The UK’s millions of personal independence payment (Pip) claimants will soon be subject to new rules around health assessments under laws being laid by the government.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed on Monday that it is moving to set all award reviews at a minimum of three years for new claims, rising to five years at their next review if the claimant remains entitled.

In most cases, this will reduce the frequency of award reviews for Pip claimants, with the uncertainty around reassessments often cited as a key issue of the system.

The DWP notes that around 60 per cent of reviews currently result in no change of award, and still encourages claimants whose needs change to notify the department.

Currently claimed by 3.9 million people, Pip is designed to help with extra costs incurred by living with an illness or disability.

The health benefit is currently under review by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms, who aims to make it “fair and fit for the future”. The review aims to report in the autumn of this year.

The payment was at the heart of Labour’s plans to axe welfare spending last year, when proposals to tweak its assessment criteria to effectively make it harder to claim were met with fierce opposition from campaign groups and politicians.

Ministers backed down on the plans in late June after over 100 Labour MPs threatened to vote against the government on the measures. The concession – and review – was announced by Sir Stephen in the middle of the debate on the legislation.

Commenting on the new changes, Sir Stephen told The Independent: “Reforming the welfare system so that it better meets the needs of disabled people is a priority for the government.

“A major part of this is ensuring that Pip is fit and fair for the future – and we are taking an important step to improve the system through new legislation, which will reduce the frequency of reviews for many existing Pip customers.

“This will make the system more efficient by freeing up the capacity of health professionals to tackle our inherited assessment backlog, while removing unnecessary pressure from disabled claimants whose conditions rarely change at each review.

“We are also increasing face-to-face assessments for Pip from 6 per cent in 2024 to 30 per cent of all assessments. Additionally, my review is looking into how we can bolster Pip for the future, and we have opened a call for evidence for people to share their views on how Pip should be reformed.”

The plans have been welcomed by disability charities and campaigners, which have previously criticised the uncertainty that irregular reviews can cause.

Fazilet Hadi, Disability Rights UK’s head of policy, said: “Reducing the frequency of Pip reviews makes sense, both for disabled people and DWP. So often our needs remain the same, and reviews just cause anxiety.

“It is of concern that face-to-face reviews will increase, as these can be physically and emotionally challenging,” they added.

Harriet Edwards, Director of Influencing at the national disability charity Sense, added: “The process of applying for disability benefits is long, complicated, and emotionally distressing, and so we welcome these plans.”

“Sense research found over half of disabled PIP claimants with complex needs felt humiliated during their assessment; clearly this process needs to urgently change.”

“It’s vital that the Timms Review continues to work with disabled people to make the application process for PIP fairer and less distressing.

Kieran Aldred, policy manager at disability equality charity Scope, said that the announcement was “extremely welcome”, adding that the “government must go further by making assessments fairer, less punitive and more person-centred.”

The Timms Review’s call for evidence remains open until May 28, giving all people an opportunity to share their views with its steering group.

Helena Bonham Carter has shut down reports suggesting that an on-set “clash” with a fellow White Lotus cast member was responsible for her stepping away from the show.

A week into production, however, it was confirmed that Helena was leaving the show, after it was decided that her character would be retooled.

“With filming just underway on Season 4 of The White Lotus, it had become apparent that the character which Mike White created for Helena Bonham Carter did not align once on set,” a representative for the US broadcaster HBO said.

“The role has subsequently been rethought, is being rewritten and will be recast in the coming weeks. HBO, the producers and Mike White are saddened that they won’t get to work with her, but remain ardent fans and very much hope to work with the legendary actress on another project soon.”

Helena’s team initially declined to comment when contacted by HuffPost UK, after which the Daily Mail published an article citing an undisclosed “source” who alleged she “left because of a clash with Sandra Bernhard”.

The Oscar nominee’s team was quick to dispel this claim, though, pointing out that the two actors had not even met yet, let alone had time to have clashed.

It was previously announced that the fourth season of The White Lotus will explore different themes around fame and celebrity, and will be set at the Cannes Film Festival.

Deep in the Zwijnenburg Shipyard in Rotterdam, a large faceless steel structure stands before me – and it takes a lot of imagination to believe that in just over a year this will be the first of Celebrity Cruises’ river cruise ships.

Even before launching, Celebrity River Cruises has already been making waves in the river cruise market, having sold out its first year of sailings within five hours without a ship even touching the water.

The premium brand will launch its first foray into river cruises along the Rhine in June 2027 and I visited Amsterdam for a behind the scenes tour of its first river cruise ship – Celebrity Compass – in which I would learn what guests can expect on board and during excursions.

