Queen praises young writers in BBC writing competition

Queen praises young writers in BBC writing competition

Queen Camilla has congratulated a group of young writers for their talents as she revealed the champions of the BBC’s 500 Words competition. Although the contest was suspended for three years, 44,000 submissions were sent this year, with winners announced on World Book Day’s The One Show. Entrants were divided into two age groups –… Continue reading Queen praises young writers in BBC writing competition

Wolverhampton: Murder investigation after teenager stabbed to death

Wolverhampton: Murder investigation after teenager stabbed to death

A probe into a murder has been initiated by police following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in a park. The incident happened at West Park in Wolverhampton, at approximately 16:30 GMT, where it is believed the youngster was attacked. Officers are currently investigating the case and are encouraging anyone who has information to come… Continue reading Wolverhampton: Murder investigation after teenager stabbed to death

Valerii Zaluzhnyi: Ukraine to appoint ex-army chief as UK ambassador

Valerii Zaluzhnyi: Ukraine to appoint ex-army chief as UK ambassador

Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, has been appointed as the country’s ambassador to the UK. This move comes shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked General Zaluzhnyi in the largest shake-up of Ukraine’s military leadership since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Zaluzhnyi had been leading the war effort since 2022 and had been considered… Continue reading Valerii Zaluzhnyi: Ukraine to appoint ex-army chief as UK ambassador

Public inquiry into Emma Caldwell police failings

Public inquiry into Emma Caldwell police failings

The Scottish government has announced an independent public inquiry into the police handling of the Emma Caldwell murder investigation. Last week, Iain Packer was sentenced to life in prison for strangling the 27-year-old in 2005. However, it took 19 years for him to be brought to justice. Emma’s family have said they believe police should… Continue reading Public inquiry into Emma Caldwell police failings

Why do I pay tax on my pension, and more Budget 2024 questions answered

Why do I pay tax on my pension, and more Budget 2024 questions answered

BBC News recently hosted a Q&A session with a panel of experts after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Budget, where they explained what it means for people’s finances. Here are some of the questions posed: – Why do I have to pay income tax on my state pension benefit due to tax thresholds being frozen? The Institute… Continue reading Why do I pay tax on my pension, and more Budget 2024 questions answered

Mikey Roynon: Teens found guilty of killing 16-year-old boy

Mikey Roynon: Teens found guilty of killing 16-year-old boy

The trial of three teenagers accused of killing Mikey Roynon, a 16-year-old boy from Bristol, with a large zombie knife at a house party has ended in guilty verdicts. The murder occurred on June 10, 2023, during a dispute at a house in Bath, and the defendants were found guilty of manslaughter and murder respectively.… Continue reading Mikey Roynon: Teens found guilty of killing 16-year-old boy

Ex-Kent Police sergeant admits horse racing betting fraud

Ex-Kent Police sergeant admits horse racing betting fraud

A former police officer admitted to defrauding members of a horse racing betting syndicate by running a Ponzi scheme. Michael Stanley, formerly a sergeant with Kent Police, headed the Layezy Racing Syndicate (LRS) and misused the funds put in by clients between 2013 and 2019. The LRS, which began with family and friends as members,… Continue reading Ex-Kent Police sergeant admits horse racing betting fraud

Warning of almost 20 years of pay stagnation

Warning of almost 20 years of pay stagnation

A poverty-focused think tank has claimed that the UK is heading towards nearly 20 years of stagnating pay, taking rising prices into account. The average wage will not recover to its 2008 level until 2026, the Resolution Foundation estimates. Wednesday’s Budget meant a £9bn net tax cut, which was dwarfed by a rise of £27bn in… Continue reading Warning of almost 20 years of pay stagnation

Southampton fire: Firefighters continue to tackle 'deep-seated' blaze

Southampton fire: Firefighters continue to tackle 'deep-seated' blaze

Firefighters are still battling a “deep-seated” fire that broke out near Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday. The blaze started at industrial premises near the stadium and sent a huge plume of smoke across the city. The material involved is believed to be plastic, and over 100 firefighters attended the scene. Marine Parade, where… Continue reading Southampton fire: Firefighters continue to tackle 'deep-seated' blaze

Springfield Road: Murder investigation after serious assault

Springfield Road: Murder investigation after serious assault

A man who was found with serious injuries in west Belfast has died in hospital, prompting a murder investigation by the police. The incident took place on Wednesday at around 8 pm GMT in Cupar Street, off the Springfield Road. Officers announced that they were at the scene of a serious assault, and cordons have… Continue reading Springfield Road: Murder investigation after serious assault