Connect with us

NewsBeat

Government announces new scheme to help stranded rail passengers get free trains on 17 operators

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

The new scheme to help passengers left stranded by cancelled trains will start on September 20

The Government has announced a new scheme to help passengers whose trains have been cancelled, starting this weekend.

Advertisement

From Sunday September 20, passengers whose trains are cancelled will be able to use other services free of charge – ending being stranded at stations and the need for costly re-bookings.

Currently, the Department for Transport (DfT) says passengers are paying the price for a “system which prioritises shareholders when trains are cancelled.”

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Adding: “People are left to wait on platforms for operators to agree ticket acceptance, rush to catch another service across the station, buy a new ticket, or abandon their journey altogether – with countless meetings, appointments, and reunions missed as a result.”

Advertisement

The changes this weekend come as part of Government reforms to rail services, including the creation of Great British Railways (GBR) which The DfT says will bring railways under stronger public control to “put passengers and their experience first.”

What is changing?

From Sunday September 20, passenger’s whose trains are cancelled will be able to transfer to another service run by a different operator to complete their journey at no additional cost.

Customers holding a valid ticket will be able to travel on another participating operator’s train, departing within two hours before or after their original cancelled service, using a direct or reasonable alternative route.

Passengers will need to show their original ticket to customer support staff on their new service as proof of purchase, with no requirement to download a new ticket.

Advertisement

The Dft says cross-operator ticket acceptance is already in place across all publicly owned operators, but from Sunday September 20, this expands to include CrossCountry, GWR and Avanti West Coast and Chiltern Railways, bringing operators running key intercity routes across the UK into the scheme to support thousands more passengers.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “This is a simple, common-sense change that puts passengers first. No one should be left stranded because of a fragmented railway when their journey is disrupted. From this weekend, if your train is cancelled, you can get on another operator’s service and carry on your journey without paying again.

“We’re fixing the railway from the ground up, making it simpler, fairer and easier to use, as we move towards Great British Railways and put public service back at the heart of our railways.”

Who is covered?

Following the expansion this weekend, the following operators will be taking part in the scheme. East Midlands Railway will join the scheme at a later date:

Advertisement
  • c2c
  • Gatwick Express
  • Greater Anglia
  • Great Northern
  • LNER
  • London Northwestern Railway
  • Northern
  • Southeastern
  • Southern
  • Thameslink
  • South Western Railway
  • Transpennine Express
  • West Midlands Railway
  • Avanti West Coast (new)
  • Chiltern Railways (new)
  • CrossCountry (new)
  • Great Western Railway (new)

The DfT says expanding ticket acceptance signifies the Government’s “common-sense approach” to reform the overly complicated and outdated rail fare system ahead of the establishment of GBR.

Adding they are investing £156 million in new ticketing schemes so that by 2027, with pay-as-you-go becoming available at over 100 more stations across Greater Manchester, the Midlands and the South-East.

Digital ticketing allows passengers to download an app that uses GPS to track their journeys to calculate the best fare without physically checking in and out or buying a ticket in advance.

A new GBR website and app is also said to be in development, which will serve as a one-stop shop, with passengers able to buy tickets, check train times and access support in one simple-to-use app.

Alex Robertson, Chief Executive of the independent watchdog, Transport Focus said: “When passengers are delayed, they just want to get where they need to be, not worry about whether their ticket will be accepted on another train.

Advertisement

“This is a welcome change that we have long called for and should make it easier for people when services are cancelled.

“The key now is making sure passengers get clear information about their options whenever disruption occurs.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Buckingham Palace’s hidden treasures: Forgotten items including pools coupon and worker’s boots are found under floorboards during restoration

Published

on

A Littlewoods football pools coupon from 1957 was also discovered

A worker’s well-worn pair of boots and a pools coupon are among the forgotten items that have been found under Buckingham Palace‘s floorboards during its restoration. 

The Palace has been undergoing a £370million renovation for the past decade to rewire its electrics, upgrade its plumbing and heating and overhaul its infrastructure to prevent long-term damage. 

The overhaul has resulted in a treasure trove of historic items being collected by renovators – from an empty Silk Cut cigarette packet, the brand once smoked by Queen Camilla, to an almost 140-year-old fragment of the West End theatre listings from The Standard newspaper in 1889. 

