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Bolton company director banned over ‘illegal worker’ breach

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Bolton company director banned over 'illegal worker' breach

The Insolvency Service announced this week that Sundas Ali, who’s last known address was in Great Lever, has been banned from running companies for four years.

The service said that Ali, 32, had breached her duties as a director of New Zak Services Ltd by failing to abide by The Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

A statement said: “Sundas Ali has breached her duties as a director of New Zak Services Ltd by failing to ensure that it complied with legislative requirements in that company did not comply with its statutory obligations under The Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, resulting in the employment of one illegal worker.

The Insolvency Service issued a ban (Image: Newsquest)

“Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE) after investigating the company issued a Notification of Liability for a Civil Penalty of £10,000 in respect of the employment of these illegal workers, payment of which was due on or before September 15, 2023.

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“Company has paid £2,222.24 of the fine due to HOIE.

“Sundas Ali was an appointed director of the company at the time of the breach of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality legislation.” 

According to Companies House, the business was mainly a retailer that focused on food, drink and tobacco.

A winding up notice on Companies House said that New Zak Services Ltd’s trading address was found on Springfield Road in Kearsley, where it traded as MHP News.

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The registered office was moved to The Copper Room Deva City Office Park, Trinity Way, Manchester, as part of the liquidation process.

Companies House shows that New Zak Services Ltd was first incorporated on April 18, 2017.

It was dissolved on March 2 this year, with its last accounts made up to April 30, 2023, and its last confirmation statement dated July 8, 2023.

The Insolvency Service says that Ali had been a director of the company at the time the breach happened.

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It says her ban from being a company director will start from March 27, 2026 and will remain in force for the next four years.

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Tributes paid to ‘beautiful, bubbly girl’ who died in Leeds as murder probe launched

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Daily Mirror

Tributes have poured in for a 16-year-old girl who died after being found with serious injuries in a street in Leeds – the girl, named locally as Chloe Watson, has been described as a ‘beautiful girl’ with a ‘bubbly personality’

Tributes have poured in for a 16-year-old girl who died after being found with serious injuries.

The teenager – whose death is being investigated by police as a murder – has been named locally as Chloe Watson. Officers were called at 5.55am on Saturday to Kennerleigh Avenue in Austhorpe, Leeds, to reports that a young woman had been found unconscious, West Yorkshire Police said. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where she was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards, the force said.

Public tributes posted to Facebook shared the community’s “heartbreak” over the death of the 16-year-old, Leeds Live reports. One tribute read: “I am going to miss you, Chloe Watson. Sending love to your family, looking over everyone, especially your little sisters – you had so much love for them. Love you millions, my girl.”

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Another tribute read: “Rest in peace, you beautiful girl, you are so loved and will continue to be loved forever. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. Your bubbly personality, your weird laugh, and your cringy jokes will forever be unmatched. You always made sure everyone was feeling loved, and we will continue to do that for you.”

Two women aged 18, a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. All four remain in police custody while a crime scene is in place as officers carry out enquiries.

Detectives were not immediately able to identify the teenager, but they said on Sunday that she was a 16-year-old girl from the Cleckheaton area. Her family have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers.

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Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Marc Bowes said: “Following our appeal for further information yesterday, we have now identified the deceased as a 16-year-old girl from the Cleckheaton area. Her family have been informed and we are supporting them as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

“Our inquiries into the incident which led to her death are continuing, and I would appeal again to anyone who was in the Kennerleigh Avenue area in the early hours of yesterday morning to come forward if they have any information which could assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or using the online live chat function, quoting log number 280 of March 28. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.

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Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

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Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Mass on the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday for the first time in centuries, the Latin Patriarchate said on Sunday.

Jerusalem‘s major holy sites are closed because of the ongoing Iran war, including the church, as the city has come under frequent fire from Iranian missiles.

The Catholic Church called the police decision “a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.” It prevented two of the church’s top religious leaders, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the head of the Custos in the Holy Land, from celebrating Palm Sunday at the place where Christians believe Jesus was crucified.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and launches the Holy Week commemorations for Christians who follow the Latin calendar, which culminates in Easter next Sunday.

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The Israeli police said it had notified the Catholic Church on Saturday that no Mass could take place on Palm Sunday because of safety considerations, the lack of access for emergency vehicles in narrow alleys of the Old City and lack of adequate shelter.

