From the police angle, it all reeks of self-congratulatory back-patting. We’re led, step by step, through how their case came together: babies at the neonatal unit started dying, but those deaths stopped when Letby was taken off the unit. People started getting suspicious. She was arrested three times, and each time, the police trawled through her house in search of evidence. Eventually, they found some, which, paired with apparently suspicious interviews, saw her charged with murder.

Drivers over the age of 70 will be affected by some major changes as the government seeks to make the roads safer

Older drivers could be facing a new slate of rules, tests and mandatory requirements if they want to continue being on the roads once the government’s Road Safety Strategy comes into play. The proposed strategy will have a wide-reaching impact from car manufacturers to town planners and drivers.

One of the headline proposals in the strategy will introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70 as well as options for cognitive testing for older drivers. The strategy notes: “The government is consulting on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over age 70 and will develop options for cognitive testing for older drivers These measures aim to reduce deaths and injuries involving older drivers, without unnecessarily restricting their mobility and personal freedom.”

As the population ages there is more older drivers on the roads. The strategy recognises the independence driving provides for this age group but warned that issues like declining vision, cognitive function and increased frailty can pose a danger to all road users.

Since 2012, the number of licenses held by people over 70 has almost doubled from 3.9 million to 6.2 million according to DVLA statistics. The Older Drivers Forum noted: “No one wants unsafe drivers on the road, and regular vision checks can actually help people continue driving for longer by identifying issues early and enabling timely treatment.”

When facing these eye tests, a driving licence will only be withdrawn if a person’s eyesight no longer meets the legal standard for safe driving. People over the age of 60 are already entitled to free NHS-funded eye tests in England.

Older motorists with certain medical conditions could also face cognitive assessments in the future in order to keep their licenses. This is also meant to emphasise the importance of telling the DVLA if you have a notifiable medical condition.

Cognitive tests like this are already available through platforms like Driving Mobility, which provides personalised advice, vehicle adaptation recommendations and clear reports for the DVLA, all in an effort to ensure drivers can be on the road safely for as long as possible.

There is no statutory age at which you’re required to stop driving, although over-70s must renew their licence every three years. When you choose to cease driving or are advised by your GP to do so, you’ll need to inform the DVLA and send them your licence.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, wrote in the foreword of the strategy: “Bereaved families don’t need sympathy, they deserve action. This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a government that’s not just listening, but leading.

“Our vision is clear: to ensure that people can travel safely on our roads however they choose. This strategy is not just a document; it is a call to action for government, local authorities, road safety groups, emergency services and the public. Together, we can build a safer future for all road users.”

Other proposed changes in the strategy include stricter drink-drive limits, a minimum three or six-month learning period for new drivers before taking their practical test and the National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them.

The meeting forms part of the committee’s inquiry on the State Pension age.

Nineteen people aged over 50, some not yet of State Pension age, met with committee members in a session organised by Age UK County Durham.

Participants spoke openly about the financial pressures they face after leaving work due to health issues or caring commitments, and their struggle to get by without a pension.

Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: “We heard today from people in their 50s and 60s, some of whom have been forced to retire ahead of State Pension age due to the issues they face, either due to caring responsibilities or health conditions.

“That people approaching State Pension age face particular issues, such as increased hardship, is something we came across in a previous inquiry, which is why we decided to look specifically at this problem.”

Attendees described being pushed into debt or relying on dwindling savings and insecure work to survive.

Many said they felt too proud to seek help, while others criticised the lack of clear, accessible information about their options.

Robyn Holmes, CEO of Age UK County Durham, said: “This has been an excellent opportunity for people aged over 50 who live and work in County Durham to be heard on many issues that potentially have a huge impact on their well-being.

“We’ve heard some real concerns about income gaps, particularly from those who care for others, and those with long-term health issues.

“We’ve heard very clearly about the need for quality, local advice, for information and support on these issues.”

Gender differences also came to light: women often faced lower retirement incomes due to gaps in their National Insurance record from time taken out to care for family, while men who had spent years in manual work were likely to have fewer healthy years in retirement.

Participants also raised issues with Jobcentre support and the loss of Carer’s Allowance when they claim the State Pension.

Suggested solutions included better access to free financial advice, simpler communications about retirement, and practical help for those with limited digital skills.

Tackling ageism in the workplace was also flagged as a priority.

One attendee, Steve, said: “I’ve been looking forward to actually have a say to MPs to maybe make a tiny little bit of difference to other people’s lives.

