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ICE at the Winter Olympics and the reshaping of intelligence and security in Europe

Published

2 months ago

30 January 2026

ICE at the Winter Olympics and the reshaping of intelligence and security in Europe

A diplomatic row is brewing over US plans to involve agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its security arrangements for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The city’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, described ICE as “a militia that kills,” adding that: “They’re not welcome in Milan.” While this specific deployment has created a strong political debate in Italy, it can be seen as an element in a wider recalibration of European security.

This is due to the perception that there is a widening gap in values and security practice between the US and Europe, with only the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban remaining uncritical of the US administration.

The changes in cooperation can also be put down to the dwindling trust European powers have in the US as an ally. This is not without precedent. But it is notable that disruptions to intelligence are happening more often and more deeply under the two Trump presidencies, suggesting this is becoming the norm.

Many people in Italy are aware of the Trump administration’s use of ICE in an enforcement capacity in Minneapolis and other US cities. The recent shootings of two US citizens whose were protesting against ICE’s mission to identify, round up and deport people considered to be illegal immigrants in Minneapolis have exacerbated Italian unease.

Alessandro Zan, a politician representing Italy’s Democratic party, took to social media to register a strong objection. He posted on X: “In Italy, we do not want those who trample on human rights and act outside of any democratic control. It is unacceptable to think that an agency of this kind could have any role whatsoever in our country.”

Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has attempted to play matters down, saying, “It’s not like the SS are coming.” But the perception of ICE agents as poorly trained and tending towards violence has been compounded by an incident between agents and a news crew from the Italian state broadcaster RAI in Minneapolis on January 25. RAI footage showed agents armed and wearing bulletproof vests threatening to smash the journalists’ car window and pull them out of the vehicle.

Until the recent controversies in its domestic immigration enforcement role, the use of ICE abroad has been uncontroversial. Jason Houser, a former ICE chief of staff, told journalists that ICE is regularly deployed at events the US is involved with in other countries as part of coordinated security provision.

ICE, he said, will be “supporting the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and host nation to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organizations”. ICE will also be under the control of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). But Elly Schlein, the leader of Italy’s Democratic party, expressed concern about hosting “an armed militia that is not respecting the law on American soil”, raising the prospect that ICE agents would not respect Italian law either.

Principled approach

Perceptions that US intelligence or law enforcement agencies sometimes push the boundaries of international law – or breach it altogether – have led to friction in the past. There was a definite chill between the US and its allies over the US rendition programme in the global “war on terror” in the early 2000s.

Suspects could be rendered (which is another way of describing, in effect, sanctioned kidnapping) and taken to prisons in third countries. In the case of British resident Binyam Mohamed (2004), his rendition and torture by US authorities, and the disclosure of evidence revealing this in a British court, resulted in the then US president, Barack Obama, restricting the flow of intelligence to the UK.

Rendition and torture were widely considered to be American failures to comply with international law. It resulted in the UK changing its intelligence sharing through what are known as the Fulford principles.

Named after Sir Adrian Fulford, the former investigatory powers commissioner who in 2010 published the UK’s official guidance for intelligence agencies detaining and interviewing detainees abroad, this stopped British officials providing intelligence that might lead to torture.

In 2020, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the UK government had acted unlawfully in sharing information with US authorities regarding El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey (two of the so-called “Isis Beatles” terror cell). The two men faced prosecution in a US court which could have resulted in them facing the death penalty. The decision meant that British intelligence and security agencies cannot share information that might lead to the death penalty. This strengthened the Fulford principles.

Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh were two of the four British nationals who were members of the Islamic State cell known as ‘the Isis Beatles’.
AP Photo/Hussein Malla

But even back-office intelligence roles have been disrupted in the recent past. After the bombing of Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester in 2017, there were US administration leaks to the New York Times of forensic evidence and the identities of the perpetrators. The prime minister at the time, Theresa May, then cut the flow of UK intelligence to the US for 24 hours in response.

The UK has also restricted the flow of intelligence around Latin American drug movements to avoid potential breaches of international law as the US has sought to eliminate seaborne drug traffickers in the Caribbean.

Where now for intelligence sharing?

The deployment of a branch of ICE at the Winter Olympics has become controversial because of how Europeans perceive ICE’s domestic operations. It is also because Europeans are seeking ways to say no to Donald Trump and the manner in which his administration is projecting US power abroad.

Consequently ICE, as an agency seen as having close ties to the US president, has become an attractive option for this opposition and they will remain under close scrutiny.

