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England and Wales to have specialist courts for rape cases

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The statue of Lady Justice atop the Old Bailey in London

Labour promised in its 2024 manifesto to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

“For too long, victims of rape and serious sexual offences have felt let down by our justice system,” Burnham said.

“Prosecution rates for rape remain shamefully low, with many victims waiting years for justice. This is not good enough.”

The changes were “long overdue” and would make a “significant difference” but focusing on prosecution alone would not be enough, he added.

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“So as well as ensuring victims get justice, we will step up action to prevent these horrific crimes from happening in the first place,” the prime minister said.

Nichols spoke publicly for the first time about being raped when she accused the then Justice Secretary, David Lammy, of using crime victims as a “cudgel” to push through his reforms of the legal system.

She was criticising the Courts and Tribunals Bill’s plans to limit jury trials to cases with a likely prison sentence of three years or more.

She said she had waited 1,088 days to go to court, with every day being “agony” and the “trauma” made worse by her role in public life.

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Her attacker, she said, was acquitted at crown court but subsequently ordered to pay compensation after she won a civil case against him.

“It is because I have been raped that I am as passionate as I am about what it means for a justice system to be truly victim-focused,” she said.

“It is because I have endured every indignity that our broken criminal justice system could mete out that I care what kind of reform will actually deliver justice for survivors and victims of crime more widely.”

Responding to news of the specialist courts being rolled out, the Conservatives said tackling delays to criminal rape trials was “long overdue” and they pushed Labour to commit to scrapping plans to restrict jury trials.

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“The fact that victims have been withdrawing their cases because they have taken too long has been a disgrace,” said shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy.

“Labour need to get courts sitting throughout the year, end the delays and clear the backlog – not undermine our right to a trial by jury.”

Last year another charity, the Salford Survivor Project, said victims of rape and sexual assault were being “failed by the system” as court backlogs reached a record high.

The long delays for cases to go to trial were having a serious impact on victims’ mental health, it said.

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Also last year, a woman who says she was sexually assaulted by a taxi driver on her 21st birthday told BBC News she had dropped the case because of court delays.

She reported the alleged incident in early 2022 and gave evidence in court in December 2023 but the case was adjourned until September 2024 when the judge fell ill.

“I made the decision, even though I hate the statement, to drop the case,” she said. “I couldn’t let this hurt me further.”

The Crown Prosecution Service said that, without her testimony, the case had been dropped because of insufficient evidence.

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  • If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC’s Action Line website.

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Woman ‘punched in face’ near old Stockton Debenhams taken to hospital

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Woman 'punched in face' near old Stockton Debenhams taken to hospital

Police were called to reports of an assault near the old Debenham’s store on Stockton High Street at around 4.50pm on Saturday (September 19).

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said officers attended the scene after receiving reports that a 37-year-old woman had been punched in the face on Saturday afternoon.

Cleveland Police Inspector Anthony Ford said: “At 4.50pm on Saturday 19 September police were called to reports of an assault on High Street in Stockton.

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“A man is reported to have punched a 37-year-old woman to the face.

“A man, aged 53, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a bladed article and possession of class A drugs.

“The woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

“He has since been charged in relation to possession of class A drugs and possession of a bladed article and released on conditional bail for the assault.”

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Police enquiries into the assault remain ongoing, and officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have information, to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police via its website or online reporting portal.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

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Injured pensioner, 77, and his grandson are rescued in late-night mountain operation… thanks to his phone’s emergency SOS setting

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Volunteers from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team came to the aid of a grandfather, 77, and his grandson, 19, who were walking near Scafell Pike

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An injured pensioner and his grandson were saved from a mountain in a seven-hour rescue on Thursday after an emergency call from an iPhone alerted rescuers.

The phone’s SOS feature contacted Cumbria Police around 8.30pm after two walkers found the 77-year-old grandfather, who had wrist and knee injuries, and his 19-year-old grandson near Skew Gill, a steep ravine on the route to Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

A Coastguard helicopter flew to the site but could not land because of bad weather while 14 volunteers from Wasdale Mountain Rescue made their own way to the walkers before beginning an urgent evacuation.

The two walkers who had found the pair had stayed with them until help arrived, though their head torches had run out and the rescuers gave them replacements to walk back with.

