Author: News Desk

Southport Stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana appears in court accused of terror offence and making ricin A teenager accused of murdering three children in a stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport has appeared in court charged with a terror offence and making the poison ricin. Axel Rudakubana appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after police and the Crown Prosecution Service announced the new charges. He is accused of producing a biological toxin after officers discovered a substance which was found to be ricin, a poison found in castor beans, in a search of…

Watch live: Rachel Reeves unveils Labour’s Budget October Watch live as Rachel Reeves presents Labour’s first Budget in 14 years on Wednesday, 30 October. In her speech, the chancellor is expected to say the “prize on offer” is “immense”, and she will lay out new funding to cut hospital waiting lists, build more affordable homes and rebuild crumbling schools. “More pounds in people’s pockets. An NHS that is there when you need it. An economy that is growing, creating wealth and opportunity for all. Because that is the only way to improve living standards,” she will add. “And the only…

Starmer’s message to Sunak during Tory leader’s final PMQs Rishi Sunak’s final appearance at the despatch box as Conservative party leader was marked by a jovial exchange with Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 30 October. The prime minister thanked his predecessor for his “decency” and wished his family the best for the future. They laughed together as Mr Sunak, who is MP for Richmond and Northallerton in North Yorkshire, told MPs: “I’m particularly looking forward to doing the coast to coast walk that runs through my constituency and many others. “Can I ask the Prime Minister…

Budget 2024 live: Reeves sets out plan for £40bn in tax hikes and more borrowing in historic speech Rachel Reeves has announced tax hikes that will raise an eye-watering £40bn in her historic first Budget. The chancellor blamed previous Conservative governments for the measures. She accused them of blowing a hole in the public finances and failing to fund compensations schemes, such as the one for those affected by the infected blood scandal. After months of warning the public of the “tough choices” ahead, Ms Reeves promised to “invest, invest, invest” in order to “fix public services”. Delivering the first…

Two American women removed from London flight after punch up over MAGA cap   Two American women were reportedly removed from a plane at London’s Heathrow Airport after a fight over a MAGA cap.  Reports say the two women – one in her 40s and the other in her 60s – started arguing when one asked the other to remove the MAGA hat (worn by Donald Trump fans). The woman wearing the cap refused to remove it, at which punches between the two were exchanged at the were escorted off the flight. The Met Police told Sky News: “A woman…

UK Daily Trending stories Trending – Southport suspect new charges & Chancellor to deliver Labour’s first budget in 14 years  Two distinct stories lead the UK news this morning – firstly, the news that the Southport suspect Axel Rudakubana, 18, is facing additional charges including one under the Terrorism Act. Rudakubana is accused of stabbing to death three young girls who were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July. Following a raid on his home, Rudakubana was charged with producing a biological toxin, in violation of Section 1 of the Biological Weapons Act 1974. He is also charged with possessing a…

Southport suspect faces terrorism and biological weapons charges Axel Rudakubana, 18, accused of murdering three young girls in Southport, now faces additional charges, including one under the Terrorism Act. On Tuesday, Rudakubana was charged with producing a biological toxin, in violation of Section 1 of the Biological Weapons Act 1974. He is also charged with possessing a document in PDF format, which authorities deem could be useful for planning or committing an act of terrorism, under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Despite these charges, Counter Terrorism Police are not currently treating the Southport attack itself as a terrorist…

Budget today: How will it affect my savings and what should I do There has been fevered speculation about changes to pension savers’ tax allowances and other perks ahead of today’s Budget statement. Reports that pensioners could have tax breaks cut or axed led to savers withdrawing chunks of their retirement pots ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s big announcement. Other speculation focused on tax breaks for workers planning to retire, spurring them to do the opposite, and pack more cash into their pensions in case their own tax incentives are slashed. What might the chancellor do? You may have missed…

Refuge safe house takes shape  Ground has been broken, foundations have been laid, and walls are being built. Work is ongoing at the site of a home being built by The Independent and Refuge – a home that will house survivors of domestic abuse for years to come. And with the generosity of The Independent’s readers, this will not be the only house built, with plans in place for a second. We went to the site to meet some of the key players who have made this incredible project possible. https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/refuge-safe-house-brick-by-brick-b2637684.html

Huge blaze engulfs BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard building A huge fire broke out at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness nuclear submarine shipyard in the early hours of Wednesday:’, 30 October. The blaze began at around 12.45am and was ongoing, Cumbria Constabulary said. Two people have been taken to hospital for suspected smoke inhalation. Police said there is “no nuclear risk.” A statement said: “At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else has been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for.” The facility is home to Britain’s Astute-class submarines and Dreadnought programme. https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/barrow-bae-systems-fire-nuclear-b2638069.html