance rate and reducing the threshold at which… Continue reading National Insurance hike 'pain' to hit jobs and pay, firms warn

Wrexham AFC: Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney buy half Wrexham Lager

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Hollywood stars and owners of Wrexham AFC, continue to expand their empire in the city by purchasing Wrexham Lager – said to be the oldest British lager brewery still in operation. They announced their co-ownership of the brewery with a nod to its 140-year-old recipe and history, adding that they… Continue reading Wrexham AFC: Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney buy half Wrexham Lager

Rachel Reeves unveils historic £40bn tax rises in first Budget

In what has been her first budget since assuming the role, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced significant tax increases amounting to £40bn to fund the NHS and public services. Despite the increase, Reeves has assured working people they would not face any increase in income tax, National Insurance or VAT as promised by Labour during… Continue reading Rachel Reeves unveils historic £40bn tax rises in first Budget

'Sickening' Molly Russell and Brianna Ghey chatbots found online

Two disturbing chatbot versions of real-life teenagers, Molly Russell and Brianna Ghey, have been found on the Character.ai platform, which enables users to create digital versions of real people and interact with them. Molly Russell took her life aged 14 after viewing suicide material online, while Brianna Ghey was murdered at 16 by two teenagers in 2023. The AI… Continue reading 'Sickening' Molly Russell and Brianna Ghey chatbots found online

Tax, wages and prices – what the Budget means for you and your money

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has revealed a Budget that includes a range of announcements from tax and spending to pay and pensions. The Budget will have a direct impact on many people’s finances and wallets. Here are some of the key takeaways from the Budget. If you earn a minimum wage, your pay will rise in… Continue reading Tax, wages and prices – what the Budget means for you and your money

Haslingden burglary: Stolen ring posted back to owner with apology note

Darren Horsnell, a Falklands War veteran, has expressed his gratitude after his late fiancee’s engagement ring was returned to him along with an apology note. Mr. Horsnell made a plea on social media after his home in Haslingden, Lancashire was burglarized and the ring was stolen. The ring was later delivered to the charity where… Continue reading Haslingden burglary: Stolen ring posted back to owner with apology note

Scottish judges remove barrier for rape cases going to court

A landmark judgement by eight Scottish judges is expected to increase the number of rape cases prosecuted and lead to more convictions. The decision overturns an 87-year-old regulation that limited the use of statements made by a victim immediately after an alleged crime. The Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC made the request for the change… Continue reading Scottish judges remove barrier for rape cases going to court

Early pregnancy screening delay 'causing trauma' for NI women

Pregnant women in Northern Ireland are not being offered early screening for foetal abnormalities, including Patau, Edwards’ and Down’s syndrome, according to gynaecology experts who warn that this is tantamount to discrimination. Screening for such conditions in the first trimester is routine in the rest of the UK, but early detection is not routinely offered… Continue reading Early pregnancy screening delay 'causing trauma' for NI women

Southport murder accused in court on terror charge

An individual from the village of Banks in Lancashire has appeared in court following accusations of murdering three girls in Southport for terrorist-related actions. Axel Rudakubana, 18, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court through a videolink from Belmarsh Prison. He is charged with producing the poisonous natural substance ricin, possessing an Al-Qaeda training guide, and having… Continue reading Southport murder accused in court on terror charge

Luton mother and two children died from gunshot wounds – inquest

The results of an inquest into the deaths of a mother and her two teenage children, who were shot in their home in Luton, have revealed they all died from gunshot wounds to the head. The attack took place on 13 September and police arrested Nicholas Prosper, 18, for the murders. He was charged with… Continue reading Luton mother and two children died from gunshot wounds – inquest