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After stretchering the grandfather from the hill, his rescuers handed him over to paramedics before returning to their base shortly before 3.30am.

A statement from the mountain rescue volunteers said: ‘The team arrived, assessed and warmed up both casualties, and found the 77-year-old also had a wrist and knee injury; an urgent evacuation of the hill was commenced.

Volunteers from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team came to the aid of a grandfather, 77, and his grandson, 19, who were walking near Scafell Pike

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The pair were discovered by two walkers who used the emergency SOS feature on an iPhone to ask for help

The pair were discovered by two walkers who used the emergency SOS feature on an iPhone to ask for help

‘The two walkers who had come across them had remained with them and their head torches had run out; as they were confident of their route back to Seathwaite, head torches were loaned to them to get back to their car.

‘The casualty was stretchered off the hill and handed over to NWAS [North West Ambulance Service] along with his grandson. The team returned to base to dry out the equipment before heading home.’

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Brad Pitt is mobbed by fans as he arrives at San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain as friends reveal how marriage to Angelina Jolie sent his life ‘spiraling’

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Brad Pitt was mobbed by fans as he arrived at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain on Sunday - just after friends revealed how his marriage to Angelina Jolie sent his life 'spiraling'

Brad Pitt was mobbed by fans as he arrived at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain on Sunday – just after friends revealed how his marriage to Angelina Jolie sent his life ‘spiraling’.

The actor, 62, has arrived in the city for the 74th international film festival in order to promote his new survival thriller Heart of the Beast.

And as he headed to the Maria Cristina Hotel this weekend after landing, crowds of people had lined the streets to get a glimpse of the Hollywood heartthrob.

Brad dressed smart casually in a blue suede jacket, dark shades, a denim cap and light grey trousers as he stepped out. 

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His outing comes just after an exclusive Daily Mail report detailed his friends revealing the ‘worst thing that ever happened to him’ after marriage sent his life ‘spiraling’.

A source close to Brad told us: ‘He never had a drink problem, he had an Angelina problem. He’s worked hard on himself and he’s now, finally, in a really good place.’

You can read the in-depth report here

Brad and Angelina, 51, split back in September 2016 following just two years of marriage.

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Brad Pitt was mobbed by fans as he arrived at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain on Sunday – just after friends revealed how his marriage to Angelina Jolie sent his life ‘spiraling’

The actor, 62, has arrived in the city 74th international film festival in order to promote his new survival thriller Heart of the Beast

The actor, 62, has arrived in the city 74th international film festival in order to promote his new survival thriller Heart of the Beast

It comes after in an interview with L’Officiel USA published on September 9, Angelina stated that she’s ready to leave the United States and ‘be a bit nomadic’ now that her two youngest children, twins Vivienne and Knox, have turned 18.

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The star, who listed her Los Feliz mansion for $29.85million earlier this year, admitted she is experiencing ‘the end of a certain time’ in her life.

Asked if she’s going to be swapping Los Angeles for New York, she told the publication: ‘Out of the States more, I think.

‘I don’t really plan to have a base. I’d like to have a home base for my family, a place where some of the mom stuff and the family photos are. And then I’d like to be a bit nomadic for a while.’

She no longer needs to stay in Los Angeles to satisfy the rules of her custody agreement with Brad, which required her minor children to remain near their father until they turned 18.

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All six of her children with the star are now adults and four of them, including Maddox, 25, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20 and Vivienne, have taken legal steps to change their last names from Pitt to Jolie.

Knox and Pax, 22, have not filed a formal legal name-change petition.

While Brad increasingly steps out in public with girlfriend of nearly four years, Ines de Ramon, 33, the Maleficent actress is keen to continue the global expansion of her Atelier Jolie creative house.

