As hundreds of students queued for a third day to get vaccinated, the Health and Social Care Secretary paid tribute to everyone working to keep cases down, including schools and parents

Wes Streeting has urged the public to “keep looking after one another” as the number of cases linked to the meningitis outbreak in Kent rose to 34.

As hundreds of students queued for a third day to get vaccinated, the Health and Social Care Secretary paid tribute to everyone working to keep cases down.

Some 23 cases have been confirmed alongside a further 11 cases that “remain under investigation”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in an update on Saturday morning. Eighteen of the 23 confirmed cases are meningitis B.

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READ MORE: Meningitis outbreak sees more NHS staff drafted in as cases rise againREAD MORE: Dr Hilary Jones’ urgent ‘always’ meningitis advice that could ‘save a life’

Speaking to this newspaper, he said: “As we mark a week since the first confirmed case of the Kent meningitis outbreak, I want to first take a moment to again share my condolences with the families of the two students who tragically died. And my thoughts remain with all those ill in hospital fighting this terrible disease.

“It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the front line response to this outbreak. As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe.

“To the UKHSA and other public health officials working to contain the outbreak. The NHS team who stood up a vaccination programme within one day of it being announced, distributed more than 7,000 doses of antibiotics, and those caring for young patients in hospital. The school, college and university staff keeping students and parents informed, helping young people through the distress of this outbreak, and keeping their education going. And the thousands of students, pupils, and other members of the public who have so readily and responsibly come forward for antibiotics and vaccination.

“I am incredibly grateful to you all. Thank you. We are continuing to urge people in Kent and across the country to keep following the advice, keep living your lives, and keep looking after one another.”

The latest figures come as more than 500 people, students and others eligible, lined up outside the University of Kent campus clinic for meningitis B jabs at the start of the weekend.

When people talk about tackling climate change, the images are often solar panels, wind turbines and electric cars. But the bigger question is whether economies can grow without releasing more carbon. This hinges on “decoupling” – the idea that economic growth can be separated from greenhouse gas emissions.

At first glance, that sounds almost magical. How can a country expand without using more energy or producing more emissions? Yet decoupling is already happening. According to analysis from a thinktank called the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, economies responsible for roughly 92% of global GDP now show some form of decoupling. This means that emissions either rise more slowly than output or fall while GDP grows. So the historical link between growth and emissions can be weakened.

This is not abstract theory. In the UK, greenhouse gas emissions were around 54% lower in 2024 than in 1990 while the economy expanded. Falling emissions alongside rising GDP show that growth no longer always equals more pollution and that net zero targets could be achieved without forcing economic stagnation.

However, there is a distinction to make. This distinction is between relative decoupling and absolute decoupling. Relative decoupling is when growth slows relative to economic growth. Absolute decoupling, which is required to achieve net zero, is a reduction in emissions while economic growth increases. This is the only decoupling that can help achieve climate targets.

One way decoupling can occur is through a transformation in the energy sector. This is necessary to move towards renewable electricity sources. This is because there has been an increase in the use of clean energy sources relative to fossil fuels in some countries. However, this is not enough, as there is a need to make better use of clean energy through an improved grid system to avoid energy waste.

Energy efficiency is another major component. Across transport, buildings and industry, measures such as better insulation, efficient equipment and smarter process control can cut energy use for the same output. According to the International Energy Agency, energy intensity (the energy needed per unit of economic output) needs sustained declines of about 4% per year this decade to meet net zero goals. This shows that significant efficiency gains remain achievable.

Another important factor is technological innovation. For example, clean hydrogen, carbon capture, smart grids, and the electrification of transport can help an economy grow while emissions fall. However, it is only possible if it is integrated into the entire system, rather than being seen as a separate technology. It is similar to traffic flow. For example, building more roads is not a solution if traffic is a problem. Similarly, deploying renewables is not a solution if the entire energy system is not seen as a single system.

Zooming out and focusing in

Decoupling is not automatic. For example, sectors such as aviation, cement, steel, chemicals, electricity and heat are among the most carbon-intensive parts of industrial manufacturing. These are widely considered “hard-to-abate” sectors, as their emissions remain closely tied to high-temperature processes and fossil fuel use.

Even in easier-to-abate sectors, such as electricity generation and road transport, there can be a rebound effect. This means that efficiency gains or lower energy costs lead to increased overall demand. To overcome these challenges, it is critical to focus on the performance of the entire system.

