Prince Andrew’s ‘opaque’ finances provoke calls for register of royal interests Claims of refused FOI requests into Duke of York’s business dealings come as controversy over alleged Chinese spy continues Getting information from government departments about the Duke of York’s past business dealings is like playing “whack-a-mole”, it was claimed, as fallout over the alleged Chinese “spy” controversy continues, with China saying it was an attempt to “smear” it. Calling for a register of royal…
Brits told to avoid European country due to ‘significant risk of arrest’ The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued the warning The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising Brits against travelling to Belarus due to the current political unrest and potential risks. The FCDO warns that individuals in Belarus face a significant risk of arrest if they have participated in any activities now deemed illegal by the Belarusian regime. Furthermore, the country…
A Government minister said she found responses to the Ask for Angela safety scheme “wanting” after going undercover at venues across the UK to test the programme. The scheme was introduced in 2016 in an effort to provide an avenue for support for anyone who is feeling vulnerable or unsafe in a public space. Someone in need of help can approach staff at a participating venue and use the code word Angela to ask for…
A Japanese space startup said its second attempt to launch a rocket carrying satellites into orbit had been aborted minutes after lift-off, nine months after the company’s first launch attempt ended in an explosion. Space One’s Kairos No 2 rocket lifted off from a site in the mountainous prefecture of Wakayama in central Japan. The company said it had aborted the flight after concluding it was unlikely to complete its mission. Space One aims to…
Casualty figures from the earthquake which hit Vanuatu are expected with damage expected to hamper aid efforts.At least 14 people died following Tuesday’s magnitude 7.3 earthquake, which caused widespread damage and injured hundreds of people across the South Pacific island nation, officials said on Wednesday, with the figure expected to rise.Speaking from Fiji, the Asia-Pacific head of the International Federation of Red Cross’ Katie Greenwood said it was not clear how many people were still…
UK EuroMillions winner receives £177m jackpot The winner of the National Lottery has received an eye-watering £177million just days before Christmas, according to the competition’s operator Allwyn. The single UK ticket-holder, who has chosen to remain anonymous, won the EuroMillions jackpot in November this year, the company said. The jackpot will make the winner wealthier than singer Harry Styles and heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, who are both worth £175m, according to the latest Sunday Times…
Lucy Letby’s lawyers seek fresh appeal after saying expert witness ‘changed his mind’ over deaths Lucy Letby’s lawyers are seeking to launch a fresh appeal over her convictions after claiming the prosecution’s lead witness was “not reliable”. The serial killer nurse’s barrister, Mark McDonald, said he would immediately seek permission from the Court of Appeal to take the “exceptional, but necessary, decision” to apply to reopen her case. Speaking at a press conference at the Royal Society…
Keir Starmer defends UK engagement with China amid Prince Andrew revelations Keir Starmer has defended his government’s greater openness towards Beijing following revelations about an alleged Chinese spy who forged a close relationship with Prince Andrew, saying it was “important to engage”. Questioned for the first time about the case, amid calls from some MPs to change his approach on China, the prime minister refused to comment directly on Andrew or the royals, but said…
Yang Tengbo – also known as Chris Yang – has been named as the alleged Chinese spy who was close friends with Prince Andrew. PM Keir Starmer has played down allegations of a Chinese network of spies operating across Britain, and Andrew has been uninvited from royal events this Christmas.
Yang also had contact with two former British prime ministers – Theresa May and David Cameron. Allegations of spying have led for calls for Britain to reassess how it manages its relationship with Beijing.
Lucy Letby’s defence team is to seek a fresh appeal on the grounds that the chief medical witness for the prosecution changed his mind about how some of the babies in her case died. Letby’s barrister Mark McDonald said he would take the ‘exceptional, but necessary, decision’ to apply to reopen her case.
Outbreaks of rain soon spreading into Northern Ireland and Scotland, then spreading erratically eastwards into Wales and western England during the afternoon. Largely dry but often cloudy elsewhere. Feeling mild, but winds strengthening throughout the day, especially in the west. Tonight: A windy night, with outbreaks of rain spreading across all parts. Heaviest and most persistent rain across western hills, with some clearer albeit showery conditions arriving into the northwest later.
