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Kemi Badenoch, a leading candidate for the Tory leadership, has faced significant backlash after calling statutory maternity pay 'excessive' during a radio interview. Her comments have sparked criticism from rivals and unions, highlighting ongoing debates about maternity rights in the UK. Badenoch later attempted to clarify her statements, asserting her support for maternity pay.
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Louise Haigh indicated that a decision on whether HS2 will terminate at Euston station is imminent, likely coinciding with the upcoming Budget on October 30. This follows previous government cuts to the project, raising concerns about funding and private investment viability.
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As the Conservative Party conference unfolds, frontrunners Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick face scrutiny over their policies and past statements. With the leadership contest set to conclude on November 2, candidates are vying for support from MPs and party members amid a backdrop of significant electoral defeat and calls for a shift in strategy.
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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a £150 million proposal to pedestrianise Oxford Street, aiming to revitalize the iconic shopping area. The initiative seeks to enhance foot traffic and economic activity while addressing pollution concerns. Approval from the London Assembly and local government is required for the project to proceed.
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As of October 1, 2024, a new law in Great Britain mandates that all tips, whether cash or card, must be shared among workers in hospitality and service sectors. This legislation aims to protect workers' earnings, but some businesses warn of potential financial strain due to increased operational costs.
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As conflict escalates in Lebanon, the UK government has begun evacuating British nationals. Flights are limited due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes, and many Britons report difficulties securing seats. The situation remains precarious, with the Foreign Office urging immediate departure amid fears of further violence.
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Oasis has announced additional dates for their reunion tour, including concerts in Melbourne and Sydney in late 2025. Following overwhelming demand for their UK and North American shows, tickets for the Australian leg will go on presale on October 15. The band has faced scrutiny over ticket pricing practices amid a UK investigation.
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As e-bike usage surges in UK cities, local councils face mounting complaints over safety and parking issues. Brent Council threatens to ban Lime bikes unless conditions are met, while Bristol Airport's fines may be unenforceable. Meanwhile, AI traffic management trials in Birmingham aim to improve cyclist safety.
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Motorists in the UK are facing significant delays due to multiple road closures for maintenance and infrastructure work. Key routes, including the M62 and parts of the A12, are affected. Commuters are advised to plan alternative routes to avoid disruptions as work continues through the weekend.
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A groundbreaking clinical trial for a pancreatic cancer vaccine has begun in Europe, with the first patient enrolled in Birmingham, UK. This trial aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment options for a disease known for its low survival rates. Experts express optimism about the vaccine's potential impact.
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A new 50-mile rail link between Lichfield and High Legh has been proposed to address capacity issues on the West Coast Main Line. The plan, backed by mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, aims to deliver significant benefits at a lower cost than the scrapped HS2 Phase 2. This comes after HS2's northern leg was abandoned in 2023.
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On September 15, 2024, the royal family publicly wished Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday for the first time since 2021. The message comes amid ongoing tensions between Harry and his family, particularly with his brother William and father Charles, as Harry celebrates in California with Meghan and their children.
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The UK is bracing for severe weather with yellow warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain from Saturday through Monday. The Met Office predicts potential flooding, travel disruptions, and power cuts, particularly affecting southern England and Wales. Rainfall could reach up to 100mm in some areas, leading to hazardous conditions.
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At the Reform UK conference in Birmingham, Nigel Farage declared the party has 'come of age' with five MPs now in Parliament. The event showcased a brash, entertainment-focused approach, drawing significant crowds and emphasizing a challenge to both Labour and the Conservatives. Criticism arose over the party's voting record and Farage's second job earnings.
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A mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday night left four dead and at least 18 injured in the Five Points South entertainment district. The incident, described as a targeted attack, involved multiple shooters who fled the scene after firing approximately 100 rounds. Authorities are actively searching for the suspects and seeking public assistance in the investigation.