The good news is that decoupling is becoming increasingly visible. There is evidence of this across many economies, including the UK, US, Germany and France, where emissions have declined while GDP has continued to grow. In the UK, emissions have fallen while GDP has grown. This indicates that growth and climate protection need not be in conflict, and that good engineering and system design can support both.

To deliver net zero by 2050, absolute decoupling must become the norm. This means going beyond renewable targets and considering system design, infrastructure, flexibility, efficiency and integration across energy, transport and industry.

Combined with policy and investment approaches that reward lower carbon intensity, these strategies could substantially cut cumulative emissions. For example, if global energy intensity improves by around 4% per year through 2035 (meaning economies use less energy to produce the same level of output, such as through better building insulation, more efficient industrial equipment and electrification of transport) billions of tonnes of CO₂ could be avoided while GDP continues to grow.

Similarly, if countries achieve reductions comparable to the UK’s 54% cut in emissions since 1990 – which was driven largely by phasing out coal in power generation, expanding renewables, improving energy efficiency and shifting towards lower-carbon fuels – net zero pathways could become far more feasible. This makes decoupling a practical roadmap for the green transition.

At least 64 people have died in another attack on a hospital in Sudan, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Among the dead were 13 children, two nurses, a doctor and multiple patients at the Al Deain Teaching Hospital in Al Deain.

89 people, including eight health staff, were also injured and the hospital’s paediatric, maternity and emergency departments were all damaged.

“Enough blood has been spilled. Enough suffering has been inflicted,” wrote Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO on X.

“The time has come to de-escalate the conflict in Sudan and ensure the protection of civilians, health workers, and humanitarians.”

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How Sudan war is intensifying three years on

The total number of deaths linked to attacks on healthcare facilities during the latest war in Sudan has now reached 2,036, according to the WHO.

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“Beyond the devastating human toll, attacks on health care have immediate and long-term consequences for communities already in desperate need of both emergency and routine medical services,” said Mr Ghebreyesus.

The latest attack on Friday night has rendered the Al Deain Teaching Hospital nonfunctional and other healthcare facilities are filling gaps in urgent healthcare.

The Stanwick Arms, located in Aldbrough St John, holds a strong 4.4-star rating from reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, with visitors regularly describing it as a “standout destination” in the area.

Set on one of the largest village greens in the UK, the pub markets itself as offering a combination of modern interior with traditional features, as well as food, drinks and accommodation in a rural setting.

Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of the food, particularly its classic, home-cooked style.

The Stanwick Arms (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

One customer said: “Excellent country pub. Great choice of beers, friendly, welcoming staff and wonderful home-cooked Sunday dinner; a cut above average pub grub.”

Another added: “Food was amazing. Three different starters and three different mains all bang on.”

Sunday lunches appear to be a particular highlight, with one visitor describing their meal as “excellent”, adding that the beef was “perfectly cooked”.

The atmosphere and setting are also frequently praised.

“What a wonderful pub,” one reviewer wrote. “We did not know that such places still exist. A great meal, good atmosphere and a lovely walk around the green afterwards.”

Another said simply: “Beautiful pub with beautiful food in a beautiful place.”

Visitors also point to the pub’s friendly and welcoming service as a key part of its appeal.

“Could not have been made more welcome,” said one customer who visited with their dog, while another described the staff as “superb” and the ambience as “wonderful”.

The pub’s dog-friendly approach has also proven popular, particularly with walkers exploring the surrounding countryside.

Others have highlighted the range of drinks available, including local ales and beers, with one reviewer calling it “the perfect atmosphere to have a great pint of Yorkshire bitter”.

The Stanwick Arms offers dinner service across several evenings each week, alongside weekend lunches, positioning itself as a popular stop-off for both locals and visitors.

In addition to its food and drink offering, the pub also features seven guest rooms, providing accommodation in the heart of the village.

Located just six miles from Darlington, Aldbrough St John remains a quiet, historic village, and for many visitors, the Stanwick Arms is at the centre of its appeal.

As one reviewer summed it up: “Great food, friendly staff and a fantastic setting, we’ll definitely be back.”

Daniel Farke insisted Leeds were “one point closer” to retaining their Premier League status after being held to a frustrating 0-0 home draw by Brentford.

Farke’s side missed the chance to climb six points clear of the bottom three, with relegation rivals Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham all in action on Sunday.

Neither goalkeeper was seriously test in a forgettable match at Elland Road, which was low on quality and creativity in the final third.

“We are one point closer,” said Farke, who predicted “six to eight” points would be enough to stay in the top flight in his pre-match press conference.

