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Police in Britain arrest former ambassador to US Peter Mandelson in probe into Epstein ties

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Police in Britain arrest former ambassador to US Peter Mandelson in probe into Epstein ties

LONDON (AP) — British police on Monday arrested Peter Mandelson, a former U.K. ambassador to the United States, in a misconduct probe stemming from his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. It came days after a friendship with Epstein landed the former Prince Andrew in police custody.

Both men are suspected of improperly passing U.K. government information to the disgraced U.S. financier, and the high-profile British arrests are some of the most dramatic fallout from the trove of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents released last month by the U.S. Justice Department.

London’s Metropolitan Police force said “officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office” at an address in north London. He was taken to a police station for questioning.

The man was not named, in keeping with British police practice, but the suspect in the case previously was identified as the former diplomat, who is 72. Mandelson was filmed being led from his London home to a car by plainclothes officers on Monday afternoon.

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Under U.K. law, police can hold a suspect without charge for up to 24 hours. This can be extended to a maximum of 96 hours. Mandelson could be charged, released unconditionally or released while investigations continue.

Claims of leaked government information

Police are investigating Mandelson over claims he passed sensitive government information to Epstein a decade and a half ago. He does not face allegations of sexual misconduct.

His arrest came four days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested in a separate case on suspicion of a similar offense related to his friendship with Epstein. Andrew was released after 11 hours in custody while the police investigation continues.

Mandelson served in senior government roles under previous Labour governments and was U.K. ambassador to Washington until Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired him in September after emails were published showing that he maintained a friendship with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor.

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The files released in January contained more explosive revelations about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, whom he once called “my best pal.”

Messages suggest that Mandelson passed on sensitive — and potentially market-moving — government information to Epstein in 2009, when Mandelson was a senior minister in the British government. That includes an internal government report discussing ways the U.K. could raise money after the 2008 global financial crisis, including by selling off government assets. Mandelson also appears to have told Epstein he would lobby other members of the government to reduce a tax on bankers’ bonuses.

British police launched a criminal probe earlier this month and searched Mandelson’s two houses in London and western England.

The decision to appoint Mandelson nearly cost Starmer his job earlier this month, as questions swirled around his judgment about someone who has flirted with controversy during a decades-long political career.

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Though he acknowledged he made a mistake and apologized to victims of Epstein, Starmer’s position remains precarious. His future may rest on the release of files connected to Mandelson’s appointment. The government has pledged to begin releasing those documents in early March, though the timeline may be complicated by his arrest.

Mandelson a contentious figure

Mandelson has been a major, if contentious, figure in the center-left Labour Party for decades. He is a skilled — critics say ruthless — political operator whose mastery of political intrigue earned him the nickname “Prince of Darkness.”

The grandson of former Labour Cabinet minister Herbert Morrison, he was an architect of the party’s return to power in 1997 as centrist, modernizing “New Labour” under Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mandelson served in senior government posts under Blair between 1997 and 2001, and under Prime Minister Gordon Brown from 2008 to 2010. In between, he was the European Union’s trade commissioner. Brown has been particularly angered by the revelations and has been helping police with their inquiries.

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Mandelson twice had to resign from government during the Blair administration over allegations of financial or ethical impropriety, acknowledging mistakes but denying wrongdoing.

He later returned to government and was back on the political front line when Starmer named him ambassador to Washington at the start of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term. Mandelson’s trade expertise and comfort around the ultra-rich were considered major assets. He helped secure a trade deal in May that spared Britain some of the tariffs Trump has imposed on countries around the world.

The status of the deal is now up in the air after Trump announced a new set of global tariffs in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision quashing his previous import tax order.

Earlier this month Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords, Parliament’s upper chamber, to which he was appointed for life in 2008. But he still has the title — Lord Mandelson — that went with it.

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Latest death notices and funeral announcements from The Bolton News

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Latest death notices and funeral announcements from The Bolton News

As well as appearing in print, our death notice pages will remain online as a lasting tribute to the memory of those we have lost.

Anyone who wishes to send their own message of condolence can do so by visiting the deceased’s death notice page.

Here are the most recent notices placed in The Bolton News:

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Irene Greenhalgh

On March 22, Irene passed away peacefully in The Bakewells Care Home, aged 95 years. Devoted Wife to the late Fred, loving Mum to Stephen and Andrea and a dear Nana to David and Andrew.
Read Irene Greenhalgh’s full death notice.

Eirlys Jane Hart

Eirlys passed away on March 23, peacefully at home, aged 94 years. Beloved wife of the late David, devoted Mum to Carol and the late Philip and mother-in-law to Steph and Rene, dearly loved green coat grandma to Laura and Joe and great-grandma 12 to Bella and Alfie-Joe, much loved sister and auntie.
Read Eirlys Jane Hart’s full death notice.

