News – World and UK

The NHS is “struggling to get firing on all cylinders”, experts have said after a new report highlighted the “twin crises” of low productivity and poor staff retention in the health service. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) warned that the “return on public investment has weakened since the pandemic”. It said that restoring NHS productivity to pre-pandemic levels would have freed up £19 billion in 2023/24 – enough […]

A national blue plaque celebrating the life and achievements of inspirational actor and film star Cary Grant is being unveiled at his early childhood home. It will shine a light on the rags to riches story of Archie Leach – the boy from Bristol who ran away from home at 14 and joined an acrobatic troupe. He travelled to America and reinvented himself as Cary Grant, becoming one of the […]

Police have urged members of the public to come forward with information and dashcam footage that could help their investigation into the death of Harshita Brella, whose body was found in the boot of a car. Northamptonshire Police detectives believe the 24-year-old was murdered in Corby on the evening of November 10 before her body was driven to Ilford in the car boot the next day. An international manhunt was […]

Storylines for the finale of Gavin and Stacey will see the BBC comedy series return as the Christmas special takes place five years on from the previous instalment. The hit TV series aired between 2007 and 2010 and returned in 2019 with a one-off festive episode that ended on a cliff-hanger when Vanessa Shanessa “Nessa” Jenkins (Ruth Jones) proposed to Neil “Smithy” Smith (James Corden). After sleeping together on-and-off, they […]

Hundreds of schools are closed amid snowy conditions and an amber weather alert has been issued for the weekend when Storm Bert is set to sweep in. The Met Office said Storm Bert is expected to bring “heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow to parts of the UK through the weekend” and warned of travel disruption and potential flooding. An amber alert for heavy snow and ice will be […]

The Environment Secretary has said he heard the “anguish” of the countryside after thousands of farmers protested against the Budget. Speaking to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Steve Reed said he wanted to support farmers, as he announced a 25-year farming road map to help the sector move to more environmentally and financially sustainable models of agriculture. His comments come after 13,000 farmers and supporters rallied in central […]

It follows a battle with Alzheimer's Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s, his family has announced. His family said he had “spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment”. The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died “peacefully” and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said. Lord Prescott […]

The National Crime Agency has taken part in a major international operation targeting an organised crime group alleged to be responsible for smuggling hundreds of Syrian migrants into the UK and Germany. The German-led investigation against the Syrian group, considered to be one of Europe’s most significant people smuggling networks, was supported by the NCA and included the arrest of an Iraqi national at his home in Bilston, Wolverhampton, who […]

Big Issue vendors are to be offered devices allowing them to sell the magazine through contactless payments on mobile phones. A partnership with giffgaff builds on a trial which saw 250 Big Issue sellers use giffgaff devices, leading to an increase in sales by an average of 30%. Refurbished devices will be offered to all vendors across the UK, while giffgaff will also support Big Issue’s work on helping people […]