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Ex-Prince Andrew released under investigation after misconduct in public office arrest

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, becoming the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The former prince, who became the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, stands accused of disclosing sensitive information to Epstein whilst holding the position of the UK’s trade envoy. Andrew was photographed slumped in the rear of a vehicle on Thursday evening as he departed Aylsham police station in Norfolk.

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His brother, the King, said earlier that “the law must take its course” after expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest, which came after millions of files were released by the US Department of Justice in relation to the Epstein scandal.

Thames Valley Police said he was released under investigation and searches at a property in Norfolk, Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate, had concluded.

Searches at his former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, are ongoing.

Andrew was detained on his 66th birthday following allegations that he shared reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with disgraced financier Epstein.

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He has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

After serving for 22 years in the Royal Navy, he became the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001.

He stepped down in 2011 amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile Epstein.

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Toy Story 5 praised for ‘normalising’ male balding after Woody’s reveal in trailer

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Toy Story 5 praised for 'normalising' male balding after Woody's reveal in trailer

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If you’re still in denial that it’s been 30 years since the first Toy Story film was released, then this will really make you feel it.

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Yesterday, the trailer for Toy Story 5 dropped, taking fans on a nostalgic trip once more with the revival of all their favourite characters, from Woody to Buzz Lightyear and from Jessie to Forky.

For one toy, the ageing process is starting to show – but fans are loving how it’s been portrayed.

The plot for the fifth instalment in the hit animation franchise couldn’t be more apt, as the abandoned toys unite to battle against the tech that has ‘invaded’ children’s homes.

After leaving his plastic pals in Toy Story 4 (2019) to reunite with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and enjoy the freedom of living as a lost toy, pull-string sheriff Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) also returns to help the group, now led by Jessie (Joan Cusack), take down frog-like tablet Lilypad.

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There’s one thing that doesn’t quite return, though – and that’s his hair.

Woody is back with his Toy Story pals for a new adventure (Picture: Disney UK)
Toy Story 5 | Official Trailer | In Cinemas 19 June 2026 Toy Story fans officially feel old as Woody's balding head is revealed in trailer Disney UK
…but his age is starting to show (Picture: Disney UK)

Something the internet couldn’t help but notice in the latest trailer is that the beloved cowboy is, in fact, balding: where his head was once covered in brown hair, Woody now sports a bald patch at the back.

Perhaps that’s unsurprising when you remember that, in Toy Story 4, the time lapse placed Woody in his late fifties.

The other toys point it out, too, after almost being blinded by the sunlight reflecting on his bald head.

‘Someone needs a brown marker,’ they remark, while Lilypad (Greta Lee) asks, ‘What are you, some sort of old man toy?’ upon their first meeting.

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‘What?’, Woody replies incredulously, to which Forky mocks: ‘She thinks you’re old because you’re bald, Woody.’

The iPad hits back once more, quipping that youngster Bonnie, who has long forgotten her toys in favour of her tablet, ‘needs help from someone at least from the same century’.

Toy Story 5 | Official Trailer | In Cinemas 19 June 2026 Toy Story fans officially feel old as Woody's balding head is revealed in trailer Disney UK
His plastic pals couldn’t help but make jokes after the sun reflected off his bald spot (Picture: Disney UK)
Toy Story 5 | Official Trailer | In Cinemas 19 June 2026 Toy Story fans officially feel old as Woody's balding head is revealed in trailer Disney UK
The move from Pixar has been highly praised by nostalgic audiences (Picture: Disney UK)

What follows is an epic adventure from the group, who call in backup to remind kids of the importance of playtime in what audiences are already declaring a valid ‘lesson’ for today’s society.

Viewers are also praising the honest representation of ageing in Woody’s hair loss, given that an estimated two out of three men will experience some hair loss by the age of 35, the most common type (male pattern baldness) affecting seven million men in the UK.

X user @aijanuart writes: ‘Woody is bald. we, who watched Toy Story 1 in elementary school, were also bald. We’re all getting older, folks.’

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@rolly_onchain declares ‘childhood officially over’, while @MCstanning writes: ‘I FEEL OLD ASF WTF’.

@AParkMind adds earnestly: ‘I think this a really clever move by pixar. The actors are getting older and it makes sense to give a reason why they sound a little old. Additionally it’s a visual representation of his how old some of these toys are especially in comparison to the new modern tablets’.