And as he headed to the Maria Cristina Hotel this weekend after landing crowds of people had lined to streets to get a glimpse of the Hollywood heartthrob

And as he headed to the Maria Cristina Hotel this weekend after landing crowds of people had lined to streets to get a glimpse of the Hollywood heartthrob

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Brad dressed smart casually in a blue suede jacket, dark shades, a denim cap and light grey trousers as he stepped out

Brad dressed smart casually in a blue suede jacket, dark shades, a denim cap and light grey trousers as he stepped out

His outing comes just after an exclusive Daily Mail report detailed his friends revealing the 'worst thing that ever happened to him' after marriage sent his life 'spiraling'

His outing comes just after an exclusive Daily Mail report detailed his friends revealing the ‘worst thing that ever happened to him’ after marriage sent his life ‘spiraling’

A source close to Brad told us: 'He never had a drink problem, he had an Angelina problem. He's worked hard on himself and he's now, finally, in a really good place'

A source close to Brad told us: ‘He never had a drink problem, he had an Angelina problem. He’s worked hard on himself and he’s now, finally, in a really good place’

Brad and Angelina, 51, split back in September 2016 following just two years of marriage (seen in 2014)

Brad and Angelina, 51, split back in September 2016 following just two years of marriage (seen in 2014) 

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‘The hope for the Atelier was always to be global; Brazil might become the first space that we open outside of the US,’ she continued. ‘The idea would be to visit the different locations around the world and meet local artists and makers.’

She is also planning to return to Cambodia to do ‘more hands-on work’ with her Maddox Foundation, which is a non-profit focused on community development and conservation.

‘My home in Cambodia will also be a residency a few months out of the year for Khmer culture,’ she explained.

Jolie noted that her goal with traveling is finding ‘connection and community’, rather than the idea of being a tourist.

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‘I’m not somebody who vacations or shops or things like that. I envision more field work, more travel, and just being out in the world. Get my motorcycle back, get back in a plane. I don’t know.’

While Jolie has been present for her children when they needed her, she knows they would support her getting to travel the world more now they’ve grown up.

‘That’s definitely what my kids want. They had Mom when Mom needed to be Mom. Now, they’d like me to call them from Tunisia having just landed a plane to meet with local artists. I agree that would be very nice.’

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Huge fire engulfs field in Fife near homes as firefighters race to scene

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Daily Record

Crews remain at the scene.

A huge fire has broken out at a field in a Scots town.

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Firefighters have been raced to the incident near Cluny Road in Kinglassie, Fife. The alarm was raised at 9.17pm on Sunday, September 20. Two fire engines have been scrambled to the scene.

It’s currently unknown if there are any injuries. Images taken from the scene show the area ignited by flames.

Fire can be seen ravaging the field, which is close to a number of homes. Crews remain at the scene.

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A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Operations control received a call at 9.17pm regarding a fire in a field off Cluny Road, Kinglassie in Fife.

“We mobilised two appliances to the scene. Crews remain in attendance.”

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit dailyrecord.co.uk

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Potential ‘autumn bounce’ for housing market as asking prices jump in September

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Potential ‘autumn bounce’ for housing market as asking prices jump in September

Kevin James, managing director at Bradleys Estate Agents in the south west of England, said: “The summer months delivered better activity than expected in our areas, particularly for sellers who adapted their expectations to the affordability pressures in the market, and listened to advice to price realistically.

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SNP MSP seeks ‘clarity’ from King on council tax charges on royal properties

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SNP MSP seeks ‘clarity’ from King on council tax charges on royal properties

The MSP told the King: “From September 1 2026, Aberdeenshire Council has introduced a 200% council tax premium on second homes. This means that Balmoral Castle, one of your multiple homes away from your permanent residence at Clarence House, should be charged three times the standard rate of council tax.

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Prince Harry and Meghan ‘could move back to US’ weeks after return to UK

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Daily Record

Security concerns could lead to the royal couple moving back to the US “within weeks”.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could return to the US for good in just a few weeks, insiders have reportedly claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned the world when they returned to the UK in August. Their return came six years after their royal exit and move abroad.

The Mirror reports that the couple had moved from their Montecito, California, home with their kids, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5. It is said the family moved into a home in the Cotswolds. At the time of their move back across the pond, sources close to the couple said they were coming back to the UK for an “extended period” of time. Despite this, sources close to the pair have claimed one thing could force them to fly back to the US.

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Security concerns could lead to the royal couple moving back to the US “within weeks”, sources have claimed. Prince Harry, since his split from the royal family, has had his requests for taxpayer-funded security denied.

The Royal and VIP Executive Committee – known as Ravec – oversees Royal and VIP security in the UK. The committee, however, met again to discuss the couple’s level of police protection now that their two kids are residents. Sources close to the pair have reportedly claimed Harry and Meghan could move back to California if the Ravec review does not go their way, according to the Daily Mail.

