Author: David Pike

Summary John Swinney pays tribute to the outgoing Hamza Yousaf in his first speech as new SNP leader in Glasgow. He plans to become Scotland’s seventh first minister pending a vote at Holyrood. Swinney condemns political polarization and promises to listen to all factions within the party. He aims to create an inclusive and unified team as he takes on the role of SNP leader and potentially Scotland’s first minister. We have set up a…

Summary Armed police will be at a North Wales holiday park and intend on using it as a base for training exercises. The site will provide a realistic environment for scenarios such as hostage situations. The training exercises will involve armed officers and police dogs. The site’s layout and facilities will enhance the officers’ skills in handling high-pressure situations. The officers will use the currently closed Pontins site in Prestatyn. The Welsh police will use…

Summary The company in Mallusk has been honored for its sustainable practices, receiving a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. It is one of just four companies in Northern Ireland to be recognized with this prestigious award, highlighting its commitment to environmentally friendly and socially responsible business practices. We have set up a Special Channel on X – Join in the conversation WTXNews Full News Report Newtownabbey firm scoops King’s Award for Enterprise A Mallusk-based company…

Summary NPH Cinema in St Andrews is set for a revamp, potentially ushering in a ‘new era’ for the town’s entertainment scene. The renovation aims to modernize the cinema and enhance the overall movie-watching experience for residents and visitors. We have set up a Special Channel on X – Join in the conversation WTXNews Full News Report Will revamp bring ‘new era’ to the town? NPH Cinema St Andrews: Will revamp bring ‘new era’ to…

Summary . They cite delays, cancellations, and overcrowding as ongoing issues affecting passengers across the country. The group calls for increased investment in infrastructure and rolling stock to address these issues and improve the overall quality of public transportation in Wales. We have set up a Special Channel on X – Join in the conversation WTXNews Full News Report 'Tired of the same problems': Trains for big events in Wales are 'simply inadequate' A cross-party…

Editorial 05 May 2024 

The Sunday newspaper front pages mostly focus on the England election results as more trickled out on Saturday – including the shock Labour win in the West Midlands mayor and Sadiq Khan winning a third term as London mayor. 

Many of the right-leaning newspapers suggest the results highlight the dire state the Conservative Party is in right now, and contend with a possible Tory wipeout at the upcoming general election. 

A couple of tabloids lead on royal news, including disgraced Prince Andrew and the results of a popularity poll regarding King Charles. 

Many of the back pages lead on Manchester City’s and Arsenal’s latest Premier League wins. Liverpool are in action on Sunday and must win if they have any hopes of winning the title. 

Summary Tulips are a quintessential sign of spring, bringing cheer and color to both vases and gardens. Their vibrant blooms are a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way, making them a beloved symbol of the changing seasons for many. We have set up a Special Channel on X – Join in the conversation WTXNews Full News Report Watch: We went to the Tulip Festival at Glenarm Castle, here's what we thought There’s…

Summary Labour’s Sadiq Khan won a historic third term as london Mayor, beating Tory candidate Susan Hall by a significant margin. The Conservatives suffered heavy losses in local council elections, while Labour secured victories across councils and in mayoral races, including Richard Parker in West Midlands and Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester. London boroughs north and south of the River Thames voted red, while areas bordering the Home Counties chose Conservative. Despite initial concerns over…

Summary london has been named the most attractive city for talent globally, with Mayor Sadiq Khan re-elected for a historic third term. However, challenges such as maintaining London’s financial powerhouse status, integrating with the national growth strategy, and ensuring access to talent must be addressed to retain its global appeal. London’s diverse culture, energy, and opportunities make it a top choice for workers worldwide. To stay ahead, the city must focus on economic competitiveness, regional…

Summary Priory School in the Isle of Wight has implemented strict rules regarding the use of digital devices, including banning apps on smartwatches during class time. The policy, in place since 2009, aims to prevent distractions, cyber-bullying, and peer pressure associated with owning expensive devices, leading to improved behavior among pupils and staff. The government has supported schools in prohibiting smartphone use during the school day to minimize disruption and improve behavior. Priory School’s policy…

Summary Pilots fly in close proximity at high speeds, performing aerobatic maneuvers. Safety measures are in place to prevent collisions. We have set up a Special Channel on X – Join in the conversation WTXNews Full News Report What it’s really like to be a Red Arrows pilot ‘Every day you’re stepping into an airplane that you’re going to go and fly six feet apart from another airplane going upside down around 400 miles an…

Summary A Northern Ireland council committee has rejected a request to adjust its meeting time for the 80th D-Day celebrations. The committee’s decision not to accommodate the event has sparked controversy and criticism from those who believe it is important to honor the historic anniversary. Despite calls for flexibility, the council committee has stood firm in its decision to maintain its original starting time. This refusal has led to backlash and raised questions about the…

