Author: WTX News Editor

TL;DR The Ajax fighting vehicle, despite assurances from procurement minister Luke Pollard, caused illness in 31 troops shortly after it was declared ready for use, highlighting ongoing issues with noise and vibration that have been previously acknowledged. A culture within the Ministry of Defence has been identified as failing to prioritise safety, leading to a systematic lack of action on known risks associated with the vehicle, resulting in permanent health issues for affected soldiers. Following…

TL;DR Rob Darke attended Liverpool’s victory parade with his sons when he was injured by a vehicle, initially fearing it was a terrorist attack due to the chaos surrounding him. Darke sustained a serious foot injury that required extensive medical treatment and left him with long-term physical and psychological effects, including PTSD. Paul Doyle has pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, including wounding Darke with intent. Paul Doyle latest: Ex-marine in tears as…

TL;DR Farmers protested in Westminster against proposed 20% inheritance tax changes on agricultural land and businesses, despite a police ban on tractors in the area. The protest saw several tractors enter Westminster, including one with a sign reading “Fools vote Labour,” causing substantial disruption and frustration among farmers. Organiser Dan Willis expressed disappointment at the police restrictions, emphasising the emotional impact of the tax on farmers and their livelihoods. Farmers ignore tractor ban and bring…

TL;DR A fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong has resulted in four fatalities, including a firefighter, with eight others injured, three of whom are unconscious. The blaze, which began at 2:51 PM, spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding around the complex, prompting multiple emergency calls about trapped residents. Four people killed in fire in high-rise block in Hong Kong | World News Four people have died in a fire which…

TL;DR The upcoming budget is expected to feature significant tax rises and increased government spending, particularly aimed at health services and addressing the cost of living crisis. The Chancellor aims to bridge a £30bn gap without resorting to austerity, focusing on stability and maintaining confidence in markets. The announcement also includes lifting the two-child benefit cap, which may alienate some voters amidst rising public spending commitments. The budget will be big – and Starmer has…

TL;DR The Chancellor is expected to announce tax rises, including an extension of income tax threshold freezes, aiming to address a £30bn fiscal deficit. Rachel Reeves emphasised a commitment to not impose austerity or reckless borrowing while addressing public frustration over economic unfairness. Confirmed measures include a rise in the national living wage, new levies on tourists, and an expansion of the sugar tax, among other fiscal policies. Budget 2025: Raft of tax hikes expected…

TL;DR –  Budget 2025: Three things Rachel Reeves’s speech boils down to – and two tricks the chancellor will fall back on Weak Economic Growth: Britain’s productivity growth remains sluggish, leading to reduced tax revenue for the government. Unrealised Cuts: The Chancellor failed to implement promised welfare cuts, creating a significant financial shortfall. Don’t forget this is a Labour government. Limited Responses: Rachel Reeves faces constraints on fiscal measures, leading to reliance on complex approaches…

TL;DR – Russia – Ukraine Peace deal – Latest Donald Trump claims Russia is “making concessions” in Ukraine peace talks, asserting progress and that Kyiv is satisfied with developments. Trump no longer adheres to a Thanksgiving deadline for an agreement and has downplayed territorial concessions Ukraine may face. As negotiations proceed, Russian attacks continue, prompting concerns about the ongoing conflict amidst the peace discussions. Russia ‘making concessions’ and Ukraine ‘happy’ with peace deal talks, says…

TL;DR Donald Trump has sent envoys to Russia and Ukraine to advance a peace plan, with a potential meeting with both leaders on the horizon. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to proceed with the US-Ukraine peace deal framework, aligning with earlier reports of Ukrainian support. The White House acknowledges significant progress towards an agreement but notes that several “delicate details” require further discussions before finalisation. Ukraine war latest: Trump hopes to meet Putin…

Cliff Notes – Pakistan strikes Afghanistan, kills 9 children, Taliban says Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan reportedly killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children, according to Taliban officials. The strikes aimed at Pakistani Taliban hideouts, with claims of significant militant fatalities, threatening a recent fragile ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan strikes Afghanistan, kills 9 children, Taliban says Pakistan carried out airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan that killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children,…

TL;DR Multiple London councils, including the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, have experienced a cyber attack, with potential data compromise under investigation. The councils are collaborating with the National Cyber Security Centre and cyber incident specialists to restore services while monitoring the integrity of their systems and data. Experts indicate the attack exhibits signs of serious intrusion, with advice for staff to avoid emails from partner councils, highlighting the sensitivity…

TL;DR Mayors in England are granted the authority to implement a tourist tax on overnight visitors to support local transport and infrastructure, aligning England with tax practices in Scotland, Wales, and major cities worldwide. The hospitality industry has strongly opposed the measure, arguing it could adversely affect tourism and increase costs for consumers, while proponents believe it will enhance local economies. Consultations on the tax, which may include a cap on charges, will take place…

TL;DR Liridon Kastrati, 32, was convicted of attempted murder for chasing PC Gary Cowan with a chainsaw, leading to a significant penalty expected on 19 December. Kastrati also faced charges for breaching the peace and motoring offences, but these were withdrawn during the trial at the High Court in Paisley. PC Cowan described the incident as terrifying, believing Kastrati intended to kill him, while police statement highlighted concerns over the safety of officers in such…

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.…