UK

February 2020

Brian Cox: Climate summit can succeed if UK Government gets act together

Actor Brian Cox has said the Cop26 UN climate summit in Glasgow can be a success if the UK Government can “get their act together”.

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Coronavirus vaccine could take up to 12-18 months, says WHO

A vaccine against coronavirus could take more than a year to develop, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

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Ex-speaker Bercow accused of using PR blitz to distract from bullying claims

John Bercow’s protests about bullying claims against him have been described as a “desperate attempt to divert attention” away from the allegations, according to one of his chief accusers.

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‘Nobody understands Scotland’, says Labour deputy leader candidate Ian Murray

Ian Murray has said that “nobody understands Scotland” in Labour’s deputy leadership race.

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Last remaining Beales stores set to close after no buyer found

The final 11 Beales department stores are set to shut, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

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‘Wrong to blame media’ for Caroline Flack’s death, editors say

It is “wrong to blame the media” for the death of Caroline Flack, the organisation that represents the editors of the country’s top newspapers has said.

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Australian MPs urge Boris Johnson to intervene in Assange extradition case

Australian MPs have urged Boris Johnson to intervene and stop the extradition hearing of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to the US.

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Key points of Government’s plans for points-based immigration system

The Government has set out its plans for a points-based immigration system to come into force on January 1 2021.

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Two Irish passengers on board coronavirus-hit cruise ship test positive

Two Irish passengers who were on board the Princess Diamond cruise ship have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, Tanaiste Simon Coveney has confirmed.

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Harry Styles robbed at knifepoint in north London

Pop star Harry Styles was robbed at knifepoint on Valentine’s Day in north London.

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Government buildings not required to fly the flag for Andrew birthday

UK Government buildings will not be required to fly the Union flag to mark the 60th birthday of the Duke of York following his decision to step back from public duties, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has said.

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Homes under threat from flooding as river levels continue to rise

Homes remain under threat as river levels threaten to breach flood barriers, and more misery is expected with further heavy rain forecast to fall on already affected areas of the UK.

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Self-driving electric pod bids to eliminate emissions, crashes and traffic jams

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched a “brave and innovative” self-driving electric vehicle.

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RSPCA rescuers save pony from Storm Dennis floods

A team of animal rescuers who helped a trapped pony out of flooding caused by Storm Dennis believe it spent more than a day stuck in the water.

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Man killed in Highlands mountain fall named

Police have named the man who died after falling from a mountain path in the Highlands last week.

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Blue tits ‘engage in promiscuous mating based on past encounters’

Blue tits will engage in promiscuous mating which is not random but shaped by past encounters, research suggests.

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Storm Dennis leaves Scottish Borders residents ‘cut off’

Residents in the Scottish Borders have been “cut off” by Storm Dennis, according to local MSP Rachael Hamilton.

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Concerns for mental health of cancer patients seeking answers online

A charity has expressed concerns for the mental health of tens of thousands of cancer patients who are feared to be scouring the web for answers about their diagnosis.

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Courts told of brothers’ ‘movements’ ahead of Manchester Arena attack

Jurors in the Manchester Arena bombing trial have been shown a series of maps allegedly tracking the suspected plotters’ movements in the lead up to the attack.

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Book of condolence opens for Harry Gregg at National Stadium

A book of condolence has opened for former Manchester United star Harry Gregg at Northern Ireland’s National Stadium at Windsor Park.

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‘Turning point’ for Siamese crocodiles as 10 hatchlings spotted in the wild

Ten baby Siamese crocodiles have been spotted in the wild in Cambodia, boosting hopes conservation efforts are working for a species once thought to be extinct.

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Susan Boyle ‘very excited’ to celebrate 10 years in spotlight with new tour

Susan Boyle has said she is “very excited” ahead of her upcoming tour, which will include a return to the stage where her journey to fame began.

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Prince of Wales praises ‘super’ actors of Royal Shakespeare Company

The Prince of Wales has praised the “super” actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) on a visit to Warwickshire.

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Boris Johnson and Marina Wheeler to finalise divorce after financial settlement

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his estranged wife Marina Wheeler are preparing to end their marriage after reaching an agreement over money.

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Badgers ‘reluctant’ to leave setts in wake of Storm Dennis

It is not just humans that are dealing with the fallout from Storm Dennis, local wildlife is also feeling the effects of the deluge.

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Residents take shelter in cocktail bar amid fears flood barrier will be breached

Dozens of people evacuated from their homes in a Shropshire town amid serious flooding employed the “Dunkirk spirit” as they took shelter in a cocktail bar.

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Easy-peasy: Scientists develop world’s first ‘climate-positive’ gin

Scientists claim to have developed the world’s first “climate-positive” gin using garden peas.

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Rail passengers hit by December strike to be offered extra compensation

Thousands of rail passengers hit by a strike which lasted for most of December will be offered additional compensation, a train operator has announced.

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Decision on Grenfell Inquiry corporate witnesses application due next week

A decision by the new Attorney General on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s urgent application for protections for corporate witnesses is expected next week.

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Disney to launch range of princess-inspired wedding dresses

Disney is launching a new wedding dress collection inspired by 16 of its own princesses.