People who try to block the sale may be forced to sell up anyway

Landowners could be forced to sell their land as part of the Oxford to Cambridge corridor project, according to the Treasury. The Government announced today (Tuesday, March 17) that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is expected to double funding for the project.

Up to £800 million is now available for buying new land and building infrastructure to kickstart the development. As part of this, landowners blocking or insisting on unreasonable demands may have this land acquired with compulsory powers.

This is to ensure the project can move and progress at pace. Chancellor Reeves said: “We’re building corridors of growth and flinging open the doors of opportunity for every part of Britain.

“From the great northern cities to the cutting edge labs of Oxford and Cambridge, we are betting on Britain’s regions to power the next wave of innovation and growth. We are not repeating mistakes of the past. This is the right economic plan in an age of uncertainty.”

The Chancellor is also expected to share plans for a new Development Corporation for Greater Oxford to get rid of red tape stopping regeneration in the area, and therefore boost jobs and growth.

This follows the launch of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation earlier this year. Dan Thorpe, CEO of Cambridge Ahead said: “Cambridge, the UK’s most innovative city, can deliver the breakthroughs, companies, and jobs that drive UK growth and productivity.

“Our members, the city’s leading employers, tell us that Government backing and investment are vital tailwinds that support this ambition – and today’s announcement of further funding is very good news.

“The focus now must be on turning ambition into action, investing wisely and at pace, and ensuring Cambridge remains one of the world’s best places to do business, live and work.

“Whether it’s OxCam or the Northern Growth Corridor, clusters in different regions are connected by innovation, and it is welcome that Government sees this so clearly. The Government’s backing will create a ripple-effect of innovation, jobs, and growth across the UK.”

Paul Bristow, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said there is the “real opportunity to unlock the full potential of the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor”.

He added: “Our Local Growth Plan sets out how Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will play its full part — backing innovation, improving infrastructure, and making sure growth delivers for residents. My priority is simple: to make our area healthier, wealthier, and happier, and this investment helps us get there faster.”

Simon Cowell and his wife, Lauren Silverman, have made a big decision in raising their son, Eric.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 66, and his 48-year-old entrepreneur partner welcomed Eric in 2012, naming him after Simon’s father.

While he’s no stranger to the public eye, having appeared on TV alongside his lookalike dad numerous times, Simon and Lauren have now decided that he can have his own phone – but under strict conditions.

The media mogul and his wife have backtracked on their smartphone ban for their boy after an ‘honest conversation’ that made them reevaluate their rules.

Taking to Instagram, Lauren explained: ‘For a long time Simon and I were very firm about one thing, no phone for Eric. (Simon himself hasn’t had a phone for nearly 8 years!)

‘But recently Eric had a very honest conversation with us about it that made us rethink our position slightly.’

‘He now has a phone with some very clear boundaries,’ she added, explaining the rules he must adhere to. ‘The main one being, no social media. Just texting and calling friends and family.’

‘Parenting in the current world we are living in can sometimes feel overwhelming but swipe through to see the approach we are trying in our house for now,’ Lauren added in her carousel of pictures, going on to reveal that she ‘changed [her] mind’ since texting is very different to using socials platforms.

‘Whether we like it or not, texting has become a part of childhood,’ she stated. ‘Plans are made there. Jokes are shared there. Friendships often happen there and at some point kids start feeling like they are the only one not in the conversation.’

For a ‘long time’, she was ‘very clear’ that her son was not to have a phone, but discovered that their son had been secretly messaging friends on Snapchat using hers, leading to them reaching an understanding.

‘That moment really made me stop and think about what the right approach should be,’ Lauren reflected.

‘Instead of turning it into a battle, we talked. What he told me was actually very simple. He didn’t care about social media. He just wanted to be able to text and call his friends.’

Lauren – who noted phones aren’t allowed in Eric’s bedroom, at the dinner table, or during family time – explained the logic behind the ‘boundary’, writing that the ‘pressure, comparison, [and] toxicity’ of social media are things she’s more than happy to ‘wait for’.

