Dáil resumes with Micheál Martin to return as taoiseach

The election of Ireland’s new Taoiseach (prime minister) has been postponed due to disorder in the country’s parliament, the Dáil. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was supposed to be nominated by parliament and then formally appointed by President Michael D Higgins, but proceedings had to be suspended. The suspension was prompted by TDs, who reportedly… Continue reading Dáil resumes with Micheál Martin to return as taoiseach

Evidence of culprits found in Lichfield's huge flytipped waste pile

Illegal dumping of waste in Staffordshire is being investigated by local authorities. A large heap of rubbish was discovered on Watery Lane in Lichfield in the early hours of Monday morning. The flytipping led to road closures causing severe disruption for businesses and residents in the area. Environmental protection manager Jack Twomey has said that… Continue reading Evidence of culprits found in Lichfield's huge flytipped waste pile

Horsham: Family's devastation after flat lost in huge fire

A family from Horsham, West Sussex lost their belongings in a fire that started in the building below their flat. Simba Chitsatso and his family fled their home after a fire began in the Gardner and Scardifield building on Saturday night. The blaze required 10 fire engines, and 18 people were evacuated from the area.… Continue reading Horsham: Family's devastation after flat lost in huge fire

BMA: NHS cross-border red tape 'too much' for doctors to deal with

Doctors in Wales say that referring patients to specialist care in England requires too much paperwork, making the process burdensome. The UK government is examining the state of cross-border healthcare between the two countries to determine whether both sides can learn from each other. Last year, the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, and… Continue reading BMA: NHS cross-border red tape 'too much' for doctors to deal with

Government borrowing hits highest December level for four years

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has stated that government borrowing in December was higher than expected, reaching its highest level for the month in four years. The borrowing figure was £17.8bn, up £10.1bn from December 2023. The ONS cited increases in debt interest, spending on public services and benefits as the cause for the… Continue reading Government borrowing hits highest December level for four years

Birmingham Hall Green stabbing: Murder arrest after boy, 12, dies

A 14-year-old boy has been taken into custody after being accused of murdering a 12-year-old boy who was stabbed on Tuesday in Hall Green, Birmingham. The victim was found with significant injuries near Scribers Lane at approximately 3 pm GMT. Sadly, the victim died as a result of his injuries while being transported to the… Continue reading Birmingham Hall Green stabbing: Murder arrest after boy, 12, dies

Thousands of London drivers paying invalid fines, AA says

Enforcement and restriction cameras that lack updated certification have led to thousands of motorists paying invalid fixed penalty notices (FPNs) across London, according to the AA. At least six councils have issued such FPNs, rulings by London Tribunals’ traffic adjudicators have revealed. Those who have appealed against the penalty and did not have their FPNs… Continue reading Thousands of London drivers paying invalid fines, AA says

PSNI recruitment drive aims to lift all-time low officer numbers

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is set to launch a recruitment drive on Wednesday in a bid to increase officer numbers from an all-time low. The PSNI has called the initiative a “recovery plan” that will require extra funding of £200m from Stormont. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is aiming to expand the service… Continue reading PSNI recruitment drive aims to lift all-time low officer numbers

Ministers want two-step ID check to stop under-age knife sales

In order to prevent under-age sales of knives and to reduce knife crime, the UK government is proposing that online retailers must ask for two forms of identification when someone buys a knife. This followed the admission by Axel Rudakubana that he killed three young girls last summer with a knife purchased from Amazon at… Continue reading Ministers want two-step ID check to stop under-age knife sales