Summary of Western Mail Newspaper Western Mail front page this morning – summarisedLawyers for Lucy Letby have stated that fresh evidence has emerged that “significantly undermines” her convictions. The 34-year-old killer nurse was handed 15 whole-life orders after being convicted for the murder of seven babies and for attempting to take the lives of seven more when she worked as a neo-natal nurse at Countess of Chester Hospital.Letby has consistently maintained her innocence. In a…
Summary of The National Newspaper The National front page this morning – summarisedSCOTTISH actor Martin Compston has said he believes the Scottish independence movement is in need of a “refresh” – and he’s optimistic youngsters will help pave the way forward. Compston, known for his turns in hit shows like Line of Duty, spoke with The National ahead of the release of the second season of Amazon Prime’s The Rig. “I still believe in it…
Prince Andrew’s ties to an alleged Chinese spy named yesterday as Yang Tengbo – also known as Chris Yang – trends across the UK media today.
The naming of the alleged Chinese spy makes the front pages – as does his friend Prince Andrew, who’s continuing to feel the heat over his connections to the businessman that MI5 believe is a security threat to Britain.
There is coverage of several ongoing domestic stories including calls from Lucy Letby’s lawyers for a review of her murder conviction after a key witness ‘changed his mind.’ There’s also a light splattering of Brexit and budget stories on the front pages.
Summary of The Irish News Newspaper The Irish News front page this morning – summarisedTHE Taoiseach has said Ireland will not silenced about its views on Israel’s war on Gaza after Israel said it would close its Dublin embassy.A coroner found an unidentified British Army soldier was responsible “more likely than not” for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old schoolboy Patrick Crawford in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital on 10 August 1975.Attacking ace Conor…
Summary of the Metro Newspaper Metro front page this morning – summarisedAndrew has faced scrutiny over his alleged links to Yang Tengbo (left) (Picture: Getty/China Daily)Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson won’t be joining the rest of the Royal Family for Christmas dinner, it is understood.The Duke of York has faced further scrutiny after his links to an alleged Chinese spy were published for the first time.The alleged spy, Yang Tengbo, was banned from the UK…
Summary of the Independent Newspaper The Independent front page this morning – summarisedAn alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York can now be named as Yang Tengbo, a High Court judge has ruled.The 50-year-old director of a Chinese investment consultancy firm was barred from the UK in 2023 after it was deemed he would likely threaten national security.Lucy Letby’s lawyers are seeking to launch a fresh appeal over…
Summary of The Guardian Newspaper The Guardian page this morning – summarisedAn alleged spy who befriended Prince Andrew has been named as the businessman Yang Tengbo, amid a row at the heart of government over how to deal with influential Chinese nationals.The allegations surrounding Yang have cast a spotlight on the government’s plans for a foreign interests register and whether to designate China as an enhanced risk in the middle of Labour’s new charm offensive…
Who is Yang Tengbo? Everything we know about H6 alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew The 50-year-old businessman was barred from the UK because he was likely to pose a threat to national security (@hamptonholding) Who is alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo? Mr Yang founded a Chinese investment consultancy business which would go on to establish various high-profile China-related events (China.com) What are the allegations against him? The Home Office alleged correspondence…
Syrian HTS leader says rebel factions that overthrew Assad will be ‘disbanded’ HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa says fighters will all be ‘subject to the law’ as he sought to emphasise need for unity in post-war Syria Syria’s rebel factions will be “disbanded”, the head of the group that led the ousting of Bashar al-Assad has pledged, as he seeks to reassure minorities at home and abroad that the country’s interim leaders will protect all Syrians,…
Ireland is not anti-Israel, it just supports international law, human rights and peace.
The steps that are being taken by the Department for the Economy to design a new renewable electricity support scheme for Northern Ireland have been welcomed by all in the industry. This scheme will encourage investment in renewables and it is hoped that it will be the key driver in achieving the 80% by 2030 renewable electricity consumption target set out in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. But the electricity licence exemptions…
Trafficking of children is increasing in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, according to a global report, which also shows at least one person has been trafficked into Ireland for illegal removal of their organs.In the three years between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, 140 victims of human trafficking have been detected in Ireland, including at least 10 children. The breakdown reveals there are 77 people brought into Ireland for sexual exploitation and…
Three-year rescue plan for seal with 'plastic collar' ends in tragedy in Llandudno The seal was found with serious injuries to its neck https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-year-rescue-plan-seal-30598461
Margaret Hodge to lead review of regional inequality in the arts Anti-corruption champion to examine Arts Council England projects and lack of facilities in some areas of country Margaret Hodge will oversee a review into regional inequality in the arts after the culture secretary described some areas of Britain as “cultural deserts”. Sky News first reported a week ago that Hodge, who was last week named as the government’s anti-corruption champion, would take control of…
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