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- Ade Adepitan urges individuals to experience a week in a wheelchair
- Two deaths discovered dead 150 miles apart; police connect cases
- Mandelson Resigns from Labour Amid Epstein Controversy and Banker Tax Threat
- Today’s Football Fixtures| PL| Seria A| La Liga & more
- Swiss Bar Fire Tragedy: Death Toll Hits 41 as 18-Year-Old Passes Away
- Dominic Solanke offers injury update following Tottenham’s draw with Man City
- Michael Owen praises ‘out-of-form’ Man Utd player following Fulham victory | Football
- Iran Protester Erfan Soltani Freed After Threat of Public Execution | News UK
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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Ade Adepitan urges individuals to experience a week in a wheelchair
9:01 am
TL:DR – Ade Adepitan urges individuals to experience a week in a wheelchair | News UK
- Ade Adepitan urges non-disabled people to experience life blindfolded or in a wheelchair to understand accessibility challenges.
- He highlights slow progress on transport and housing accessibility for disabled individuals.
- Many disabled individuals lack resources for sports participation, with significant talent being overlooked.
- Adepitan stresses the importance of inclusive leadership in planning and community support.
- He will host the 2026 Scope Awards, celebrating achievements of disabled individuals.
Presenter Ade Adepitan challenges people to spend a week in a wheelchair | News UK
Ade says many disabled people face obstacles to getting around in daily life (Picture: Ade Adepitan/ Scope)
TV presenter Ade Adepitan has challenged people to spend a week blindfolded or in a wheelchair to experience the accessibility issues faced by disabled people.
The wheelchair basketball Paralympian told UK News that not enough progress has been made to make transport, housing and other key infrastructure accessible.
He warned that most disabled people are being denied the opportunity to get into sports because of a lack of resources and support.
Ade told UK News: ‘Disabled people are still very much marginalised in the UK.
Ade has been a powerful campaigner on disability issues (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images for the Roundhouse)
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‘You are losing so much talent. It stops people with disabilities playing a big part in society.
‘It is shocking that so many people are being neglected by society and not given the same access or opportunities.’
Speaking as he is announced as the host of the 2026 Scope Awards, run by disability charity Scope with UK News as the official media partner, Ade called on non-disabled people to experience what it was like to live with accessibility issues in modern Britain.
The athlete, who lost the use of his left leg after contracting polio as a child, said understanding the challenges faced by disabled people would make it more likely they are included in planning decisions.
Ade said: ‘All I have to say is spend a week in a wheelchair, or spend a week blindfolded, and tell me what you make of life.
‘You will probably feel like you are living in a country that has just come out of a war.’
As an example of barriers affecting disabled people, the presenter said he recently interviewed a doctor who had become blind.
The doctor described being forced to walk on the road with his children because of cars blocking the pavements.
Ade Adepitan became a successful presenter after his career in sports (Picture: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Ade said this thoughtlessness towards disabled people had put the doctor’s life at risk as well as his children’s just to complete the school run.
According to a November 2024 survey from the National Centre for Accessible Transport, more than 90 per cent of disabled people face barriers when using at least one mode of transport.
Disabled people make 38 per cent fewer journeys using transport than non-disabled people – a figure that had not changed in ten years.
‘Change starts from the bottom up,’ Ade added.
‘The only way we are going to make change is if we come together as communities.’
‘We also need leadership which is inclusive of disabled people. We are the most incredible problem solvers.’
Born in Nigeria, Ade and his mother moved to the UK at the age of three to join his father in East London.
There he began playing wheelchair basketball and soon became a member of Team GB.
With the team, he won at the 2004 Summer Paralympics and gold at the Paralympic World Cup in 2005, the year he was also awarded an MBE for services to disability sport.
Ade made it all the way to the Paralympics (Picture: Comic Relief/Getty Images)
From there, he launched a career as a commentator and became one of the main presenters for Channel 4’s coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Ade says that many disabled people are being denied the chance to get into sports like he did because of a lack of resources and basic support.
He explained: ‘I am in a fortunate and privileged position. I have access to sport in ways that many non-disabled people wouldn’t have.
‘Schools are still not equipped to give disabled people opportunities, but schools are where a lot of people’s passion for sport begins.
‘But being able to do these leisure activities is a luxury.
‘Only when you feel financially secure, physically secure, and emotionally secure – then you can start looking for a sports club.
‘But if you haven’t got all of those other aspects of your life sorted, which many disabled people won’t, then how do they even begin to take part in the first place?
‘People say to me, “How can I go out and play basketball when I can’t even get a job?”’
According to Sport England, disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive compared to people without a disability.