A ticket to a ‘whist drive’ run by the Royal Household’s social club nearly 80 years ago was also among the resurfaced goods, alongside blank Littlewoods football pools coupon from 1957 and a pair of battered black hobnail boots. 

Advertisement

Also found was a detailed, typed schedule with all the timings and directions required for Queen Elizabeth II‘s hosting of a diplomatic reception in her Silver Jubilee year of 1977, revealing the monarch would work the room in a ‘clockwise direction’. 

The misplaced belongings, found beneath the floorboards or other areas of the royal residence during the building work, offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who worked and lived behind the scenes at monarchy HQ. 

A Littlewoods football pools coupon from 1957 was also discovered 

Advertisement
A pair of hobnail boots were among the forgotten items discovered during the restoration of Buckingham Palace

A pair of hobnail boots were among the forgotten items discovered during the restoration of Buckingham Palace 

An empty packet of Silk Cut cigarettes was also discovered

An empty packet of Silk Cut cigarettes was also discovered 

They have remained hidden for decades, preserved within the fabric of the Palace, before being discovered by workers carrying out the refurbishment to the building’s infrastructure. 

Examples of electrical wire covered with Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) cabling, which posed the greatest risk of fire to the building, were also located – with the cabling, which becomes brittle with age, removed as a priority when the project, which is due to be completed next year, began in 2017. 

Advertisement

Some 2km of the rubber cabling has been replaced so far – the equivalent to the length of 40 Olympic sized swimming pools. 

The small once-white Whist Drive ticket, priced at 6d, a sixpence, and dated April 14, 1949, during the reign of the King’s grandfather, George VI, was found embedded in a lump of building rock. 

The pass to the staff social club gathering in the Palace, where people would have played progressive rounds of the classic trick-taking card game, reads ‘Royal Household Social Club – Buckingham Palace: A Whist Drive to be held on’ followed by the faded, stamped date ’14 APR 1949′. 

In April 1949, Queen Elizabeth II was still Princess Elizabeth and had been married to Prince Philip for less than 18 months, and their eldest son, the now-King, then prince Charles, was only five months old. 

Advertisement
Princess Margaret (pictured in 1991) was well known for being a heavy smoker

Princess Margaret (pictured in 1991) was well known for being a heavy smoker

A fragment of the West End theatre listings from the November 29, 1889 edition The Standard

A fragment of the West End theatre listings from the November 29, 1889 edition The Standard 

An invitation to a Royal Household Social Club event at Buckingham Palace, 'A Whist Drive'

An invitation to a Royal Household Social Club event at Buckingham Palace, ‘A Whist Drive’ 

A Pewter tankard was among the items found

A Pewter tankard was among the items found

Advertisement
A copy of the Daily Express from Tuesday February 1st 1966 with a photo feature on the prison used to house the Great Train Robbery perpetrators

A copy of the Daily Express from Tuesday February 1st 1966 with a photo feature on the prison used to house the Great Train Robbery perpetrators

A wooden junction box

A wooden junction box

Minton decorative ceramic tiles from a fireplace hearth

Minton decorative ceramic tiles from a fireplace hearth

Examples of electrical wire covered with vulcanised Indian rubber cabling

Examples of electrical wire covered with vulcanised Indian rubber cabling

Advertisement
A bottle of Schweppes Malvern English Still Spring Water

A bottle of Schweppes Malvern English Still Spring Water

The Dignity Series of Real Photogravure Reproductions from etchings containing six autograph Christmas cards and envelopes was another item found

The Dignity Series of Real Photogravure Reproductions from etchings containing six autograph Christmas cards and envelopes was another item found

Also discovered were pages from the Daily Express newspaper in 1966 detailing the ‘maximum security’ prison housing the Great Train Robbers, picturing inside Durham Prison and revealing that ‘the men who were found guilty of stealing a fortune in mailbags spend their week stitching them for nine shillings’. 

The instructions for Royal Household staff for the 1977 Diplomatic Corps reception revealed that the Queen and other members of the royal family would move round the Ball Room in a ‘clockwise direction’.

Advertisement

Aides were also asked to encourage the 350 British guests to mingle with the diplomats at the glittering annual gathering, where the dress code would have been white tie and decorations or national dress, with the royal women wearing tiaras.

