PA: British Isles & Ireland
Thursday, 12 December 2024 22:44
Rayner insists pledge to build 1.5m homes 'can happen'
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has affirmed the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes over five years, a scale unseen since World War 2. This requires constructing 370,000 homes annually, a significant increase from the…
Thursday, 12 December 2024 22:41
‘Tidal wave’ of flu hits NHS as hospital cases soar
The NHS is grappling with a 'tidal wave' of flu cases, with hospital admissions rising by 70% in a week, contributing to severe pressure on emergency services. In one week, hospitals in England averaged 1,861 flu…
Thursday, 12 December 2024 22:39
Energy bills shake-up announced
Ofgem has announced plans to offer 'no standing charge' energy tariffs and provide debt relief for struggling households. The standing charge, a fixed daily fee averaging 92p, has risen significantly in recent years and disproportionately impacts…
Thursday, 12 December 2024 22:36
Bishop calls for healthier living with smartphones
Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, has urged smartphone-free schools to promote healthier lifestyles for young people. Speaking in the House of Lords, he highlighted efforts by his diocese, which oversees 285 church schools, to educate students…
Thursday, 05 December 2024 22:17
A ‘Black Friday’ as assisted suicide bill is passed
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its second reading in Parliament, with 330 votes in favour and 275 against. Described as a 'Black Friday’, this decision represents a grave shift in Britain’s stance…
Thursday, 05 December 2024 22:14
Starmer pledges 13,000 more police with vows on NHS and schools
Keir Starmer has announced a bold 'Plan for Change’, prioritising increased neighbourhood safety, improved NHS services, education reforms, and economic growth. Central to this vision is the pledge to recruit 13,000 additional police officers, police community…