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I hated being in Starmer’s government and he lacked the gusto to get anything done, former minister Jess Phillips says

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I hated being in Starmer’s government and he lacked the gusto to get anything done, former minister Jess Phillips says

Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has said she “hated” being in Keir Starmer’s government as she described the battle she faced to persuade other departments to take action on violence against women.

Ms Phillips, who managed domestic abuse refuges for Women’s Aid before she became an MP, also also said she would not return to a similar role to “just start knocking heads together again”.

“I hated it. I hated being a government minister actually, I hated it,” she said.

Jess Phillips (L) and Sir Keir Starmer (R) both stood for the Labour leadership following Jeremy Corbyn’s resignation
Jess Phillips (L) and Sir Keir Starmer (R) both stood for the Labour leadership following Jeremy Corbyn’s resignation (PA)

Speaking to Sky’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast, she said that she was “deeply unhappy throughout most” of her time in the post.

Ms Phillips quit as a minister in May in a bid to force Sir Keir from No 10, and said that he lacked “the drive to get anything done with gusto”.

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She warned the government was “nowhere near the level of will and commitment it will actually take to halve” violence against women and girls, the policy Labour set out in in the 2024 general election manifesto.

“The Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, if you were to do everything in it, you would probably drop [VAWG] by about 25 per cent,” she said.

She added that she used to give “gold stars” to ministers in other departments who took the pledge seriously – but expressed frustration at some departments.

Labour MP Jess Phillips said she would not return to a similar role
Labour MP Jess Phillips said she would not return to a similar role (Getty)

“I understand other government departments have other priorities, but it’s not my job to be flexible,” she said. “I have one job, and it is to stop women having to be flexible about their safety.”

Asked if she would return to government, she said: “I won’t go back and be a junior minister who – whilst having an awful lot of gumption and kudos in the field – I won’t go back and just start knocking heads together again.”

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She added: “I don’t think I’m suited to it, …is the actual answer… I won’t go back in and do more of the same. So no is the answer,” she said.

Sir Keir survived the attempt to force him from office earlier this year but bowed to growing frustration within his party at the start of the summer when he announced he was standing down, clearing the way for Andy Burnham to become prime minister.

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Royal Mail van flips on roof in horror Fife crash

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Daily Record

A woman was rushed to hospital following the crash.

A Royal Mail van flipped on its roof after a horror two-vehicle smash in Fife.

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Emergency crews were alerted to the incident at Ladybank junction on the A92 on Friday afternoon at around 12:44pm.

A woman was rushed to the hospital after the collision but no information is available on her injuries. It is unclear which vehicle she was travelling in at this stage.

Pictures from the scene show the red van on its roof with a huge dent on the side of the vehicle.

A woman appears to be leaning down towards the window of the van and a man stands nearby.

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A white vehicle with a mangled front end and loose tyre can also be seen.

Another image shows a highway maintenence vehicle, an ambulance and police van at the scene.

Around #five fire officers and a uniformed cop stand on the road as traffic builds up behind them.

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A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.44pm on Friday, 7 August to reports of a road traffic collision on the A92 in Fife on Cupar Road at the Ladybank junction involving a car and a van.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene to make the area safe.

“One female casualty was taken to hospital.”

Police Scotland and Royal Mail have been approached for comment.

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Perth pupils praised after exam results reveal “record level” of Higher passes

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Daily Record

Secondary school pupils in the region were among around 150,000 young people across Scotland receiving their results earlier this week.

Young people across Perth and Kinross schools found out their exam results from Qualifications Scotland this week, with early indications locally that candidates have again performed well and continued to make excellent progress with increased levels of achievement.

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Secondary school pupils in the region were among around 150,000 young people across Scotland receiving their results.

In 2026, Higher A-C passes in Perth and Kinross Council schools have reached record levels, while National 5 passes are at their highest level since 2020.

Advanced Higher awards have also shown a significant rise, putting passes at their highest level since 2022.