This small but politically divisive issue is important because it tells us a lot about the current state of transatlantic security. The shared values that have shaped the world since the second world war are under considerable strain. The practice and conduct of the respective sides has increasingly been called into question.

Europe seems close to trying to work out how to do security without America. If so, that would be an era-defining change.

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Moped ‘deliberately’ set on fire in Cambridgeshire suburb

Published

6 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Firefighters found the moped alight when they arrived

A moped was deliberately set on fire in a Cambridgeshire suburb. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to the fire in Jury Road, Hampton Vale, Peterborough at around 2am today (Wednesday, March 18).

Firefighters found a moped alight on arrival. A fire spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.11am this morning to reports of a fire in the open on Jury Road in Peterborough.

“A crew from Stanground attended and found a moped on fire. They extinguished the fire and returned to their station by 2.50am.”

The fire was determined to have been started deliberate. Cambridgeshire Police has been contacted for more information.

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The prisoners flipping the script on stage

Published

12 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

The prisoners flipping the script on stage

Synergy Theatre Project brings prisoners, ex-prisoners, and young people at risk of offending to the stage – challenging how society sees them, and how they see themselves

The prison guard shouldn’t help the old man who is lying on the floor of his cell – but he does. He shouldn’t help him change out of his clothes, which are wet because he had an accident in the night – but he does that too. But only after checking that no one is watching. Aiding a prisoner in this way is against union rules due to the risk of injury. The alternative? A two-hour wait for assistance.

This act of quiet compassion forms part of Lifers, a play by the Synergy Theatre Project that explores ageing and dignity behind bars. It’s a scene that lingers – raising questions about humanity, ethics and empathy within the prison system.

“We commissioned this play to raise public awareness about ageing in prisons,” says Esther Baker, the director of Lifers, who founded the theatre group in 2000 – working with prisoners, ex-prisoners and young offenders. “But it’s morally complex, it raises a lot of questions about human rights and ethics in prisons.”

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The number of older prisoners in the UK has increased dramatically. According to a report by the Prison Reform Trust, the number of inmates over 50 almost tripled between 2003 and 2023, rising from 5,000 to almost 15,000. They now account for one in six prisoners: many will die in prison.

Prisoners, says Baker, are too often ignored – regarded merely as a number in a report, a statistic on a page. But Baker believes theatre can help people understand the lives of prisoners and ex-offenders in ways official reports cannot. “There is something very powerful about live performance,” she says. “It impacts hearts and minds and humanises the stories.”

Founded after Baker’s experiences teaching drama in prisons during the 1990s, Synergy Theatre Project has grown from a one-woman initiative into a leading arts charity. Starting with an award from the Butler Trust in 2000, and a first play done “on a shoestring”, Synergy now has eight permanent members of staff and funding from Arts Council England and the London Community Foundation.

The charity usually produces two major public-facing performances each year. All include ex-offenders. The Lifers production for example involved five ex-offenders – two assistant stage managers, two assistant directors and one member of the cast.

The aim is to provide a greater understanding of those in the criminal justice system or working within it, and performances are often followed by panel discussions featuring ex-prisoners and criminal justice experts.

The theatre group also stages plays inside institutions such as Brixton, Thameside and Downview, a women’s prison in Surrey – with the cast made up of prisoners. Performances inside institutions are put on predominantly by the prisoners for the prisoners, but separate shows are organised for prisoners’ families and staff. Some members of the public can also attend if they register interest via the charity’s mailing list. “It creates quite an atmosphere in prison when you do a show,” Baker says. “It brings people together, like a big family.”

There is something very powerful about live performance. It impacts hearts and minds and humanises the stories

Beyond live performances, Synergy Theatre Project runs theatre-based training programmes for prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders and young people at risk. These programmes use creativity to build confidence and offer practical skills that can lead to employment. “There’s a lot of damage in prisons,” says Baker. “Our work is about engagement, building confidence and creating pathways into the creative industries as well.”

Many who pass through the charity’s courses go on to work in theatre, film and television. Ric Renton, whose most recent credits include writing and performing in Waiting For The Out, a six-part BBC One drama, is one of their number. “Synergy is responsible for me being where I am today,” he says. Renton had a troubled upbringing and spent time in HMP Durham, where he learned to read and write. After his release, he attended one of Synergy’s playwriting courses for ex-offenders. “There was an exhibition about Pink Floyd at the V&A, and we had to write something in response to it. I wrote about mental illness and off the back of that was invited to pitch to the Soho Theatre,” he says.

