Russian despot Vladimir Putin has had a longstanding cooperation with Iran’s top leaders, including supplying them with weapons and purchasing weaponry from the Middle East country
Vladimir Putin’s “hidden hand” is likely helping Iran in its war against the US and Israel, the UK defence secretary has said.
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UK Defence Secretary John Healey said Iranian forces that targeted a base in Iraq where some British troops were “have hallmarks” of how Russian have carried out operations against Ukraine. He said this could be seen in how Iran used its drones.
Tehran sold “Shahed” attack drones to Russia in the opening months of Moscow’s war full-scale war in Ukraine. Moscow, which has been a long-time ally of Tehran, developed their own version of the drone and have reportedly assisted Iran as it faces relentless bombardment from the US and Israel.
Healey told reporters during a visit to the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters: “No one will be surprised to believe that Putin’s hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics, potentially some of their capabilities as well.” The defence secretary said it was likely the link between Russia and Iran “not least because the one world leader benefitting from the sky high oil prices at the moment is Putin.”
Oil prices have spiked across the world after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. US President Donald Trump has not been able to resolve the issue, despite having a large naval presence off the coast of Iran.
Healey added Putin “is clearly likely to welcome this war more than anyone else,” reports Sky News. Lieutenant General Nick Perry, the chief of joint operations who oversees UK military operations across the globe, said there was “definitely” a link between Russia and Iran.
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He told Healey: “We have definitely seen the Iranian tactics of the use of their drones learnt from Russians – flying them much lower so they are more effective.” The Lieutenant added: “There is no doubt [the Iranian] tactics have changed.”
Drones were said to be causing the most damage across the Middle East on the Iranian side. It also includes an Iranian-linked drone that struck a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus.
The RAF Akrotiri base was hit by a one-way attack drone at 12.03am local time on March 2, in incident Secretary Healey described as an example of the “dangerous and indiscriminate attacks” carried out by Iran and its proxies. The drone was identified as a Shahed drone, which cannot carry a large warhead and while it is capable of killing an individual, it would be unlikely to cause damage to large buildings.
Healey said parts of the device are now being investigated to see if they include Russian parts. He added: “We will update you on the findings from that.” He confirmed that while there had been reports of US casualties. there had been none that were said to be British.
A watchdog found a string of failures at Gorton Parks Care home in east Manchester
A Manchester care home has been rated ‘inadequate’ by a watchdog for the second time in nine months.
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The latest devastating report criticised the care provided to 57 residents at Gorton Parks Care home in east Manchester, with officials noting six breaches of regulations including the quality of care provided, treatment of residents, nutrition hydration and ‘poor’ management.
The report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which follows an inspection in January, criticised the work around oral hygiene and reveals one resident told officials he had lost eight teeth. He said: “They just fell out because I find it hard to swallow my tablets, so I have started to chew the tablets. The dentist says my teeth have fallen out due to chewing my medication as it is strong.”
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Some relatives told the inspectors about concerns around personal hygiene and reported residents were only able to have a shower or a bath once each week. On the first day of the visit inspectors found emergency alarms were broken, according to the CQC report.
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Inspectors found ‘some improvements’ to hygiene but on the first day they also discovered faeces in the middle of a bathroom floor. Parts of the home remained ‘unclean and unhygienic’, according to the report.
Another resident told the inspectors: “I am very bored, I don’t do anything. I have not had my haircut for over a year. I eat my meals in my rooms. I go to the dining room every blue moon.”
Another resident reported they were not allowed outside. Residents were also given out of date medication, according to the report.
The CQC carried out the inspection to follow up on concerns found at the previous inspection which revealed one relative said their loved one ‘often smelled of urine’. It was placed in ‘special measures’, the report published in June last year revealed.
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Following the latest inspection, ratings for the category ‘caring and responsive’ went down from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘inadequate’. The category ‘well-led, effective and safe’ has been rated ‘inadequate’ a second time.