Further explaining to Metro why the move from Pixar is so important, Dr Anatalia Moore, an NHS GP and cosmetic dermatologist, says: ‘It might seem like a tiny detail, but showing a character with thinning or balding hair in a big family film is actually really meaningful, and I think it’s a great step forward for the film industry.

What causes hair loss in men?

Dr Anatalia Moore says: ‘The most common cause is male pattern baldness, which is largely genetic and often runs in families.

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‘Hormones play a part too, and we are seeing more men affected earlier due to factors like ongoing stress, poor sleep, and modern lifestyle pressures.

‘Scalp issues such as dandruff or psoriasis can also contribute to shedding or make hair look thinner.’

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‘Hair loss is incredibly common in men, yet it is still something many struggle to talk about openly.’

She goes on to say that ‘what people often underestimate is the emotional impact’ of hair loss, since hair is ‘closely tied to identity and confidence’ and particularly in an age of hair transplants being so common and thickening treatments endlessly advertised online.

‘That is why moments like Woody’s hair in the new Toy Story film matter, especially for children,’ she argues. ‘When young audiences see characters who are not perfectly polished, it helps normalise the reality that bodies change, and ageing is nothing to be embarrassed about.

‘It encourages kinder conversations around appearance and self worth from an early age.’

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Dr Moore concludes by saying that ‘seeing a well-loved character simply exist with thinning hair sends a reassuring message that confidence and identity are not defined by hair, and that is a really positive thing for both adults and children to see.’

Another aspect of the upcoming film that’s been highly praised is the commentary on how tech has become so influential on kids.

Toy Story 5 | Official Trailer | In Cinemas 19 June 2026 Toy Story fans officially feel old as Woody's balding head is revealed in trailer Disney UK
Will Woody and co. be able to defeat the tech that rules Bonnie’s life? (Picture: Disney UK)
Toy Story 5 | Official Trailer | In Cinemas 19 June 2026 Toy Story fans officially feel old as Woody's balding head is revealed in trailer Disney UK
Just like old times (Picture: Disney UK)

@SketchesbyBoze says how making tech the ‘villain’ highlights ‘the effect these devices have on kids’, and @glitterjuj writes that it made them ’emotional’ to be reminded of how ‘kids need toys’.

‘They could have chosen just another wacky adventure, but instead are tackling a subversive lifestyle shift that has affected us all, not just children. Doing so in a light, entertainment film is difficult. Kudos to them if they pull it off’, posts @u_m_a_m_i.

@runawayrailways agrees: ‘in this bleak landscape for children, this movie is going to be so needed’, as @Undercovercopfr hailed the new story as ‘progressive’.

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‘Seeing Bonnie turn into a full-on iPad kid glued to Lilypad actually hurt my soul. Pixar is straight-up poking at the wound of screens vs. real toys. Anyway I feel nostalgic’, @TomBradyEgo chimes in.

Directed by co-writer Andrew Stanton, Toy Story 5 welcomes back its plethora of star actors to voice the toys, including Keanu Reeves, Tim Allen, John Ratzenberger, Kristen Schaal, and Bonnie Hunt, who reprise their roles from the first four movies.

Joining the ensemble are the likes of Conan O’Brien, Craig Robinson, Ernie Hudson, Shelby Rabara, and Scarlett Spears, marking the first main film in the Toy Story series without involvement from co-creator John Lasseter, who left Pixar in 2018.

Toy Story 5 is set for release on June 19.

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Is Venting Good For You? Science Has The Answer

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Is Venting Good For You? Science Has The Answer

Is there anything better when something has really annoyed you than having a good ol’ rant about it? Just getting it all out of your system, missing no details and offering a sprinkling of “mind you…” every couple of minutes?

Well, it turns out that this habit actually… doesn’t help with the anger you’re feeling and can actually prolong it. Nothing is sacred.

Yes, that’s right. According to a 2024 meta-analytic review. Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed 154 studies on anger and found little evidence that venting helps. In some cases, it could increase anger.

Why you shouldn’t vent your anger too much

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There’s no getting around that venting does feel cathartic but when it comes to actually tackling the issue and your feelings around it, venting is all but useless.

“I think it’s really important to bust the myth that if you’re angry you should blow off steam – get it off your chest,” said senior author Brad Bushman, professor of communication at The Ohio State University.

“Venting anger might sound like a good idea, but there’s not a shred of scientific evidence to support catharsis theory.

