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Tony Christie, 83, praises ‘supportive’ wife Sue for being ‘his rock’ amid dementia battle as he vows to keep performing and says his ‘knees will stop him faster than his brain’

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Tony Christie has praised his 'supportive' wife Sue for being 'his rock' amid his dementia battle as he vowed that he will keep performing (pictured eariler this month)

Tony Christie has praised his ‘supportive’ wife Sue for being ‘his rock’ amid his dementia battle as he vowed that he will keep performing.

The singer, 83, best known for (Is This the Way to) Amarillo, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 after struggling with his crosswords.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) which affect memory, thinking and behaviour. 

Following his diagnosis, Tony has credited Sue for being his biggest support and for ‘keeping him on track’.

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Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, he said: ‘Sue is my rock. I fell in love with her the minute I saw her and I’m very lucky to have spent so many years with her. 

‘As we get older we support one another. Sue was the one that first encouraged me to go to the doctor.’

Tony Christie has praised his ‘supportive’ wife Sue for being ‘his rock’ amid his dementia battle as he vowed that he will keep performing (pictured eariler this month)

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The singer, 83, best known for (Is This the Way to) Amarillo, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 after struggling with his crosswords

The singer, 83, best known for (Is This the Way to) Amarillo, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 after struggling with his crosswords

He continued: ‘I was getting frustrated by my daily crossword and she could see something was quite right. 

‘She keeps me on track about what I need to do and where I need to be, and reminds me of people’s names when I forget.

‘I think we share the same sense of humour and we both love to laugh. That’s one of the secrets to our relationship.’

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The pair tied the knot in 1968 after meeting earlier that year and went on to welcome three children.

As well as his devoted wife, Tony has credited music with helping to keep his dementia symptoms at bay.

One particular song that means a lot to him is The Folks Who Live On The Hill by Peggy Lee.

He explained: ‘It holds a special place in our hearts for Sue and I. It always brings a tear to my eye.

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‘And I love Ella Fitzgerald – Someone To Watch Over Me.’

Gushing over his wife, he told the Daily Mail: 'I think we share the same sense of humour and we both love to laugh. That's one of the secrets to our relationship' (pictured in 2011)

Gushing over his wife, he told the Daily Mail: ‘I think we share the same sense of humour and we both love to laugh. That’s one of the secrets to our relationship’ (pictured in 2011)

Since his diagnosis, Tony has continued to perform and tour and has spoken about how staying busy and involved in music helps him to live well with the condition

Since his diagnosis, Tony has continued to perform and tour and has spoken about how staying busy and involved in music helps him to live well with the condition

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WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.

There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.

Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.

Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.

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Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?

The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 1million people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.

It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2040 will rise to more than 1.4million. 

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As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.

Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.

IS THERE A CURE?

Currently there is no cure for dementia. But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.

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Source: Alzheimer’s Society 

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Since his diagnosis, Tony has continued to perform and tour and has spoken about how staying busy and involved in music helps him to live well with the condition. 

He is currently on his Farewell tour which kicked off in August 2025 and runs through to mid 2027. 

‘I am still recording new material and touring, so I don’t let me dementia slow me down,’ Tony said.

‘Work is therapy for me so it keeps me happy and healthy. I think my knees will stop me faster than dementia!

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‘I have definitely slowed down a lot though. I need longer breaks between performing. I need more sleep. And I need an autocue.

‘At home I forget what things are called and often forget people’s names. But I am 83!’

He is also not ashamed to have dementia as he often makes a ‘joke about forgetting the names of my band’.

The hitmaker said: ‘I never want to pretend I don’t have it, or be ashamed of it.

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‘As I’ve gotten older I’ve started to rely on an autocue to remember song lyrics. I can’t say whether it is down to my age or dementia – it’s probably a bit of both.’

And his message to those that have just been diagnosed with the condition is to know ‘they are not alone’.

He said: ‘Nearly one million people in the UK have dementia. It doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as other diseases like cancer, but there is definitely help out there. My doctor has been brilliant. 

‘The medication has really helped, so don’t hide your symptoms and put off medical help. Talk to someone right away.

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‘The other thing I would say to someone is that their life isn’t over just because they have dementia.

‘Some things change, but you can still do the things you love. I try to remain really positive and enjoy life as much as I can.’

Last Sunday (September 13), Tony made a surprise appearance at m4dRADIO ‘switch-on party’ as he celebrated ‘music for everyone’.

Last Sunday (September 13), Tony made a surprise appearance at m4dRADIO 'switch-on party' as he celebrated 'music for everyone'

Last Sunday (September 13), Tony made a surprise appearance at m4dRADIO ‘switch-on party’ as he celebrated ‘music for everyone’

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He and his wife joined people living with dementia and their family members and carers for a celebratory afternoon of music, dancing and singing at the monthly Dementia Disco event at St John Fisher Church Hall in Merton, south-west London

He and his wife joined people living with dementia and their family members and carers for a celebratory afternoon of music, dancing and singing at the monthly Dementia Disco event at St John Fisher Church Hall in Merton, south-west London

He and his wife joined people living with dementia and their family members and carers for a celebratory afternoon of music, dancing and singing at the monthly Dementia Disco event at St John Fisher Church Hall in Merton, south-west London.

