TL;DR The High Court has denied the children of Muriel McKay permission to conduct a radar scan in a garden where they believe she may be buried, citing insufficient evidence. Justice Smith highlighted the lack of conclusive data and expressed concerns over the claims made by a witness regarding a smell observed after her disappearance. Allegations of harassment towards homeowners opposing the survey contributed to the court’s refusal of the injunction, with the judge condemning…
TL;DR The UK government is extending the sugar tax to include milkshakes, flavoured milk, and milk substitutes, with a new lower threshold of 4.5g of sugar per 100ml. This initiative, aimed at tackling obesity, will require companies to adjust their products by 1 January 2028 or face new charges, potentially generating £1bn in health benefits. The tax extension has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who argue it unfairly impacts families amid the cost of living…
TL;DR Dan Driscoll, the US army secretary, is playing a pivotal role in peace negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials in the UAE. He holds a significant position within the Pentagon and enjoys bipartisan support, despite reported tensions with the secretary of war, Pete Hegseth. Recently, Driscoll presented a critical 28-point peace plan to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy set to visit US to ‘make peace deal’ with Trump | World…
TL;DR | UK News Heathrow airport latest Heathrow’s £49bn plan for a third runway has been officially selected by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, rejecting an alternative shorter runway proposal. The expansion will be fully privately financed, without taxpayer money, but will necessitate significant infrastructure changes including rerouting the M25 motorway and demolishing nearby villages. The project remains subject to planning processes and consultations, with the government aiming for a decision on the runway within the…
TL;DR Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are engaging in urgent talks over a peace plan for Ukraine, amid ongoing deadly strikes between Russia and Ukraine. Disagreements persist over a controversial 28-point proposal, with Kyiv’s allies presenting an amended version that Moscow opposes. The UK Prime Minister will lead a virtual meeting of Ukraine’s allies, underlining the conflict’s broad impact and the necessity for a “just and lasting peace.” Overnight attacks in Russia and Ukraine as…
TL;DR Taiwan’s Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai stated that a “return” to China is not an option, asserting Taiwan’s sovereignty during a call where President Xi Jinping raised the issue with US President Trump. The Taiwanese government firmly maintains its status as a “fully sovereign and independent country,” rejecting China’s proposal of a “one country, two systems” model. Tensions are escalating in the region, as Japan’s support for Taiwan has drawn sharp rebukes from China, highlighting…
TL;DR Mid and East Antrim Council in Northern Ireland has unanimously voted to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus following the King’s decision to distance himself from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor due to his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Councillor Lauren Gray suggested renaming the street to honour Queen Elizabeth II, emphasising community engagement in the decision-making process. The renaming process may pose challenges, as it requires consultation with residents and formal coordination with postal services…
TL;DR Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to discuss a contentious Ukraine peace plan, amid ongoing negotiations involving US, Ukrainian, and European officials. A sense of urgency surrounds the negotiations, with both leaders eager to finalise an agreement despite existing disagreements and pushback from Moscow against the European proposal. China’s Xi Jinping has called for all parties to reduce differences in the conflict, reflecting the broader international implications of the war. Zelenskyy to hold…
TL;DR The government has announced the removal of luxury car options from the Motability scheme, aiming to promote British manufacturing and economic growth. Proponents argue the scheme supports independence for those with disabilities, while critics highlight concerns about recipients without visible disabilities and the range of luxury vehicles previously available. The Motability Operations charity has set a target for 50% of leased vehicles to be UK-built by 2035, with immediate changes removing brands like BMW…
TL;DR The state pension will increase by over £550 annually from April, with the new state pension rising by £574.60 and the basic state pension by £439.40. The rise is driven by the triple lock policy, where wage growth at 4.8% was the highest determinant. This increase keeps the state pension below the income tax threshold for one more year, although it is projected to surpass it by 2027 if allowances remain unchanged. UK visitors…
TL;DR A judge dismissed criminal cases against Donald Trump critics James Comey and Letitia James, ruling the prosecutor’s appointment was unlawful. Judge Currie stated all actions stemming from Lindsey Halligan’s appointment violated executive power and could not be ratified by the Attorney General. The dismissal raises questions about the viability of new charges against Comey, as the statute of limitations for the original charges has expired. US judge throws out criminal cases against Trump critics…
TL;DR Sir Robbie Gibb highlighted a difference of opinion regarding the delayed response from the board, emphasising that the implications of edits mattered more than mere acknowledgment of mistakes. He argued that if edits gave a misleading impression, especially in relation to the Proud Boys, it represented a breach of editorial policy. Gibb denied any prior knowledge about the leak of Michael Prescott’s memo, stating he was not involved in discussions about the response delay.…
TL;DR Rapper Ghetts, real name Justin Clarke-Samuel, is facing additional charges linked to a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Yubin Tamang. Initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving, he now faces two more charges for dangerous driving before and after the collision on 18 October. Clarke-Samuel has been remanded in custody, with the case adjourned for a future appearance via videolink from Pentonville prison. Rapper Ghetts facing new charges after…
