Infected blood victims dying ‘two a week’ as thousands await compensation

Spending watchdog warns A government spending watchdog has raised concerns about the £6.5bn in subsidies allocated to the Drax power plant in North Yorkshire, questioning whether this funding provides value for public money amid ongoing sustainability issues. Over the past three years, the government has distributed approximately £22bn in public funds to support businesses and households that utilize biomass pellets as fuel, including the significant sum for Drax. The watchdog's assessment suggests that future funding...

Lanre Bakare, a Guardian arts and culture correspondent, explores the lesser-known aspects of Black British history during the Thatcher years in his new book. While many narratives focus on key events in London, such as the Windrush docking and the murder of Stephen Lawrence, Bakare highlights significant stories from cities like Liverpool, home to the UK's oldest Black community, and his hometown of Bradford. This work aims to broaden the understanding of Black Britain's history...

Consumer confidence in the UK has dropped to its lowest point in over a year, with the GfK index falling four points to -23 in April. This decline is attributed to domestic tax increases, rising bills, and concerns that Donald Trump's trade wars may further escalate living costs for British households. The sentiment barometer reflects significant anxiety among consumers, marking its lowest level since November 2023. Full Article

Jack in the Box plans to close 10% of its U.S. locations, approximately 200 restaurants, due to underperformance, with 80 to 120 closures expected by the end of 2025. This move is part of the company's strategy to address $300 million in debt, emphasizing a return to core business practices. Additionally, Jack in the Box is considering selling its Del Taco brand, which it acquired three years ago, as part of its "Jack on Track"...

Cyclists who cause the death of pedestrians through reckless cycling may face life imprisonment in England and Wales, as new amendments to the crime and policing bill aim to modernize existing legislation from the 1860s, which only allows for a maximum two-year jail sentence. The proposed offence of causing death by dangerous cycling will align with current driving laws, reflecting a significant shift in how cycling-related fatalities are addressed. These amendments were introduced by the...

A grieving son, Liam Carter, discovered his late mother's winning lottery ticket worth over £18,000 while sorting through her belongings. The ticket, found in a kitchen drawer with a note saying "Sat draw – don’t forget!", was a surprise as she had never won anything significant before. Mr. Carter plans to use the money for a flat deposit, fulfilling his mother's wish for him, and expresses that it feels like a final gift from her....