The theatre commissioned Renton’s first play, Nothing and a Butterfly, based on his life experience, which he developed with Synergy. The title is a reference to how prison guards let other guards know someone has died in the wing when doing the headcount, and it led to him getting his first agent.

For Renton, the biggest benefit of working with Synergy was that the charity provided a way into an arts and media world, from which he’d previously been excluded. “They had the contacts and pathways. They really helped in a practical sense,” he says. “I’ve worked with them for eight years now, and seen so many examples of people they’ve helped, those who are usually ignored or thought badly of – they take the hopeless and give them hope.”

Daniella Henry first experienced Synergy through an acting workshop while in prison at HMP Downview. “We did The Gut Girls. It’s set in the 1800s and they speak in old English,” she says. “When I first got the script, I didn’t understand a thing or think I’d enjoy it, but I loved it so much.”

Henry was in prison for four and a half years – the acting was exciting and gave her belief in herself. When she was released from prison in February this year, she immediately went to work on a Synergy production of Providers, an award-winning play about family, money and a future that feels out of reach.

I’ve seen so many people they’ve helped, those who are usually ignored or thought badly of – they take the hopeless and give them hope

Coming out of prison was overwhelming for Henry but, she says, Providers gave her a reason to get out of bed and reconnect with people. “For years, I’d only been around criminals. People think the worst of you,” she says. “It’s helped me find my purpose and if I hadn’t had that, I don’t know where I’d be now.” Henry is now meeting casting directors and agents and hoping to line up more acting work.

Synergy Theatre Project’s work with young people is particularly significant given that juvenile reoffending rates currently sit at 34.2%, according to government figures. The charity employs ex-prisoners as facilitators on youth projects, which helps break down barriers and build trust.

The theatre group hopes to tour Lifers around the UK in 2026, and to revive Providers, the play Henry starred in, in collaboration with Brixton House theatre in south London.

Main image: Rich Southgate

See synergytheatreproject.co.uk for more information

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Possible drugs in Noah Donohoe’s system ‘cannot be excluded’, inquest hears

Published

20 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

It cannot be ruled out that Noah Donohoe may have had drugs in his system at the time of his death, toxicologists have told the inquest into his death.

The forensic analysts said there was no evidence that the schoolboy was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but the presence of some substances including so-called “designer drugs” cannot be excluded because of the limits of testing.

Noah, a pupil at St Malachy’s College, was 14 when his naked body was found in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he left home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of Belfast.

Forensic scientist Amy Eleanor Quinn, who carried out a toxicological analysis on samples from Noah’s body in July 2020, gave evidence to the inquest at Belfast Coroners Court on Wednesday, alongside Dr Simon Elliott, consultant forensic toxicologist, who carried out a review and further testing of samples in November 2024.

In a joint statement they agreed that Ms Quinn had found evidence of a small amount of alcohol in Noah’s blood but that this was consistent with having been generated by the body after death and there was no reason to believe he had consumed alcohol in the hours before he died.

They further agreed “there is no toxicological evidence that the deceased was under the influence of drugs at the time of his death within the range of screening performed”.

They also agreed that “it is not possible to exclude that drugs not included in the scope of analysis may have been present at the time of his death”.

Reiterating there is no toxicological evidence that Noah was under the influence of drugs at the time of his death, they added “this cannot be stated with absolute certainty” as “many drugs exist outside the scope of testing performed in this case and the instability of drugs” must be considered.

Ms Quinn read a statement in which she confirmed she had tested Noah’s blood sample for a range of drugs including methamphetamine, ecstasy, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, opiates and fentanyl, as well as pharmaceuticals like antidepressants and paracetamol, none of which produced a positive result.

She confirmed that some hallucinogens like LSD or magic mushrooms were not included in these tests.

Dr Elliott said in a statement that the “range of screening is such that the testing can only exclude the drugs covered” and “it is not realistically possible to cover the thousands of drugs/substances that could be involved”.

He also added that the “limit of detection is fundamental” and that only if that drug was present at a certain concentration “would it be detected and reported as positive”.

The toxicologist said that “specifically due to their chemical structure” many synthetic cannabinoids such as that commonly referred to as “spice” are unstable and “may not be detected in post-mortem samples”.

Overall he concluded that based on the range of screening by Ms Quinn and the possibility of drugs breaking down prior to analysis, “negative findings do not entirely exclude that Noah had been administered a psychotropic substance prior to death”.

Nick Scott, counsel to the coroner, asked the experts to elaborate on two issues of post-mortem toxicological analysis – what was the scope of testing (what substances are tested for), and the limits of testing (if substances can break down to become undetectable).

