43% say they’d pay extra for destinations or accommodation with limited or no connectivity

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Two-fifths of people say their screen time increases on holiday despite 88% actively trying to disconnect. 41%, equivalent to 16.7million people, said they spend longer glued to devices while out of office even when trying to be offline.

More than half say social media makes holidays feel like work, while the same proportion admit their phones have compromised key travel moments – through distraction, pressure to post or an inability to fully switch off.

The research from Tourism Tasmania suggests disconnection has become a new status symbol. Nearly six in ten British holidaymakers describe being able to switch off completely as the ‘new luxury’ and a status symbol in itself.

Peace and quiet has overtaken traditional hotel perks, with 83% naming it the most luxurious part of a getaway, while 51% believe a proper holiday is one where they can’t be contacted at all.

More than a third (37%) of holidaymakers said they’d forgo Wi-Fi altogether over room service.

This shift is also reshaping how travellers plan to splash the cash when travelling.

Two-fifths (43%) of British holidaymakers say they’d pay extra for destinations or accommodation with limited or no connectivity.

Those actively seeking a tech-free escape admitted they’re willing to spend up to £32.50 more per night for this.

The same proportion (42%) rank remote, nature-led destinations as the most appealing option for a true digital reset.

Tasmania, Australia’s only island state, is emerging as a restorative haven. Recent high-profile visitors, including Gordon Ramsay and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, have praised the island’s world-class culinary offerings and pristine environment.

More than half of Tasmania’s land is protected in national parks and reserves and more than 20% of the island is a World Heritage wilderness. It offers a concentration of nature – from glacial lakes and ancient rainforests to rugged coastlines, iconic walks and more than 1,500 beaches.

Across parts of Tasmania limited coverage and low-population density means switching off isn’t something visitors necessarily need to plan for.

Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark said: “British travellers are telling us that holidays don’t feel like a proper break when the pressure to be online follows them everywhere.

“When people say social media is making holidays feel like work, and that being unreachable is now the marker of a ‘real’ escape, it points to a deeper shift in how many are wanting to travel.

“What’s changing for many is the role holidays play. For a long time, they’ve been about seeing more, doing more, sharing more.

“But that constant layer of connectivity means many travellers never truly switch off.

“What we’re seeing now is a growing desire to step out of that cycle altogether and spend time in places where there’s less connectivity, less noise and fewer expectations.

“That’s why Tasmania is resonating with so many people right now.

“Being an island set apart from mainland Australia, there’s a natural sense of distance from the noise and pace of the rest of the world – and with it a very different kind of holiday experience.

“Travellers can step away from devices, avoid large crows and queues and immerse themselves in remarkably pristine nature, while still enjoying easy access to world-class food and drink, arts and culture and a vibrant calendar of events – often all within close reach.

“If travellers want to stay connected they absolutely can, but if they’re looking to switch off, it tends to happen quite naturally here.

“For many people it’s not about disconnecting for the sake of it, it’s about slowing down, feeling present and reconnecting with what matters.

“For British travellers in particular, that’s increasingly what they’re looking to get out of a holiday.”

The World Health Organisation has acknowledged that the Ebola outbreak started “a couple of months ago” after criticism from the US – this is a breaking story

The World Health Organisation has acknowledged that the Ebola outbreak started “a couple of months ago” after facing sharp criticism from the US.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the United Nations’ health agency had been “a little late” in identifying the disease. Rubio told reporters: “The lead is obviously going to be CDC [Centers for Disease Control] and the World Health Organisation [WHO], which was a little late to identify this thing unfortunately.”

At a press conference on Wednesday morning, a reporter asked how long Ebola had been spreading before it was detected and whether the WHO had any response to criticism from Rubio.

Anais Legand, an Academic Researcher from WHO, replied: “Surveillance starts within the communities and starts with the health organisations in every single country.”

This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.

Deep in the forests of Sweden lies a haunting graveyard where hundreds of classic cars have been left to rot among the trees.

