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Saudi Arabia may enrich uranium under proposed US deal

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Saudi Arabia may enrich uranium under proposed US deal

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia could have some form of uranium enrichment within the kingdom under a proposed nuclear deal with the United States, congressional documents and an arms control group suggest, raising proliferation concerns as an atomic standoff between Iran and America continues.

U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden both tried to reach a nuclear deal with the kingdom to share American technology. Nonproliferation experts warn any spinning centrifuges within Saudi Arabia could open the door to a possible weapons program for the kingdom, something its assertive crown prince has suggested he could pursue if Tehran obtains an atomic bomb.

Already, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact last year after Israel launched an attack on Qatar targeting Hamas officials. Pakistan’s defense minister then said his nation’s nuclear program “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed, something seen as a warning for Israel, long believed to be the Middle East’s only nuclear-armed state.

“Nuclear cooperation can be a positive mechanism for upholding nonproliferation norms and increasing transparency, but the devil is in the details,” wrote Kelsey Davenport, the director for nonproliferation policy at the Washington-based Arms Control Association.

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The documents raise “concerns that the Trump administration has not carefully considered the proliferation risks posed by its proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia or the precedent this agreement may set.”

Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to questions Friday from The Associated Press

Congressional report outlines possible deal

The congressional document, also seen by the AP, shows the Trump administration aims to reach 20 nuclear business deals with nations around the world, including Saudi Arabia. The deal with Saudi Arabia could be worth billions of dollars, it adds.

The document contends that reaching a deal with the kingdom “will advance the national security interests of the United States, breaking with the failed policies of inaction and indecision that our competitors have capitalized on to disadvantage American industry and diminish the United States standing globally in this critical sector.” China, France, Russia and South Korea are among the leading nations that sell nuclear power plant technology abroad.

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The draft deal would see America and Saudi Arabia enter safeguard deals with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. That would include oversight of the “most proliferation-sensitive areas of potential nuclear cooperation,” it added. It listed enrichment, fuel fabrication and reprocessing as potential areas.

The IAEA, based in Vienna, did not immediately respond to questions. Saudi Arabia is a member state to the IAEA, which promotes peaceful nuclear work but also inspects nations to ensure they don’t have clandestine atomic weapons programs.

“This suggests that once the bilateral safeguards agreement is in place, it will open the door for Saudi Arabia to acquire uranium enrichment technology or capabilities — possibly even from the United States,” Davenport wrote. “Even with restrictions and limits, it seems likely that Saudi Arabia will have a path to some type of uranium enrichment or access to knowledge about enrichment.”

Enrichment isn’t an automatic path to a nuclear weapon — a nation also must master other steps including the use of synchronized high explosives, for instance. But it does open the door to weaponization, which has fueled the concerns of the West over Iran’s program.

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The United Arab Emirates, a neighbor to Saudi Arabia, signed what is referred to as a “123 agreement” with the U.S. to build its Barakah nuclear power plant with South Korean assistance. But the UAE did so without seeking enrichment, something nonproliferation experts have held up as the “gold standard” for nations wanting atomic power.

Saudi-US proposal comes amid Iran tensions

The push for a Saudi-U.S. deal comes as Trump threatens military action against Iran if it doesn’t reach a deal over its nuclear program. The Trump military push follows nationwide protests in Iran that saw its theocratic government launch a bloody crackdown on dissent that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands more reportedly detained.

In Iran’s case, it long has insisted its nuclear enrichment program is peaceful. However, the West and the IAEA say Iran had an organized military nuclear program up until 2003. Tehran also had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90% — making it the only country in the world to do so without a weapons program.

Iranian diplomats long have pointed to 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s comments as a binding fatwa, or religious edict, that Iran won’t build an atomic bomb. However, Iranian officials increasingly have made the threat they could seek the bomb as tensions have risen with the U.S.

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s day-to-day ruler, has said if Iran obtains the bomb, “we will have to get one.”

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The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Fear new homes will ‘drastically affect’ neighbour privacy as development faces backlash

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Cambridgeshire Live

Neighbours have urged Huntingdonshire District Council not to allow 23 new houses to be built behind their existing homes.

