Author: News Desk

Children ‘doom scrolling’ on phones for hours a day causing widespread harm – MP Children who are “doom scrolling” for hours a day on smartphones are at risk of widespread harm, an MP has warned. The equivalent of “seatbelt” legislation is needed for children and their social media use to help them manage addictive content, according to former teacher Josh MacAlister. On Wednesday, the Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington will introduce a Private Member’s Bill (PMB) in Parliament on protecting children from harms caused by excessive screen time The Bill, which aims to empower families and teachers to cut…

Unemployed to be given weight-loss jab to help them back into work, government announces Unemployed people will be given weight-loss jabs to assist them back into work in a trial. The UK’s life sciences sector will receive £279 million from drugs giant Eli Lilly, to invest in developing new medicines and ways to deliver treatment. Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of the NHS praised weight-loss drugs as “game-changers” in supporting people to reduce their risk of life-threatening conditions. The plans with Lily, announced at the UK’s International Investment Summit, will include the first trial of the jab’s effect on unemployment, productivity and…

King Charles enjoys performance from Elton John at reception for UK’s international investment summit The King joined some of the world’s top chief executives and industry leaders at a reception that capped off the government’s first major summit to woo investors, and enjoyed a performance from Sir Elton John. Some 300 guests attended the exclusive reception at St Paul’s Cathedral on Monday where Charles spoke to a wide group of notable figureheads. Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web, astronaut Tim Peake, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michelin-starred chef Clare Smyth, also spent time with Charles. Sir Elton…

Charities urge Government to target smaller websites under Online Safety Act A group of charities and online safety campaigners have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to ignore advice from Ofcom around which websites to categorise as the most dangerous under the Online Safety Act. The group of campaigners said the regulator’s advice that smaller websites should not be designated Category 1 – the rating which gives Ofcom the greatest scope of powers for oversight and regulation of that platform – left a number of “the most dangerous online forums” not fully in scope of the regulation. In guidance…

UK ‘dangerously underprepared’ for future energy crisis and price spikes, experts warn The UK is “dangerously underprepared” and vulnerable to another energy crisis that would see price rises, a group of experts have warned. The Energy Crisis Commission, which includes representatives from Energy UK, Citizens Advice and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said weaknesses in Britain’s energy system have been laid bare – supply, demand and targeted support for the poorest households. The commission was launched earlier this year to review the impacts of the recent energy crisis on UK households and businesses after Russia’s war in Ukraine caused prices to…

A pensioner is set to miss out on winter fuel help this year because she is just £3.32 above the weekly threshold for support. Lynne Perry, 69, who lives in Cornwall, says she gets just enough income from her state pension to push her above the £218.15 limit for pension credit, the government’s payment to older people who need extra help with their living costs. Those on pension credit qualify for the annual winter fuel payment, which is means-tested this year. The pensioner denied winter fuel payment because she’s just £3 over threshold Chancellor Rachel Reeves decided to cut the…

UK ‘risks repeat of surging energy bills’ amid continued reliance on gas Energy crisis panel warns country is ‘dangerously unprepared’ and must shift away from gas quickly. Britain is at risk of experiencing a repeat of the sharp increase in energy costs which has fuelled the continuing cost of living crisis because it relies too heavily on gas, according to an expert panel of industry leaders. The Energy Crisis Commission has warned that the UK is still “dangerously underprepared” for another crisis because it continues to rely on gas for its power plants and home heating. Continue reading… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/15/uk-risks-repeat-of-surging-energy-bills-amid-continued-reliance-on-gas

The London Tube line ‘haunted by the Girl on the Train’ ghost | UK News We don’t want to put you off taking the Tube, but according to legend London’s historic network and its stations are home to a whole variety of ghosts. Among them is the mysterious ‘Girl on the Train’, as she’s now known. Several people, both underground employees and passengers, have reported seeing her on Bakerloo Line trains at Elephant and Castle. The young woman boards the train, walks through the carriages, then disappears without a trace, they say. Unexplained foot steps, possibly running, plus rapping noises…

Trump ally Tim Scott pitching for top role at Senate campaign arm Trump ally Tim Scott pitching for top role at the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) for the next election cycle. “The Senator is grateful for the encouragement he has received from colleagues to run for chair of the NRSC,” said Scott spokesperson Nathan Brand. “He is working tirelessly to send Donald Trump back to the White House and take the U.S. Senate, then looks forward to growing the Republican majority in 2026.” Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, are up for re-election in…

Harborough Town heroes create FA Cup buzz – “It’s the FA Cup, it doesn’t have to be a blockbuster, you just have to get in the next round and little old Harborough are there,” Manager Austin said. Mitch Austin has transformed Harborough’s fortunes since taking over in 2020 putting gritty performances. Winning is all that matters at this stage, local teams must maintain that. Harborough Town heroes create FA Cup buzz and legacy He praised Stephens for holding his nerve in the crucial moment, but joked: “The wind was blowing that way, the sun was in the keeper’s eyes, I…