“We talked mainly about our experiences. We all had things to say and it was absolutely brilliant.

“I think the event was great and I am chuffed to have had the experience and the chance to do this.”

Age UK County Durham runs a support programme for people aged 50 to 69, offering guidance on financial planning, health, and preparing for retirement.

The risk of poverty is high: nearly one in four people over 60 live below the poverty line, and when the State Pension age last rose to 66, poverty rates among 65-year-olds doubled.

The committee will publish its findings from the inquiry later this year.

Ms Abrahams said: “We needed to hear of the impact that the challenges pre-pensioners encounter as they aim to get the comfortable retirement they deserve.”

Ms Holmes said: “That’s why Chapter 50: Future You, a piece of work initiated by Age UK County Durham, is so important in raising awareness of leaving employment, of impending retirement, and preparing financially, socially, and physically for a more sustainable and enjoyable later life.”

A 23-YEAR-old man plunged five floors to his death after checking on a pizza delivery order from his flat.

Joshua Robbins was at his central London flat on January 29 when he heard his flat buzzer ring.

Assuming it was a pizza deliver, he leaned over a railing to check and fell to his death after the railing reportedly gave way.

In a joint statement, his devastated parents Fiona Garrett and Mr Robbins Snr said: “Josh fell from a height of five floors and died on impact.

“Josh’s father Will witnessed the immediate aftermath of his son’s fall, something no parent should ever have to see. He is deeply traumatised by what he witnessed.

“This is not an allegation or speculation. The railing gave way. Our son did not climb it or behave recklessly. A safety barrier that was meant to prevent a fall gave way, with catastrophic consequences.”

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The incident occurred at the Holland and Thurston Dwellings apartment block in Holborn London.

Joshua, originally from Claudy, Co Derry in Northern Ireland, was living with his father at the apartment at the time.

After falling five floors while checking on a pizza deliver, police were called to the residency at 8:91pm following reports of a fall from height.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Joshua was pronounced dead.

His next of kin had been informed of his death, who are being supported by specialist officers.

Joshua’s parents said that he loved watching the GAA growing up in Claudy.

“He had a smile that lit up every room and was widely described as kind, funny, and full of charisma, with impeccable manners and an ease with people that made him instantly likeable,” they added.

The family said that they were grateful for the support they got from The Katie Trust, a charity that supports families following sudden, unexplained or traumatic deaths.

Expressing their sadness, the parents said: “Our family is absolutely devastated.

“We have lost our son. We should not be planning a cremation. We should not be waiting for pathology reports. We should not be writing statements like this or trying to navigate trauma and bureaucracy at the same time. Yet here we are.”

The parents have been in contact with the Metropolitan Police and Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association for answers surrounding their son’s death.

Pippa Fleetwood-Read, chief executive at Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association, said: “The death of Joshua Robbins is deeply saddening, and everyone at ISHA sends our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

“We are fully cooperating with the police and their investigation, but at this early stage it would be inappropriate to comment further until the full facts surrounding the incident have been established.”

The Met Police has been approached for comment.

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Graphic videos showing the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk while he spoke to a crowd on a Utah college campus quickly went viral, drawing millions of views.

Screenshots from such videos were offered Tuesday as evidence in the murder case against Tyler Robinson, the man charged in Kirk’s killing. But the full videos were not shown in court, after defense attorneys objected out of concern that the footage would undermine Robinson’s right to a fair trial.

Legal experts say the defense team’s worries are real: Media coverage in high-profile cases like Robinson’s can have a direct “biasing effect” on potential jurors, said Cornell Law School Professor Valerie Hans.

“There were videos about the killing, and pictures and analysis (and) the entire saga of how this particular defendant came to turn himself in,” said Hans, a leading expert on the jury system. “When jurors come to a trial with this kind of background information from the media, it shapes how they see the evidence that is presented in the courtroom.”

Defense attorneys also want to oust TV and still cameras from the courtroom, arguing that “highly biased” news outlets risk tainting the case.

Prosecutors, attorneys for news organizations, and Kirk’s widow urged state District Judge Tony Graf to keep the proceedings open.

“In the absence of transparency, speculation, misinformation, and conspiracy theories are likely to proliferate, eroding public confidence in the judicial process,” Erika Kirk’s attorney wrote in a court filing.

Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for Robinson, 22, who is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. He has not yet entered a plea.

An estimated 3,000 people attended the outdoor rally to hear Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA, who helped mobilize young people to vote for President Donald Trump.