The eerie Båstnäs Car Cemetery has become an unlikely attraction for photographers and urban explorers thanks to its rusting collection of abandoned motors slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Hidden close to the Norwegian border, the site is littered with decaying Volvos, Saabs and American cars dating back to the 1940s and 50s – many now covered in moss, swallowed by vegetation and sinking into the woodland floor.

The remarkable collection began decades ago when brothers Rune and Tore Ivansson used the remote forest clearing as a scrapyard for unwanted vehicles.

At its peak, thousands of cars passed through the site, with usable parts stripped and sold on while the remaining shells were simply left where they stood.

Over time, the scrapyard was abandoned and nature gradually took over – transforming the forgotten vehicles into a striking post-apocalyptic landscape.

Today the site has become world famous among photographers, who travel from across Europe to capture the surreal sight of classic cars frozen in time beneath towering pine trees.

Some appear almost untouched apart from thick blankets of moss crawling across their bonnets and roofs.

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Others have collapsed completely into the undergrowth after decades exposed to harsh Scandinavian winters.

Many of the vehicles still contain original details, from cracked steering wheels and faded dashboards to rusted chrome grilles and shattered headlights.

Despite its decaying appearance, the car cemetery has become an atmospheric symbol of nature reclaiming the man-made world.

The haunting woodland graveyard now offers a rare glimpse into motoring history – with each rusting vehicle telling its own silent story.

Photographer Tim Brakemeier captured the striking images while exploring the abandoned site, documenting the beauty hidden within the rusting wrecks.

The stunning series highlights the strange contrast between industrial decay and the peaceful Swedish wilderness surrounding it.

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An hour after the BBC’s announcement, Rylan posted on Instagram: “Just wanted to say as it was reported I was in ‘the race’ for Strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh. You’re all going to have the best time. Made up for yous.

“This wasn’t my time sadly but [I’m] extremely grateful to even have been considered.”

“I’m taking the news really well (see next slide) but genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three,” he added, before reposting an iconic clip of himself crying during his early days as a contestant on the talent search The X Factor.

Rylan isn’t the only It Takes Two alum to have spoken about missing out on the role hosting the main show.

Fleur East also admitted she’s been feeling “bothered” about being overlooked for the hosting job, having fronted the spin-off series since 2023.

GENEVA (AP) — The head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday the risk of global spread of the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda is high at national, regional levels but low at the global level.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said so far 51 cases have been confirmed in Congo in the northern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu provinces in Congo, “although we know the scale of the epidemic is much larger.”

He said Uganda has also told the U.N. health agency of two confirmed cases in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. “Beyond the confirmed cases, there are almost 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected,” he said. “We expect those numbers to keep increasing.”

He was found guilty of breaking electoral law after posting a false statement about a Conservative council candidate

A Reform UK councillor has said they “were taken in as much as anybody else” by another party member convicted of breaking electoral law. Andy Osborn was found guilty of publishing a false statement about a Conservative candidate in a social media post in April 2025.

The court heard he wrote on Facebook: “Samantha Hoy worked in the care industry but allegedly was sacked for fraud no wonder Wisbech is in such a state. Reform UK.”

Cllr Hoy, who works in the care industry, and has never been sacked or faced fraud allegations, called the situation “incredibly hard”.

Cambridgeshire County Council said Mr Osborn told them in writing “on two separate occasions” that he would appeal the conviction, but did not do so before the May 5 deadline. A by-election will be held in his former ward of Roman Bank and Peckover.

Speaking at a county council meeting, Cllr Hoy said: “I don’t want to pretend that what happened to me was the worst thing in the world because actually people every day go through far worse things than what happened to me. But I also don’t want us to just quietly accept that abuse in public life is okay.

“Having to explain to people on the doorstep why this is being raised – and why this lie is being told. Waiting a year and then to go to court, to go in your little witness box and take your oath, is quite a daunting experience.

“I don’t blame everyone in Reform because we’ve probably all had bad apples, but I am disappointed that I have never even privately to this day had an apology from a single member of Reform. In fact, people have defended him and said it was just a mistake.”