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As of September 26, 2024, an amber weather warning has been issued for parts of central England, predicting heavy rainfall that could exacerbate existing flooding. Areas like Oxfordshire and Leicestershire may see up to 60mm of rain overnight, following a month’s worth of rain already recorded this month.
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Severe flooding continues to impact transport across parts of England, particularly in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. The A421 remains closed for several days, with multiple flood warnings in effect. Rail services are suspended or delayed due to adverse weather conditions, affecting commuters and local travel.
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At the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, members expressed unexpected optimism despite recent electoral defeat. The leadership contest among Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, and Tom Tugendhat is energizing the party, while Labour's early struggles in government provide a backdrop for discussions on future strategies.
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The Conservative Party leadership contest is intensifying as candidates pitch their visions at the party conference in Birmingham. Key figures, including James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat, are vying for support from MPs and party members ahead of the final vote on November 2.
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A cyberattack on September 25, 2024, affected Wi-Fi services at 19 major UK train stations, displaying Islamophobic messages. British Transport Police are investigating the incident, which has led to the suspension of Wi-Fi services while security checks are conducted. No personal data is believed to have been compromised.
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Oliver Bromley, a 42-year-old man with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, was asked to leave a London restaurant after staff claimed he was 'scaring customers.' This incident has prompted discussions on discrimination and the need for better awareness of facial differences in the hospitality industry.
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As the Conservative Party prepares for its conference in Birmingham, internal divisions and leadership challenges emerge following a historic election defeat. Key figures like Lord Ben Houchen and Pat McFadden highlight the need for change and the lessons learned from past mistakes, setting the stage for a contentious leadership race. The party's future direction remains uncertain amid calls for a return to core values and public trust.
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The Conservative Party's annual conference in Birmingham is underway, featuring a leadership contest among Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, and Tom Tugendhat. This follows a historic electoral defeat in July, prompting candidates to redefine the party's identity and appeal to voters. The new leader will be announced on November 2, 2024.
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Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has appointed Laura Shoaf to lead Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR), aiming to unify the UK's fragmented rail system. This move aligns with Labour's goal to renationalise rail services before the next general election, addressing longstanding passenger concerns.
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At the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, leadership candidates James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, and Robert Jenrick presented their visions for the party's future. Despite a historic election defeat, the atmosphere was surprisingly optimistic, with candidates focusing on appealing to party members and addressing past failures. The contest is set to narrow down to two candidates next week.
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At the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Robert Jenrick emerged as a frontrunner in the leadership race following Rishi Sunak's departure. Jenrick's campaign focuses on immigration reform and regional economic issues, while other candidates vie for support amid party divisions. The conference has also seen unusual incidents and rivalries among members.
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At a concert by The Last Dinner Party in Lincoln, male attendees reported being subjected to invasive security checks and questioning about their knowledge of the band. The band canceled the show due to illness, while the venue apologized for the treatment of guests, stating it fell short of their entry policy.
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The UK government has organized charter flights to evacuate British nationals from Lebanon amid escalating violence due to Israel's military actions against Hezbollah. As of now, over 2,000 Britons have registered for evacuation, with priority given to vulnerable individuals. The situation remains volatile, prompting urgent calls for citizens to leave.
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Local authorities in England and Scotland are grappling with significant funding shortfalls, projected to reach £54 billion by 2030. Rising costs in social care and education are forcing councils to cut essential services, risking insolvency for many. Urgent government intervention is needed to prevent further deterioration of local services.
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London Euston station is implementing a five-point plan to address severe overcrowding and passenger safety concerns. The plan follows criticism from watchdogs and passengers regarding the station's management during disruptions. Key measures include shutting down advertising screens and improving passenger information systems.
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Emirates Airlines has prohibited passengers from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on flights to, from, or via Dubai. This decision follows a series of deadly explosions linked to Hezbollah devices in Lebanon, which resulted in numerous casualties. Flights to Lebanon remain suspended amid escalating tensions in the region.