‘The British guests will be distributed throughout the State Rooms, except the Music Room and West Gallery, where they should be encouraged to talk to the Diplomats,’ the manually typed sheet read.

It added: ‘In the Ball Room, Her Majesty and other Members of the Royal Family will move round the room in a clockwise direction.’ 

It also warned that smoking was banned in certain state rooms with the reception kept to a strict timetable, saying: ‘Drinks will be served to guests in the Blue Drawing Room, State Dining Room and West Gallery between 9.30 and 10.00pm.

Advertisement

‘Guests allotted to the Ball Room will be served drinks in the Ball Room Annexe from 9.30pm until approximately 10.15pm. Smoking will not be permitted in any of these rooms.’

Other findings included a section of Minton decorative ceramic tiles from a fireplace hearth, with the design dated around the mid-1800s, an aged Pewter tankard, a bottle of Schweppes Still Malvern English Spring Water, a wooden junction box, and a faded box containing six Christmas cards.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

How to claim a free gym pass in County Durham this September

Published

on

How to claim a free gym pass in County Durham this September

Durham County Council is offering a month-long programme of activities to mark National Fitness Day and help residents explore new ways to move.

As part of the campaign, people can claim a free seven-day pass to use the council’s own leisure centres across County Durham, giving access to pools, gyms, and fitness classes.

Residents can also access a free week-long Move Plus Pass, which can be used for gentle exercise classes, pools and walking sports sessions.

Advertisement

It can also be used to access the council’s Move Hubs, which offer power-assisted exercise equipment.

Free taster sessions in yoga, Pilates, and HIITStep will be available at selected locations, and a fresh round of the Couch to 5k running programme is already underway.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “Exercise in any form, whether that’s a gentle walk or intense cardio, is beneficial to health and wellbeing.

“We want to encourage residents to explore ways to incorporate movement into their daily life, no matter their fitness level.

Advertisement

“As part of this ambition, we are committed to driving positive lifestyle change and increasing opportunities for residents to access physical activity across the county.”

On National Fitness Day, which falls on Wednesday, September 16, leisure centre members can spin the wheel at their local site for the chance to win memberships, guest passes for friends and family, and entries into a grand prize draw.

Two fitness challenges will run throughout September, giving residents the opportunity to win a range of membership prizes by earning MOVE points through the Technogym app.

As part of the campaign, members who achieve 2,000 MOVE points on National Fitness Day will be entered into a prize draw to win a free 12-month membership.

Advertisement

In addition, participants who accumulate 15,000, 30,000 or 50,000 MOVE points during September will be entered into separate prize draws, providing even more opportunities to be rewarded for staying active.

Councillor Allison said the council is “As part of this ambition, we are committed to driving positive lifestyle change and increasing opportunities for residents to access physical activity across the county.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Brad Pitt and girlfriend Ines de Ramon risk awkward run-in with her ex-husband Paul Wesley and his new wife at US Open

Published

on

Brad Pitt and his much-younger girlfriend Ines de Ramon came close to crossing paths with her ex-husband at the US Open in New York City on Sunday

Brad Pitt and his much-younger girlfriend Ines de Ramon came close to crossing paths with her ex-husband at the US Open in New York City on Sunday.

The movie star, 62, and the jewelry designer, 33, were seen whispering to one another in the stands and packed on the PDA while watching the Men’s Finals match.

The pair risked an awkward run-in with her ex, actor Paul Wesley, 43, and his new wife, Natalie Kuckenburg, 26, who also attended the tennis match. 

At one point during the star-studded game, Pitt was seen getting close to his girlfriend to hold her hand, and as the pair chatted and giggled.

Advertisement

He was casual cool in a dark navy button-down paired with matching slacks and accessorized with a backwards cap, aviator sunglasses and a string of pearls on his neck. 

His girlfriend wore a floral-patterned blouse with lace details that exposed her shoulders. 

Brad Pitt and his much-younger girlfriend Ines de Ramon came close to crossing paths with her ex-husband at the US Open in New York City on Sunday

Advertisement
Her ex-husband, actor Paul Wesley, 43, and his new wife, Natalie Kuckenburg, 26, also attended the tennis match

Her ex-husband, actor Paul Wesley, 43, and his new wife, Natalie Kuckenburg, 26, also attended the tennis match

The couple packed on the PDA and were seen whispering to one another in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York

The couple packed on the PDA and were seen whispering to one another in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York

She completed her look with fitted jeans and a seashell-shaped clutch for the big game. 

