Author: Fatimah Idera

A UK train driver has died and nine people remain in critical condition following a devastating train collision in Bedford, England, on Friday. According to authorities, a total of 89 people were injured in the crash, while 28 victims are still receiving treatment in hospital. The collision involved the train from Corby and the service from Nottingham. Investigations are still going on to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, railway systems consultant Peter Hicks, who analysed publicly available tracking data, said the Corby train appears to have collided with the rear of the Nottingham service. Bedford train crash:…

Andy Burnham has pledged to chart a “new path for Britain” after securing victory in the Makerfield by-election, a result that has intensified speculation about the future leadership of the Labour Party. Speaking to supporters in his new constituency, Burnham said Labour must focus on making life more affordable for ordinary people and restoring public confidence in politics. His victory has strengthened his position as one of the leading figures seen as capable of challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the party leadership. The win was celebrated enthusiastically by Burnham’s supporters, who gathered in Ashton-in-Makerfield after the result. Reports from…

A Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel on Tuesday after the vessel reportedly drifted too close in poor weather conditions. The incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. BST in waters between the Isle of Wight and the coast of Normandy, France. The yacht, which had set off from the United Kingdom, reportedly lost control in foggy conditions and drifted towards the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich. According to reports, the Russian warship first issued audible warnings to alert those on board the yacht. When the vessel failed to move away, warning shots were fired…

A group of Labour MPs has urged the government to increase the number of male teachers in England and improve paternity leave, arguing that both measures could help support families and provide positive role models for young boys. The call comes as lawmakers seek to influence government policy amid growing political uncertainty within the Labour Party. Members of the Labour Men and Boys group believe these issues deserve greater attention and should be part of the government’s long-term agenda. READ RELATED STORY Labour MPs urge UK to recognise Palestine Ali Strathern, Labour MP for Hitchin and co-chair of the group,…

UK Resident doctors in England have called off a planned five-day strike after reaching a last-minute agreement with the government, bringing relief to patients and the National Health Service (NHS). The industrial action, which was scheduled to begin on Monday and run until Friday, would have been the 16th strike in a long-running dispute over doctors’ pay and working conditions. READ RELATED STORY UK resident doctors to begin strike Wednesday The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents resident doctors, said the government made a new offer that will now be presented to members for a vote. The union described the…

The United Kingdom has announced that it will completely stop the import of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude oil by January 1, 2027, as part of efforts to tighten sanctions on Russia and reduce its energy revenues. The move closes a loophole that has allowed fuel refined from Russian crude in third countries to continue entering the UK market despite existing sanctions on Russian oil. READ RELATED STORY UK eases Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices surge amid global supply fears Although Britain banned direct imports of Russian crude oil and refined petroleum products after Russia’s invasion…

The United Kingdom has launched a £15 million economic growth programme for Nigeria aimed at attracting private investment, supporting ongoing reforms and creating opportunities for long-term economic development. The new initiative was announced during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Jenny Chapman. During the visit, she met with senior government officials in Abuja and Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen economic and development ties between both countries. UK Scholarship for Nigerians: 5 Ways to Increase Your Chances The three-year UK-Nigeria Growth Programme is designed to help Nigeria build on recent economic…

Thousands of young people across the UK will be offered a free meningitis B (MenB) vaccine this summer following a series of deadly outbreaks that claimed the lives of three young people earlier this year. The move is aimed at protecting students before they begin university and other residential education programmes in the autumn. READ RELATED STORY Chickenpox vaccine now available for young children in UK The government announced that teenagers in their final year of secondary school, as well as first-time university students under the age of 25, will be eligible for the vaccine. The programme is expected to…

Britain’s Prince William has highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to help tackle homelessness by identifying people at risk before they lose their homes. Speaking at London Tech Week, the Prince of Wales said technology companies possess valuable data that could be used to spot early warning signs of housing instability and enable timely intervention. William, who has long championed efforts to end homelessness, said AI could help organisations identify individuals facing difficulties before their situations become critical. UK homelessness minister resigns over claim she evicted tenants, hiked rent “Prevention is better than cure,” he told attendees, urging more…

All state secondary schools in Edinburgh will introduce a ban on mobile phones from the start of the new academic year in August as part of efforts to improve learning, behaviour and student wellbeing. Under the new policy, secondary school students will be required to place their phones in magnetically locked pouches for the entire school day, including break times and lunch periods. The restrictions will also apply to smartwatches. Primary school pupils who bring mobile phones to school will be required to store them in lockers until the end of the school day. Read also: England moves to legally ban…