TL;DR Severe flooding in Thailand and Vietnam has resulted in at least 91 fatalities in Vietnam, with heavy rain and landslides affecting an 800km stretch. Thailand’s southern provinces are experiencing flash flooding, impacting nearly two million people and leading to five reported deaths. Officials anticipate continued rainfall, warning that water levels may rise further, particularly after a historic 335mm of rain fell in Hat Yai within 24 hours. Pictures from floods in Thailand and Vietnam…
TL;DR The Colombian mission has successfully recovered artifacts from the 18th century galleon San José, including a cannon, three coins, and porcelain, valued at an estimated $20bn. The shipwreck is mired in legal disputes over treasure ownership, with claims from Sea Search Armada in the US and assertions from the Colombian government that the focus is on research rather than treasure hunting. Artifacts recovered will undergo laboratory analysis to enhance understanding of the San José’s…
TL;DR Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine would cede significant territories to Russia, including Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, and impose military limits on Ukraine, undermining its sovereignty. Key demands in the draft resemble Russia’s long-standing positions, and the agreement includes provisions for Ukraine to not join NATO while still being eligible for EU membership. A joint American-Russian working group would oversee compliance with the agreement, which would involve significant sanctions relief for Russia and…
TL;DR Three officers were killed in a suicide bomber attack on a paramilitary headquarters in Peshawar, Pakistan, with five others injured. One attacker detonated explosives at the main gate, while a second was shot before he could detonate his device; reports suggest a possible third bomber was involved. The incident highlights a surge in violence from Islamist militants, exacerbated by recent border clashes with Afghanistan. Suicide bombers kill three security force officers in Pakistan |…
TL;DR Rachel Reeves is set to announce a pension increase above inflation, benefiting 13 million pensioners with over £550 annually for those on the full state pension. The Chancellor intends to reaffirm the commitment to the triple lock while potentially limiting pension contributions under sacrifice schemes before national insurance applies. A crackdown on benefit fraud is also anticipated, aiming to recover £1.2 billion through targeted reviews of universal credit claims. Above inflation £550 boost for…
TL;DR Former Prime Minister Lord Cameron, aged 59, publicly shared his experience of prostate cancer treatment, having opted for focal therapy after being diagnosed. He is advocating for improved prostate cancer screening and treatment, highlighting the importance of early detection for men, particularly those at high risk. Lord Cameron’s campaign coincides with discussions on the potential introduction of a nationwide prostate cancer screening programme by the National Screening Committee. David Cameron reveals he has been…
TL;DR US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported significant progress in peace talks with Ukraine, but emphasised the need for additional time to finalise agreements. Ukrainian representatives expressed optimism about changes to the peace plan, aligning it more closely with their national interests, yet acknowledged the work ahead. European leaders have proposed a counter to the US-Russian peace plan, aiming to include provisions that guarantee Ukraine’s security and limit military capabilities. US hails ‘tremendous progress’…
TL;DR COP30 in Brazil faced significant controversy over the inclusion of fossil fuel discussions in climate agreements, ultimately delaying decisions until late-night negotiations reached a fragile consensus. A breakthrough led to a vague commitment on fossil fuels without explicit terminology, reflecting a compromise between climate-progressive nations and those reliant on fossil fuels. While the final deal lacked comprehensive measures for fossil fuel transition, it did promise increased financial support for developing nations facing climate impacts,…
TL;DR Europe has proposed a counter plan to the US-Russia draft peace agreement for Ukraine, based on the US’s 28-point document but with modifications. Key elements of the proposal include reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty, establishing a non-aggression pact between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO, and providing security guarantees for Ukraine. The agreement outlines future territorial arrangements, humanitarian efforts, and a commitment from both sides to undertake negotiations without resorting to military force. Europe’s 28-point counter proposal to…
TL;DR Sir Keir Starmer has expressed a strong desire for Angela Rayner to return to his cabinet, praising her as a prime example of social mobility. Rayner resigned after failing to pay the correct stamp duty, but remains a backbench MP and has not ruled out a future return to the front bench. Several cabinet ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, have voiced support for her reinstatement, highlighting her contributions to the Labour Party. Sir…
TL;DR Sarah Forrester, a dedicated worker at The Kelly Foundation and a mother of two, has died tragically in Swindon, prompting tributes highlighting her caring nature and commitment to helping others. A 13-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Ms Forrester’s death but has since been bailed; police have stated there is no wider threat to the public. Friends and colleagues described Ms Forrester as an “incredible person” whose loss…
TL;DR A Royal Navy patrol ship, HMS Severn, intercepted two Russian vessels off the UK coast amid increasing Russian naval activity threatening UK waters. Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that Russian spy ship Yantar directed lasers at RAF pilots, a move he deemed “deeply dangerous”. The UK has seen a 30% increase in Russian vessels in its waters over the past two years, prompting enhanced military readiness and collaboration with NATO allies. Royal Navy intercepts…
