The UK Government has announced new changes to bin collection in England that will begin on March 31.

Anyone living in England should be aware that rubbish collection methods are set to change in order to simplify the process. The UK Government has introduced the “Simpler Recycling” initiative, which will require councils to collect certain categories of waste separately in different bins.

Under these new arrangements, English households will receive four separate containers, each designated for different types of waste and recycling. Simpler Recycling is being brought in to replace the current ‘postcode lottery’ system, where English councils collect different materials for recycling, creating a “muddled and confusing patchwork of approaches to bin collections.”

The scheme will take effect at the end of the month on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 and will be implemented throughout the rest of the year.

What are the new categories of waste containers?

Dry mixed recycling

Mixed recycling will encompass dry materials such as glass, tinned cans, kitchen foil, plastic drink bottles, yoghurt pots and other cartons.

Paper and cardboard

Most paper materials will be accepted provided they are not covered in glitter, food residue, or other sticky substances.

However, books, wallpaper, padded envelopes, and tin foil will not be permitted in this container for recycling.

Food waste

Food waste will be collected weekly, and some councils may require garden waste to be placed in the same container.

Items that can be placed in this container includes pet food, eggshells, teabags and meat. However, liquids such as cooking oils, fats, gravies or soup should not be placed in this container.

General waste

Items that don’t fall into the first three categories should be disposed of in the residual waste container, from where they will be sent for energy recovery or to landfill.

The UK and its NATO allies in Europe must prepare for a “worst case scenario” of the US not defending them in a crisis, an influential committee of peers and MPs has warned.

Tensions between Donald Trump‘s administration and Sir Keir Starmer‘s government could also compromise the reliability of critical pillars of UK national security, including the maintenance of Trident missiles used in the navy’s nuclear deterrent submarines, intelligence sharing and access to programmes such as the F-35 jet, it said in a report.

The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy urged London to “plan to move away from a bilateral relationship with the United States that is so dependent on the latter for nuclear and intelligence operations, and conventional defence”.

Follow latest on Middle East war

It also advised the UK, Europe and Canada to develop a plan “for a transition towards greater European leadership of NATO“.

The intervention, published on Friday, came as President Trump again lambasted his allies – and the UK in particular – for choosing not to join his war against Iran.

He mocked the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers as “toys”, while accusing fellow NATO countries of having “done absolutely nothing” to help combat the Iranian regime.

Posting on social media, the president added: “The USA needs nothing from NATO, but ‘never forget’ this very important point in time.”

The comment is a further signal that Washington’s support to the transatlantic alliance under Article 5 of its founding treaty on collective defence – where an attack on one ally is deemed to be an attack on all – cannot be guaranteed.

Mr Trump has already repeatedly dismissed Mr Starmer as not being like Winston Churchill.

Read more:
British public’s fears of war revealed
Putin’s ‘hidden hand likely helping Iran against Trump’

The increased unpredictability of the White House’s security priorities is upending NATO assumptions on the defence of Europe – which has always been built around a belief that the US armed forces would be the dominant power on the side of the allies in a war.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe – the top operational commander in the alliance – has only ever been an American, while the US military provides critical elements to any fight such as satellite feeds, electronic warfare jammers and overwhelming mass.

It means a European-only force would be a lot less capable.

The committee – which was assessing the UK’s National Security Strategy, published last June – said it was important for the government to continue to collaborate with the US where practical.

But it must also “develop a clear plan, along with other European allies, for a transition towards greater European leadership of NATO”.

“Preparing for a ‘worst-case scenario’ whereby Europe can no longer rely on US support in the event of a crisis, the Government must work with European partners to invest in its own capabilities to offset this potential withdrawal,” the committee added.

Britain is uniquely exposed to any weakening in this transatlantic bond because of its close security and defence partnership with the US, developed over decades and based on the “special relationship”.

The committee listed areas of particular importance, including the UK’s dependence on the US for maintenance of its Trident missiles, intelligence sharing arrangements, delivery of the F-35 fast jet programme, and a new plan to build attack submarines.

But it warned of the potential for Mr Trump to use any leverage he has against allies if they do something he does not like.

Referring to Britain’s reliance on the US in various defence and security domains, the report said: “There are demonstrable areas of tension in the UK-US relationship that may compromise the reliability of these dependencies in the near future.”

An interior designer has shared the perfect shade to paint your bedroom for achieving the ‘old money’ aesthetic on a budget – and it’s not the standard blue or white

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An interior designer and self-proclaimed ‘former rich person’ has revealed the ideal colour to paint your bedroom if you’re aiming for an ‘old money’ look on a smaller budget – and it’s not the white or blue that many might assume.

The ‘old money’ aesthetic, which mimics the appearance of inherited wealth spanning generations, has seen a surge in popularity within the realm of home design in recent years, with Bridgeton and Downton Abbey often being cited as inspiration. Kiki Astor, a romance novelist and interior designer with a deep understanding of the ‘old money’ style, has imparted wisdom gleaned from her time living in the sought-after area of Montecito, California – also home to Prince Harry and Meghan.

