The State Pension has increased in line with the Triple Lock this year

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Millions of pensioners throughout Great Britain are now in receipt of increased State Pension payments following the annual uprating. The 2026 payment rates for both the New and Basic State Pension will stay in effect until April 2027.

Individuals retiring this year will be entitled to the New State Pension, valued at up to £241.30 per week. Meanwhile, those who retired prior to April 2016 receive the Basic State Pension, worth up to £184.90 weekly.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) distributes the payments on a weekly, fortnightly or four-weekly basis – the frequency is determined by the payment schedule agreed when an individual claims the contributory benefit.

Under the Triple Lock mechanism, the New and Basic State Pensions rise annually in accordance with whichever is highest among average annual earnings growth from May to July, the CPI inflation rate in the year to September, or 2.5 per cent.

Additional State Pension components and deferred State Pensions increase annually with the September CPI figure, reports the Daily Record.

The full New State Pension has risen by approximately £574 to £12,547 during the 2026/27 financial year. Nevertheless, this leaves merely £36 before the Personal Allowance income threshold of £12,570 is breached, which could result in more pensioners with any supplementary income paying tax during retirement.

The UK Government recently confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will introduce new measures this year to ensure pensioners, whose sole income is the State Pension, will not be required to complete a Simple Self Assessment tax return if their payment exceeds the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570. This follows the decision to keep the Personal Allowance frozen at £12,570 until April 2031.

It is worth noting that the amount of State Pension an individual receives is determined by their National Insurance contributions. Approximately 35 years’ worth of contributions are needed to qualify for the full New State Pension, though this may vary for those who were ‘contracted out’.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed what they describe as a fundamentally new type of vaccine using artificial intelligence (AI). The vaccine’s key component was designed entirely by AI and has now been tested in people for the first time.

The goal is ambitious: a single vaccine that works not just against all known human coronavirus variants, but against related bat viruses that could jump from animals to humans and cause future pandemics.

Traditional vaccines train our immune system to recognise one specific virus. The problem is that viruses mutate. When they change enough, the vaccine stops working, which is why we need a new flu shot every year and why COVID vaccines have been updated repeatedly since 2021.

AI offers a way around this. By analysing genetic data from thousands of related viruses, it can identify the parts that stay the same across different strains and that are unlikely to change over time. Target those stable features, and you have a vaccine that should work against the whole family, not just the strain you started with.

This is exactly what the Cambridge team did. They used AI to scan viruses from the sarbecovirus family, which includes the viruses that cause both SARS and COVID, as well as a range of animal coronaviruses – looking for shared features that evolution has left largely untouched. Those features became the basis of the vaccine.

DNA vaccines

While many people are familiar with the mRNA shots used during the pandemic, this new vaccine uses DNA. DNA vaccines are generally more stable than mRNA vaccines, making them easier to store and transport. A significant advantage in lower-income countries where “cold-chain” infrastructure is limited.

They can also be administered without needles. A high-pressure stream of liquid delivers the vaccine through the skin, making administration less painful and easier to scale up during an outbreak.

Could it protect against future pandemics?

These practical advantages matter most if the vaccine itself can do something no existing jab can: protect against viruses we haven’t encountered yet.

Broad-spectrum vaccines could change the way the world responds to emerging infectious diseases. By offering much wider protection than traditional vaccines, they could provide rapid immunity against new and emerging viral threats. This would equip public health officials with tools to stop future outbreaks in their tracks before they have a chance to turn into global pandemics.

They could also transform our approach to more familiar diseases. Influenza is a prime target because it exists in many different strains and evolves so rapidly. Scientists have to predict which strains will dominate each flu season, and they guess wrong, vaccine effectiveness can suffer. A universal flu vaccine that targets features shared across multiple strains could eventually end the annual race to keep up with the virus.