Plans to build 23 new homes in Kimbolton have faced backlash from people living next to the proposed development site. Neighbours have shared concerns about privacy being “drastically” impacted, as well as asking whether the new homes are actually needed.

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The homes are proposed to be built at Brittens Farm on the edge of the town. Of the 23 homes, nine are proposed to be made available as affordable housing, including seven as affordable rent, and two as shared ownership.

Developer Berwick Homes said its proposals would create a “sustainable development”. The company highlighted that Huntingdonshire District Council does not have a five year supply of deliverable housing.

It argued that any “minor impacts” of the development would be outweighed “by the need to provide additional housing in a highly sustainable location”.

Plans for the new homes have seen local backlash, with 27 objections lodged by members of the public, including from people whose homes back onto the site.

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One objector said they had concerns about overlooking from the new homes, arguing that the development would “drastically affect” their privacy and the light reaching their windows. Another objector argued there was “no sense” to the development, questioning whether the homes are needed.

Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on the sewage network with one objector claiming there was a “risk of sewerage backing up and affecting all houses in the locality”.

Kimbolton Parish Council has also asked for the application to be refused, saying that the foul water and sewage systems in the area are “not adequate” to cope with the proposed development.

Anglian Water has made a holding objection to the development due to “capacity constraints and pollution risk”. The water company said Kimbolton Water Recycling Centre has capacity to accommodate “additional flows” from the proposed development. However, the company asked how surface water from the development will be dealt with.

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Anglian Water has asked for a condition to be added to any planning permission requiring that the developer work with them on a strategy to remove surface water, and that no one can move into the new homes “prior to the successful delivery of the agreed solution”.

Planning officers respond to concerns

A planning officer report published by the district council acknowledged concerns about existing sewage and drainage issues. They said they are satisfied that Anglian Water and the developer have provided enough information to “demonstrate that a technical solution [is] achievable to ensure the proposed development can remain safe for its lifetime”.

Officers also highlighted that the scope of the planning application is “limited to mitigating the impacts arising directly from the proposed development”. They said: “The responsibility for addressing wider, pre-existing issues relating to sewer capacity and maintenance lies with Anglian Water as the statutory undertaker.

“The proposed development must demonstrate that it can be accommodated without exacerbating existing problems, and the recommended condition requiring a detailed foul water drainage strategy is intended to ensure that any new connections or arrangements are sustainable and appropriately managed.

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“The recommended condition would need to be discharged prior to the commencement of development, and Anglian Water would be part of the decision-making in considering the acceptability or otherwise of the submitted details.”

Addressing concerns about the potential impact on neighbours’ privacy, officers said they had reviewed the proposed layout and elevations of the new homes, as well as the separation distances. They said they did not think the development would cause any “detrimental overlooking” on neighbouring homes.

The report highlights that the lack of a five year housing land supply means there is a “presumption in favour of sustainable development” when the authority makes decisions on new housing developments.

Officers said the proposed development offered a number of benefits, including “contributing meaningfully” to the district’s housing supply, and building new affordable homes to meet the “significant affordable need” in the area.

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Planning officers have recommended that the application would be approved, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement. They have also recommended that if the legal agreement is not completed then the application should be refused.

Councillors are due to consider the application at a meeting on Monday (February 23), before making a decision on whether the development can go ahead or not.

For more planning notices in your area visit publicnoticeportal.uk .

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Plans for 20mph zone in village with ‘nightmare traffic’ where drivers ‘can reach 70mph’

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Cambridgeshire Live

Supporters of the plans for a 20mph zone in Swavesey said the lower limits will make the village safer, but others questioned whether the limits will be followed.

A new 20mph zone is proposed in a village facing “nightmare traffic” where some claim speeding drivers can travel at 60/70mph on a 30mph road. Cambridgeshire County Council is considering implementing 20mph speed limits on most residential roads in Swavesey, with the exception of several more lightly-built up roads.

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The county council said the lower speed limits could encourage drivers to slow down to improve road safety. A short extension of the 30mph speed limit in Rose and Crown Road is also proposed, as well as a 40mph buffer limit in Boxworth End.