Recently, she provided advice on the most opulent colour to use when revamping your bedroom to achieve an ‘old money’ vibe without splurging on your design budget.

“There’s only one appropriate colour to paint your bedroom in the old money aesthetic. Some of you won’t like it, so go ahead and prove me wrong,” she stated in a TikTok video.

She continued: “Oh, I know that psychologists say, ‘Oh, you should have a blue bedroom, it promotes sleep, it’s so restful’ – what do they know about style?”

However, she pointed out that for those adamant about having a blue bedroom, it’s crucial to offset the colour with thoughtfully selected décor such as artwork, Persian rugs, and brown furniture.

“If you don’t do that, it’s going to look like a nursery. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she warned, before advising against the use of green in the bedroom.

“I know that I’ve said that green is the most old money colour to paint most rooms in your house, but not your bedroom,” she clarified, suggesting that green walls could cast an unflattering hue on those undressing.

Kiki continued to share her bold views on bedroom colour schemes, stating unequivocally that white should be avoided as bedrooms are not art galleries. Her strong opinions didn’t end there: “Not red, that awakens passions. Do not paint it grey, people used to know how to use grey appropriately, that knowledge has been lost.”

What is the best colour to paint your bedroom?

“The only appropriate colour to paint a bedroom is pink,” she declared. “Not bubblegum pink, not hot pink. No, you paint it the sort of neutral pink that you can tell your husband is beige.

“He’ll believe you. I promise he believes everything you say,” she added with a hint of humour.

Her viewers seemed to concur with her advice, sharing their own experiences of selecting the perfect paint colours for their bedrooms.

One viewer supported Kiki’s theory, saying: “As a lady with a pink bedroom who told her husband it’s beige… yes,” while another agreed: “This is true y’all it’s the cosiest possible colour.”

Another grateful commenter, who had been considering green but was now having doubts, wrote: “My primary room was going to be green. I am yellow toned. Thank you for saving me from myself.”

However, not everyone was convinced by Kiki’s pink creation, with one person remarking: “Old money here! We actually wallpaper our walls.”

Meanwhile, another commenter injected some humour about their own circumstances, saying: “I’m no money and my bedroom is the landlord special.”

Lanchester Garden Centre, on Bargate Bank just outside Lanchester, has become a favourite spot for families and visitors seeking a relaxed day out.

The site combines a traditional garden centre with a restaurant, animal experiences, and play areas, encouraging customers to stay and explore.

Visitors of all ages are catered for, with families, couples, and regulars all finding something to enjoy, with one TripAdvisor review saying it was ‘a really nice place for a day out.’

While the core offering still appeals to gardeners – with seasonal plants, shrubs, tools, and ornaments – there is much more to the experience.

An aquatics section, featuring colourful tanks and well-kept fish, is frequently praised in online reviews.

The Greenhouse Restaurant is especially popular, with visitors describing the food as “lovely” and complimenting the cakes and views.

Outdoor areas include planted displays, seating, a duck pond, and trails.

It is the additional attractions that set the centre apart.

Potter’s World, an on-site tropical village and small zoo, is a highlight for many visitors.

Families often split their time between the animal exhibits, indoor and outdoor play areas, and the main retail space.

The garden centre has become a destination where people can spend a few hours enjoying a variety of activities.

Lanchester Garden Centre is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

With help from the council’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund, East Kilbride organisation Little Brains has created the sensory-regulation space that is able to be used in a calm, dignified way by young people and adults with any level of support needs.

A Regulation Room has been created at an East Kilbride group’s premises to help people of all ages decompress when the world feels too much.

With help from the council’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund, East Kilbride organisation Little Brains has created the sensory-regulation space that is able to be used in a calm, dignified way by young people and adults with any level of support needs.

The organisation’s ASN support groups help families with children aged from five to 16. They currently engage with 67 children with additional support needs, improving their wellbeing, confidence, and inclusion through weekly sessions including sensory spaces, games, crafts and external workshops that build friendships, develop social and emotional skills, and allow them to benefit from sensory regulation.

They also support parents though creating a vibrant, strong, inclusive and compassionate community that enables them to feel less isolated and more supported.

Louise Keegan, Project Director at Little Brains, said: “Spaces like the Regulation Room are not a ‘nice extra’ for our community. For many of the families and individuals who come through our doors, access to a safe, regulated environment is essential for emotional wellbeing, participation and feeling respected rather than managed.

“It means people can stay longer, engage more fully and leave feeling safer and more settled.

“Awards like this one make a huge difference because they allow us to create things that are truly special for our families without taking away from the funds that keep our doors open week to week.

“This support from the Participatory Budgeting Fund hasn’t just helped us improve a room. It has helped us improve experiences, dignity and emotional safety for the people who need it most, and for that we are deeply thankful.”

READ MORE: SGN investing £1.3m to upgrade gas network in East Kilbride

Jackie Taylor, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that the Little Brains has been able to use this money to support local people in such a meaningful and effective way.

“As ever, it’s this community-led approach that makes the Participatory Budgeting process so unique; it genuinely hands the decision-making power to those ideally placed to identify local priorities.

