News – World and UK

Government plans to boost prison capacity could fall short by thousands of cell spaces within two years and cost the taxpayer billions of pounds more than anticipated, Whitehall’s spending watchdog has warned. The National Audit Office (NAO) said current expansion plans are “insufficient to meet future demand” amid a projected shortage of 12,400 prison places by the end of 2027, with costs expected to be at least £4 billion higher […]

The Princess of Wales joined the King and her husband in welcoming the Emir of Qatar to the UK during a rare public appearance since completing her cancer treatment. Kate looked relaxed as she greeted the Gulf state leader during a ceremony of pomp and pageantry in central London, but missed a glittering state banquet held in his honour as she continues her gradual return to full duties after recovering […]

Rachel Reeves has again declined to repeat her promise not to raise taxes or borrowing in future budgets, but insisted she would not have to top up her spending plans either. Appearing at the Great Northern Conference in Hull on Tuesday, Rachel Reeves again faced pressure to repeat her pledge, given to the Confederation of British Industry last month, that there would be no repeat of the £40 billion tax […]

Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials have been pulled from the BBC’s schedule after Gregg Wallace stepped away from hosting the cooking show, a BBC spokesperson said. The broadcaster previously announced a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza as part of its festive schedule, both billed as hour-long programmes for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. A BBC spokesperson said: “As we have said, MasterChef is an amazing […]

The Queen has told guests at the state visit that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia. Camilla is suffering from post-viral fatigue and is missing the outdoor elements of the Qatari visit after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover. It is understood Camilla’s condition was viral, not bacterial, and she no longer has pneumonia. The Queen missed the outdoor ceremonial welcome on a […]

Scotland’s NHS will become “much worse” over the winter, the head of the doctors’ union has warned after a report said fundamental reform in the health service is needed. The Audit Scotland report said some services may need to be withdrawn in order to free up resources to meet growing demand for healthcare. It said the Scottish Government has no clear plan for how to bring about change in the […]

The Emir of Qatar will begin a two-day state visit to the UK hosted by the King. Charles will welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during a ceremony of pomp and pageantry staged in Whitehall. But missing will be Queen Camilla who, on Monday evening, pulled out of the official open-air greeting on Horse Guards Parade and a carriage ride […]

Victims of the “horrendous” crime of stalking are to be given better protection including the right to know the identity of their online stalkers, the Government has said. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has committed to using “every tool available” to take power from abusers and hand it to victims. The changes come following a warning earlier this year from a group of watchdogs who said police are failing to protect […]

Spending on cough and cold remedies was a bright spot in November as weak consumer confidence and rising energy bills caused anxiety for retailers in the all-important run-up to Christmas. A later Black Friday this year, resulting in artificially weaker November figures, still could not disguise figures suggesting it is “unlikely to be a bumper Christmas for all” as many consumers remain focused on budgeting, analysts suggest. The British Retail […]