It may be just a steel structure for now but I could feel the excitement as I stood in one of four blocks that will eventually house 86 cabins as part of a ship that aims to do river cruising in what the brand calls the “Celebrity way”.

Celebrity River Cruises is taking inspiration from its Edge class ships, such as the recently launched Celebrity Xcel, in its bright decor and cabin design and it will be one of the few river cruise lines with king-size beds facing the water. That means guests won’t have to get up to enjoy river views from the comfort of their bed.

Read more: Inside Celebrity’s luxury river cruise ships

There will be five different types of cabin to choose from, including 27 Balcony Suites and Vista Balcony Suites with private verandahs for two and 31 Infinite Balcony rooms that feature wall to wall windows that lower at the touch of a button, a feature that is popular on Celebrity Cruises’ Edge class ships.

There will also be four Skylight Infinite Balcony suites with a retractable ceiling window and butler service, as well as lower deck River View suites with just a window. Cabins will include snacks inspired by the destination where the ship is sailing, such as stroopwafels in Amsterdam.

Around the ship, guests will have six choices of dining for breakfast lunch and dinner, plus open-air bars and lounges. These include familiar favourites including Cafe al Bacio, the Martini Bar and Sunset Bar.

I saw some of these features while at the shipyard during a virtual reality tour of Celebrity Compass – the first of 20 ships being constructed – and it is like being on a slightly smaller but equally impressive version of Xcel.

An open-air deck offers 360 degree views from relaxing chairs, sunbeams and retractable umbrellas in case of low bridges. There are hints of the orange, silver and blue that you see on Edge class ships. There will even be magic pods that extend out to the side of the ship for dining, typically while sailing, inspired by the Magic Carpet platform that hangs over the side of Celebrity’s more recent cruise ships.

Guests enter through the immaculately decorated Martini Lounge, next to Cafe al Bacio. This is a different approach to other cruise lines that welcome passengers through a hotel-style lobby entrance. It means passengers will enter straight into the action, with flair bartenders mixing drinks in the Martini Bar as they do on Celebrity’s ocean-going ships.

The cruise line has been working hard to create a different product on the river. Michael Scheiner, chief marketing officer for Celebrity Cruises, says the cruise line even sent its staff on sailings with rivals, and had them test local tours to see what would work for the brand.

Other features include all-day dining, with no set seating times, and room service available 24 hours. Scheiner says guests will get more than just cookies when they return from excursions.

Read more: First look as Legend of the Seas cruise ship starts sea trials

Scheiner is also looking to cook up something different when it comes to entertainment, which is still being developed. River cruise lines often have less entertainment than an ocean-going ship, mainly because guests are typically tired from a day of exploring in-port. Rather than the traditional pianist or disco, Scheiner says entertainment will be inspired by the Bazaar concept on Celebrity Xcel where local talent is brought on board. There are also opportunities for onshore evening entertainment and events

Celebrity Cruises is also thinking local when it comes to excursions. Guests will get the choice of its Storyteller Series, which are tours that are included in the price and led by local residents uncovering hidden stories of the destinations.

We experienced one in Amsterdam where an enthusiastic local artist named Robert gave a guided tour around the Van Gogh Museum, highlighting paintings that had inspired him and ensuring we saw the famous Sunflowers. We then returned to his workshop to paint our own less-inspiring but fun masterpiece. It definitely felt more interactive than other river cruise excursions I have done, plus groups will be limited to 15 people.

Additionally, there will be a Skillmaster Series where guests cook, craft, and create alongside locals, and a Keys to the City Series, which gives guests an audio or digital guide to support them as they explore a destination at their own pace.

Some features that you find on other river cruise ships will deliberately be missing from Celebrity River Cruises. Scheiner says the brand has chosen not to have an onboard gym and spa to maximise space, but the cruise line plans to partner with local hotels if guests want these experiences, and a masseuse can also be brought on board.

The ship may just be a steel skeleton for now, but if the sold-out sailings for 2027 and demand for 2028 bookings are anything to go by, there is going to be plenty of life on board.

Read more: The best European river cruises

The FTSE 100 firm revealed its preferred profit measure – underlying replacement cost profit – surged by over 130% to a better-than-expected 3.2 billion US dollars (£2.4 billion) in the first quarter, up from 1.38 billion US dollars (£1.02 billion) a year earlier and 1.54 billion US dollars (£1.13 billion) in the previous three months.

Beer could come with a “surprising health benefit”, according to a new report from the BBC. This must be pleasing news for beer drinkers everywhere. But what did the new study the BBC report was based on actually say? And does it stand up to scrutiny?

