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Medication shortage hits UK as statins and aspirin ‘disappear from shelves’

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Daily Mirror

A pharmacist has warned people the UK has been hit with a medication shortage. Even popular medicines like statins and aspirin could “disappear from shelves”

Millions of people around the world take medication, and it’s super important they use it correctly at all times. However, recently, the UK and Ireland has been hit with a medicine shortage, and it’s even impacting common medications like statins and aspirin.

A pharmacist, known as Pharmacist Anum, recently drew attention to the issue in a candid video explaining exactly what’s happening, and it’s expert advice worth knowing. With so many people relying on medication to aid their health, it’s a subject they need to be clued up on so they understand what’s going on and why they could experiencing issues at pharmacies.

It’s not the first piece of advice she’s shared recently either. Just weeks ago, she also drew attention to vital information people need to know about taking statins.

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In the clip, Pharmacist Anum said: “Have you recently been told that your medication is out of stock at your pharmacy? We’re having nationwide stock supply issues here at the moment, and let me explain why.

“Unfortunately, what used to be short-term, sporadic stock supply issues are now becoming long-term and regular issues. We’re even seeing common, everyday medications going out of stock, such as aspirin.”

Explaining why this is happening, she added: “Firstly, is global manufacturing issues. So here we rely quite heavily on overseas drug manufacturers to get our medications from.

“If there is an issue with the manufacturers, in say China or India, that can reflect the supply here. Secondly, the UK regulates medication prices, and the NHS often gets medications at a rock bottom price.

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“When there’s a shortage of medications, manufacturers are likely to prioritise other countries where they can get more profit from selling their medication. Another issue is Brexit and logistics.

“Ever since Brexit, there have been added regulatory and supply chain pressures. Finally, just an increase in demand for some medications.

“Some medications, such as ADHD medications or weight loss medications, we’re seeing prescribed more than ever. Drug companies may not be able to keep up with the demand, therefore causing delays.”

Sometimes shortages are not just pharmacy-related issues, as they can form a part of a much bigger problem. In fact, it can be global, which is perhaps why some medications appear to be “disappearing from shelves”.

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Since the video was posted, people have shared all sorts of personal stories. Many seem to have been impacted by the problem.

One said: “My medication was out of stock from March 2025 until January this year and was supposed to be back in stock after just two months.”

Another added: “Out of stocks are rife!” A third replied: “I was at the pharmacy today and they didn’t have any pain medications or support bandages.”

Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Yes, my statins are out of stock.” One other pharmacist also shared their thoughts, adding: “Omg this! It’s so difficult to manage when this occurs, especially right now with so many medications out of stock.”

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What is happening to medication?

It’s been reported that medication shortages in the UK and Ireland are worsening, and have become a problem recently. This has been a result of manufacturing issues, raw material shortages and increased demand.

Commonly affected drugs include ADHD medication, HRT, antidepressants and insulin. Reports have also claimed Northern Ireland has been particularly affected due to logistical issues.

Other medications reported to be in low supply include co-codamol and low-dose aspirin. As well as this, pharmacists have also logged significant shortages in satins, such as atorvastatin.

As of early 2026, they continue to face immense pressure due to record medication demand and supply chain constraints, which include medications like statins. If you’re concerned about your medication at all, speak to your pharmacist or GP for further advice.

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‘I sometimes even like it’ – Senne Lammens opens up on new tactics, idols and Man United chats

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Manchester Evening News

Senne Lammens is having a brilliant first season in goal for Manchester United and he has spoken about his big influences, his start at OId Trafford and those set-pieces.

A smile creeps across Senne Lammens’ face as he reflects on his latest trial by set-pieces as Manchester United No.1. The Belgian was put through the mill on Merseyside on Monday night, but departed earning rave reviews from everyone, from the Everton manager to one of his most successful predecessors.

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Lammens dealt with Everton’s aerial onslaught in the calm, composed and unflappable manner that everyone at United has come to expect after spending six months with the 23-year-old, who joined from Royal Antwerp for £18.2million at the end of the summer transfer window.

The Premier League are under pressure to change the rules that allow penalty areas to turn into wrestling rings during corners. Kobbie Mainoo compared Everton’s approach to the Royal Rumble, which is putting goalkeepers under pressure like never before, but rather than join the chorus calling for change, Lammens admits there is a part of him that actually enjoys it.