To secure a death sentence in Utah, prosecutors must demonstrate aggravating circumstances, such as that the crime was especially heinous or atrocious. That’s where the graphic videos could come into play.

Watching those videos might make people think, “‘Yeah, this was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel,’” Hans said.

Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray testified Tuesday that he thought about seeking the death penalty before an arrest had been made. He could not recall exactly when he told the governor and federal officials about his plan. Asked why he announced so early his intent to seek the death penalty, Gray said the case was already drawing enormous public attention.

“The more delay, then it just creates all this unnecessary public speculation,” he said, adding that he didn’t want Erika Kirk to have to sit with the uncertainty.

Defense attorneys are seeking to disqualify local prosecutors because the adult daughter of Chad Grunander, a deputy county attorney helping prosecute the case, attended the rally where Kirk was shot. The defense alleges the relationship represents a conflict of interest.

Grunander’s daughter testified Tuesday that she did not video the shooting or the aftermath. She said she was looking at the crowd when she heard a loud pop and a man sitting nearby shouted, “He’s been shot.” She never turned to look back at Kirk and did not know he was the person shot until after she ran to safety, she said.

Judge Graf said he would issue his ruling on whether to disqualify prosecutors on Feb. 24.

Utah State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull testified Tuesday that DNA on a firearm found wrapped in a black towel in a wooded area just off campus matched Robinson’s. Robinson also reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”

Robinson’s attorneys have ramped up claims of bias as the case has advanced, even accusing news outlets of using lip readers to deduce what the defendant is whispering to his attorneys during hearings.

“Rather than being a beacon for truth and openness, the News Media have simply become a financial investor in this case,” defense attorneys wrote in a request for the court to seal some of their accusations of media bias.

Further complicating efforts to ensure a fair trial is the rhetoric swirling around Kirk’s death because of his political prominence. Even before Robinson was charged, people jumped to conclusions about who the shooter could be and what kind of politics he espoused.

“People are just projecting a lot of their own sense of what they think was going on, and that really creates concerns about whether they can be open to hearing the actual evidence that’s presented,” said University of Utah law professor Teneille Brown.

___

Brown reported from Billings, Montana.

The school was officially launched as one of the first integrated primaries in Northern Ireland by football star and Killyleagh native David Healy in 2016.

A Co Down school’s development plans are being delayed amid a Northern Ireland Water non-disclosure due to “national security”.

Killyleagh Integrated Primary is due for a major enhancement, but its principal has been kept in the dark as he says the Education Authority has failed to keep him informed.

A local parent of a pupil claims he has also been blocked from NIW sewer connection plans as “essential” £9m Waste Water Treatment Work upgrades could delay the future of the school with a planning decision that ultimately rests with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

READ MORE: Man arrested after sinister threats made to Newry, Mourne and Down councillors.

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Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the parent said: “I asked for data on the WWTW in Killyleagh, and NIW has officially refused, claiming it’s a ‘National Security’ risk.

“There are 13 storm overflows in Killyleagh, 10 breach environmental standards and that has been confirmed by Department for Infrastructure, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and NIW.

“DfI -Rivers now has a building block on Killyleagh Integrated Primary, with £9million needed to fix non-compliant sewerage points, but no plans in place to fix them.”

The LDRS has seen the correspondence from the government bodies confirming the environmental breaches.

However, Killyleagh Integrated Primary principal, Jason Milligan says the EA has kept him in the dark over the storm sewer problems, saying:”Unfortunately I know nothing about this issue, as the EA have not been in contact with me in relation to the School Enhancement Programme for almost a year.

“I fail to see how a storm sewer would be an issue – is there not an existing one for the school?

“The plan for the school was to refurbish the existing building and add on a multi-purpose hall, so I can’t see how this would have a major difference to the school’s existing sewage requirements.”

The school was officially launched as one of the first integrated primaries in Northern Ireland by football star and Killyleagh native David Healy in 2016.

Its enrollment numbers were capped in 2019 by the Department of Education from 175 to 126 children, due to “undersized classrooms and substandard accommodation”.

It is understood that the new enhancement would allow for more pupils of mixed religious backgrounds to enter the school.

The LDRS contacted the EA for clarity on the matter.

A spokesperson said: “In May 2018 the Minister for Education announced the second call for the School Enhancement Programme.

“Killyleagh Integrated Primary School was announced as part of this SEP call and the project is being taken forward in planning.