Education chiefs say that 2674 National 4 awards were achieved (a rise of 196 from numbers in 2025), and almost 7000 National 5 awards (an increase of 294 over the number of National 5 passes in 2024) and an 81 per cent success rate in 2026, compared to 80 per cent in 2025.

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And 3841 Higher passes were awarded at an 80 per cent pass rate, compared to 75 per cent in 2025, while Advanced Highers awards also improved on the 2024-2025 session with 603 passes and a rise in the pass rate from 76 per cent in 2025 to 78 per cent in 2026.

The council’s Learning and Families Convener, Councillor John Rebbeck, said: “Today is an important milestone for 2026 exam candidates in our schools.

“Congratulations to everyone receiving their results, and as the high-level statistics show, young people in Perth and Kinross have performed extremely well this year.

“This aptly reflects the commitment they, their parents and carers, their teachers and school support staff all make to enabling them to achieve to their fullest.

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“If your results haven’t gone quite as expected, please know that support and advice is available, through your school and by contacting the national Results Helpline, run by Skills Development Scotland. SDS Careers Advisers will be available on 0808 100 8000 for free advice and guidance until 8pm today and tomorrow, and from 9am to 5pm this Thursday and Friday.

“Whether you are looking to go to university or college, or into the world of work, there are lots of pathways and support to help you make those key decisions going forward.”

Meanwhile, Jim Fairlie MSP has praised the hard work of learners and teachers across the area as exam pass rates increase at all levels.

As students across Perth and Kinross received their exam results, pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes.

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Meanwhile, learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121 per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

The results also show that the poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed compared with last year and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Mr Fairlie has highlighted the support available to help pupils and families take their next steps with confidence.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) offers a free Results Helpline, providing expert advice on everything from:

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• UCAS confirmation and clearing

• College and university vacancies

• Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships

• Job, volunteering, and training opportunities

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• Staying on at school

The helpline, staffed by experienced careers advisers, is available on 0808 100 8000, open from 9am to 5pm today (August 7). Locally, students can also access one-to-one guidance by visiting a Skills Development Scotland Careers Centre in Perth, open throughout Results Week.

Mr Fairlie, the MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said: “Today is a moment of pride for so many young people, their families and teachers across Perth and Kinross – I want to congratulate everyone receiving their results today.

“Across Scotland, pass rates have increased with a record number of National 5 passes, and our learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications. That is something our schools, colleges and young people should rightly be proud of.

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“John Swinney is focused on narrowing the attainment gap and, having empowered head teachers and invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade, I am particularly pleased to see progress being made in closing that gap.

“Today can be a whirlwind of emotions, with some young people experiencing joy, relief, disappointment or uncertainty. That is why it is so important that every learner has access to free, professional guidance and support. There is no wrong path, and there are many different routes to a successful future.

“Equality of opportunity is something the SNP Scottish Government will always put at the heart of our education system. Today’s results reflect the hard work of learners and educators across Perth and Kinross, and I wish all young people the very best in whatever they choose to do next.”

Details of local SDS Careers Centres can be found at www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/careers-centres

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Cambridge to review process for hiring senior academics after Jason Arday resignation

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Three side by side photos from left a woman's legs wearing a skirt and flip flops, a man's legs wearing shorts and a woman wearing a white strappy top

The University of Cambridge will review its process for appointing senior academics following the resignation of Jason Arday in the midst of a plagiarism row.

The institution said findings from an investigation into the education professor’s academic qualifications and appointments would “feed into” a new review on the appointment process for senior academic roles.

The Jesus College fellow has also faced accusations of fabricating or exaggerating elements of his CV. He has defended himself and his work, with attention now turning to Cambridge’s handling of concerns and his upcoming memoir.

News of the review comes after a group of academics called for an independent probe into his appointment.

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Priyamvada Gopal, professor of postcolonial studies at Cambridge and among those calling for an independent inquiry, said the university was facing “massive reputational damage” over the affair.