The switch-on party marked the first step in bringing m4dRADIO to DAB radio, with the service now available across South and West London.

Until now, m4dRADIO has primarily been available online.

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How to listen to m4dRADIO 

m4dRADIO is now available on DAB across South and West London

The online service for m4dRADIO has a range of five decade channels, covering the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, plus the MIX channel. 

You can access this via m4dRADIO.com on a phone, tablet or laptop

m4dRADIO can also be played through Alexa. The first time you use it, say: ‘Alexa, enable M Four D Radio.’ After that, simply say: ‘Alexa, play M Four D Radio.’

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The service is free and available 24 hours a day, with no subscription required.

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The move means people in the region can listen through a digital radio, making the station’s ad-free, 24/7 music without news or presenters more accessible for the people who need it.

‘Sometimes you just want to switch on a radio and have the music that you love right there,’ Tony said before adding: ‘That’s why we love what m4dRADIO is doing, It’s making it easier to use for people like Sue and I.’

Music for Dementia hopes bringing m4dRADIO to DAB will make it easier for more people to enjoy the service as part of everyday life, with South and West London the first area to receive the new DAB service.

Amy Shackleton, CEO at Music for Dementia says: ‘Music has the power to lift our spirits, spark memories and create moments of joy. 

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‘We want everyone living with dementia to be able to experience that. 

‘Bringing m4dRADIO to DAB in South and West London is an important step in making that experience even easier and more accessible.’

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UK food wholesaler falls into administration after 6 years

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UK food wholesaler falls into administration after 6 years

Q Movers MFS Ltd, which operates as Rylance Farm Foodservice, supplied more than 2,500 products to caterers across the UK.

It made more than 40,000 deliveries using a fleet of over 30 temperature-controlled vehicles.

The company stocked leading brands including Walkers, Nestle, Tetley, Pepsi, Birds Eye, and Coca-Cola.

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Q Movers MFS Ltd falls into administration after 6 years in business

After six years in business (founded in 2020), Q Movers MFS Ltd has collapsed into administration.

Andrew David Rosler and Nick Clarkson of Ideal Corporate Solutions Limited were appointed joint administrators on September 3, according to The Gazette.

In accounts for the year to October 31, 2024, obtained by Business Sale Report, Q Movers reported a turnover of £16.8 million, down from £21.6 million the previous year.

However, operating losses fell from £205,000 to around £32,000.

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Rylance Farm Foodservice’s address in Burton upon Trent is listed as “permanently closed” on Google.

Q Movers/Rylance Farm Foodservice has been contacted for comment.

What happens when a company goes into administration?

When a company enters administration, it means that it is unable to pay expenses, debts, or other liabilities, according to SquareUp.com.

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Companies House adds: “When a company goes into administration, they have entered a legal process (under the Insolvency Act 1986) with the aim of achieving one of the statutory objectives of an administration. This may be to rescue a viable business that is insolvent due to cashflow problems.

“An appointment of an administrator (a licensed insolvency practitioner) will be made by directors, a creditor or the court to fulfil the administration process.”



A statutory moratorium is put in place once a company enters administration, giving it “breathing space” to allow for financial restructuring plans to be drawn up free from creditor enforcement actions.

A company can continue to trade while in administration, but daily management and control are handed over to the administrators.

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Companies House continues: “Within 8 weeks it is the administrators’ role to formulate administration proposals.

“Creditors are then asked to vote by a decision procedure to approve the administrators’ proposals.

“If the administration involves a sale of all or part of the company’s business, the proceeds (after the costs of the procedure) will be distributed to creditors in a statutory order of priority.”

Administration will end automatically after 12 months unless the administrator asks the court or creditors for an extension.

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Through administration, a company can be:

  • Rescued and passed back to the directors
  • Enter liquidation
  • Be dissolved

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire’s, and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation in May.

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Whitbread closed all its standalone UK restaurants earlier this month:



TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also be closing around 150 stores each across the UK.

Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 stores across the UK, with closing down sales already underway at several affected branches.

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Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

The company responsible for iconic British bikemaker Raleigh, Accell Group, has also collapsed into administration, putting the 139-year-old British bikemaker at risk of closing.

Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services “until further notice” as it looks to appoint an administrator.

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Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:



UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out after being acquired by InPost.

It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.

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Meanwhile, iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Meanwhile, brands including Evans and Bodycare have returned to the UK high street this year after previously closing all their stores.

Which company or store closure has impacted you the most in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.

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Bella Hadid makes the New York streets her catwalk as she puts on her own fashion parade while event-hopping in four stylish outfits

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Bella Hadid proved she was every inch the fashion chameleon as she showed off four different outfits while attending events in New York on Tuesday

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Bella Hadid proved she was every inch the fashion chameleon as she showed off four different outfits while attending events in New York on Tuesday. 

The supermodel, 29, made the streets her catwalk as she switched from minidresses to a vintage Ralph Lauren gown while party-hopping. 

Bella was seen leaving her hotel in a knitted grey midi-dress which she paired with a sheer blue shirt underneath. 

