DWP plans to increase the length of awards for people making new PIP claims

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The UK Government plans to extend the length of awards for people making a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from April in order to help reduce the backlog of Work Capability Assessments (WCA). The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the measure is designed to free up health professionals to conduct more face-to-face assessments and complete additional WCA reassessments.

Currently, the interval between PIP award reviews can be as short as nine months and the majority of people do not experience a change in their award at review. This is to be lengthened for most PIP claimants aged 25 and over to a minimum of three years for a new claim, increasing to five years at their subsequent review if they continue to be entitled.

These operational changes are separate from the Timms Review, which will examine the role of PIP, eligibility for the daily living and mobility components, assessment process and the criteria in supporting disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence.

The new measure in April will come into force alongside modifications to Universal Credit that narrows the gap between what people receive for being unemployed compared to long-term sickness. The alterations will see the UK Government fulfil a pledge it made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper to increase face-to-face assessments after they were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with contracts agreed by the previous government requiring 80 per cent of assessments to be completed virtually.

The proportion of face-to-face assessments will be increased, with those for PIP rising from 6 per cent in 2024 (57,000) to 30 per cent of all assessments, and the WCA from 13 per cent in 2024 (74,000) to 30 per cent, reports the Daily Record.

The UK Government said it is implementing these changes and “reforming the broken welfare system it inherited” by extending the time between assessments to check if a claimant’s condition still qualifies them for PIP, freeing up health professionals to conduct more assessments face-to-face and deliver more WCA reassessments.

It added: “Reassessments play an important role in taking account of how changes in health conditions and disabilities affect people over time.”

In total, the measures are expected to save the UK taxpayer £1.9 billion by the end of 2030/31 and comes alongside employment support aimed at sick or disabled people including Connect to Work, and the redeployment of 1,000 work coaches.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden recently stated: “We’re committed to reforming the welfare system we inherited, which for too long has written off millions as too sick to work.

“That is why we are ramping up the number of assessments we do face-to-face and taking action to tackle the inherited backlog of people waiting for a Work Capability Assessment.

“These reforms will allow us to save £1.9 billion, creating a welfare state that supports those who need it whilst helping people into work and delivering fairness to the taxpayer.”

Once again, it did not happen but looks so realistic.

And Cowan said it was difficult for there to be any recourse when content is presented “in a non-contentious manner”.

Unless a person has suffered commercial or reputational damage, options are limited.

“It’s always been quite challenging for an individual to enforce IP rights,” Cowan said. “If it is a deepfake that is showing them in a compromising position, let’s say, that’s different.”

The Data (Use and Access) Act came into force last month, making it a criminal offence to create, share or request a sexually explicit deepfake.

But then you have AI-generated videos such as Celtic’s Luke McCowan punching an assistant referee. Could it damage his reputation, or is it just not believeable?

A more pressing concern for players might be ‘passing off’. This is where someone unfairly associates their own products or services with the reputation and goodwill of an established brand or business – or player.

It is intended to mislead consumers into believing they connected to it – to the detriment of the established brand.

Cowan explained that in December 2024, as part of an AI-related consultation, the UK government said it was considering “introducing some kind of personality right”.

That would give a player more scope to take action.

Clubs, for their part, have a few more options open to them.

Social media accounts putting players in the shirts of their new team – or any team – is nothing new.

But what if a club wanted to take issue?

“Where you’ve got, for example, the Man City kit they could look at other IP rights,” Cowan said.

“Have they infringed the trademark in their crest? Or design rights in their shirt? For that kind of image, that’s what a club or an individual would likely be looking at.”

BBC Sport understands City believe fans know official channels remain the only places to go for any genuine news, images or videos.

But as the lines blur further, will clubs keep that stance?

Last month, John attended the awards show with the cast and crew of I Swear, a film inspired by his life story and experiences of living with Tourette’s.

During the event, he experienced a number of involuntary tics, one of which occurred while Sinners actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting on stage, resulting in him shouting the N-word from the audience.

In the last week, the incident has sparked a wave of headlines, with the BBC in particular facing scrutiny over how the uncensored slur ended up being included in the broadcaster’s Baftas coverage, which aired on a two-hour delay.

On Sunday, a week after the Baftas, John shared a message on his public Facebook page, claiming he’d been “waiting all week until the dust settles” to speak out.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you who have shown love, support and solidarity towards myself and the rest of the Tourette’s community,” he began. “Your kind words and support have got me through a very difficult week.

“Whilst I will never [apologise] for having Tourette syndrome, I will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create. This past week has been tough, and has reminded me that what I do, raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition, there is still a long way to go and I will keep on keeping on until this is achieved.”

