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

'Llangollen Canal collapse will massively affect business'

The recent collapse of a canal embankment near Whitchurch has had a profound impact on the local boating community and businesses reliant on the waterways. This dramatic event created a large hole that swallowed two narrowboats and left another precariously balanced on the edge. The damage has stranded numerous liveaboard residents and disrupted an important… Continue reading 'Llangollen Canal collapse will massively affect business'

ScotRail's 'cheapest tickets' claim is misleading, watchdog rules

ScotRail has been instructed to remove claims from its website suggesting it offers the “cheapest tickets,” following a decision by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that these statements were misleading. In August, the railway company’s journey planner promoted the service as “unbeatable on price” and urged customers to “book direct for the best price.” However,… Continue reading ScotRail's 'cheapest tickets' claim is misleading, watchdog rules

Buildings could still burn under 'spineless' new safety law, industry leader warns

The government’s proposal to transform post-Grenfell fire safety guidance into legally binding regulations has met with strong opposition from a prominent figure within the construction sector. David Jones, president of the Institute of Construction Management, has voiced serious concerns over the guidance designed for multi-storey residential buildings, describing it as “loose,” “spineless,” and susceptible to… Continue reading Buildings could still burn under 'spineless' new safety law, industry leader warns

Australia to deport British man charged with displaying Nazi symbols

A British citizen residing in Queensland, Australia, has had his visa revoked and now faces possible deportation following allegations of displaying Nazi imagery. The 43-year-old man was apprehended and charged earlier this month after reportedly sharing posts on social media containing the swastika, promoting Nazi beliefs, and inciting violence against the Jewish community. The individual… Continue reading Australia to deport British man charged with displaying Nazi symbols