Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has expressed concern that some voters have not received their postal voting papers in time for the country’s general election on 4 July. Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Swinney said that many of those who had not received their papers were those who had applied for them before going away… Continue reading SNP leader John Swinney fears postal vote problems could affect election results
Tag: UK News
Belfast Zoo's elephants Dhunja and Yhetto ready for retirement
Belfast Zoo’s two Asian elephants, Dhunja and Yhetto, are preparing for retirement in the Netherlands at the Royal Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem, where they will form part of a group of four elderly cow elephants in the European Endangered Species Programme. The move was approved by Belfast City Council last year. The elephants will be… Continue reading Belfast Zoo's elephants Dhunja and Yhetto ready for retirement
UK economy grew more than first estimated in early 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, the UK economy grew by 0.7%, according to revised figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This rate was higher than initial projections for the quarter, which had estimated growth of 0.6%. The revised figures were driven by increased consumer spending, particularly on recreation and culture, as… Continue reading UK economy grew more than first estimated in early 2024
Willington mum's shock at devastating house blast hours before moving
A devastating explosion destroyed a home in Willington, County Durham, leaving a man in his 40s in critical condition and his dog dead. Grace Porter, who lived next door with her two daughters, was not at home at the time. She woke up to several missed calls from the police and saw a headline saying… Continue reading Willington mum's shock at devastating house blast hours before moving
PM's chief of staff helping election bet investigators
The Gambling Commission has interviewed Liam Booth-Smith, Chief of Staff to Rishi Sunak, as a witness in the ongoing investigation over alleged bets on the date of the general election. Sources have confirmed that Booth-Smith is not suspected of any wrongdoing and had not placed any bets himself. However, he was requested to help the… Continue reading PM's chief of staff helping election bet investigators
Glastonbury: Dua Lipa to 'throw a party' on the Pyramid Stage
As Glastonbury Festival gears up for a weekend of music, pop star Dua Lipa is set to headline the first night, following warm-up shows in Croatia, Germany, and France. Lipa’s opening set will include hit tracks such as New Rules and Levitating, with the star aiming to recreate the energy of clubbing at a venue… Continue reading Glastonbury: Dua Lipa to 'throw a party' on the Pyramid Stage
Newspaper headlines: Sunak criticises Farage and Starmer 'would work with Le Pen'
As the UK’s General Election approaches, newspapers are covering all the highlights in the political world. One of the top stories in Friday’s i newspaper detailed Labour’s plans to impose VAT on private school fees should they win the next election. The party’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is spearheading the efforts. In addition, the i… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: Sunak criticises Farage and Starmer 'would work with Le Pen'
Rishi Sunak declines to say if aide knew election date
The UK prime minister has refused to comment on whether he told his parliamentary aide about the date of the general election, following the withdrawal of support for Conservative Party candidate Craig Williams after he admitted placing a bet on the election date. The Metropolitan Police has disclosed that at least seven of its officers… Continue reading Rishi Sunak declines to say if aide knew election date
NI political parties face off in BBC TV debate
A recent TV debate ahead of the general election in Northern Ireland featured politicians from the region discussing important topics such as healthcare funding and power-sharing reform. With 18 seats available, five major parties took part in the debate. Those parties included the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Féin, Social Democratic and Labour Party, Alliance, and… Continue reading NI political parties face off in BBC TV debate
Reform UK condemns campaigners' racist and homophobic remarks
Reform UK has responded to criticisms of its party by distancing itself from members accused of making racist, homophobic and Islamophobic comments while campaigning to get Nigel Farage elected as an MP. An undercover Channel 4 journalist recorded a number of people linked to the party suggesting that it had breached local spending limits in… Continue reading Reform UK condemns campaigners' racist and homophobic remarks