“An Integrated Consultant Team are leading the project from technical feasibility through to completion. The Business Case for the proposed project was approved by the Department of Educationin April 2024.

“The ICT has completed stage two of the design and awaits formal instruction to commence stage three.

“A Pre-Application Discussion meeting was held with Newry and Mourne District Council’s Planning Department, the outcome of which stated that there is ‘no public storm sewer available which can serve this proposal.

“As such the applicant should liaise with DFI Rivers Agency to see if discharge would be possible to any local watercourses’.

“With regard to a potential solution to this issue, once approval to proceed has been received from DE, the Education Authority will instruct the ICT to explore solutions to be submitted for approval as part of the design and planning process.”

The concerned parent also put forward a Freedom of Information request on Killyleagh WWTC upgrades and stormwater assets due to their concerns over the school upgrade delays.

The NIW responded: “A public authority may refuse to disclose information to the extent that its disclosure would adversely affect international relations, defence, national security or public safety.

“It is the adverse effect on national security and on public safety to which NIW is referring in areas where there is uncontrolled access by the general public.

The letter adds: “Any information that places the public, public infrastructure and/ or the environment at an increased risk of being targeted must be protected at all costs and carries significant weight in favour of non-disclosure.

“It is felt by NIW therefore that the public interest arguments in favour of disclosure are wholly outweighed by those in favour of safeguarding the withheld information from wider public dissemination.”

The enhancement plans for Killyleagh have been mooted since 2018 with pre-application discussion underway for some time between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the EA.

But, due to a said lack of storm sewer water connections and a publicly announced tightening of the NIW purse, it seems Killyleagh Integrated Primary will not be enhanced until at least the turn of the next decade.

A DfI -Rivers letter reads: “Killyleagh WWTC currently has treatment capacity, however there are 13 discharging assets in the catchment, 10 of which are classified as unsatisfactory intermittent discharges.

“These assets discharge more frequently than designed causing out of sewer flooding and environmental pollution.

“NIW’s high level estimates indicate that around £9m would be required to bring all these assets in the catchment into compliance with environmental requirements.

“NIW further advises it has no plans at present to upgrade these assets, however it has commenced business planning for the next price control period. (2028/29-2032/2033).”

Furthermore, DAERA has also confirmed that the no enfocement action has been taken against NIW for its existing ‘Innishmore overflow in Killyleagh following pollution incidents at an “unconsented asset”.

The DAERA letter reads:”Regarding pollution incidents from Innishmore combined sewer overflow in Killyleagh.

“NIEA recorded two pollution incidents at Innishmore Wastewater Pumping Station in 2024.

“One was recorded as low severity and the other as no pollution found. No enforcement action was taken against NIW in relation to these incidents.

“Innishmore is currently an unconsented asset. NIW has applied to DAERA for the asset to be added to the Killyleagh collection system.”

The LDRS contacted NMDDC. A spokesperson said: “The council is unable to comment on the Pre Application Discussion, which is a non-statutory process.

“Once any planning application is made, updates are made available to view on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Pep Guardiola spoke about refereeing conspiracies and Rodri’s comments in the aftermath of Manchester City’s draw with Tottenham

Pep Guardiola defended Rodri as he played down the idea of a refereeing conspiracy against Manchester City. The Blues boss stands by his beliefs that his team have been on the end of a number of poor calls from the officials in recent weeks, but told his players they cannot use it as an excuse.

City’s manager has raged at refereeing decisions a number of times in recent weeks, angry at controversial calls that he thinks have not helped them when dropping crucial Premier League points against Newcastle, Brighton and United and even in the win over Wolves. A lengthy delay with a divisive ruling in the Carabao Cup semi-final at Newcastle also upset Guardiola.

He was calmer about Dominic Solanke’s opening goal to start the Tottenham comeback in the 2-2 draw against City on Sunday, even if he expressed at the time that it was a foul. As Guardiola was pouring water onto that fire in the press conference, Rodri was elsewhere with the oil as the midfielder said he had to speak up because ‘referees have to be neutral’ even if ‘people do not want us to win’.

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Guardiola shut down the notion of a refereeing conspiracy against his team as they prepare for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle. However, he still thinks Marc Guehi was fouled for the Tottenham goal and is happy that everyone can make their own mind up with all of the images.