“This is reputational damage that has upset colleagues across disciplines, across the political spectrum,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday.

“I’ve been quite struck by the number of people who are very upset by what has happened. So I don’t think it is an option for Cambridge to just sweep this under the carpet and not take any action at all.”

Gopal said the university should not be “marking its own homework”, adding that the group of academics of which she is a part had suggested a mix of senior academics at Cambridge and elsewhere to conduct an investigation.

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Cambridge said on Friday that it was “fully aware of the public commentary and concerns” and would “continue to investigate the circumstances around Jason Arday’s appointment and tenure”. A spokesperson declined to comment further.

It previously announced an investigation into “new information” about Arday’s academic qualifications and appointments on Wednesday, having already said it was looking into allegations of plagiarism.

Jesus College welcomed the appointments review, saying Arday’s role as fellow there had been “contingent on his university position”.

“We rely on the university to do checks on academic credentials for its appointments,” a spokeswoman added.

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Accusations of plagiarism in Arday’s work were first voiced by Nathan Cofnas – a US researcher whose role at a Cambridge college was terminated after backlash against his view that under a true meritocracy black people would “disappear from almost all high-profile positions outside of sports and entertainment”.

He highlighted that plagiarism detection software had found several tracts of Arday’s PhD dissertation to be copied verbatim or lightly rephrased from prior academic works by other authors.

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), which awarded Arday’s PhD, has said it investigated the allegations of plagiarism last year and dismissed them, saying they were likely the result of “honest and reasonable error”.

It told the BBC on Friday that its position remains unchanged in light of recent events and that his PhD “still stands”.

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Cofnas also noted that a retired professor had previously raised concerns about Arday’s subsequent academic articles, which led to two journals issuing correction notes, and raised questions about some of his claimed achievements, including extensive marathon running and raising millions for charity.

Several universities at which Arday claimed on his CV to have had academic positions have since denied him having those roles.

The controversy has attracted a range of opinions, including within academia, about whether he had been scrutinised unfairly because of his race.

Arday has admitted errors in his work but denied plagiarism, saying his autism and a lack of adequate supervision early in his academic career may have contributed to those mistakes. He also denied lying about his achievements.

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He said his decision to step down should not “be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me”, which he has previously said were “racially motivated”.

Gopal said universities were “being targeted in particular by a lazy and false division between academic excellence and diversity and equality on campus”, which was “really part of culture wars rather than any part of university life”.

She and her colleagues found it “unusual” that Arday had been appointed to a “very senior, very prestigious” post early in his career – and that he had been put forward in the media with “frankly a bit of a target on his back”.

Gopal also said any investigation should review “whether the university was involved in any way or any level with efforts to deter journalists from reporting on the allegations”.

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This came after it emerged the Metropolitan Police investigated Times Higher Education (THE) reporter Jack Grove over a complaint of harassment after he contacted Arday concerning allegations of plagiarism last year.

The Telegraph also reported that Arday hired law firm Carter-Ruck to send a letter to THE which implied that the “apparent attack” on Arday might be “racially motivated”.

The Met closed the case and Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for the investigation, telling LBC on Thursday that the complaint should have been “screened out earlier on as not requiring investigation”.

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NHS staff ‘accessed medical records of nine-year-old girl found on industrial estate’ after father was charged with her murder

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Minnie Merriman, nine, died following an incident at an industrial estate in Arbroath in the early hours of Monday

NHS staff are alleged to have accessed the medical records of a nine-year-old girl found fatally injured on a Scottish industrial estate.

Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was discovered just after midnight on Monday at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath, Angus, while her family were camping in the area.

She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she was later pronounced dead.

Her father Christopher Rice, 35, has appeared in court charged with her murder.

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Health board NHS Tayside, which runs the hospital, is now investigating claims staff accessed Minnie’s medical records without clinical need or permission.

In the early hours of Monday morning, emergency services including four ambulances were called to the estate where the family had camped the night before. 

Minnie and three other people were rushed to hospital.

