Author: News Desk

DWP is warned against ‘rushing’ disability benefit assessment changes The government has been warned against “rushing” planned changes to disability benefits assessments, as experts say they will leave nearly half a million vulnerable people worse off. The previous Conservative government announced in 2023 that the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) will be reformed, with the qualifying criteria being significantly overhauled. According to research from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the changes will mean around 450,000 fewer people will be considered to have limited capability for work. Labour recommitted to the plans in its election manifesto, saying the WCA is…

Father left with fractured eye socket and toddler in hospital after random attack A father was left with serious injuries and his three-year-old toddler was also taken to hospital after an “unprovoked” attack in west London. Police have released a CCTV image of a man, who was allegedly seen shoving the father to the ground as he walked along Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, West London, with his child. The incident occurred on 5 October and resulted in the father striking his head against a wall. The Metropolitan Police described the father’s injuries as “quite serious”. They included bleeding, a fractured…

Commonwealth should become a trade bloc and invite Ukraine to join, says new report A major new report has proposed turning the Commonwealth into a trade and security bloc and inviting Ukraine to join. Ahead of the biannual Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) in Samoa next week, the think tank Policy Exchange has produced a report to revitalise the international club of nations. The report, which has cross-party support in the Commons and has been backed by former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper and Australia’s ex-foreign minister Alexander Downer, comes with exclusive polling revealing public support for the plans.…

Ministers vow crackdown on rip-off nursery fees Ministers are to crack down on the nurseries charging banned ‘top-up’ fees, warning they prevent parents from using much-needed childcare. In his first newspaper interview since taking the job, education minister Stephen Morgan told The Independent the government would look at “all options” to prevent the practice. The problem was “an issue up and down the country”, he warned. Earlier this year The Independent revealed parents were facing a hike in nursery fees of up to 15 per cent as they pick up the tab left by funding gaps in the Tory flagship…

King Charles given rare Sydney honour as Kate issues powerful tribute: Royal news – live King Charles is set to be given a rare honour at Sydney Harbour following an apparent snub from Australian officials ahead of his arrival on Friday. The white sails of the Sydney Opera House will be lit up for four minutes with images from previous royal visits to mark the arrival of the monarch and Queen Camilla. This rare honour was given the go-ahead by the New South Wales government at an estimated cost of around £50,000. As the couple prepares to kick off their…

Counter-terrorism police investigating UK warehouse fire over possible links to Russia Counter-terrorism police are investigating possible Russian involvement in an incident in Birmingham where a package caught fire at a DHL warehouse. It comes as another package suspiciously caught fire at a DHL facility in Leipzig, Germany, while other incidents involving fires suspected to have been started by Russian spies were identified across Europe this year. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that officers from counter-terrorism policing are investigating an incident at a commercial premises in Midpoint Way, Minworth. “On Monday 22 July, a package at the location…

London students fear abandoning courses over inability to apply for discounted fares System for applying for travelcards yet to be restored after cyber-attack on Transport for London’s IT systems. Students in London fear they may have to abandon their school and university courses to save money after a cyber hack on Transport for London’s (TfL) IT systems left them unable to apply for discounted travelcards. TfL suspended applications for discounted travel passes when its systems were hacked in early September, compromising the details of about 5,000 Oyster card holders. It is unable to say when the system will be restored.…

Man Utd star finally has return date after 18 months out in injury nightmare | Football Tyrell Malacia is ‘very close’ to making his return for Manchester United after almost 18 months on the sidelines. The Dutch full-back became the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era in the summer of 2022, impressing in his first season in English football where he started 29 games in all competitions. His last game for the club came in May 2023, missing the entire 2023-24 season with a major knee injury that required surgery. Malacia did not join the United squad…

Gianfranco Zola says former Man Utd star sold for £25m ‘has left me dazzled’ | Football Gianfranco Zola says he has been ‘dazzled’ by Scott McTominay’s start at Napoli and is ‘surprised’ by Manchester United’s decision to sell the midfielder. McTominay made the move to Serie A in the summer transfer window, joining Napoli in a £25.7 million deal. The Scotland international, who came through United’s academy, has made an immediate impression under Antonio Conte with two goals and an assist in his last three appearances. And Zola admits he did not expect United to let McTominay leave Old Trafford…

Why Thomas Tuchel is not starting as England manager until January 2025 | Football The Football Association has defended its decision to delay Thomas Tuchel’s start as England manager until January. Tuchel was officially unveiled at Wembley on Wednesday after signing an 18-month deal which will see him take charge of England until after the World Cup in 2026. However, interim manager Lee Carsley will remain in place for England’s two Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November. The FA has faced criticism over its call to start Tuchel’s reign at the start of 2025,…