Summary A quick and easy meal option for busy individuals looking for a fast and convenient cooking solution. The recipe is perfect for those with limited time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal without sacrificing taste or quality. We have set up a Special Channel on X – Join in the conversation WTXNews Full News Report Slimming World friendly toffee baked oats made in a mug The recipe can be cooked in 90…

Birmingham City Councillor Makes History Amidst Controversial Budget Cuts In a historic turn of events, a Birmingham city councillor was elected for the first time this week amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding the council’s recent approval of significant cuts to local services. The newly elected councillor, who has chosen to remain anonymous, ran a grassroots campaign focused on community engagement and advocating for the needs of residents in the face of austerity measures. Despite…

When will we know who won the London mayoral election? Sadiq Khan is fighting to be re-elected as Mayor of London. Voters took to the polls on Thursday May 2 to cast their ballot for the next mayor of London, with Khan battling 12 other candidates to secure a third term in office. Other challengers for mayorship the Conservative Susan Hall, the Greens’ Zoe Garbett, Lib Dem Rob Blackie, and of course, Count Binface. The…

Labour wins Blackpool South by-election with huge swing from Conservatives Labour has won the Blackpool South by-election from the Conservatives, heaping even more pressure on Rishi Sunak after what is turning into a bruising night for the Tories. Chris Webb secured 10,825 votes, a majority of 7,607, in the contest triggered by the resignation of former Tory MP Scott Benton following a lobbying scandal. The Conservatives pipped beat Reform UK into second, with Tory David…

More graphic details emerge of ‘sword killer’s 22-minute reign of terror’ A 36-year-old man who has been charged with the murder of a 14-year-old boy in a sword rampage in Hainault has been remanded in custody. Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, who is a dual Spanish and Brazilian national, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being charged with the murder of Daniel Anjorin. Daniel was walking to school when he was stabbed along with four…

Boris Johnson forgets voter ID in major polling day blunder Boris Johnson was turned away from voting at his local polling station yesterday after forgetting to bring an acceptable form of photo ID. Polling station staff told the former prime minister to go away and come back after he initially failed to comply with legislation he introduced while he was in Downing Street. Mr Johnson, who introduced the Elections Act requiring photo ID in 2022,…

Latest local election results show a bruising night for the Conservatives The Conservatives have had a tough night as results from yesterday’s massive local elections trickle in – and it may get worse over the course of the day. Labour claimed a win in the only Westminster seat race taking place yesterday, in the former ‘red wall’ seat of Blackpool South. A huge swing of 26% in the vote was recorded for the party and…

Friday’s front pages feature a variety of topics, including domestic UK topics including the Rwanda bill and the London sword attack suspect. 

There are several political stories on the front pages, with several publications looking at Labour’s plans if they are elected to office this year. 

Online, most newspapers are dominated by yesterday’s local elections in England and Wales – as results continue to come in, it’s clear the Tories have suffered major defeats and Labour has picked up more than 58 seats. 

Tribunal hears that failures in Afghanistan evacuation may have resulted in loss of lives The shocking revelations of a sacked Foreign Office whistleblower have shed light on the chaotic and ineffective response of the British government to the fall of Kabul in 2021. Josie Stewart, a former senior official at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), alleged that the government’s mismanagement of the crisis in Afghanistan may have cost lives. Ms. Stewart, who was…

Vaughan Gething sparks internal turmoil in Welsh Labour as party members turn against him After months of speculation and uncertainty, the Welsh Labour Party has finally elected a new First Minister of Wales. Mark Drakeford, the former Health Minister, has been chosen to lead the party and the country in the wake of the resignation of former First Minister Carwyn Jones. Drakeford’s appointment comes after a tumultuous period for the Welsh Labour Party, with internal…

Kate shares new photo of smiling Charlotte to celebrate her ninth birthday Prince William and Kate Middleton released a new picture of Princess Charlotte to mark her ninth birthday. The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new image of their daughter to celebrate her birthday today. The pair said on their X account KensingtonRoyal: ‘Happy 9th Birthday, Princess Charlotte! Thank you for all of the kind messages today.’ Taken by Kate, it shows a…

Police Officer Cliff Mitchell Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Catalogue of Rapes A shocking case of police misconduct has come to light as Cliff Mitchell, a 24-year-old former Metropolitan Police officer, has been sentenced to life in prison for a series of horrifying rapes. Found guilty of 10 counts of rape Mitchell was found guilty of 10 counts of rape, three counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of kidnap, and breach…

Another inmate dies at Parc Prison in Wales Wayne Hay, a 32-year-old inmate at Parc Prison in Bridgend, Wales, has tragically become the seventh prisoner to have died in the jail in just over two months. The string of deaths has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of inmates at the facility. Hay was found unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday morning, prompting an immediate response from prison staff. Despite their efforts to…