Several other measures are proposed to cut the speed of drivers in the village. These include a priority give-way narrowing, with kerb build-out and cycle bypass in Boxworth End and Ramper Road, and “visual road narrowings” at two locations in Boxworth End.

The county council said proposals would be paid for from developer contributions from Northstowe, which had been provided to install traffic measures in neighbouring villages, such as Swavesey, to mitigate against increased traffic.

A statutory consultation was held by the county council to gather views on the plans, with 27 respondents objecting, 16 offering support, and two sharing neutral views. Some of those who shared support for the plans highlighted concerns about the extent of existing speeding issues they said the village is facing.

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One supporter said: “This scheme is drastically needed to slow traffic down through the village, particularly at the part of Boxworth End that straightens out and cars are able to speed up, rarely sticking to 30mph. In some cases it has been recorded nearer 60/70mph.”

Another supporter said they had also seen drivers travelling at high speeds through the village. They said: “Some cars are travelling so fast along Boxworth End that it is impossible to even decipher what type of car they are driving. Some cars are exceeding 60mph and somebody will get killed if this is not sorted out.”

Another person said the traffic in the village is a “nightmare” and that they believed 20mph speed limits would make the area safer.

’20mph speed limits won’t stop speeding drivers’

Objectors questioned whether drivers will follow the proposed lower speed limits. One objector said: “20mph speed limit will do very little to deter people who will compulsively speed, no matter what the speed limit is. It will only serve to add to journey times for those of us who live near the Guided Busway end of the village and require access to the A14.”

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Another objector also argued that the 20mph limits would “not stop speeders if they are already breaking 30mph and 40mph limits”. Concerns were also raised about some of the physical measures proposed to slow traffic.

Some objectors raised concerns that lane restrictions could “cause unnecessary traffic build up”. One objector said: “I feel that the proposed traffic calming measures will create more problems than solutions. It will create unnecessary congestion during peak hours. Most people abide by the speed limit, so it feels unnecessary to impose these restrictions.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the force had no objection to the plans, but raised concerns about compliance with the proposed lower speed limits on some roads in particular. These included the High Street, School Lane, Fen Drayton Road, and Middle Watch.

The county council report acknowledged the concerns, recognising that the roads highlighted by the force are “relatively straight, wide, have more through-traffic importance and less on-street parking”.

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However, they said the county council’s policy is to encourage 20mph speed limits to be implemented on a “zonal basis”, and that removing individual roads is “generally not recommended” as it had “practical implications”, including extra signage being needed.

The report added that if there is evidence of drivers not following the lower speed limits, additional measures could be considered to slow traffic. The report said: “The traffic calming measures have been designed to lower speeds on specific lengths of road where current traffic speeds are relatively high.

“They have been designed to avoid any undue inconvenience to residents, for example, the features will not prevent access to adjacent driveways. Only two give-way priority narrowings are proposed, so they are unlikely to create any widespread congestion or traffic jams.

“It is acknowledged that opinions vary on 20mph speed limits. In the case of Swavesey, there appears to be some opposition to a village-wide 20mph limit. However, the recent statutory process and the earlier parish council engagement exercises suggest that there is also a reasonable level of local support.

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“Traffic calming and lower speed limit can have a secondary benefit of encouraging drivers to select an alternative route, which may be more appropriate. In summary, 20mph limits are widely used to encourage drivers to travel at lower speeds, particularly in residential areas where it is common for more vulnerable road users to be present.

“In addition, there are likely to be higher numbers of pedestrians and cyclists, who will feel safer and more confident if motorised vehicles are travelling at reduced speeds.

“20mph speed limits represent a relatively cost-effective way to improve road safety and encourage more sustainable modes of transport. Consequently, it is recommended that the proposed 20mph speed limit for Swavesey be implemented.”

A decision on whether to implement the 20mph zone and traffic calming measures is due to be made on February 25.

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NI council’s new vegetable oil fuel costs kept hidden from ratepayers

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Belfast Live

It is a fossil-free alternative to diesel and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% per vehicle.

Vegetable oil is set to fuel a Northern Ireland council’s fleet of vehicles with the expected higher costs to ratepayers kept behind closed doors.