“To reduce anger, it is better to engage in activities that decrease arousal levels,” Bushman said.

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“Despite what popular wisdom may suggest, even going for a run is not an effective strategy because it increases arousal levels and ends up being counterproductive.”

Very upsetting news for me. I love to go for ‘rage walks’.

How to healthily manage anger and frustration

Instead of falling into the rumination that inevitably comes with venting, leading mental health charity Mind recommend almost doing the exact opposite, saying: “Relax your body. If you can feel your body getting tense, try focusing on each part of your body in turn to tense and then relax your muscles.”

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They also add that mindfulness is beneficial, saying: “Mindfulness can help you to be aware of when you’re getting angry. And it can help calm your body and mind.”

Mind have a guide to healthily managing anger on their website.

Help and support:

  • Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
  • Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
  • CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
  • The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
  • Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.

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‘I was standing at the gates when Andrew was arrested on his birthday and know one thing is for certain’

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Cambridgeshire Live

“Whatever comes of the investigation, one thing is for certain”

When the first unmarked car inched up the back road to Wood Farm on the morning of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday, Daily Mirror reporter Patrick Hill was already there.

Eight vehicles in total entered Sandringham Estate to detain the disgraced former prince, who had been stripped of his royal titles by his older brother, King Charles, in November.

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Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Andrew remains in police custody, with Thames Valley Police confirming other addresses are being searched in connection with his arrest under suspicion. of misconduct in public office.

Below, Patrick details how Andrew’s 66th birthday stands in stark contrast to his 40th birthday, which featured a 700‑guest black‑tie party at Windsor Castle:

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‘His birthdays have traditionally been lavish events held inside palaces amid revelry and dancing.

‘But any celebration Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have been planning for his 66th birthday was unceremoniously halted at 8am. A procession of eight unmarked cars arrived at his temporary home here in Norfolk, where the former Prince has been living in exile.

‘The occupants, all plain-clothed police officers, were seen arriving via a back road at Andrew’s temporary residence Wood Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate. Then at 8.50am, three vehicles, including a Range Rover believed to be Andrew’s private car, left the address via the same back road heading to the village of Babingley.

‘Barely an hour later, Thames Valley Police released a statement saying they had arrested a man aged in his 60s on suspicion of misconduct in public office. They added the man was now in police custody and they are carrying out searches at homes in Norfolk and Berkshire.

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‘The arrest was instantly world news. More and more media began arriving at the entrance to Andrew’s temporary residence Wood Farm after his arrest was announced. So much so that shortly before 1pm media were assigned a neighbouring field to park their cars in due to fears of a blocked road. By 1pm there were no fewer than 23 vehicles, including a TV satellite truck.

‘At least four separate forces are also assessing the details of flights by Andrew’s old pal Epstein’s “Lolita Express” jet in and out of UK airports in the UK. As part of their inquiries officers are examining whether women, including then 17-year-old Virginia Guiffre, were trafficked to the UK by Epstein.

‘The raidwas a world away from Andrew’s former life and his previous birthday celebrations, which have often come on the slopes of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts. He formally celebrated his 40th at a black-tie bash, dubbed the Dance of the Decades, at Windsor Castle alongside 700 guests, including fellow royals, celebs, and his paedo pal Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

‘It came after a private ride on the London Eye in front of cheering crowds and a £30,000 ‘This Is Your Life’ party at his former Sunninghill Park mansion in Ascot, organised by his former wife Sarah Ferguson. His 50th included a trip to Swiss ski resort Verbier and two parties, including one at St James’ Palace and another at Buckingham Palace, which featured a performance by the English National Ballet and was attended by the late Queen and Prince Philip.

‘Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The former prince is currently living in Wood Farm while renovations to his soon to be permanent home at nearby Marsh Farm are complete. Scores of media arrived at the entrance to the estate since news broke of Andrew’s arrest.

‘Whatever comes of the investigation, one thing is for certain. Andrew’s 66th is a birthday he will never forget.’

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New community garden approved in Whiterock area of West Belfast

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It will be beside Newhill Youth and Community Centre

A community garden has been approved for the Whiterock area in West Belfast.

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Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee unanimously approved an application for a community garden and improvements to the existing unused space, including an allotment area, a pizza and BBQ area and new pathways at 261 Whiterock Road, Belfast, BT12. The applicant is Newhill Youth and Community Centre, of the same address.