Ade will host the Scope Awards in April (Picture: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for The National Lottery)
Ade will host the 2026 Scope Awards at the Kia Oval in April.
He said: ‘To be hosting the awards is an honour.
To have awards that celebrate disabled people who are doing amazing things, it is crucial.
‘It is even more important that the people without disabilities hear these stories.’
The full shortlist of nominations for the Scope Awards will be announced later in February and available on the Scope website.
Two deaths discovered dead 150 miles apart; police connect cases
6:00 am
TL:DR – Two acquainted individuals discovered dead 150 miles apart; police connect cases | UK News
- A woman in her 70s was found dead in Torquay, Devon, on January 31, with her death classified as ‘unexplained’.
- A man in his 40s was discovered deceased near Southampton, 150 miles away; his death is not deemed suspicious.
- Police believe the two individuals knew each other and are investigating the circumstances surrounding both deaths.
- Increased police presence is reported, with community members encouraged to approach officers with any concerns.
Two people ‘who knew each other’ found dead 150 miles apart as police link deaths | News UK
A woman in her 70s was found dead in Torquay. Her death is being treated as ‘unexplained’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Two people who are thought to know each other have been found dead 150 miles apart.
A woman in her 70s was discovered deceased in Torquay, Devon, on January 31 and the body of a man in his 40s was later found near Southampton.
An investigation has been launched by police to find out the circumstances around both deaths.
Emergency services were called before 4pm yesterday after fears were raised about a woman at an address in Shirburn Road, Torquay. Her death is being treated as unexplained.
Police officers visited a property in Hythe, near Southampton, and found the body of the man. His death is not believed to be suspicious.
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High street shops in the town of Hythe, Hampshire (Picture: Getty Images)
Devon and Cornwall police said the pair were believed to know each other.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Pebworth, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: ‘This is a very sad incident and we are supporting the next of kin of those who have died.
‘We continue to work with our colleagues from Hampshire Police as we investigate this matter.
‘Officers are carrying out inquiries to establish exactly what has happened and cordons are in place to allow for a thorough investigation of both addresses.
‘There will be an increased police presence in the area and we encourage anyone to speak with officers if they have any concerns.’
Mandelson Resigns from Labour Amid Epstein Controversy and Banker Tax Threat
4:49 am
Peter Mandelson resigns from Labour Party amid controversy over Epstein links
- Peter Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party to prevent causing further embarrassment amid controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
- His resignation follows revelations that Epstein sent him $75,000, raising questions about financial dealings.
- Mandelson had previously faced criticism for his connections but insisted he acted ethically.
- The Labour Party is distancing itself from the incident to maintain its public image.
- This situation adds to the scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s acquaintances and their connections.
Mandelson Resigns from Labour Amid Epstein Controversy and Banker Tax Threat
Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party, citing his association with Jeffrey Epstein as the catalyst for his decision. This comes in the wake of revelations that Mandelson received $75,000 from Epstein, raising eyebrows within political circles.
Although the specific reasons for Mandelson’s resignation were not fully disclosed, it appears his financial connection to the convicted sex offender has led to mounting pressure from within the party. Reports indicate that Mandelson sought to mitigate further embarrassment for Labour amidst an ongoing investigation into Epstein’s associations with high-profile individuals.
Mandelson’s resignation was announced on social media, where he stated, “I do not want my personal matters to detract from the important work of the party.” This aligns with the party’s recent efforts to distance itself from scandal as it braces for upcoming elections.
The controversy erupted in London, primarily as Labour grapples with its image in the wake of previous scandals. Mandelson, a prominent figure within the party, has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies, making his departure particularly impactful.
As Labour moves forward, party insiders predict ongoing discussions about reforming internal procedures and potentially revisiting financial disclosure policies to prevent similar situations. Mandelson’s exit may serve as a cautionary tale for politicians about the importance of transparency. The question remains: how will this incident reshape the party’s trajectory in future elections?
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Today’s Football Fixtures| PL| Seria A| La Liga & more
4:12 am
Today’s Football Fixtures | PL | Serie A | La Liga & more
Premier League – Matchday 24
Sunderland vs Burnley
20:00
Seria A – Matchday 23
Udinese vs AS Roma
19:45
La-Liga – Matchday 22
RCD Mallorca vs Sevilla FC
20:00
Saudi Pro League – Matchday 20
Riyadh SC vs Al Nassr
15:15
Al Akhdoud vs Neom SC
17:30
Al Hilal vs Al Ahli
17:30
Swiss Bar Fire Tragedy: Death Toll Hits 41 as 18-Year-Old Passes Away
4:09 am
TL:DR – Swiss Bar Fire Tragedy: Death Toll Hits 41 as 18-Year-Old Passes Away
An 18-year-old Swiss national who was injured in the New Year Swiss bar fire has died almost a month after the incident. The death toll from the fire at Le Constellation, one of the worst disasters in Switzerland’s modern history, is now at 41.