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s environment committee signed off on the ‘Path to Net Zero’ this week in confidential session away from public view.

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is considered a ‘drop in’ replacement for diesel requiring no engine modifications, but it can be considerably more expensive to buy than diesel at this time.

READ MORE: 5G mast compared to Eiffel Tower approved despite residents’ concerns

READ MORE: Lisburn & Castlereagh’s first Irish and English bilingual sign

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In open session, committee chairperson Oonagh Magennis said: “It was agreed on the proposal of Councillor Martin Hearty and seconded by Councillor Terry Andrews to approve the transition from diesel to HVO in line with council’s transition towards net zero council, to achieve targets set by the draft sustainability and climate change strategy.”

The local authority recently began replacing a total of 77 council vehicles (2022) including bin collection lorries at an estimated cost of £7.4m.

The new biofuel is a low carbon, zero sulphur fuel made from waste renewable materials such as rapeseed and sunflower oil.

It is a fossil-free alternative to diesel and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% per vehicle.

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The Department for the Economy has said that there is currently no large-scale production of HVO in Northern Ireland with imports needed, which could potentially create further costs and a carbon footprint of travel.

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Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested, and what legal protections does the royal family have?

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Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested, and what legal protections do the royal family have?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest comes after the US government released files that appeared to indicate he had shared official information with financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy for the UK. But the police have not given details of exactly what they are investigating.

It is important to be clear that the arrest is not related to accusations of sexual assault or misconduct. In 2022, Mountbatten-Windsor reached a settlement with the late Virginia Giuffre for an undisclosed sum that did not include an admission of liability.

Being named in the Epstein files is not an indication of misconduct. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing in his association with Epstein and and has previously rejected any suggestion he used his time as trade envoy to further his own interests.

What was Mountbatten-Windsor’s official role and why did he lose it?

In 2001, Tony Blair’s government made the then-prince the UK’s special representative for trade and investment. According to the government at the time, his remit was to “promote UK business internationally, market the UK to potential inward investors, and build relationships in support of UK business interests”. He did not receive a salary, but he did go on hundreds of trips to promote British businesses.

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Members of the royal family are often deployed by the government on international missions to promote trade. When negotiating with other countries, particularly those which are also monarchies, sending a prominent figure like a royal may help seal the deal. Indeed, the then-government claimed that the former Duke of York’s “unique position gives him unrivalled access to members of royal families, heads of state, government ministers and chief executives of companies”.

It is not unusual for members of the royal family to be deployed by the government for diplomatic missions. Royals often host incoming state visits and lead similar visits abroad, and can be deployed to lead delegations on more specific missions.

However, Mountbatten-Windsor had an official role as trade envoy. He stepped down from this role in 2011 following reports about his friendship with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offences in 2011.




À lire aussi :
What exactly is misconduct in public office and could Peter Mandelson be convicted?

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Are royals protected from prosecution?

The monarch is protected by sovereign immunity, a wide-ranging constitutional principle exempting him from all criminal and civil liability. According to the leading 19th century constitutionalist Alfred Dicey, the monarch could not even be prosecuted for “shooting the Prime Minister through the head”. The Prince of Wales also enjoys immunity as Duke of Cornwall, which protects him from punishment for breaking a range of laws.

The State Immunity Act 1978, which confers immunity on the head of state, also extends to “members of the family forming part of the household”. However, this phrase has been interpreted narrowly to apply to a very tight circle of people and does not appear to apply to the monarch’s children in general. For example, in 2002 Princess Anne was prosecuted (though not arrested) for failing to control her dogs in Windsor Great Park after they bit two children.

Nevertheless, there has often been a perception that members of the royal family are held to a different standard when it comes to the law. In 2016 Thames Valley Police were criticised by anti-monarchy groups for not prosecuting the then-prince after newspaper reports alleged he had driven his car through the gates of Windsor Great Park. In 2019 the Crown Prosecution Service declined to prosecute Prince Philip for causing a car crash which injured two people.

The monarch also cannot be compelled to give evidence in court. For example, prosecutors were unable to summon the late queen to give evidence in the trial of Princess Diana’s former butler, who was accused of stealing her jewellery.

