For millions, State Pension Age increases mean retirement is no longer a distant dream, it’s a looming source of stress, and too many are approaching the finish line without a clear plan.

• 32% of UK workers say they aren’t confident they’ll retire with a comfortable income
• Confidence drops sharply with age: 48% of 45-54-year-olds and 40% of those 55+ feel unprepared
• Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) approaching retirement have no financial goals
• 19% of workers have never logged in to check their pension value
• Only 27% check their pensions at least once a year

“The reality is that many workers are staring at a foggy retirement horizon,” says Mark Futcher, Head of DC at Barnett Waddingham, following the Employee workplace pensions in the UK – Office for National Statistics report.

“Too many people are approaching retirement without knowing where they stand or whether their current savings will support the lifestyle they want,” he says.

Women are disproportionately affected

• 42% of women lack confidence in their retirement income
• Just 27% of men express similar concerns
• Women are less likely to have formal financial goals or plans in place

Small changes can make a big difference

Experts stress that retirement planning doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Simple actions today can have a major impact over the long term:

• Check your pension balance regularly using projection tools
• Increase contributions after a pay rise
• Take full advantage of employer-matched contributions — it’s free money
• Explore the support tools your scheme provides, from guidance to transfer tools

“Employers and pension providers also need to make it easier for workers to understand and use these tools,” Futcher adds.

“Improving retirement outcomes is a shared effort — small steps now pay off big later.”

Recommended reading:

3 easy steps to check your pension today

1. Log in now
Don’t wait another day – 1 in 5 UK workers have never logged in to see their pension balance. Checking your account helps you understand exactly where you stand.

2. Set clear goals
Even a simple target – like how much income you want at retirement — makes a huge difference. Nearly 1 in 5 nearing retirement have no goals, so start planning early.

3. Maximise contributions
If your employer offers matched contributions, don’t leave free money on the table. Small increases, even after a pay rise, compound into a significantly bigger pot over time.

Use your pension’s online projection tools to see how small changes today could change your retirement picture.

President Donald Trump backs down from his midnight deadline for an onslaught on Iran’s energy plants as he says a peace deal is coming – prompting Tehran to brand the claims “fake news”

US President Donald Trump has backed down from his threat to blitz Iran’s energy plants and infrastructure if it failed to open the Strait of Hormuz by midnight Monday.

Trump claimed the US and Tehran had held talks aiming for a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities” in the Middle East – prompting Tehran to brand the claims “fake news.”

The disagreement on Trump’s claims came as 5,000 Marines steam towards the Gulf for what many believe will be a ground operation on Iranian soil prompting escalation fears. Half of the troops are sailing from San Diego and the rest are on board the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli, which is steaming from its duties off the coast of Japan.

Trump said on social media: “The US and Iran have had over two days very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities. He said he had “instructed the department of war to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period.”

And he added later: “We want to see no nuclear bomb, no nuclear weapon. Not even close to it,” and claimed the US would try to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium. He even claimed his envoys were talking to Iran “today,” prompting Iran to deny they were talking to the US with the Tehran’s Foreign Ministry saying in a statement:

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Chris Hughes

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“We deny what US President Donald Trump said regarding negotiations taking place between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran adheres to its position rejecting any type of negotiations before achieving Iran’s goals from the war.”

Iran’s denial negotiations were taking place was underlined when Tehran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf also said it was not true. He even said Trump’s claims were “fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.” And British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also cast doubt on the war ending soon.

He welcomed claims that talks between the US-Iran had taken place, but said it would be “false comfort” to assume the war will have “a quick and early end” The U.K.’s air defence Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon has docked at Greece’s Souda Bay naval base, en route to help defend British military bases in Cyprus.

It departed the U.K. on March 3, days after an apparent Iranian drone launched from Lebanon struck the RAF Akrotiri air base, causing minor damage to an aircraft hangar. The regional death toll has risen to more than 1,500 people in Iran, more than 1,000 in Lebanon, 15 in Israel and 13 U.S. military members.

