39 m. ago Keir Starmer’s communications chief quits after just nine months in Downing Street

Matthew Doyle becomes the second member of Sir Keir Starmer’s top team to quit less than a year into the job

Politics

51 m. ago Drivers are being urged to put tea bags in their car to avoid £2,500 fine

Motorists across the UK are being urged to put teabags in their car to avoid being fined up to £2,500 and an increased risk of accidents during the colder months

Economics

62 m. ago Huge change to Keir Starmer's top team with senior figure quitting after 9 months in No10

Matthew Doyle, Keir Starmer's director of communications in No10, has surprisingly quit after just nine months in the job - he said it is time to 'pass the baton on'

Politics

63 m. ago Scotland weather: Edinburgh to be hotter than Barcelona next week as temperatures soar to 20C

The temperature gauge is forecast to soar across Scotland next week as the country basks in spring sunshine

Politics

82 m. ago Woman told she was 'too fat to dance' lost 3stone in three months

Chantelle, 32, who was 23stone at her heaviest, has now lost more than five stone

Politics

83 m. ago Heathrow airport braced for more travel disruption next month as passenger assistance workers strike

Around 500 workers providing assistance to passengers with restricted mobility will strike for four days

Society

1 hour ago China’s Xi urges global CEOs to protect trade supply chains; UK’s 2024 growth revised higher – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsToday’s UK national accounts data also shows that people stashed away more of their money into savings at the end of last year.The household saving ratio, which measure the proportion of income that is saved, rose to 12% in October-December 2024, up from 10.3% in the third quarter of last year.One bright spot was the impressive 1.9% q/q (CE forecast 0.7% q/q) rise in consumers’ real incomes in Q4. The 4.2% rise in 2024 as a whole suggests households experienced the strongest real income growth in nine years.With consumer spending hardly rising, at 12.0% in Q4 (up from 10.3% in Q3), the saving rate remains unusually high, suggesting households are choosing to save rather than spend the bulk of those gains.Non-food stores – the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores – rose by 3.1% over the month. This put monthly sales volumes at their highest level since March 2022.“The exceptional volatility in rec...

Economics

1 hour ago Doctor who ignored own symptoms dies from rare cancer three weeks later

Thelma Ainsworth, from London, was left devastated when her husband Jonathan - who was a doctor - complained of pain for months before receiving a tragic diagnosis

Events

1 hour ago Liverpool supporters blasted by Alan Shearer over Trent Alexander

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer and the reaction of some Liverpool fans has "irritated" Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer

Society

2 h. ago Banks to monitor impact of higher bills next month and contact people in need of financial help

Council Tax, broadband, mobile phone and energy bills are set to rise in April and some of the biggest banks will be offering extra support.

Economics

2 h. ago New WH Smith name revealed as iconic high street retailer is sold

WH Smith has agreed to sell its UK high street chain to Modella Capital in a deal valuing it at £76 million and will eventually rebrand under a new name, the company has announced.

Politics

2 h. ago Dame Esther Rantzen was given 'months to live' as she prepared for 'last spring' before tragic update

Journalist and TV presenter Dame Esther Rantzen is no longer responding to medical treatment, according to her daughter Rebecca Wilcox, who revealed her mum was 'given a few months to live'

Events

2 h. ago Man Utd desperately bid to raise £310m this summer by selling eight players

Manchester United head into the summer transfer window after potentially their worst-ever Premier League season but it could be a very lucrative few months for the Red Devil

Economics

2 h. ago Scotland's 'most romantic proposal spots' named as picturesque island tops list

The top picks include lochs, beaches, and more.

Politics

2 h. ago People with a Blue Badge urged to claim £195 saving before cut

Blue Badge holders are exempt from paying Vehicle Tax, but a rule change next month could catch 15 people out.

Economics

3 h. ago Children's TV icon Gail Porter admits fear of facing homelessness again after previous bankruptcy

Children's TV presenter Gail Porter has candidly revealed that she is always concerned that she could lose her home after being homeless in the past

Society

3 h. ago I’ve never liked nail strengthener, but this one actually works | Sali Hughes on beauty

OPI’s new serum claims to repair your broken bonds, and I’ve seen an undeniable reduction in breakageIn January, I decided to take a break from gel nails, partly to test alternatives for a future column. It’s no exaggeration to say that over the next month at least one nail broke every single day. My long, strong natural nails owed everything to builder gel, it turned out, and on their own were as weak as street party lemon squash. Whether this is the effect of hormonal changes or years under the UV lamp, my nails have been withered by time, and before I could even look for gel alternatives I needed to find a fix.I should say that my frustrations with nail-strengthening products are numerous and, ultimately, inhibit regular use – which is essential for results. I don’t see the logic in products that dry hard, to be layered one coat atop another, forming a thick, lacquered carapace. How are the upper layers of such products reaching the nail itself and having...

Politics

3 h. ago People on PIP or ADP might need to wait until May for new payment rates

People on the highest rates of disability benefits will be due nearly £750 each month over the 2025/26 financial year.

Politics

3 h. ago Iconic high street retailer WH Smith is set to rebrand as part of £76million sale

WH Smith has agreed to sell its UK high street chain to Modella Capital in a deal valuing it at £76 million and will eventually rebrand under a new name, the company has announced.

Economics

3 h. ago Edinburgh crime: Police continue 'major' inquiry into gunshots linked to rival Capital 'gangs'

“Significant” CCTV footage has been collected and is being analysed, and officers are carrying out door-to-door inquiries.

Events