Crowds in cities and towns across island of Ireland enjoy St Patrick’s Day Families and tourists thronged the streets in cities and towns across the island of Ireland for St Patrick’s Day, while reflecting on what it means to be Irish. Parades were held in Dublin, Belfast, and Cork, while in Jessie Buckley’s native Killarney
King to host first state visit by Muslim leader during Ramadan for a century The King is preparing to host the first incoming state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in what is believed to be nearly 100 years. Charles is set to welcome the Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, first
Rachel Reeves sets out plan for UK to align with more rules set in Brussels The UK should follow more of the European Union’s rules to boost trade and cut prices, Rachel Reeves has claimed. The Chancellor warned the UK risked being “stranded” between rival trading blocs unless it sought a closer relationship with Brussels.
Meningitis outbreak: Students in university halls in Kent to be offered vaccine Students in university halls in Kent are to be offered the meningitis B vaccine, Wes Streeting has said, as officials work to stem the spread of infection in an “unprecedented” outbreak. The Health Secretary said most students would not already be vaccinated against
Meningitis B confirmed as strain behind outbreak that has left two dead Some cases of meningitis seen in Kent have been confirmed as meningitis B, health officials have said, as hundreds of people are being urged to get antibiotics to stem the spread of infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is investigating the
New checks for train passengers who buy tickets with railcard discounts Train passengers who buy tickets with railcard discounts will be required to pass additional checks as part of a Government crackdown on fare dodging. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the introduction of “simple validation” will save about £20 million a year in lost
Black music ‘makes up 80% of UK recorded music revenue over past three decades’ Black music has made up 80% of the UK’s recorded music revenue over the past three decades, new figures show. The report, by industry body UK Music, examined the cultural and commercial impact black music – defined as music that has
Cost of fixing all potholes on ‘national disgrace’ roads estimated at £18.6bn The estimated cost of bringing pothole-plagued local roads in England and Wales up to scratch has risen to a record £18.6 billion, according to a new report, which branded the situation “a national disgrace”. Research by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) found only
Meningitis outbreak: Tribute paid to student who died as hundreds seek treatment Three schools have confirmed cases of meningitis after an outbreak killed two students and others were admitted to hospital One of those who died was a year 13 student called Juliette, who was described by her headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in
Nursery worker jailed for raping and abusing young children A nursery worker who raped and abused young children in his care has been jailed for 24 years. Nathan Bennett, 30, preyed on the two and three-year-olds at the Partou King Street nursery in Bristol. He was found guilty by a jury last month of eight