Only a short while later, Bella debuted another look as she headed to the Happy Diamond exhibition. 

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The fashionista showed off her model figure in a minidress and cream satin heels. She accessorised her look with a lemon yellow blazer and embellished handbag. 

Bella, who is an ambassador for Chopard, pulled out all the stops for their event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its free-moving diamond collection, held at Casa Cipriani. 

Bella Hadid proved she was every inch the fashion chameleon as she showed off four different outfits while attending events in New York on Tuesday

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The supermodel, 29, made the streets her catwalk
She switched from minidresses to a vintage Ralph Lauren gown

The supermodel, 29, made the streets her catwalk as she switched from minidresses to a vintage Ralph Lauren gown

At the end of the night, Bella hid her tiredness with a pair of sunglasses and returned to her hotel hand in hand with a pal

At the end of the night, Bella hid her tiredness with a pair of sunglasses and returned to her hotel hand in hand with a pal

She wore a vintage shimmering Ralph Lauren gown from 2008. The stunning piece featured a delicate cobweb design of thousands of tiny silver beads. 

Bella appeared in high spirits as she mingled with model Liu Wen and president of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele. 

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At the end of the night, Bella hid her tiredness with a pair of sunglasses and returned to her hotel hand in hand with a pal. 

She changed out of the glamorous dress and into a slinky white silk minidress and burgundy suede heels. 

New York Fashion Week wrapped up on Tuesday. 

Bella recently reflected on her career and what success now means to her.  

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‘Success means something completely different to me now than it did a few years ago. I used to think it was about always working, always saying yes, always chasing the next thing,’ she told ELLE.

‘Now it feels a lot more simple. It’s having the space to wake up and actually enjoy my life, take care of myself, spend time with the people I love, and feel present in the moments that matter. The more I listen to myself and live in a way that feels honest, the more grounded and confident I become.’

Bella was seen leaving her hotel in a knitted grey midi-dress which she paired with a sheer blue shirt underneath and Valentino heels

Bella was seen leaving her hotel in a knitted grey midi-dress which she paired with a sheer blue shirt underneath and Valentino heels 

Only a short while later, Bella debuted another look as she headed to the Happy Diamond exhibition

Only a short while later, Bella debuted another look as she headed to the Happy Diamond exhibition

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The fashionista showed off her model figure in a minidress and cream satin heels

The fashionista showed off her model figure in a minidress and cream satin heels

She accessorised her look with a lemon yellow blazer and embellished handbag

She accessorised her look with a lemon yellow blazer and embellished handbag

Bella, who is an ambassador for Chopard, pulled out all the stops for their event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its free-moving diamond collection, held at Casa Cipriani

Bella, who is an ambassador for Chopard, pulled out all the stops for their event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its free-moving diamond collection, held at Casa Cipriani

She wore a vintage shimmering Ralph Lauren gown from 2008
The stunning piece featured a delicate cobweb design of thousands of tiny silver beads

She wore a vintage shimmering Ralph Lauren gown from 2008. The stunning piece featured a delicate cobweb design of thousands of tiny silver beads

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Bella appeared in high spirits as she mingled with model Liu Wen and president of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele

Bella appeared in high spirits as she mingled with model Liu Wen and president of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele

She posed up a storm for photographers

She posed up a storm for photographers 

Bella then changed out of the glamorous dress and into a slinky white silk minidress and burgundy suede heels

Bella then changed out of the glamorous dress and into a slinky white silk minidress and burgundy suede heels

She added: ‘As I’ve got older, I’ve realised how important it is to create space for myself. Whether that’s slowing down, moving my body, or just taking a moment to reconnect, those little rituals have become such a big part of how I take care of myself.

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Investigation launched as files about Southport attack victims and families accessed in data breach

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Manchester Evening News

Court files about victims, their families and survivors of the Southport attack were accessed without authorisation

An investigation has been launched after court files concerning victims, their families and survivors of the Southport attack were accessed without authorisation.

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The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said court staff accessed the files without approval and the data breach was discovered during a review of digital systems.

The information accessed for a limited number of people included sensitive and personal data, which is considered likely to result in a high risk to their rights and freedoms.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

There is no evidence any personal data has been shared with third parties, but the incident has been referred to data watchdog the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

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An MoJ spokesperson said: “We are appalled that this happened and recognise the distress it will have caused victims, survivors, and their families. We apologise to those affected – unauthorised access to court files is completely unacceptable.”

They added: “This is now being investigated urgently, and the Prime Minister has asked the Lord Chancellor to oversee this. All wrongdoing will be met with extremely firm action.”

The Prisons and Probation Service and the Courts and Tribunals Service are investigating, and anyone impacted is being notified directly.

Nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29, 2024. Eight other children, dance teacher Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes were injured in the attack.

The data breach disclosure follows separate cases involving inappropriate or potentially inappropriate access to the medical records of people involved in the attack.

In May, a Liverpool hospital trust admitted nearly 50 staff had inappropriately accessed the records of some victims treated at Aintree Hospital.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) later began investigating potential inappropriate access to patient records by some of its staff.