Rice was also taken to the same hospital separately but was later discharged and charged over his daughter’s death.

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Minnie Merriman, nine, died following an incident at an industrial estate in Arbroath in the early hours of Monday

Christopher Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with her murder on Wednesday

Christopher Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with her murder on Wednesday

During a hearing at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Rice did not enter a plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. 

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He is due to appear in court again next week. 

A spokesperson for the health board said: ‘NHS Tayside is currently investigating the circumstances of an alleged data breach, which happened in a working clinical area where staff access patient information.

‘As a matter of governance, any data protection breach would be recorded and investigated by NHS Tayside and, where appropriate, reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

‘It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters.’

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If the data breach is proven, matters could be escalated to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

It is not the only example of medical staff allegedly accessing records with no proper reason – in June, it emerged that a probe was underway after 40 NHS employees were accused of accessing the records of a three-year-old boy allegedly thrown into a crocodile pit in Cambridgeshire. 

And Southport attack survivor and teacher Leanne Lucas described being ‘devastated and horrified’ after it emerged 48 hospital workers inappropriately accessed the records of some of the victims.

Tributes have been laid at the scene on behalf of the public at the scene in Arbroath

Tributes have been laid at the scene on behalf of the public at the scene in Arbroath

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Paul Arnold, ICO chief executive officer, said: ‘When people seek medical care, they share some of their most sensitive personal information and trust that it will be kept safe. 

‘As we’ve seen in a number of recent cases, unauthorised access to those records is not just a breach of data protection law – it can be a betrayal of that trust, with real and lasting consequences for patients and their families.

‘Having the ability to view a record is not the same as having a legitimate need to do so. Every member of staff at health organisations across the UK has a personal responsibility to respect that boundary, and every patient has a right to expect that they will. 

‘Staff who breach that trust face serious consequences: loss of employment, removal of professional accreditation and criminal prosecution.’

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Minnie’s family had earlier paid tribute to her in a statement released through Police Scotland.

They said: ‘We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.

‘Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.’

Her mother Laurie said in a heartbreaking social media post: ‘You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong. 

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‘My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death. I will hold my head high knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life, I will see you again that I know for sure. I love you eternally.’

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Man dragged and kicked pubgoer in ‘vicious’ attack just days before Christmas

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Cambridgeshire Live

The victim suffered a broken nose and injuries to his face

A man dragged and kicked a pubgoer in the head in Peterborough just days before Christmas. Abdiftah Ahmed, 27, launched a “vicious” attack on the victim, who had just left a pub in Broadway and was looking for a taxi, at about 12.35am on December 22, 2019.

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Ahmed dragged the man, who was in his 40s, to the ground and kicked him multiple times to the head. He then walked away but returned with his mobile phone and appeared to take a photo or video of the victim before kicking him twice more, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

Onlookers came to the victim’s aid, and he was taken to hospital with a broken nose and injuries to his face which required surgery.

An investigation was launched, with a police officer identifying Ahmed from CCTV footage. The 27-year-old was arrested and data from his mobile phone confirmed he was in the area at the time of the attack.

Ahmed, of Brantwood Road, Luton, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on October 26, 2020. An assessment initially deemed Ahmed mentally unfit to plead, leading to a significant delay in sentencing.

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However on Tuesday, August 4, at Cambridge Crown Court, he was jailed for five years, having admitted a lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

Det Sgt Sarah Morgan said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a man who was simply trying to get home after a night out. It was a distressing experience for the victim and I’m pleased Ahmed has finally faced justice after a protracted court process.”

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Manchester Airport security expert lists three common items that could stop your suitcase from making it into the plane

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Manchester Airport security expert lists three common items that could stop your suitcase from making it into the plane

It comes as Manchester Airport is facing its busiest period of the year

Manchester Airport has issued a warning to anyone flying abroad this summer to avoid being held up at security.