Luigia Caddone

On March 17, after a short illness, peacefully at home, Luigia, aged 101 years. Beloved mother of Giovanna, Francesca, Anna, Paul and the late Flora, much-loved Nonna to all the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.
Read Luigia Caddone’s full death notice.

Brenda Hyland (née Kaye)

Brenda, of Horwich Lancashire, wife of the late Bob, passed away at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge on February 25 aged 94. Brenda attended Rivington and Blackrod Grammar School and married Bob, who was in the RAF, in 1956.
Read Brenda Hyland (née Kaye)’s full death notice.

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Dorothy Fletcher

Of Turton, Bolton and Dowyddelan, Conwy, passed away peacefully at home on March 20. Beloved aunt to Ian, Nick, Mary, the late Ronald, and family.
Read Dorothy Fletcher’s full death notice.

Clive Downs Pyatt

Passed away peacefully on March 17, aged 81 years. Dear Husband to Margaret, Father to Caroline, Helen and Stephen, devoted Grandad to Jack, Abbie, Sam and Lucy and a good friend to many.
Read Clive Downs Pyatt’s full death notice.

More death notices

You can see all our death notices here, or you can place a death notice here.

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‘Masterpiece’ Jane Austen adaptation to binge as The Other Bennet Sister ends

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Wales Online

As one beloved period drama comes to an end, fans have been urged to binge another Jane Austen adaptation.

Fans of The Other Bennet Sister will be left devastated as the beloved period drama comes to an end tonight, but another Jane Austen adaptation is free to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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Four-part BBC drama Emma first aired in 2009, starring Romola Garai as the titular character.

The series is based on Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, and portrays the heroine as a wealthy, clever, independent woman in the 19th century, who boasts as a matchmaker.

As she meddles in the love lives of those around her, she begins to realise her own possible romantic spark with her life-long friend and mentor, Mr Knightley.

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Despite her own defiant streak and intentions to never marry, the protagonist ends up falling for him.

Emma, which was also adapted into a 2020 film starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Mia Goth, features Jonny Lee Miller as Mr Knightley in the BBC drama.

Michael Gambon plays Mr Woodhouse, and Louise Dylan stars as Harriet Smith, alongside Jodhi May, Robert Bathurst, Rupert Evans and Laura Pyper.

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The series has been hailed a “heart-warming masterpiece” by one fan, who wrote: “Nobody can outdo [the BBC] when it comes to English classics.” They went on: “I did not expect this series would move me so much.”

Another said: “Definitely the best Emma I’ve ever seen! The casting was perfect; it is a must watch that goes on the shelf with the other greats, Pride and Prejudice, Wives and Daughters etc. Emma was my favourite book out of all Jane Austens works and this film really does it credit!”

Someone else wrote: “The most perfect adaptation of Emma!,” while someone else shared: “This BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma” is a joy to watch from beginning to end. It is a fresh, delightful and more modern interpretation of the classic, but still maintaining a great deal of fidelity to the novel.”

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Several others called it a “gem”, while one person wrote: “This is perhaps the best adaptation of a Jane Austen novel that I have seen put to screen.”

Discussing taking on the role in a 2013 interview, Romola reflected on the literary work, saying: “I’ve always found it quite disturbing that Emma is a character that most critics, predominantly the literary canon as controlled by 19th century men, have struggled with.

“For me it’s completely obvious why that is and it’s nothing to do with her personality, it’s because she’s rich and because she doesn’t have to get married.”

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She went on: “I actually had to sit on a lot of what I thought about Emma to allow myself to be properly directed and I had to pretend in the audition that I didn’t have lots of ideas that didn’t correlate with the director.

“It’s something I’ve had to learn the hard way – that you don’t always get the job by telling the director in the audition that you have very strong ideas about how it should be played!”

Emma is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

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Man in hospital after being shot in the hand in Coleraine

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Belfast Live

He was reportedly shot at four times

A man is in hospital after being shot in the hand in Co Derry.

The incident took place on the Bushmills Road area of Coleraine after 1am on Sunday morning when the victim was reportedly approached by a man in black and shot at four times.

The road has been closed to allow officers to carry out enquiries.

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READ MORE: NIFRS update after ‘devastating’ Corries Meats fire brought under controlREAD MORE: Ambulance service warns protesters not to ‘impede’ emergency vehicles during NI fuel demonstrations

A PSNI spokesperson said: “It is reported that on Saturday night the victim was walking home around between 1:00 and 1:30am on the Bushmills road when a male appeared, dressed all in black with his face covered and fired four shots at the man.