At the same event, de Ramon’s ex Wesley and Kuckenburg were seen making a chic arrival, just shortly after they tied the knot over the summer. 

Advertisement

The Vampire Diaries alum and the model got married in July. 

The actor sported a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, paired with brown trousers and matching sunglasses. 

His wife flaunted her svelte figure in a black slip dress and completed her look with kitten heels and a white, woven clutch. 

He was previously married to de Ramon from 2019 until their September 2022 separation. 

Advertisement

Their divorce was finalized in February 2024. 

In July, Pitt and de Ramon went Instagram official this month as they showed off what they wore to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. 

Pitt and de Ramon have been romantically linked since 2022.

Brad Pitt, 62, and his much-younger girlfriend Ines de Ramon, 33, came close to crossing paths with her ex-husband at the US Open in New York City on Sunday

The couple put on a tactile display, with Brad resting his hand on Ines’ knee  

Brad whispered into Ines ear at one point during the match

Brad whispered into Ines ear at one point during the match 

Advertisement
The movie star and the jewelry designer were seen cuddled up in the stands and seemingly couldn't keep their hands off of each other while watching the Men's Finals match

The movie star and the jewelry designer were seen cuddled up in the stands and seemingly couldn’t keep their hands off of each other while watching the Men’s Finals match

He put on a casual display in a dark navy button-down paired with matching slacks and accessorized with a backwards cap, aviator sunglasses and a string of pearls on his neck

He put on a casual display in a dark navy button-down paired with matching slacks and accessorized with a backwards cap, aviator sunglasses and a string of pearls on his neck

At one point during the star-studded game, Pitt was seen getting close to his girlfriend to hold her hand, and as the pair chatted and giggled

At one point during the star-studded game, Pitt was seen getting close to his girlfriend to hold her hand, and as the pair chatted and giggled

His girlfriend wore a floral-patterned blouse with lace details that exposed her shoulders

His girlfriend wore a floral-patterned blouse with lace details that exposed her shoulders 

Advertisement
The two were later pictured leaving the event

The two were later pictured leaving the event 

At the same event, de Ramon's ex Wesley and Kuckenburg were seen making a chic arrival, just shortly after they tied the knot over the summer

At the same event, de Ramon’s ex Wesley and Kuckenburg were seen making a chic arrival, just shortly after they tied the knot over the summer

She and Pitt attended the Swift-Kelce nuptials after an insider claimed that the F1 actor has no intention of marrying her. 

‘Ines is incredibly close with Brad’s family. They absolutely adore her and she’s been welcomed with open arms from the beginning,’ a source informed Page Six. 

Advertisement

‘At this point, they basically consider her family and one of their own. But Brad has no plans on getting married despite how close Ines has become with everyone.’ 

The Hollywood icon was married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005. 

He famously moved on with his Mr. and Mrs. Smith costar Angelina Jolie. 

They split in 2016 following a 12-year relationship and two-year marriage, with their divorce finalized eight years later in December 2024 amid a number of legal battles.  

Advertisement

The pair were recently pictured after they touched down at JFK Airport in New York City on Friday. Pitt was seen keeping his girlfriend close after his children’s public estrangements from him and ex-wife Jolie’s recent boastful statements about her relationship with their kids. 

Katie Holmes, 47, looked smitten with younger boyfriend Jason Bard Yarmosky, 39, at the event

Katie Holmes, 47, looked smitten with younger boyfriend Jason Bard Yarmosky, 39, at the event 

The Dawson's Creek alum and the artist were spotted packing on the PDA in the stands

The Dawson’s Creek alum and the artist were spotted packing on the PDA in the stands 

Martha Stewart looked radiant in a white sweater and chunky necklace

Martha Stewart looked radiant in a white sweater and chunky necklace 

Advertisement
Singer Pink carefully watched the action unfold

Singer Pink carefully watched the action unfold 

She rocked a white top and pants paired with a green jacket

She rocked a white top and pants paired with a green jacket

Dakota Johnson was all smiles at the event, after recently sparking up romance rumors with Machine Gun Kelly

Dakota Johnson was all smiles at the event, after recently sparking up romance rumors with Machine Gun Kelly 