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“Of course, you try to protect a little bit the goalkeeper sometimes and maybe there are some situations where that could have been protected more,” he said.

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“But for me, to be honest, if it continues like this, just the physicality in general and those corners, I sometimes even like it as well, yeah, I have to say.”

It is this mentality that is marking Lammens out as a different beast when it comes to goalkeepers. He has established himself as the club’s first-choice after just over 50 league games in Belgium and 21 matches for United.

Standing at 6ft 4ins tall and with a broad physique, Lammens is an ideal prototype for a Premier League goalkeeper in 2026. Those physical gifts have always come naturally to him and are helping him thrive in pressure situations this season, quickly earning the trust and appreciation of his teammates.

“For me, it’s just the way it is,” he said of the set-piece challenge. “It is the Premier League. It’s physicality and a bit of war in the [penalty area]. It’s also one of my strengths, so sometimes I like the challenge as well.

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“It’s always been a bit of my strength, even in Belgium, which is less physical, but the principles are all the same. The technique is the same. Now it’s a little bit more bodies in front of you, but my teammates help me out as well with blocking the guys away from me. You have to be kind of big and not easy to be pushed around.”

If Lammens relished the madness of the Hill Dickinson Stadium penalty area on Monday, then a visit to Partington Central Academy Primary School on Wednesday wasn’t going to throw him off course.

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The Belgian surprised a group of children as part of the Manchester United Foundation’s children’s book appeal throughout March, encouraging fans to donate new and pre-loved books to children in need.

Lammens took part in a Q&A and joined in some playground sports games, and the down-to-earth goalkeeper was touched by the hero’s welcome he received as he walked into the classroom.

He is still young enough to remember his own days looking up to his idols, and as an aspiring young goalkeeper, there were a couple in particular he watched closely.

“My biggest idol as a goalkeeper was probably [Manuel] Neuer.,” he said. “I take pride in being an all-round goalkeeper and I think that’s also why I was such a big fan of his because he didn’t really have a weak point or something that was clearly not the best thing in his game. So that’s something I probably take from him.

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“I’m also Belgian, so Thibaut Courtois is always a big thing when I was growing up as well. And I think just his qualities and saving the ball are just world-class.”

Now he’s made a name for himself in the game, Lammens prefers to switch off from football when he leaves the training ground. He enjoys watching American sports and follows particular athletes, aiming to learn from their approach and mentality, and cites LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as two NBA influences.

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When he is at Carrington, Lammens has been spending plenty of time with United’s 39-year-old goalkeeper, Tom Heaton. A former United academy graduate and England international, Heaton is third-choice but remains a big influence in the goalkeeping group, and he has been instilling in Lammens the value of doing the basics right and not giving the opposition any easy routes into the game.

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But credit for the signing of Lammens has been directed to United’s goalkeeping scout Tony Coton, and the player himself revealed the detailed role Coton played in keeping him abreast of developments, with the transfer going down to the final days of the window.

“I’ve had contacts with United [for quite a while],” he said. “I think Tony Coton was probably one of the biggest ones. I had a good relationship with him from the beginning and especially my agent was always on a good relationship with him, so he was always honest with me and always open and everything he said has come true.

“He was just a big, big, big influence and like a big helping point in the conversations with United when the deal wasn’t done yet. He gave me a lot of confidence that that was the right step to do for me.”

Lammens was on the bench for the first three games after his move, but he has been an ever-present since making his debut in a 2-0 win against Sunderland in October, when his confident performance was met with chants of ‘are you Schmeichel in disguise?’

He wasn’t told he would be given a clear path into the team after signing, but he knew his chance would come. He has taken it with both hands and looks at home at a club of this size, with Michael Carrick describing it as a “huge jump” after Lammens’ performance on Monday.

“They warned me that Manchester United is a different animal, especially social media-wise,” he said. “They warned me that it is one of the biggest clubs, if not the biggest club.

“It’s Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also you have to look through that a little bit. It’s still a game of football, the game isn’t that much different.

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“Of course, the quality is better, but you have to trust in yourself. There’s a reason I’m here, that I made the move. Those first weeks were a bit rough about getting used to it, but I always knew that I was going to be ready for it.”

Lammens made 173 saves for Royal Antwerp last season, the most of any goalkeeper in Europe’s top-eight leagues, but at United he is taking pride in proving that, like his hero Neuer, he has a good all-round game.