“One of these shots hit the victim in the hand which he has attended hospital and is receiving medical treatment for.

“At this time, officers are carrying out enquiries on the Bushmills road and subsequently it is closed from the junction of the Ballycastle road to the junction of the Artillery road.

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“Officers are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time, who may have relevant dash-cam, doorbell or other video footage to get in contact on 101 quoting reference number 443 12/04/26.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Bolton firefighters called after tree and garage fire

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Bolton firefighters called after tree and garage fire

Three fire engines, one from Bolton North and two from Bolton Central stations, arrived at Bury Road at about 2am on April 12.

Firefighters were on the scene for around one hour tackling the fire, which affected a large fir tree and a garage at the rear of the property

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no one was injured as a result of the fire.

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Police were also in attendance initially. The force has been contacted for comment.

In light of the incident, GMFRS reminds residents that they can provide free Home Fire Safety Assessments.

These assessments include safety advice and equipment depending on the risk. They can discuss health, home environment, and daily activities in order to understand your fire risk.

More information can be found on the GMFRS website, or by calling 0800 555 815.

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Viktor Gyokeres slammed for ‘ridiculous’ and ‘weak excuse’ for Arsenal loss | Football

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Viktor Gyokeres slammed for 'ridiculous' and 'weak excuse' for Arsenal loss | Football
Viktor Gyokeres offered an odd excuse for Arsenal’s poor performance on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)

Viktor Gyokeres’ comment about the Emirates pitch has been labelled ‘ridiculous’ and ‘weak’ after Arsenal lost at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Cherries seriously damaged the Gunners’ title chances by picking up a 2-1 win in north London, giving Manchester City renewed hope of reeling in the leaders.

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table and nine points ahead of City, but Pep Guardiola’s men have two games in hand and host the leaders next weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side was very underwhelming in defeat to Bournemouth and Gyokeres offered a strange reason for the loss straight after the final whistle.

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‘We had some chances in the end,’ Gyokeres, who scored Arsenal’s goal from the penalty spot, told BBC Sport. ‘The pitch was a bit dry there to be honest so that didn’t help.’

‘But like I said we all need to do better and take our chances.’

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley was not impressed, pointing out that the home team is able to water the pitch, and felt Gyokeres’ comment made Arsenal look weak.

Arsenal v Bournemouth - Premier League
Gyokeres scored his 18th goal of the season on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It is a ridiculous comment to make,’ Burley said on ESPN. ‘Sometimes the pitch is a little bit dry, but is it dry for both teams?

‘Sometimes you might want a pitch that’s a bit skiddier, but Arsenal control that, they’re the home side. If that’s what Arteta wants and Gyokeres and Declan Rice and [Martin] Zubimendi and [Noni] Madueke, all these players that are fit and available. Then the groundsman waters the pitch before the game and he waters it at half-time and they get a pitch that’s a little bit more fiery.

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‘When you’re at home and you’re in control of that, there’s no point in retrospect making an excuse about it.

‘It makes you look weak and it makes you look like you’re doing what you’re doing, looking for excuses.’

Arsenal v Bournemouth - Premier League
Mikel Arteta suffered his fourth league defeat of the season (Picture: Getty Images)

Gyokeres did accept that Arsenal underperformed on Saturday, but insisted they still believe they will land silverware this season and are looking forward to the next challenge, which comes at home against Sporting in the Champions League on Wednesday.

‘Of course it hurts. Luckily we have a good game again on Wednesday to play and another one at the weekend. We have a lot to look forward to,’ said the Swedish striker.

‘We go into every game with the mindset we want to win the game and play at our best.

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‘We always have that belief. We always want to win the games. We wanted to win this game. We played against good opposition and they won today.

‘They’re good on the counter-attacks. They have good players and did some good combinations. But we need to do better.’

Arteta did not sugar-coat the loss and what it means, saying: ‘It’s a big punch in the face, that’s what I said to the boys, and now it’s about how we react to that.

‘There’s no grey areas. We need to be very, very, very strong and determined to approach it in a different way than we’ve done today, especially when the game wasn’t going our way.

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‘There’s a lot, a lot, a lot on our plate to look at ourselves.’

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Manchester City go to Chelsea in the Premier League in the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday, looking to pile pressure on Arsenal with a victory.

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Sunderland vs Tottenham: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, TV, live stream, h2h results, odds today

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Sunderland vs Tottenham: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Roberto De Zerbi’s starts his mission to save Tottenham from relegation when they play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

After West Ham thrashed Wolves on Friday, Spurs have dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season.

