News – World and UK

Scientists have created a world-first urine test which could indicate the first possible signs of lung cancer. The majority of cases of lung cancer in England are diagnosed at later stages, meaning the disease can be harder to treat. But researchers hope that early detection could mean that patients get treatments sooner, giving them a better chance of overcoming the disease. The pioneering test looks for so-called “zombie” cell proteins […]

Air pollution in England has hit a 20-year low but current levels could still pose significant risks to public health, a group of economic experts has said. Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found it fell dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic and has remained at lower levels ever since. The economics-focused think tank said average levels of PM2.5 – tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs – […]

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he will name a new prime minister within days, after the resignation of Michel Barnier. Mr Macron came out fighting a day after a historic no-confidence vote at the National Assembly left France without a functioning government. He laid the blame at the door of his opponents for bringing down […]

The UK, France and Germany have taken part in a major investigation targeting a people-smuggling network believed to be moving people across the Channel, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said. The operation targeted an Iraqi organised crime group (OCG) suspected of being involved in smuggling people from France across the Channel to the UK in small boats, according to the NCA. The network was involved in sourcing equipment for […]

A pilot scheme to help schools save money on their energy bills and improve energy efficiency has been launched by London mayor Sadiq Khan. The Greener Schools initiative, launched on Thursday, invites London boroughs to apply for part of a £2 million pot to help schools implement a range of interventions including insulation, solar panels and heat pumps as well as climate engagement activities. The grants will be match funded […]

Delays in the criminal justice system are “probably worse than I’ve ever known them to be”, the country’s top prosecutor said as he vowed better support for victims. Delays in the criminal justice system are “probably worse than I’ve ever known them to be”, the country’s top prosecutor said as he vowed better support for victims. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said his “highest priority” since taking on the […]

A building society is increasing the maximum amount that first-time buyers can potentially borrow as a multiple of their earnings, with the launch of a new mortgage range. Aspiring homeowners with a minimum household income of £40,000 may now be able to borrow up to 5.5 times their earnings, Leeds Building Society said. Its previous maximum loan-to-income ratio was 5.25 for first-time buyers and 4.5 on its standard mortgage lending […]

France’s far-right and left-wing legislators joined together on Wednesday to vote for a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier to resign. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time […]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced Labour pressure to amend her inheritance tax changes for farmers as a backbencher made clear his opposition to the current proposals. Markus Campbell-Savours, the Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, said he is “not prepared to break my word” given to farmers during the election that Labour had no plans to introduce changes to agricultural property relief (APR). He said he will engage with the […]