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Throughout the six-week summer holidays, Manchester Airport is expecting to see more than six million passengers travelling through. Due to the busy period, staff have stressed the importance of packing bags correctly to avoid any delays and to ensure your bag makes it onto the plane.

Certain items should never be packed in your hold luggage, and should instead be place in your hand luggage or left at home entirely, warns Manchester Airport’s security expert.

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Anthony Shaw, a security team leader within the hold baggage screening team at Manchester Airport, explained: “Small electronic devices like vapes, power banks and tablets are often powered by lithium batteries.

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“These are very powerful batteries with a long lifespan and fast charging times, which makes them popular for these kinds of devices – but they store a massive amount of energy in a small space. If the battery gets too hot, or is faulty, it can catch fire without warning.”

He continued: “For that reason, these devices are forbidden within hold luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage – where, in the event of an emergency, the problem will be spotted more quickly and can be more easily dealt with. Batteries for products like power tools are often lithium-based and these are not permitted for the same reasons.”

All checked baggage gets checked by Manchester Airport staff to ensure that it complies with security requirements. If a device is found which contains a lithium battery, the bag may have to be checked

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“Our team screens all checked baggage to ensure it complies with security requirements – so if you pack a device containing a lithium battery into your hold luggage, we may have to open your bag and remove it. We don’t want to have to do that – so it’s really important that passengers acquaint themselves with the rules before packing their bags.”

Although devices powered by lithium batteries are not permitted in checked luggage, there are range of items which must be packed in your checked bag, not your hand luggage.

Anthony explained: “The 100ml liquids rule for hand luggage remains in place at Manchester Airport. We have now installed brand-new CT scanners in both of our terminals that will ultimately allow the 100ml rule to be lifted, but we are awaiting certification from the Civil Aviation Authority.

“For the time being, if you wish to bring liquids over 100ml – such as bottles of shampoo, conditioner or sun cream – you need to pack these in your hold luggage. Sports equipment like golf clubs, cricket bats and skis must be checked in too, due to their size – but also due to the risk that a bat or club could be used as a weapon.”

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He explained: “For a large aircraft on a long-haul flight, we could be screening almost 1,000 checked bags – but even for a short hop holiday flight, we have to look at several hundred. Each bag that fails to pass security checks gets pulled aside, and often needs to be inspected manually – which is a process that takes several minutes per bag.

“This can create delays, but it also creates a risk that your hold bag might not make it onto the plane at all – so it’s really important to ensure your bag is packed correctly and that your vapes, power banks and small electronic devices are in your hand luggage.”

Things NOT to pack in your hold luggage

The following should be placed in your hand luggage if you want to bring them abroad:

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  • Vapes
  • Power banks
  • Tablet computers

Other security tips

Review the airport’s list of prohibited items

Certain hazardous items are not permitted in either hold luggage or hand luggage. This includes fireworks and pyrotechnics, non-safety matches, flammable liquids like oil, fuels, paint and thinners, real or replica firearms, as well as ammunition.

Anthony says: “Many of these don’t sound like everyday items, but sometimes we do see people trying to bring common household items and appliances with them that are not compliant with these rules – including party poppers; cleaning products, like bleach; cooking oils, which are flammable liquids, or a mini-fridge to keep drinks cool, which are not permitted because they contain compressed gas.”

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Manchester Airport’s full list of prohibited items can be found on its website.

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Keep medication and important documents in your hand luggage

Anthony says: “Essential items like medication and travel documents need to be kept with you. This ensures you can access them promptly if needed, including in the event of a delay or cancellation to your flight.

“It also guards against you being without your items if your hold luggage is delayed in reaching your destination for any reason. For peace of mind I would also advise on bringing any sentimental items in your hand luggage, too – provided that they are small enough to fit and compliant with the rules.”

Always stay with your luggage before checking it in

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Anthony says: “If you find yourself waiting to check your hold luggage in, keep an eye on your bags at all times and never leave them unattended as this could spark a security incident.”