As Lauren mentioned, Simon hasn’t had a phone of his own for eight years, despite being one of the most in-demand figures in British showbiz.

The former X Factor judge previously revealed how his decision was made for his own ‘mental health’.

He told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: ‘The difference it made was that I became more aware of the people around me and way more focused.

‘The thing I get irritated with is when you have a meeting, everyone’s on their phone – and I was probably in that place too. You can’t concentrate.

‘It has been so good for my mental health. It’s a very strange experience, but it really is good for you, and it has absolutely made me happier.’

Simon, whose dating history is well documented, his exes including Sinitta and Terri Seymour, began dating Lauren in 2013.

At the time, Lauren and her now-ex husband, Simon’s friend, Andrew Silverman, were going through a divorce, which turned messy when he accused her of cheating with Simon.

Proceedings were ultimately settled outside of court, avoiding Simon being called as a witness and protecting the well-being of Lauren and Andrew’s son.

Simon subsequently confirmed Lauren’s pregnancy, and Eric arrived on Valentine’s Day in 2014.

He and Lauren got engaged in Barbados in 2021, despite his long vocal reluctance about getting married.

Fiancée Lauren then sparked rumours they had quietly tied the knot when she launched a new Instagram account using his surname.

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MORE: Britain’s Got Talent judge left injured after ‘never before seen’ act causes chaos

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MORE: Simon Cowell’s ‘annoying habit’ banned by Britain’s Got Talent bosses

Significant changes to the driving test booking system are set to be rolled out this month, aiming to curb widespread misuse.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) announced that from March 31, learners will be limited to just two booking changes, down from the current six.

As of 12 May, only the learner themselves will be permitted to book or modify a car driving test, removing the current ability for instructors to do so.

A further restriction, effective on 9 June, will cap location changes for booked tests to the three closest test centres.

These measures are designed to thwart individuals who exploit automated programmes, or ‘bots’, to snap up available slots and resell them at inflated prices.

While the official test fee stands at £62, a National Audit Office (NAO) report from December revealed learners are being forced to pay up to £500 for black market bookings.

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Roads minister Simon Lightwood said: “Learning to drive is hard enough without an unfair booking system.

“Learners deserve clear, honest access to tests – not being ripped off by third-party sites.

“These changes put learners back in control, stop the system being gamed, and help make sure tests go to those who really need them.”

Beverley Warmington, the DVSA’s new chief executive, said: “Our priority is to stop learners being exploited by third parties and put them in control of booking their driving test.

“The changes announced today will help us achieve that goal and build on the more than 149,000 additional tests delivered between April 2025 and February 2026.”

The changes follow a public consultation which ran from May to July last year.

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Learners in Britain have faced a huge backlog to book driving tests.

The average waiting time for a test in Britain was 22 weeks in September 2025, compared with about five weeks in February 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic.

The NAO report said the DVSA failed to appoint sufficient new examiners to enable it to increase test slots despite several recruitment drives.

Mr Lightwood said the Government is “seeing progress” on its pledge to increase the number of tests.

Some 88,672 people passed their test last month, which was the highest February figure since records began in 2008.

Two young people have tragically died and others been hospitalised from meningitis.

People are being urged not to share vaping devices amid the ongoing meningitis outbreak, with experts warning the habit could significantly increase the risk of spreading infections.

The advice comes as health officials respond to a cluster of invasive meningococcal disease cases in Canterbury, where two young people have tragically died and several others have been hospitalised.

An 18-year-old high school pupil and a student from the University of Kent are among those who have lost their lives. Infections have been reported across the county, with the UK Health Security Agency confirming that at least 11 people are currently receiving hospital treatment.

The warning is particularly aimed at young people, as vaping is most prevalent among this group. Research suggests around 27 per cent of those aged 16 to 24 in the UK use e-cigarettes and vapes, making them the highest-usage age bracket.