The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, set out to assess the vitamin B6 content of alcohol-free and full-strength beers. Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient with important roles in the body, but there are problems with how these findings are framed.

The numbers are technically true but misleading in context. Saying that a beer provides 15% of your daily vitamin B6 sounds impressive, but it ignores the wider dietary picture.

Most people in the UK are not deficient in vitamin B6. And the same amount, or more, can easily be obtained from a standard healthy diet. A number of foods, such as potatoes, chickpeas, fortified cereals, grains, meat and vegetables, provide vitamin B6 without the need for alcohol.

The paper also links vitamin B6 to important neurological functions, but does not provide evidence that beer consumption meaningfully improves brain health. It correctly states that vitamin B6 is involved in making the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, and confirms that beer contains measurable amounts of B6. However, the interpretation that beer is therefore “brain boosting” is problematic.

The study does not measure brain health outcomes of any kind (not cognition, mood or neurological effects), so such conclusions are not supported by the data. The B6 intake from beer is modest, and this narrative overlooks the well established harms associated with alcohol consumption.

The serving size framing is also concerning. The study refers to “a serving” and, in some cases, volumes of up to a litre. Drinking at those levels on a regular basis would clearly conflict with NHS guidance on alcohol consumption. A typical half-litre serving was reported to provide around 13–16% of daily vitamin B6 requirements. A beer would need to provide about one whole day’s worth of vitamin B6 in a standard pint to qualify for a health claim. None of the beers in the study came close to that.

The study also does not adequately emphasise alcohol’s downsides, including risks to the liver, brain and increased cancer incidence. In recognition of these harms, the World Health Organization states that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Although this is acknowledged in the paper, highlighting a small vitamin content without properly weighing it against these risks is misleading.

When drinks brands latch on to studies like this to make their products seem good for you, they’re putting marketing ahead of public health. At worst, they’re nudging people to drink more.

A familiar story: the red wine myth

This is not the first time narratives about the health benefits of alcohol have found their way into the media. The idea that a glass of red wine a day is good for your heart is one of the most enduring examples. While this claim has some scientific roots, it is now heavily debated.

The belief largely traces back to the so-called “French paradox”, coined following observations that people in France appeared to have relatively low rates of heart disease despite diets rich in saturated fat and regular alcohol consumption. Red wine, in particular, has been suggested to offer some health benefits because it contains natural compounds called polyphenols – especially one called resveratrol – which can act as antioxidants and help protect the body’s cells.

Later studies, however, have raised serious concerns about these claims. Researchers pointed out that other factors – like people’s diet, how active they are and their access to healthcare – may have influenced the results. There has also been a wider rethink of alcohol’s effects, with growing evidence that it can increase the risk of harm, especially from certain types of cancer.

Taken together, these issues help explain a pattern known as the “healthy user effect”. At first glance, observational data suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may be protective. Some studies report lower rates of heart disease among moderate drinkers compared with non-drinkers. But observational data can only show correlations, not cause and effect.

In reality, moderate wine drinkers often differ from non-drinkers in important ways. They are, on average, more likely to eat healthier diets, be more physically active, be wealthier, have more friends, and see their doctor more often.

Each of these factors independently reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. When they are not fully accounted for, alcohol itself can mistakenly appear to be the protective factor.

When the wider body of evidence is considered, particularly research linking alcohol to cancer, liver disease and mental health problems, most reviews conclude that any potential benefits are small and probably outweighed by the risks. The nutritional contributions of beer and wine do exist, but they are minor and unlikely to translate into meaningful health improvements.

Polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can all be obtained more safely and reliably from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and other whole foods, without the risks associated with alcohol.

The latest annual Eid Party was held at Nuffield Health on Eagley Brook Way in Astley Bridge on Friday April 24 with food, cakes, desserts and much more all on sale.

But as well putting on a celebration the event also helped raise funds fore some of the most vulnerable people in society, as Homeless Aid UK CIC co-founder Billa Ahmed explained.

He said: “We’re here at Nuffield Health, they’ve just hosted an Eid party and all the profits they make will go to Homeless Aid and those in need.”

Billa was a guest at the event alongside Homeless Aid CIC volunteer Lynne Fitzgerald.

She said: “And the community have come together to make the cakes and provide all the food, so it really has brought everyone together.”

The event, the latest of several put on each year at the venue, took place between 9am and 1pm with attendees from across the community.

The event was organised by Sabiha Dakri (Image: Phil Taylor)

It was organised by Nuffield Health creche assistant Sabiha Dakri, who has done similar works with Eid parties over previous years.

She thanked the “wonderful Bolton businesses who have helped us raise funds for homeless aid this year including reels fish and chips who have donated an amazing £100”.