The star-studded men's singles finals match between Ben Shelton of the U.S. and Germany's Alexander Zverev also saw Hollywood stars like Bohemian Rhapsody actor Rami Malek in the audience

The star-studded men’s singles finals match between Ben Shelton of the U.S. and Germany’s Alexander Zverev also saw Hollywood stars like Bohemian Rhapsody actor Rami Malek in the audience

Advertisement
Actor Pierce Brosnan, who is known for playing James Bond, was also spotted in the stands

Actor Pierce Brosnan, who is known for playing James Bond, was also spotted in the stands

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos was seen joining in on the fun alongside his wife Lauren Sanchez

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos was seen joining in on the fun alongside his wife Lauren Sanchez

Join the discussion

How would you handle running into your ex and their new spouse while out with your current partner?

Advertisement

The star-studded men’s singles finals match saw Alexander Zverev defeat Ben Shelton.

The game also saw Hollywood stars like Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek in the audience. 

Katie Holmes, 47, looked smitten with younger boyfriend Jason Bard Yarmosky, 39, at the event. The Dawson’s Creek alum and the artist were spotted packing on the PDA in the stands. 

Martha Stewart was radiant in a white sweater and chunky necklace as she watched the action on court unfold. 

Advertisement

Actor Pierce Brosnan, who is known for playing James Bond, was also spotted in the stands. 

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos was seen joining in on the fun alongside his wife Lauren Sanchez.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

CCTV captures smiling killer buying knife in corner shop hours before murder

Published

on

CCTV captures smiling killer buying knife in corner shop hours before murder

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

CCTV captured a smiling killer buying a knife – before he stabbed a 26-year-old man to death.

Advertisement

Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, pleaded guilty to the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad and possession of a bladed article at the Old Bailey on Friday.

CCTV showed Tajzai purchasing a knife from a corner shop in Leeds at 12:17pm before catching the train down to London to wait outside Farmanullah’s Westminster address.

Tajzai had travelled to London in the weeks before the attack to scope out Mr Sherzad’s home address and where he worked.

When Mr Sherzad arrived home from work at approximately 10:15pm, Tajzai chased him onto Abbey Orchard Street, where he fatally stabbed him on March 27, 2026.

Advertisement

A member of the public found Mr Sherzad unconscious and called the police, but despite the medical staff’s best efforts, the 26-year-old died 20 minutes later.

Tajzai ran away from the scene and tried to catch a train back to Leeds from King’s Cross station; however, he missed it and got onto another one just after 6am the following day.

He was arrested at his cousin’s house in Leeds on March 29 and police officers searched the address, seizing multiple items belonging to him including a pair of blood-stained trainers.

Tajzai was pictured buying a knife from a corner shop (Picture: SWNS)

The alleged animosity against Mr Sherzad was said to have dated back to the autumn of 2025.

Advertisement

The prosecutor in the case cited a ‘pre-existing condition’ between the defendant’s cousin’s wife and Mr Sherzad, which had turned ‘sour’.

On October 3, police attended the couple’s home where they found Sherzad tied up on the floor and arrested him on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, the court heard.

However, he went on to claim to be in a relationship with the wife, saying he had come to Leeds to visit after she had invited him on social media platform Snapchat.

Latest London news

To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’s London news hub.

Advertisement

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts remain firmly with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with his tragic loss. This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence.

‘I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigative team, who worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case.’

He will be sentenced later this week.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway taken off air as co-star issues statement

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid and Ed Balls told viewers that the presenter has gone home after experiencing issues with her voice.

An ITV star was forced to step in to help.

Advertisement

Good Morning Britain viewers aired their concern for presenter Kate Garraway during Monday’s show as the ITV star could be heard battling a hoarse throat. It seems as though it had got worse over the duration of the programme, as Susanna Reid told viewers she had gone home.

Susanna explained: “As you may have noticed earlier this morning, Kate Garraway had a very hoarse voice; she was belting it out at the National Television Awards last week, and her voice has not fully recovered. So, we have put her on vocal rest, and Faye Barker has valiantly come to the rescue and is here with the rest of this morning’s news.”

This is a breaking showbiz story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly to get the latest news, pictures and videos. You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.

