A metropolitan county in England, created in 1974.
The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has confirmed its phased hearings, with London and several local areas including Oldham, Bradford and Keighley set to be investigated. Baroness Anne Longfield leads the probe, which will compel institutions to explain what they did to protect children and to review past safeguarding failures.
A Melbourne-based woman has escaped a perilous car incident during a kiteboarding meetup in Lo Stagnone, Sicily, after texting for help and fleeing to safety. The incident follows a trend of travel-related safety concerns for expatriates and adventure tourists.
Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed it will phase out the Halifax name, moving accounts to Lloyds branding while keeping customer details intact. No job cuts are planned, and branches will be rebranded or merged through 2027. Local leaders warn the change risks eroding town identity, though the bank pledges commitment to Halifax.
Independent reports that Elaine Sullivan has been found guilty of serious misconduct, including bullying, by an NMC tribunal; 13 colleagues complained over ten months. Sullivan’s name is struck from the nursing register following admissions to all charges.
The government has announced a three-year funding package to increase police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods, at synagogues, schools and community centres, following a spate of antisemitic attacks and the national terror threat level being raised to severe. The plan includes more than 500 additional officers across England and Wales, with around 386 million to London and counter-terrorism capabilities.
Castleford Tigers have come from 16 points down to claim a victory over Leeds Rhinos in a high-scoring Super League clash at OneBore Stadium. Maika Sivo starred for Leeds in the first half, but Castleford overturned the deficit to seal a 36-34 win as the game produced 13 tries.