“Now we have to win five to seven points. This will do. It means we need to win two games, or we need (to win) one game and a few draws, or whatever.

“If we draw from now on each every game, I will take it, because with 40 points, you definitely stay in this league.”

Leeds, whose best chances came from long-range efforts from Lukas Nmecha and captain Ethan Ampadu, failed to score for the fourth successive league game as their winless top-flight run extended to six matches.

“I think you could today see why Brentford is not just an established Premier League side, but also a side who is sitting in position seven and fighting for Europe,” Farke added.

“You could see that they are rock-solid at the back, a really good defensive firewall.”

Brentford boss Keith Andrews described it as a “hard fought” point for his side and was clearly delighted by his players’ resilience.

“Hard, hard fought,” Andrews said. “Very proud of what the players produced, really proud of the mentality coming to a very tough place against a really good side that do things really well.

“I have a lot of admiration for Daniel and what he’s done in his career full stop, and certainly the way he’s got the team going. Yeah, a good point.”

Brentford have climbed to within two points of sixth-placed Chelsea, having lost only one of their last eight league games.

The Bees did not allow Leeds to build any momentum, subsequently keeping Elland Road relatively subdued throughout the match and Andrews said that had been a key part of his gameplan.

He added: “It’s not a secret, when this place gets going it’s so lively, the fans, the way they get behind the team and how that can affect performances is something you need to deal with.

“The players attacked it really well with the mentality to deal with it. Defending against some really impressive players. We take immense pride that we dug deep to keep a clean sheet.”

Beautiful shades of green and purple could be seen above Greater Manchester last night

The Northern Lights are set to light up the sky again tonight after stargazers were treated to a stunning display yesterday.

Beautiful shades of green and purple could be seen above Greater Manchester last night, as the region saw another clear night. And tonight is expected to be another perfect night for a lights display.

Sightings are expected to be between 10pm and 2am, the Mirror reports. Space weather conditions are perfect for a display, with a period of intense solar activity meaning the beautiful lights will be visible even in more southerly regions tonight.

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The northern lights are set to be visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England and Wales tonight, conditions permitting. They could also be spotted further south in the country, if activity remains similar to last night.

The stunning spectacle is taking place as the solar particles from a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) which burst out of the Sun on Monday finally reaches the Earth. The CME is a large cloud of plasma ejected into space, it usually accompanies a Solar Flare, which is an eruption of light and radiation.

When the disruption from the CME reaches Earth, interactions with our planet’s magnetic field cause the iconic lights in the upper atmosphere. Aurora Watch UK issued a red alert between midnight and 3am last night as it was “likely that aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK”.

Normally only more northerly areas are able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. However with the debris from the solar storm striking the Earth this weekend it may be visible from further south.

Solar activity could remain high, according to the Met Office‘s Space Weather Forecast, meaning the aurora could be widely seen again tonight. It said: “Solar winds will be between slightly elevated and elevated at first, following the arrival of the second of the anticipated CMEs.

“Several further CME arrivals are forecast to potentially arrive at or near to Earth through March 21, likely increasing solar winds to become elevated to strong at times. In addition a coronal hole fast wind is expected from March 21 and this could maintain elevated to strong solar wind through the period.”

The northern lights are also more likely to be seen at this time of year as around the spring equinox the Earth’s alignment with the Sun means it is more exposed to solar wind activity.

The best chance of seeing the aurora is on a clear night, finding a dark location without light pollution and facing north.

After several weeks of gruelling games against elite athletes from across the country, the two men and two women battling it out to be crowned winners have been revealed.

Here is who will be in next week’s Gladiators final, and what they get if they win.

Who is in the Gladiators 2026 final?

The two women who will be going head-to-head in next week’s final are Naomi Church and Emily Bell.

Business consultant and hockey player Naomi, from Birmingham, has impressed fans with her speed and strength throughout the series.

She will be facing Sales representative Emily Bell from South London, who secured their spot in the final in tonight’s semi-final (March 21), after beating firefighter Millie Margetts from Cleethorpes.

Emily raced to a lengthy lead that saw her enter the Eliminator with a five-and-a-half-second lead, which helped her to secure her spot in the final.

The two men competing for the Gladiators title are Tyler Spence and Josh McDonald.

Teacher Tyler, from Wigan, was the first to secure his spot in the final, albeit in a controversial fashion.

He was substituted in for Mo Robertson, who required medical attention after a fall during the Everest game.