“The first thing as a goalkeeper, you have to make saves, that’s the most important thing, but I take a lot of pride in doing the other things well,” he said. “Maybe not always the box office stuff or the things people look at first. If you know a little bit about goalkeeping, that’s probably sometimes even as important for your teammates to trust in you and to help out the team.

“Sometimes in United, I don’t really have to do a lot of saves, a different kind of goalkeeping, but it’s also sometimes the most difficult, when there are only one or two saves to be made, but you have to make them.”

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Lammens admits he reads social media and has noticed the positive reviews he is getting, especially from United supporters, but insists he won’t be distracted if the negativity comes his way.

He certainly seems to have his feet on the ground. At 23, he doesn’t seem to have changed much or let the success go to his head, and he is determined to never lose that mindset. “I hope not. I think that’s also something I try to show the world, that I’m just a normal guy as well, that everyone can make it.”

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The Happiest Years Of Life, According To Older People

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The Happiest Years Of Life, According To Older People

I remember hearing my school years described as “the best of my life” by adults as a teen and thinking, “surely not”. Since then, my doubts have proven warranted: I reckon my life’s gotten better every year since about 22.

A new paper, which asked older European adults to list the best years of their life, supports that further.

Looking at data from adults aged 50+ across 13 countries, the researchers found that after reflecting on their lives, participants said their “subjective well-being” (SWB) peaked at 30-34.

This is an “inverted U-shaped” trend

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This is not the only research of its kind to find similar results. A 2021 American poll asked older people which age they’d most like to stay at – and 36 won out.

That, the European paper suggests, goes against previous “U-shaped” theories of happiness across age. Some studies state that SWB is high in adulthood, stays roughly level throughout adulthood, and peaks again in older age (some research says this falls sharply after 75).

But this paper, which the author says is “novel” in asking people “the period individuals recall as the happiest in their lives,” found more of an “inverted U-shape”, or “concave”, trend.

It showed a “crest of happiness” from 30-34, which built up from childhood and tapered away as individuals aged.

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Very few respondents said that childhood was the happiest period of their lives, even when their childhoods were relatively peaceful.

We don’t remember “midlife crises” as being particularly brutal, either

While SWB did seem to slowly fade after 34, the paper added, “Retrospectively, midlife is not perceived as the least likely happiest period in life”.

This, despite other research which says people’s 40s and 50s are likely to be the least happy decades.

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“In retrospect, the midlife crisis is less evident than in studies based on current happiness assessments of current happiness,” the European study said.

“On average, this stage of life is judged to be neither the least nor the most likely happiest period in an individual’s life.” This seemed to hold true regardless of the participant’s gender or nationality.

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Can my neighbour have a video doorbell facing my door?

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Can my neighbour have a video doorbell facing my door?

It comes as a tech expert has warned households about the dangers of installing a video doorbell on their property due to a “widely misunderstood” legal risk.

Many unknowingly cross a “critical line” under UK data protection law the moment they point a camera too far down the garden path, capturing nearby neighbour’s private property.

By not following one simple check, this could result in an expensive legal battle, carrying the potential for a hefty fine and the requirement to pay legal costs.

Can video doorbells breach GDPR in the UK?

James Clarke, PC and consumer tech expert at Cacti PCs, suggests that the root of the problem is a failure to understand the “private space” rule.

Clarke explained: “The convenience of a video doorbell has led to millions of quick, DIY installations where homeowners don’t consider the legal implications.

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“When you’re recording someone walking up your own driveway, you’re fine.

“But the instant that lens captures a neighbour’s private property, their garden, their front door, or a window, you’ve just become a data controller under UK law.”

He continued: “This triggers the strict rules of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

“Your neighbour has a right to privacy, and by continuously recording their private space, you can be found to be in breach.

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“A £1,000 fine is a real possibility, but the much larger financial risk is having to pay for the other side’s legal fees.”

Are there privacy concerns with video doorbells? How to avoid

Clarke has stressed three easy tips that people can do to avoid any legal issues surrounding video doorbells and privacy concerns.

The ‘privacy zone’ check

He advises: “Most smart doorbells and security cameras have a ‘Privacy Zone’ or ‘Block Out’ feature within the app.



“This allows you to draw a black box over any part of the camera’s view that covers a neighbour’s private space (e.g., their patio or a specific window).

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“This area will be digitally obscured and not recorded.

“If your camera points at anything other than your own property, you must use this feature.”