Footage verified by the BBC appears to show the moment an F-15 fighter jet falls from the sky and crashes to the ground near Kuwait City.

The video was filmed from the west of the city, on the edge of the Al Jahra area.

Earlier on Monday, Kuwait’s ministry of defence said “several American fighter aircraft came down this morning” with all crews having “survived unscathed”.

Unverified footage on social media also appeared to show the same aircraft falling, with other images purporting to show an unidentified pilot being rescued after ejecting from the aircraft.

Christine Carter, from Norton, had been enjoying her holiday in Dubai, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran at the weekend.

She is due to fly back to the UK on March 12 but is now unsure how she will get home.

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Christine said: ” It’s very surreal feeling and I think that’s for all the people here, at least I’m staying with family over here

“It was very frightening on Saturday night when all our mobiles were getting alerts and hearing the missiles getting intercepted. The noise of them were terrible big boom sounds.

“Yesterday again we heard the missiles. The locals are told to work from home and schools and parks are closed.

“People were still going to bars and restaurants and trying to keep normal as they can. Again this morning with missiles been intercepted more booms. The fighter jets have been in the air all morning. As far as getting home absolutely no idea. I’m supposed to fly back March 12.”

Major airlines have suspended services leaving thousands of Brits facing uncertainty over when they will be able to fly home. More than 3,400 flights were cancelled on Sunday alone across seven major Middle Eastern airports, according to flight tracker Flightradar24.

Before joining Slimming World, Lesley Johnstone’s health was beginning to suffer in several serious ways.

A single photograph changed everything for Bonkle woman Lesley Johnstone.

Taken at her husband Stephen’s birthday celebration, the image stopped the 55-year-old in her tracks. She could not believe what she was seeing and in that moment she knew she needed to take control of her health and her future.

Before joining Slimming World, Lesley’s health was beginning to suffer in several serious ways.

She said: “I felt exhausted all the time, struggled with low energy and became breathless easily. I had been diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver disease, had high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and she worried these conditions would only worsen as time went on.

“The thought of getting started filled me with anxiety and I knew I could not continue as I was.”

Lesley joined Christopher’s Slimming World group in Coltness feeling nervous and unsure what to expect. But the moment she walked through the doors she was welcomed with genuine warmth and reassurance.

Those fears quickly dissolved and she felt ready to begin. Stephen, 57, decided to join at the same time so they could support one another from day one.

In the early weeks Lesley noticed small but powerful changes. She could climb the stairs without getting out of breath. Her energy began to lift.

She started to look forward to doing things again. For the first time in a long while she felt a spark of hope for the future.

She was surprised at how generous and flexible the eating plan was. Lesley had avoided pasta for years believing it was off limits, but she was delighted to learn that it is a Free Food at Slimming World.

She enjoyed satisfying portions of real food and lost weight beautifully without weighing or counting.

Some of her favourite meals quickly became family favourites too, including Marry Me Chicken, Burger in a Bowl, Slimming World style loaded fries and her go to mousse desserts, which she says helped her stay on track without feeling deprived.

She created new healthy habits that have stayed with her. She now eats more fruit, walks every day, cooks without oil and avoids butter.

Support from the group and her consultant Christopher played a huge part in her success. Christopher checked in with her during the week which helped keep her motivation high. Members shared ideas and strategies that helped them all through tricky moments.

Lesley says the real turning point came on her very first night during the new member talk which gave her the confidence to believe she really could do this.

That belief paid off. Lesley went on to lose an incredible three stone 13 pounds and transformed her confidence, her health and her outlook on life.

Stephen lost 1 stone 8 pounds alongside her and together they have rediscovered their love of walking.

Days out with their dog Mitsy are now easier and far more enjoyable.

Her incredible achievement was recognised in group when she was proudly awarded Greatest Loser, something she describes as one of the proudest moments of her journey.

READ MORE: Three thugs jailed after ‘brutal and savage’ blade attack on man in Motherwell

As World Obesity Day approaches on March 4 there is national focus on the challenges people face with their weight and the impact it can have on wellbeing.

Lesley hopes her journey shows what is possible when people find the right support.

Now Lesley is ready to support others. She will officially open her brand new Slimming World group on Wednesday, March 18, at 7pm at the Brass Band Hall on Windsor Street in Shotts.

If you are struggling with your weight, worried about your health or simply want to feel more like yourself again, Lesley is encouraging you to come along.

She says taking that first brave step changed her entire future and she is ready to help others change theirs too.