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Woman left ’emotionally and financially wrecked’ after forced out of her home during loyalist feud in North Down

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Belfast Live

A man aged 38 denies intimidation and possessing shotgun cartridges without a firearms certificate

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A woman was left “emotionally and financially wrecked” after she was forced out of her home during a feud on a Co Down housing estate between rival loyalist factions.

Two statements from ‘Witness A’ which she made to the PSNI were read into the record at the Diplock-style non-jury trial of a man on charges linked to the feud.

Brett Sutcliffe, 38, now of Main Street, Ballynahinch, Co Down denies charges of intimidating ‘Witness A’ from her home in Weavers Grange, Newtownards, and possessing two shotgun cartridges without a firearms certificate.

Belfast Crown Court heard on Tuesday that in her first statement, dated June 13, 2024, ‘Witness A’ said that on March 18, 2024, between 12.30pm and 12.45 pm, her son was leaving their home address at 39 Weavers Grange to go to work.

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“He had only left and returned immediately and shouted up the stairs: ‘Mum, come here. There’s bullets at the gate.”

The mother-of-two said she walked the five steps from the front door to the gate where she saw two shotgun cartridges, red and gold in colour, and sitting upright.

“My son took a few pictures of them on his mobile phones but we did not touch them. Both of us returned inside, locked the front door and I rang the police.”

‘Witness A’ said police arrived around 15 minutes later and seized the 12-bore shotgun cartridges..

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She added: “After the police left, my son and I were too frightened to leave our home as we felt threatened and in fear of our lives.”

The witness outlined how she moved into 39 Weavers Grange in March 2021 with her daughter. Her son, who was living with his father, came to stay at the weekends.

In 2023, her daughter moved out and her son moved in permanently from January 2024.

She outlined that since moving into the social housing development, there had been a number of incidents “involving mainly one resident by the name of William McCabe who screamed in my face a number of times”.

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During the opening of the trial on Monday, a prosecution barrister said McCabe was an associate of the defendant Sutcliffe who at the time lived at nearby Trasnagh Drive.

“Once he alleged that my son was speeding in the area which was a day or two after we moved into our house. He threatened to drag my son out of the car and beat him up.

“This scared the life out of me so much so I could not even get a word in to explain who was driving at the time as my son was too young to drive.”

She recalled another time when she was taking cigarette papers to a friend’s house and she ”waved the papers in the air”.

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“About 20 minutes later, Mr McCabe and another male who I don’t know, came to my house. He was shouting at me that I was ‘doing drugs’, and shouting: ‘You’re out. You’re out. We’re getting you out’.

“I shouted back at him ‘why would I want to do drugs? And I get the police?’ My healthcare provider reported this to the police on September 16, 2022.”

She said she had been in hospital in 2024 after suffering from heart failure which she believed was caused by the “stress of living in Weavers Grange over the last three years”.

On March 20, 2024, police called at her daughter’s house where she and her son were staying.

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“A police officer served a threat message on me which stated I had 24 hours to leave 39 Weavers Grange, or words to that effect.”

Witness A said that it was a week or so later that her son and other family members moved their personal belongings out of their home except large items such as kitchen goods, beds and a sofa.

“My son and I are living in temporary accommodation and I have no idea when or where we will be permanently rehoused.”

She said she had previously been formally diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and “living at Weavers Grange has added to the trauma”.

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“I believe at the time I was the target of ongoing intimidation from the time we moved in until we were forced out fearing for safety,” said ‘Witness A’.

In a follow-up statement recorded on December 17, 2024, she said that when the anonymous threat message came through saying she had 24 hours to get out of her home, she said she was advised by police to request their presence at Weavers Grange when my family went to collect her belongings.

“When I returned on March 21 and again on April 2, 2024, police were requested but they did not turn up until we had been and gone.”

She said she eventually got a permanent address “but it is not the same as the home I left”.

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Witness A added: “I have lost a lot of my belongings which took me time to build up. This whole incident has left me emotionally, physically, mentally and financially wrecked. Having to start all over again and rebuild, has left me, my son and the wider family terrified for our lives.”

She said the incident had left her terrified of every little noise, particularly around Halloween time.

Recalling one incident, she said “I heard what I thought was a gunshot. I dropped my shopping and ran home. I really thought someone was shooting at me but I know now it must have been a firework.”

It is the prosecution case that Brett Sutcliffe left the two shotgun cartridges at her gate as a forensic scientist identified a partial DNA profile on the ammunition which matched the defendant’s DNA which was by “direct contact”.

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She concluded that it was “one a billion times more likely that the material recovered from the exhibit originated from Brett Sutcliffe”.

At hearing.

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The sound of stillness: what happened when I stopped filling the silence

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The sound of stillness: what happened when I stopped filling the silence

A self-confessed chatterbox in an increasingly loud world, Angela Garwood swapped conversation for stillness at a device-free silent retreat, hoping to discover what lies beneath the noise

“It’s okay,” a fellow bather mouths with a reassuring smile. I squeal slightly as the water hits my waist before plunging in. It’s perfect. Refreshing without the usual razor-sharp iciness of British waters. I emerge feeling awakened and alive.