After being assessed, Mo, from Swansea, was ruled out for the rest of the competition.

Tyler returned to replace Mo and only competed in two challenges before going on to win the Eliminator and reach the final.

Fans were frustrated when they saw Finn lose, as he had taken part in more rounds, with one labelling it a “joke”.

Sales manager Josh from Glasgow won the second semi-final this evening (March 21), beating Aerospace apprentice Shaun Stephen from Lancashire.

Shaun’s father notably took part in Gladiators back in the 1990s and also reached, but failed to progress past, the semi-finals.

But despite having an advantage, Josh flew through the Eliminator to secure his spot in next week’s final.

What does the winner of Gladiators get?

Winners of the rebooted BBC series Gladiators get a trophy shaped like the “G” logo.

This differs from the 1990s ITV series, which gave out a cash prize.

The 2026 Gladiators final will be on BBC One next Saturday (March 28).

Who will you be rooting for in next week’s Gladiators final? Let us know in the comments.

St John Rigby College, in Orrell, confirmed on Friday (March 20) that it had been advised by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that a single student is being treated as a suspected meningococcal case.

The college stressed that only one case has been identified and that there is no known link to a separate outbreak in Kent, where the number of meningitis cases has risen to 34.

Health authorities have already carried out contact tracing, identifying close contacts of the student and offering them precautionary antibiotics.

The college said that anyone who has not been directly contacted does not require treatment and that the overall risk to students remains very low.

It added, that across England, approximately one case of meningitis is reported each day, and health professionals are managing the situation in Wigan in line with standard procedures.

Students have been advised that there is no need to stay off college or alter their usual activities.

In a statement published on its website, St John Rigby College said it had acted swiftly and continues to work closely with health officials to monitor the situation.

The statement said: “We have been advised by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that a student who attends this college has recently been reported as a suspected meningococcal case, which we understand will be concerning, especially in light of the ongoing situation in Kent.

“We would like to reassure you that we have acted quickly and there is only one suspected case at the college. Health agencies have completed contact tracing and there is no known connection to the situation in Kent.

“All close contacts of this case have been identified already and offered antibiotics as a precaution.

“No one who has not already been identified and contacted needs antibiotics.

“The risk to students at this time is very low.

“There is no need for anyone to remain off college or not continue with usual activities.”

One of the most notable aspects of the war in Iran so far has been the extent of Tehran’s isolation in the region. This has been exemplified not only by the widening divide between Iran and its Gulf Arab neighbours, but also by the highly variable responses to the conflict by Iran’s proxy groups.

Iran has relied on a network of proxies to protect and bolster its position in the region since the earliest days of the Islamic Republic in 1979. The most important elements in this network have been Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Syria under the rule of the Assad family, Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen.

However, this network is in serious disarray as a result of various conflicts in the region since late 2023. Hamas has been devastated by the Israeli onslaught that followed the October 7 terrorist attacks in southern Israel, with a succession of its leadership killed during the conflict. This has left the group unable to play a part in the Iran war.

Hezbollah, on the other hand, entered the conflict early on. The group has launched rockets, missiles and drones at Israel since March 2 in response to the killing of the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in an Israeli airstrike days earlier. But Hezbollah finds itself damaged to the point it constitutes a far greater threat to Lebanese stability than it does to Israel.

Hezbollah was subjected to an Israeli military campaign after attacking Israel following the start of the war in Gaza. Its political and military leadership were targeted, culminating in the assassination of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in 2024. Hezbollah’s capacity to launch missiles into Israel was also degraded.

The resumption of Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel now poses a very significant threat to Lebanon on political and humanitarian levels, while being largely ineffective in Israel to date. Lebanon’s health ministry says Israeli attacks have killed 968 people since March 2. No deaths have been reported in Israel, though two Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah ambush in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, announced on March 2 that Hezbollah’s actions were unlawful. He also demanded that the group hand over its weapons, and spoke of Lebanon’s willingness to engage in formal negotiations with Israel to avoid the Israeli military imposing new security arrangements on the country.

But the current conflict has exposed the Lebanese state’s limited capacity to control events in its own territory. Meanwhile, Israel has announced plans for an expanded ground campaign in southern Lebanon, fuelling fears of an extended occupation and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

Like Hezbollah, Iran-aligned militias in Iraq joined the conflict soon after the US and Israeli assault on Iran began. They have targeted Israel, as well as US military bases in Jordan and Iraq, with drones and missiles. Iranian Kurdish groups in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq have also been attacked following reports that the US might arm them to fight the regime in Tehran.