The 25% rule

The tech expert said: “As a general rule, if more than 25% of your camera’s field of view captures a neighbour’s property or a shared boundary, you are likely in violation.

“Simply tilting the camera down by a few degrees, focusing the view more on your immediate doorstep and path rather than the horizon, can often solve the problem instantly.”

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Did you know video doorbells can breach GDPR in the UK? (Image: Nick Beer/Getty)

The microphone trap

Clarke commented: “Don’t forget that video doorbells also record sound.

“Even if the video is legally compliant, recording conversations on a neighbour’s property can also be a breach of their privacy.

“If your camera has a sensitive microphone that picks up dialogue from their garden, you should look into adjusting the sound recording sensitivity or, if possible, restricting its range.”

Do I need permission to install a video doorbell?

Eufy states: “In the UK, you don’t usually have to ask permission to use a doorbell camera, but if it captures areas outside your property, it’s best to be open about it.

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“A small sign by your entrance can do the job.

“Letting people know they’re on camera keeps things clear, avoids misunderstandings, and helps you stay in line with doorbell camera laws UK.”

Did you know that having a video doorbell could be breaking GDPR law? Let us know in the comments below.

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‘There’s no shame in having an addiction’, Prince Harry tells recovered users on Jordan trip | World News

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The Duke of Sussex wrote a message of support during a visit to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Jordan. Pic: PA

Prince Harry has told a group of recovered addicts “there’s no shame in having an addiction”, as he urged them to go back to their communities and help others.

During the second day of their Jordan trip, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the country’s National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts and described it as “incredible”.

The couple listened to a group of men describing the emotional toll of substance abuse and the assistance they have received from the facility in the capital Amman.

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Meghan also wrote a message of support. Pic: PA

The pair were invited to write messages of support.

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Harry‘s message on a sticky-note, left on a wall with others, read: “It’s ok to not be ok. Trust each other.”

While Meghan wrote: “Congratulations on your recovery. Now share your courage and experience.”

Prince Harry's note. Pic: PA
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Prince Harry’s note. Pic: PA

Meghan's note. Pic: PA
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Meghan’s note. Pic: PA

They were with a World Health Organisation delegation, including its director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu, who invited the couple to Jordan.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also visited the regional offices of the World Central Kitchen (WCK).

While there, they heard about the organisation’s huge logistical task of feeding a million Palestinians in Gaza.


Harry and Meghan’s surprise trip analysed

Harry and Meghan talked via a video call with a distribution leader at one of WCK’s six field kitchens in the Palestinian territory, producing daily hot meals for around 60% of the population.

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Wadhah Hubaishi, the organisation’s response director for the Middle East and North Africa, told the couple that ochre and rice was the meal for Thursday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Jordan. Pic: PA
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Jordan. Pic: PA

The couple also visited the World Central Kitchen in Jordan. Pic: PA
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The couple also visited the World Central Kitchen in Jordan. Pic: PA

He said: “This is one of our most delicious meals for the Gaza people. Within two hours, we will start distributing the food.”

“We need 20 trucks (of supplies) every day from Egypt, not enough trucks are coming in, that really affects us more than any other actor.”

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Read more from Sky News:
Epstein blamed ‘Charles’ on day Andrew lost UK trade envoy job
Met Police apologises to Commons Speaker over Lord Mandelson tip-off

Mr Hubaishi said their mantra was “food with smiles” provided by Gazans for Gazans and highlighted the need for food by telling the couple the touching story of a boy who had never seen a banana.

The Duchess of Sussex  during a visit to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts. Pic: PA
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The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts. Pic: PA

He explained how “a three-year-old ate a banana and asked his father ‘can I eat the peel’”.

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American soda Brits have been ‘dying to try’ is finally launching in UK

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American soda Brits have been ‘dying to try’ is finally launching in UK
It’s been hailed as America’s ‘most viral’ drink (Picture: Poppi)

Have you heard of Poppi? 

It’s a viral soda brand from the US that’s garnered a cult following online, as well as a few famous fans.

Charli XCX starred in a recent Super Bowl advert for the fizzy drinks, and everyone from Paris Hilton to Post Malone has been spotted with one of the colourful cans in their hand.

But what’s so special about it? According to the brand, it’s going to ‘shake up the soft drinks aisle’ in UK supermarkets, as it’s low in sugar and low in calories but with ‘full flavour fizz’.