However, the Latin Patriarchate said the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been hosting Masses that aren’t open to the public since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, and it was unclear why Sunday’s Mass and access by the two priests was any different.

“It’s a very, very sacred day for Christians and in our opinion there was no justification for such a decision or such an action,” said Farid Jubran, the spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Christians walk with palm branches during Palm Sunday in Jerusalem's Old City, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Christians walk with palm branches during Palm Sunday in Jerusalem’s Old City, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Jubran said that the church had requested permission from the police for a few religious leaders to enter the church for a private Mass on Sunday — not one that was open to the public. The Patriarchate said that the decision impeded freedom of worship and the status quo in Jerusalem.

The traditional Palm Sunday procession normally sees tens of thousands of Christians from around the world walk from the Mount of Olives down the narrow, hilly streets toward the Old City, waving palm fronds and singing.

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The Patriarchate canceled the traditional processional last week because of safety concerns, and has held Masses limited to fewer than 50 worshippers in compliance with the Israeli military’s guidelines for civilians.

Pizzaballa celebrated Mass in the nearby St. Savior’s Monastery, a soaring marble church which is located next to an underground music school that the Israeli military has deemed a safe shelter space. Later on Sunday, Pizzaballa held a prayer for peace at the Dominus Flevit Shrine on the Mount of Olives, but kept his homily concentrated on Jesus and didn’t mention the morning’s incident.

Pope Leo XIV, at the end of Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, prayed for all Christians in the Middle East who he said were living through an “atrocious” conflict. He said that “in many cases, they cannot live fully the rites of these holy days,” though he didn’t elaborate.

The Vatican spokesman didn’t immediately respond when asked to comment on the Jerusalem incident.

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Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead a mass for Palm Sunday at St Peter's square in the Vatican on March 29, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP via Getty Images)
Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead a mass for Palm Sunday at St Peter’s square in the Vatican on March 29, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Italy formally protested the incident to Israeli authorities. Premier Giorgia Meloni said that the police action “constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom.”

“The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is a sacred site of Christianity, and as such must be preserved and protected for the celebration of sacred rites,” Meloni said. “Preventing the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering, especially on a solemnity central to the faith such as Palm Sunday, constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom.”

Meloni’s conservative government tried to keep a balanced position with Israel during the war in Gaza, supporting Israel’s right to defense but condemning the toll on Palestinians.

The Italian leader has also said that Italy won’t participate in the Iran war, while affirming that the Islamic Republic can’t be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed Italy’s ambassador to Israel to convey the protest “and to reaffirm Italy’s commitment to protecting religious freedom at all times and under all circumstances.”

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In addition, Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador to Italy for talks on Monday at the Italian Foreign Ministry to seek clarification about the decision.

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Cambridgeshire farmer impaled by forklift to feature on new BBC show

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Cambridgeshire Live

Crews had to work to extricate Jonathan Willis from the tine before taking him to hospital for lifesaving surgery

The East Anglian Air Ambulance is set to feature in a new BBC One series launching at the end of March. The series will feature an episode on the “remarkable” story of a Cambridgeshire farmer, who was impaled by a forklift on his farm, and how the charity helped to save him.

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Farm 999 is a 15-part documentary presented by Steph McGovern that will highlight the dangers and emergency incidents faced by rural communities around the UK. The first episode will follow Jonathan Willis and the lifesaving treatment he received from the East Anglian Air Ambulance after he was impaled by a forklift tine at his farm near Wisbech.

The tine had gone through Jonathan’s lower back and his abdomen, which posed a severe risk to several major internal organs and blood vessels. A crew from the East Anglian Air Ambulance arrived by helicopter to bring critical care directly to him at the scene.

The crew included Critical Care Paramedic Andy Bates, who also features in the episode, and worked with the ambulance, police, and fire and rescue teams for around 45 minutes to assess Jonathan’s injuries and coordinate the extrication process to get him to hospital for surgery.

Wendy Willis, Jonathan’s wife, said: “We know that without the enhanced skills of the air ambulance team that day Jonathan wouldn’t have made it to hospital. They took control of the situation – which was like living my worst nightmare – and made all the right decisions which got him to the right hospital and to the right surgeon with a fighting chance. We were then so incredibly lucky that Jonathan had one of the best surgeons in the country leading his operation. The Addenbrooke’s team quite literally worked miracles in the operating theatre that night and ensured that Jonathan came home to me and our five children in one piece.”