The proposal seeks to alter existing rough ground area to the rear of the centre into an area for allotment beds, wildflower and planted areas, as well as improved pathways. To the side there will be a new seating area, BBQ and pizza making space.

READ MORE: DUP fails to stop unpopular short-term let flats plan in East Belfast

READ MORE: Extra apartments approved for major new social housing development in West Belfast

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Council officers recommended the application for approval. None of the statutory consultees had any objection to the plan.

One objector wrote to Belfast Council stating that higher footfall to the community centre would lead to noise and parking issues, and potential for damage to fencing.

The council case officer’s response in the report was: “The proposal is not designed to increase footfall to the centre but to improve an existing area of open ground to the rear and side of the centre.

“Potential increased noise levels have been considered by Environmental Health and a condition has been offered to ensure no unacceptable noise affecting amenity.

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“The issue of parking on site or on an adjacent road is no different from the current situation. There is no increase proposed in the number of cars attending the site and the on-site parking will not change from the current level of parking.”

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Fear new homes will ‘drastically affect’ neighbour privacy as development faces backlash

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Neighbours have urged Huntingdonshire District Council not to allow 23 new houses to be built behind their existing homes.

Plans to build 23 new homes in Kimbolton have faced backlash from people living next to the proposed development site. Neighbours have shared concerns about privacy being “drastically” impacted, as well as asking whether the new homes are actually needed.

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The homes are proposed to be built at Brittens Farm on the edge of the town. Of the 23 homes, nine are proposed to be made available as affordable housing, including seven as affordable rent, and two as shared ownership.

Developer Berwick Homes said its proposals would create a “sustainable development”. The company highlighted that Huntingdonshire District Council does not have a five year supply of deliverable housing.

It argued that any “minor impacts” of the development would be outweighed “by the need to provide additional housing in a highly sustainable location”.

Plans for the new homes have seen local backlash, with 27 objections lodged by members of the public, including from people whose homes back onto the site.

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One objector said they had concerns about overlooking from the new homes, arguing that the development would “drastically affect” their privacy and the light reaching their windows. Another objector argued there was “no sense” to the development, questioning whether the homes are needed.

Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on the sewage network with one objector claiming there was a “risk of sewerage backing up and affecting all houses in the locality”.

Kimbolton Parish Council has also asked for the application to be refused, saying that the foul water and sewage systems in the area are “not adequate” to cope with the proposed development.

Anglian Water has made a holding objection to the development due to “capacity constraints and pollution risk”. The water company said Kimbolton Water Recycling Centre has capacity to accommodate “additional flows” from the proposed development. However, the company asked how surface water from the development will be dealt with.

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Anglian Water has asked for a condition to be added to any planning permission requiring that the developer work with them on a strategy to remove surface water, and that no one can move into the new homes “prior to the successful delivery of the agreed solution”.

Planning officers respond to concerns

A planning officer report published by the district council acknowledged concerns about existing sewage and drainage issues. They said they are satisfied that Anglian Water and the developer have provided enough information to “demonstrate that a technical solution [is] achievable to ensure the proposed development can remain safe for its lifetime”.

Officers also highlighted that the scope of the planning application is “limited to mitigating the impacts arising directly from the proposed development”. They said: “The responsibility for addressing wider, pre-existing issues relating to sewer capacity and maintenance lies with Anglian Water as the statutory undertaker.

“The proposed development must demonstrate that it can be accommodated without exacerbating existing problems, and the recommended condition requiring a detailed foul water drainage strategy is intended to ensure that any new connections or arrangements are sustainable and appropriately managed.

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“The recommended condition would need to be discharged prior to the commencement of development, and Anglian Water would be part of the decision-making in considering the acceptability or otherwise of the submitted details.”

Addressing concerns about the potential impact on neighbours’ privacy, officers said they had reviewed the proposed layout and elevations of the new homes, as well as the separation distances. They said they did not think the development would cause any “detrimental overlooking” on neighbouring homes.

The report highlights that the lack of a five year housing land supply means there is a “presumption in favour of sustainable development” when the authority makes decisions on new housing developments.

Officers said the proposed development offered a number of benefits, including “contributing meaningfully” to the district’s housing supply, and building new affordable homes to meet the “significant affordable need” in the area.

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Planning officers have recommended that the application would be approved, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement. They have also recommended that if the legal agreement is not completed then the application should be refused.

Councillors are due to consider the application at a meeting on Monday (February 23), before making a decision on whether the development can go ahead or not.