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The viral drink was first launched in America in 2016, founded by husband and wife duo Allison and Stephen Ellsworth from Texas. Allison was keen to ditch fizzy drinks, but didn’t want to lose the taste, so she started experimenting, mixing fruit juice, apple cider vinegar and sparkling water in her kitchen at home.

And the rest, as they say, is history…

Where will you be able to buy Poppi in the UK?

Poppi is being brought to the UK by PepsiCo, whose portfolio features several other iconic brands, including Pepsi, Walkers, Doritos, SodaStream, Quaker Oats, Tropicana, and 7UP.

Five different Poppi flavours are launching in the UK: Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Lime, Wild Berry, and Orange. 

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Those keen to give them a try will find them in Tesco supermarkets as well as Pret a Manger locations nationwide, from March 5.

A wider rollout is planned for the brand later in the year. 

Cans of Poppi and fruit in a shopping basket
There are five flavours coming to the UK (Picture: Poppi)

Is Poppi actually good for you?

Poppi is often described as a prebiotic soda that’s high in fibre, with no more than 5g of sugar per can. 

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As such, many people believe it’s a ‘healthy’ alternative to traditional sodas, and the brand even previously marketed the drink as a way to be ‘gut healthy’. But is this really the case? 

Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian and media nutrition liaison for the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition, previously told Time Magazine that Poppi drinks are ‘better than traditional sodas’, but she warned that they still ‘should be consumed in moderation’.

Her comments came after Poppi was sued by a former customer in 2024 over allegations that its claims of improving ‘gut health’ were misleading. 

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The brand previously used the phrase ‘be gut happy’ on cans and in marketing, due to the inclusion of prebiotic ingredients in its drinks. However, the lawsuit alleged that there was not enough prebiotic fibre in a single can ‘to produce meaningful gut health benefits’, as the drinks only contain 2g of prebiotic fibre. 

According to the official website, Poppi contains cassava root fibre, which is a prebiotic obtained from the root of the cassava plant, and agave inulin, a prebiotic extracted from the agave tequilana plant.

Prebiotics are plant fibres that the body doesn’t digest, but may trigger the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. Experts agree that the science around this area is currently limited, and more research is needed to prove the link between prebiotics and positive changes in the gut microbiome.

Poppi has since agreed to a $8.9million class-action settlement and ditched the gut health messaging.

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In the UK, several other brands of prebiotic soda are already available, including XOXO and Hip Pop.

However, many Brits will likely be jumping for joy over the news of the upcoming Poppi launch, as people have spent months begging the brand to head over the pond.

On TikTok, @lissa_abarg confessed she was ‘dying to try them’, as @ricki.k_ said she would ‘cry’ if the drinks were brought to the UK.

Similarly, @cleochloee posted: ‘I really want to try it’, and @michelleskaa added: ‘omg been dying to try one.’

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@sadtubes_1 admitted they would be ‘running to buy these’, while others said they were ‘a need’.

A few social media users have previously claimed to have found cans of Poppi on sale in Co-op stores, but Poppi tells Metro this launch is their first official foray into the UK drinks market.

Will you be trying Poppi when it launches in the UK?

Speaking about going on sale in the UK, co-founder Allison Ellsworth said it is ‘incredibly meaningful’.

‘When we started Poppi, the goal was simple: create a soda people could feel good about drinking. Seeing Poppi find a new home in the U.K. is a proud moment for our entire team.

‘We’re excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to be a part of a new community.’

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Natalia Fillipociants, general manager Europe International Beverages at PepsiCo added: ‘We’re proud to bring Poppi’s vibrant, feel-good approach to the UK. 

‘British consumers are increasingly looking for drinks that are balanced, modern and genuinely enjoyable every day. With bold fruity flavours, eye-catching design, Poppi delivers full-flavour fizz made with ingredients that the consumer will absolutely love!’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Aer Lingus introduces passport rule change for Brits

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Aer Lingus introduces passport rule change for Brits

The change came into effect today (February 25) and the airline is warning all customers to make sure they have the correct travel documents for their flights.

Aer Lingus told Newsquest: “All customers (including Irish or British nationals) travelling on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the Republic of Ireland and the UK will now require a valid passport or Irish passport card.”

What’s more, the other forms of photo ID, including a driver’s licence, “will no longer be valid for travel”, the airline explains.

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Aer Lingus warns passengers of new passport change from today

Aer Lingus added: “Passengers travelling on domestic services with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, are exempt from this updated travel policy.

