US television host Jimmy Fallon was hosted for dinner by soldiers from the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland after being recognised during a Balmoral Castle visit. The encounter led to an invitation to dine in the officers’ mess in Ballater, Aberdeenshire. Fallon arrived at Victoria Barracks to be greeted in kilts with bagpipes, signed the visitors’ book, and took part in a formal welcome led by the commanding […]

Palestine Action's co-founder can press ahead with a legal challenge to the Government's decision to proscribe the group as a terrorist organisation, after the Court of Appeal dismissed the Home Office's appeal. Huda Ammori has begun proceedings against former home secretary Yvette Cooper’s order under anti-terror laws. The proscription, which took effect on 5 July, makes membership of or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to […]

Sir Keir Starmer has said the decision to bar away supporters from Aston Villa's Europa League visit by Maccabi Tel Aviv is wrong. Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group informed Villa that no away fans would be allowed at the November 6 match at Villa Park, citing safety concerns. Starmer added: "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets." West Midlands Police said the fixture was classed […]

MI5’s director-general, Sir Ken McCallum, has warned that Russia, Iran and China have driven a marked rise in threats to the UK from foreign states. He told a speech at the service’s London headquarters that the number of people investigated for involvement in 'state threat activity' rose by 35% in the last year. The Security Service said it routinely uncovers plots from foreign states to carry out surveillance, sabotage, arson […]

The King wrote a message for a harvest-themed service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, with the Queen in attendance. He praised the 'resolve and resilience' of farmers as they face the challenges of a changing climate. In his note, he said: "It is a time of year to give thanks to the custodians of our land in a tradition that stretches back centuries, yet remains ever relevant. Their labour is […]

Former West Ham footballer Said Benrahma has been fined more than £12,000 after his dogs escaped from his home and attacked a golden retriever in the street in Hornchurch, east London, in 2023. The animals, described in court as XL bullies, chased Bailey, the golden retriever owned by Luke Rehbin, and left the dog needing veterinary treatment. Benrahma appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court by video link from a car in […]

Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton was found hanged at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, Stockport Coroner’s Court was told during a brief first hearing into his death. The inquest was opened and adjourned until 20 March next year. Hatton, 46, was discovered unresponsive by his manager, Paul Speak, on the morning of 14 September. He had last been seen by his family on 12 September, when he appeared […]

The BBC's Our BBC, Our Future questionnaire shows 38% of viewers think the broadcaster is ineffective at being independent from the Government, while 43% say it is effective. The survey drew 872,701 responses and was launched in March this year. The BBC said 91% of respondents believed independence from the Government of the day is important. BBC director-general Tim Davie said the results show audiences want an independent BBC that […]

A report by the online safety charity Internet Matters finds that more than a quarter of children who consume online news have believed a fake or AI‑generated story. The figure stands at 27%. Vulnerable children — including those who have SEN support or an EHCP, or who have a physical or mental health condition — are more prone to being fooled. About 43% of vulnerable children believed a fake or […]