Starmer says fuel tax hike plan to be kept under review over Iran

Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that the scheduled increase in fuel duty, set for September, will remain under close observation amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The planned rise marks the end of a temporary 5p reduction that was introduced in response to Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine, which has been gradually phased out… Continue reading Starmer says fuel tax hike plan to be kept under review over Iran

Quentin Tarantino to stage 'swashbuckling comedy' The Popinjay Cavalier in London theatre

Quentin Tarantino, the acclaimed filmmaker renowned for his gritty and stylized movies, is set to make his debut in London’s West End with a theatrical production. The play, titled *The Popinjay Cavalier*, promises to be a lively swashbuckling comedy rooted in the vibrant atmosphere of 1830s Europe. This new venture marks a shift for Tarantino,… Continue reading Quentin Tarantino to stage 'swashbuckling comedy' The Popinjay Cavalier in London theatre

Police chief criticises Celtic and Rangers after Old Firm disorder

Following the recent Old Firm clash at Ibrox, Scotland’s top police officer has criticized Rangers and Celtic for their lack of response to the violence that erupted after the game. The disorder saw injuries on both sides, affecting fans and police officers, and led to several arrests after supporters clashed on the pitch following Celtic’s… Continue reading Police chief criticises Celtic and Rangers after Old Firm disorder

Boy, 16, arrested after teenage girl stabbed at Norfolk school

A 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody following an incident in which a teenage girl was stabbed at a school near Norwich. The attack took place at Thorpe St Andrew School, located on Laundry Lane, where emergency services were called to the scene around 10:24 GMT. The injured girl was transported to hospital with… Continue reading Boy, 16, arrested after teenage girl stabbed at Norfolk school

Mortgage rates rise and deals pulled over Iran war turmoil

Recent data reveals that the UK mortgage market is experiencing significant disruption, comparable in severity only to the period following the 2022 mini-Budget. Currently, the average interest rate for two-year fixed mortgage deals has climbed above 5%, marking the highest level since August of last year. Similarly, five-year fixed mortgage rates have reached their peak… Continue reading Mortgage rates rise and deals pulled over Iran war turmoil

Some Glasgow Central trains resume – but station remains closed after fire

Following a major fire over the weekend that severely damaged a building adjacent to Glasgow Central Station, some train services have started to resume. The low level platforms of the station, which cater to the Argyle line running north of the River Clyde, have reopened after a comprehensive site evaluation. However, the main high level… Continue reading Some Glasgow Central trains resume – but station remains closed after fire

Bridgend man says he was punched for sticking to 20mph limit

A 69-year-old man from Bridgend, Christopher Lavis, was violently assaulted after adhering to a 20mph speed limit while driving to a hospital appointment. Lavis sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his cheekbone in three places, a broken nose, and a fractured eye socket, when Christopher Shaw, a 40-year-old man from Bettws, punched him during a… Continue reading Bridgend man says he was punched for sticking to 20mph limit

Birmingham residents speak of year-long bin strike impact

This appears to be an excerpt from a BBC News article discussing ongoing issues related to waste collection and council worker disputes in Birmingham. Key points covered include: – A resident named Ms Boyce, in her 80s and without a car, who recycles diligently but faces difficulties disposing of her recycling due to inadequate council… Continue reading Birmingham residents speak of year-long bin strike impact

First Mandelson files to be published on Wednesday

The UK government is set to release the initial batch of internal documents concerning Lord Mandelson’s appointment as the British ambassador to the United States. This disclosure is scheduled for Wednesday lunchtime and will be accompanied by a statement delivered in the House of Commons by Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister,… Continue reading First Mandelson files to be published on Wednesday

Glen Sannox ferry needs £3.2m repairs after one year in service

The Scottish ferry Glen Sannox, which began service to the Isle of Arran in January 2025, requires new propellers as part of extensive repairs estimated to cost up to £3.2 million. The vessel’s current issues stem from a small crack detected in its hull, which was revealed during a recent hearing before Scotland’s Holyrood net… Continue reading Glen Sannox ferry needs £3.2m repairs after one year in service