Councils given £3bn to create thousands more spaces for Send pupils

The government has announced a commitment to increase the number of places available for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools across England by 50,000. This expansion is part of a £3 billion investment planned over the next three years, which will be partially financed by halting the construction of certain… Continue reading Councils given £3bn to create thousands more spaces for Send pupils

Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 winners revealed

Roman Kemp, a broadcaster, alongside his sister Harleymoon, a singer-songwriter, emerged as the winners of the latest edition of the BBC’s Celebrity Race Across the World. The siblings completed a challenging 33-day, 3,600-mile journey through Central America, reaching the final checkpoint ahead of the other three competing pairs. Their victory was marked by a narrow… Continue reading Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 winners revealed

Super flu' wave hits hospitals in England with no peak yet

Hospital admissions for influenza in England have surged by over 50% within the past week, prompting urgent warnings from NHS leaders who say the so-called “super flu” outbreak has yet to reach its peak. In the seven days leading up to Sunday, the average daily number of flu patients in hospitals stood at 2,660, with… Continue reading Super flu' wave hits hospitals in England with no peak yet

The Times Scotland editor suspended over indecent communications charge

David McCann, the editor of The Times and The Sunday Times in Scotland, has been suspended following charges related to indecent online communications. News UK, the owner of the newspapers, confirmed that the 43-year-old is involved in a criminal investigation that is not connected to his professional duties. On November 25, Police Scotland conducted a… Continue reading The Times Scotland editor suspended over indecent communications charge

Wes Streeting confirms public inquiry into Teesside NHS trust

A public inquiry has been launched into the mental health care provided by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust (TEWV), following persistent campaigns from families who lost loved ones they believe were let down by “chaotic and appalling” treatment. This announcement was made by Health Secretary Wes Streeting after he met with relatives… Continue reading Wes Streeting confirms public inquiry into Teesside NHS trust

Workers' rights bill standoff continues after latest Lords defeat

The government’s flagship Employment Rights Bill has encountered further obstacles after the House of Lords dealt another blow to the legislation. This new setback follows closely on the heels of a government announcement just two weeks ago claiming a breakthrough agreement had been reached between business groups and trade unions concerning workers’ rights to unfair… Continue reading Workers' rights bill standoff continues after latest Lords defeat

Royal Navy shadows Russian submarine through English Channel

The Royal Navy has reported tracking a Russian submarine as it passed through the English Channel, aiming to protect UK maritime boundaries. The vessel in question, the Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar, was monitored on the surface while moving from the North Sea through the Strait of Dover into the English Channel. A Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA)… Continue reading Royal Navy shadows Russian submarine through English Channel

Flu in four charts – how this year's winter outbreak is different

The NHS is currently confronting a severe challenge as hospital admissions for flu have surged by 55% within just one week. Sir Jim Mackey, NHS England’s chief executive, has warned that the number of patients occupying hospital beds due to influenza could reach between 5,000 and 8,000 by the weekend. Meanwhile, experts from the King’s… Continue reading Flu in four charts – how this year's winter outbreak is different

Anger as illegal waste dumps appear near Worcestershire homes

Residents in Worcestershire have expressed significant frustration over large amounts of waste being dumped near their homes, with one location described as an “environmental horror.” Investigations are currently underway into two suspected illegal waste sites in the area. One photograph from Evesham shows a substantial quantity of rubbish dumped in a wide trench. Another issue… Continue reading Anger as illegal waste dumps appear near Worcestershire homes

Wiltshire deaths probe linked to patients' altered care records

Two ambulance staff members have been arrested in connection with the deaths of six adults, amid allegations that some patients were not hospitalized when necessary and that their care records were manipulated. This information comes from a BBC investigation. The inquiry by Wiltshire Police began in 2023 and appears to be linked to an internal… Continue reading Wiltshire deaths probe linked to patients' altered care records