The care home remains in special measures which means it will be kept under close review by CQC which has started the process of taking regulatory action against the care home, which is operated by Advinia Care Homes Limited.
After the CQC report was published, its director of operations for north central, Victoria Marsden, said: “When we inspected Gorton Parks, it was deeply concerning to see very little improvement had been made since we last visited. Leaders weren’t managing the service well and we continued to see people being placed at risk of neglect and poor care.
“Leaders failed to investigate several incidents of aggression between people living at the home and towards staff, to prevent them from happening again and to keep people safe.
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“Staff offered little or no support to people when they became distressed or agitated. We saw people shouting and one person pacing the floor upset, but nobody intervened to support them or offer some comfort.
“Our inspectors saw that people’s basic care needs weren’t always met, and staff didn’t complete people’s care plans to include details about their preferences and wishes. People’s oral hygiene, weight management and nutritional intake wasn’t monitored effectively, and we received several concerns from relatives about this.
“There was a notable lack of meaningful engagement with people. Many individuals spent long periods isolated in their bedrooms, and staff didn’t consistently ensure their basic comfort needs were met, including regular access to food and drink.
“We have told leaders where we expect to see rapid, and continued improvements and will continue to monitor the home closely to keep people safe during this time. We have begun the process of taking regulatory action in order to protect people further.”
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The inspectors found:
Broken and unplugged safety equipment and sensors
Leaders didn’t listen to concerns about safety and didn’t investigate and report issues
Residents were still unable to access the garden area
Staff didn’t assess people’s needs and risks properly
Staff didn’t ensure people received their medications safely
Leaders didn’t ensure staff received support, supervision and development
Staff didn’t always protect people from infection.
Three boys, now aged 14,15 and 16, are alleged to have recorded themselves raping a then 13-year-old girl at a footpath before fleeing from the scene on foot, a court heard.
A teen deemed unfit to stand trial over 13-year-old girl’s rape shadowboxed with his mum when he returned home after alleged sex attack and asked to sleep over at a friend’s, with his mum claiming she noticed “nothing unusual”.
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The teenager, now 16, is alleged to have raped the girl just off a footpath in Rochdale with two other boys when they were aged 12, 13, and 14. A trial previously heard the boys “took it in turns and swapped positions” during the incident in February 2024.
Part of the alleged attack on the then 13-year-old was filmed on a mobile phone and was later “circulated amongst themselves” and “others,” according to prosecutors. The three boys have denied the charges against them.
Two of the teens, now aged 15 and 16, are standing trial at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court. The third boy, who is now 14, was determined to be unfit to stand trial, jurors were told.
Sara Haque, defending the 14-year-old, detailed agreed facts in the case, adding: “[The defendant] is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a learning difficulty with ASD traits. He was found unfit to stand trial considering evidence from experts from the prosecution and defence.”
She then told the court the boy’s mum said she saw him when he arrived home for dinner at about 6pm on the date of the incident. She added her son asked to sleep over at the home of a family member of one of the other boys, jurors heard.
“She described [the boy] as shadowboxing and talking to her,” Ms Haque added. “She recalled [the now 16-year-old] as letting on to her and said there was nothing unusual.”
Prosecuting lawyer Kim Whittlestone, prosecuting, earlier told jurors the “defendants acted together,” reports The Manchester Evening News. The court previously heard the girl was “physically pushed and bent over forward” as she was raped.
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Ms Whittlestone said the boys then “all swapped.” She added it “would have been obvious” that she “did not want this to happen.” She continued: “It would have been clear that she was not consenting.”
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The Crown’s case is now the 15 and 16-year-olds “are guilty of rape” and that “they knew what consent meant.” The prosecutor continued: “You will hear in this case that as part of their defence they will say that she consented to some sexual activity and she instigated it.”
“So, there can be no doubt that they knew what consent meant.” The trial was told a friend the girl was with “stepped in to stop what was happening.” The 15 and 16-year-old then ran away from the scene, the jury heard.
Ms Whittlestone said the now 14-year-old was “an active participant in what occurred.” She added the jury would be asked to find “whether he did the act” and whether he “encouraged” it to happen without the girl’s consent.