The toxicologists agreed that it is “not possible” to screen for all types of synthetic cannabinoids, as there are such a large variety of different types, and Ms Quinn added that if you don’t have access to the specific drug to reference it in testing “then you’re limited in knowing that your theoretical screening will pick that up”.

She added: “Not finding it does not mean that it was not there.”

They further agreed that it “cannot be completely excluded” that drugs may have been present at the time of death that subsequently were broken down.

Dr Elliott said “that does happen and is known to happen particularly in relation to synthetic cannabinoids, there is a possibility the drug may have been taken prior to death that has become undetectable as a result of degradation”.

In questions asked of Ms Quinn before Wednesday, she listed some of the possible side effects of spice, which include paranoia, psychosis, hallucination and depersonalisation, as well as physical impacts including a lack of balance or co-ordination.

Noah had been captured on CCTV the night he went missing cycling naked, and, asked if any of Noah’s behaviour was consistent with having taken spice, Ms Quinn said it was not her area of expertise on which to comment.

Dr Elliott agreed that some of Noah’s observed “unusual behaviour” would be “best addressed by someone who is aware of what someone behaving in a psychotic or mind-altering way would be”.

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Best UK holiday destination for 2026 is only 1.5 hours from Cambridge

Published

26 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Expedia has named the UK’s top holiday destinations for 2026, with London taking first place ahead of Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham

Natalie King Travel Journalist and Chloe Dobinson Digital Production Editor

14:37, 18 Mar 2026

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It can be great fun to explore an exotic location several hours away and experience a new culture and scenery, but many of us don’t have the time or budget to take long-haul holidays.

That’s why it’s worth considering locations closer to home. Even if they are on your doorstep, visiting them as a tourist can give you a whole new perspective on a place.

That’s why Expedia has put together a list of the top UK holiday destinations for 2026. Although the city grabbing the number one spot may not come as a great surprise, there are some interesting locations in the top ten.

London topped the list for domestic destinations, and even if you already visit the capital frequently, it’s worth considering as a city break. Whilst many visitors stay in the centre of London, it’s a huge, sprawling metropolis full of vibrant neighbourhoods, so simply staying a little further out can completely transform your experience.

Skip the hotels in the tourist hotspots and consider staying in an area, such as Hackney Wick or Ladbroke Grove, both of which made it onto The Telegraph’s list of London’s 10 coolest neighbourhoods, reports the Mirror.

Not only will you save money on accommodation, but you can also live like a Londoner whilst still enjoying easy transport links to tourist attractions.

A trip to London doesn’t have to revolve around the typical tourist spots like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Whilst those landmarks have their appeal, new attractions are constantly emerging.

In late 2026, the London Museum will launch in Smithfield within a former Victorian market building, maximising the impressive architecture. Underground exhibition spaces and performance venues will feature within the development.

V&A East launches on April 18 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a brief stroll from the well-liked VandA East Storehouse. Two complimentary galleries will present “contemporary global culture” alongside temporary exhibition areas. The inaugural temporary exhibition will be The Music Is Black: A British Story, whilst the café will offer dishes drawing inspiration from East London’s multicultural communities.

Even long-standing institutions such as the British Museum continue to present fresh exhibitions and activities. This September, the highly anticipated Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition arrives at the museum, enabling visitors to view the remarkable 68-metre-long medieval work up close.

For those preferring more energetic attractions, the new Gameshow LIVE! could prove ideal. Launching this spring, it describes itself as the “world’s first interactive gameshow”. As many as 200 participants can take part, with the venue featuring all the classic game show components, from buzzers to striking lighting effects. It will certainly eclipse your neighbourhood pub quiz.

Expedia’s list placed the iconic tourist hotspot Edinburgh in second position, whilst Manchester and Liverpool claimed third and fourth spots respectively. Birmingham emerged as a somewhat unexpected entry at number five, with the West Midlands city managing to rank above York and the Lake District.

Expedia’s top ten UK destinations for 2026 – full list

London
Edinburgh
Manchester
Liverpool
Birmingham
York
Glasgow
Lake District
Devon
Cardiff

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Pio Esposito’s agent sends clear transfer message to Arsenal | Football

Published

34 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Pio Esposito's agent sends clear transfer message to Arsenal | Football

Arsenal have been credited with a strong interest in Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito (Picture: Getty)

Pio Esposito’s agent has poured cold water on rumours linking the striker with Arsenal, insisting his client is ‘happy’ and wishes to remain at Inter Milan ‘for the next ten years’.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an eye-catching breakthrough season with Inter having returned to his boyhood team from a two-year loan spell with Spezia in Serie B.