For more planning notices in your area visit publicnoticeportal.uk .

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Plans for 20mph zone in village with ‘nightmare traffic’ where drivers ‘can reach 70mph’

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Supporters of the plans for a 20mph zone in Swavesey said the lower limits will make the village safer, but others questioned whether the limits will be followed.

A new 20mph zone is proposed in a village facing “nightmare traffic” where some claim speeding drivers can travel at 60/70mph on a 30mph road. Cambridgeshire County Council is considering implementing 20mph speed limits on most residential roads in Swavesey, with the exception of several more lightly-built up roads.

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The county council said the lower speed limits could encourage drivers to slow down to improve road safety. A short extension of the 30mph speed limit in Rose and Crown Road is also proposed, as well as a 40mph buffer limit in Boxworth End.

Several other measures are proposed to cut the speed of drivers in the village. These include a priority give-way narrowing, with kerb build-out and cycle bypass in Boxworth End and Ramper Road, and “visual road narrowings” at two locations in Boxworth End.

The county council said proposals would be paid for from developer contributions from Northstowe, which had been provided to install traffic measures in neighbouring villages, such as Swavesey, to mitigate against increased traffic.

A statutory consultation was held by the county council to gather views on the plans, with 27 respondents objecting, 16 offering support, and two sharing neutral views. Some of those who shared support for the plans highlighted concerns about the extent of existing speeding issues they said the village is facing.

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One supporter said: “This scheme is drastically needed to slow traffic down through the village, particularly at the part of Boxworth End that straightens out and cars are able to speed up, rarely sticking to 30mph. In some cases it has been recorded nearer 60/70mph.”

Another supporter said they had also seen drivers travelling at high speeds through the village. They said: “Some cars are travelling so fast along Boxworth End that it is impossible to even decipher what type of car they are driving. Some cars are exceeding 60mph and somebody will get killed if this is not sorted out.”

Another person said the traffic in the village is a “nightmare” and that they believed 20mph speed limits would make the area safer.

’20mph speed limits won’t stop speeding drivers’

Objectors questioned whether drivers will follow the proposed lower speed limits. One objector said: “20mph speed limit will do very little to deter people who will compulsively speed, no matter what the speed limit is. It will only serve to add to journey times for those of us who live near the Guided Busway end of the village and require access to the A14.”

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Another objector also argued that the 20mph limits would “not stop speeders if they are already breaking 30mph and 40mph limits”. Concerns were also raised about some of the physical measures proposed to slow traffic.

Some objectors raised concerns that lane restrictions could “cause unnecessary traffic build up”. One objector said: “I feel that the proposed traffic calming measures will create more problems than solutions. It will create unnecessary congestion during peak hours. Most people abide by the speed limit, so it feels unnecessary to impose these restrictions.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the force had no objection to the plans, but raised concerns about compliance with the proposed lower speed limits on some roads in particular. These included the High Street, School Lane, Fen Drayton Road, and Middle Watch.

The county council report acknowledged the concerns, recognising that the roads highlighted by the force are “relatively straight, wide, have more through-traffic importance and less on-street parking”.

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However, they said the county council’s policy is to encourage 20mph speed limits to be implemented on a “zonal basis”, and that removing individual roads is “generally not recommended” as it had “practical implications”, including extra signage being needed.

The report added that if there is evidence of drivers not following the lower speed limits, additional measures could be considered to slow traffic. The report said: “The traffic calming measures have been designed to lower speeds on specific lengths of road where current traffic speeds are relatively high.

“They have been designed to avoid any undue inconvenience to residents, for example, the features will not prevent access to adjacent driveways. Only two give-way priority narrowings are proposed, so they are unlikely to create any widespread congestion or traffic jams.

“It is acknowledged that opinions vary on 20mph speed limits. In the case of Swavesey, there appears to be some opposition to a village-wide 20mph limit. However, the recent statutory process and the earlier parish council engagement exercises suggest that there is also a reasonable level of local support.

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“Traffic calming and lower speed limit can have a secondary benefit of encouraging drivers to select an alternative route, which may be more appropriate. In summary, 20mph limits are widely used to encourage drivers to travel at lower speeds, particularly in residential areas where it is common for more vulnerable road users to be present.

“In addition, there are likely to be higher numbers of pedestrians and cyclists, who will feel safer and more confident if motorised vehicles are travelling at reduced speeds.