A group of us bob around, admiring the stunning white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Others sit on the shore. No one talks, as this would be breaking the rules. It’s a glorious Sunday morning and I haven’t spoken for over 36 hours.

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I’ve come to the Sussex coast to spend the weekend trying something I struggle with at times: keeping my mouth shut. As a performer, the notion of a silent retreat goes against so much of what brings me joy: using my voice and a love of words. I’m a talker. I revel in a witty exchange or an outrageous story.

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Doubts aside, I’d arrived at Gayles, a beautiful converted family farm in Eastbourne, on a Friday afternoon, in the midst of a particularly full-on summer. Hoping to find stillness amid the chaos, I’d opted for something more radical than a spa day.

“It’s essential,” says Roz Robinson, 66, yoga teacher, former psychotherapist and host of the Walking, Yoga, Meditation, Silence retreats at Gayles. “You wouldn’t expect to drive your car for a year without having an MOT, and I don’t think we should be allowed to carry on without having, if you like, our own reset.”

“It’s such a precious space to be able to step into,” she continues. “To give yourself time to reflect, because there is so much noise in the outside world now.”

I’m shown to my room, a spacious double with views of the sea in a converted 1930s stable. Then the group, all 18 of us, most of them women, are given a tour of the grounds, which include a pool, tennis courts and cosy corners for quiet contemplation. Surrounded by 11 acres of rolling downland, there’s a comforting and unassuming family-home feel to Gayles, which has been in Robinson’s family for generations.

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‘You wouldn’t expect to drive your car for a year without having an MOT, and I don’t think we should be allowed to carry on without having, if you like, our own reset,’ says yoga teacher, former psychotherapist and retreat host Roz Robinson. Image: Laurie Griffiths 

Poolside, Robinson requests “no bombing”. “Who bombs on a silent retreat?!” we ask. “Oh, it’s happened…”. We chuckle. Other rules include no alcohol, no Apple Watches – it’s device-free – and no aggressively strong perfume or deodorant if you’re sharing a room. Electric toothbrushes are allowed, but I later refrain from using my hairdryer.

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A small wicker basket sits on a side table with a note inviting us to hand our phones in. It’s not compulsory, but we’re encouraged to do so. I place mine on the pile.

We are, for the initial meal, allowed to talk. Munching on our delicious, home-grown vegetable lasagne, I enjoy getting to know my soon-to-be-mute companions. We’re mostly first-timers and ages range from thirty-something to sixty-something.

“I walk away from here like I’m walking on air,” says Fiona Lomas, 54, a Brighton-based creative director on her tenth stay at Gayles.

I come for that deep quality of silence that happens in community, when people are together

After dinner, we head to the cow shed, a tranquil yoga space converted from the original farm building. Candles are lit and I feel a child-like sense of ease, like I’m being taken care of. We each share why we’ve come.

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The reasons followed similar themes: needing to switch off, wanting to try something new and seeking a connection with nature. One young professional in sustainability finance admitted “I’m not all that comfortable with silence.” A woman in her sixties just said: “I’m here…for me”.

I’m not alone in my desire for stillness. After taking a 68% hit in 2020, wellness tourism in the UK grew at an annual rate of 79% between 2020 and 2022, according to the Global Wellness Institute, more than twice the global average of 36%. The institute’s 2026 wellness tourism trends include “The Nervous System Reset” and “In Search of Deep Rest”, reflecting growing demand for restorative escapes, nature and time away from digital overload. Condé Nast Traveller, meanwhile, named ‘silent travel’ one of its top travel trends for 2024.

‘The walks are always really interesting because you just see and hear things that you wouldn’t normally. It’s a totally different way of experiencing nature,’ says guest Fiona Lomas. Image: Laurie Griffiths 

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“If you need anything, I’m always here,” assures Robinson. “If you need to cry, or scream even, you can scream. Crying is a release. It doesn’t matter!”. There’s talk of resetting our autonomic nervous system, getting closer to our true selves, and healing. While the retreat isn’t religious, there’s a spiritual undercurrent.

We’re led through a relaxation exercise, before a momentous yet subtle declaration: “The silence has begun”. I leave the room elated by the challenge. A space opens up in my mind.

“I love that there’s no pressure to make conversation,” says Rebecca Hastings, 46, an international charity fundraiser. “I come for that deep quality of silence that happens in community, when people are together”.

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We quickly found our flow as a group. In the kitchen the following morning, we dance around each other, waiting to stack the dishwasher or boil water, as if previously choreographed. Occasional smiles are exchanged, but interaction is minimal. I enjoy a smoothie before we embark on a five-mile sunny coastal walk.

At our source, we are quiet, loving, joyous communicative beings

“You will have some rubbish to work through,” says Robinson. Indeed. While my thoughts were louder than ever, so too was the aliveness of the nature surrounding me. I found the pattern of trees mesmerising and noticed when a flock of tweeting birds flew overhead. I felt held in the presence of everyone else and over time, a harmonious group synchronicity became apparent. We moved almost as one, stopping together and turning away every time someone left the line for a bush wee.

“The walks are always really interesting because you just see and hear things that you wouldn’t normally,” says Lomas. “It’s a totally different way of experiencing nature.”