The indictment contains five counts of rape. Three counts relate specifically to each boy, while two are charged as “joint enterprise,” jurors were told. Each boy denies the charges against them.
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What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon in Capricorn aligns with Jupiter in Cancer. Today is all about actively seeking balance.
Pisces, Aquarius and Taurus, don’t get too focused on either the minor details, or the bigger picture. Keep a healthy perspective.
Don’t be shocked if you feel drawn to excess. Know that too much of anything isn’t good for you, even if the stars try to convince you otherwise.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday March 13, 2026.
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You may be caught between duty and downtime, ambition and feeling. You can be a powerhouse and still pause for a phone call home or a tender moment. Strong emotions may bubble up unexpectedly, but don’t repress them. Let your softer side sit with you while making decisions. Lead with your usual strength, but don’t forget to acknowledge that your roots are your real foundation.
You may feel an urge to climb higher, think bigger and even book that course, trip or goal you’ve been thinking about. But you’re also urged to nurture connections closer to home, especially with siblings, locals or your inner circle. Prepare to expand your horizons while staying grounded in what feels safe. You can dream without forgetting where you’ve come from, Taurus.
You may want to get serious about your resources today and what you share, owe or invest in. At the same time, a generous light is shining on your values and self-worth. Do you give more, save more or ask for what you truly deserve? Don’t be afraid to value your time like it’s gold and still be kind to others. Boundaries and benevolence easily coexist, and both can go a long way.
The Moon opposing Jupiter beams confidence and emotional insight your way. You’ll feel more in tune with who you are and what or who you need. Even so, don’t lose yourself in someone else’s agenda. Compromise, but not at the cost of your needs and truth. Strong partnerships grow stronger, and weaker ones reveal their cracks. It’s time to let your strong side do the talking.
Keen to stay on task even if you’d rather lounge? A voice from within may encourage you to reflect and recharge. Today’s balancing act is between getting things done and respecting your need for quiet restoration. If burnout’s been prowling too close, look to tame it. You don’t have to force things to be powerful. Trust that stepping back can actually, help move you forward.
Focused on ambition, creativity and getting everything organised? You’re also reminded that community counts just as much as personal achievement. You may be straddling the line between pursuing passion and showing up for others. Let today be about harmonising work and social life. A well-timed compliment or group project could light a new spark. Mix generously
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Today’s astro-choreography puts career and home life on opposite ends of a seesaw. You’ll want to polish your professional game, while also desiring some quiet time at home. The challenge? Finding balance without tipping too far in either direction. You don’t have to choose between ambition and homely comforts, as when aligned they can waltz very well together.
You’ll want to make definite plans, but today’s Moon-Jupiter face-off invites you to let your sixth sense have a seat at the table. Logic and feeling are doing a tug-of-war, and both have wisdom to offer. A conversation, journey or learning opportunity may open a door, but don’t rush through it, just feel your way forward. Let mystery be your guide and fresh options could soon appear.
Checking your income, reviewing goals and wondering what the future holds? You’ll also want to consider not only what’s profitable, but what is personally meaningful. The push-pull between security and soul-searching is real today. You’re wanting both stability and emotional depth. Invest your energy in what sustains you, not just what shimmers, and you’ll become a force of nature.
The Moon in your sign means you’re focused, driven and ready to climb. But Jupiter in Cancer reminds you that no mountain is worth scaling alone. A tug-of-war highlights the balance between self-reliance and meaningful connection. You may feel torn between duty and intimacy, ambition and affection. Don’t brush off support or choose stoic strength. Let someone help you.
You may be plotting your next masterstroke behind the scenes, but you’ll also need to nourish the daily rituals that keep your engine running. While you’re busy saving the world or revolutionising your inbox, don’t forget to unwind and eat well. Today’s line-up reminds you that genius needs a stable foundation. There’s power in a well-timed rest or an organised to-do list.
