Thousands lined the streets of Manchester to pay their respects as Ricky Hatton’s funeral cortege began. The procession was led by the Reliant three-wheeler associated with Only Fools and Horses, reflecting Hatton’s fondness for the sitcom. Hatton, nicknamed the Hitman, died aged 46 at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on 14 September. The hearse started from the Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road, Hyde, at about 09:45, with mourners […]

An analysis by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) assessed the economic effects of raising income tax, corporation tax and value added tax (VAT). It found VAT would have the largest negative impact, reducing real personal disposable income (RPDI) by around 3% and real GDP by about 1% in the first year the tax is applied. A higher VAT rate would also push up inflation through higher […]

More than 250 million free bus journeys have been taken by young people in Scotland since the scheme was introduced for under-22s in January 2022. The programme offers free bus travel to anyone aged under 22 across the country. The government said that more than 80% of eligible young people now have access to the scheme via the national entitlement card or the Young Scot card. Minister for Connectivity Jim […]

The Society for Acute Medicine (SAM) has warned that NHS patients are being kept in hospital corridors for long periods as access to specialist care is delayed. New data show fewer than one in five acutely unwell patients are first assessed in an acute medical unit (AMU). AMUs provide short-stay assessment and admission for patients needing specialist input. Referrals come from emergency department doctors, other hospital departments or GPs. The […]

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, England manager Sarina Wiegman and Spice Girl Mel B are among supporters backing a campaign to protect girls’ rights. The initiative, Let Girls Learn, Let Girls Lead, is led by Plan International UK to mark International Day of the Girl and aims to show that progress toward gender equality is stalling and, in some places, reversing. Plan International UK says 12 million girls […]

Five water companies have been provisionally authorised to raise their bills by 1% to 5% more than the amount previously approved by Ofwat. The firms are Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South East Water, Southern Water and Wessex Water. An independent CMA panel recommended increases of 1% for Anglian and Northumbrian, 3% for Southern, 4% for South East, and 5% for Wessex. The CMA said the provisional decision amounts to 21% […]

The Metropolitan Police have charged former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood, 68, with four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault. The allegations relate to seven women aged as young as 17 at the time. Westwood, who lives in Westminster, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 11 November 2025. Police said the offences are alleged to have taken place between […]

Oxford remains at the top of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 for a tenth consecutive year. Cambridge advances to a joint third, up from fifth in 2025, while Imperial College London climbs to eighth from ninth. In total, 11 UK universities feature in THE’s top 100, and 109 UK institutions are listed in the overall ranking of 2,191 institutions. THE explains the rankings are built from measures […]

Britain's energy system operator, Neso, warned there could be tight days for electricity supply this winter, but said new battery storage should help meet demand. It noted imports from Europe could be drawn on when needed to support homes and businesses. Neso said electricity margins are the strongest since 2020, but there could still be tighter periods requiring the use of standard tools or system notices. Early data point to […]