We’re encouraged to rest, so I indulge in a two-hour nap, followed by some tea and cake. Yoga and meditation, which I’d grown fond of by this point, came later, then a temporary invitation to break the silence and share how we were finding the experience. Most stayed quiet, myself included.

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The silence ends shortly before lunch on Sunday and I have mixed feelings. I was enjoying our peaceful cocoon, but welcomed getting to know the others.

“It’s amazing how connected you can feel to a group of people, even when you’re not talking,” I said in our final circle. We’d shared a unique experience and I’d miss their familiar faces. Together, we’d created our own silent bubble, and I’d come to appreciate existing within it. It was, as Robinson described, a ‘warm silence’.

‘We think of silence as being empty, a void that needs filling, but I learnt there’s a richness to that space. A palpable, yet peaceful energy that sits within us, always,’ says writer Angela Garwood. Image: Derry Robinson

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“At our source, we are quiet, loving, joyous communicative beings,” she reflects. “Donkeys standing in a field are all connected, they’re not chatting all the time.”

Having the burden of small talk removed was refreshingly liberating. Food came alive. There’s a depth of stillness that’s hard to reach when you’re constantly making conversation.

We think of silence as being empty, a void that needs filling, but I learnt there’s a richness to that space. A palpable, yet peaceful energy that sits within us, always. In the silence, I was confronted, head-on, with my thoughts, which was unnerving yet empowering.

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It wasn’t easy. Huge life uncertainties surfaced, including big questions I had no immediate answers to. I noticed everything: my mind drifting from the past to the future, or simply being unduly self-critical. I felt tension in my body as I moved between yoga poses. There were moments I briefly broke the silence, alone in my room, to give myself the odd pep talk or cry. I surrendered to whatever came up.

The silence created space to hear what I already knew deep down. I needed to come up for air amidst my frantic life; to stop, and breathe.

“We look for answers out there, when really the answers are in here,” says Robinson in her closing lesson. “Be kind to yourselves, each and every one of you.”

I left Gayles reenergised, determined to build stillness into my days and commit to the practice. One breath at a time.

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Main image: Laurie Griffiths 

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Piddington in Oxfordshire votes to leave UK over asylum plans

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Jack Clark, a man with short brown hair, dressed in a blue coat

Delivering the result, Susannah Parden, vice chair of the parish council said: “We are Piddington the village that roars.”

Following the result, council chair Tim McNally said: “This is an example of democracy in operation.

“We went into this village hall as the underdogs – we had a plucky idea.

“We have given a message to the world.”

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Responding to the village saying it had “roared”, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Breakfast: “I think they have – we have heard it, we are listening.

“I do really understand that when changes are made that affect your community it can be very distressing.

“We inherited an enormous asylum backlog, we are processing claims much more quickly, we are removing people who don’t have the right to be here,” she said.

“Small boat crossing fell this summer for the first time in many years because of the action we have taken.

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“While we get a grip on the asylum chaos that we inherited we do need to make sure that we live up to our obligations and house people coming to this country seeking safety.”

Tim Beader, Oxfordshire County Council leader, said: “I think what this shows is the Piddington campaigners have done an incredible job to highlight their concerns about the proposed asylum centre.

“This shows how strongly they feel about the proposal.

“It’s partially about the proposal itself, and partially about how the government has gone about this without engaging with the local community or looking at the feasibility of this site.

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“It’s the wrong site for the local communities, for the asylum seekers themselves, and for the taxpayer.”

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Amanda Seyfried Splits From Husband Thomas Sadoski

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Amanda Seyfried Splits From Husband Thomas Sadoski

Amanda Seyfried has announced that she and her husband of nine years, Thomas Sadoski, have split.

In a statement to People magazine, the two stars explained that they had been “separated for a while”, which had proved to be “the right move for us and our family unit”.

“We’ve got each other forever – and it’s GOOD,” Amanda and Thomas added in their joint statement.

The pair first got together around a decade ago, after starring in the two-person, off-Broadway romance The Way We Get By, before reuniting again in the movie The Last Words.

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After dating for a few months, Amanda and Thomas announced their engagement in 2016, and tied the knot six months later, in a private ceremony in the country.

Two weeks after her wedding, Amanda announced that she’d given birth to a daughter, Nina, with the former couple also welcoming a son, Thomas Jr, in September 2020.

Amanda and Thomas at the premiere of the second Mamma Mia! movie in 2018

Amanda has been a familiar face on the big screen ever since her break-out in 2004’s Mean Girls.

Since then, she’s starred in the musicals Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables, and earned her first Oscar nomination for the drama Mank in the early 2020s.

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Her recent work has included the critically-acclaimed musical drama The Testament Of Ann Lee, the soapy thriller The Housemaid and the TV series The Dropout, for which she won an Emmy back in 2022.

Thomas’ most notable work has included roles in the TV shows The Newsroom and Life In Pieces.

More recently, he starred opposite Tom Holland in Apple TV+’s The Crowded Room and played Brian Murphy in American Sports Story, a new anthology series co-produced by Ryan Murphy.

