Author: WTX News Editor

Cliff Notes Recent drone strikes in Atbara have resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including children, highlighting the inhumane nature of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have escalated drone attacks since late March, targeting displacement camps and critical infrastructure, with 12 reported fatalities in the latest strikes. Evidence suggests these drone tactics are part of a strategic shift by the RSF, supported by potential foreign supply of Chinese-manufactured drones to enhance…

Cliff Notes A government report estimates that between 273 and 1,311 individuals may apply for assisted death in the first year, potentially increasing to 1,737 to 7,598 by year ten. The establishment of a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner and panels would incur annual costs between £10.9 million and £13.6 million, although healthcare costs at the end of life could decrease by £10 million in the first year and £60 million by year ten. The Terminally…

Cliff Notes Prince Harry expresses a desire to reconcile with the Royal Family, stating that King Charles "won’t speak to me" due to ongoing disputes about his security. The rift escalated following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back as senior royals in January 2020, leading to public accusations of neglect and bias within the family. Legal battles regarding Harry’s security have compounded tensions, with the prince stating he feels that life is precious and…

Cliff Notes The Co-op confirmed a data breach affecting a significant number of past and current members, accessing names and contact details but not financial information. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are assisting in the investigation, as the Co-op faces ongoing cyber threats. A spokesperson acknowledged the breach as a "highly complex situation" and emphasised that data security remains a top priority for the organisation. Co-op ‘very sorry’…

Cliff Notes Prince Harry expresses a desire for reconciliation with the Royal Family but claims King Charles "won’t speak" to him over security concerns. During a BBC interview, he highlights ongoing family disagreements, stating that security is a "sticking point" affecting their relationship. Harry criticises the UK government decision regarding his security, suggesting it limits his family’s ability to visit and entails an "establishment stitch-up." Prince Harry wants ‘reconciliation’ with Royal Family but says King…

Cliff Notes Prince Harry’s legal challenge regarding his UK security levels has been dismissed by Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos, stating that his "sense of grievance" did not constitute a legal argument. The ruling follows a previous decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to downgrade his security after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The UK Home Office maintains that security decisions are now made on…

Cliff Notes Spanish police rescued three children, aged 8 and 10, who had been locked in their home since 2021, arresting a 53-year-old German man and a 48-year-old American woman. The parents face serious charges, including domestic violence and child abandonment, and are currently held in pretrial detention without bail. Officers described the home as a "house of horrors," noting the children were deprived of basic social interaction and living in unhygienic conditions. Three children…

Cliff Notes M&S has experienced cyber disruption believed to be caused by the group Scattered Spider, impacting contactless payments and online shopping. As a result of the attack, hundreds of workers were sent home and there are reports of limited product availability in stores nationwide. Scattered Spider is a decentralised hacking group known for sophisticated attacks, primarily exploiting human vulnerabilities through social engineering methods. Who are Scattered Spider? How the notorious hackers linked to M&S…

Cliff Notes The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a ban on transgender women participating in female competitions, effective immediately, following a UK Supreme Court ruling defining "woman" under equality laws as a biological female. The ECB emphasized its commitment to inclusivity but acknowledged the significant impact this decision would have on transgender players, while also stating they will support those affected through local recreational cricket boards. Cricket bosses ban transgender women from…

Yesterday was the hottest start to May on record as the country was hit with wildfires, the Metro.

A key ambition for 80% of cancer patients to start treatment within 62 days could be dropped because services have little chance of hitting the target, a committee heard.

English local elections on May 1 mark the first time widespread voting has happened in the UK since last year’s general election.

Banks in the City of London have poured more than $100bn (£75bn) into companies developing “carbon bombs” says The Guardian.

NHS patients will be prescribed weight-loss jabs at pharmacies as part of Britain’s war on obesity., says The Telegraph.

Russell Brand has been granted bail after facing charges for multiple sexual offences, including rape, related to incidents involving four women between 1999 and 2005.

Pharmacists are set to hand out weight-loss jabs on the NHS, says the front page of the Daily Mail.

The NHS is considering making available weight loss jabs over the counter. The new scheme is part of Britain’s plan to tackle obesity.

Early indications suggest Reform gains in England local elections yesterday will be a big boost for Nigel Farage’s party – and a dent in the ego of traditional parties. The sweeping gains made by Reform suggest Britain might be moving away from the traditional two-party dominance and into a new era of politics.

The full results won’t be available until later today – and there’s still a lot of counting to do, but so far things are looking good for the far-right party.

After a week of headlines being dominated by the latest from the Trump administration, Friday’s UK headlines are focused on local and domestic issues. 

The sun continues to shine this morning with the beautiful weather set to continue into the weekend. Yesterday, the UK recorded the hottest day on record (so far) – and it’s not just the weather that’s heating up – the headlines are too.

Reform UK secured a narrow victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, winning by just six votes after Labour previously held the seat with a substantial majority of nearly 14,700.

Pakistan preparing for Indian attack as the country’s firewalls and security defences have closed a firewall around Pakistan. The Pakistan army has launched an operation to intercept expected Indian attacks in the country, including potential terrorist attacks in the south of the country in the state of Balochistan. In the days after the Pahalgam deaths in India-administered Kashmir, India and Pakistan announced a string of diplomatic moves against each other, including shutting down cross-border trade…

Reform UK secured a narrow victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, defeating Labour by just six votes, marking a significant loss for Sir Keir Starmer.

China’s Commerce Ministry is evaluating the Trump administration’s approaches for trade talks, but one-sided tariffs up to 145% are seen as a significant barrier, undermining trust between the two nations.

Apple will source most iPhones from India and iPads from Vietnam to avoid the effects of tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, aiming to maintain consumer prices in the US.

Over 1,600 council seats are contested across 23 local authorities, alongside mayoral elections and a critical by-election in Runcorn and Helsby following Labour MP Mike Amesbury’s resignation.