You may be feeling the pull between practical plans and passionate pursuits. The key? Blend both. Ground your dreams in small, steady steps and you’ll see your talent take root. A friend or project may inspire a breakthrough. Don’t dismiss it as wishful thinking as it’s intuition with a plan. You’re not being pulled in two directions, you’re being stretched to succeed.
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Both Scarborough and Whitby are vying to be the first Town of Culture in a crowded field of entries from across the county.
The competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy last autumn, will provide a platform for communities to “tell their own unique story and shine a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life”.
Alison Hume, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said: “Whitby is a small town, but it has a gigantic story to tell.
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“Whitby already draws in huge numbers of tourists every year for the famous Goth Weekends, Musicport and Folk festivals and countless other cultural events, so it seems fitting that the town that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula throws its top hat in the ring.”
The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize, meaning that both Scarborough and Whitby could be shortlisted in the medium and small town categories, respectively.
Seven organisations, including Flash Company Arts, are currently fronting Whitby’s case, which is themed ‘Storyland’.
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Ms Hume, who received BAFTA and Royal Television Society awards for her work as a screenwriter before being elected to represent the constituency two years ago, said: “Whitby lives and breathes culture.
“It is a breathtakingly beautiful town which has inspired countless writers, artists, musicians and other creatives over the years, many of whom are woven into the town’s cultural community.
“The town’s maritime history as a shipbuilding and whaling port, as well as the port where Captain Cook learnt his craft, is unmatched in a small town.
“Who knows, 2028 could be the year Whitby residents can share how proud they are of where they live, and thousands of new visitors can experience our warm and inclusive Whitby welcome?”
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Commenting on Scarborough’s entry, Ms Hume said: “Scarborough has an irresistible story to tell as the birthplace of theatre in the round, the first English seaside resort and the home of an incredibly rich arts, heritage, music and cultural scene. I’m really excited about our chances.”
The deadline for expressions of interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is March 31, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.
Scarborough’s town mayor Cllr Thomas Murray said: “I’m fully behind Scarborough’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate all the things that make Scarborough great, as well as showcase some of our cultural hidden gems.”
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Rebecca Denniff, of Flash Company Arts, said: “Whitby is an amazing place to live and work, surrounded by magnificent moorland and wild seas.
“It’s a tiny town that has had a massive impact on the whole world – from the Synod of Easter all the way to its global association with Goth culture through Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
“But we need to show that we are so much more than our amazing history.
“Whitby is a place where so many stories converge; it’s an immersive experience in waiting.”
The Section 34 order came into effect at 8pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and will remain in force until 8pm on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Under the order, police have the power to exclude individuals from the designated area for up to 48 hours.
The notice is intended to reduce behaviour that has contributed to, or could contribute to, anti-social behaviour, crime, or disorder in the area.
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The dispersal zone covers an area bordered by Windermere Road, Chester Street, Hope Street, Henrietta Street, Church Street, Charles Street, Chapel Street (including 91–93), Leigh Road (including 162–164, Hilton Park), the A572 (Spinning Jenny Way/Market Street), A578 (Wigan Road), Parsonage Retail Park, St Helens Road, and Twist Lane.
Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Davies from Wigan & Leigh district said: “These measures are designed to stop further disorder and ensure the continued safety of residents, businesses, and visitors.
“A number of individuals involved have already been identified, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the identities of the remaining suspects.”
Morgan Freeman’s narrations over the years might have seen him dubbed ‘the Voice of God’, but his latest role also saw him drop a string of surprising curse words.
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The Hollywood legend, 88, has had a career spanning six decades to date, during which he’s won an Oscar and Golden Globe, whilst also being nominated for a Grammy and Tony.
Throughout the years he’s starred in films including Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus.
He’s also narrated numerous documentaries including The Long Way Home, March of the Penguins, Through the Wormhole, The Story of God with Morgan Freeman and Life on Our Planet.
Now he’s also the voice behind the new Netflix documentary The Dinosaurs – which focuses on the history of dinosaurs from their appearance in the Triassic period until their demise in the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.