Cllr Mike Black expressed his sympathies and said that “councillors should not be put through what she’s been put through”. The Labour councillor said: “I think I’ll just say that I do feel that he has been an exemplary councillor for Reform.

“I thought a shocking example of the conduct was that when pointed out that this jibe was unfair, that it wasn’t withdrawn, and was just doubled down on. I fear that is the sort of thing that does course in our politics today and that we shouldn’t be carrying on with.”

Cllr Steve Tierney said that he didn’t hold Reform UK responsible for “one bad egg”. The Conservative councillor said: “It’s really tempting because we’re all politicians to make political points when things like this happen and I don’t think we should do it.

“If we use this to make political points we take away the personal, and the personal is what matters. A friend of mine was treated abominably and the man that did it has paid the consequences, rightly so.”

Cllr Des Watt, now an independent but formerly of Reform, said: “What a tangled web we weave when we choose to deceive. I would just like to say as a former colleague of Andy Osborne, he gave me a right old cock and bull story too and he took his own colleagues in as well. I’m not authorised to speak on behalf of my former colleagues but I suspect there was a lot of that going on.”

Cllr Colin Galbraith, of Reform UK, offered his personal apologies to Cllr Hoy but said he couldn’t do it on behalf of the party. He said: “Yes, Cllr Watt is correct, we were taken in – as an individual I do not condone at all what Andy Osborn did.

“Cllr Osborne took it upon himself to make these accusations – it was never discussed and we were never sure of what he’d actually said and what he’d say in court. Reform were taken in as much as anybody else.

“Yes, I will make an apology to Cllr Hoy personally – I can’t do it on behalf of the Reform party because this has nothing to do with the Reform party. What he said, he wasn’t saying it on behalf of our party – yes, it is embarrassing – yes, I don’t like it, and I hope we can move on.”

The council agreed to start preparations for a by-election.

Tributes have poured in for Langley School pupil Adriana Retyte, 14, who died in hospital two days after emergency services were called to her family home in Norfolk

The family of a talented schoolgirl who was tragically found dead at her home in Norfolk have spoken of their “heartbreak” following her sudden death.

Adriana Retyte, 14, a keen footballer who “brought joy, laughter and light to people around her,” died in hospital two days after emergency services attended her family home in Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk, just before 10pm on May 8.

The teenager was given CPR at the scene before being taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where she sadly died on Sunday, May 10.

An inquest, which opened at Norfolk Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, heard that the medical cause of Adriana’s death was hanging.

Announcing the teenager’s passing in a post on Facebook, Adriana’s mother, Greta Saggers, 31, said: “It is with broken hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Adriana. Thank you to everyone for the love, kindness, and support shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Mrs Saggers works as a managing director for the Norwich-based employment agency Anglian Recruitment.

She is also employed as a manager at her husband Ben Saggers’s property business Strand Development Limited, which is a major sponsor of Wymondham Rugby Club, as well as Taverham Toucans – a girls football team for under-14s where Adriana was a player.

Tributes have poured in for Adriana on a fundraiser set up in her honour to support Papyrus – a young suicide prevention charity.

Writing on the appeal page, Sofiia Katrechko said: “It is truly heartbreaking for someone so young, with so much life ahead of her, to be taken too soon. I will always cherish the time I spent with Adriana and the fun memories we shared together.

“She brought so much joy, laughter and light to the people around her, and those moments will stay with me forever.”

Adriana was born on February 27, 2012, in Drogheda, Ireland, Norfolk assistant coroner Maeve Sykes confirmed at the inquest opening on Tuesday. A full inquest into the circumstances surrounding her death is scheduled for 10am on October 16.

A funeral will be held for Adriana at St Faith’s Crematorium on Manor Road in Norwich at 2pm on May 21.

Adriana was a Year 9 pupil at the independent Langley School, near Loddon, Norfolk. In a statement following her death, the school said: “Everyone at Langley School has been profoundly saddened by the loss of Adriana Retyte, a Year 9 pupil at Langley Senior School.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all of those impacted by this tragic loss. This is a devastating loss for our whole school community.