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In response to Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, the king said: “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

When was the last time a royal was arrested?

You have to go back quite a long way to find the last time that a member of the British royal family was arrested. This was during the English civil war, when Charles I was taken prisoner for treason before being found guilty and ultimately executed in 1649.

A number of royals, including Princess Anne, have committed driving-related offences, including speeding. But this arrest makes Mountbatten-Windsor the first member of the royal family to be arrested in modern times, though it should be noted that he is no longer a royal – he was stripped of all his official titles in October 2025 as his friendship with Epstein came under even more scrutiny.

The former prince, pictured in 2019.
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What limits do police have on investigating royal estates?

Sovereign immunity also prevents police from entering private royal estates to investigate alleged crimes without permission. This can, theoretically, protect members of the royal family from arrest and prosecution. The Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Act 2017 also bans police from searching royal estates for stolen or looted artefacts.

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In 2007, two hen harriers were illegally shot at Sandringham estate. However, Norfolk Police first needed to ask Sandringham officials for permission to enter the estate, by which time the dead birds’ bodies had been removed. Police questioned Prince Harry, but did not bring charges.

Other incidents have allegedly led to Sandringham being accused of becoming a wildlife crime hotspot, with at least 18 reported cases of suspected wildlife offences taking place between 2003-23 – yet only one resulting in prosecution.

Another longstanding legal precedent is that no one may be arrested in the presence of the monarch or within the precincts of a royal palace. It was thought that this rule could protect other members of the royal family and royal employees. However, Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest at Sandringham suggests that this antiquated principle may no longer hold true today.

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Cindy Crawford hits milestone birthday and fans can’t get over her age

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Daily Mirror

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has revealed the steps she takes to age gracefully and look decades younger than her true age as she celebrates a big milestone birthday

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has left fans gobsmacked at her youthful appearance as she turns 60. The model, actress and TV personality rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the world’s most recognisable supermodels, appearing on magazine covers, runways and in major fashion campaigns.

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Her modelling career spans more than three decades and, throughout that time, she has stuck to a structured diet, exercise routine and skincare regime. As the mum of two celebrates her 60th birthday today (February 20), she has shared details of her health and beauty routine.

Cindy Crawford launched her skincare range, Meaningful Beauty, more than 20 years ago alongside French doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh.

The line includes face and body creams, as well as shampoos, conditioners and hair oils.

In a statement, she said: “As a young supermodel, I visited world-renowned cosmetic specialist Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh at his clinic in Paris.

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“After my first treatment using super antioxidants from a rare melon in the South of France, I saw instant, glowing results.

“Dr Sebagh and I developed Meaningful Beauty as an easy-to-use system that delivers younger-looking skin by combining science, technology and nature.

“The powerful melon super antioxidants are the secret to the formulas.”

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She also makes sure to wear sun protection every day, as it offers anti-ageing benefits and protects her skin from environmental damage.

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Outside of skincare, she spends time in her home sauna and exercises regularly.

She has previously shared that her go-to workout includes 20 minutes of cardio and weight training three times a week, followed by 30 to 60 minutes of exercises such as bicep curls, squats and lunges.

To fuel her body, she often opts for a breakfast smoothie made with coconut milk, a quarter of a banana, a handful of spinach, mint, collagen protein powder, flaxseed, hemp seeds and maca.

For lunch, she tends to avoid gluten-based foods like bread and pasta, instead choosing protein with salad.

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In the evening, she typically enjoys a meal made up of protein and vegetables.

Speaking on The Skinny Confidential in 2024, Cindy highlighted the importance of mental health, saying it plays a huge role in her overall wellbeing and fitness.

She said: “I think part of being healthy is mental health, and part of mental health is feeling like you are taking care of yourself and feeling good about yourself.

“I think with women, if we feel good about ourselves, we have so much more confidence and so much more to offer.

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“We raise our hands, we volunteer, we are not hiding in the shadows.”

