Author: Fatimah Idera

The NHS is creating a new national database to help identify people who may be genetically at higher risk of developing cancer, offering earlier screening and more personalised care. The register will bring together genetic information linked to 120 genes known to increase the likelihood of cancer. By comparing patients’ genetic data with the database, doctors will be able to identify those with inherited risks and offer regular check-ups and targeted screening for cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. Patients may also benefit from treatments tailored to their genetic profile, helping doctors decide which therapies are likely to work…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised comments made by US President Donald Trump about Nato troops in Afghanistan, describing them as insulting and frankly appalling. Speaking to broadcasters, Starmer said the remarks had caused deep hurt to British veterans and the families of those who served. He stressed that if he had made such comments himself, he would have apologised without hesitation. “If I had misspoken in that way, or said those words, I would certainly apologise,” he said. The comments have sparked widespread anger across the UK, particularly among former service personnel. Corporal Andy Reid, who served in…

The Federal Government has banned Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and their installers from collecting any fees for meter installation, warning that offenders will be prosecuted for extortion. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos. He said the meters were procured under the World Bank–backed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) and must be installed for consumers at no cost. Adelabu stressed that any attempt by DisCos or their agents to demand payment directly or indirectly would be treated as a criminal offence. He expressed…

Tesla has been fined more than £20,000 after repeatedly failing to help UK police identify drivers linked to traffic offences. The British arm of Elon Musk’s electric car company has been convicted at least 18 times over the past two years for not responding properly to police requests under road traffic laws. The cases involve situations where Tesla vehicles, often leased through Tesla Financial Services, were caught committing offences such as speeding. When a car is leased, the leasing firm is usually listed as the registered keeper. If a traffic offence occurs, police rely on the registered keeper to identify…

Donald Trump retreated from threats over Greenland after the UK and European allies firmly raised concerns about the island’s sovereignty, David Lammy revealed. Speaking to the media , Lammy said the US president had responded to our concerns by abandoning suggestions of using military force or trade sanctions to take control of the Danish territory. He said European countries were now “back where we wanted to be”, with discussions returning to negotiation. Trump stepped back from his earlier stance on Wednesday, easing tensions with Denmark and other Nato allies. He also dropped a proposed 10% import tax on eight countries,…

The Home Office has confirmed that the first group of asylum seekers has been relocated to a former military training site in East Sussex.  Twenty-seven men seeking asylum have arrived at the Crowborough training camp, which is expected to eventually accommodate more than 500 people. The government said the move marks the beginning of efforts to phase out the use of costly asylum hotels. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the relocation as part of the government’s wider strategy to reduce asylum costs and tackle illegal migration. She said Crowborough would be the first of several large sites to be opened,…

The Labour  government has confirmed that local elections due to take place in May will be postponed in 29 council areas across England as part of plans to reorganise local government. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told MPs that legislation would be brought forward to delay the elections, following consultations with councils affected by the proposed changes. He said ministers had reviewed more than 350 submissions from councils and other stakeholders before reaching the decision. Reed explained that the postponements were linked to plans to merge two-tier council systems into single unitary authorities, arguing that delays would ease pressure on…

The UK has decided not to immediately join US President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, citing concerns over the possible involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK had been invited to sign up to the initiative but would not do so at this stage. Speaking to the media from the World Economic Forum in Davos, she explained that the government had reservations about the board’s legal scope and about Putin’s role, given Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The Board of Peace, announced by the White House, is being promoted as a new international…

Lucy Letby will not face any additional criminal charges over the deaths or collapses of babies at hospitals where she worked, prosecutors have confirmed. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it reviewed evidence relating to further allegations of murder and attempted murder involving nine babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital. However, it concluded that there was not enough evidence to bring new charges. Cheshire Police, which submitted the case files in July 2025, said the decision was disappointing and not the outcome officers had expected. The force said it believed the evidence met the required…

A Labour minister Chris McDonald has been criticised after it emerged that he used taxpayers’ money to set up a podcast studio. The MP for Stockton North and minister for industry, spent more than £500 through the parliamentary expenses system on podcast equipment. The purchases included microphones, lighting and soundproofing panels, which were listed as “other office equipment”. Details of the spending only became public following a Freedom of Information request seen by The Telegraph. Records show that Mr McDonald spent £294 on a wireless microphone system in January last year. He later bought acoustic wood panels for £141, a…