Disposable vapes to be banned from June, says government

Shares in Associated British Foods (ABF), the parent company of Primark, declined following a significant drop in UK sales and a loss of market share for the budget clothing chain. The company cautioned that consumer confidence could further deteriorate due to the potential for recession in several countries, exacerbated by Donald Trump's trade policies. ABF, which also owns various food brands and a sugar business, highlighted the broader economic impact of US trade wars on...

According to projections by the housing charity Shelter, more than 200,000 children in England will be living in short-term emergency accommodation to prevent homelessness by the end of the current parliamentary term. This figure represents a 26% increase over five years, with the total expected to reach 206,000 by 2029. Additionally, the cost to taxpayers is projected to rise significantly, reaching £3.9 billion a year, marking a 71% increase in expenditure on temporary housing solutions....

Supporting a school as a governor can add significant value without financial contributions. This leadership role involves providing strategic direction, attending termly meetings of the governing body, and participating in subgroup meetings, along with being part of complaint, exclusion, and disciplinary panels. Additionally, governors must engage with the considerable amount of paperwork associated with these responsibilities. Full Article

Summary The thinktank Common Wealth has proposed that Britain's gas power stations should be nationalised to prevent their owners from exploiting the electricity market by charging high fees during times of renewable energy shortages. The report highlights the urgency of this action as the UK government aims to reduce gas consumption to just 5% of the electricity system by 2030. Nationalising these dwindling fossil fuel power plants could help stabilize energy prices and promote a...

Concerns are rising over regulations and the quality of shelter for vulnerable individuals as providers generate significant profits amidst a temporary accommodation crisis in England, with projections indicating a 26% increase in the number of children in short-term housing by 2029. The situation is underscored by the experience of Ricky Lee, a handyman at a guesthouse for the homeless, who once lived there as a homeless individual himself and now resides in a caravan on...

Helen Pidd reports from Runcorn, a historically safe Labour seat in Cheshire, now facing a byelection after MP Mike Amesbury's resignation due to a scandal. With Reform UK gaining momentum, Pidd finds voters disillusioned with Labour, expressing frustration over Reform's focus on migration while feeling let down by the Labour party. Her observations reveal a stark contrast between the seemingly unmotivated Labour campaign and the enthusiastic Reform UK operation, particularly around the contentious issue of...