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5 ways dermatologists recommend using PDRN – the ‘salmon DNA’ skincare ingredient going viral

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PDRN ‘salmon DNA’ skincare is trending on TikTok, and dermatologists say it could help improve skin barrier strength and hydration when used correctly

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‘Salmon DNA’ skincare is trending, racking up thousands of views on TikTok – but what is it, and how should we be using it? We asked dermatologists for the low down on beauty’s latest viral ingredient, and discovered five ways it could help users improve their complexion in 2026.

PDRN is the trending K-beauty ingredient that experts say supports skin repair, hydration and barrier strength. Short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, PDRN is most commonly derived from purified salmon DNA.

Originally developed for medical wound healing, it’s now one of 2026’s most talked-about skincare ingredients. As beauty fans move from aggressive exfoliation and skin cycling, PDRN aims to improves the skin’s hydration through enhancing moisture retention and structural resilience – and it’s gentle enough for most skincare enthusiasts to use.

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Here are five expert-backed ways to incorporate PDRN into your routine, and the standout products worth trying now.

1. Use PDRN as a daily barrier-support serum

Dermatologists describe PDRN as a “long-game” ingredient. It’s not a miracle worker or quick fix, but offers daily support for healthier skin. It can be used morning or evening – or both – after cleansing, but before moisturising.

Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics , explained: “PDRN encourages the skin to repair itself more efficiently. It helps kick-start fibroblast activity – the cells responsible for collagen and elastin – improving skin quality over time rather than offering a short-term cosmetic fix.”

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For anyone wanting improved hydration, glow and barrier resilience without irritation, a purse-friendly option is the PDRN Serum from Boots, priced at £8 . Lightweight and non-sticky, it layers well under SPF and makeup, making it an easy entry point into recovery-first skincare.

2. Pair PDRN with retinoids to reduce irritation

Retinol remains a gold-standard active in skincare, having grown in popularity in recent years, but it can cause irritation for some users, particularly beginners, those with sensitive skin, or during the adjustment phase when upping the strength.

For retinol users, Dr Ewa Kania – an aesthetic doctor and regenerative skin specialist -recommends the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum , calling it a ‘great affordable option for sensitive or retinoid-averse skin’. Combining PDRN with hyaluronic acid, it delivers hydration while supporting barrier repair, which is particularly helpful if your skin feels sensitised from retinol use.

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3. Use PDRN post-procedure or after over-exfoliation

Because PDRN was originally developed for wound healing, it fits naturally into post-procedure routines. Consultant Dermatologist Dr Aiza Jamil added: “It acts as a regenerative ingredient that interacts with cellular mechanisms involved in repair and homeostasis. It was originally used in aesthetic and medical dermatology for wound healing, but is now formulated into topical products like serums, creams, ampoules and toners.”

Said to be ‘excellent for post-procedure repair and barrier support’, the Dr Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream, is £32.89 at Superdrug. Often sold out at Korean pharmacies, according to Glam Touch, it’s designed for oily, dry, and combination skin types and helps the skin recover from daily environmental stress while restoring hydration, glow, and firmness overnight.

4. Choose PDRN for hydration and ‘glass skin’ glow

On TikTok, PDRN has gained traction under the nickname “salmon DNA skincare.” The hashtag #PDRN already has over 194K posts, while #GlassSkin has surpassed 1.3 million. Searches for K-beauty on TikTok Shop are up 125% in the last six months of 2025, with #kbeauty now the third most-used beauty hashtag in the UK.

A viral favourite is the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum , stocked at Boots. It combines PDRN with peptides for a plumper, more radiant look over time. One shopper commenting: “Amazing! This serum has helped my dry skin so so much! I had one stubborn patch around my nose that no moisturiser has helped, but one week of Salmon PDRN and it’s clearing up.”

However, another shopper claimed it caused them to break out in blemishes, which goes to show that not every skincare product or ingredient will suit everyone. It’s also worth remembering to complete a patch test when introducing any new product or ingredient into your skincare routine, especially as, in some rare cases, those with fish allergies may not find the product suitable for them.

5. Opt for vegan alternatives if you prefer non-animal formulas

Most PDRN is derived from salmon DNA, which may not be suitable for everyone, either for moral reasons, or for health reasons – such as potential allergies. As such, fermentation-based and vegan alternatives are emerging, such as the Yepoda The Skinject Effect.