Ensure your bag is distinguishable from other similar bags

Anthony says: “Most suitcases are black, navy blue, or grey – and there are hundreds of them coming off each and every flight. We’ve all been there – waiting at the carousel to collect our luggage, confidently swooping in when we see the case we believe is ours, and then realising it isn’t.

“Attaching a colourful bag tag, sticker or other identifying item can avoid any mishaps and also make it easier to trace your bag in the event it gets lost. Having a photo of your bag helps with that, too.”

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A look at high-profile shooting deaths in Thailand since 2020

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A look at high-profile shooting deaths in Thailand since 2020

BANGKOK (AP) — At least seven people were shot dead on Friday by a 14-year-old student in Nonthaburi province, a northern suburb of the Thai capital Bangkok. The boy killed five members of the staff at the Debsirin Nonthaburi School and the two grandparents with whom he lived, the authorities said.

Thailand has among the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia, though shootings involving indiscriminate killings are not common. Its deadliest recent mass killing of civilians took place in a village in the country’s northeast in 2022, when a police sergeant who had lost his job used guns and knives to kill 37 people, including two dozen toddlers at a daycare center.

These are some recent cases not related to political violence.

— February 11, 2026: One person was killed and two others wounded when a 17-year-old boy stole a gun from police and opened fire at a public high school in southern Thailand’s Hat Yai province. He was arrested after a short standoff.

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— July 28, 2025: A gunman shot and killed five people at a popular fresh food market in Bangkok before killing himself. Police said the attack involved a personal grudge.

— Oct. 3, 2023: A 14-year-boy opened fire with a handgun inside a major shopping mall in Bangkok, killing two people before being apprehended. Police said his weapon was originally manufactured to shoot blanks but was modified to fire live ammunition.

— March 23, 2023: Police commandos in Phetchaburi province, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) southwest of Bangkok, killed a man to end a 14-hour standoff after he had shot to death three people.

— Oct. 6, 2022: A police sergeant who had lost his job used guns and knives to kill 37 people, including two dozen toddlers at a daycare center in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lamphu. After the attack at the daycare center, the assailant returned home and killed his wife and stepson before taking his own life.

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— Feb. 8, 2020: A soldier angry about a land dispute went on a 16-hour shooting rampage in the northeastern city of Nakhon Ratchasima, killing at least 29 people and wounding dozens more. Police and military personnel shot him dead after an overnight siege.

— Jan. 9, 2020: A masked gunman shot dead three people, including a 2-year-old, during a robbery of a gold shop in a shopping mall in central Thailand’s Lopburi province. A school headmaster was arrested less than two weeks later and was sentenced to death after pleading guilty to murder charges.

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Darlington warehouse raided as 1,300 laughing gas cans seized

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Darlington warehouse raided as 1,300 laughing gas cans seized

Police say the nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas, were recovered during a pre-planned raid on August 6.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at a separate address in Whinfield on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs and has since been released on bail while further enquiries continue.

Officers discovered several pallets inside a warehouse, each containing large quantities of nitrous oxide, now classified as a class C drug.

A warehouse in Darlington was raided by police as more than 1,300 cans of nitrous oxide was seized. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Police also seized around £30,000 in cash during the operation.

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Chief Inspector Sarah Hindmarsh, head of the Durham Roads & Armed Policing Unit, said:

“Nitrous oxide is a really dangerous drug which can cause unconsciousness and even neurological damage or death from suffocation of the oxygen supply to the brain.

“We are seeing a growing number of people – particularly young people – using the drug across County Durham and Darlington.

“The issue is particularly prevalent amongst young drivers, who don’t understand the harm it can cause to them, or the danger they could cause to other road users if they use the drug while driving.

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“We have sadly seen the damage that driving under the influence of nitrous oxide can cause, so are taking proactive measures, such as operations like this, to tackle it.

“This was a great piece of cross-command working resulting in a significant seizure of illegal drugs – had we not intercepted this supply, these canisters would have found their way onto our streets, potentially putting innocent people in danger.”

