News – World and UK

Improving trade ties with the European Union could boost the economy and drive up living standards, Rachel Reeves claimed, as she attended a meeting of EU finance ministers. She said becoming the first Chancellor to attend a meeting of European counterparts since Brexit was a “milestone moment” as the UK seeks to “reset” its relationship with Brussels. It is “in our national interest to have more normal trading relations with […]

The north of England will directly benefit from closer trade ties with Saudi Arabia, Sir Keir Starmer has said as he visits the country. The north of England will directly benefit from closer trade ties with Saudi Arabia, Sir Keir Starmer has said as he visits the country. The Prime Minister insisted his “international agenda starts at home” as he visits the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on Monday […]

A recent government pledge to eradicate waits of more than 12 months for NHS treatment “should have been fulfilled by September”, Scottish Labour have said. Public Health Scotland figures show that in September a total of 100,968 people had been waiting more than 12 months for either a new outpatient appointment, inpatient treatment or day-case treatment. Labour pointed out that this was an increase of 39% on the figure of […]

Abba’s virtual concert has boosted the UK economy by more than £1 billion, new analysis shows, as its executive producer sets his sights on another two years of the London residency which he hoped could exist “forever”. Abba Voyage, which sees digital versions of the Swedish band perform in a purpose-built arena, is set to sell its three millionth ticket this month, since opening in May 2022. New analysis, carried […]

Reality star Pete Wicks will miss out on the Strictly Come Dancing final after becoming the 11th celebrity to depart the show. During Sunday’s results programme, the podcast host, 36, and his dance partner Jowita Przystal faced the dance-off against Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and her professional dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec. Ghouri and Skorjanec performed their waltz to (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin, […]

Daniel Craig has revealed he felt “exhausted” after shooting James Bond films and said it would take him “six months to recover emotionally”. The British movie star, 56, played 007 in Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die (2021). His fifth film was his final appearance in the role after 15 years as the spy with the licence to kill. Speaking […]

Angela Rayner has said she understands people are angry and “impatient for change”, after several polls showed a drop in support for Labour following the Budget. The Deputy Prime Minister pointed to the “significant challenges” faced by the Government since its election when pressed on the dip. In a recent Find Out Now poll, the Tories came out on top with 26% of people stating they would vote for the […]

Strong winds will continue to hamper the majority of the UK on Sunday following the widespread disruption caused by Storm Darragh. Gusts of up to 70mph could still lead to difficult driving conditions and short-term loss of power, with public transport also badly impacted, the Met Office said. The forecaster issued a fresh yellow wind warning for the whole of England and Wales which came into force at 6am and […]

Thousands more GPs could be trained in order to deal with the NHS staffing crisis, Wes Streeting has indicated. The Health Secretary has pledged to create a “transformed health service” after ordering officials to tweak the NHS workforce plan. The “refresh” would prioritise services closer to the homes of patients – like GPs, according to the Telegraph. Mr Streeting told the newspaper that a review of the NHS undertaken by […]