Spezia came close to sealing promotion back to Serie A thanks largely to Esposito’s goalscoring exploits – and the youngster has picked up where he left off in the Italian top flight this term.

With star man Lautaro Martinez out injured for the last month, Esposito has stepped up admirably as the focal point of Inter’s attack, taking his tally to eight goals and six assists in all competitions for the Nerazzurri.

But it is more the character and passion showcased by one of their own which have most endeared Esposito to the San Siro faithful across the campaign.

There has, though, been some speculation linking Esposito with a big-money move away from Milan, with Premier League leaders Arsenal said to be among his ever-growing list of admirers.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Esposito both ‘frightened’ and ‘fascinated’ Mikel Arteta during Arsenal’s league phase tie with Inter Milan and the centre-forward has ‘remained in the eyes and thoughts’ of the Gunners ever since.

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FC Internazionale v Atalanta BC - Serie A — Esposito is tied into a contract with Inter until June 2030 (Picture: Getty)

The report claimed Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta had made contact with Inter immediately after Esposito’s outstanding cameo display to learn more information about a possible deal for the Italy international.

But when quizzed on these rumours on Radio CRC this week, Esposito’s representative, Mario Giuffredi, was quick to dismiss any talk of a proposed switch to north London.

‘Despite Arsenal’s interest, our plans are clear,’ Giuffredi explained.

‘He’s happy at Inter and will be the future of the Nerazzurri for the next ten years. The boy is in love with Inter.’

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Though still in the infancy of his club and international career, Esposito has been likened by some to one of the greatest Italian strikers of modern times in Christian Vieri.

‘I don’t like comparisons, especially when the players are young,’ Giuffredi said in response to these claims.

‘Pio Esposito needs to be himself and develop his own personal style of play.

‘When comparisons are made, it creates expectations that are not helpful.’

FC Internazionale Training Session — Esposito’s agent insists he is ‘in love’ with Inter (Picture: Getty)

Earlier this month, Inter president Beppe Marotta issued a similar message regarding Esposito’s future, ruling out a summer sale for the burly 6 ft 3 in forward.

‘Inter do not want to sell him and we are not a club that makes player trading its main business,’ Marotta told the Italian media.

‘He’s a product that grew up in the youth academy, and we’re guarding him like a treasure.’

FC Internazionale Milano v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 — Mosquera struggled against Esposito in the Champions League earlier this season (Picture: Getty)

Marotta appeared to shut the door on Esposito leaving Inter to join Arsenal this summer – but left the possibility open ‘in the very distant future’ for potential suitors.

‘We’ll talk about his transfer again in the future, but it’ll be a very distant future,’ he added.

Inter secured Esposito on a modest salary of around €1million-a-season (£800,000-a-season) until 2030 prior to last year’s Club World Cup.

While Esposito’s commitment to Inter appears unwavering, his contract may need to be negotiated should the likes of Arsenal continue to sniff around the youngster.

‘It’s the merit of a boy who wants to prove himself,’ Inter Milan head coach Chivu said of Esposito’s meteoric rise last month.

‘He wants to put himself on the line and take responsibility like everyone else: if things don’t go well, it’s my fault.

‘But I like that they follow me and want to make this season what we all hope it can be.’

As the former manager of the Inter Milan Primavera academy side, Chivu remarked that he had ‘practically grown up’ alongside Pio Esposito.

‘He was a small kid, tall. He barely reached my chest. We’ve practically grown up together,’ he explained.

‘I know his family, I know his background, his journey through the youth system. He was an underage captain in my Inter Primavera team.

‘I’m happy for him, just as I am for the rest of the team.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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MORE: Arsenal star sends message to Mikel Arteta ahead of huge Carabao Cup final decision

MORE: Sandro Tonali stance on £100m Man Utd transfer after Arsenal and Chelsea interest

MORE: Danny Murphy names Champions League ‘favourites’ after Arsenal beat Bayer Leverkusen

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Grantley Hall to feature in new Channel 5 reality show

Published

40 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Grantley Hall to feature in new Channel 5 reality show

Channel 5 is taking people behind the scenes at Grantley Hall, near Ripon, as it pursues its ambition to become one of the world’s best hotels.

The series Yorkshire’s Poshest Hotel: Grantley Hall uncovers how Barnsley-born Valeria Sykes bought the run-down country house in 2015 and – with the help of son Richard – transformed it into a five-star hotel.

With rooms ranging from £1000-£4500 a night, Grantley strives to feel like a “posh guesthouse”, with down-to-earth Yorkshire hospitality, says the tv network.