“Absolutely not. Of course there aren’t meetings between the referees about how they can punish Man City. I’ve never said that,” he said. “I’m saying that despite all the circumstances that happened…if the people are saying that the laws say the right decision was given, as Sky said. The guy was interesting by saying ‘it was a foul’ and now saying ‘after watching more and more, it’s not’. I don’t know, I’m not a referee and never will be.

“Marc has the ball under control and is kicked from behind and makes an own goal. Solanke didn’t score, Marc scored. He was kicked and a goal. If people believe this should be allowed then it is fine. I’m not in agreement but nothing changes.”

Rodri’s comments have been criticised for suggesting that referees were not being fair with City. Guardiola had sympathy for a player being frustrated immediately after a game where the team have dropped points in, but needs his side to focus on being better themselves rather than moaning about referees.

“In that moment you can feel the situations, when you finish the game and go (to the interviews). How many years with Rodri here? Seven years? Always I’ve said we have to do better. He knows it. Second half score more goals, control ourselves in the second halves a little bit better. That is for sure. That is the message.

“But the images are there. You can agree or disagree. Nothing is going to change, right? For me it is a foul and for you it is not. It’s fine. That’s why football is what it is. I’m not suspicious.

“We have to focus on what we have to do. That’s why we won. I won with my team – 13 or 14 [trophies] – because the excuses were completely out. Last season showed that – no one went on about it. It was not really good. It was on ourselves.

“Here we don’t blame for one day – it’s on our shoulders. Here we have to do better, we have to find a way – like now. Do you think in the second half [the reason] we drop is for the referees? No. The players know it every single day. But it’s a fact that what happened this season.”

The actress is completely unrecognisable in this perfectly-rated thriller available to binge watch now

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An actress from Love Actually is barely recognisable in a “remarkable” thriller that has kept viewers on tenterhooks.

German actress Heike Makatsch, best known for her role as Mia, the seductive secretary who entices her boss Harry (Alan Rickman) in the 2003 Christmas film, has undergone a dramatic transformation.

Despite the romantic comedy’s iconic status, its 65% Rotten Tomatoes rating is overshadowed by Heike’s impeccably-rated 2024 show, Where’s Wanda?

Available now on Apple TV+, the dark comedy follows distraught parents Dedo (Axel Stein) and Carlotta Klatt (Heike) in their quest to find their daughter Wanda, who vanished months earlier.

Disappointed with the police’s failure to locate her, the couple take the initiative and start snooping on their neighbours for clues, reports the Mirror.

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Fans of Love Actually may need a moment to recognise Heike in the drama as she swaps her dark bob for long blonde locks.

The Apple TV drama quickly won over critics upon its release, earning an impressive 100% score from seven reviews. Casual viewers were also captivated, albeit awarding it a slightly less generous 68% rating.

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One fan penned a glowing review, writing: “I was overwhelmingly pleased. It was genuinely funny, aesthetically gorgeous, stupendously well acted, and decidedly fresh, making a story that I don’t think has ever been told before. 11/10 well worth a watch.”

Another viewer concurred, exclaiming: “This show is such a delight! I have never seen such an extraordinary mixture of genres that throws you from one corner of laughter to the other corner of crying and then also exciting puzzle-piecing. A must watch for armchair detectives!”

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A third person labelled it as “fantastic,” while another enthused: “I really enjoyed the unexpected curveballs, dark humour and loveable characters unlike other shows. At times I was giggling my head off while other times I was at the edge of my seat.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

“The end makes me hope that there will be a season 2. Don’t leave us hanging please! !”.

Luckily, the German drama has been commissioned for a second series, which is expected to comprise another eight episodes.

Where’s Wanda? is streaming now on Apple TV+

The inspection took place in October last year and identified 13 concerns

A Cambridgeshire prison has been rated as ‘poor and ‘inadequate’ in certain areas. The report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons follows an unannounced inspection of HMP Whitemoor, in October last year.

Overall, the inspection was “positive and encouraging”, with the prison rated ‘good’ for safety and “reasonably good” for respect and preparing inmates for release.

The inspection of the prison, near March, identified 13 key concerns, four of which the report says should be treated as priorities and require immediate attention.

The report said: “Whitemoor was an improved prison, doing a difficult job reasonably well. We leave the jail with a number of priorities and concerns that we have identified and which we hope will assist further improvements.”

One of those priority concerns was that the daily routine and regime were “inadequate”. The report said that prison staff told them this was due to staffing shortfalls, and high level of absence across all grades. The report also identified that “too many prisoners were locked up during the working day” as another issue. “Critical work” is needed in areas including education and skills, hospital appointments, and suspicion drug testing which were reportedly not delivered consistently.