And the Ebola virus shows why this matters right now. The recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, which bypasses existing vaccines. While researchers rush to create a new vaccine specifically for this strain, local communities remain at high risk. A broad-spectrum vaccine designed to cover an entire virus family could transform that picture.

What the trial found

This is the first human trial of an AI-designed vaccine. The results showed that this DNA vaccine was able to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can recognise different types of sarbecoviruses. The technology was found to be safe and well tolerated.

This is an exciting advance because it demonstrates how AI has the potential to design variant-proof vaccines against future pandemic threats. The needle-free delivery system could also make the vaccine easier to administer and distribute worldwide.

However, there is more work to do. Although the results in this study are encouraging, the immune responses following vaccination were modest. It was also uncertain how long the protection lasts and whether further boosters will be required. Larger trials are also needed to determine whether the vaccine can prevent or reduce virus infections in the real world.

A universal vaccine remains a few years away. And any new vaccine must still pass larger trials to prove it is safe, effective and provides lasting protection. But this study shows the goal is getting closer – and AI may help us get there faster.

Manchester United appear to be back in the transfer race for Elliot Anderson with Manchester City after a Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to meet Elliot Anderson’s wage demands as Manchester United reportedly remain in the race against Manchester City for his signature. Nottingham Forest’s hefty £100million asking price and City’s firm interest saw Old Trafford chiefs initially concede defeat and look elsewhere for midfield additions.

Ederson of Atalanta swiftly became their focus and a £38m deal for the Brazil international, who is set to be a late World Cup call-up, has since been wrapped up. A second midfield signing is now being looked at with West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba all linked.

However, The Guardian are reporting that United remain intent on signing Anderson with it claimed that executives at the club are confident they can beat City to the deal. Despite the significant funds needed, it has been claimed that Sir Jim would be prepared to meet Anderson’s wage demands.

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The 23-year-old is on a weekly salary of £100,000 at the City Ground and regardless of which Manchester club he joins, a 50 per cent increase is expected. City have already lodged a bid that was rejected and are now planning a second offer in excess of £80m, but that is still firmly below Forest’s asking price.

A strong World Cup showing for Anderson with England could even see them demand more. He is expected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield for the Three Lions’ group-stage opener against Croatia.

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United star Kobbie Mainoo is likely the first back-up option to both while Marcus Rashford is in a battle with Anthony Gordon to start at left wing.

The former remains intent on joining Barcelona permanently which has seen him turn down potential moves to Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham and most recently German champions Bayern Munich.

Though he has not played for United in 18 months, potential replacements in the squad for Rashford are being looked at.

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a target over the last few weeks while Yan Diomande was also of interest, though he appears set for a move to either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool if he leaves RB Leipzig.

Similarly to Anderson, Diomande impressing at the World Cup could impact his future with Ivory Coast to face Ecuador, Germany and Curacao.

United looked set to avoid such a delay with the signing of Ederson, but he has been chosen by Carlo Ancelotti as the replacement for the injured Wesley.

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Calum Frame, prosecuting, said the women had known each other for almost all of their lives.

A woman has been jailed for 15 months after battering her partner on the head with a wooden shelf.

Danielle Wilson and her partner’s relationship had been “toxic”, Hamilton Sheriff Court was told.

Wilson, 33, of Smyllum Road, Lanark, admitted assaulting the victim to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

The attack happened at a house in Telford Road, East Kilbride, in the early hours of December 10, 2024.

The Crown accepted that Wilson acted under provocation, having been hit by her partner first.

Calum Frame, prosecuting, said the women had known each other for almost all of their lives.

They had been in a relationship for around four months at the time of the assault. They both have children with previous partners.

Mr Frame told the court that the victim had taken alcohol and valium before falling asleep.

Her recollection of events was “hazy” but she remembered Wilson waking her and being struck on the head.

Mr Frame said: “Police were contacted by a neighbour. Officers came upon [the victim] in the street around 1.30am.

“She had a laceration to the top of her head that required four stitches and has left a scar.”