You might also recognise Thomas for his work as Officer Jimmy in the John Wick movies, and he is also an established star in the theatre world, earning a Tony nomination for his leading performance in the Broadway play Reasons To Be Pretty.

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ITV 70 Up viewers ‘bawling’ over ‘heartbreaking’ series as 7 Up kids return

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Manchester Evening News

70 Up has returned to ITV for one final time, as the groundbreaking social experiment reaches its final chapter and viewers are left in tears

ITV viewers have revealed they were left ‘heartbroken’ and in tears as a groundbreaking social experiment that has lasted over 60 years came to an end.

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On Tuesday, 16 September, the first of two instalments of 70 Up aired, showing the original children from 1964’s 7 Up. Back then, 14 children had taken part in the first series, and continued to do so every seven years since.

They’ve now closed the chapter with one final series, with ITV previously teasing: “Sue will talk about marrying Glenn and decades working at Queen Mary University of London, while Peter has more music news. KC John who wanted a powerful career and lawyer Andrew, the prep school boy who famously read the FT, return. Alongside them is Suzy, the young ballerina who hated her private school.

“The series will remember fondly the late Lynn, part of the trio of friends. Meanwhile, we hear from Charles who left the programme at 21. And the series will also include a poignant and moving interview with the late Nick, the farmer’s son who fulfilled his dream to become a nuclear physicist.”

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After hearing about the stars who had passed, watching the once seven-year-olds grow up over the years and face the hardships of life, and one of the contestants, Neil, revealing how he had once been left homeless and struggled with his mental health, viewers were left emotional.

One person wrote: “In a quiet way, this is all incredibly moving. There’s such a great amount of regret and pain in this life. So much of it unspoken.” Another commented: “Remarkable social experiment. Quite emotional watching their lives,” reports the Mirror.

Other viewers called it a “hard watch”, with some admitting they were in tears, as one said: “I’m bawling already knowing Nick is no longer with us.” Another person said: “So moving and thought-provoking. Again. You can’t help but reflect about your own life…wonder what you’ve done for the last seven years…loss…everything…Utterly brilliant , despite wanting to see more ‘70’ updates.”

Someone else said: “I’m very emotional watching #70Up tonight on ITVX. In the blink of an eye, hopes and aspirations of children are but distant memories. It’s all flown by – time and life. No matter what you roots, your privilege or lack of privilege, just so many regrets. It’s a sharp reminder to cherish every day, try to fulfil your dreams and remember what’s important.”

Yet another wrote: “Wow!!! Probably the greatest TV series of all time.” Someone else said: “70 Up (Part 1) on ITV is absolutely fantastic; having only seen the last two films broadcast, I still feel a strange love and motivation for those involved. Well done to Asif Kapadia and ITV for concluding the series after Michael Apted.”

The reaction comes after one of the contestants, Suzy, opened up about how she’d found filming “difficult” and “intrusive” over the years. She appeared on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain with Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, and revealed she’d never watched the series before.

Susanna began: “As I understand it, you’ve never watched your story back. Why not?” Suzy replied: “Because I find it really hard. Do most people like watching themselves back? I don’t know?”

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Susanna went on to question: “Do you find it hard because you find hard things have happened in your life? Or do you find it hard because you found filming the programme intrusive and hard?”

Suzy replied: “It’s more the intrusive side, because I’m quite a private person and I just find it really difficult trying to put it out there.” Suzy went on to recall how she was “very shy” as a young teenager, adding: “You look at 14-year-olds now and they’re so different to how we were.”

As Ed admitted he found watching the final show “incredibly emotional”, Suzy shared: “When it started off, as a so-called go at the class system, thank goodness that’s all changed. People are now interested enough and the class system has changed, thankfully, I believe. I think it’s blended now.”

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Reflecting on her words in the show that “some of the pieces of the jigsaw are missing,” she added: “This 70 is now putting in the final piece of the jigsaw and closing it.”

70 Up is available to watch on ITVX.

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Police continue search for missing non-verbal autistic three-year-old boy in Suffolk

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Manchester Evening News

The missing boy became separated from a relative after visiting a playground

Police have provided an update on the search for a missing non-verbal autistic three-year-old boy in Suffolk.

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The child, called Noah, was last seen at 3pm on Tuesday (September 15), Suffolk Police said, when he became separated from a relative after visiting the playground in Merriam Close, Brantham, near Manningtree.

Officers said that Noah is believed to have run off down the alleyway beside the playground towards the new build housing estate. The force confirmed the three-year-old is autistic, non-verbal and has partial hearing loss.

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Noah, who is white with curly ginger hair, was wearing a white t-shirt with the TV character Bluey on, shorts and black Vans trainers with a white stripe at the time he went missing.

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Specially trained officers and dog units have been searching the village, located near the estuary of the River Stour since yesterday afternoon.

Providing police support with their search are helicopters from the National Police Air Service and HM Coastguard. Further support is being provided by the Coastguard, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, Suffolk Lowland Search & Rescue and a vast number of members of the public.

Local residents were asked earlier by police to thoroughly check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings or any potential areas where a child might hide.

Those with private CCTV or doorbell cameras in the village, or who were driving through the area with a dashcam, are asked to review the footage from 3pm yesterday afternoon onwards for any possible sightings of Noah.