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

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

UK plan to sanction Israel’s illegal West Bank settlements is a historic shift in tone and policy

Published

on

UK plan to sanction Israel’s illegal West Bank settlements is a historic shift in tone and policy

The UK, which in 1917 issued the Balfour Declaration supporting the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine, is now initiating a historic and consequential shift in its foreign policy.

In response to the massive expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and credible reports of increased violence by settler groups towards Palestinian residents, the government has announced it will institute a trade ban targeting goods produced in Israeli settlements within the occupied West Bank.

The UK will also impose a new ban for arms licences and other exports that “materially contribute to the occupation”.

UK foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, told the House of Commons on September 8 that Jewish “settler terrorists” were guilty of ethnic cleansing in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This is a dramatic change in tone from the UK government which – while recognising the state of Palestine and voiced support for a two-state solution – has previously moderated its criticism of Israel’s policies towards the Palestinian people.

Advertisement

Writing in The Guardian newspaper, the UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, said: “For too long, we have been hesitant to act, fearful of being accused of being anti-Israel. Today we are announcing carefully judged, targeted steps that are not aimed at the Israeli people, but at the unacceptable policies of the current Israeli government.”

A key factor behind this decision was the July 2024 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The court ruled that Israel’s ongoing presence in the West Bank has no legal basis and confirmed that states have a duty not to support or facilitate the continuation of that situation.

The UK is one of 12 countries, including France, Ireland and Canada, to sanction Israeli settlements. Ireland and Spain have already introduced some measures, while France has been lobbying unsuccessfully for the EU to act.

The economy of the West Bank relies heavily on agriculture and resource extraction. According to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 16.4% of West Bank households depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Advertisement

Primary goods facing the import ban include fresh produce cultivated in the fertile Jordan Valley, which includes Medjool dates, along with grapes, citrus fruits and various greenhouse vegetables. The ban also targets processed foods, wines produced from settlement vineyards and cosmetics manufactured using minerals extracted from the Dead Sea shores.

Israel is the UK’s 43rd-largest trading partner, according to UK government figures for March 2025-2026, with trade amounting to about £6 billion (£3.5 billion exports and £2.5 billion imports). Settlement-related goods make up a relatively small share of that total. But the UK will also restrict certain services that support construction, infrastructure, financing or real estate.

The move appears to be a direct response to Israel’s advancement of the controversial E1 settlement plan. This project, announced in August 2025 by Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, would effectively cut the West Bank in half.

End of a viable Palestinian state: Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich announces the new development plan.
AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg

Announcing the scheme, Smotrich said it “buries the idea of a Palestinian state, and continues the many steps we are taking on the ground as part of the de facto sovereignty plan”. This was widely interpreted as an intention to annex the territory, something he foreshadowed in 2017 in his “Decisive Plan”.

Advertisement

How a trade ban might work

Passing a law in Westminster is completely different from implementing it at the border. The whole Israeli economy is integrated. So the central dilemma facing UK customs is differentiating between Green Line products (goods produced within Israel’s pre-1967 borders) which are eligible for trade agreement incentives, and goods produced in the occupied West Bank.

In order to solve this implementation puzzle, the UK government does not have to start from scratch. It has a recent precedent to draw upon. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UK successfully implemented strict origin-verification mechanisms to ban goods from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories such as Crimea and the Donbas. At the same time, this system guaranteed that legitimate Ukrainian producers were protected and could still access British buyers.

The UK is highly likely to adapt this customs blueprint for the West Bank. It will require reliable and granular proof of production origin to distinguish settlement goods from Israeli goods in order to implement the settlement ban without imposing a blanket boycott on Israel.

Palestinian producers would also need clear mechanisms to verify the origin of their goods to ensure their local economy is protected rather than inadvertently penalised by enhanced compliance checks.

Advertisement

International reaction

Israel’s reaction has been immediate and angry, accusing a “hostile” government of “outrageous lies”. It has closed Britain’s consulate in Jerusalem and banned 12 British MPs from entering Israel – including Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said the UK had “no chance of succeeding” in changing Israeli policies.

National security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called on the government to officially recognise Argentinian sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. He accused Britain of violently stealing the territory, a statement that was quickly reposted by Argentina’s president, Javier Milei.

