Quick Rundown – What VE Day was really like Ruth Bourne, who is now 98, recalls the “electric buzz” on VE Day, celebrating in central London with hundreds of thousands after a long war. The British Royal Family’s appearance on the palace balcony filled the crowd with joy, creating a sense of unity and excitement among the masses. Celebrations included dancing with strangers and gathering around bonfires, symbolising a newfound freedom after years of blackouts.…
Cliff Notes Five men, including four Iranian nationals, have been arrested under suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, according to the Metropolitan Police. The arrests occurred in multiple locations, including Greater Manchester, London, and Swindon, as officers conducted related searches. Commander Dominic Murphy stated that the investigation is in its early stages, and the public is advised to remain vigilant and report any concerns. Five men arrested in connection with suspected terrorist plot | UK…
Cliff Notes The Conservatives demand Lucy Powell’s resignation following her controversial remarks about grooming gangs during a BBC Radio 4 discussion. Critics, including Shadow home secretary Chris Philp, accuse Powell of belittling the victimisation of thousands of girls, calling her comments offensive and dismissive. In response, Powell clarified her stance on social media, stating she takes issues of child exploitation seriously, while challenging political point-scoring on the matter. Conservatives call for Labour’s Lucy Powell to…
Cliff Notes Five years post-exit from royal duties, Prince Harry’s recent interview highlighted ongoing tensions, featuring personal revelations about his estrangement from his father. Despite addressing his grievance over police protection, Harry’s family issues dominated headlines, overshadowing his intended message of reconciliation. Palace insiders express concern over lack of coordination before the interview, fearing further risks in communicating with Harry after past criticisms. Harry’s intention may have been to extend the most public olive branch,…
Cliff Notes Fourteen children, aged 11 to 14, have been arrested in connection with the death of 14-year-old Layton Carr following a fire at an industrial site in Gateshead. The fire occurred near Fairfield industrial park, with emergency services confirming the location of Carr’s body inside the building shortly after the incident. Northumbria Police are conducting an ongoing investigation, and a cordon remains in place at the site as they appeal for the family’s privacy…
Cliff Notes The installation of the chimney for burning ballots during the upcoming papal conclave has been completed in the Sistine Chapel, with preparations underway for the election scheduled to start on 7 May. A total of 133 cardinals will gather to vote, with black smoke indicating deadlock and white smoke signalling the election of a new pope when two-thirds agree on a candidate. Security measures include a technology blackout to prevent external contact and…
Cliff Notes Lorraine Kelly, 65, has announced she will undergo keyhole surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes, citing health concerns. The procedure is described as "purely preventative," with Kelly expressing confidence in her recovery and gratitude for her medical team. Prominent figures, including fellow presenters, have shown support and sent well wishes for her speedy recovery. Lorraine Kelly says she will undergo surgery to remove ovaries | Ents & Arts News . Lorraine…
Cliff Notes Five survivors, including a child and three women, were rescued after their plane crashed into an Amazon swamp, forcing them to endure 36 hours surrounded by alligators. The pilot described the emergency landing as "tough," resulting in the aircraft flipping over; the group relied on cassava flour for sustenance and used a flashlight to deter nearby reptiles. Local officials praised the coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue, highlighting the importance of…
Cliff Notes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party secured a historic victory, marking the first consecutive three-year term for an Australian PM in 21 years. Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat and accepted full responsibility, notably losing his long-held seat in Dickson, Brisbane. Voter concerns centred around cost of living and political parallels with Donald Trump’s policies, as both parties aimed to address Australia’s changing demographics and energy policy. Australian PM Anthony Albanese wins re-election…
Cliff Notes Asaad Al Nsasrah was reunited with his father after over five weeks in Israeli custody, following his survival of an attack on an aid convoy that killed 15 workers. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated his arrest was based on intelligence regarding involvement in terrorist activity, although details about his detention remain unclear and contentious. A new video recording captures Mr Nsasrah making a call during the attack, revealing he was apprehended rather…
Cliff Notes A 38-year-old woman died in Thessaloniki, Greece, after a bomb she was carrying exploded unexpectedly in her hands while she intended to place it outside a bank. The explosion, occurring at around 5 am, caused damage to several storefronts and vehicles in the vicinity, according to police reports. Authorities are investigating her background, linking her to previous robberies and possible affiliations with extreme left-wing groups. Woman dies in Greece after bomb explodes in…
Cliff Notes Pat McFadden acknowledges Labour’s “poor” local election results, emphasising the need for the government to accept this outcome and respond effectively. He recognises public “anger and frustration,” noting the impatience for change and the importance of improving living standards and reducing waiting lists. In response to criticism over cutting winter fuel payments, McFadden defends unpopular decisions, asserting they were necessary for economic stability and highlights the increase in the basic state pension. Politics…
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.
