Author: UK News

Home-grown coffee chain Bob & Berts has reported a record £21.5 million turnover in its latest financial year, following the opening of four new stores.The business, which established its first coffee shop in Portstewart in 2013, opened its 30th site during the year to June 30 2024.The latest accounts for the coffee chain, published on Companies House, show its turnover increased by 9.75% in the past year.The group narrowed its losses in the 2023/24 trading period, but still ended the year with a pre-tax loss of just under £395,000.Bob & Berts said the loss was due to a combination of…

President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office as part of his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs.The tariffs, if implemented, could dramatically raise prices on everything from gas to automobiles.The US is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada as its top three suppliers, according to the most recent Census data.Mr Trump made the threats in a pair of posts on his Truth Social site Monday evening in which he railed against an influx of illegal migrants,…

Safeguarding agencies ‘ignoring children abused by family members’ in England ‘Worrying evaporation’ in skills among professionals meant to protect victims of intrafamilial sexual abuse, report saysSafeguarding agencies are failing to listen to children who have been sexually abused by family members with devastating consequences, amid a “worrying evaporation” of skills among the professionals meant to protect them, a report has found.A review of the experiences of 193 children in England who were victims of sexual abuse by a family member found seven went on to commit suicide, while 14 more – including a seven-year-old – either attempted suicide or talked…

Woman, 60, sentenced for causing death of 'amazing' North Wales dad Alison Cooper’s driving had fatal consequences for Chris Parsons who was a ‘kind, caring, wonderful person’ https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/woman-60-sentenced-causing-death-30450281

How former RAF man used military know how to build decontamination unit during Covid Glyn Williams honoured after keeping people safe at his Anglesey care home https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/how-former-raf-man-used-30447270

“I shouldn’t have to compromise on heating to pay the rent. They should just be basic things.” Those are the words of Eilis Walsh, aged 29, who has been renting a room in an apartment complex in Limerick city for nearly three years. Ms Walsh says the chances of owning her own home are virtually non-existent at present, as sky-high rents consume much of her monthly income. She is currently employed full-time with Social Enterprise in Dublin but works from home where she shares the apartment with two others. Her monthly rent is €520 while her two flat-mates pay…

In the first round of Romania’s presidential election, a far-right candidate who opposes NATO has taken an unexpected lead.
Calin Georgescu, an independent, won 22.94% of votes in Sunday’s voting, knocking Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu out of the race.
Georgescu will face center-right contender Elena Lasconi, leader of the opposition Save Romania Union, in the presidential run-off on December 8.

THE prospect of Lewis Crocker versus Paddy Donovan on March 1 will shorten the winter for Irish boxing fans and, the Irish News understands, the venue will be Belfast’s SSE Arena. The all-Ireland clash of the unbeaten welterweights had been mooted since earlier this year when they appeared on the same bill at the Ulster Hall. Since then there has been no shortage of rumour or intrigue but it seems the negotiations have been completed and Limerick’s Donovan and Belfast’s Crocker have begun their preparations in earnest. “Hopefully it all goes ahead – I’ve agreed to everything,” said Crocker. “I’ve…

In this episode Emily Crowley — writer, columnist and long-time renter — sets out what she feels needs to be done by the next government, whoever they may be, to address the housing and rental market crisis. We also took to the streets to gauge the opinions of people on this issue. ‘My message to the next Dáil’ is an Irish Examiner General Election 2024 podcast series in which activists and commentators from various fields set out a ‘solutions’ focussed Message to the next Dail on an issue close to their heart.Listen here and wherever you get your podcasts for new…

Alec Baldwin said “I want all things Rust to just leave my windshield” as he described his criminal case over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins as “the most difficult thing I’ve ever dealt with in my life”. Rust debuted at the Camerimage Festival in Poland last week, three years after the prop gun US actor Baldwin was holding went off and fatally injured Ms Hutchins on the set of the Western in New Mexico. Earlier this year, a judge threw out the involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin. Baldwin, 66, was honoured with a lifetime award at the 42nd Torino…

I am a seasoned renter. I have been a rental tenant since I finished college about seven years ago — which, to some, might sound like a badge of honour, but in reality, it’s more of a battle wound. My most recent experience of renting in Ireland was with a friend in an apartment in Cork City, but we were inevitably served our notice to quit in August 2023, meaning we had to vacate by last March. There was no bad blood between the owner and us — he wasn’t one of these big-time landlords we often think of in…

Photos Capture Rare Giant Anteater Pup Born in UK Park Riding on Mum’s Back These cute pictures show a rare giant anteater pup riding on its mother’s back, after being born at a UK wildlife park last week. Named Antony, it was born to a mating pair of anteaters at Cotswold Wildlife Park in West Oxfordshire, England—and is the third breeding success for the parents since their arrival in 2010. And the birth surprised caretakers just days before World Anteater Day, November 19. The park is just one of only two collections in the UK to have bred giant anteaters…

Much of Monday’s news revolves around the damage left behind after Storm Bert which battered Britain with its heavy rainfall and high winds. At least five people were killed.

The weekend – and into Monday – has seen violent attacks in the capital. Today’s news reports a girl, aged 8, and a man have been shot in London. No arrests have been made.

The ongoing fallout from the October Budget continues to feature in the news as businesses are warning the ‘tax raids’ mean they will be less likely to hire new staff. The chancellor is set to tell business leaders that she has no choice but to raise taxes.