“Domestic services include Belfast-UK and Dublin-Donegal routes.

“This aligns with the travel document requirements across the rest of our network and will ensure consistency and further improve our operational performance for our customers.”

Aer Lingus extends 10kg carry-on bag policy for flights

The news comes after the airline announced it would be extending its 10kg carry-on baggage policy across all its Aer Lingus Regional flights, operated by Emerald Airlines.


What’s the best seat to book on a plane?


Aer Lingus said the change would come into effect from Tuesday, March 3.

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It said customers can now make savings as every fare type includes a 10kg bag as standard, which can be checked in free of charge or carried on board if customers choose to pay for it.


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The bag policy is in place on domestic flights within Ireland and the UK, flights between Ireland and the UK, and European flights.

Aer Lingus said it has made the change in response to feedback from its customers.

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Where will you be flying this year? Let us know in the comments below.

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Epstein said Andrew’s trade envoy job loss was ‘Charles’ doing’ | News UK

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Epstein said Andrew's trade envoy job loss was 'Charles' doing' | News UK
Epstein suggested the role loss was ‘Charles’ doing’ (Picture: Getty)

Emails have revealed that Jeffrey Epstein appeared to blame Charles when Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lost his job as the UK’s trade envoy.

The day it was announced that Andrew would no longer be the trade envoy in 2011, Epstein replied to an email from an associate that said there was ‘lots of TV coverage on PA’ – believed to represent ‘Prince Andrew’.

The paedophile replied: ‘I assume he [Andrew] knows that this is Charles’ doing.’

In a later message, he added: ‘I’m sure this is good for him [Andrew], he will now be free.’

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Andrew lost his position just months after photos of him walking with Epstein in a New York park went viral.

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The former prince has continued to deny any wrongdoing in relation to his role as trade envoy and his association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Prince Andrew, Duke of York leaves the headquarters of Crossrail at Canary Wharf on March 7, 2011 in London, England. Prince Andrew is under increasing pressure after a series of damaging revelations about him surfaced, including criticism over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Andrew (pictured in 2011 before leaving his position of envoy) has been in the spotlight this week (Picture: Getty)

Days ago, police began a probe into reports that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein while working as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

Downing Street declined to comment on allegations Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged the taxpayer for massages and excessive travel costs while he was a trade envoy.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: ‘As with every kind of specific allegation in this matter, that is something for the police to look at, not for me to comment on or give a running commentary on a live police investigation.

‘But on the general point of whether the Government stands ready to assist the police in their inquiries, the answer is – and has consistently been – yes.’

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Emails from the Epstein files appear to show the ex-prince shared confidential details of investment opportunities and reports of trade visits.

Britain's Prince Andrew, the Duke of York (L), announces 15 October, 2001, at City Hall in New York, that New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (R) has been appointed an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. The honor is for Giuliani's help and support to the bereaved British families in New York following the terror attack at the World Trade Center. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo by STAN HONDA / AFP) (Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)
Andrew’s position put him in contact w ith high-profile politicians, like Rudy Giuliani, seen with him in 2001 (Picture: AFP)

Earlier this week, MPs held one of the first-ever debates in Parliament focused on a member of the Royal Family.

It is typically forbidden to explicitly criticise the royals in the House of Commons, but Speaker Lindsay Hoyle permitted the debate since Andrew has been stripped of his titles and positions.

During the debate, Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant told the Commons: ‘Colleagues and many civil servants have told me their own stories of their interactions with Mr Mountbatten Windsor, and they all portray the same pattern.

‘A man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle. A rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he served, and his own private interest.’

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Andrew was appointed as a special trade envoy for the British government by Tony Blair in 2001 before stepping down in 2011 amid criticism over his friendship with Epstein.

The specific role of the UK special representative for trade and investment was created for him.

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Pizza Express to launch new chicken concept in 300 stores

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Pizza Express to launch new chicken concept in 300 stores

The popular UK pizza chain said it aims to help push its growth ambitions.

PizzaExpress’ boss said it will continue to “focus” on its core pizza brand but has recognised a “huge appetite” for chicken from customers.

As a result, it will roll out its new Mac & Wings delivery brand to more than 300 sites across the UK from Tuesday, March 3.

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PizzaExpress to launch new chicken offering after customer demand

The launch comes on the back of significant growth in chicken across the restaurant and fast-food sectors.