Dr Kania said it is made with ’exosomes and microspicule delivery, appealing to ethically minded clients and next-gen regenerative positioning’. With its gentle yet powerful formula, it refines skin over time, stimulates collagen production, and supports the skin’s natural barrier.

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Police searching for woman last seen at pub five days ago

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Cambridgeshire Live

She was last seen near the Old Anchor pub in Sutton

Police are searching for a woman who has not been seen in five days. Carol Hillier, 64, from Sandy in Bedfordshire, was last seen near Sutton in East Cambridgeshire.

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She was spotted at around 11.20am on Sunday, February 15, near the Old Anchor pub, off Bury Lane, Sutton, near Ely. She has been described as white, 5’4, of medium build, with mousy grey, chin-length hair, and grey/blue eyes.

Carol, who wears glasses, was last seen wearing a dark plum coloured Rohan coat, pale blue beanie hat, dark walking trousers, and was carrying a small rucksack. Officers are currently searching in water and green areas near to where her silver Mercedes E Class estate was found parked opposite the pub.

Anyone who has seen Carol on or since Sunday or has footage of her should come forward to the police. You can report anything through the force website quoting the reference number 233 of 15 February.

Detective Inspector Alice Draper said: “I’m appealing to anyone who may have seen Carol since on or since Sunday to get in touch with us so we can target our searches.

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“We still hold out hope of finding Carol alive, but specialist officers are searching areas of water in the vicinity where her car was found.

“If anyone has seen her or has dashcam footage, it would really help us to narrow down our search area.”

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Baked sweet potatoes with honey-roast feta, olives, beetroot and mint recipe

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Baked sweet potatoes with honey-roast feta, olives, beetroot and mint recipe

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.   

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The virus nearly everyone has and its possible role in MS

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The virus nearly everyone has and its possible role in MS

Over 95% of the world’s adult population is infected with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), but most people never realise it. The infection often causes few symptoms and then stays in the body for life.

But for a small minority, EBV is linked to serious disease. For more than 50 years, EBV has been recognised as the first virus shown to contribute to certain cancers, and is therefore classified as a group one carcinogen.

More recently, strong evidence suggests it plays a key role in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease in which the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. MS affects millions of people worldwide and is often diagnosed in early adulthood, with symptoms that can vary unpredictably over time.

I was part of a research team who explored how EBV infection may help initiate MS. Our findings suggest the disease could potentially be targeted by blocking the brain inflammation associated with EBV infection.

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Using lab mice with a human-like immune system, we found that after infection, B cells (immune cells that produce antibodies and help coordinate immune responses) became unusually active and travelled into the brain. Here, they released signals that attracted T cells, which recognise and destroy infected or abnormal cells.

Together, these immune cells caused inflammation and early brain damage similar to what is believed to happen in the early stages of MS. When we used a commonly prescribed drug to remove the B cells, there were far fewer T cells in the brain and much less immune activation.




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Epstein-Barr virus: how does a common infection trick the immune system into attacking the brain in people with MS?


This suggests EBV may help set MS in motion by altering how B cells behave. These changed cells can enter the brain and drive inflammation, drawing in T cells that intensify the immune response. Targeting these B cells early could help prevent or slow the development of MS.

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However, exactly how EBV contributes to MS is still being investigated.

MS affects the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord. In people with MS, the immune system damages myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibres that helps electrical signals travel quickly. When it is stripped away, messages between the brain and body slow down or fail.

Over time, repeated damage can also affect the nerves themselves, leading to symptoms such as problems with movement, vision, balance and fatigue.

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MS is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. One leading explanation for how EBV fits into this process is a form of mistaken identity, where immune responses first directed at the virus begin to resemble those aimed at myelin by people who have MS.

Why doesn’t everyone develop MS?

If EBV infection is so common, why doesn’t everyone develop MS? Other factors shape risk, including genetics, sex, smoking, obesity and low vitamin D levels. EBV appears to be an important part of the puzzle, but it is unlikely to act alone.