Superintendent Pete Partridge said in a statement: “We are very concerned for Noah’s welfare and need to find him as a matter of urgency.

“A vast number of resources have been deployed by ourselves, our emergency services colleagues and volunteers from SULSAR. These resources have been bolstered by members of the public who have turned out in large numbers to assist and we are incredibly grateful for their help and support.

“Given that fast-moving nature of the investigation, it is important that any public searches are coordinated with police to ensure we are working together, and that our resources are directed where they can be most effective.”

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The Superintendent noted that residents shouldn’t ‘put themselves at risk or undertake independent searches overnight’, adding: “We will continue to keep Noah’s family and the public updated on the progress of our searches and investigation.”

Just after 5am on Wednesday (September 16), a Facebook post from Brantham Parish Council said there had been no confirmed sightings of Noah.

The post read: “The search for Noah continues this morning. If you are able to help with the search today, please keep safe and take care of yourselves.

“Search in pairs where possible, wear high-vis clothing and take extra care around roads, water, woodland and other potentially dangerous areas. Please take a fully charged mobile phone with you.

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“Please also check your own property thoroughly, including gardens, sheds, garages, outbuildings, vehicles and under or behind furniture. If the police ask you to move away from an area, please follow their instructions. This may be to allow specialist search activity to take place.”

Anyone who thinks they have seen Noah is asked to contact Suffolk Police, quoting CAD 203 of 15 September.

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Inflation rises to 3.1% with fears of worse to come from Middle East energy meltdown – as Brits face threat of interest rate hikes and more tax at Budget

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The headline CPI inflation rate was 3.1 per cent in August, up from 2.9 per cent the previous month

Brits are bracing for a fresh wave of inflation today after official figures showed prices already accelerating.

The headline CPI rate was 3.1 per cent in the year to August, up from 2.9 per cent the previous month.

The bump was in line with expectations, but economists have been warning that could be only the start, as the Middle East crisis looks to be deepening. 

Oil costs have been running at eye-watering levels, with Brent Crude at $108 a barrel this morning. Drivers are already feeling the pinch at the pumps, where diesel is at a four-year high.

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There are estimates that energy bills could be set to rise by a quarter in January, while the Government is struggling to find ways of balancing the books at the Budget next month. 

Some analysts believe CPI will now hit 4 per cent next year, with markets pricing in multiple interest rate increases as the Bank of England fights to prevent a spiral.

The Monetary Policy Committee – which targets 2 per cent inflation – will make its latest decision on rates tomorrow, although it is widely predicted to hold fire this time.  

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The headline CPI inflation rate was 3.1 per cent in August, up from 2.9 per cent the previous month

Andy Burnham and John Healey (left) are struggling to find ways of balancing the books at the Budget next month

Andy Burnham and John Healey (left) are struggling to find ways of balancing the books at the Budget next month

ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: ‘Sharp price rises for petrol and diesel pushed inflation up again in August. Higher airfares, particularly for long-haul journeys, also contributed to the increase.

‘Rising crude oil and petrol prices increased both the annual cost of raw materials and the price of goods leaving factories respectively.’

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Gas prices have also been ticking higher since the US-Iran ceasefire deal collapsed on July 8. 

In a small bright spot, so-called core CPI – excluding energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco – held steady at 2.6 per cent in the year to August. 

Mr Healey said: ‘The war in the Middle East is impacting on inflation worldwide, not just here at home. In our bills, our weekly shop and at the petrol pumps.

‘We have taken early action to help families and businesses breathing space, by cutting tax on electricity bills, capping bus fares at £2 and lowering rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues.

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‘Despite this serious global uncertainty, our UK economy is proving resilient, and our determination to deliver and growth in every postcode continues.’ 

There was a bleak readout for Britain’s jobs market yesterday.

Official figures showed numbers on company payrolls fell by 26,000 last month, and are now down 145,000 over the past year. 

Job vacancies tumbled to a fresh five-year low in the three months to August, with around 8,000 fewer advertised compared to the same period in 2025. 

Meanwhile, private sector regular wage growth was 2.9 per cent – barely keeping ahead of inflation

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Shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith said: ‘Inflation is now at 3.1 per cent meaning that every family is paying the price for Labour’s choices.

‘Labour’s jobs tax and employment red tape are being passed on to consumers in the weekly shop and their mad energy policies are pushing up costs and leaving Brits exposed.

‘In difficult times, we need a serious government with a plan, not amateurs with a bunch of pet projects.’

Harvir Dhillon, lead economist at the British Retail Consortium, said: ‘Today’s figures highlight the challenging environment retailers face. 

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‘Headline inflation has increased, with goods such as clothing and accessories seeing marked increases on the month. 

‘One bright spot for households was that food inflation remained unchanged, with deals to be had on staple items like olive oil and coffee… 

‘Tackling the cost of living is a top priority and retailers continue to do all they can to hold prices down. 

‘But until fiscal conditions improve, they will be fighting with one hand tied behind their back. The Autumn Budget is a chance to reset and reduce the cost pressures building up across the industry.’

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