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The East Anglian Air Ambulance is completely run by donations and receives no regular government funding making public support essential. The Willis family have helped to raise over £110,000 in aid for the charity following the incident.

The charity’s doctors and paramedics give patients essential care such as blood transfusions, anaesthesia, and emergency surgery to give them the best chance of survival and recovery. They also provide aftercare, train people in lifesaving skills, and help carry out clinical research to improve care.

The first episode of Farm 999 will feature Jonathan and the East Anglian Air Ambulance and is set to air on BBC One at 10.15am on Monday, March 30. The episodes will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.

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Man shot dead in car near major train station as cops hunt gunman

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Daily Record

Paramedics battled to revive the man but sadly he could not be saved.

A 26-year-old man was shot dead yards away from a major train station, despite desperate efforts to save him. The man tragically died at the scene in Chalton Street, near London Euston Station, despite the best efforts of paramedics working to revive him.

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Emergency crews were alerted to the incident at around 11pm after loud gunshots were heard. Cops said CCTV showed a suspect, who arrived and left on a bike, firing several shots at the man who was sitting in a white Nissan Juke.

The victim’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, reports the Mirror. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “We are aware of the concern that this will cause for the local community, and want to reassure them that we are working hard to identify the attacker and bring them to justice.

“If anyone has any information that could help us, it is extremely important that they contact the police – either through 101, online or via independent charity Crimestoppers to remain anonymous. Our thoughts are with the young man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”

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Anyone with information should call 101 quoting CAD 8032/28Mar, or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Easter holidays back at Adventure Valley in County Durham

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Easter holidays back at Adventure Valley in County Durham

Adventure Valley, located on the outskirts of Durham, will host its annual Easter Holidays event from Friday, April 3, to Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The event will include a full programme of themed activities.

Janine Calzini, owner of Adventure Valley, said: “Easter is always a truly special time at Adventure Valley, and we’re delighted to be bringing back a fantastic line-up of family-friendly activities for 2026.

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“Easter Holiday at Adventure Valley offers something for everyone.

“From magical character meet-and-greets to hands-on animal experiences and plenty of opportunities to play, explore and make lasting memories.

“We’re especially excited to welcome both the Easter Bunny and Bruno the Bear across the event and can’t wait to see families enjoying everything we have planned.”

Visitors will be invited into the indoor Easter Garden for an egg hunt, followed by a meet-and-greet experience.

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Those attending on or before Easter Sunday will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny, while visitors after Easter can look forward to meeting Bruno the Bear instead.

A wide range of springtime activities will run throughout the day, including pony grooming sessions, reptile encounters, and the Bunny Hop Disco.

The event is designed to be weather-proof, with acres of outdoor play areas and three large indoor soft play zones.

Activities are available throughout the day, with no time limits, so families can make the most of their visit from morning until early evening.

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The Bunny Hop Disco will offer a lively break from exploring, while pony grooming sessions give children a chance to interact with some of the centre’s friendly animals.

Adventure Valley expects high demand for tickets based on the popularity of previous seasonal events and recommends booking early.

The Easter Holidays event aims to offer a fun-packed day out for families across the North East, filled with opportunities for play, exploration, and seasonal celebration.

Located just outside Durham, Adventure Valley is a visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play facilities.

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Alfie Joey on performing at Theatre Royal Newcastle

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Alfie Joey on performing at Theatre Royal Newcastle

LAST Sunday I was privileged to take to the stage at Theatre Royal Newcastle.

It was a dance show. And before you ask, NO — I wasn’t dancing.

READ MORE: Young Aycliffe woman tells how she’s learning to live with Tourette syndrome

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In fact, EVERYONE who took to the stage was dancing…except me!! I was emceeing students from the Eve Trew School of Dance and Gateshead Children’s Arts and Theatre School – a charity showcase where we were entertained by hoofers ranging in age from 3 to 80+ years. Well done one and all; my feet were sore just introducing everyone!

Anyone who knows me, will tell you I was not blessed with Terpsichorean talent! Any attempt at rhythm from my feet is like a cross between a medical episode and Riverdance on melting ice.

My great pal, South Tyneside legend, Ray Spencer MBE ( there is nothing like his panto Dame) had me alongside him in The Customs House pantomime just to make him look even better, and it worked! Ray’s observations on my dancing abilities are funnier than anything I brought to the shows!