EBV infects B cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies, and can remain dormant inside them for life. But in some situations, the virus can reactivate. EBV-infected cells have been linked to certain cancers when immune control fails.

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New research is beginning to reveal what this looks like inside the nervous system. A recent study found unusually high numbers of EBV-targeting immune cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, of people with MS. Many were T cells primed to recognise the virus, suggesting the immune system may be responding to EBV activity within the central nervous system.

When immune cells gather there, they can spark inflammation. This allows more immune cells to enter the brain and spinal cord and cause local damage, forming patches known as lesions that underpin many symptoms of MS.

Treatments and the role of B cells

Current treatments mostly work by calming the immune system rather than targeting a single cause. Many of these medicines are immunosuppressants, which can increase infection risk but also reduce relapses and slow disease progression.

One of the most effective MS treatments targets B cells using monoclonal antibody drugs, laboratory-made proteins designed to recognise specific immune cells. Examples include ocrelizumab, rituximab and ofatumumab. These therapies reduce B cell numbers and may also lower the pool of EBV-infected cells.

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These treatments have improved outcomes for many patients. But by dampening part of the immune system, they can also increase infection risk and reduce vaccine responses.

This raises an obvious question: could preventing EBV infection stop MS developing in the first place? And if so, why not prevent EBV infection with a vaccine?

Developing EBV vaccines has proved difficult, partly because the virus hides inside cells and establishes lifelong infection. Researchers are exploring this area, and none are currently approved. It remains unclear whether preventing EBV infection would reduce MS risk.

The link between EBV and MS is now one of the most active areas in MS research, and is reshaping how prevention and treatment are being explored.

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Rather than viewing MS solely as an immune system disorder, researchers are increasingly investigating whether stopping EBV infection, or targeting cells that harbour the virus, could reduce a person’s risk of developing the disease or slow its progression.

This shift is driving new strategies, including therapies aimed at EBV-infected B cells, and efforts to design vaccines or immune-based treatments that interrupt the biological processes connecting the virus to MS. If successful, these approaches could move MS care beyond symptom control, towards prevention or earlier disease-modifying interventions.

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Pubs to stay open until 2am for knockouts of World Cup 2026

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Pubs to stay open until 2am for knockouts of World Cup 2026

The Home Secretary has agreed for venues to stay open until 1am for most knockout games and until 2am for 10pm kick-offs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The extension would apply if any of the home nations reach the knockout stage of the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pubs to stay open until 2am for knockouts of World Cup 2026

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “With later kick-offs at this year’s World Cup, we don’t want pubs to blow the final whistle before the winning goal.

“So we’re showing red tape the red card and taking pub hours to extra time so fans can get another round in without missing a single kick.

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“We’re toasting our boys at the World Cup and our locals this summer.

“Fans won’t need to go home, before football’s come home.”

The time difference with North America means some matches could finish late into the night, and the Government has agreed to extend licensing hours until 1am for most knockout games and 2am for matches with a 10pm kick-off.

Pubs will also be able to apply for a temporary licence for any very late kick-offs that could finish beyond 2am, given the time difference.

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Earlier plans reportedly considered restricting late openings only if a home nation reached the quarter-finals, but she has agreed to extend opening hours until 1am for most knockout games and 2am for those kicking off at 10pm.

The British Beer and Pub Association told The Sun that the move is “a win for pubs, jobs and community spirit.”

England and Scotland World Cup Group stage matches and times

England and Scotland have already qualified for the tournament, which begins on June 11, while either Wales or Northern Ireland could still secure a place through the play-offs.

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England are in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with Scotland in Group C, alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.


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England’s group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times are as follows:

  • England vs Croatia – June 17, 9pm UK time, Dallas
  • England vs Ghana – June 23, 9pm UK time, Boston
  • Panama vs England – June 27, 10pm UK time, New York-New Jersey

Scotland’s group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times are as follows:

  • Haiti vs Scotland – June 14, 2am UK time, Boston
  • Scotland vs Morocco – June 19, 11pm UK time, Boston
  • Scotland vs Brazil – June 24, 11pm UK time, Miami

Who do you think will win the World Cup this year? Let us know in the comments.

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