Their support helped make the Eid party a reality along with support from Nuffield creche manager Reyna Miasnikova and volunteer Naz Vander.

The Eid party helped raise money for Homeless Aid UK (Image: Phil Taylor)

Thanks to their efforts as well as a fun filled day for attendees at the Eid party, they have also helped to support the vital work of Homeless Aid UK.

The group works at grassroots level to help support homeless people in Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool, Wigan, Leigh, Glasgow and elsewhere across the UK and globally.

They also supply food hampers and clothing to people living in poverty.

The volunteers at Homeless Aid UK rely solely on donations and the support of the local community to keep doing what they do.

This makes the fundraising efforts of volunteers and special events like the Nuffield Health aid party even more vital.

An 18-year-old man been charged in connection with a fire at an industrial estate compound in Hartlepool, while a 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with criminal damage on Meryl Gardens following a crash into the property.

The arson took place on Monday, April 6, shortly before midnight at Auto Transportation on Coniston Road, where 12 vehicles were destroyed in the fire.

The second incident happened shortly after 6am on Tuesday, April 7, where a car was driven into the property on Meryl Gardens.

The 18-year-old man has been charged with arson and possession of an offensive weapon. 

The 23-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger life and dangerous driving.

They both appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 25, and have been remanded in custody until their next appearance.

Just days before the Battle of Britain began in July 1940, more than 800 civilians were killed off the coast of Ireland when a German U-Boat sank a converted five-star cruise ship.

The people on board were German, Austrian and Italian internees – deemed enemy aliens by the UK government – who were being deported to Canada.

Why the Nazis sank a civilian ship has never been fully explained.

But the sinking of the Arandora Star remains one of the lesser known war crimes of the second world war.

My research has examined the oral histories of some of the Italian families, based in the UK, who remember the second world war. My latest project has looked into the long-term effects of Arandora Star sinking as it was experienced and transmitted across generations.

The attack

The Arandora Star was a first class cruise liner built in 1927 by the Cammell Laird Company Ltd, in Birkenhead, near Liverpool. It was one of the best-known ships in the world at the time.

When the war broke out, the Arandora, like many commercial ships, was placed at the disposal of the British government. Under the command of Captain E.W. Moulton, the Arandora was ordered to carry German, Austrian and Italian internees from Liverpool to Canada.

More than 1,600 men were forced onto the ship which was actually designed to carry 500. Internees were crammed below decks and the exits were guarded by barbed wire.

On July 2 1940 – the morning after it embarked on its voyage – the Arandora was torpedoed by a German U-boat, 100 miles northwest of Ireland.

Around 805 men, over 50 percent of the total number drowned, were Italian. About 100 British soldiers and crew members also lost their life, including the ship’s captain.

One British sailor told the press in 1940 that the Arandora Star turned half over on her side and sank, carrying down the occupants of several life rafts. “When the ship disappeared,” the sailor said, “there were hundreds of men on her decks … A cloud of steam rose a hundred feet in the air, and the suction dragged rafts and men underneath with her”.

But the ship’s traumatic final moments were just the start of the story for the families of those involved.

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From World War II ‘enemy’ internment to Windrush: Britain quickly forgets its gratitude to economic migrants

Part of my study involved making a 15-minute documentary, entitled The Arandora Star Sinking, to raise awareness about the xenophobia and discrimination faced by the people and communities who were left behind.

The film captures memories of the incident from the perspective of one of the descendants.

Vincenzo Margiotta

Vincenzo Margiotta is a third generation Italian based in Liverpool, whose grandfather was interned and died on the Arandora Star.

Margiotta’s family migrated to Scotland at the beginning of the 20th century, from Picinisco, Lazio, and established businesses in catering.

“Things were great. Life was good,” he said – until the outbreak of the second world war. Following Benito Mussolini’s declaration of war, on June 10 1940, anti-Italian feeling erupted among British citizens.

Around 4,500 Italian men between the ages of 16 and 70 with less than 20 years’ residence in Britain were ordered to be interned, including Margiotta’s grandfather.

Research has shown how Italian internees were regarded as the most “dangerous characters”. They were deported even though their degree of loyalty to the fascists had not been assessed.

Public opinion in the UK was initially in favour of the internment of “enemy aliens”. However, after the tragedy of the Arandora Star – and as a result of campaigns by various members of parliament – opinion changed and supported the release of “loyal” internees. Eventually internees were able to apply for release and many of them served in the armed forces.

Information vacuum

Over the years, Margiotta heard many stories about what happened to his grandfather.