“20mph speed limits represent a relatively cost-effective way to improve road safety and encourage more sustainable modes of transport. Consequently, it is recommended that the proposed 20mph speed limit for Swavesey be implemented.”

A decision on whether to implement the 20mph zone and traffic calming measures is due to be made on February 25.

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NI council’s new vegetable oil fuel costs kept hidden from ratepayers

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It is a fossil-free alternative to diesel and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% per vehicle.

Vegetable oil is set to fuel a Northern Ireland council’s fleet of vehicles with the expected higher costs to ratepayers kept behind closed doors.

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s environment committee signed off on the ‘Path to Net Zero’ this week in confidential session away from public view.

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is considered a ‘drop in’ replacement for diesel requiring no engine modifications, but it can be considerably more expensive to buy than diesel at this time.

READ MORE: 5G mast compared to Eiffel Tower approved despite residents’ concerns

READ MORE: Lisburn & Castlereagh’s first Irish and English bilingual sign

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In open session, committee chairperson Oonagh Magennis said: “It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor Martin Hearty and seconded by Councillor Terry Andrews to approve the transition from diesel to HVO in line with council’s transition towards net zero council, to achieve targets set by the draft sustainability and climate change strategy.”

The local authority recently began replacing a total of 77 council vehicles (2022) including bin collection lorries at an estimated cost of £7.4m.

The new biofuel is a low carbon, zero sulphur fuel made from waste renewable materials such as rapeseed and sunflower oil.

It is a fossil-free alternative to diesel and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% per vehicle.

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The Department for the Economy has said that there is currently no large-scale production of HVO in Northern Ireland with imports needed, which could potentially create further costs and a carbon footprint of travel.

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Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested, and what legal protections does the royal family have?

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Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested, and what legal protections do the royal family have?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest comes after the US government released files that appeared to indicate he had shared official information with financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy for the UK. But the police have not given details of exactly what they are investigating.

It is important to be clear that the arrest is not related to accusations of sexual assault or misconduct. In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor reached a settlement with the late Virginia Giuffre for an undisclosed sum that did not include an admission of liability.

Being named in the Epstein files is not an indication of misconduct. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing in his association with Epstein and and has previously rejected any suggestion he used his time as trade envoy to further his own interests.

What was Mountbatten-Windsor’s official role and why did he lose it?

In 2001, Tony Blair’s government made the then-prince the UK’s special representative for trade and investment. According to the government at the time, his remit was to “promote UK business internationally, market the UK to potential inward investors, and build relationships in support of UK business interests”. He did not receive a salary, but he did go on hundreds of trips to promote British businesses.

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Members of the royal family are often deployed by the government on international missions to promote trade. When negotiating with other countries, particularly those which are also monarchies, sending a prominent figure like a royal may help seal the deal. Indeed, the then-government claimed that the former Duke of York’s “unique position gives him unrivalled access to members of royal families, heads of state, government ministers and chief executives of companies”.

It is not unusual for members of the royal family to be deployed by the government for diplomatic missions. Royals often host incoming state visits and lead similar visits abroad, and can be deployed to lead delegations on more specific missions.

However, Mountbatten-Windsor had an official role as trade envoy. He stepped down from this role in 2011 following reports about his friendship with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offences in 2011.




À lire aussi :
What exactly is misconduct in public office and could Peter Mandelson be convicted?

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Are royals protected from prosecution?

The monarch is protected by sovereign immunity, a wide-ranging constitutional principle exempting him from all criminal and civil liability. According to the leading 19th century constitutionalist Alfred Dicey, the monarch could not even be prosecuted for “shooting the Prime Minister through the head”. The Prince of Wales also enjoys immunity as Duke of Cornwall, which protects him from punishment for breaking a range of laws.

The State Immunity Act 1978, which confers immunity on the head of state, also extends to “members of the family forming part of the household”. However, this phrase has been interpreted narrowly to apply to a very tight circle of people and does not appear to apply to the monarch’s children in general. For example, in 2002 Princess Anne was prosecuted (though not arrested) for failing to control her dogs in Windsor Great Park after they bit two children.

Nevertheless, there has often been a perception that members of the royal family are held to a different standard when it comes to the law. In 2016 Thames Valley Police were criticised by anti-monarchy groups for not prosecuting the then-prince after newspaper reports alleged he had driven his car through the gates of Windsor Great Park. In 2019 the Crown Prosecution Service declined to prosecute Prince Philip for causing a car crash which injured two people.