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As the official synopsis teases: ‘From the first dinosaurs to the last, this epic documentary series examines their 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped their evolution.’
Morgan Freeman has left fans in stitches after a blooper reel from his latest project was released (Picture: Pascal Le Segretain/ Getty Images)
Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the four-part series was released last Friday, where it’s quickly soared to the top of Netflix charts around the world.
Now, a week on from on from its release, Netflix has shared a 30-second blooper reel of Freeman while he was in the recording booth for the show – and his responses are completely unexpected.
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Narrating one scene showing a dinosaur hunting in the water, he described how ‘the best hunters are the patient ones’. But as the prey was snapped up, he declared: ‘Oh, he’s f***ed!’
Another showed an airborne dinosaur whose name Freeman couldn’t quite pronounce, recorded questioning: ‘How do you say that? Ar-am-burger-jean-yan-en-blah-landah?’ Unsure if he pulled the pronunciation off, he was heard laughing before adding his own spin, calling them ‘majestic creatures’.
A series of other dinosaurs with difficult names were then shown, with Freeman hilariously struggling with one and just deciding to dub it an ‘anus’. ‘Anus sounds like an a**,’ he adds, his final word being bleeped out.
‘Strange names they give them!’ he then proclaims.
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When recording an outro saying his own name, the star isn’t quite satisfied with his attempts, then confidently asserting: ‘I’m Morgan f***ing Freeman.’
After watching the clip, many fans expressed their pleasure at hearing the star’s hilarious outtakes.
The Dinosaurs has become one of the most-watched shows on Netflix (Picture: Netflix)
‘That man is a treasure,’ user DBSteiger posted on X.
‘I love everything about this,’ Sam declared.
‘He’s so casually hilarious,’ Hamish wrote.
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‘Loved this documentary but now I need a version with Morgan Freeman’s unfiltered reaction to it LOL,’ Artemis asked.
‘More bloopers of Morgan Freeman trying to pronounce dino names please!’ AngryFroggo begged.
The Dinosaurs currently holds a perfect 100% rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes, where critics and viewers have shared comments praising what they’ve seen.
‘The visuals and sound design are outstanding, one of the best nature documentaries in years. viscerally, vividly real,’ What She Said wrote in its review.
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‘It brings a lost world back to life, and the documentary series is every bit as epic as a story about dinosaurs needs to be,’ Solzy at the Movies shared.
Some fans have called it a ‘masterpiece’ (Picture: Netflix)
‘The series has a solid narrative arc, spectacular CGI and the inimitable voice of Morgan Freeman to guide us through the 140-million-year rule of the largest animals that ever walked the earth,’ Decider added.
Meanwhile viewers called it a ‘masterpiece’, ‘captivating’, and ‘visually impressive’.
Director Nick Shoolingin‑Jordan previously told Netflix’s Tudum that he wanted to ‘tell the full chronology all the way through and take the audience on a rip‑roaring adventure’ with the series.
Meanwhile showrunner Dan Tapster, its showrunner, added: ‘We had eight 50-minute episodes to tell the entire story of life on Earth [in Life On Our Planet], so there were lots of things where we could only scratch the surface – and the dinosaur story was absolutely one of them. With The Dinosaurs, we finally get to tell that story in full and celebrate it like no one has ever done before.’
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The Dinosaurs is streaming on Netflix.
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One of the best BBC dramas of the late 2010s has just had all three seasons added to Netflix
Lucas Hill-Paul Content Editor
13:00, 12 Mar 2026
Netflix is now streaming a three-season BBC drama that has left viewers feeling inspired. Featuring some very recognisable faces from British television and addressing difficult subjects with care and sensitivity, The A Word deserves a place at the very top of your watchlist.
Breakout star Max Vento portrays Joe Hughes, a young boy whose troubled family discovers he has autism. Initially believing he simply has hearing problems, parents Paul (played by Lee Ingleby) and Alison (Morven Christie) must learn to cope with Joe’s communication difficulties.