The latest from the weekend’s Premier League action makes the news as new Manchester United boss suffered a 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday. Man City’s Pep Guardiola suffered another loss and Steve Cooper is fired by Leicester after just five months.

Early cloud and rain in the far southeast clearing with sunshine and showers following. Showers most frequent in the north, with some longer spells of rain developing here. Windy with coastal gales in the north. Temperatures around average. Tonight: Clear spells and further rain or showers across northern and western areas overnight. Largely dry elsewhere with the odd fog patch possible. Winds easing away from the far north.

What’s on the front page of the Belfast Telegraph? The main story on the front page of the Belfast Telegraph this morning – 25/11/2024 – reports that a Scottish football club mistakenly displayed a photo of notorious loyalist Michael Stone, convicted of murders, on a stadium screen during a match between Hearts and Celtic. This has sparked outrage, especially from the sister of one of Stone’s victims, calling it a disgrace.Health trusts in Northern Ireland have generated £7.5 million in revenue from hospital car parking fees in the past year. This issue is under scrutiny, with some calling for the abolition…

What’s on the front page of the Western Mail? The main story on the front page of the Western Mail this morning – 25/11/2024 – reports on the severe flooding that has struck many parts of Wales following heavy rainfall. Key areas, including Pontypridd, Blackwood, and Ebbw Vale, are heavily impacted, with weather warnings still in effect. Rescue operations are ongoing, including the recovery of a body in North Wales. Elsewhere, a report on proposed new laws concerning vaping, with warnings about the potential cancer risks associated with certain vaping products.Warren Gatland, the head coach of the Welsh rugby team, faces scrutiny…

New campaign encourages daily use of Welsh Among those support it are Rachael, Non and Emma, the three members of the popular group Eden. They have recorded a podcast where they discuss their experiences using Welsh in their lives and careers. Another supporter of the campaign is Elain Fflur Morris, a senior care worker in Conwy and winner of Social Care Wales’ Caring in Welsh 2024 award. Elain said: “A large percentage of our residents are first language Welsh so it’s important that we respect that and ensure they can communicate in their chosen language. I think that helps them relax and makes…

What’s on the front page of The National? The main story on the front page of The National this morning – 25/11/2024 – reports Alex Cole-Hamilton – a Scottish Lib Dem – faces criticism after declaring that he will not support any budget containing spending related to Scottish independence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is criticised for a plan to cut welfare spending, described as “vile and out of touch.” The proposal to reduce the “bulging benefits bill” has been met with public and political disapproval.Tommy Sheppard has said that the polls are not showing what’s really happening in politics, saying that Reform…

What’s on the front page of Metro? The only story on the front page of the Metro this morning – 25/11/2024 – is its own campaign to stop the “epidemic” of violence against women and girls. The paper reports that every 11 minutes on average a woman or girl is killed in their own homes globally, as well as highlighting there has been a 37% increase in crimes committed against them in the UK between 2018 and 2023.

What’s on the front page of The Guardian? The main story on the front page of The Guardian this morning – 25/11/2024 – reports on upcoming comments from the chancellor that will “rebuke critics of her tax-raising budget”. The paper says Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to address “disgruntled business leaders” and tell them that no one has suggested an alternative course of action for the government.Families of high-profile British prisoners being held abroad have called on David Lammy to keep to his promise of helping to secure the release of those detained. Lammy had previously promised he would appoint a…

Festive season more critical than ever for independent firms For key industries, the last three months of the calendar year are known as the “golden quarter” for a reason. Besides the obvious pleasures of catching up with friends and treating loved ones, these weeks are critical for many independent businesses. The profits made between now and the end of December will tide them over in the quieter months of January and February. December takings can make the difference between keeping the doors of an independent business open or not. That is particularly true for shops, bars and restaurants, many of…

Monday’s front pages lead with several domestic and international stories.

Ongoing backlash over the October Budget dominates a handful of front pages with several reporting on the ‘tax raid’ whilst others preview a speech by the chancellor in which she will say she had no choice other than raising taxes.

Several papers look ahead to Friday’s assisted dying vote in the Commons. The Cabinet appears to be split over the vote – but many of the papers are not.

Images of Storm Bert feature on many front pages as streets flood in the UK and at least five people died.

The weekend’s Premier League action dominates the back pages.

Family of Briton, 18, facing jail in Dubai over holiday romance say they are all living a ‘nightmare’ The family of a young British man facing a 20-year jail sentence in Dubai over a holiday romance have warned that his mental health is declining and they are all living in a “nightmare”. Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old from Tottenham in north London, was on holiday with his parents when he met a 17-year-old girl who has since turned 18. Campaign group Detained in Dubai said that after having sex, the teenagers, who were staying at the same hotel, discussed carrying on…

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make spiking a drink a specific criminal offence as he demanded joint action from police and hospitality chiefs to crack down on violence against women and girls (VAWG). With Labour promising to halve VAWG in the next decade, the prime minister is calling chief constables, transport bosses and industry executives to Downing Street on Monday to urge a coordinated response to “bring the vile perpetrators to justice”.

Violence on social media making teenagers afraid to go out, study finds Quarter of teens who see violence online are being served clips via algorithms, survey in England and Wales finds and social media giants have no way of stopping it. Hundreds of thousands of teenagers are afraid to go out because of the violence they see on their social media feeds, a major study of children in England and Wales has found. One in four teenagers who see real-life violence, including fist fights, stabbings and gang clashes, online are being served the clips automatically by algorithmic recommendation features, according…