Author: News Desk

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,…

Dmitry Bivol launches formal action to force Artur Beterbiev rematch Dmitry Bivol’s team have formally submitted a request for an immediate rematch against Artur Beterbiev after his highly controversial world title defeat. Bivol and Beterbiev met in Saudi Arabia in a historic undisputed title showdown to crown the light heavyweight division’s first sole champion since Roy Jones Jr 25 years ago. Beterbiev, already WBC, WBO and IBF champion, added the WBA belt to his collection after securing a majority decision win on the judges scorecards in Riyadh. That decision has been widely criticised, with Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn labelling it…

Michael Jordan’s father’s murder case sees judge ask for convicted killer’s release The judge who presided over the murder trial of Michael Jordan’s father, James Jordan, has called for one of the convicted killers to be released. Daniel Green, who was 18 at the time, was convicted of first-degree murder alongside Larry Demery and sentenced to life in prison in 1996. James Jordan was shot while sleeping in the passenger seat of his Lexus along the side of Highway 74 in North Carolina on July 23, 1993. Green has admitted to helping his childhood friend Demery dispose of the body…