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Meanwhile, Alison’s brother Eddie (Greg McHugh) and his wife Nicola (Vinette Robinson) are experiencing troubles of their own, whilst Joe’s grandfather Maurice (Christopher Eccleston), a widower with a rather forthright view of the world, must learn to adapt to the changes in his family, reports the Mirror.
Shot around the Lake District, the drama’s impressive cast also features other well-known faces, such as Death in Paradise’s Ralph Little, Inspector Morse icon Clare Holman, and Coronation Street’s Julie Hesmondhalgh.
Rising star Aaron Pierre, who will next be seen in HBO’s DC superhero series Lanterns and led Netflix’s hit thriller Rebel Ridge, also makes an appearance in The A Word’s second season.
Fans have been raving about the popular BBC series even after it came to an end in 2020, so it is certainly not one to miss now it’s become even more widely available on Netflix. One viewer on IMDb hailed the first series as the “Best Program on TV” apart from Game of Thrones.
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They enthused in a 10/10 review: “There are not enough dramas featuring this issue, and the lad who plays Joe needs recognition for how well he plays the part – true to life.
“From the start of this program, to the end, it has had me in tears due to how it mirrors my family’s life – with a child who is Autistic, going through the diagnosis, coping with relatives and friends’ views on this. And the strain it places on your relationships is very well portrayed.”
Another viewer described it as “The best drama I’ve ever seen”. They continued: “I have just binge watched the three series over the past few days. Couldn’t stop watching it. It was so well acted by all. So believable.”
“Wonderful show beautifully portraying a tough topic,” someone else commented.
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“Amazing show, portrays Autism Spectrum Disorder really well,” they continued. “The child playing Joe is brilliant, his acting is so authentic. The entire cast does a wonderful job getting down to the root of emotions that follow a ASD diagnosis.
“The dry humour and authentic setting really draws in the viewer. Such a welcome contrast to the bright shiny TV Hollywood pumps out, this show is television at its best.”
A final viewer remarked: “A must watch for every family. The series is very interesting and I believe that every family should watch it because there is lots to learn. I enjoy each and every moment of the drama. I am really thankful to all the people who have made this possible.”
Whether you want to learn more about autism or are simply looking for a gripping new drama for your next viewing session, Netflix has the perfect series for you with this show.
Police are trying to find the driver after they failed to stop and escaped
A driver reached 120mph an hour while fleeing from police. A red Ford Fiesta failed to stop for Norfolk Police on the A11 between Thetford and Larling at around 9.30pm on Wednesday (March 11).
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The vehicle was travelling at around 120mph an hour in a dangerous manner, including switching off its lights when officers turned on their blue lights and sirens, according to Norfolk Police. A spokesperson said: “It also carried out several dangerous manoeuvres, including undertaking another vehicle at speed.
“The pursuit continued onto the B1111, where officers lost sight of the car. The Fiesta passed a number of motorists on the A11 and we are asking anyone who was in the area and may have dashcam footage of the vehicle to get in touch.
“We would also encourage the driver to come forward and speak with us.” Anyone with information should call police on 101 or contact them online and quote reference 492 of March 11.
You might recognise Dr Sophie Bostock from her regular slot on This Morning, giving advice on sleep problems, but her experience and expertise extends beyond daytime television. She’s worked with diverse clients from the Royal Marines to Google to help their staff get better shut-eye.
After all, sleep is central to our sense of well-being and most of us don’t get enough. Before you drop thousands of pounds on a brand-new mattress or experiment with every supplement under the sun, it’s worth heeding some expert advice.
And Dr Bostock knows her stuff. Her medical journey started in Nottingham, followed by a PhD in health psychology from UCL. Since then, she’s published research in partnership with the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute in Oxford and worked on Sleepio, a clinically proven sleep improvement programme, available free on the NHS. Now, she’s an independent sleep consultant with her own blog, The Sleep Scientist.
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We approached Dr Bostock for our Readers Ask series, where industry experts answer questions from our Telegraph Recommended reader panel. From our top tips to tackle menopausal insomnia to her honest opinions on magnesium supplements, here are her answers.
