52 m. ago UK's Covid rules around going outside during lockdown were too strict and should have been 'more liberal', Chris Whitty admits

Professor Sir Chris Whitty told the Covid-19 Inquiry that the approach to the first lockdown should have been 'more liberal', as the evidence showed that being outdoors was safer than being indoors.

Events

84 m. ago 'Overlooked jewel' with amazing beaches named UK's happiest place to live

Berwick-upon-Tweed has been named the happiest and also one of the most charming seaside towns in England and it's just a 40 minute train ride from Edinburgh and Newcastle

Society

2 h. ago Free NHS blood pressure checks available to certain England residents in pharmacies

Although common, high blood pressure can cause serious issues such as heart attacks and strokes if left untreated

Events

4 h. ago Estimated 4m people in England and Wales ‘are trapped in a negative budget’

Citizens Advice estimated that in 2025/26, more than half a million people could be at risk of an unexpected shock pushing them into the red.

Politics

4 h. ago Half of young adults now choosing no and low alcohol drinks – report

Some 49% of young adults now choose no and low alcohol to moderate their drinking, up from 28% since 2018, according to the charity Drinkaware.

Politics

6 h. ago Stuart Pearce receives message of support from Pep Guardiola and Man City after England legend's son was killed in tractor crash the the age of 21

The former England international is grieving after his son Harley Pearce lost control of the farm vehicle on a country road some 50 miles from his family home in Wiltshire. Harley died at the scene.

Events

7 h. ago ‘Little Magpie’ José Mourinho relishing taking Benfica to Newcastle | Louise Taylor

Portuguese has a long-held affinity with the north-east club following his time working with Sir Bobby Robson at BarcelonaTo José Mourinho, Newcastle United represents a road never taken. Whenever Mourinho visits St James’ Park he takes time to stand by the statue of Sir Bobby Robson outside the Milburn Stand and spend a few minutes paying silent tribute to the memory of his mentor.In 1999 Robson wanted the Portuguese to join him at Newcastle as an assistant manager with a view to eventually taking the top job but Mourinho, who returns to north‑east England for a Champions League engagement with Benfica on Tuesday night, declined. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago English universities can raise tuition fees if they meet ‘tough’ standards, says Phillipson

Measure, which will allow increase in line with inflation, is part of white paper on post-16 education and skillsUniversity tuition fees in England are to rise in line with inflation, but only for institutions that meet “tough new quality thresholds”, the government has announced.In an attempt to put the higher education sector on a firmer financial footing, all institutions will benefit from increased fees for the next two academic years, starting next September, the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, told MPs on Monday. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Arsenal make call on extra security for rival boss following row with fan

Diego Simeone clashed with a Liverpool fan during Atletico Madrid's previous visit to England and Arsenal have made a decision on whether to beef up their security ahead of Tuesday's game

Sport

9 h. ago Sam Ryder invites the public to a concert with a difference, promising 'heart, soul and charisma'

EXCLUSIVE: The Eurovision star fronts a conceptual new Channel 4 talent show alongside Paloma Faith and Alison Hammond and says old-style TV singing competitions have had their day

Politics

10 h. ago King Charles says Britain needs to 'deradicalise' people from the 'ghastliness of social media' as he visits Manchester synagogue after terror attack

Charles joined police officers, fire officers and ambulance staff at the Greater Manchester Police headquarters to thank them for their response to the October 2 stabbings and hear about their work.

Events

10 h. ago The MODEL professional! Lionesses hero Chloe Kelly trains with England hours after 'glamming up' to attend glitzy ball

The event, put on to highlight London's status as a global cultural capital, saw a host of stars flock to the capital on Saturday night.

Politics

10 h. ago ‘Exciting’ Noah Caluori could make England debut this autumn, says Borthwick

England coach talks up 6ft 5in wing’s humility and desireDoor closed on Tom Willis but left ajar for Owen FarrellEngland could fast-track the Saracens teenager Noah Caluori into the Test spotlight as soon as next month following the wing’s dramatic start to his top-level club career. The 19-year-old celebrated his first Prem start with five tries against Sale Sharks on Saturday and the national coach, Steve Borthwick, says he is already in contention for a senior England debut.It was impossible to miss Caluori’s aerial ability and eye for the try line at the weekend with the former Lions captain Sam Warburton describing the 6ft 5in tall youngster as “almost undefendable” and “an absolute diamond”. England have been aware of his potential for a while and it seems that some game time against Fiji a fortnight on Saturday is not impossible. Continue reading...

Politics

11 h. ago Steve Borthwick hails ‘exciting’ Noah Caluori as he makes England training squad

The 19-year-old winger put in an impressive display in his first Gallagher Prem start for Saracens on Saturday, scoring five tries against Sale.

Politics

11 h. ago Steve Borthwick considering new England role for Henry Pollock after Tom Willis blow

Willis has been left out of the England squad after agreeing a move to France, though will remain contracted by the RFU

Politics

11 h. ago Here is why flu could be SO bad this winter – as doctor shares 2p hack to relieve symptoms ‘instantly’

A FEW days of feeling under the weather is expected each winter - it is, after all, virus season. But flu, which can cause high fever, aches and exhaustion, and in severe cases lead to hospitalisation, may cause more havoc than usual this year, experts warn. Public health officials have warned England is facing an...

Science

11 h. ago Wayne Lineker names the best and worst celebrities to visit O Beach Ibiza and admits one was thrown out 'three times in one day'

Now back in England after giving up his life in the Spanish islands, Lineker has reflected on his best and worst experiences as owner of the landmark venue in a series of social media posts.

Politics

11 h. ago Phil Jones makes bold claim about Man United's status with Real Madrid comparison

Manchester United have struggled in recent years, but Phil Jones still thinks they are the biggest club in England - if not the world - for a number of reasons.

Politics

11 h. ago England respond to Owen Farrell's public statement and Wales star eases crisis

These are the rugby stories making headlines on Monday, October 20.

Events

11 h. ago Britons are told to brace for a surge in RATS thanks to an unusually high acorn season

It's been a bumper year for acorns, fruits and nuts. While this may sound like something out of an autumnal fairytale, experts have warned it could trigger a surge in pests.

Politics