Month: September 2024

The Conservative Party has “failed to see the threat from the Liberal Democrats” while focusing too much on Reform, Theresa May has warned. Writing in The Times ahead of the party’s annual conference in Birmingham, Baroness May said the remaining candidates for the Tory leadership could “play into Reform’s hands” by failing to understand why they lost the general election. The former prime minister said the Conservatives lost power in […]

The King has warned of the dangers of climate change as he marked the “important” 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. Charles addressed the chamber during a visit to Holyrood with the Queen on Saturday, saying the parliament can “touch and improve the lives of so many individuals”. He also mentioned that Scotland has a “uniquely special place” in the hearts of his family, saying Queen Elizabeth II “treasured the […]

Downton Abbey creator Lord Julian Fellowes has said Dame Maggie Smith was a “blessing in my life” as he recalled her wit and kindness to younger performers on set. With a career spanning 70 years, the Oscar-winning actress has been remembered for her versatile repertoire ranging from Shakespeare to the Harry Potter franchise, with her co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint among those to pay tribute. Lord Fellowes, […]

The Israeli military has said they killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Hezbollah militant political group, in an air strike in Beirut on Friday. The military said the strike was carried out while the Hezbollah leadership was meeting at their headquarters in Dahiyeh. Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollah’s southern front, and additional commanders were also killed in the attack, the Israeli military said. The Lebanese health ministry said […]

A scheme which cut rail fares for travellers at peak periods is being ended despite passenger numbers at busy times having “soared” by almost 40%, Labour claimed. Labour net zero spokesperson Sarah Boyack said the rise had occurred despite the Scottish Government having “sabotaged” the pilot – which has run for a year and saw all passengers pay cheaper, off-peak prices for the train regardless of the time of day […]

Tributes are being paid to Dame Maggie Smith who's died in hospital at the age of 89. Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens said she died in hospital on Friday morning. They said in a statement: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. “She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. […]

A 32-year-old who encouraged “mob violence” and was the first defendant in the UK to admit a charge of riot following nationwide disorder last month has been jailed for four years and four months. Kieran Usher, from Bramwell Road, Hendon, Sunderland, was in a group of around 20 yobs who hurled missiles at police during a night of trouble in the city on August 2, which left bystanders terrified. He […]

Snooker commentator Clive Everton has died at the age of 87. Everton was described as the “voice of the sport” by the World Snooker Tour following news of his death on Friday. The governing body said in a statement on X: “Clive Everton, one of snooker’s greatest ever commentators and voice of the sport, has died at the age of 87. “Everton devoted his life to snooker and covered the […]

Aldi’s own-label baked beans have beaten well-known brands Heinz and Branston in a blind taste test by consumer group Which? Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 41p for a 410g can achieved a top score of 76% from 66 tasters selected by the watchdog to rate 10 versions from supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco alongside their branded counterparts. The panel said Aldi’s beans looked […]