Sunderland have wobbled of late and have lost their last three home games but it is unlikely to be an easy start for De Zerbi.

Date, kick-off time and venue

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Sunderland vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 2pm BST kick-off on Sunday, April 12, 2026

The match will take place at the Stadium of Light.

Where to watch Sunderland vs Tottenham

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 1pm.

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Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Sunderland vs Tottenham team news

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been absent for Sunderland since the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in February, but was pictured in training this week and is in contention.

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Reinildo and Enzo Le Fee were able to come off the bench against Newcastle, so should start this weekend. The clash is expected to come too soon for Bertrand Traore, Nilson Angulo, Jocelin Ta Bi, Simon Moore and former Spurs youngster Romaine Mundle, while Dan Ballard may also miss out.

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Pub with riverside beer garden that serves pizza dubbed ‘best in Cambridge’

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Cambridgeshire Live

With spring in full force, it is time to plan your visits to beer gardens to make the most of the sunshine

Now that spring is in full force, the forecast is set for warmer days, looking for beautiful beer garden to spend time in has become a priority for many. Thankfully, Cambridge has plenty of gorgeous pubs scattered around the city offering a great selection of drinks and food to enjoy al fresco.

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One particular pub caught our eye for its large outdoor seating, scenic atmosphere, and positive reviews. The Engineer’s House is located at the Cambridge Museum of Technology and was originally built to house the incumbent Chief Engineer.

It sells Neapolitan style pizza from Scott’s All Day, alongside a varied selection of refreshments provided by Calverley’s Brewery.

Arguably the most impressive feature this spot has to offer is its scenic location alongside the river. Pizza and beer by the river sounds like an optimal blend to me.

The Engineer’s House has built a strong reputation online for being an “amazing gem of a place at the riverside” serving some of “the best pizza in Cambridge”, according to Google Reviews.

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With an average of 4.5 stars on Google among more than 100 reviews, it is no wonder this pub is a haven for those wanting to enjoy a cold beer in the summer.

One previous customer commented: “We heard there was good wood fired pizza here. Good doesn’t describe it. The pizza here is the best pizza I’ve tried outside of London.”

Another wrote: “I love this place! It’s chill and its nice people making it enjoyable. Feels like I’m having a picnic with my friends with the nice river view every time I go there.”

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Canadian in Wales baffled by 1 thing Brit friend said when offered a cup of tea

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Wales Online

The British obsession with tea often leaves our foreign friends a bit bemused. One Canadian woman who now lives in Wales was left baffled when a friend said one thing when offered a cuppa

When it comes to things we Brits take very seriously indeed, it’s a cup of tea. It’s a simple combination – tea bag, boiling water, milk, and sugar if desired – yet it never fails to hit the spot.

Not feeling well? A brew will perk you up. Looking for something to keep you warm? A steaming mug of tea does the trick perfectly. It’s been a whole hour since your last cuppa? Pop the kettle on, we’re having tea.

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People from outside the UK can sometimes find our national passion and all the subtle details that come along with it puzzling. A Canadian woman who now lives in Wales was confused when she came across one common phrase connected to brewing tea which left her utterly confused.

TikTok user ellayyayy, who frequently shares posts about her experiences as a foreigner in God’s Country, recounted the tale in a video on the social media platform. She explained: “I don’t know if this is a Britishism, or an autistic thing, but I was making a cup of tea for my husband’s friend the other day and I asked him how he would like it, and he said ‘oh, as it comes’.

“What does that mean? So I said ‘oh sorry, what do you mean?’ ‘Oh, no, as it comes’. And I’m thinking mate, it comes however I prepare it and give it to you, so how do you want me to do that?”

Commenters shared their interpretations of what the phrase actually meant. One remarked: “It’s a Britishism. It’s a way of saying ‘just make it how you like it because I’m waaaaay too polite to give you orders in your own home and I like all variations of tea anyway’.”

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Another commented: “If you say ‘as it comes’ I’m making it medium strength, splash of milk, no sugar.” While someone else noted: “It means they don’t mind if it is strong or weak. And hasn’t specifically said sugar, so no sugar. In UK milk is seen as standard.”

Someone else quipped: “That’s an open invitation to freestyle it, serve it with a tiny umbrella and an olive.”

In a subsequent video, ellayyayy revealed what happened next. She uploaded the clip responding to a comment stating: “I hate when people say that. Just give me instructions.”

She described how she’d asked her husband’s friend to clarify what he meant, and he specified milk without sugar, while also repeating “as it comes”, which just left her more confused. “So, ‘as it comes’ referred basically to the strength,” she explained. “I didn’t know what to do with that so I thought, I’m gonna play it safe.” However, it was at this point that she made a contentious choice, reports the Mirror.

