-
Harland & Wolff has declared insolvency and plans to appoint administrators, with potential job losses looming. The GMB union criticized the government's industrial strategy, urging intervention to protect shipbuilding capabilities across the UK. The administration order is expected this week.
-
A Council of Europe report highlights discrimination against Scots speakers, urging the Scottish Government to enhance support for minority languages. The report emphasizes the need for better education and funding, contrasting Scotland's approach with Wales, where Welsh is more systematically supported.
-
The Lampard Inquiry is investigating over 2,000 deaths of mental health patients in Essex from 2000 to 2023. Families are sharing harrowing testimonies about systemic failures in care, with a focus on the tragic experiences of individuals like Matthew Leahy and Paula Cook, highlighting the urgent need for reform in mental health services.
-
We also look at what causes them.
-
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden are discussing lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range missiles against Russian targets. This comes amid rising tensions and warnings from President Putin about potential NATO involvement. The situation remains fluid as discussions continue ahead of the UN General Assembly.
-
Bionca Ellis, charged with the murder of Julian Wood, has been deemed unfit to stand trial. Following a violent attack in June, where she stabbed both Julian and his mother, a judge ordered her to receive inpatient mental health care. The case raises questions about mental health evaluations in the justice system.
-
Following a record low of -2.7C in North Yorkshire, the UK is set to enjoy a warm spell with temperatures reaching up to 26C in London by Thursday. The Met Office predicts dry conditions and above-average temperatures for much of next week, despite some potential rain in the northwest.
-
Storm Lilian is causing heavy rain and strong winds across the UK, leading to travel disruptions and power outages. A yellow weather warning is in effect for many regions, particularly in southern and eastern England, as the storm brings rainfall of up to 70mm in some areas. Conditions are expected to improve by Monday.
-
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has pledged support for local authorities to implement Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 20mph speed limits, emphasizing community decision-making. This stance contrasts with the previous government's opposition, which faced significant public dissent, particularly in Wales where a recent poll shows 70% opposition to the 20mph limit.
-
Denis Coles, 73, was deemed unfit to stand trial for a 1977 rape case but was found responsible for the act in a trial of facts. He received a two-year supervision order and must register as a sex offender. The victim expressed mixed feelings about the outcome, highlighting the long-lasting trauma of the incident.
-
The Junior Tour of Wales has altered its route due to the 20mph speed limit in Wales, affecting three of its five stages. Organisers expressed concerns that support vehicles could not keep pace with cyclists without exceeding the limit. The race begins today, August 23, 2024.
-
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain across much of England and eastern Wales, effective from 4am to 9pm on Sunday. The warnings indicate potential flooding, power cuts, and travel disruptions due to severe weather conditions, with rainfall expected to reach up to 75mm in some areas.
-
A severe storm swept through London and southern England early on September 8, 2024, bringing heavy rain and lightning. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning, predicting up to 100mm of rain and potential flooding. Alerts remain in place as the storm continues to affect the region.
-
The UK is facing severe weather warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly affecting southern and central England and Wales. The Met Office has predicted rainfall amounts of up to 100mm, leading to potential flooding and travel disruptions. Alerts remain in place until Sunday evening, with ongoing monitoring for further developments.
-
Tata Steel will cut 2,500 jobs at its Port Talbot plant despite a £500 million government grant for a new electric arc furnace. The deal, announced by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, aims to transition to greener steel production but falls short of job guarantees, leading to criticism from unions and Labour politicians.
-
Recent reports highlight a significant rise in school absenteeism in England, with over 32 million days of learning lost last year. The increase is particularly pronounced among marginalized students, raising concerns about the impact on their education and mental health. Calls for systemic changes in how schools address absenteeism are growing.
-
The UK government is exploring options to address prison overcrowding, including potentially sending prisoners to Estonia. This follows a record high prison population in England and Wales, prompting emergency early releases. Discussions between UK and Estonian officials are ongoing, but no agreements have been finalized.
-
The UK government has introduced the Renters' Rights Bill, aiming to ban no-fault evictions and enhance tenant protections. Key provisions include outlawing rental bidding wars and preventing discrimination against tenants on benefits. The bill is expected to be debated in Parliament soon, with hopes for implementation by summer 2025.
-
A recent report highlights a severe health crisis among children in the UK, with soaring waiting lists for NHS services leading to chronic health issues. Paediatricians warn that long delays in treatment could result in lifelong consequences for affected children. Calls for policy changes, including universal free school meals, are gaining momentum.
-
Recent studies reveal that Stonehenge's Altar Stone originated from the Orcadian Basin in Scotland, not Wales or Orkney as previously thought. This finding raises questions about the transportation methods used by Neolithic societies, highlighting their advanced organizational skills. The search for the stone's exact source continues as researchers analyze its unique mineral composition.
-
Health experts in the UK are urging the government to implement free school meals for all primary school children. They cite rising child poverty and health issues, including obesity and tooth decay, as critical reasons for this initiative. The call comes amid a worsening cost of living crisis affecting children's nutrition.
-
The UK government has voted to limit winter fuel payments to pensioners on specific benefits, affecting over 10 million people. This decision aims to save £1.5 billion amid a £22 billion financial shortfall, raising concerns about the welfare of vulnerable seniors this winter.
-
The UK Ministry of Justice is exploring a proposal to double magistrates' maximum sentencing powers from six months to a year. This move aims to alleviate prison overcrowding and expedite trials amid a justice system facing significant backlogs. Critics warn it may exacerbate existing issues rather than resolve them.