Rivals such as Dominos have launched their own chicken concepts in recent months, while a raft of US-founded chicken brands, such as Wingstop, Popeyes and Raising Cane’s have opened sites across the UK.

PizzaExpress said its chicken wing products will be baked, rather than fried, and it believes there is still enough room in the UK market for strong growth.

Paula MacKenzie, PizzaExpress chief executive, told the Press Association that the business has been “working on the concept for a number of months” after recognising customer demand.

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She said: “There is a competitive context but we are launching the concept because we believe we can do something exciting and different.

“It is something we are able to do alongside pizzas in our kitchens, but it is important that the brand does feel like it has its own identity.”

Mac & Wings to be sold as its own brand across the UK

The Mac & Wings products will be sold across the UK as its own brand through Deliveroo, but they will be made by PizzaExpress chefs within the restaurant chain’s kitchens.

Its menu will include a selection of baked wings, in flavours such as hot honey, and buttermilk chicken tenders, served with a choice of dips including spicy tomato & chilli, garlic butter and “pizzanaise”.

Ms Mackenzie said the business will initially be only available for delivery on the back of strong demand for takeaway chicken on delivery platforms such as Deliveroo.

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However, she said the group will “keep an open mind” to potentially expanding the brand into bricks-and-mortar restaurants.

PizzaExpress expands restaurant and pod offering

Last year, PizzaExpress launched a new concept where it opened some PizzaExpress pods, allowing customers to enjoy pizza on-the-go as they were located at supermarkets, including Tesco and other spots.


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In April, it opened a pod at Swansea Marina and later, in September, the company opened a pod at Tesco Extra in Cheshunt.

This was after the concept saw success in Southampton in late 2024.

In 2025, PizzaExpress opened new restaurants in the likes of Cambridge, Redhill and Kingston.

What’s your favourite menu item at PizzaExpress? Let us know in the comments below.

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Cambridge prison mutineers built barricades and weapons during 10-hour revolt

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Eight prisoners armed themselves with broken furniture and seized part of a high-security jail for 10 hours before officers stormed in to end the violent mutiny

Eight convicted killers seized control of part of a high-security prison wing during a 10-hour mutiny.

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The group, all serving life sentences at HMP Whitemoor near March, Cambridgeshire, refused to return to their cells at lunchtime on 7 October 2022, sparking a major security incident. Furniture was dragged across the spur area of the wing to form barricades, while oil, shower gel and shampoo were poured across the floor to make it too slippery for officers to enter safely.

Prison staff initially attempted to calm the situation and continued locking other inmates in their cells, but were forced to withdraw after being threatened. As the standoff escalated, the prisoners armed themselves with broken table legs and kettles fashioned into weapons. They also created improvised head protection to shield themselves from PAVA spray and pyrotechnic devices.

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A national prison response team and specialist negotiators were deployed, but attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were unsuccessful. At around 8pm, officers attempted to enter, only to find the group had further secured their position.

The eight men later retreated into the cell of Korie Hassan, where they constructed another barricade.

By approximately 10pm, the national response team had regained control of the wing and restrained the prisoners. Only four of the men agreed to be interviewed and made no comment.

Dior Diego Jackson, 27, was the final member of the group to be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (20 February) after admitting violent disorder. He received an additional one year and nine months on top of his existing sentence.

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The other prisoners sentenced were:

  • Rick-Champion Champion Musaba, 30, sentenced to four years on top of his existing sentence after being found guilty of participating in a prison mutiny.
  • Nicholas Bridge, 26, sentenced to three years and six months on top of time already served after being found guilty of participating in a prison mutiny.
  • Bradley Blundell, 26, sentenced to one year and six months on top of his existing sentence after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
  • Irwin Constable, 25, sentenced to three years and six months on top of time served after being found guilty of participating in a prison mutiny.
  • Korie Hassan, 33, sentenced to three years and four months on top of his existing time behind bars after admitting violent disorder.
  • Jahliel Rose, 29, sentenced to one year and four months on top of his time served after admitting violent disorder.
  • Troy Muschett-Thomas, 25, handed one year and six months on top of his existing sentence after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Detective Constable Emma Purser, who investigated, said: “The eight prisoners involved in this case offered extreme violence towards staff and took control of the prison’s spur area for about ten hours.

“When sentencing, the judge noted that it was only because of the professionalism of the officers who went on to the wing and faced the violence that no-one was seriously hurt.