I recently attempted dancing at a Strictly event held at Hardwick Hall, for a really excellent cause. Nuvo Wellbeing is a lovely charity that brings dance and exercise to under-served areas in County Durham and beyond.

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My partner on the night was the founder, Bethany Ainsley (an actual dancer!). The routine was at its best when I stood aside and let Beth do her thing, brilliantly.

Putting dance aside, (which is what I really should do) whenever I am on a great stage like Theatre Royal Newcastle, I cannot help but think how lucky I am to even stand where truly great performers have stood (or danced) on the exact same spot – I get to see the audience from their viewpoint, feel similar butterflies, hear the same hush before the lights go up.

And the history at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal really is something else. This is a stage that has hosted Hollywood royalty and theatrical giants alike.

Sir John Gielgud performed Hamlet at the Theatre Royal in 1948 and this really made it a key place for other giants to visit on tour. Thespians such as Laurence Olivier, Sir Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Kenneth Branagh have graced this stage.

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After a refurb in the late 80’s, Oscar winner Charlton Heston starred in A Man for All Seasons here and felt a real connection to the area. His grandfather worked down Tyneside mines as a boy in the 1890s before moving to America. I later saw, and briefly met Heston in the West End but that is another story for another article.

The first show I saw in this great theatre with my Uncle John, was an RSC production of Cole Porter’s ‘Kiss Me, Kate’, starring Kate O’Mara, bouncing before the footlights in 1991.

And when I worked on BBC local radio I interviewed countless people on stage, in dressing rooms, during rehearsals, at read-throughs… everyone from choreographer Matthew Bourne (there’s dance again!!) to the panto superstars, Danny and Clive.

It is also very humbling, standing where so many greats have stood and I don’t mean in a spooky, “haunted stage” way.

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Standing there last Sunday, when I wasn’t thinking of my introductions for the next dazzling dance troupe, I was being swept up by history.

Carried away by the music, the drama, the laughter, and emotion brought about by the people who’ve passed through that stage door and performed on these legendary boards.

How lucky we are, up here, to have theatres like these on our doorsteps and I will try to travel around some of our other magnificent venues for future columns!

And I promise to never dance again…honest!

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FACTS & FOOTNOTES

l The Theatre Royal first opened in 1837, designed by the celebrated architect John and Benjamin Green – making it one of the finest historic theatres in the UK.

l A fire destroyed the inside of the theatre in 1899. Architect Frank Matcham completely redesigned the interior which reopened in1901.

l Upcoming shows include ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ plus the musicals ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Operation Mincemeat’.

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You can email Alfie via www.AlfieJoey.com and subscribe to his free newsletter.

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Houthi attack on Israel raises fears for Red Sea shipping

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Houthi attack on Israel raises fears for Red Sea shipping

CAIRO (AP) — A missile attack on Israel by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saturday raises concern that Tehran’s proxies may again try to block Red Sea shipping routes, as Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz keeps another key global trade passage virtually closed.

The Houthis said they fired a barrage of missiles at “sensitive Israeli military sites” in southern Israel, their first since the start of the war in the Middle East a month ago. The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.

When asked about the Houthis, Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin replied: “We are preparing for a multifront war.”

The Houthis are a key Iranian ally

The Houthis are a crucial part of Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance,” which includes militant groups in Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories. They control the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and much of the country’s north, and since 2014 have fought a civil war against the internationally recognized government that is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

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Unlike Lebanon’s Hezbollah and militant groups in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen had held back for a month since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

Red Sea shipping attacks would further disrupt the global economy

Now that they have entered the war with a missile attack on Israel, there are growing concerns that they could start attacking shipping in the Red Sea. Such a move would further disrupt the maritime industry and the global economy since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has shaken markets and energy prices. The rebels also have the capability of striking oil facilities in the Persian Gulf as they did previously during the Yemen civil war.

The Houthis said they won’t allow the U.S. and Israel to use the Red Sea for attacks on Iran. “Our fingers are on the trigger,” Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, said in a statement Friday.

The Houthi attacks on vessels would not only further push up oil prices but destabilize “all of maritime security,” said Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group. “The impact would not be limited to the energy market.”