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Cameras follow the team who make the magic happen— from managers to chefs, housekeepers and porters — capturing the relentless attention to detail required to deliver flawless service.

The first episode, says Channel 5, looks at the family who run Grantley Hall, uncovering how Barnsley-born Valeria Sykes bought the run-down country house in 2015 and – with the help of son Richard – transformed it into a luxury hotel, designed to rival the world’s best while “putting Yorkshire on the map.”

Managing Director Richard Sykes reveals how the ethos of Grantley Hall is to feel less like a formal hotel and more like a “posh guesthouse” with warm Yorkshire hospitality and down-to-earth staff.

The hotel’s tented bistro is undergoing a huge revamp, led by Interior and Ambience Manager Marek, who has only three days to complete his ambitious transformation, before a lavish launch party attended by restaurant critics and VIPs.

But when water starts leaking into the tent’s wooden foundations, the maintenance team is left with a major problem to solve!

Channel Five also says the programme features the hotel preparing for the arrival of a global pop superstar visiting from the United States.

This means a busy week for Guest Experience Manager Thierry and his team, as they put the finishing touches to one of their superior suites and plan a surprise gift, prepared by Pastry Senior Sous Chef Shannon.

Channel Five said: “When the special guest arrives, they are greeted at the gate by the hotel’s larger than life Welcome Host, Isaac, whose unique style of receiving guests has made him a much-loved member of the hotel team.

“Another friendly face for guests is doorman Kevin, whose passion for history has led to a side hustle as the hotel’s resident historian.

“As well as offering history tours of the hall for guests, Kevin is also guardian of the Grantley Hall archives, documenting its fascinating past.

“The hall has been home to Lords and Ladies, played host to royalty and was even a convalescent home for troops during World War Two.”

The four part programme begins on Thursday March 26 and runs from 8pm to 9pm on Channel 5.

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Major tax rule change from April will affect people who work from home

Published

48 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

The change will cost higher-rate taxpayers approximately £124

People who work from home are set for a financial blow next month as a key tax break comes to an end. Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed in her autumn Budget that the government is scrapping the work-from-home tax relief in a move expected to hit hundreds of thousands of employees across the country.

Since the pandemic, many workers have relied on the ability to claim back costs for the extra expenses of running a home office – such as increased heating, electricity, and broadband bills. Currently, eligible staff can claim a flat rate of £6 per week without needing to provide receipts, or claim the exact amount of their increased costs.

However, from April 6, 2026, this allowance will be axed entirely for the vast majority of workers. Under current rules, you can only claim this relief if your employer requires you to work from home – for example, if they do not have an office space available for you.

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Those who choose to work from home voluntarily or under a hybrid arrangement have already seen their eligibility tightened in recent years. According to government forecasts, roughly 300,000 people will be directly impacted by the removal of the relief.

For a basic-rate taxpayer, the loss equates to around £62 a year, while higher-rate taxpayers will see their tax bills rise by approximately £124. While the tax relief for individuals is ending, employers will still be permitted to pay their staff a tax-free allowance to cover home-working costs if they wish to do so. However, there is no legal requirement for businesses to provide this.

The Chancellor also revealed many other tax changes in her Budget in November. One change was that the freeze on income tax thresholds will be extended until the end of the 2030/31 financial year.

This phenomenon, known as “fiscal drag,” acts as a “stealth tax,” because wages rise with inflation, the frozen thresholds mean more of your income is pushed into higher tax brackets. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates this will result in:

780,000 more people paying the basic rate of income tax
920,000 more people being dragged into the 40% higher-rate bracket

The personal allowance – the amount you can earn before paying any tax – will remain stuck at £12,570.

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Travel expert Simon Calder warning for anyone with Dubai, UAE or Bahrain flights booked

Published

54 minutes ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

He has just returned from the UAE with crucial advice

A travel expert has issued a warning to individuals with flights booked to or from the Middle East. The alert comes as tensions continue in the area, with Israel and the US maintaining their strikes on Iran which commenced over a fortnight ago.

Iran continues to hit back with drone and missile attacks on several neighbouring and nearby nations. This resulted in Dubai, a major hub for international travel and home to the world’s busiest airport, temporarily closing its airspace for the second time in 48 hours due to strikes in the vicinity.

Simon Calder, a journalist with the Independent, has just returned from the United Arab Emirates. He provided an update on the current situation for those flying to or from the Middle East, including passengers transiting through the region en route to other destinations.

