Author: News Desk

Ukraine war led my son to join the army, says defence secretary The defence secretary has revealed his son joined the army as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying the conflict is now “personal”. John Healey said his son’s decision to join the British army reservists has allowed him to better understand the real-life impact of decisions he may make in a ministerial capacity. He said: “It weighs heavily on me as defence secretary, knowing that if we face conflict, it will be my decision to send British forces and personnel into situations which put them at risk.…

Angela Rayner opens door to four-day working week in local councils The government has dropped official opposition to the introduction of a four-day working week by a local council: a move which could pave the way for other local authorities to do the same. The previous Conservative government objected to the plan by South Cambridgeshire District Council after it was introduced in 2023. But local government secretary Angela Rayner has criticised the previous administration for “micromanaging” local authorities over the policy. The four-day working week continued past the end of its trial period in March this year as the council…

NHS crisis ‘a million times worse’ than under Tony Blair, former health secretary warns The NHS is “drinking in the last-chance saloon”, Labour’s top health adviser and a former health secretary has warned, saying it must stop asking for more money. Alan Milburn, who was a minister under Tony Blair, said the service needs radical reform rather than more cash, calling for an end to what he said was a “more, more, more culture”. He called for clinics to be paid for keeping people healthy and out of hospital in an attempt to improve both care and efficiency. It comes…

Thousands of farmers to descend on London as Met Police gives green light Thousands of farmers are set to descend on London later this month in protest against the government’s extension of inheritance tax, after the Metropolitan Police gave the march the green light. There has been a growing backlash from the farming community following the decision to extend the duty to cover agricultural properties, with National Farmers’ Union (NFU) chief Tom Bradshaw warning that the government should be prepared for a “militant” response from farmers. The demonstration has been organised alongside a NFU lobbying event, after the union told…

Kate Middleton news: Princess of Wales joins King at major Remembrance event after cancer treatment The Princess of Wales has taken a significant step in her gradual return to public royal duties by attending the Festival of Remembrance. Joined by the Prince of Wales, her presence at the event comes after Prince William spoke candidly spoke of how 2024 has been “brutal” and “probably been the hardest year in my life”. The pair, both wearing poppies, were seen in conversation after taking their seats next to each other at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening. Asked by reporters how…

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi is “fine” after requiring 10 stitches to close a cut on his face, manager Hansi Flick says. The Spaniard, 17, was forced off in the 67th minute of Barcelona’s 5-2 Champions League win at Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday after being caught by Uros Spajic’s studs as he headed a corner clear. Cubarsi, who made his debut for the club at the age of 16, needed medical attention on the pitch before his substitution after being left with a bloodied face and an open wound. Flick said after the victory: “He needed stitches, but he’s fine.”…

Jose Mourinho has received a one-match ban and fine of about £15,000 for his actions and comments at the end of Fenerbahce’s dramatic win over Trabzonspor. The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager sprinted on to the pitch and attempted a knee slide after Sofyan Amrabat’s stoppage-time goal earned his Fenerbahce team a 3-2 victory in an incident-packed encounter. However, he then launched into a angry post-match tirade that condemned refereeing standards in Turkey and appeared to question the impartiality of match officials. In a statement, external the Turkish Football Federation said Mourinho’s comments were “contrary to sportsmanship, sports ethics…

Illinois judge shot dead; wife charged with murder: police The wife of an Illinois circuit judge has been arrested and charged with murder after her husband was found fatally shot outside their home Tuesday, according to police. Megan Valentine, 44, is accused of gunning down Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine, 43, at their home in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion in southeast Illinois. Police responded to the home around 12:15 p.m., and an Edwards County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) deputy observed Valentine’s body outside the home. Megan Valentine, 44, is accused of gunning…

Man threatened by crossbow suspect ‘who may be behind two previous attacks’ | UK News Police are looking for a suspect who threatened a man with a crossbow and may have been behind two previous attacks. The man was walking along Alfred Street in Bow, east london, between 12pm and 12.30pm on Monday October 21 when he was approached by another man. The other man became verbally aggressive before threatening him with a crossbow. He then left the scene. The victim was ‘shaken’ but not hurt during the incident, said the Metropolitan Police. The force has released a CCTV image…

Princess of Wales joins King for Remembrance event The Princess of Wales has taken a significant step in her gradual return to public royal duties by attending the Festival of Remembrance. Joined by the Prince of Wales and King Charles, her presence at the Royal British Legion event comes after William spoke candidly of how 2024 has been “brutal” and “probably the hardest year in my life”. William and Kate, both wearing poppies, applauded a performance by Sir Tom Jones – who sang I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall with the central band of the Royal Air Force.…