The monarch also cannot be compelled to give evidence in court. For example, prosecutors were unable to summon the late queen to give evidence in the trial of Princess Diana’s former butler, who was accused of stealing her jewellery.

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In response to Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, the king said: “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

When was the last time a royal was arrested?

You have to go back quite a long way to find the last time that a member of the British royal family was arrested. This was during the English civil war, when Charles I was taken prisoner for treason before being found guilty and ultimately executed in 1649.

A number of royals, including Princess Anne, have committed driving-related offences, including speeding. But this arrest makes Mountbatten-Windsor the first member of the royal family to be arrested in modern times, though it should be noted that he is no longer a royal – he was stripped of all his official titles in October 2025 as his friendship with Epstein came under even more scrutiny.

The former prince, pictured in 2019.
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What limits do police have on investigating royal estates?

Sovereign immunity also prevents police from entering private royal estates to investigate alleged crimes without permission. This can, theoretically, protect members of the royal family from arrest and prosecution. The Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Act 2017 also bans police from searching royal estates for stolen or looted artefacts.

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In 2007, two hen harriers were illegally shot at Sandringham estate. However, Norfolk Police first needed to ask Sandringham officials for permission to enter the estate, by which time the dead birds’ bodies had been removed. Police questioned Prince Harry, but did not bring charges.

Other incidents have allegedly led to Sandringham being accused of becoming a wildlife crime hotspot, with at least 18 reported cases of suspected wildlife offences taking place between 2003-23 – yet only one resulting in prosecution.

Another longstanding legal precedent is that no one may be arrested in the presence of the monarch or within the precincts of a royal palace. It was thought that this rule could protect other members of the royal family and royal employees. However, Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest at Sandringham suggests that this antiquated principle may no longer hold true today.

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Cindy Crawford hits milestone birthday and fans can’t get over her age

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Supermodel Cindy Crawford has revealed the steps she takes to age gracefully and look decades younger than her true age as she celebrates a big milestone birthday

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has left fans gobsmacked at her youthful appearance as she turns 60. The model, actress and TV personality rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the world’s most recognisable supermodels, appearing on magazine covers, runways and in major fashion campaigns.

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Her modelling career spans more than three decades and, throughout that time, she has stuck to a structured diet, exercise routine and skincare regime. As the mum of two celebrates her 60th birthday today (February 20), she has shared details of her health and beauty routine.

Cindy Crawford launched her skincare range, Meaningful Beauty, more than 20 years ago alongside French doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh.

The line includes face and body creams, as well as shampoos, conditioners and hair oils.

In a statement, she said: “As a young supermodel, I visited world-renowned cosmetic specialist Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh at his clinic in Paris.

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“After my first treatment using super antioxidants from a rare melon in the South of France, I saw instant, glowing results.

“Dr Sebagh and I developed Meaningful Beauty as an easy-to-use system that delivers younger-looking skin by combining science, technology and nature.

“The powerful melon super antioxidants are the secret to the formulas.”

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She also makes sure to wear sun protection every day, as it offers anti-ageing benefits and protects her skin from environmental damage.

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Outside of skincare, she spends time in her home sauna and exercises regularly.

She has previously shared that her go-to workout includes 20 minutes of cardio and weight training three times a week, followed by 30 to 60 minutes of exercises such as bicep curls, squats and lunges.

To fuel her body, she often opts for a breakfast smoothie made with coconut milk, a quarter of a banana, a handful of spinach, mint, collagen protein powder, flaxseed, hemp seeds and maca.

For lunch, she tends to avoid gluten-based foods like bread and pasta, instead choosing protein with salad.

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In the evening, she typically enjoys a meal made up of protein and vegetables.

Speaking on The Skinny Confidential in 2024, Cindy highlighted the importance of mental health, saying it plays a huge role in her overall wellbeing and fitness.

She said: “I think part of being healthy is mental health, and part of mental health is feeling like you are taking care of yourself and feeling good about yourself.

“I think with women, if we feel good about ourselves, we have so much more confidence and so much more to offer.

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“We raise our hands, we volunteer, we are not hiding in the shadows.”

