National News

Gambling companies are to be forced to step up checks on punters “to better protect even those unable to afford small losses” under plans to tackle addiction in the biggest shake-up of the industry’s regulations in 15 years. Plans also include maximum stakes for online slot machines of between £2 and £15 for all customers subject to consultation and a new statutory levy which will see gambling companies required to fund more

Imitation firearms are now the main type of weapon used in gun crime in England and Wales, figures show. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said a rise in gun crime was largely down to the growing presence of imitation firearms. Some 6,193 firearms offences were recorded by police in 2022, an 11% increase on the 5,581 logged a year earlier. The use of imitation firearms – anything which looks

Manchester City and Manchester United fans are facing serious travel disruption for the FA Cup final after train drivers announced fresh strikes in a long-running row over pay. Aslef rejected a “risible” four per cent pay offer from the 16 train companies it remains in dispute with and announced union members will walk out on May 12 and 31 and then June 3 when Wembley hosts the all-Manchester final. The

Legoland has unveiled a miniature coronation scene ahead of the royal event next week. A tiny replica of Buckingham Palace features a King and Queen Consort figurine standing on the balcony, waving to the crowds below. The display also includes a gold state coach depicting the King’s journey down the Mall, along with the Windsor Castle coronation concert complete with orchestra and the royal family seated in the royal box.

The Queen Consort told the UK’s Eurovision hopeful Mae Muller “No nul points” when she joined the King in unveiling the contest’s spectacular stage. Charles and Camilla, who are busy preparing for their coronations, visited Liverpool and lit up the arena hosting the global show, which will crown a national winner on Saturday May 13. Eurovision 2023 managing director Martin Green said the royal couple expressed “interest” in the event,

The British evacuation mission from Sudan has lifted 301 people to safety over four flights as the military races against time to rescue citizens while a fragile ceasefire holds. Another RAF flight was preparing to depart the Wadi Saeedna airstrip near the capital of Khartoum on Wednesday afternoon, with a further three flights expected later in the day. Downing Street said the flights have been “full or close to full”,

The coverage of the Grand National on ITV has received more than 700 complaints alleging bias from commentators over their response to animal rights protesters. In April, more than 100 people were arrested after activists from campaign group Animal Rising attempted to scale fences around Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool. ITV Racing Live At The Randox Grand National Festival 2023 covered the event on Saturday April 15, which was shown from 2pm to 6.15pm on ITV1. The

Erik ten Hag allayed concerns over Bruno Fernandes’ ankle injury and even suggested the Manchester United midfielder has a chance of facing stuttering Tottenham on Thursday evening. The 28-year-old sustained the issue in the first half of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win against Brighton but managed to play on until the 101st minute of the penalty shoot-out victory. However, concerns grew over Fernandes’ fitness on Monday when his partner posted

People worried about ultra-processed foods should not dismiss beans on toast as part of a healthy, balanced diet, nutritionists have said. Eating ultra-processed foods such as ice cream, ham, crisps, mass-produced bread, and breakfast cereal has been linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including an increased risk of some cancers, weight gain and heart disease. Now the British Nutrition Foundation has said beans on toast may be ultra-processed, but the popular dish can still be part