News

Around 20 million lives around the world were saved thanks to the Covid-19 jabs in the first year of the vaccine programme, according to new estimates. The first ever Covid-19 jab outside a clinical trial was administered in the UK to grandmother Maggie Keenan on December 8 2020. Experts set out to estimate the impact in the year after she received her vaccine by assessing information across 185 countries. Researchers, […]

Children aged between six and 10 had the biggest daily increase in screen time during the Covid-19 pandemic, new research suggests. But increases were seen in all ages, including among adults, the study found. According to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) scientists, more time spent looking at screens like the TV or computer was associated with a negative impact on diet, sleep, mental health and eye health. Primary school-aged children recorded […]

Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1974 as a “stark new economic reality” hits households, figures show. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index dropped one point to minus 41 in June, setting a new record low for a second successive month. Confidence in personal finances over the next 12 months fell three points to minus 28 – 39 points lower than this time last year. […]

Research projects which boost food security and address the climate change and biodiversity crises will receive more than £200m over five years from the Scottish Government. Nicola Sturgeon is due to announce the funding as she visits the Royal Highland Show near Edinburgh on Friday. The research programme will run until 2027 and will focus on strategic environment, natural resources and agriculture projects. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and […]

The opening of a new referral pathway to the Alzheimer’s Society for former players diagnosed with dementia will be “critical”, according to the Rugby Players’ Association. The Society announced on Friday that partnerships had been set up with the RPA, the Welsh RPA, the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the League Managers’ Association in football, providing those organisations with a permanent way of referring any past and present player or manager […]

James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson are among the high achievers to be honoured at Buckingham Palace on Friday. The sister and brother duo own EON Productions and have produced the last nine 007 films – including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die. The pair, previously honoured with OBEs in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2008, will receive CBEs […]

Oliver Dowden has resigned as chairman of the Conservative Party after it suffered two by-election defeats, saying in a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson that “someone must take responsibility”. In Tiverton and Honiton the Liberal Democrats overturned a 24,000 Tory majority to win, while Labour reclaimed Wakefield. The contests, triggered by the resignation of disgraced Tories, offered voters the chance to give their verdict on the Prime Minister just […]

The Prince of Wales is expected to tell Commonwealth leaders decisions about whether they keep the Queen as head of state or become a republic are “a matter for each member country to decide”. Charles’ comments are due to be delivered during the opening ceremony of a summit of Commonwealth prime ministers and presidents in Rwanda, when he will say a long life has taught him these fundamental changes can […]

Billie Eilish will make history when she takes to the Pyramid Stage on Friday night as Glastonbury Festival’s youngest ever solo headliner. The Grammy-winning singer, 20, will perform alongside her brother and co-writer Finneas O’Connell. The US pop star made her Glastonbury debut in 2019 when she performed on the Other Stage and treated crowds to a string of tracks such as Bad Guy and You Should See Me In […]