Wilson also admitted breaching bail conditions by having contact with the woman at a later date and failing to comply with a curfew.

Defence lawyer Laura Kiernan said Wilson had been annoyed after she was woken by one of the victim’s friends who had turned up at the door late at night.

Ms Kiernan stated: “My client then woke [the victim] who struck her first with a shelf. My client hit her back with this item but she accepts it was not self-defence.

“Both of these women have difficulties with their mental health and substance abuse.

“Danielle Wilson suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and at the time of this incident was really struggling with addictions.

“Both were using crack cocaine and it’s no surprise the relationship became toxic.

“My client has attended Cocaine Anonymous. She has a support worker and is seeking rehabilitation.”

Sheriff Liam Murphy said it was a serious assault committed while Wilson was on bail for other matters.

The sheriff told her: “I take account of the provocation and all that has been said on your behalf, but there is no alternative to custody.”

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The thief also urinated in the police van on the way to custody

A pyjama thief threatened shop staff with a crutch and later exposed himself to a police officer. Nicholas Masson, 32, was caught stealing pyjamas at Sainsbury’s supermarket, in Chequers Shopping Centre in Huntingdon, at about 10.40am on December 10, 2024.

He absconded but was followed outside by staff. The 32-year-old threatened them with a crutch before throwing the pyjamas at them.

Officers arrived and arrested Masson who urinated in the police van on the way to custody. After being released on bail, a drunken Masson exposed himself to a police officer in Regent Street, Cambridge, on December 19, 2024 and was arrested again.

Further investigations found Masson had been shouting, swearing, and following a woman at the Co-op, in Hills Road, earlier that day.

Masson, of no fixed address, was jailed for 13 months on Friday, June 5, at Peterborough Crown Court. He had pleaded guilty to two counts of using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress, exposure, theft, criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon, and common assault of an emergency worker.

Sergeant James Woore, who investigated, said: “Masson was incredibly aggressive and abusive to staff, officers and people who were just going about their everyday business in Huntingdon that day.

“And rather than use his arrest as a ‘wake-up’ call, he exposed himself to one of my colleagues while intoxicated in Cambridge.”

The 4.8-star rated Dunelm Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug is currently half price, with sizes starting from just £24.50

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Updating your interior décor offers an enjoyable opportunity to breathe new life into your home, and one of the easiest methods to inject vibrant colour into your living area is by adding a fashionable new rug.

A sought-after choice from Dunelm is the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug, currently available at half price. This shaggy rug comes in grey and natural shades, versatile colours that complement most interior schemes. Available in six different dimensions, the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug is priced between £24.50 and £329.

Size options include – 80cm x 150cm, slashed from £49 to £24.50, 120cm x 170cm, cut from £69 to £34.50, and the 160cm x 230cm variant now priced at £79.50, down from £159, reports Wales Online.

Dunelm’s website describes the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug as: “Scrumptiously soft, the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug is a real treat for your feet! Made from a supersoft high pile, this rug will add a touch of cosiness to any living space.

“The hints of mottled colours throughout add style and depth to this semi-plain rug, making it an easy to style winner for any future home décor changes.”

Meanwhile, another popular choice is the OHS Tufted Arches Rug Soft Floor Carpet Non Slip Area Mat, which has been reduced at Debenhams from £79.99 to £31.99.

For those seeking an alternative shaggy option, the Habitat Noodle Plain Shaggy Rug is offered in four colour choices, with prices spanning from £35 to £95.

The Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug has received an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from 91 customers. One delighted buyer commented: “Superior quality, excellent value, feels so luxurious and warm, can’t recommend enough.”

A second reviewer noted: “It has a nice thick pile and looks really good quality. I like the different shades of light, medium and dark grey in it which make it look different depending on which way the pile is lying. I’m very pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend to others.”