How can I stay asleep for longer? I simply can’t get past six hours.
Stephen, South West
Six hours isn’t necessarily a problem. Most adults need seven hours or more, but as we get older, we need a little bit less. The real question is: How do you feel during the day? If you wake up feeling refreshed, function well all day without using caffeine and sugar to keep you going, and don’t lie in on weekends, you may simply be on the shorter end of normal. But if you’re waking too early and feeling tired, the most common causes are uncontrolled stress, too much evening light exposure or an overly early body clock.
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Do you have advice for when you can’t get to sleep?
Andy, East of England
Firstly, have you tried going to bed later? The more hours we’re awake, the more of a drive or hunger for sleep we build up. Secondly, if it’s a racing mind keeping you awake, try a gentle distraction. Take your mind to your favourite place – a beach, a holiday destination – wherever you feel safe and relaxed. Think about what you can see, smell, hear, feel and touch to immerse yourself in your safe place.
What should you do when you wake up in the night and can’t get back to sleep?
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Farah, South East
Reassure yourself that waking up between sleep cycles is a normal part of sleep. Most people wake up and roll over several times. We just don’t always remember it. Try slow breathing to calm the nervous system; inhale for four counts and exhale for six.
But if you’ve been awake for 20 minutes and you still feel wired, get out of bed. Keep the lights low. Do something gently distracting, a crossword, reading a book, watching old films and when your eyelids feel heavy, that’s your cue to come back to bed.
Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton had previously ordered information to be handed over from an inquiry.
Katrine Bussey, Press Association Scotland political editor and John-Paul Clark Reporter
22:44, 12 Mar 2026Updated 22:50, 12 Mar 2026
The Scottish Government has been accused of using “preposterous and unacceptable” excuses to stop information linked to an ethics investigation into former first minister Nicola Sturgeon from being released.
Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton said Holyrood ministers had “once again failed” to comply with one of his decisions regarding the disclosure of legal advice given to the inquiry.
Mr Hamilton has already taken court action against the Scottish Government as part of a long-running dispute over the the release of information from an official inquiry which cleared Ms Sturgeon of breaching the ministerial code during a probe into the behaviour of her predecessor Alex Salmond.
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However, with the Information Commissioner saying he can now “no longer trust the Government to handle this information unsupervised”, he said he would have to “explore more intrusive options to ensure compliance”.
Mr Hamilton added he will now have to consider if he can “resource a further intervention to examine the unusual case-handling practices in these cases”.
It came after a letter from the Scottish Government’s most senior civil servant, Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin, said while all legal advice within the scope of the freedom of information request had been released, some information had been “withheld” which “included legal advice, as well as other information subject to litigation privilege”.
Mr Griffin stressed, however, the case had involved the “disclosure of a substantial amount of material”.
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Last month the Scottish Government published 18 bundles of documents from the case, involving more than 4,700 pages of information – also some of which were redacted.
Mr Griffin said: “If there is a concern that in making that disclosure ministers simultaneously withheld information considered to be within the scope of the request, I have been assured that this is not the case.
The Information Commissioner, however, is now consulting with lawyers on whether to raise this “non-compliance” with the Court of Session – a move which could allow the court to inquire into a second possible case of contempt of court.
Mr Hamilton launched a fierce attack on the Scottish Government, saying: “Perhaps worse than the fact that Scottish ministers have once again failed to comply with one of my decisions is that they appear to have tried to conceal this breach of trust with unjustified delays and a wall of silence.
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“The excuses I have now been given, both in writing and in person, are preposterous and unacceptable.”
Adding that he had expressed his “dismay” at the situation during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary, the commissioner said: “The Government’s FOI handling of the Hamilton Inquiry cases stands in stark contrast to the way nearly every other case of theirs is handled.
“Following my meeting with the Permanent Secretary, I now need to assess whether I can resource a further intervention to examine the unusual case-handling practices in these cases.”