Burnham is reported to have discussed the ban with the US president, Donald Trump, before it was announced. While Trump is reported not to have pushed back, other US officials have denounced the UK’s plan. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, warned of retaliation against the UK, while lawmakers in Florida threatened to trigger state anti-boycott laws to financially penalise any British companies that comply with the new UK restrictions.

The announcement has come a fortnight before Burnham’s first trip to the US as prime minister. He will fly to New York for the annual meeting of the UN general assembly and is expected to meet the US president. How this latest development will affect their dialogue remains to be seen.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Rubbish ‘won’t be taken away’ if 3 common items are placed in recycling bin

Published

on

Daily Mirror

A binman has shared some important advice for people who are struggling to get their rubbish collected. He warned it may not be taken away if a few common items are found in recycling bins

Putting the bins out is a job nobody likes, but you have to make sure you get it right if you want to ensure your waste is collected every week. This is because binmen actually say putting certain items in recycling bins can lead to them leaving your rubbish outside your home, which is something nobody wants to deal with.

Advertisement

One refuse collector, who goes by the name The No 1 Binman on TikTok, recently shared some expert advice that people should be aware of. With Recycle Week taking place across the UK from September 14 to September 20, it’s worth noting to ensure you avoid having to deal with a growing rubbish problem.

It comes after another tip was shared earlier in the year. Placing one common piece of packaging in your recycling waste could also land you in a spot of bother.

Top tips from a binman

There are three items you need to stop putting in your recycling bin, and each one comes with a reason why. It’s easy to get confused about them, but the binman has broken down exactly what you should be doing instead.

In a previous video, he said: “Crisp packets do not belong in your recycling bin. You’re meant to take them to the supermarket and recycle them there, because it’s a different type of plastic.

Advertisement

“Just like carrier bags, just like film, bubble wrap – all that stuff does not go in your recycling. Take it to the tip, they can sometimes dispose of it there differently, or take it to a supermarket.

“There’s loads of stuff. Polystyrene, plastic, but it doesn’t go in your recycling bin, because it takes up too much room and it costs too much money to recycle because there’s barely any plastic in it. It’s mainly air.

“Please check before you put it in your bin. Normally, it’s like tins and bottles. Easy things to put in the recycling.

“Please check before you do it because you don’t want your bin to be contaminated. Don’t be the person who gets their bin rejected when you want it to be emptied.”

Advertisement

The reason binmen can leave waste behind

You might not be aware, but bin collectors have the power to — and frequently do — refuse to take away people’s rubbish. This can occur if bags contain the wrong items.

Beyond refusing contaminated waste, they can also decline to collect rubbish that’s deemed too heavy, or if there’s “side waste” — meaning extra bags or items left alongside the bin. When waste becomes contaminated, it can spoil entire loads and cause harm to sorting facilities.

As a result, putting items in the incorrect bins can lead to rubbish being left behind or flagged for correction. This is exactly why getting it right matters so much; otherwise, you could end up with waste piling up outside your home.

In most parts of the country, crisp packets cannot be recycled through your standard household waste collection. Instead, clean crisp packets should be taken to major supermarkets that have flexible soft-plastic recycling bins located near the entrance.

Carrier bags and bubble wrap must also be disposed of in the same manner. Simply find your nearest drop-off point and make sure they accept the items you’re looking to recycle.

These are the three everyday items you should never put in your recycling bin. If you’re ever in doubt about what can and cannot be recycled, head to your local council’s website for guidance, as the rules can sometimes vary depending on where you live.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Newspaper headlines: ‘Compulsory lentils’ and ‘Boris flees Vlad drone blitz’

Published

on

"No ice cream and compulsory lentils in school meal shake-up," reads the headline on the front page of the Daily Telegraph.

Comments by President Donald Trump lead the Financial Times after he rejected increasing demands for restrictions on the growth of artificial intelligence , external(AI). The paper highlights the “rare show of unity” from AI leaders in calling for a more cautious pace of development – but says Trump responded by stressing it was imperative for the US to retain its international leadership in the field. The Guardian warns that the US president “appears reluctant to confess to any AI fears” – with “losing to China” a bigger worry in his “calculus”.

The Daily Telegraph features the call from hospitality bosses, external for Andy Burnham to implement a cut in VAT. It says the appeal comes days after the prime minister “blindsided the industry” by handing local authorities the power to impose unlimited tourist taxes. The Daily Express , externalsays the shadow chancellor, Andrew Griffith, has warned that the new charge on overnight stays could “crush” family-run seaside B&Bs. The government says visitor levies will be set as a percentage of the cost of accommodation, ensuring low-cost holidays will stay low.