A third customer remarked: “It was a long search and we covered a lot of ground but in the end our Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug from Dunelm ticked all the boxes for size, colour and quality.”

However, one purchaser observed: “Cosy. Nice feel on the feet, warm texture. One drawback is the finish at the ends. One end of each rug is not well finished. Could result in fraying later.”

Shoppers have given the Slumber Marl Shaggy Rug glowing feedback, with another stating: “Lovely rug, nice colour to it, makes the house feel more of a home.”

A school in Manchester is said to be “on lockdown” amid reports of a serious incident.

Images show a large emergency services presence outside the Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road, Blackley, and according to parents, the school is currently on lockdown.

A helicopter has also been seen overhead and police, along with ambulances, have been pictured outside the school gates, as well as within the school grounds.

Pete Wicks says that he was distinctly underwhelmed when he was invited to Buckingham Palace last week as part of his work with The Dogs’ Trust

Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks says he was was less than impressed when he visited Buckingham Palace recently. Chatting to pal Sam Thompson on their Staying Relevant podcast, he compared the 320-year-old landmark to a branch of Nando’s.

He explained that after spending the day filming at the Dogs’ Trust, a charity is an ambassador for, he had changed into his suit and tie “in a kennel” before rushing across town on the “hottest day of the year” to attend the royal event. But when Pete was welcomed into the 775-room palace, he found himself confined to public areas that he found distinctly underwhelming.

Using the Palace loo, in particular, was a disappointment for Pete. He explained: “When you go to the toilets, there’s f*****g urinals. It’s like a f*****g nightclub p****r.” He said that he really only saw the public areas of the Palace, which weren’t as grand as he expected.

“It’s just a public urinal,” he complained, “it’s no different than Nando’s. I can’t get that excited about it.“

Pete rejected Sam’s suggestion that he might have pocketed a spoon or some other small item as a memento of his visit, and added that for him, the event was what mattered and the venue was almost completely irrelevant. He dismissed the Palace’ historic significance, saying: “It doesn’t interest me that much, it’s just a big house.”

Sam was a little more impressed during his own brush with royalty, but admits that he “lied to the Queen” out of sheer panic. After being introduced to Queen Camilla at a red-carpet event he wanted to engage her in conversation but was so nervous he couldn’t think of anything to say.

After briefly trying to interest the Queen in the topic of air purifiers, he then wasn’t sure what to say next. “I thought if I pay her a compliment, she’s going to hang around a little bit and …like… linger,” he confessed. So as she was wearing a purple dress, Sam blurted out that purple was his favourite colour.

Admitting that he had to fight the temptation to grab Camilla by the arm, he added: “I wanted to pay her a compliment, but she was already moving off.”

Sam explained that he felt pressure to say something interesting. He continued: “She just had a lovely conversation with Fleur East on my right, and I was like, ‘Oh, they’ve had a great chat’. I wanted to have some sort of nice moment with her. So, I was like, “Okay, I’ve got to do something.” And I just started talking about air purifiers – I can’t remember why.”

As an opening gambit, Sam had relied on that great British topic – talking about the weather. He commented on how it was a little hot and sticky, then followed that up by telling Camilla that he had recently bought an Air purifier from Amazon.

The former Made in Chelsea star recalled: “She went ‘Oh, nice, nice,’ and then walked off. I thought ‘I can’t leave it there. At least tell her that she looks great’.”

To make matters worse, Sam then realised that he was reaching out to hold her back: “I managed to stop myself a good 10 centimetres short. I just sort of reikied her from the side. She did like me, I think,” he concluded.

A major search operation has been launched overnight after reports of two people in distress off the coast of a beach in Carmarthenshire.

Police have joined with the coastguard following reports late on Monday of two people in distress at Cefn Sidan beach. There are concerns that the two involved have encountered difficulty or harm at the location.

A police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is working with the coastguard following reports of two individuals, possibly in distress, near the coastline at Cefn Sidan beach at Pembrey, Burry Port.