Author: Fatimah Idera

Police officers in England and Wales are set to spend more time patrolling communities under major policing reforms to be unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday. Mahmood says she will cut red tape and unnecessary paperwork that keep officers tied to desks instead of out on the streets. She will also introduce national standards for emergency response times, aiming to ensure quicker answers to 999 calls after complaints that victims are waiting hours or even days for help. Under the proposals, police forces would be expected to respond to emergency calls within 15 minutes in urban areas and…

Andy Burnham has been barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election after Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) refused to approve his candidacy. Burnham, the directly elected mayor of Greater Manchester, needed NEC permission to run. Labour said allowing him to stand would trigger a costly mayoral election, arguing that public money and party resources were better spent addressing the cost-of-living crisis. The decision has sparked anger within Labour, with several MPs saying local party members should have been allowed to choose Burnham, who is widely seen as a potential future leadership challenger to Prime Minister Sir…

The United Kingdom Government has unveiled plans to create a new National Police Service, often described as a British FBI, to tackle serious and complex crime across England and Wales. The new body, to be announced in a Home Office white paper on Monday, will take national responsibility for dealing with organised crime, terrorism, large-scale fraud and online child abuse. These duties are currently shared between several agencies, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), counter-terrorism units and regional organised crime teams. Under the reforms, investigations that cross regional boundaries will be handled by the National Police Service, allowing local police…

Police have arrested 86 people after a protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in West London in support of a Palestine Action activist on hunger strike. The Metropolitan Police said the arrests were made on suspicion of aggravated trespass after protesters entered prison grounds on Saturday evening. Officers said the group refused to leave when ordered, blocked prison staff from entering and leaving the site, and made threats towards police. Some demonstrators were also reported to have gained access to a staff entrance area inside a prison building. All those detained were taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated trespass, the…

A batch of infant formula has been urgently removed from sale after a potentially harmful toxin was detected. Aptamil First Infant Formula is being recalled due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and is unsafe for consumption. Cereulide is heat-resistant and cannot be destroyed through cooking or preparation. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), exposure to the toxin can lead to rapid onset of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The recall applies to 800g packs with a batch code and best-before date of 31 October 2026. Parents and carers who have…

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has until 5pm on Saturday to decide whether to seek selection as Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. If successful, winning the seat would allow Burnham to return to Parliament and potentially mount a future challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. However, several obstacles stand in his way. As a directly elected mayor, Burnham must first secure approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) before he can stand. Reports revealed that some of Sir Keir’s allies on the NEC may attempt to block his candidacy, a move…

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…