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The Lebanese Health Ministry said on Monday that 10 people had been killed over the past 24 hours. Civilians have also been killed on land and sea in the Gulf region. And millions of people in Lebanon and Iran have been displaced. Oil prices have climbed to more than $100 a barrel and U.S. gasoline prices surged to nearly $4 a gallon.

Trump added: “All I’m saying is, we are in the throes of a real possibility of making a deal.” “And I think, if I were a betting man I’d bet for it. But again, I’m not guaranteeing anything,” he said. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said the U.S. would retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement with the Islamic Republic.

“It’s very easy, if we have a deal with them, we’re going down and we’ll take it ourselves,” Trump said as he departed from a weekend in Florida. Trump said any deal with Iran would include ending the country’s nuclear capabilities.

Trump told reporters Monday his Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner conducted talks Sunday into the evening. He said talks would continue today but he added the U.S. has not talked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Hezbollah and Israeli forces have fought at multiple points along the border since Israel launched a renewed ground incursion into southern Lebanon.

The popular series, which started in 2024, has been called ‘comedy gold’ by viewers

A BBC series hailed as “cracking” and “comedy gold” is reportedly set to return for a third run.

Mammoth, following a 1970s PE teacher given a fresh shot at life, launched in 2024 and proved an instant hit with viewers. According to The Sun, production on the third series is scheduled to commence in June.

Starring Mike Bubbins as Tony Mammoth and Car Share actor Sian Gibson as his daughter, the programme – which was produced and shot in Cardiff – followed the teacher when his body was found preserved in ice. He had previously been presumed dead in an avalanche during a school trip in 1979.

Following his revival, he has to navigate a world that has totally changed, reports the Mirror.

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READ MORE: Mammoth star Mike Bubbins admits ‘I don’t want to sound like an idiot’ as he takes on biggest challengeREAD MORE: Popular Welsh comedy returning to BBC this winter

A BBC synopsis previously explained: “In the Seventies he was a carefree Cardiff bachelor, teaching PE and generally living la vida loca. In 2024, he thought the world would still be his oyster, but Mammoth never really liked oysters, he was more of a pint and a packet of crisps sort of bloke. All he wanted was his old life back; the same job, the same clothes, the same car and the same soundtrack.”

Mammoth debuted in 2024, with its second series airing last year.

Audiences embraced the show, with one viewer posting on Imdb.com that it was “a cracking comedy” that “feels remarkably relevant”, stating: “It is inoffensive yet sharp, poking fun at 1970s attitudes whilst highlighting the absurdities of modern life.”

“There were many genuine laugh out loud moments and some wonderful hilarious situations created by the writers,” one person commented.

Another viewer observed: “Bubbins is wonderfully understated as the titular star and delivers the punch lines with little fanfare but lots of laughs. The supporting cast is brilliant, but this is very much Bubbins show and plays it to perfection.”

“Love it, a much needed slice of comedy gold and well done to the BBC for backing it,” remarked another viewer.

“The writing is so strong, when you sit down you just know you’re in for some happy, silly, uncomplicated good fun and it’s been great to watch the series develop.”

The BBC has been approached for comment.

Mammoth aired on the BBC.

The £60 ticket offers seven consecutive days of unlimited travel for up to two adults and four children, helping families make the most of the holidays while keeping costs down.

ScotRail is giving Lanarkshire families the chance to enjoy unlimited rail travel across Scotland this Easter with the return of its popular Family Pass.

The £60 ticket offers seven consecutive days of unlimited travel for up to two adults and four children, helping families make the most of the holidays while keeping costs down.

For the first time, the Family Pass is available to purchase online, making planning and booking even easier.

Seven days of consecutive travel can start on any day between Thursday, April 3, and Sunday, April 13, giving families the flexibility to make the most of the Easter holidays.

The Family Pass provides excellent value-for-money and convenience compared to travelling by car, helping families avoid fuel costs, parking charges, and busy roads.

Customers can relax together on the journey, enjoy Scotland’s stunning scenery, and arrive directly in the heart of cities, towns, and popular tourist destinations.

Whether it’s exploring country parks, visiting free attractions or heading for a seaside day out, ScotRail’s Family Pass is designed to help families enjoy a memorable Easter without stretching their budgets.

Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “We’re pleased to bring back our popular Family Pass to help families make the most of the Easter holidays.

READ MORE: North Lanarkshire Council confirms re-opening of Aquatec in Motherwell

“With this limited time offer, families can enjoy unlimited travel for seven consecutive days, making it easier to explore Scotland together without worrying about the cost.

“With the option to buy online, it’s now even more convenient for customers to plan their Easter adventures by rail.”

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: Police called to disturbance at Motherwell flat find bullets in a safe

Newsboy fancies his nap, Peckforton Hills, to score a first hurdle win at Southwell (3.30) and he also rates Dr Ali at Wolverhampton in the 7.00

PECKFORTON HILLS can step up to the task to score his first win over hurdles in the Free Bets On attheraces.com Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (3.30) at Southwell.

A Carlisle bumper winner last February the six-year-old ran well on his second run over the smaller obstacles, when he finished third on his handicap debut at Sedgefield last month.

He improved further on his most recent run 27 days go at Doncaster over an extended 2m3f, when he ran on to finished second having been hampered two out.

Co-trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero now move my selection up to three miles for the first time, which would appear the correct course to take.

In the Midnite, Building The Future Of Betting Classified Stakes (Div II) over six furlongs at Wolverhampton, DR ALI (7.00) who took 18 attempts to score a first win gets the vote.

The son of Invisible Army got up in the final strides to beat Magna a neck at Kempton in January and following a lack-lustre effort at Southwell last month, the four-year-old bounced back to form with a battling silver medal over course and distance two weeks ago.

A similar performance from a favourable draw would give John Jenkins’ charge every chance.

Newsboy’s Tuesday selections TAUNTON 2.15 FALLS OF ACHARN 2.45 LADY CARO 3.15 ST LUKES CHELSEA 3.45 WICKED THOUGHTS 4.15 KHAFRE 4.45 BOBBI’S BEAUTY 5.15 CREST OF ARMS

SOUTHWELL 2.00 ICAQUE DE L’ISLE 2.30 SHADOWFAX OF ROHAN 3.00 TANDY’S BRIDGE 3.30 PECKFORTON HILLS (NAP) 4.00 HILLBERRY HILL 4.30 MOAB 5.00 CHER MONSIEUR

WOLVERHAMPTON 4.23 LAPIDARIST 4.55 SORTED 5.30 COLORS OF FREEDOM 6.00 MONTEVETRO 6.30 FLICKA’S GIRL 7.00 DR ALI (NB) 7.30 MR LIGHTSIDE 8.00 TIME TO TAKE OFF 8.30 HELM ROCK

DOUBLE: PECKFORTON HILLS and DR ALI

In the year up to March 2025, “there were 106 religious hate crimes per 10,000 population targeted at Jewish people, the highest rate for any religious group”, the Home Office report, released in October, said. “The next highest rate was for hate crimes targeted at Muslims, with 12 per 10,000 population,” it added.

If you have just booked a summer holiday, you may be on the hunt for a new suitcase. While some travellers congratulate themselves for only taking a backpack, the rest of us need a sturdy suitcase (or two).

For this year’s guide to the best suitcases, we’ve tried everything from the July and Antler cases you’ve seen all over your Instagram feed to classics like Samsonite, Rimowa and Trunki for the kids. We’ve tested soft shell and hard shell options, including lightweight and expandable suitcases. This article focuses on large, checked luggage, but we also have a guide to the best carry-on luggage, if that’s what you’re after.

You can read our full reviews below, where we’ve concentrated on medium-sized suitcases so that you can better compare prices and weights. Below that, you can find answers to frequently asked questions like how to find the most durable model and what is a regular cabin size.

The best suitcases: At a glance

How to choose the best suitcase

First, decide between hard shell and soft shell. Hard shells (like polycarbonate) are brilliant for keeping your belongings safe and avoiding getting squashed, while soft ones are lighter and let you stuff a bit more in (plus they often have handy front pockets).