“I thank and congratulate everyone, both in our communities and in the council, who work hard together to foster such a spirit of democracy and togetherness.”

More information about Participatory Budgeting is available from the Community Planning website.

READ MORE: East Kilbride couple tell of sheltering in hotel during Middle East conflict

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Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody featured a two-part special which saw a missing person case quickly turn into a murder investigation with an unlikely suspect

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Channel 4 viewers were left stunned by one of the “grimmest” episodes of police documentary 24 Hours in Police Custody ever broadcast.

During a two-part special of the true crime programme, what began as a straightforward missing person case evolved into a harrowing murder investigation with an unexpected perpetrator. This article will contain spoilers for the 2025 episode.

Last year, 24 Hours in Police Custody followed Bedfordshire Police as they investigated the disappearance of 74-year-old Annette Smith. Annette had last been seen by her lodger, who stated she had gone away “for a few days” with a friend but raised the alarm when she didn’t come back or respond to his calls.

The lodger in question, Scott Paterson, was characterised as being “like a son” to Annette following 15 years of living with her and providing care after she had suffered a stroke.

It soon became apparent that Paterson was involved in far more than he was admitting, and viewers were quick to piece together what had happened.

When his confession came, however, Paterson stated it was simply becoming too challenging to continue looking after Annette. He informed police he had suffocated her after she became “very demanding” – and maintained he had an emotional breakdown after contemplating the killing for weeks.

However, a shocking turn of events was imminent as police conducted further investigations. It quickly became evident that Paterson had been dishonest about his motives, which seemed to be financially driven. He had been pilfering jewellery from Annette and pawning it – with police speculating this could have been his motive for her murder, reports the Express.

The case took an even more sinister turn when Paterson – who worked as a butcher, earning him the moniker the Butcher of Suburbia – confessed to dismembering Annette’s body and disposing of the parts in public rubbish bins around town.

Despite having no previous convictions and being spoken highly of by friends, when asked by police if he had ever killed anyone else, his response was chilling – but you’ll need to watch the episode to discover more.

Paterson admitted guilt to Annette’s murder in November 2024 and received a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.

24 Hours in Police Custody: The Butcher of Suburbia Part 1 and Part 2 are now streaming on Channel 4’s catch-up service.

In the letter, which was sent to Ferguson on Thursday and set a two-week deadline for her to respond, Democratic Congressman Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said the recent drop of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice had revealed her “close personal and business ties” with the American financier.

Donald Trump has claimed the CIA told him Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ‘is gay’ during a Fox News interview where he also discussed Iran’s treatment of LGBTQ people

US President Donald Trump has alleged that the nation’s foreign intelligence service informed him that Iran’s new leader “is gay.”

In an interview with Fox News, when asked if the CIA had told Mr Trump that Ayatollah Jr. is gay, Mr Trump responded: “They did say that… I think a lot of people are saying that – which puts him off to a bad start in that particular country.”

Mojtaba Khamenei was named Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by US and Israeli forces at the onset of the conflict in the Middle East. The US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on 28 February. In response, Iran has struck key targets throughout the Middle East, causing turmoil in the region.

Ayatollah Jr. was chosen to lead the country by senior clerics in a system where homosexuality is punishable by death.

According to Fair Planet, a global non-profit organisation focused on reporting on human rights and environmental justice: “Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and carries severe punishment under the country’s Islamic penal code.

“Consensual same-sex sexual activity is considered a crime, and those convicted can face imprisonment, flogging, and even the death penalty.

“The Iranian government has justified its stance on homosexuality by citing religious and cultural reasons, claiming that homosexuality is a sin and goes against Islamic values.”

Mr Trump said during the interview, while referring to the “Gays for Palestine” movement, “They kill gays. They kill them instantly. They throw them off buildings.”

He continued by saying that he actually polled “very well” with the LGBTQ community – even highlighting that the song he used for rallies, ‘YMCA’ by the Village People, is a ‘gay national anthem’.

“No Republican’s ever gotten the gay vote like I did and I’m very proud of it,” he said.

Liberal Democrat councillors in Haxby have met with Postmaster Aran Singh to take a look inside the town’s new Post Office ahead of its official opening on Monday, March 30 at 1pm.

The opening comes after a temporary post office was set up at the Oaken Grove Community Centre after the Morrisons Daily branch, which housed the previous post office, closed last May following nationwide cuts by the supermarket. 

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The new post office will open its doors in the former Dutch Nurseries store, close to the Haxby Surgery.

Haxby and Wigginton’s ward councillors, who were part of the campaign to reopen a permanent post office in the town, have welcomed the news.

Haxby and Wigginton’s ward councillors (Image: York Liberal Democrats)

Councillor Andrew Hollyer said: “It’s fantastic to see the new post office ready to open its doors on Monday. After months of hard work to secure this vital service, it’s great that residents will once again have a permanent facility on The Village. 

“We would also like to thank Oaken Grove Community Centre for hosting the temporary post office, the staff who kept services running during that time, and Haxby Town Council for helping to fund the temporary provision.”