A friend of Prince Harry’s reportedly said: “If he doesn’t get [security] then I believe he will go back to Montecito for good, and that could be as soon as half-term. The view is that if they don’t get security then it will have to mean that Ravec has been nobbled. The need is so clear, what else could be the explanation?

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“So if he doesn’t get it then he will take that as a sign that there are deeper elements at play. In that case then he will be safer in the US than in the UK, so he will return.”

Harry and Meghan enrolled Archie and Lilibet into a private school and the kids started the new school year in the UK. The couple however moved their kids to another school just two days after they started, due to security concerns over the school run.

Sources close to the couple said this was due to the distance between the school and their home as well as heavy traffic which raised concerns about whether the school run could be done safely. A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said this decision to move schools “was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team“.

This comes as Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer said he worries about Harry “not having any police protection“.

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The Earl, who is releasing a controversial memoir next week, in an interview with the BBC said: “I would say that I personally worry about the fifth in line to the throne who’s served in the military not having any police protection. As an uncle who’s seen his sister die in very, very preventable circumstances, that I would veer towards protection.”

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Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Review: Electric Performance Saloon Tested

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Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Review: Electric Performance Saloon Tested

It is startlingly quick, handles superbly and, with a £65,800 on-the-road price, makes a strong case for itself as an electric alternative to far costlier performance saloons.

Hyundai’s N division has already demonstrated that it understands how to make an EV entertaining rather than merely fast. The Ioniq 5 N proved that a heavy battery-powered car could have a personality beyond its headline acceleration figure. The Ioniq 6 N takes that thinking and applies it to Hyundai’s low-slung streamliner saloon, producing something more purposeful-looking and, on the road, even more dynamic.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has sharp looks matched by dynamic performanceThe Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has sharp looks matched by dynamic performance

The standard Ioniq 6’s rounded, aerodynamic silhouette remains underneath, but the N version is transformed visually. Its front end is more aggressive, with hidden LED matrix headlamps, N-specific LED daytime-running lights, enlarged dark lower sections and a distinctly shark-nosed face. There are widened arches, 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels on Pirelli P Zero tyres, orange brake callipers, extended side skirts and a substantial rear wing.

It is a bold look, perhaps too dramatic for some, but it works. More importantly, the car lives up to the image. This is not a cosmetic warm hatch treatment applied to a normal electric saloon. It feels very quick, handles superbly and delivers the focused, athletic character its styling promises.

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Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

The figures back that up. An 84kWh battery feeds dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors driving all four wheels, producing 650PS, 478kW and 770Nm. Hyundai quotes 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and a 160mph top speed.

It is properly rapid, but this is not simply a car for dispatching straights.

Hyundai has equipped it with electronically controlled suspension, high-performance dampers, a rear electronic limited-slip differential and huge brake discs: 21 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear.

N Torque Distribution, N Launch Control and a configurable N Drift Optimiser underline its track-day intent, while its long, low body and 2,965mm wheelbase help it feel secure and controlled through corners.

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Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

It remains a substantial machine, weighing from 2,166kg and stretching to 4,935mm long. Yet it carries that mass well. The chassis has a composed, planted feel, and there is sufficient adjustability in its N systems to make the driving experience more than an exercise in exploiting straight-line torque.

That is important, because many fast EVs are hugely capable but emotionally remote. The Ioniq 6 N attempts to close that gap with N e-Shift and E-Active Sound Design+. The former simulates gear changes through the paddles, with momentary torque interruptions, while the latter adds adjustable synthetic sound through the cabin and exterior speakers. It is undeniably contrived, but it gives the driver more to engage with and contributes to the car’s playful character.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

It is also fitted out for everyday life. The Alcantara-faced bucket seats, suede headlining, heated N Performance steering wheel and aluminium pedals give the cabin a suitably focused atmosphere, while heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, dual-zone climate control and a heat pump preserve its long-distance credentials.

Equipment levels are extensive. Standard kit includes twin 12.3-inch displays, satellite navigation, an augmented-reality head-up display, Bose audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and five USB-C ports.