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Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has been sending millions of barrels of crude oil a day through Bab el-Mandeb, at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

The 32-kilometer (20-mile)-wide strait is one of the busiest for global oil trade. A fourth of global container trade also transits through the strait on its way to and from the Suez Canal. Disrupting transit through Bab al-Madab forces shipping firms to route their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, as they did in 2024 and 2025, significantly increasing costs.

About 12% of the world’s trade typically passes through Suez, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.

“It would be devastating for so many countries,” Nagi said. “If we see more pressure on the Iranians, or there’s any escalation, the Houthis will jump in harshly.”

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Red Sea is a critical corridor for Europe’s natural gas

Such attacks will add more pressure on energy supplies for the 27-nation European Union, which relies on imported natural gas to power factories, generate electricity and heat homes. Tankers carrying liquefied natural gas — which is supercooled to travel by ship instead of pipeline — routinely pass through the Red Sea.

The Houthis attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January 2025, and also launched projectiles at Israel. They said their attacks were in support of Hamas during the war in Gaza.

The U.S. and Israel responded with a punishing air campaign across the Houthi-held areas in Yemen, which killed many people, including most of the Houthi-allied Cabinet in Sanaa. President Donald Trump halted U.S. strikes on the Houthis after a deal that saw the rebels stopping their attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

___

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Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Beirut contributed to this report.

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Anyone flying from UK should book flights before April 1

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Wales Online

Flights are about to get more expensive for UK travellers booking holidays to popular destinations

Passengers considering booking flights from the UK should do so before Wednesday to dodge an upcoming price rise. Air passenger duty (APD) is set to increase on April 1, making air travel more costly. Since the duty is included in the price of each airline ticket, carriers indicate the change is likely to push up fares on certain routes, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

The air passenger duty per person varies based on several factors, including ticket class and the distance between the destination country’s capital and the UK. The charge rises substantially if you’re seated in anything above basic economy and if you’re travelling to a country whose capital is over 2,000 miles from London, reports the Mirror.

Travel expert Simon Calder notes that the levy “is unique to the UK and a topic of much controversy”. He adds: “Chancellor Rachel Reeves has imposed an above-inflation increase from April 1, 2026 and one in line with the retail prices index a year after that. By the summer of 2027, a family of four flying premium economy to Orlando will pay over £1,000 in tax for leaving the UK in anything better than basic economy.”

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Four different categories of destination

  • UK domestic flights
  • Band A: Countries where capital city is 2,000 miles or less from London — this covers all of Europe
  • Band B: Capital city is 2,001-5,500 miles from London — includes most long-haul destinations
  • Band C: Capital city is over 5,500 miles from London — includes Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and Australia.

What are the rates?

From April 1, 2026, they will all rise to the following:

  • UK domestic: £8 (economy) or £16 (anything but economy)
  • Band A: £15 or £32
  • Band B: £102 or £244
  • Band C: £106 or £253

Before April 1, 2026 the rates are as follows:

  • UK domestic: £7 or £14
  • Band A: £13 or £28
  • Band B: £90 or £216
  • Band C: £94 or £224

As you can see, the increases are not substantial but could add significant costs to the price of a holiday for a family of four travelling more than 2,000 miles.

APD does not apply to children under 16 travelling in basic economy but is payable for all children over two travelling in premium classes.

How much APD will I pay?

From April 1, 2026, a family of four with children between two and 15 will pay the following APD:

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  • UK: £16 in basic economy, £64 in premium economy or better.
  • Europe: £30 or £128
  • Most long-haul destinations: £204 or £976
  • Ultra-long-haul destinations: £212 or £1,012

However, a family of four with children aged 16 and over will pay the following APD from April 1, 2026:

  • UK: £32 in basic economy, £64 in premium economy or better
  • Europe: £60 or £128
  • Most long-haul destinations: £408 or £976
  • Ultra-long-haul destinations: £424 or £1,012

As you can see, the year-on-year increases are not that significant for shorter flights, but can add up more if you are taking older children on longer flights. But if you feel that you want to save every pound possible, if you get your flights booked before Wednesday then you’ll save on APD.

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The faces and crimes of Cambridgeshire criminals jailed this week

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Cambridgeshire Live

These are some of those to have been locked up recently

A woman who punched, kicked, and stamped on a victim while demanding money is among the latest Cambridgeshire offenders to be sent to prison. The list of criminals also includes a man who raped two women in Peterborough.

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These are some of the people who were jailed after appearing at courts across the region between March 20 and March 27. CambridgeshireLive regularly reports on local crimes.