He stated: “I’ve just arrived at London Heathrow Terminal 4 after a fairly normal flight from Abu Dhabi on Etihad. What wasn’t normal was just how quiet it was when I arrived. Terminal 4, the main hub for the Middle East from London, is frankly a bit of a ghost town. Many of the flights that you would normally expect to see multiple departures on Qatar Airways to Doha and on Etihad to Abu Dhabi are not flying, and there’s also, for instance, Gulf Air based in Bahrain who are not going there.

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“Having said that, there’s perhaps more flights than you might expect, given that, for example, Qatar and the UAE are on the Foreign Office no-go list. There’s a departure this evening to Abu Dhabi on Etihad and one a little later on Qatar Airways overnight to Doha. As well as that, El Al is going out to Tel Aviv. Now, you might have heard that the airspace in Israel is closed; well, it kind of is, but if you’ve got permission, and El Al certainly has, then you can go in.

“And finally, Gulf Air is flying from here later on today, but not to the normal destination of Bahrain. Instead, it’s going to Dammam, which is very close by in Saudi Arabia, from where passengers can travel to that island quite happily over the causeway. But bear in mind that the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are all on the Foreign Office no-go list. If you choose to ignore that advice, then it’s likely your travel insurance will not be valid.

Unsurprisingly, the conflict has impacted international travel in numerous ways. Not only have passenger numbers and flights passing through the Middle East declined dramatically, but neighbouring countries favoured by Brits seeking spring sunshine, including Cyprus and Turkey, have also experienced a fall in visitor numbers.

Conversely, nations to the west boasting milder weather, including Spain and Portugal, have witnessed a surge in reservations – as has the Caribbean. The situation has not only left thousands of British holidaymakers stuck in the Middle East, but many are also anxious about their upcoming travel arrangements.

The Association of British Insurers attempted to address these worries with the following statement when questioned about whether insurance will cover the cancellation of a trip to the Middle East due to concerns over the conflict.

It stated: “As the situation evolves, we can understand why people may be reconsidering their future plans to travel to the region. If you wish to cancel your trip, contact your airline, accommodation provider or tour operator in the first instance. They may be able to rebook parts of your trip or offer a refund.

“Travel insurance may not cover cancellations linked to the conflict, depending on your policy’s terms, any war exclusions, and when you bought it. Policies differ, and insurers may take different approaches, so it’s important to check with your insurer to understand what’s covered.”

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Trump’s failed strong-arming of allies on Iran shows that pressure is losing its effect

Published

1 hour ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Trump's failed strong-arming of allies on Iran shows that pressure is losing its effect

PARIS (AP) — We’ve long had your back, now it’s our turn. That is how the famously transactional U.S. President Donald Trump is framing his demands that allies help him with the Iran war. He wants to call in IOUs for decades of U.S. security guarantees.

The string of refusals indicates his stock of European goodwill is low. He has put allies through the wringer since returning to the White House, bullying them over tariffs, Greenland and other issues, and disparaging the sacrifices their soldiers made alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Now he’s demanding — not just requesting — that they send warships to help the U.S. unblock the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes — essentially mop up behind the conflagration that he and Israel ignited in the Middle East.

The reply has been a “global raspberry.”

That’s how a veteran French defense analyst, François Heisbourg, described allied responses.

No close ally has come forward with immediate help. Britain is flat-out refusing to be drawn into the war. France says the fighting would have to die down first. Others are non-committal. China, which is not an ally but was also asked to help, is ignoring Trump’s call.

“This is not Europe’s war. We didn’t start the war. We were not consulted,” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday.

Trump’s frustration with the ‘Rolls-Royce of allies’

Trump has singled out the refusal from the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer cultivated ties with Trump and reached an early trade deal with the administration, but is now among allies who refuse to join a regional war with no clear endgame.

The U.K. “was sort of considered the Rolls-Royce of allies,” Trump said Monday, adding that he’d asked for British minesweeping ships.

“I was not happy with the U.K,” Trump said. “They should be involved enthusiastically. We’ve been protecting these countries for years.”

Starmer said Britain “will not be drawn into the wider war” and that British troops require the backing of international law and “a proper thought-through plan” — suggesting those were not in place.

He initially refused to let U.S. bombers attack Iran from British bases before accepting their use for strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program.

Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe, said allies are “looking at the United States in a way that they never have before. And this is bad for the United States.”

Having previously appeased Trump, some European leaders are “starting to realize that there’s no benefit or value in using flattery,” he said.

European leaders say it’s not their war

Going to war without consulting allies was in keeping with Trump’s America-first outlook.

