General news

Equalities watchdog expresses concerns for disabled over benefits re...

The Government’s proposals are part of a post-pandemic drive to encourage more people with long-term conditions and disabilities into the workplace.

‘Essential not to lose focus’ on war in Ukraine, Varadkar warns

The Taoiseach said there was a need to ‘double down on’ political, military and financial support for Ukraine.

Husband jailed for life for murder of university lecturer wife in kn...

Ertan Ersoy has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years.

Cadbury World master chocolatiers make 50kg chocolate Halloween toad

The toad is designed to be ‘as whimsical as possible without being too scary’.

Varadkar cautions against supermajority in any future Irish unity vo...

The Taoiseach said there is not enough talk to convince people in Northern Ireland “that a united Ireland would be a warm home for them”.

Irish premier says EU position on Israel-Palestine conflict is evolv...

Leo Varadkar said he was satisfied with the language of an agreed statement from 27 EU leaders issued on Thursday.

ChatGPT maker among AI firms to publish safety policies in transpare...

OpenAI is one of six tech giants to have published their responses to a Government request for AI safety policy details.

Man accused of ‘terror-motivated’ attacks further charged with assau...

Ahmed Alid, 44, is accused of murder, attempted murder, and two counts of assaulting emergency workers by beating.

Scottish Government deleted most pandemic WhatsApp messages, inquiry...

First Minister Humza Yousaf has said the matter is being investigated.

UK ministers continue to resist calls for ceasefire in Middle East

Minister Gillian Keegan said the Government would not want to ‘cross that line of telling Israel it has anything but the right to defend itself’.

Sadiq Khan becomes latest Labour figure to back Israel-Hamas ceasefi...

Sir Keir Starmer has faced calls from within his own party to back a ceasefire, as the conflict continues to escalate.

Rail services suspended as weather warning for rain extended

No direct ScotRail trains between the central belt and Aberdeen and Inverness will operate until Sunday.

Israel has right to defend itself, Labour frontbencher tells dissent...

Shadow environment secretary Steve Reed has said he ’empathises’ with MPs angry about the party leadership’s stance on the crisis in Gaza.

Crispin Blunt arrest not sign of wider cultural issue in Tory party...

Mr Blunt, a former minister, identified himself as the man that Surrey Police detained, before his release on condition bail.

Data says thousands of banned dogs living in British homes with owne...

Most of the dogs are in England and are pit bull terriers.

Ken Bruce among those to receive honours at Buckingham Palace

The radio presenter, 72, will be made an MBE for his services to radio, autism awareness and charity.

What the papers say – October 27

The arrest of a Tory MP, Vladimir Putin’s open welcome to Hamas leaders and the ongoing conflict in Gaza lead Friday’s news agenda.

Scots told to expect more heavy rain after weather warning extended

The latest Scottish Flood Forecast said ‘significant flooding impacts’ are likely in the north east on Friday and Saturday.

Fundraiser set up for Met Police officers sacked over athlete search

Jonathan Clapham and Sam Franks were sacked after it was found they lied about smelling cannabis when they pulled over two athletes.

Critically ill baby’s father ‘heartbroken’ as latest legal bid fails

Indi Gregory’s parents hoped that judges at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg would intervene in a treatment fight