National News

The internet and mobile phones may not have a “blanket negative effect” on wellbeing and mental health, researchers say. A large international study used data from two million people aged 15 to 89 in 168 countries, and found smaller associations than would be expected if the internet were causing widespread psychological harm. The researchers say that if the link between internet use and poor health were as universal and robust

UK firms are failing to innovate as they are focused on survival amid a bleak economic outlook and recession fears, a survey has suggested. Half of company bosses said the threat of economic volatility has caused them to stop innovating, according to a poll of more than 300 chief executives and top bosses across the country by consultancy Magnetic. Some 56% of firms are prioritising the survival of their business

The Government has announced £16 million of funding for the Forest Research programme looking into climate and pest resilient woodlands. A competition for a new national forest will also be launched this week, alongside the unveiling of two new community forests. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the increased risk of tree disease and pests, such as ips beetles and ash dieback, alongside the impacts of

Long-awaited legislation that would ban the creation of new leasehold houses in England and Wales will be introduced to Parliament later. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill will mark its first step on the path to become legislation, hailed by Housing Secretary Michael Gove as a “landmark moment for millions”. Other than in exceptional circumstances, new houses in England and Wales will be freehold from the outset, under the planned

A scheme introduced to enhance access to general practice by bringing in staff such as pharmacists and physician associates could be driving down GP vacancies, a new survey suggests. Some 44% of family doctors told GP publication Pulse they had seen a reduction in the number of vacancies advertised in the last year, with 23% noting a reduction in the last six months. The 612 respondents reported 619 vacancies in

Five-time gold medal winner Laura Kenny is targeting her fourth Olympics next year after the birth of her second child this summer. Kenny, who has topped the podium in London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, has her eyes set on Paris as she is keen to prove motherhood is no reason to end her career after the arrival of their second son Monty in July. “I obviously want to compete

The ninth celebrity has said they are “really gutted” to depart Strictly Come Dancing. Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon has missed out on dancing in the quarter-finals for the BBC One show’s musicals special as she went home during Sunday’s results show episode. The 39-year-old faced Bad Education star Layton Williams, 29, in the dance-off after they both landed in the bottom following the judges scores and a public vote.

Tens of thousands have attended a march against antisemitism in London, as the crowd heard that the Jewish community will “not be intimidated”. Former prime minister Boris Johnson was among the high-profile figures joining the demonstration, a day after crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Those who addressed the marchers included Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and immigration minister Robert Jenrick, as

Lord George Robertson said Russian President Vladimir Putin would be emboldened if foreign governments stop providing weaponry The world’s attention must “stay on Ukraine” as the Russian invasion continues, a former Nato secretary-general has warned. Lord George Robertson said Russian President Vladimir Putin would be emboldened to extend the attacks beyond Ukraine if foreign governments stop providing weaponry. It comes amid a four-day pause in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the