“Adriana was a much-valued and cherished member of the school community, known for her warmth, kindness and positive spirit. She approached her studies with diligence and pride, and was respected by staff and pupils alike for her thoughtful and considerate nature.

“She also made a significant contribution to wider school life, embracing opportunities in sport, the performing arts and academic work with enthusiasm. Adriana will be remembered with great affection by all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

“We have ensured that appropriate pastoral support is available for all members of our community affected by this sad news, and we will continue to support one another in the days and weeks ahead.

“As a close-knit school community, we respectfully request that the family’s privacy is protected as they come to terms with their loss.”

Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

It is believed they gained entry to the property by smashing a window

The occupant of a Hillsborough property returned home to find two burglars in their property on Tuesday, one of whom is believed to have been armed with a penknife.

The incident occurred in the Gloucester Court area of the Co Down village. It is believed that the pair gained entry to the property via a smashed window.

Detective Sergeant Crossett said: “Shortly before 5pm, the occupant of a residential property in the Gloucester Court area reported returning home to locate two men inside the house.

“They both were reported to have approached the occupant, one of whom was believed to be holding a pen knife, before making off from the property.”

Detective Sergeant Crossett continued: “One of the men was described as being tall and of slim build, and dressed in dark coloured clothing, trainers, and a mask covering his face.

“The other male was also described as being of slim build, dressed in a dark coloured jacket with a white/grey hood pulled up, and dark coloured trousers, shoes and a face mask.

“It is believed that entry to the property, which was left ransacked, was gained via a smashed window.

“An investigation is underway, and we are appealing to anyone who might have noticed any suspicious activity in the area at the time to get in touch via 101, quoting reference number 1300 of 19/05/26.

“Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk”

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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland did not mince his words after the Blues saw their Premier League title hopes ended

For the last few weeks, Erling Haaland has taken on the role of Declan Rice. Just as the Arsenal star made a point of telling his teammates that the title race wasn’t over when they lost at the Etihad, so Manchester City’s No.9 has been spreading that message where he can.

Haaland made a point of it after the 3-3 draw with Everton that ultimately left City needing to go to Bournemouth needing a win just to stay in the title race, and he could be seen on the pitch at the Vitality trying to gee the players up as they trailed. If your eyes strayed from the Norwegian, you could see Pep Guardiola doing exactly the same on the touchline.

This season has been a learning curve for Haaland, not as a goalscorer – he tucked home his 38th goal of the campaign in injury time on Tuesday night – but as a leader. The decision to sign a lengthy new contract in January 2025 saw Guardiola bump the striker up to the captaincy group and Haaland has been working out how best to lead.

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After weeks of offering carrots to his teammates supporting their efforts in games, after Bournemouth came the stick. For anyone still at the club next season, more is expected.

“Everything is relative. It was better than last season,” the Norweigan told club media. “I felt we could have still pushed a little more in the league but again it’s over now so it’s easy to say that now. We won two trophies, that is important but we wanted the Premier as well.

“In the end, every game in the Premier League is difficult. We tried. It wasn’t enough. The whole club should use this as motivation now. We should be angry, we should feel a fire inside our belly because it’s not good enough.

“It’s gone two years now, it feels like forever. We’re going to do everything we can, everyone that will be here next season, to win the league.”

City will be losing their captain this summer when Bernardo Silva departs and their chief motivator as well in Guardiola, so there needs to be a stepping up across the squad. Going close to winning the league this year does not guarantee that the Blues will be any nearer next time so if Haaland’s message seems brutal it does need to be heard loudly and clearly at the Etihad.

That also applies to Haaland, who has admitted over the course of the campaign that his level has not always been up to scratch. But as City look to go one better, they need to keep this mentality to push each other to be better.

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The committee’s letter to Ofcom, meanwhile, asks about the regulator’s role in the complaints process, its powers to investigate potential breaches of the broadcasting code, and the timeline for launching its own investigation into the Married at First Sight allegations.