Next, consider weight and wheels. Four smooth, 360-degree spinner wheels will change your life at the airport. And every ounce counts, so look for “lightweight” construction so you don’t waste precious baggage allowance. Finally, don’t forget security and size. Make sure it has a proper TSA-friendly lock if you fly often. And always double-check the airline’s rules, especially if you’re buying a carry-on, to avoid gate surprises.

Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato, says the key to choosing the best suitcase is finding one that is ​​durable and comfortable to use. “To make sure it withstands all elements, I look for a suitcase that’s completely waterproof. Reliable 360-degree spinner wheels and hard-wearing locks are also essential,” he says.

How we test suitcases

Five caravans have camped off Pavilion Square, near Cricketers Way.

The car park at 1 Pavilion Square, where the caravans are currently located, serves as a based for multiple companies.

Vehicles not believed to be associated with the encampment were parked on the opposite side of the car park, where spaces remained available.

It is understood that the travellers arrived on Sunday, March 22, although it has not been confirmed how long they intend to stay.

The Bolton News approached individuals at the site, where two women and a toddler were present.

The women politely declined to comment on their presence on the privately owned land.

The camp comes after Travellers moved their caravans onto Tesco car park in Horwich late last week.

The Gypsy and Traveller way of life may involve travelling across the country and staying in different locations for varying periods in order to earn a living.

Gypsies and Travellers have rights, as do the owners of land where unauthorised encampments take place.

They are protected from discrimination under the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Human Rights Act 1998, alongside all ethnic groups with distinct cultures, languages or values.

If an encampment is on private land, it is typically the responsibility of the landowner to take steps to seek eviction.

Sir Keir Starmer lost his temper at Bernard Jenkin after the Conservative MP accused the prime minister of “lacking a war-fighting mentality” whilst discussing the UK’s involvement in the Iran conflict.

On Monday (23 March), the PM was taking questions from the Liaison Committee when Mr Jenkin said that the Labour government was not acting with urgency and needed to get the country “ready for war”.

When Sir Keir said he was finalising the investment plan, Jenkin quipped it “smacks of enormous complacency”.

Raising his voice slightly, the PM fired back that it “smacks of the fact that for years there was underinvestment by the last [Conservative] government and the stripping out and hollowing out of our armed forces”.

An initiative that empowered girls in rural Bangladesh to tackle child marriage has shown encouraging results in a country where the practice is stubbornly persistent. 

Child marriage is illegal in the south Asian nation, but it is still widely accepted as a cultural norm and the law is poorly enforced. Consequently, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 51% of young Bangladeshi women aged 20–24 were married before the age of 18. Bangladesh, it adds, has around 38 million child brides, with 13 million wed before turning 13.

The systemic problem is more prevalent in deprived and climate-vulnerable communities, where girls are seen as a burden and are ‘married off’ by their families to save money. Experts say that poverty remains the primary driver, compounded by climate shocks in vulnerable regions, where some areas have reported sharp increases in child marriage following environmental disasters.

Action Aid, an international charity working with women and girls in poverty, met the problem head-on in the remote Kurigram district. Through a 12-month pilot, it provided financial support to families, including scholarships to keep girls in education, assistance with school fees and lump sums to help them develop new income streams, including money to purchase livestock.

The charity also helped to establish a network of youth clubs totalling 120 members, creating a safe space for girls to discuss challenges, share experiences and actively stop child marriages from going ahead. 

According to Action Aid, the initiate prevented at least 18 child marriages, provided scholarships for 40 at-risk students, and generated new incomes for 30 vulnerable families.

Some areas have reported sharp increases in child marriage following environmental disasters

Romana, vice president of one of the clubs, managed to avert her own early marriage and that of a close friend. 

“We all came together and intervened,” she said. “We explained the harmful consequences of child marriage, emphasised the importance of education and informed her father about the legal implications. We also involved her school teachers to help reinforce the message and successfully stopped the marriage.”

Abdullah Al Mamun, who heads up Action Aid Bangladesh’s child sponsorship and child rights programme, said the charity hoped to roll out the initiative elsewhere, and said that it’s success should act as a clarion call to local authorities to improve enforcement.

Main image: Action Aid