The report said: “These issues were also symptomatic of wider systemic challenges, including recruitment and retention difficulties, which were forecast to worsen in the coming months.”

However, inspectors also said: “Despite these challenges, we observed much that was positive in the prison.”

HMP Whitemoor is a high security prison, which is for category A and B male prisoners. More than 80 percent of these prisoners have been assessed as presenting a “high or very high risk of serious harm”. At the time of the report, there were 455 men being held, with nearly all serving sentences in excess of 10 years.

“Limited interventions and a lack of purposeful activity made it difficult for prisoners to demonstrate a reduction in risk”, the report said, and “too few” were able to progress in their sentence, following a repeat concern identified in their previous inspection in 2022.

According to the report, 58 percent of the 455 prisoners held at the time of the inspection had a disability or learning difficulty, and the inspection found that attendance across education, skills and work were too low and listed among the four priority concerns that require immediate attention.

The Ministry of Justice emphasised that new education contracts provide a clearer specification for the delivery of classroom activities and vocational training to ensure job readiness for prisoners on release. They have also launched a new national careers service to help prisoners understand their options and created sector-specific training with guaranteed job offers on release.

The report also raised concerns of cleanliness standards, stating that there was “little accountability, and staff lacked the motivation to enforce good standards”. Cleaning equipment was often found in “poor condition” and held in “dirty cupboards”, as well as no regular inspections by wing leaders.

The inspection, carried out by Deputy Chief inspector, Martin Lomas, alongside others, found that waiting times for external health appointments were too long and frequently cancelled due to a lack of officer escorts and there were “significant” delays in assessing and transferring patients to secure hospital beds under the Mental Health Act. The public report states that one patient reportedly waited 18-months despite undergoing multiple assessments.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, physical and mental health providor for the prison, said: “We are committed to providing safe, high-quality healthcare services and, as a learning organisation, we recognise the importance of continually improving our provision for the benefit of all our service users.

“We have worked with HM Inspectorate of Prisons to address all the areas of concern highlighted for our attention in the inspection report, and the report acknowledges that these actions have been completed.”

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We welcome the inspectorate’s recognition that HMP Whitemoor has improved and are pleased to see praise for our dedicated staff.

“This Government inherited a prisons system in crisis, overcrowded and with significant staffing shortages. We are addressing this by recruiting more officers, deploying them where they’re most needed, and expanding training and education for prisoners.”

The Met Office said snow accumulations of 1-3 cm will mainly occur above around 200 metres and there is a chance of transient freezing rain over higher ground

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Parts of Wales could be blanketed with snow as the start of another month brings arctic conditions.

The Met Office has issued “yellow” level weather warnings for snow on Wednesday, February 4, which covers 29 areas. Six areas in Wales may also see snowfall on Wednesday, February 4.

“Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will move north over mid and north Wales and northern England on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning,” the Met Office said.

Snow accumulations of 1-3 cm will mainly occur above around 200 metres. The forecaster also said there is a chance of transient freezing rain over higher ground. Although the odds of this occurring in any one location is small, it would increase the ice risk.

The following areas in Wales have been issued a “yellow” level alert for snow from 6pm on Tuesday, February 3 to 9am on Wednesday, February 4:

• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Flintshire
• Gwynedd
• Powys
• Wrexham

Sleet and snow is expected to clear from the south through Wednesday morning.

The Met Office warned road users that snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. It urged driver to keep themselves and others safe by planning their route and giving themselves extra time for your journey. The forecaster said road users should check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.

It is important to prepare for snowy conditions when driving by making sure you have essentials in your vehicle in the event of any delays. The Met Office said these essentials include warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger.

Other parts of the UK have been warned that strong winds at times will lead to blizzard conditions and drifting of lying snow, specifically in the north of the warning area covering parts of Scotland.

Other areas across the UK under snow warnings on Wednesday include:

East Midlands

North East England

North West England

• Cheshire East
• Cumbria
• Greater Manchester
• Lancashire

West Midlands

Yorkshire & Humber

• North Yorkshire
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire

Central, Tayside & Fife

• Angus
• Clackmannanshire
• Dundee
• Fife
• Perth and Kinross
• Stirling

Grampian

• Aberdeen
• Aberdeenshire
• Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

Orkney & Shetland

• Orkney Islands
• Shetland Islands

Strathclyde