57 m. ago Award winner whose face was seen by millions in Sainsbury's and Morrisons adverts across Britain dies aged 77

His family paid an emotional tribute to him: 'He will be missed for his sense of humour, his kindness, his love of his family and the Fens, his level-headedness and his ability to work with others.'

Events

76 m. ago BBC viewers recommend 'British version of Friends' that is 'totally addictive'

The comedy boasts a star-studded cast, including a fan-favourite from The Walking Dead.

Politics

82 m. ago Disengaging from China on business would be ‘foolish’, Rachel Reeves says

Chancellor supports economic ties with Beijing as she prepares to fly to US next week for trade deal talksRachel Reeves has dismissed the idea of economically disengaging from China, amid concerns the US may put pressure on the UK to limit its deals with Beijing.The chancellor, who will discuss a trade deal with the US on a trip to Washington next week, said it would be “very foolish” for Britain to have less involvement with Xi Jinping’s administration. Continue reading...

Politics

82 m. ago Cutting business ties with China would be ‘foolish’, Reeves says amid reports of US pressure

Chancellor supports economic ties with Beijing as she prepares to fly to US next week for trade deal talksRachel Reeves has dismissed the idea of economically disengaging from China, amid concerns the US may put pressure on the UK to limit its deals with Beijing.The chancellor, who will discuss a trade deal with the US on a trip to Washington next week, said it would be “very foolish” for Britain to have less involvement with Xi Jinping’s administration. Continue reading...

Events

26 h. ago Britain needs houses, and Labour’s bold plan will address that. But it may require more migrants | Polly Toynbee

Ministers are ready to be relentless over planning reform. There is a skills gap though – and they must be brave enough to fill itAmid the shock of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) halving its growth forecast last month, one remarkable finding gets too little attention. It predicts housebuilding will rise to its highest level in 40 years, adding 0.2% growth or £6.8bn by 2029-30, potentially rising to more than 0.4% by 2034-35. The government has said that housing scores the biggest positive growth effect from a “zero-cost policy” the OBR has ever forecast.This is especially remarkable given that 2024 saw the fewest planning permissions granted for new homes for a decade, and the worst on record, according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF). Planning applications plummeted when the last government scrapped councils’ mandatory housing targets, but since Labour reimposed a national planning policy framework, applications in the works have risen by more than 160%.Polly Toyn...

Events

30 h. ago Gardeners issued 'do not' warning over leaving out specific dried fruit

Gardeners are advised to avoid hand-feeding birds this spring, as it could cause more harm than good, endangering both themselves and the birds

Events

42 h. ago British rebellion against Roman legions caused by drought, research finds

The pivotal ‘barbarian conspiracy’ of AD367 saw Picts, Scotti and Saxons inflicting crushing blows on Roman defencesA series of exceptionally dry summers that caused famine and social breakdown were behind one of the most severe threats to Roman rule of Britain, according to new academic research.The rebellion, known as the “barbarian conspiracy”, was a pivotal moment in Roman Britain. Picts, Scotti and Saxons took advantage of Britain’s descent into anarchy to inflict crushing blows on weakened Roman defences in the spring and summer of AD367. Continue reading...

Politics

42 h. ago Norwegian police explain why they wrongly deported a British tourist – but stop short of apologising

Exclusive: Police stop short of apologising to British visitor who was held in custody for three hours and marched by officers on to a flight sending her back to Edinburgh

Events

45 h. ago I'm a Celeb's Denise van Outen reveals 20 signs you're in need of a holiday

A study of 2,000 UK adults showed as many as three quarters of Brits (72%) claim they need a regular holiday abroad to feel happy and positive, while 82% say going abroad is the highlight of their year

Politics

48 h. ago Johnny Sexton makes surprise move to join Andy Farrell’s Lions coaching staff

Raises further intrigue over fly-half selection debateSexton endorsed Owen Farrell in press interviewJohnny Sexton has been added to the British & Irish Lions coaching staff for the summer tour of Australia in a surprise move that raises further intrigue over the fly-half selection debate following his previous criticism of Finn Russell and endorsement of Owen Farrell.Sexton was not named by Andy Farrell when the head coach unveiled his assistants for the tour last month but will now join Simon Easterby, John Dalziel, Andrew Goodman, Richard Wigglesworth and John Fogarty on the coaching ticket. The 39-year-old will also join Farrell’s coaching staff at Ireland upon the conclusion of the Lions tour. Continue reading...

Politics

51 h. ago Gardeners warned over invasive plant that's just like Japanese knotweed

These beautiful bushes are known for their delicious smell and glorious flowers, however experts have warned that they are high invasive and can cause severe damage to your home

Events

64 h. ago UK officials label trade documents ‘secret’ to shield from US eyes amid Trump tariff war

Exclusive: civil servants beef up security rules for sensitive negotiating papers over fears posed by hostile US trade policyUK officials are tightening security when handling sensitive trade documents to prevent them from falling into US hands amid Donald Trump’s tariff war, the Guardian can reveal.In an indication of the strains on the “special relationship”, British civil servants have changed document-handling guidance, adding higher classifications to some trade negotiation documents in order to better shield them from American eyes, sources told the Guardian. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Alison Hammond 'hurt' by brutal criticism of Great British Bake Off

This week's episode of The Great British Bake Off: The Professionals saw Alison Hammond jokingly admit that she was 'hurt' after a guest on her podcast slammed the show

Politics

3 d. ago Detail in the way you walk could put you at risk of sudden cardiac death

British scientists, who tracked more than 420,000 adults, found it was most beneficial for women under 60 who were a healthy weight and those with pre-existing conditions.

Events

3 d. ago Spain holiday warning as tourists told they need two documents to enter

The UK Foreign Office has warned that Brits travelling to Spain will need to bring 'additional documents' with them as well as their passport - and they're easily forgotten

Events

3 d. ago Sky reveals UK's most embarrassing 'phone faux pas' that could land you in hot water

Smartphone etiquette is not something Brits always adhere to, such as accidental typos (for ducks sake!)

Politics

3 d. ago Great British Menu's Paul Ainsworth addresses 'rivalry' with chef Rick Stein

Paul Ainsworth, who runs the Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6 in Padstow, has spoken out on rumours of a 'confrontation' with fellow celebrity chef Rick Stein

Politics

4 d. ago British woman was ‘scared, sad and bewildered’ after being wrongly deported from Norway

Exclusive: Three officers were deployed to place the passenger on her deportation flight

Politics

4 d. ago José Pizarro’s recipe for spring lamb and asparagus rice with saffron and fino

A sumptuous, Spanish celebration of spring, with a nod to the UK’s short but marvellous asparagus seasonEven though the lamb is the star of this dish, it’s the asparagus that truly makes me happy. The arrival of asparagus season always feels like a little celebration of spring and longer, brighter days ahead. British asparagus, the best in the world, adds a fresh, seasonal touch that makes this rice really special. It’s the perfect one-pot recipe for the first al fresco meal of the year, with simple ingredients that come together beautifully, and with saffron bringing its delicate aroma and golden warmth. This is a great minimal-effort way to enjoy the new season – and every bite. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Gardeners issued brutal bird feed warning over scraps falling on lawns

Gardeners are warned that leaving uneaten bird feed in the garden can spread fatal diseases to the wildlife - with leftovers doing more harm than good

Events