Tragic Update on Swiss Bar Fire
Details Surrounding the Incident
Two sources told news agency Reuters the latest victim was a man who was living near Lausanne in the west of the country. Most of the people killed in the blaze were teenagers, with several of the 115 who were injured still being treated in hospital for severe burns.
The Wallis canton’s public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said in a statement: “An 18-year-old Swiss national died at a hospital in Zurich on January 31. The death toll from the fire at Le Constellation bar on January 1, 2026, has now risen to 41.” No further information has been released so far.
Photographs of the night show the initial moments of the blaze, as sparklers appeared to set the ceiling alight.
Legal Actions and Accusations
The bar’s co-owners Jessica and Jacques Moretti have been accused of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. A former fire safety officer for Crans-Montana and the Swiss municipality’s head of public safety are also under criminal investigation over the fire.
Victims of the Swiss Tragedy
Among the dead were 23 Swiss nationals, eight French nationals, six Italians, one Belgian, one Portuguese, one Romanian, and one Turkish national. Remarkably, only four of those who died were aged over 24, with the oldest being 39 and the youngest a 14-year-old from France.
It is believed that the fire was ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, which lit flammable soundproofing foam on the ceiling. Anger continues to grow across the country, with a demonstration in the lakeside town of Lutry near Lausanne drawing hundreds of people.
Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, the mother of 17-year-old victim Arthur, addressed the crowd: “Today, we are just asking for justice and truth and afterwards we will mourn.”
Dominic Solanke offers injury update following Tottenham’s draw with Man City
8:00 pm
TL:DR – Dominic Solanke offers injury update following Tottenham’s draw with Man City
- Dominic Solanke scored twice in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
- He sustained an injury late in the game but reassured fans it was minor.
- Spurs struggled initially, trailing 2-0, but improved significantly in the second half.
- Solanke’s first was a tap-in, and his second featured a spectacular scorpion kick.
- Manager Thomas Frank noted the need for quicker starts and emphasised the importance of fan support for continued progress.
Dominic Solanke provides injury update after Tottenham draw with Man City | Football
Dominic Solanke suffered another injury scare on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
Dominic Solanke was confident he did not suffer a serious injury despite being forced off after scoring twice in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
The England international was Spurs’ hero as he bagged a brace after his side fell two goals behind in north London.
Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo put Manchester City 2-0 up before half-time and Pep Guardiola’s side looked immensely comfortable with their lead.
However, the second half was entirely different to the first as Spurs came to life following a limp display in the opening stanza.
Solanke bundled in his first on 53 minutes and then produced a stunning finish to equalise with 20 minutes to play.
A Conor Gallagher cross came in just behind the 28-year-old but he flicked out his right boot behind him and his scorpion kick effort floated over Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the net.
That was how the scoring finished, and while Spurs remain 14th in the Premier League table, it was a rousing second half from Thomas Frank’s side.
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Solanke’s second was a memorable finish (Picture: Getty Images)
There was concern for Solanke, though, as he appeared to suffer an injury late in the game and limped off in the 90th minute.
Worried Spurs fans will be relieved to hear that the former Bournemouth man does not think he will be out of action as a result.
‘I’ll be good,’ Solanke told Sky Sports. ‘I just rolled my ankle a little bit, but I’ll be fine.’
Frank will certainly be hoping that is the case as Solanke has been in fine form since returning from the ankle problem which kept him out for most of the first half of the season.
In January he returned to the pitch for the first time since August and scored against both Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League and has now added a Premier League brace.
Solanke told Sky Sports of the unusual match: ‘It was a game of two halves. The first half was difficult we could not get near them at times. The second half was a different story. In the second half we were great and grew with confidence and belief and could have gone on to win it. We know we need to start games quicker.
‘A few tactical tweaks. At half time we had a chance to do that. In the second half we had to show fight and belief and I thought we did.
Thomas Frank’s side were vastly improved in the second half (Picture: Getty Images)
‘We needed to change something because it was very difficult to press. We made that change and it worked very well. We know we haven’t been as good as we want to be in the league and we need the fans behind us. When we are all together I think we can fly.
‘We are trying to build on it. That is four games unbeaten now and we want to start winning games for sure. We need to focus on that and keep building. When everyone is on it and we have the crowd and everyone has that confidence and belief we know we can beat anyone.’
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