Meningitis can be transmitted through close personal contact, including coughing, kissing and sharing drinks. Health experts say that sharing a vape poses a similar risk, as it can easily transfer saliva between users.

Shane Margereson, a vaping industry expert and owner of Ecigone, has stressed the importance of avoiding the habit altogether. And he warned that the risks are even greater during an outbreak of infectious disease.

Shane stated: “Just like smoking, many people will pass a vape to a friend without thinking about it, but this is something you should never do. Vaping devices come into direct contact with the mouth and can transfer saliva from one person to another.

“During outbreaks of infectious illnesses, sharing anything that involves saliva, including vaping, will increase your risk of spreading bacteria and viruses.”

Shane continued: “This can expose you to common viral infections like colds and flu, and also more serious illnesses such as meningitis, which can spread through close contact with respiratory droplets and saliva.”

Due to this, experts say vaping devices should be treated in the same way as other personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, drink bottles and eating utensils, all of which are personal items that shouldn’t be shared with others.

“Even if someone is healthy, they may be carrying bacteria or viruses without realising it. Passing vapes around in social settings can increase the risk of spreading infections,” Shane added.

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The current strain of meningitis which is affecting Kent is meningitis group B. It predominantly affects babies, young children, and young adults, and can prove extremely serious without quick treatment.

Warning signs include high temperatures, headaches, rashes, fits, being sick, lethargy and neck stiffness. These symptoms can appear in any order.

Additionally, it is important to note that you do not always get all the symptoms if you have meningitis. The NHS recommends that people call 999 for an ambulance or go to their nearest A&E, if they have any symptoms or suspect they have the disease.

People are advised to trust their instincts, as someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

Additionally the NHS recommend calling 111 for advice if you are unsure about your symptoms or you think you have been in contact with someone with meningitis.

Carl Callen was spotted by officers as he raced bumper to bumper in his Ford Mondeo with another vehicle in Ingleby Barwick.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 32-year-old mechanic initially pulled over for the police before executing a three-point turn and driving off at speed at about 10pm at night.

Lucy Todd, prosecuting, said: “Both vehicles accelerated hard and reached a speed of 70mph in a 40mph zone – the Mondeo was bumper to bumper with the one in front before officers activated their lights and sirens.”

The court heard how both cars pulled over before Callen performed a three-point turn and tried to make off from the scene.

Miss Todd said Callen reached speeds in excess of 90mph and went through a red light at the crossroads of Myton Way and The Rings causing another vehicle to take evasive action.

She said the defendant eventually pulled over again and told the officers that he had panicked before telling them there was cocaine for personal use in his car.

Callen, of Sapley Close, Thornaby, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving following his arrest on February 2 last year.

Michele Turner, mitigating, said her client had no previous convictions and his pre-sentence report shows that he has no criminogenic needs to address.

She said he had now found a new job and his father was taking him to and from work in Hartlepool.

Recorder Kama Melly KC sentenced Callen to a 12-month community order and told him he must carry out 50 hours of unpaid work.

“You seemed to be racing another vehicle and were driving at 70mph in a 40mph area and other drivers had to take evasive action,” she said.

Callen was also banned from driving for a year and had his car seized by the police.

Taranvir Galsinh from Sunderland – who showed “no remorse for his actions” – was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison last December. 

The 45-year-old took a teenager to a hotel where he raped her, sexually assaulted her, and paid her for having sex with him.

Galsinh also sexually assaulted her in a car several times and on one occasion tried to strangle her.

He also raped a second girl, and forced her to engage in sexual activity in his vehicle, for which he also paid her.

He previously pleaded guilty to pleading guilty to three counts of rape, intentional strangulation, three counts of paying for sexual services of a girl, sexual assault of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration of a child.

However, detectives and prosecutors were unhappy with the outcome and submitted an appeal against the sentence.

At the Court of Appeal in London last week, his sentence was extended to 18 years with one additional year on extended licence.

The Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and lifetime restraining orders against both girls imposed at the original sentencing hearing remain in place.

