Author: David Pike

M&S pulls Christmas advert post after Palestinian flag criticism M&S has apologised and pulled an advert after complaints of a photo of Christmas party hats in the colours of the Palestinian flag on fire. The image was an outtake from one of the company’s TV adverts, showing red, green and silver hats burning in a fireplace. M&S said the advert was filmed in August before the Israel-Gaza conflict began. They said the intent was to…

Thursday’s front pages mostly focus on the re-opening of the Rafah border crossing.

It can be daunting, but these tips may help get you that boost.

Five men are on trial accused of the double murder.

Your turkey just got cheaper.

Britons to leave Gaza in stages, says UK Foreign Office Brits will leave Gaza “in stages over the coming days,” the UK Foreign Office has said. The Rafah border crossing with Egypt is being opened for “controlled and time-limited periods” and to allow the seriously wounded to leave. The first group of foreign nationals were permitted to cross on Wednesday. Injured Palestinians were also allowed to cross into the border, where a field hospital has…

Is PMQs on today? Why there is no Prime Minister’s Questions after prorogation of Parliament There’s no PMQs session today as Parliament was prorogued last week, putting an end to the most recent session. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer normally face each other every Wednesday to debate the biggest issues facing the UK. The TV session gives the public a chance to judge the leaders as they vie for support…

Warning one in 10 county councils face effective bankruptcy Leaders of local governments have warned that one in 10 county councils in England are facing effective bankruptcy – putting vital services at risk. In September Birmingham City Council was forced to slash spending after declaring itself effectively bankrupt. A survey by the County Councils Network suggests more local authorities fear they could be next. They are calling for emergency funding from the government to stave…

Senior Met officer Julian Bennett sacked for refusing drug test Senior Met Police officer, Cdr Julian Bennett, has been sacked for refusing a drug test for cannabis. Bennet joined the Met in 1976 and drew up the force’s anti-drugs strategy, his actions have been found to have amounted to gross misconduct. A three-person disciplinary panel cleared him of smoking the illicit substance. His former flatmate Sheila Gomes accused him of using it daily before heading…

Storm Ciarán: England and Channel Islands prepare for disruption England is preparing for the arrival of Storm Ciarán, with people protecting their homes and businesses. Roads have been closed and ferries cancelled as the storm heads our way. The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings for wind and rain across the UK.  Gusts of up to 80mph could cause travel disruption, damage to buildings and flying debris. There are also flood warnings in…

Queen Camilla reaches out to help steady her husband.

‘It’s probably quite a nasty storm, this one.’

In today’s MetroTalk readers are discussing the government’s response to Covid-19 as details emerge during the pandemic inquiry.

When locals drive between the small villages of Filmwell in East Sussex and Hawkhurst in Kent, many have no idea they’re passing a secret ‘Dacha’.

‘A career first.’

Questions are piling up for Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak at the COVID inquiry – and it’s likely to get worse SKY NEWS SAYS This week at the COVID inquiry is about the advisers – the backroom officials now thrust into the spotlight. They reveal new details of the chaotic decision-making in Number 10 – and more widely across government – and extremely candid assessments of the key players, but particularly Boris Johnson. Today, Martin…

‘This Is Embarrassing’: The Most Shocking WhatsApps Revealed At The Covid Inquiry HuffPost SAYS The Covid Inquiry continues to reveal more shocking material from those who were running the country during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are some of the most astounding WhatsApp conversations between top government aides during the height of the virus. 1) Boris Johnson did not believe that any of his WhatsApp messages would be made public to the Covid Inquiry. Cabinet secretary…

Covid inquiry won’t topple the Boris Johnson myth FT SAYS Good morning. Boris Johnson was not a good prime minister. His government lurched all over the place on a variety of issues, and his poor decision-making made responding to the Covid pandemic harder. That’s the gist of yesterday’s evidence to the UK’s Covid inquiry. Tune in for today’s session, when there may be more revelations about the religion of the Pope and what bears really…

Covid inquiry live: Boris Johnson had no ‘clarity of purpose’ testifies former aide Lee Cain The Independent says Boris Johnson’s former communications chief Lee Cain is now giving evidence at another bumper day at the Covid inquiry. He will be followed by Dominic Cummings, the former prime minister’s chief of staff during the pandemic. On Monday, Boris Johnson has been accused of a “mad and dangerous” response to the Covid pandemic comparable to Donald Trump’s…

U-turn on rail ticket office closures expected The BBC is reporting that plans to shut hundreds of railway ticket offices in England are set to be cancelled. An announcement is expected shortly from the Department for Transport. The plans, which were put forward by train companies in a move to cut costs, sparked concern from unions and disability groups. Operators argued only 12% of tickets are now bought at station kiosks.

Tuesday’s newspapers report on the Israeli hostages in Gaza and revelations from the Covid inquiry. 

Boots said all staff impacted have been offered ‘alternative jobs’

Sahil Sharma, 23, is alleged to have murdered Mehak Sharma.

Fabricated magazine covers imitating Titanic and Leman publications allege to show Ukrainian President Zelensky ‘jealous’ of the recent media attention on Israel. These fake covers were mostly shared by Russian language social media accounts; a well-known disinformation tactic employed by the Kremlin to discredit Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. 

Joan Lesley Clarke maintained she had terminal ovarian cancer for more than three years.