“All of the prisoners involved are already serving life sentences for murder or conspiracy to murder, but have now received prison terms of at least 16 months on top of the time they are already serving.

“The highest consecutive sentence handed down by the judge was another four years behind bars and overall when added together, the extra time totals 20 years.

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“This investigation was a lot of work over the past three years, with hours of CCTV footage to search through and interviews to carry out all over the country.”

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Carla Lockhart calls for meeting with Chancellor over childminder tax concerns

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Earlier this month, the head of the Northern Ireland Childminders Association, Patricia Lewsley Mooney, told Belfast Live that more than 2,000 families could be impacted by a reduction in the availability of childminders as a result of the changes

An MP has said it is “deeply concerning to see proposals that may inadvertently weaken” childcare provision as she calls for a meeting over childminder tax concerns.

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DUP MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Chancellor to request a meeting to discuss the impact of the removal of the ‘wear and tear’ tax-free allowance for childminders who move onto HMRC’s Making Tax Digital system.

Earlier this month, the head of the Northern Ireland Childminders Association, Patricia Lewsley Mooney, told Belfast Live that more than 2,000 families could be impacted by a reduction in the availability of childminders as a result of the changes.

Under the current system, childminders can claim a 10 per cent discount on their tax bill to account for ‘wear and tear’ on their homes caused by operating their businesses.

HMRC have said that those using the new MTD system will be able to see an in-year estimate of how much tax they owe, understand their cash flow better, make more informed financial decisions for their business and reduce the risk of under or overpaying tax and that claiming actual costs may be more beneficial than the flat-rate deduction, ensuring that expenses accurately reflect the valuable work childminders do.

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Childminders with a qualifying income of over £50,000 are required to use MTD from April 2026. These childminders, HMRC have said that, like any other business, they can continue to get full tax relief on the business proportion of their expenses when they join MTD, meaning their actual expenses will need to be recorded and deducted.

HMRC said that childminders do not currently get a separate allowance from HMRC, and that administrative changes for childminders were announced at the Budget to record keeping and the way some expenses are calculated for childminders in MTD.

They also said that they are aware that childminders are uncertain about how these changes may affect them and may have seen misleading information online. They confirmed that they are supporting customers with a suite of guidance products, direct communications, webinars, live events and social media activity to help them to prepare. and are using targeted paid-for advertising and making direct contact with MTD customers by writing to them to explain the changes and how to prepare.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said: “I have written to the Chancellor to seek an urgent meeting with the Treasury following HMRC’s proposal to remove the long-established 10% wear and tear allowance for childminders who are required to move onto Making Tax Digital.

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“For almost four decades, this allowance has recognised the unique nature of home-based childcare. Childminders operate from their own homes, using their living rooms, kitchens, gardens, equipment and family spaces to provide professional care. The 10 per cent allowance was designed to reflect the inevitable wear and tear that comes with that responsibility, while also providing a simple and proportionate system for small providers.

“Under these proposals, childminders who fall within the Making Tax Digital threshold would lose access to this straightforward allowance and instead be required to itemise individual expenses. That represents a significant increase in administrative burden for small, often single-person businesses, and creates the risk of reduced financial viability at a time when the sector is already under immense pressure.”

Carla Lockhart said that she is working closely with NICMA, the Childminding Association, and engaging directly with local childminders to ensure that the concerns within the sector are clearly understood by the Government.

“There has been no meaningful consultation in Northern Ireland, despite the fact that our childminding model remains home-based and distinct in important respects,” she said.

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“The childminding workforce in Northern Ireland has declined sharply in recent years, with a significant reduction in registered providers and available childcare places. Families are already struggling to access affordable and flexible childcare. Any further policy change that increases costs or bureaucracy risks accelerating that decline and reducing capacity even further.

“Childminders are not simply small businesses; they are a vital pillar of our childcare infrastructure. They provide flexible, community-based care that enables parents to work, supports early years development and underpins our wider economy. At a time when we should be strengthening childcare provision, it is deeply concerning to see proposals that may inadvertently weaken it.

“I have therefore called on the Treasury to pause these changes, to properly assess their impact in Northern Ireland, and to engage directly with representatives of the sector. I will continue to press for a fair and proportionate approach that supports, rather than penalises, those who provide this essential service.”

Earlier this month, a HMRC spokesperson said: “All childminders will still be able to claim for the same categories of expenses as they currently do, including wear and tear. Those in MTD may also be able to claim more than they currently do.”.

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