The Times says Reform UK has accused Labour of threatening the rule of law, external – after the cabinet minister, Angela Rayner, suggested that Nigel Farage’s party could be forced to return £72m donated by two crypto billionaires. The paper quotes Reform spokesman Zia Yusuf who said applying new restrictions retrospectively would amount to confiscating donations that were lawful when received. The Daily Mirror says the huge windfall, external “seems like a gift from heaven but could be a poisoned chalice” for Reform – arguing that “taking millions from crypto billionaires sits awkwardly with Nigel Farage’s man of the people schtick”.

With the headline, “Boris Flees Vlad Drone Blitz”, the Sun highlights Sunday’s attack by Russia on a rail station in Ukraine, external shortly after Boris Johnson had passed through. It says the former prime minister was travelling close to the Polish border when the service behind his was blown up. Writing in the Daily Mail, Johnson accuses President Valdimir Putin of getting “absolutely desperate” – and says the strike illustrates the “bared teeth of a cornered rat”.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man United handed new VAR verdict as ex-referee explains what should have happened vs Man City

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Manchester United have been handed a new verdict over the controversial goal conceded from Manchester City in the derby

Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has claimed Michael Oliver should have been advised to conduct an on‑field review of the incident that led to Manchester City’s winning goal against Manchester United in controversial circumstances. Erling Haaland finished from Josko Gvardiol’s cross, but the build‑up immediately sparked debate.

Advertisement

Gvardiol’s delivery deflected towards the back post, with Lisandro Martinez positioned between Enzo Fernandez and Haaland. The City midfielder launched himself towards the ball in an attempt to convert a diving header.

The linesman initially raised his flag for offside, but after a VAR check, officials ruled that the former Chelsea man had not interfered with play and suggested that Patrick Dorgu’s boot kept Haaland onside.

However, Scott, who refereed in the English top flight for a decade, argued that in situations like this, it ‘would have made more sense’ for Oliver to be sent to the monitor so he could review the incident ‘in its entirety,’ he told The Athletic.

He also noted that officials operate under intense pressure to make quick decisions, adding that it may have been a reasonable call for the VAR team ‘not to intervene unless absolutely necessary.’

Advertisement

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, have since taken accountability for the mistake, which they described as an error of judgement, and confirmed that a review will take place.

A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position. In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

Advertisement

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

Reds head coach Michael Carrick admitted he was deeply worried about the outcome. “Confused, not even confused, we’ve put things in place to help referees’ decisions, screens, referees in an office somewhere,” he said post-match.

“It’s more worrying about if that’s the interpretation about football. If we’ve got people in place that are meant to understand the game of football or not interfering with play or impacting an attack, throwing your body at it with a defender next to him, it’s really worrying for me, if that’s how it’s interpreted.

“It’s a staggering decision. I can’t understand it once I seen it then the explanation almost makes it worse. Well, the explanation that he’s not interfering with play. Incredible.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man City mock Man United after Manchester derby win and Erling Haaland controversy

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Erling Haaland’s goal for Man City was the subject of controversy in the Premier League win over Manchester United in the Manchester derby

Manchester City appeared to mock Manchester United with a social media post referencing one of the Reds’ famous fans. City emerged victorious from the Manchester derby on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over United at Old Trafford.

Advertisement

Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the game in a dramatic clash in the Premier League over the weekend, with City claiming all three points to continue their 100% start to the campaign.

However, there was controversy with the goal, with Haaland’s effort initially being ruled out for offside, only to be given following a VAR review.

Pro Ref later issued a statement saying that an “error” had been made in allowing Haaland’s goal to stand, given Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Advertisement

Almost immediately after the final whistle, City’s official X account made a post that appeared to poke fun at United.

The post read: “Five wins in a row,” and featured a scissors emoji and an eyes emoji.

This appears to be in reference to the famous United fan, Frank Ilett, who pledged not to cut his hair until United had won five matches in a row.

Following the controversy, Pro Ref issuing a statement admitting that an “error” was made with the review of Haaland’s goal.

Advertisement

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

“Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal,” Pro Ref spokesperson said.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position. In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025