Enquiries remain ongoing.

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Lindsay Clancy murder trial hears from psychiatrist who treated nurse mom before her post-partum killings of her three young children: Live updates

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Lindsay Clancy murder trial hears from psychiatrist who treated nurse mom before her post-partum killings of her three young children: Live updates

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Jurors in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial are hearing from psychiatrists who treated her in the months leading up to her children’s killings today. 

The Massachusetts mother is on trial for strangling Cora, five, Dawson, three, and Callan, eight months, to death at her family home in Duxbury in January 2023.

Clancy, 35, had been prescribed thirteen different psychiatric medications in the months leading up to the tragedy. The former nurse and her ex-husband, Patrick, have filed civil lawsuits against her providers alleging malpractice and negligence for her postpartum mental health issues. 

Yesterday in court, jurors were shown graphic autopsy photos of Callan. The images, which were not shown to the public gallery in court, prompted Clancy to break down, sobbing loudly and uncontrollably at the defense table. 

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Jurors also heard testimony from several friends, colleagues and others who knew the former nurse well.

Clancy has admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder, citing postpartum psychosis, but prosecutors argue she deliberately sent Patrick out on errands to carry out the slayings. The trial continues at Plymouth County Superior Court. 

Follow the Daily Mail for more updates… 

Clancy had a ‘major depressive disorder’ – but did not seem to be psychotic

The hospital reviewed Clancy’s medical notes and evaluated her.

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The psychiatrist testified that Clancy had ‘thoughts of wishing to be dead but no plan’ and had had ‘suicidal thoughts that she attributed to medication.’

When she was evaluated, the psychiatrists found that Clancy had a major depressive disorder – severe – but without psychotic conditions.

Clancy was admitted as an in-patient. The staff determined that she needed the lowest level of supervision, of 15 minute checks.

DAY 9 GRABS the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children, enters its ninth day of testimony. August 7 2026

Lindsay Clancy admitted herself to psychiatric hospital

Clancy arrived at McLean in the early hours of January 1, 2023.

She was brought to the hospital by ambulance after going to the emergency room. But once she arrived, she admitted herself voluntarily.

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Clancy was evaluated by another psychiatrist.

Clancy said she ‘felt numb’ and was unable to sleep without medications. But she also said she was having side effects from medication, the psychiatrist said.

Fiery moment where judge rebukes defense

In a fiery moment, Judge William Sullivan rebuked defense attorney Kevin Reddington after he repeatedly objected to the line of questioning.

Reddington pointed out that Clancy admitted herself to the hospital voluntarily – so the jury does not need to hear all of these details.

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‘You’re not hearing me!’ the judge exclaimed.

Jurors are watching the psychiatrist attentively while she testifies, with several taking down notes.

Dr Goodheart explains hospital process

Dr Goodheart explained that patients are usually admitted to the hospital from an emergency department, following a section 12 – where a doctor, social worker or psychologist refers them due to a mental health condition.

Before being admitted they undergo an evaluation by a psychiatrist to determine what medication they might need and the appropriate unit they should be placed on. The in-patient units involve various levels of checks on the patients: 15 minute checks, 5 minute checks and one-to-one where the patient is not left on their own at all.

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They are also assigned a mental health worker and a nurse.

A section 10 is where a patient admits themself voluntarily.

For a voluntary stay, they can leave any time as long as the psychiatrists do not deem them to be a danger to themself or others.

Dr. Alia Goodheart, psychiatrist DAY 9  GRABS the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children, enters its ninth day of testimony. August 7 2026

Witness four: Psychiatrist Dr Alia Goodheart

Dr Alia Goodheart is a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital – a psychiatric hospital in Boston.

Clancy voluntarily admitted herself to McLean Hospital on New Year’s 2022 due to her deteriorating mental health.

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She stayed for five days before she was discharged on time to attend Cora’s fifth birthday party.

