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Hundreds of schools are closed amid snowy conditions and an amber weather alert has been issued for the weekend when Storm Bert is set to sweep in. The Met Office said Storm Bert is expected to bring “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend” and warned of travel disruption and potential flooding. An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be […]

The Environment Secretary has said he heard the “anguish” of the countryside after thousands of farmers protested against the Budget. Speaking to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Steve Reed said he wanted to support farmers, as he announced a 25-year farming road map to help the sector move to more environmentally and financially sustainable models of agriculture. His comments come after 13,000 farmers and supporters rallied in central […]

It follows a battle with Alzheimer's Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family has announced. His family said he had “spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment”. The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died “peacefully” and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said. Lord Prescott […]

The National Crime Agency has taken part in a major international operation targeting an organised crime group alleged to be responsible for smuggling hundreds of Syrian migrants into the UK and Germany. The German-led investigation against the Syrian group, considered to be one of Europe’s most significant people smuggling networks, was supported by the NCA and included the arrest of an Iraqi national at his home in Bilston, Wolverhampton, who […]

Big Issue vendors are to be offered devices allowing them to sell the magazine through contactless payments on mobile phones. A partnership with giffgaff builds on a trial which saw 250 Big Issue sellers use giffgaff devices, leading to an increase in sales by an average of 30%. Refurbished devices will be offered to all vendors across the UK, while giffgaff will also support Big Issue’s work on helping people […]

The family of renowned pandemic fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore made more than a million pounds for themselves through their association with the charity set up in his name, a damning report has found. The charities watchdog concluded there had been repeated instances of misconduct by the veteran’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, Colin. Sir Tom became a household name in the pandemic, raising millions for NHS charities by […]

More than a third of online shoppers – almost 15 million people – experienced a problem with a parcel delivery in the last month, according to an annual Citizens Advice study. Just before a Black Friday and Christmas shopping surge, the charity said its survey revealed a “worrying trend” of worsening customer service among delivery firms. While Royal Mail and Amazon both achieved an overall score of three out of […]

He announced last week that he'd be quitting his role as Archbishop of Canterbury Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will finish his official duties in early January, as he steps down in the face of criticism over an abuse scandal within the Church of England. Mr Welby announced last week – after days of mounting pressure over failures in his handling of the case of prolific abuser John Smyth – […]

Wreckage from one of the long-range weapons has reportedly been found in Russia’s Kursk region Storm Shadow missiles supplied to Ukraine by Britain have been used in Russia, according to reports. Wreckage from one of the long-range weapons has been found in Russia’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, several media outlets have said. Storm Shadow’s use in Russia comes a day after Moscow said American long-range weapons had been fired […]