In response, Iraqi militias have been targeted by US and Israeli airstrikes. As in Lebanon, a weak central government in Iraq is struggling to maintain a balance between domestic and external forces. Elections in November 2025 saw a coalition of Shia parties emerge as the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament.

However, their nominee for prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, has been rejected by the US. This is due to the widely-held perception that he stoked sectarian tensions when he was last in office from 2006 to 2014 and is too close to the regime in Tehran.

In the meantime, the caretaker government is struggling to contain the influence of pro-Iran militias while the war devastates Iraq’s oil sector. The Iraqi economy is heavily dependent on the sale of hydrocarbons, with oil revenues accounting for roughly 90% of government revenue. Oil production has reduced sharply since the start of the conflict.

Houthis in Yemen

The final Iranian ally of substance in the region, the Houthis, have been conspicuous by their absence from the fray. When the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, the Houthis mounted a series of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The group also targeted Israel with long-range missile strikes, which were largely ineffective.

The outbreak of the current war with Iran has led to protests and declarations of condemnation in Yemen, with Houthi leadership warning on March 5 that their “fingers are on the trigger”. But, so far, this has not been followed with concrete action. There are a number of possible explanations for this apparent reluctance to offer support to the regime in Tehran.

Analysts such as Nadwa al-Dawsari of the US-based Middle East Institute have suggested that Iran may be holding any intervention by the Houthis in reserve. She argues that Tehran may be doing so on the basis that longer-range missile and drone attacks against the Gulf states and Israel will prove more effective later in the conflict.

But it is also possible that Houthi leadership are fearful of the impact of US and Israeli retaliation should they become directly involved in the conflict. Previously, in August 2025, Israeli attacks killed at least 12 senior members of the Houthi leadership ranks. This included Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a.

However, whether the Houthi leadership has the capacity to withstand Iranian pressure to enter the conflict is doubtful. So they may ultimately be dragged in, if somewhat reluctantly.

The North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York has built a strong reputation online, earning a 4.9-star rating from 382 reviews on TripAdvisor, with 97 per cent of travellers recommending the experience.

The full-day tour, which typically lasts around eight hours, offers visitors the chance to leave the city behind and explore the North York Moors National Park, alongside stops at destinations including Byland Abbey, Helmsley, Goathland and Whitby.

North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

For many, the appeal lies in the mix of scenery, history and screen connections.

Goathland is a particular highlight, having been used as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter films, while the wider route takes in landscapes familiar to viewers of TV dramas filmed across North Yorkshire.

However, reviews suggest the experience goes far beyond its film links.

Visitors repeatedly highlight the “quality of the guides, with knowledgeable commentary and local insight”, seen as a key part of the tour’s success.

One traveller described it as “a wonderful day with a wonderful guide”, praising the small-group format and regular stops to take in “absolutely beautiful landscapes and charming small towns”.

Another said the trip remained “lively and enjoyable” despite poor weather, thanks to a guide who was “informative and personable”.

Several reviewers singled out individual guides for particular praise.

One wrote that their guide was “absolutely brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable and such a talent at engagingly sharing stories”, while another described theirs as a “fountain of knowledge” with a clear passion for Yorkshire.

North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

The scenery itself is a major draw, with travellers frequently pointing to the moorland views as a highlight of the day.

One reviewer said a stop on the moors was “simply breathtaking”, while others described the journey through the national park as “a pleasure in itself”.

Whitby remains one of the most popular stops on the tour, with visitors typically given around two hours to explore the coastal town.

Famous for its abbey ruins, harbour and fish and chip shops, the town continues to attract strong praise from those taking part in the trip.

One visitor described Whitby as “a real gem”, while another said the tour provided the “perfect side trip” for those staying in York.

The tour’s structure is also seen as a key strength, with travellers highlighting the balance between guided commentary and free time to explore.

Many reviews also mention the comfort of the transport and the benefits of travelling in a smaller group, which allows for more frequent stops and a more personal experience.

Of the 382 reviews, 359 are rated “excellent” and just a handful fall below average, underlining the consistency of the experience.

The tour is operated by Mountain Goat Tours, which itself holds a strong reputation among travellers, with many reviews also praising the company’s “organisation, professionalism and value for money”.

With North Yorkshire continuing to attract visitors seeking countryside, heritage and filming locations, tours such as this are becoming an increasingly popular way to explore the region.

As one reviewer summed it up: “A grand day out.”