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She went on: “I left the tea bag in. Milk, no sugar, left the tea bag in, brought him the cup of tea, milk, no sugar, tea bag in, and a little ramekin and a spoon just in case he wanted to take it out. And Mr ‘as it comes’, as soon as I hand him the mug, goes ‘oh, you left the tea bag in’.” Pulling a bewildered face, she went on: “Now I know. ‘As it comes’ just means ‘do whatever the f*** you want, I’ll drink it’.”

Commenters offered a variety of opinions. One remarked: “No one leaves a teabag in for black tea… Peppermint, fruit infusions etc, maybe, but not black tea…. But I understand that that could be seen as the lowest risk option.”

Another commented: “As it comes normally means ‘I’m not really really fussy about the colour/strength of the tea but it shouldn’t be very strong or very weak’. Pour boiling water over teabag, squeeze bag with back of spoon and remove. Add splash of milk and stir.” A further contributor stated: “As a Brit I’d never leave a plain teabag in, only herbal ones, but you’re right, ‘as it comes’ means ‘just give me a tea’.”

However, others held contrasting perspectives. One declared: “Call me crazy, I leave my teabag in till cup is empty. Yes, even black tea. I just love strong flavour. Same with the tea leaves in the teapot. I don’t remove them. they soak till the end.”

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Greater Manchester Fire Service to roll out body cameras

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Greater Manchester Fire Service to roll out body cameras

A total of 233 cameras capable of recording high-quality video and audio will be distributed.

This comes after the Manchester Arena Inquiry into the attack at an Ariana Grande concert, in which 22 people, including children, were killed.

Part of the inquiry examined the emergency response to the attack, including the fire service, the North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police.

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The report highlighted the importance of capturing clear information and recording decision-making during major incidents, particularly when multiple emergency services are responding to complex and fast-moving situations.

These new cameras will help the fire service by providing a real-time view of what crews see, hear and communicate while attending incidents, as well as improving transparency and decision-making during major incidents.

They are also able to livestream, which means senior officers will be able watch incidents as they happen to provide additional support and oversight.

Frontline officers will be the first to receive the cameras, as well as the 52 fire appliances across 41 Greater Manchester stations, followed by prevention and protection teams and the incident command academy.

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GMFRS has said that they will be used during a variety of incidents, from house fires and road traffic collisions to larger, more complex emergencies.

The roll-out comes after a successful trial of the cameras back in May 2025.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Carlos Meakin described the introduction of these cameras as a “significant step forward for our service”.

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He said: “It’s about giving firefighters the tools they need to work safely and effectively at complex or fast-moving incidents, while also helping to protect our crews by providing a clear record of the challenges they face on the frontline.

“The ability to livestream footage and review it afterwards will strengthen how we support crews on the ground, improve training, and enhance how we respond to major emergencies.

“This investment reflects our commitment to learning from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and continuing to strengthen how we respond to incidents across Greater Manchester.”

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The Fire Brigades Union has also welcomed the move. Representative Dave Pike said: “The Fire Brigades Union played an active part in supporting its members throughout the Manchester Arena Inquiry and supports the outcomes that were reached.

“The FBU position nationally on body-worn cameras changed significantly after the Inquiry and was shaped in part with feedback from Greater Manchester officials.

“It’s important that new technology supports our members in doing their jobs safely and provides a clear and accurate record of incidents. These cameras will help protect our members, support learning and ensure there is transparency about what happens at incidents.”

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Labour Minister Calls Nigel Farage Plastic Patriot Over UK Criticism

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Labour Minister Calls Nigel Farage Plastic Patriot Over UK Criticism

Nigel Farage has been accused of being a “plastic patriot” by a cabinet minister for criticising the UK when abroad.

He hit out as the government’s plans to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius – which is opposed by Farage and the Conservatives – stalled after Donald Trump withdrew his backing.

Speaking at a ‘Save Chagos Boat Party’ event last month, Farage said: “We think this is the central plan for this government’s foreign policy and we are beating them back.

President Trump has almost understood the deal, but I will be dining at Mar-a-Lago tomorrow night and we will reinforce the message.”

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On Sky News on Sunday, Streeting said: “We’ve seen two things. We’ve seen extraordinary hypocrisy on the part of the Conservatives, who were also negotiating the Chagos deal. They understood when they were in government the importance of this and swiftly changed their tune on the other side.

“As for Mr Farage, the extent to which that man, that plastic patriot, is prepared to fly to Washington on a regular basis to slag off his own country to American audiences is utterly shameful, and why we should take his claims to be a patriot with a pinch of salt.”

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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