Here is a run down of some of the Cambridgeshire criminals to have been jailed in the past days.

‘Predatory’ man raped women who told him ‘no’

Wayne Lightfoot, 36, has been sent to prison for 26 years after being convicted of his crimes. He met his first victim on a night in September 2022.

They went to the victim’s home and had consensual sex. However, later that night he raped her, despite being told “no” and that he needed to leave.

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In August 2025, Lightfoot went on a date with a second woman in Peterborough, before going back to his house in Stanton House, Hampton Hargate. When they arrived, the victim changed her mind and said she wanted to leave.

However, he violently assaulted her, took her phone away and then raped her. Following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court, he was found guilty of four counts of rape, seven counts of sexual assault and false imprisonment.

To read the full story click here.

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Woman punched, kicked, and stamped on victim

A 28-year-old woman who punched, kicked, and stamped on another woman while demanding money has been sent to jail. Natalie Renton, 28, has been sentenced to almost three years for her crime.

Renton, 28, approached the victim, asking for a lighter, in the morning of January 30 in a car park near Maskew Avenue in Peterborough. The victim, a woman in her 30s, told Renton that she did not have one.

Renton became aggressive and verbally abusive before punching the victim, dragging her to the ground by her hair, and repeatedly kicking and stamping on her face. Renton demanded money throughout the attack, but none was handed over. The victim suffered swelling, bruising, and hair loss, and was treated in hospital.

She was sentenced to 32 months in prison after pleading guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery. The court also imposed a restraining order until 2030, ordering Renton to not approach the victim or attempt to contact her directly or indirectly.

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To read the full story click here.

Woman jailed after shoplifting spree

Charlene Monks, 27, admitted to a string of thefts in Peterborough and was sent to jail. She began her spree in late February, by stealing from Asda, in Rivergate on three separate occasions.

On March 1, Monks, of no fixed address, entered the Co-op, in Waterhouse Way, Hampton Gardens, Peterborough, and went to the checkout to buy alcohol and cigarettes. However, before paying, Monks grabbed the items and ran out the shop.

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She also committed theft at Sainsbury’s in Oxney Road, Parnwell, Peterborough, on March 2, and she was later arrested on March 19.

Monks admitted the thefts, together with two in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, and she was jailed for a year after a suspended sentence imposed in January for shoplifting was activated. The court also ordered Monks to pay £1311.41 in compensation.

To read the full story click here.

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Japanese Grand Prix: What can sport’s bosses do to help keep Max Verstappen in F1?

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Oliver Bearman's damaged Haas is lifted on to a recovery truck at the Japanese Grand Prix

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said: “In general, the reason for adding a 350kW super-clip is that we would like to avoid drivers having to do a lift and coast. Because if there is a lift and coast, there is an even bigger speed differential with the car that is following.

“It is a case that should be studied with a certain level of analytical approach. I don’t think a simple solution exists.

“It is in the agenda of (governing body) the FIA in terms of the aspects of these 2026 regulations that should be improved. We don’t want to wait for things to happen to put actions in place. We have a responsibility to put in place the actions that, especially from a safety point of view, should be implemented.”

There has been an effort from F1, and by extension from the teams, to emphasise the positive aspects of the new regulations, as some see them.

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Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff pointed out after the previous race in China that he and F1 president Stefano Domenicali had discussed the positive reaction from the audience to the new form of racing, which in all three races so far has featured cars passing and re-passing for several laps before the positions stabilise.

Wolff said in Japan on Sunday: “Nobody can complain about the lack of good racing. Would you agree? Yeah or not?”

When the assembled media paused in responding, Wolff said: “Experts. Old-school traditionalists.”

But that remark could also be addressed at some of the drivers. Verstappen has likened the new F1 to the “Mario Kart” computer game. Fernando Alonso has called it “the battery world championship”.

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Sainz said: “The racing is OK because maybe they are having fun watching on TV. But from a driver’s standpoint you realise there can be 50km/h speed delta. That is not racing. There is no [other] category in the world with these closing speeds. It’s when these accidents can happen.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, second behind race winner Kimi Antonelli on Sunday, said: “We understand as a sport there’s a lot of things we need to tweak, a lot of things we need to change. And especially on safety grounds, yes, there’s some things that need to be looked into pretty quickly.”

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