National News

Nicola Sturgeon misled a Scottish Parliament committee, an investigation into the Scottish Government’s unlawful handling of harassment allegations against Alex Salmond has concluded. The findings are separate from those of James Hamilton, who reported on Monday that there had been no breach of the ministerial code by the First Minister over her role in the saga. The Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints found a “fundamental contradiction” […]

The Prime Minister has offered his condolences to those bereaved during the coronavirus pandemic and praised the “great spirit” shown during the past year on the anniversary of the first national lockdown. The nation will pause on Tuesday in remembrance of those who have died during the crisis as part of a national day of reflection, organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie. A minute’s silence will be held at […]

An investigation by James Hamilton QC found she did not breach the code in relation to allegations she failed to record meetings with Mr Salmond and others in 2018. An independent inquiry has concluded that Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon did not breach the ministerial code. An investigation by James Hamilton QC found she did not breach the code in relation to allegations she failed to record meetings with her […]

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 79% effective at preventing Covid-19 and offers 100% protection against severe disease, new data from a US-led trial has shown. The jab, which has been the subject of controversy in Europe over concerns about links to very rare blood clots, is also 100% effective at keeping people out of hospital with severe illness. Some 32,449 people across all age groups took part in the phase three […]

Violent scenes which marred a “Kill the Bill” protest in Bristol that saw a police station attacked, officers injured and vehicles set alight have been widely condemned.   Home Secretary Priti Patel branded the scenes “unacceptable” and said “thuggery and disorder” would never be tolerated. Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he had “major concerns” about the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, condemned the thuggery but said the […]

Cineworld is set to post a sharp plunge in sales for the past year after its global cinemas were closed to customers amid pandemic restrictions. However, investors in the troubled cinema chain have been increasingly optimistic since it warned that it was temporarily shutting the doors to its UK and US cinemas at the start of October. Its shares have more quadrupled since its October low, when the company confirmed […]

Rangers head to Celtic Park on Sunday as champions of Scotland for the first time in a decade – but Connor Goldson insists there will be no cocky swagger from Steven Gerrard’s side. Gers have wrapped up the title with six games – and two Old Firm clashes – to spare. But even with a 20-point lead at the top and the trophy already in the bag, Goldson insists there […]

Wayne Pivac admitted Wales were left numb as a France try two minutes into injury time inflicted a 32-30 defeat and deprived them of a Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam. In a chaotic finale, France had lock Paul Willemse sent off for making contact with the eye area of Wales prop Wyn Jones, while the visitors were reduced to 13 men after Taulupe Faletau and Liam Williams were sent to […]

At least 36 people were arrested at an anti-lockdown protest in central London which saw crowds hurling missiles at police and assualting officers. Thousands of people joined Saturday’s demonstration, which travelled from Hyde Park to St Paul’s Cathedral and back to Westminster, ahead of the anniversary of the first UK lockdown which began on March 23 last year. It came after more than 60 MPs and peers signed a letter […]