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The UK approach to China needs “more diplomacy, not less”, the Foreign Secretary has said on his first official visit to the country. David Lammy said the Government would bring “consistency” to relations with China, adding there had not been “sufficient contact” between London and Beijing under his predecessors, particularly on human rights issues. His comments follow meetings with Chinese deputy premier Ding Xuexiang and foreign minister Wang Yi, during […]

The Princess Royal attended a performance by the world’s oldest riding academy in London as it tours the UK for the first time in almost a decade. Anne was treated to perfectly synchronised routines set to classical Viennese music by eight riders and up to 26 horses from the Spanish Riding School on Friday evening. The academy, based in Vienna, Austria, has been maintaining and practising classical horsemanship in its […]

Injuries and danger to life are likely during the 80mph winds set to hit parts of the UK this weekend in the first named storm of the season, the Met Office has said. It has issued an amber weather warning ahead of Storm Ashley for the north-west of Scotland on Sunday, as well as a yellow warning for the entirety of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and parts of north-west England […]

The father of former One Direction star Liam Payne has travelled to Buenos Aires following the singer’s death, which his former partner Cheryl has said is “indescribably painful”. Geoff Payne was pictured in a navy suit exiting the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital, where the 31-year-old British star fell from a third floor balcony on Wednesday. Mr Payne is said to have flown to the country to organise […]

People are more likely to pay for items with cash when they are on holiday overseas compared with when they are in the UK, a new survey suggests. Some 44% of consumers polled said they use cash more on foreign trips, compared with 7% who said they use it less. The most common reason given for using cash instead of card on holiday is that it is the only form […]

A new documentary starring US singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen will feature his reflections on the idea of mortality. The documentary, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band, is billed as a look at how the band create their live performances, including footage of rehearsals, backstage moments and personal reflections from Born In The USA singer Springsteen. “There’s a lot about mortality and life and death and rock n’ roll […]

Erik ten Hag says Sir Alex Ferguson “is Man United” and believes he will remain available to help in their bid to return to the top, despite leaving his ambassadorial role. The Old Trafford giants have struggled since the Scot bowed out as Premier League champion in 2013, with the club failing to make a sustained title bid since. Ambitious Ineos are looking to revive the fortunes of the 20-time […]

The Prime Minister has insisted the Government will “keep our manifesto pledges” amid reports the Chancellor could extend the freeze on income tax thresholds in this month’s Budget. Rachel Reeves may be considering pushing the freeze beyond its current expiry date of 2028 in a move that could raise £7 billion, according to reports by the Financial Times. Continuing the freeze could help plug some of the £40 billion gap […]

Alex Salmond was met by his family and a piper when the plane carrying his body landed in Aberdeen. The former first minister’s family, including his wife, Moira, and acting Alba Party leader, Kenny MacAskill, greeted the coffin as a piper played Freedom Come All Ye. Funeral directors placed his coffin, which was draped in a Saltire, into a hearse after he arrived at Aberdeen Airport just before 2pm on […]