READ MORE: Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell’s statue unveiled in hometown of Craigneuk

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Ten countries have been attacked after the US and Israel declared war on Iran

Across southern Lebanon and Beruit 31 people have been killed with 149 also injured due to strikes from Israel, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. It comes as tensions rise across the world with the US and Israel declaring war on Iran.

On Saturday, February 28 the United States and Israel launched a joint military attack on Iran following weeks of pressure from President Trump threatening action unless Iran’s leadership agreed to give up its nuclear programme.

Since the first US-Israel strike on Iran on Saturday 14 cities have been hit in Iran.

Striking back, Iran has launched strikes across nine countries including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. An Iranian drone has also struck a runway at a UK military base in Cyprus.

Israel bombed Lebanon after Hezbollah – Lebanese paramilitary group – joined the war in the Middle East.

Reports from the IDF have claimed that a senior member of the militant group has been killed in the strikes.

Lebanon’s health ministry has confirmed the death of 31 people with over 100 injured as the Israeli military claim the attack on the country will last days.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said: “We have begun an offensive campaign against Hezbollah. We are not just on the defensive, now we go on the offence.

“We need to prepare for several days of fighting, many. We need strong defensive readiness and continuous offensive preparedness, in waves.”

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You can go the easy way with this and buy sliced mango, sachets of passion fruit pulp and ready-made meringue – just add some chopped pistachios as you put the pudding together and forget the basil. The from-scratch version is more special, but only you can decide how much time you want to spend cooking.

The meringues can be made up to a week ahead.

Requires 45 minutes infusing time plus overnight cooling.

Lindsay Lohan, Vicky Pattison and other celebrities are confirmed to be safe in Dubai amid the ongoing Iranian strikes – with many taking refuge in basements while stuck in the country.

Iran hit the United Arab Emirates and its neighbours on Saturday (28 February) in retaliation to the United States and Israeli forces’ attack on Iran shortly before, which resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Kahmenei.

The strikes on the UAE have resulted in the death of one person and several injuries after Dubai International Airport was targeted, while a five-star hotel in Palm Jumeirah went up in flames when a projective struck the area.

Among those taking refuge from the attacks are British and American celebrities holidaying in the country, with many taking to social media to speak out about the global crisis.

Freaky Friday actor Lindsay Lohan, who lives in Dubai with her husband Bader Shammas and their son Luai, announced on Sunday (1 March) that she was safe in the city. “Praying for peace,” she wrote on Instagram. “Stay safe everyone. God bless us all.”

Fellow resident Kate Ferdinand – who is married to ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand – also revealed on Sunday that their family was safe after sleeping in the basement of their home. The couple relocated to Dubai last year with their young children.

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“Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, i haven’t wanted to worry you all I just haven’t been able to find the words. We are safe,” she said on Instagram.

“The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands. We are hoping for calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary. Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn’t believe we all got a sleepover in the basement.”

She added: “This whole experience is very eye opening & I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone.”

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Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison, who was holidaying in Dubai with her husband Ercan Ramadan, was forced to stay in the country after her flight to Sydney was cancelled due to the attacks.

“Ercan and I were due to fly to Sydney this evening. But like many others our flight was cancelled and we are now effectively stuck in Dubai,” she wrote on Instagram. “We’re receiving a lot of messages from people asking if we’re ok- which we are.

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“We are currently in our hotel and have been assured we’re safe. We are aware that the situation that is unfolding is scary and I’m also aware that there’s a lot of videos circulating on social media which are understandably concerning.”

She added that they are trying their “best to stay calm” and thinking of everyone “feeling unsettled and unsafe right now”.

Luisa Zissman , a former star of The Apprentice, revealed that her home in the UAE city was shaken by “massive bangs”, forcing her and her family to retreat to the basement also.

“Keeping the kids entertained and indoors,” she wrote on Instagram. “We got itchy feet and went to take them to the park and literally as we went to step foot out the door we heard 2 massive bangs that shook the house, we retreated and then heard another 2. So now movie time in the basement.

“So surreal and scary. I do have faith that UAE defence will keep us all safe.”

Zissman is not the only reality star who is trying to stay safe in Dubai amid the strikes – with Love Island 2023 winner Sammy Root struggling in the city while on holiday. “First ever day in Dubai, get me out of Dubai immediately,” he wrote on social media.

While series two star Kady McDermott spoke out about “scary times” in the UAE after watching missiles fly above her head. “The UAE government are doing an amazing job at keeping everyone safe by intercepting the missiles. Everyone stay inside and stay safe through this scary time,” she wrote.

The Independent has contacted the representatives of Lohan, Pattison, Ferdinand, Zissman, Root and McDermott for comment.