National News

NHS maternity services are failing women and babies national investigation

NHS maternity services are failing women and babies through a reluctance to admit mistakes, “a lack of kindness and compassion” and pervasive discrimination, according to a Government-ordered investigation.

Call for more police help from Manchester mosque after concerning axe incident

The chairman of a Manchester mosque has asked for increased police presence after what the Prime Minister called a “concerning” incident when an armed man arrived during Ramadan prayers.

Speaker says he gave information to police about Lord Mandelson ahead of arrest

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he passed information “in good faith” to the Metropolitan Police following reports someone had informed the force that Lord Peter Mandelson could be a flight risk.

NHS failing on key cancer target with some patients waiting over 104 days

Almost all NHS trusts are missing a major cancer target, with some of the worst performers seeing only around half of patients on time, data shows.

Nearly half the public delayed or avoided seeking GP help last year

Nearly half (48%) of all UK adults avoided or delayed contacting their GP about a health concern last year, a new poll suggests, as the Government announced new plans for family doctors to guarantee same-day appointments for patients with urgent health needs.

Harry and Meghan begin two day Jordan visit to highlight humanitarian efforts

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will begin a two-day visit to Jordan to highlight efforts to support vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement.

Snoop Dogg welcomed by excited football fans on first Swansea visit

Swansea City football club co-owner Snoop Dogg was greeted with twirling towels and a guard of honour on his first visit to the Welsh club.

Water firm fined for polluting stream with sewage three times in a year

A water company has been fined more than £700,000 for polluting a country park stream with sewage three times in a year, the Environment Agency has said.

UK data watchdog fines Reddit 14m for failing to protect child users

Online discussion platform Reddit has been fined more than £14 million after the UK data watchdog said it had failed to protect children’s personal information.

Kemi Badenoch calls for digital counter revolution to protect children

Kemi Badenoch has called for a digital “counter-revolution” as she said she found it “tough” to stop using social media.

PM reiterates Ukraine support on fourth anniversary of Russian invasion

Sir Keir Starmer has promised to stand by the people of Ukraine for “as long as it takes” as he hit out at Vladimir Putin for blocking the path to peace.

Lord Mandelson is reportedly released on bail pending further investigation

Lord Peter Mandelson has reportedly been released on bail after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Russell Brand pleads not guilty to two further sex offences including rape

Comedian and actor Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two further sexual offences, including rape.

Police launch hate crime investigation after bacon left at mosque

A police investigation has been launched after bacon was left at a mosque.

Gianluca Prestianni provisionally banned by UEFA after Vinicius Junior incident

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for Wednesday’s Champions League return leg against Real Madrid by UEFA following the Vinicius Junior racism incident last week.

Zoe Atkin takes bronze to match Britains best Winter Olympics medal haul

Zoe Atkin won women’s ski halfpipe bronze in Livigno on Sunday to claim Great Britain’s fifth medal of their record-breaking Winter Olympics.

Government seeking best deal possible for UK firms over US tariffs Education Secretary says

High-level talks are ongoing after Donald Trump’s announcement of 15% global tariffs and the Government wants “the best deal possible” for UK firms, a Cabinet minister has said.

Schools White Paper to set target to halve disadvantage gap

The Schools White Paper will set a target to halve the disadvantage gap by the time children born under this Government finish secondary school.

Political pressure may have influenced decision to ban Maccabi fans MPs say

Local political pressure may have played a part in the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from attending a match against Aston Villa, a committee of MPs has concluded.

Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott to travel across UK for Marie Curie fundraiser

Comedian Paul Elliott, known as one half of the Chuckle Brothers, will be travelling across the UK next month as he takes part in Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraiser.