Tories pledge to scrap business rates for shops and pubs Latest from the Conservative Party conference The Conservatives will abolish business rates for high street shops and pubs if they win the next election, the shadow chancellor has promised. Sir Mel Stride made the commitment as he addressed the Conservative Party conference on Monday, saying
100-tonne ‘fatberg’ blockage cleared from sewer in London Wet wipes, fat, oil and grease A blockage estimated to be around 100 tonnes has been cleared from a west London sewer, Thames Water has revealed. The utility firm said a specialist team took more than a month to remove the so-called “fatberg” that was more than
Camilla’s tribute to Dame Jilly Cooper Author dies aged 88 The Queen has paid tribute to the author Dame Jilly Cooper who has died at the age of 88, describing her as a “legend” and a “wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many”. The writer – known for her “bonkbusters” including Riders,
Camilla’s tribute to Dame Jilly Cooper Author dies aged 88 The Queen has paid tribute to the author Dame Jilly Cooper who has died at the age of 88, describing her as a “legend” and a “wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many”. The writer – known for her “bonkbusters” including Riders,
Historic hospital wing open to the public for the first time in 300-year history A 300-year-old hospital wing featuring paintings by William Hogarth is to open to the public for the first time following an extensive restoration project. The North Wing of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, a Grade I listed building, will be open to visitors
One in six adults ‘are financial carers helping relatives to manage money’ Around one in six (16%) adults class themselves as “financial carers” who are helping to manage the money of someone who is older and more vulnerable, a survey has indicated. Family members typically step in to the role of a financial carer for
Former England rugby captain Lewis Moody diagnosed with motor neurone disease Former England captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Former England captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The 47-year-old told the BBC of his diagnosis on Monday,
Homebuyers will save money and time under new proposals, says Housing Secretary The biggest shake-up to the homebuying system in history could slash costs for buyers and cut the time it takes to move, the Government claimed. Changes could include requiring property sellers and estate agents to provide more information when a home is listed
‘Remarkable’ insect discovery could benefit modern surgery, say scientists A “remarkable” discovery about a wasp-like insect’s mechanism for cutting into plants could have implications for modern surgery, scientists say. Researchers at Heriot-Watt University examined how female sawflies make such specific cuts when planting their eggs into plants. They found that sawfly’s egg-laying organ – called
Tories ‘up for the fight’ Kemi Badenoch kicks off the party’s conference The Conservatives are “up for the fight”, Kemi Badenoch said as she kicked off the party’s annual conference in Manchester. Breaking with tradition and delivering a welcome speech at the start of the conference on Sunday, Mrs Badenoch acknowledged the Conservatives had “a