Friend noticed change in Clancy’s appearance

Under cross-examination, she confirmed that -besides the January 2023 event – she had only seen Clancy once since fall 2022 when she saw her at a school drop-off one time.

She also confirmed that while they were social, they were not close.

But she noticed that Clancy did look thinner in January 2023, she said.

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Friend speaks about Clancy’s demeanor two days before killings

On January 22, 2023 – two days before the killings – Patrick, Lindsay, Cora and Dawson came to the Carney home for a bonfire.

Callan was at home with Clancy’s parents.

Clancy seemed ‘fairly normal’ but ‘quiet’ that day.

When she asked Clancy how she was, she said she said fine and that was the end of the conversation. Clancy never mentioned anything about postpartum depression to her.

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Clancy children were seen playing with exercise bands

After the births of each of Clancy’s children, there was no noticeable change in her demeanor.

She recalled Clancy seemed to exercise often and had posted a video on Facebook of her working out in the kitchen.

In the video, the children were playing with exercise bands in the background.

It is unclear if these were the bands later used to strangle them.

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Clancy is watching Carney attentively from the defense table.

Witness two: Sarah Carney, Clancy family friend

The second witness is Sarah Carney, a friend of Patrrick and Lindsay Clancy.

She went to school with Patrick and then met Clancy in adulthood, around 13 years ago.

Her husband Kyle Carney testified on Thursday about seeing the Clancy family two days before the killings. Their two families were close.

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Sarah Carney  DAY 9  GRABS the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children, enters its ninth day of testimony. August 7 2026

Clancy’s children were ‘always excited to see mom’

Under cross-examination, she confirmed that Clancy appeared to be good with her children.

She was ‘never angry’ and the kids were ‘always excited to see her.’

Playroom worker shares last time she saw Clancy family

She asked why Callan wouldn’t also be left at the playroom and was told that there were concerns about the baby getting colds from other children.

Usually when Clancy dropped the children off, it was in the morning.

She last saw Cora and Dawson on January 17, 2023 when Clancy dropped them off that morning.

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That last day, Cora drew a picture and left it at the playroom.

The mom-of-three and children were their usual selves, she said.

First witness: Kimberlee Hardy, health club worker

The first witness today is Kimberlee Hardy.

In January 2023, she worked at the Kingsbury Club – a members-only tennis and health club – in Brockton, Massachusetts.

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She worked in the kids’ playroom there where parents could drop off their children for two hours while they work out.

Cora and Dawson would often come to the playroom there.

She mainly encountered Patrick dropping off and picking up the children but sometimes saw Clancy. When asked how Clancy’s demeanor was, she said she was ‘shy.’

Kimberlee Hardy  DAY 9  GRABS the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children, enters its ninth day of testimony. August 7 2026

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Cambridgeshire train lines blocked after vehicle strikes railway bridge

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Cambridgeshire Live

Trains are expected to be delayed by at least 30 minutes

Some train lines running through Cambridgeshire have been blocked after a vehicle hit a railway bridge. Trains between Stevenage, Cambridge and Peterborough are expected to face disruption this afternoon (Friday, August 7) until at least 4pm.

A National Rail spokesperson said: “A vehicle striking a bridge between Stevenage and Cambridge/Peterborough means that some lines are blocked. As a result, trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised.”

The train routes affected are:

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  • Grand Central between London Kings Cross and Bradford Interchange / Sunderland
  • Great Northern between Moorgate and Stevenage, and also between London Kings Cross and Letchworth Garden City / Cambridge / Ely / Kings Lynn
  • Hull Trains between London Kings Cross and Hull
  • LNER between London Kings Cross and Lincoln / Leeds / Bradford Forster Square / Harrogate / York / Newcastle / Edinburgh / Aberdeen / Inverness
  • Lumo between London Kings Cross and Glasgow Queen Street / Edinburgh
  • Thameslink between Brighton and Cambridge / Horsham and Peterborough

A speed restriction is in place and Network Rail has sent engineers to the site. Passengers are advised to check their journeys before they travel.

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