“My attitude is: We don’t need anybody. We’re the strongest nation in the world,” he said Monday.

But failing to get an international mandate, as the U.S. did before intervening in the 1990 Gulf War, is boomeranging.

“It is not our war; we did not start it,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said. “We want diplomatic solutions and a swift end to the conflict. Sending more warships to the region will certainly not contribute to that.”

French President Emmanuel Macron envisions possible naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz — but only once fighting has died down.

“France didn’t choose this war. We’re not taking part,” he said.

After bruising tariff battles with Trump last year, the first months of 2026 have further strained alliances. Trump’s renewed pressure for U.S. control of Greenland, including a tariff threat against eight European nations, and his false assertion that allied troops avoided front-line fighting in the Afghanistan War, upset partners in the NATO military alliance.

“Allies, or at least the Europeans, aren’t willing to be at the beck and call of a demand from Donald Trump,” said Sylvie Bermann, a French former ambassador to China, the U.K. and Russia.

“And even in asking for a helping hand, he is doing so in a brutal manner, saying: ‘You’re useless, we’re the strongest, we don’t need you, but come,’” she said.

A dangerous mission

Retired naval officers say that unblocking the Strait of Hormuz with military escorts while the war rages and without Iran’s consent would be dangerous.

France, which has rushed its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, is working with other countries to prepare such a mission once the air war has subsided. French military spokesman Col. Guillaume Vernet said any escorting would be conditional on talks with Iran, and Macron has publicized two calls in eight days with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

That has won points with Trump.

“On a scale of zero to 10, I’d say he’s been an eight,” Trump said Monday. “Not perfect, but it’s France. We don’t expect perfect.”

But he’s fuming at other allies.

“We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need,” Trump said Tuesday.

Trump has leverage, including in Ukraine

Allies in Europe and Asia need oil, gas and other products from the Middle East to flow again. That gives Trump some leverage.

Allies also know from experience that resisting Trump carries risks of retaliation.

“It really could be anything. Are the Europeans prepared for that?” asked Ed Arnold, a former British army officer and now a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, a London think tank.

European allies need Trump’s continued blessing for U.S. weaponry, intelligence, and other support for Ukraine, as well as financial pressure on Russia. The U.S. has started to chip away at some sanctions on Moscow by temporarily allowing shipments of Russian oil to ease shortages stemming from the Iran war. Allies also want him to reengage in talks to end the war.

“That was what kept European leaders quiet for a lot of last year in the face of the rhetoric and actions,” said Amanda Sloat, a former U.S. national security adviser who now teaches at Spain’s IE University.

“It is also the thing that is making them a little bit nervous now.”

Burrows reported from London. Associated Press journalists Jill Lawless in London, Lorne Cook in Brussels, Suman Naishadham in Madrid, Geir Moulson and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed.

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Louis Tomlinson Slams One Direction’s ‘Corny’ What Makes You Beautiful

Published

1 hour ago

18 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Louis Tomlinson Slams One Direction's 'Corny' What Makes You Beautiful

Louis Tomlinson has been reflecting on the highs and lows of One Direction’s discography.

During an interview with Scott Mills on the Radio 2 breakfast show, the always-unfiltered singer was asked if there was a 1D song he least enjoyed performing live, and he didn’t exactly have to think long for an answer.

“What Makes You Beautiful,” he responded. “Always, always, always, always.”

He insisted: “I’m not undermining the journey, because obviously it worked out great. But also, performing that, always felt so eggy. Like, at the time, I was 18 – it wasn’t the coolest thing to be in a boyband, and then we got really big, so, like, it was cool, you know what I mean?

“But in the first couple of years, it wasn’t really like that. And so singing, ‘baby you light up my world like nobody else’, honestly, it wouldn’t be out of place in a Disney film. So it felt a little corny, you know? But it was a great song and I probably have my whole career to thank for it.”

As for his favourite One Direction single, Louis named Story Of My Life, which he co-wrote with his former bandmates.

“That was a real moment,” he recalled. “That’s not the kind of record you expect from a band like One Direction, and I think that was kind of a turning point for us.

“So I remember feeling really proud that wasn’t the kind of song that you could ever dance to. There was definitely a kind of mould of boybands before then, and I think that was a song that really helped us kind of break out of that.”

Louis with his bandmates Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Niall Horan in 2013

What Makes You Beautiful served as One Direction’s debut single, topping the UK singles chart and reaching number four across the pond.

Notably, Louis has not included it in the setlist of any of his solo live shows since the group disbanded, though he has performed One Direction hits Night Changes and Drag Me Down on tour.

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