One reason for this is because the official history was unclear. Why, for example, were none of the deportation transport ships marked as carrying prisoners of war? Instead, they set sail unaccompanied, equipped with anti-submarine guns, and employing a zigzag pattern in their movements – making the ships obvious targets for German U-boats.

Research has also shown that next of kin of internees were not informed about the Arandora disaster for weeks and only some families received a notification of “missing presumed drowned”, in April 1941, when the Home Office missing list was finalised.

Consequently, memories transmitted via word of mouth among family and community members were the main sources this group had available to them.

Margiotta said: “My knowledge of the incident was hearing stories around the table from other families”, adding:

Somebody pushed my grandfather off the ship, and told him to jump into the water … he was frightened, as he couldn’t swim – screaming in disbelief at what was happening around him … and then was never seen again.

This spoken mode of transmission of memories might have contributed to speculation and intrigue. The sinking has been subject to divergent tales and invention.

Gold bullion?

Margiotta said conspiracy theories included, “stories of it carrying gold bullion to take to Canada to fund the war chest for the UK … it was carrying soldiers; lots of stories. All have been unfounded. But I guess there is a story somewhere that needs to come out”.

It is evident how the lack of official information and records caused a sense of injustice for the loss of civilians. As Margiotta told me at the end of our interview:

…Why would the enemy wish to torpedo a ship like that? Why was a converted five-star cruise ship … torpedoed? There’s a lot of unanswered questions.

Margiotta represents just one of the many victims’ relatives who expressed the need to find answers to these basic questions.

In my previous research I spoke to Anglo-Italian families in the north-east of England who all shared the same pain and frustration. It’s time these questions were answered.

I’m A Celebrity’s latest Jungle Legend has shared a sweet family message but appeared to take a subtle swipe at events from the ITV show

Adam Thomas is trying to move on following his I’m A Celebrity win and the chaotic drama that it involved – but appeared to have one last dig at the events. The Waterloo Road star was crowned this series’ Jungle Legend, but only after a huge fallout involving Jimmy Bullard and David Haye.

What was supposed to be a joyous moment had Adam looking downbeat and he reportedly threw his crown to the floor during the live event. But he now insists “crowns don’t really matter” as he shares happy moments with his son.

Moving away from the jungle mayhem, Adam is seen with a smile on his face again as he celebrates his son’s own accolades. Hugging into 11-year-old Teddy, Adam wrote on Instagram : “My boy came home this weekend with four trophies from his dance comps!!

READ MORE: I’m A Celeb’s Craig Charles drops clue about more off-camera drama and addresses bullying claimsREAD MORE: I’m A Celebrity South Africa future ‘revealed’ after dramatic live ITV final

“But honestly, it wasn’t even about the trophies… it was his face. Just pure happiness, proper proud of himself. That’s what winning should feel like, super proud of the boy.”

He then candidly added: “One thing I’ve learnt though is as you get older you start to realise, it’s not about trophies or crowns, none of that really matters. I already won a long time ago. Everything I need is right here.”

Adam’s jungle campmate Scarlett Moffatt was on hand to praise the youngster. In the comments section, the former Gogglebox star said: “Massive well done teddy.” Gemma Collins also liked the post.

It comes days after Adam looked despondent following his win. He had been accused of being “intimidating” after his kick-off in camp when he thought Jimmy Bullard had caused him to go home.

The mirky moments overshadowed what should have been a proud moment for the soap star. And things took such a turn that fellow I’m A Celeb star Ashley Roberts spoke of her anger and disappointment at how things panned out.

The Pussycat Dolls star, 44, was back alongside Amanda Holden on Monday morning’s Heart FM, where she explained: “It was unhinged. I felt like I was on The Jerry Springer Show.

“It was just unbelievable, people were walking off, hands were flying everywhere, there was yelling and emotions and crying…it was wild! It’s a shame because Adam did become the Legend, and I don’t think he was even able to enjoy it because of all the drama that went on.”

She continued: “He had a really tough time in there and it was unfortunate that they had a chance to discuss things as adults and maybe clear the air a little bit. Instead, it was yelling and just unfortunate behaviour.

“I was disappointed, my heart hurt a bit inside. There is so much going on the world and for us to then treat each other like that. We all went through this really tough experience and we all could have sat and discussed things like adult. It was live telly, it’s TV show and it’s supposed to be entertaining. I was a little bit disappointed by their behaviour.

“I was angry. I was seeing the way these men were speaking to each other and it made me really sad. It happened back in September and instead of having a reflective moment, it was more like we were still in September and the tensions were through the roof.

“I get that you wanna go there and say your piece. You should be able to say it from your point of view but it all just seemed really immature, and unfortunate and aggressive.”

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