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5 ways dermatologists recommend using PDRN – the ‘salmon DNA’ skincare ingredient going viral

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PDRN ‘salmon DNA’ skincare is trending on TikTok, and dermatologists say it could help improve skin barrier strength and hydration when used correctly

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‘Salmon DNA’ skincare is trending, racking up thousands of views on TikTok – but what is it, and how should we be using it? We asked dermatologists for the low down on beauty’s latest viral ingredient, and discovered five ways it could help users improve their complexion in 2026.

PDRN is the trending K-beauty ingredient that experts say supports skin repair, hydration and barrier strength. Short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, PDRN is most commonly derived from purified salmon DNA.

Originally developed for medical wound healing, it’s now one of 2026’s most talked-about skincare ingredients. As beauty fans move from aggressive exfoliation and skin cycling, PDRN aims to improves the skin’s hydration through enhancing moisture retention and structural resilience – and it’s gentle enough for most skincare enthusiasts to use.

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Here are five expert-backed ways to incorporate PDRN into your routine, and the standout products worth trying now.

1. Use PDRN as a daily barrier-support serum

Dermatologists describe PDRN as a “long-game” ingredient. It’s not a miracle worker or quick fix, but offers daily support for healthier skin. It can be used morning or evening – or both – after cleansing, but before moisturising.

Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics , explained: “PDRN encourages the skin to repair itself more efficiently. It helps kick-start fibroblast activity – the cells responsible for collagen and elastin – improving skin quality over time rather than offering a short-term cosmetic fix.”

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For anyone wanting improved hydration, glow and barrier resilience without irritation, a purse-friendly option is the PDRN Serum from Boots, priced at £8 . Lightweight and non-sticky, it layers well under SPF and makeup, making it an easy entry point into recovery-first skincare.

2. Pair PDRN with retinoids to reduce irritation

Retinol remains a gold-standard active in skincare, having grown in popularity in recent years, but it can cause irritation for some users, particularly beginners, those with sensitive skin, or during the adjustment phase when upping the strength.

For retinol users, Dr Ewa Kania – an aesthetic doctor and regenerative skin specialist -recommends the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum , calling it a ‘great affordable option for sensitive or retinoid-averse skin’. Combining PDRN with hyaluronic acid, it delivers hydration while supporting barrier repair, which is particularly helpful if your skin feels sensitised from retinol use.

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3. Use PDRN post-procedure or after over-exfoliation

Because PDRN was originally developed for wound healing, it fits naturally into post-procedure routines. Consultant Dermatologist Dr Aiza Jamil added: “It acts as a regenerative ingredient that interacts with cellular mechanisms involved in repair and homeostasis. It was originally used in aesthetic and medical dermatology for wound healing, but is now formulated into topical products like serums, creams, ampoules and toners.”

Said to be ‘excellent for post-procedure repair and barrier support’, the Dr Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream, is £32.89 at Superdrug. Often sold out at Korean pharmacies, according to Glam Touch, it’s designed for oily, dry, and combination skin types and helps the skin recover from daily environmental stress while restoring hydration, glow, and firmness overnight.

4. Choose PDRN for hydration and ‘glass skin’ glow

On TikTok, PDRN has gained traction under the nickname “salmon DNA skincare.” The hashtag #PDRN already has over 194K posts, while #GlassSkin has surpassed 1.3 million. Searches for K-beauty on TikTok Shop are up 125% in the last six months of 2025, with #kbeauty now the third most-used beauty hashtag in the UK.

A viral favourite is the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum , stocked at Boots. It combines PDRN with peptides for a plumper, more radiant look over time. One shopper commenting: “Amazing! This serum has helped my dry skin so so much! I had one stubborn patch around my nose that no moisturiser has helped, but one week of Salmon PDRN and it’s clearing up.”

However, another shopper claimed it caused them to break out in blemishes, which goes to show that not every skincare product or ingredient will suit everyone. It’s also worth remembering to complete a patch test when introducing any new product or ingredient into your skincare routine, especially as, in some rare cases, those with fish allergies may not find the product suitable for them.

5. Opt for vegan alternatives if you prefer non-animal formulas

Most PDRN is derived from salmon DNA, which may not be suitable for everyone, either for moral reasons, or for health reasons – such as potential allergies. As such, fermentation-based and vegan alternatives are emerging, such as the Yepoda The Skinject Effect.

Dr Kania said it is made with ’exosomes and microspicule delivery, appealing to ethically minded clients and next-gen regenerative positioning’. With its gentle yet powerful formula, it refines skin over time, stimulates collagen production, and supports the skin’s natural barrier.

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