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Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

The 371-litre boot is adequate rather than vast, but the Ioniq 6 N is intended as a performance saloon that can still handle the daily commute and longer trips. Hyundai claims a WLTP range of 302 miles, although hard use reduces that, while 800V and 400V charging compatibility allows a 10-80% recharge in 18 minutes on a 350kW CCS charger.

At £65,800, it is far from cheap, but it looks comparatively well equipped at the price.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N 84kWh 650 PS 4WD

PRICE: £65,800

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BATTERY: 84.0kWh lithium-ion polymer

POWER: 650PS / 478kW

TORQUE: 770Nm / 567.9lb ft

DRIVE: Dual-motor, all-wheel drive

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0-62MPH: 3.2 seconds

WLTP RANGE: 302 miles

RAPID CHARGING: 10–80% in 18 minutes on 350kW CCS charger

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GM firefighters secure Dubai World Rescue Challenge

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GM firefighters secure Dubai World Rescue Challenge

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s trauma and extrication teams travelled to Essex to compete in the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation’s National Rescue Challenge, returning home with a series of awards as well as qualifications for future international events.

The service’s Trauma Team achieved its highest placing in the National Trauma Challenge, with Laura-Jo Dicken and Tom Wilk finishing third overall.

Their podium finish has earned them an invitation to represent the UK at the World Rescue Challenge in Dubai in 2027.

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The success did not stop there.

GMFRS‘s Extrication Team, made up of Ian Melville, Steve Fisher, Ashley Capper, Simon Moore and David Nelson, also impressed judges across a range of challenges.

The team secured third place in the Heavy Rescue Challenge as part of a two-team event with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

They also claimed second place in the RTC Extrication Challenge, a result that has secured another invitation to next year’s World Rescue Challenge.

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Individual honours were also awarded to members of the Greater Manchester team.

Ian Melville was named Best Incident Commander, while Steve Fisher finished as runner-up in the Best Medic category.

The competition sees fire and rescue teams from across the UK tested on realistic rescue scenarios designed to assess leadership, casualty care, teamwork and technical rescue skills.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said it was proud of the achievements of all those who took part, with the results reflecting the dedication and expertise of the firefighters involved.

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The strong showing means Greater Manchester will now have the opportunity to showcase its rescue skills on the international stage, with firefighters preparing to compete against some of the world’s leading rescue teams in the coming years.

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How long before the clocks go back in 2026 and it’s earlier this year

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Wales Online

In 2027 the clocks will fall back later again

As we move away from the summer months and edge closer towards winter, the days are becoming noticeably shorter and dark evenings are beginning to take hold.

Mornings carry a crisp chill, evenings are drawing in earlier than before, and temperatures are steadily beginning to dip.

Alongside the cooler conditions, another seasonal shift is just around the corner — the end of daylight saving time. For many, this stirs up conflicting feelings.

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On the one hand, we gain an extra hour in bed when the clocks go back — a welcome treat, especially as the mornings grow increasingly cold. On the other hand, earlier sunsets mean longer evenings spent inside and gloomier commutes home.

This year, the clocks will go back a day earlier than in 2025. While they fell back on Sunday, October 26 last year, in 2026 they will move back an hour at 2am on Sunday, October 25, marking the conclusion of daylight saving time.

A useful way of remembering which direction the clocks will change is the well-known phrase — “spring forward, fall back”. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Looking ahead, clocks will spring forward next year on Sunday, March 28, 2027, and fall back on Sunday, October 31, 2027 — continuing the familiar seasonal pattern.

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Most modern devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, will update automatically at 2am on Sunday, resetting to 1am. Traditional clocks, however, will need to be changed by hand.

This long-standing practice of adjusting the clocks, commonly known as “falling back,” was implemented to maximise the use of natural daylight. The shift means that mornings will become lighter, providing an extra hour of daylight, though it also means that darkness will arrive earlier in the evening.

According to timeanddate.com, the sun will set today (September 6) at 8.02pm, although the evenings will gradually draw in, with sunset taking place at 7.04pm by Wednesday, September 30, before falling to 5.07pm on Sunday, October 25 – when the clocks go back.

All EU member states adjust their clocks at this juncture, with Iceland remaining the sole exception, maintaining Western European Time throughout the year.

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In 2019, the European Union held a vote on potentially scrapping Daylight Saving Time altogether after 2021, following research suggesting most people would prefer not to change clocks twice each year. However, this decision was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

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