Detective Constable Hanna Liddle, of Durham Police, said: “The consequences of Galsinh’s actions will outlast any sentence but having seen the impact of what he has done we believed the sentence should be longer.

“He subjected the girls to an horrendous ordeal and continues to show no remorse for what he has done.

“The girls have been incredibly brave throughout this whole process, and we hope this extension to the sentence will help them as they try to find a way forward with their lives.”

To report a rape or sexual assault, call Durham Police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit the force’s online reporting page.

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit The Meadows – SARC

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk or visit 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line

Fifa appears to have ruled out moving Iran’s matches at this summer’s World Cup to Mexico from the United States.

The president of Iran’s football federation had said negotiations were under way to move fixtures in order to ensure their players’ safety.

It comes amid US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which has responded with attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.

However, on Tuesday Fifa said in a statement it was looking forward to nations “competing as per the match schedule”.

The US is co-hosting the World Cup, which takes place between 11 June and 19 July, with Canada and Mexico.

Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June, both in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle on 27 June.

Last week US President Donald Trump said that while Iran are “welcome to the World Cup”, he does not think “it is appropriate” they attend “for their own life and safety”.

“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” said Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj in a post, external on a social media account belonging to the Iranian embassy in Mexico.

“We are negotiating with Fifa to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”

A Fifa spokesperson said: “Fifa is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the World Cup.

“Fifa is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025.”

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, daily commuter, or just someone who loathes lukewarm coffee, a reliable thermos makes all the difference. The best thermal flasks combine vacuum insulation with leak-proof lids, durable exteriors and smart features such as one-handed push buttons or built-in cups.

Testing uncovered a large variation in heat retention, build quality and usability. Some high-performing models kept drinks hot for over 12 hours in wet and windy conditions, while others barely saw us through back-to-back Zooms while working from home.

We tested a wide range, from slim urban styles to rugged designs built for adventure, and assessed each one for thermal performance, ease of use, leak resistance and durability through a series of drop tests, temperature checks and backpack trials. You can read my full reviews below, followed by the answers to some frequently asked questions.

The best flasks: At a glance

How to choose the best flask

Leak-proofing is essential. Look for flasks marketed as fully leakproof, not just spill-resistant, with a secure screw lid and silicone gasket. Ease of cleaning is another deal-breaker. Wide-neck flasks are far easier to rinse, dry and keep hygienic, especially for those who fill their flask with soup, smoothies or milkier brews. An easily hand-washed or dishwasher-safe model is best for daily use.

Weight and grip are important considerations, too. Lightweight flasks are ideal for commutes or day bags, but they mustn’t feel flimsy. Look for powder-coated finishes or textured sleeves for added grip, especially in cold or wet conditions. Finally, it’s worth checking out the brand’s sustainability credentials. Will they offer replacement lids or, better yet, a lifetime guarantee? These are indicators of quality, longevity and less waste in the long run.

How I test flasks

To bring you the best thermos flasks of 2026, I rigorously tested models from best-selling brands like Stanley, Thermos and Hydro. Only the very best made this guide. Each flask was put through a week-long trial in real-life conditions, from cross-country train journeys to all-day hikes in the Lake District, where they were stuffed in rucksacks, left in hot cars and dropped (intentionally) on kitchen floors.

• Insulation performance: I filled each flask with boiling water, recorded the starting temperature and then measured again six hours later. I compared my results with the manufacturers’ claims.
• Capacity: I measured how much liquid each flask actually held. Some couldn’t be filled to the brim due to the lid design or risk of spillage.
• Material and durability: I assessed the flasks’ toughness by performing a one-metre drop test onto hard wooden flooring.
• Lid design and leak-proofing: I examined how easy each lid was to open, drink from and safely reseal. I then shook and inverted full flasks to check for leaks and spills.
• Portability: Weight (both full and empty), grip comfort, handle design and fit in cup holders or backpacks were all considered.

All top-scoring flasks are stored for longer-term testing and comparison. This guide is regularly updated, with new flasks tested upon release. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about the testing process.