Slight Improvement In Consumer Confidence Amid Clear Challenges Ahead

A fall in inflation led to a slight improvement in consumer confidence this month amid warnings of “clear challenges ahead”. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index rose by two points in May, but is still four points lower than this time last year at minus 23. Despite confidence in the general economy over the coming year rising five points, it remains five points lower than last May at minus 38, while confidence in personal finances over […]

22 May 2026

National News

Equalities Watchdog Chairwoman Urges Common Sense Policy On Single Sex Spaces

The head of Britain’s rights watchdog has called for a “common sense approach” to toilet provision as newly-published guidance confirmed single-sex services must be on the basis of biological sex. The updated guidance has been published more than a year after a landmark Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 which said the words “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex. The new code covers a range […]

21 May 2026

National News

Keir Starmer Says He Will Campaign For Andy Burnham In Makerfield By Election

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will be out campaigning for potential leadership challenger Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election. The Prime Minister also sought to draw attention to his Government’s record and away from “all the other discussions that are going on”, in apparent reference to the leadership speculation that has dogged his premiership since Labour’s local and devolved elections mauling. Asked whether he would be out supporting Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham’s campaign […]

21 May 2026

National News

UK Net Migration Drops Below 200000 For First Time Since Covid 19 Pandemic

UK net migration dropped to an estimated 171,000 last year, the lowest level since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The figures for the 12 months to December are down 48% compared to the previous year (331,000), according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is the first time the estimate – which is the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving the country – has fallen below 200,000 since the start […]

21 May 2026

National News

FA Investigates Southampton Over Spygate Scandal

Southampton are now under investigation by the Football Association in relation to the ‘Spygate’ scandal The FA is looking at whether charges should be brought, following on from a decision by an EFL independent disciplinary commission to expel Saints from the Championship play-offs and dock four points for next season. An FA spokesperson said: “We will now investigate and won’t comment further until we have assessed the evidence.” Southampton admitted to spying on a training session held by […]

21 May 2026

National News

Classy Aston Villa Cruise To Europa League Glory In Istanbul

Aston Villa ended their 30-year wait for a trophy as they strolled to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul. After falling short in the Conference League semi-finals and Champions League last-eight over recent times, Unai Emery brought European success back to Villa Park at the third time of asking with his fifth Europa League title. The Prince of Wales was in attendance to witness Villa’s first European final […]

21 May 2026

National News

Cheaper Food And Free Bus Rides For Children In Reeves Cost Of Living Plan

Shoppers could save on the cost of biscuits and chocolate as part of a package of measures being set out by Rachel Reeves to ease the impact of the Iran war. The Government is cutting import tariffs on more than 100 types of product in a move that is expected to save consumers more than £150 million a year. The Chancellor also set out a “Great British Summer Savings” scheme, including free bus travel for children in England […]

21 May 2026

National News

First Train With Great British Railway Branding Unveiled

The first train displaying Great British Railways (GBR) branding has been unveiled. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander claimed the launch “makes the future of Britain’s railways a reality”. A Southern Class 387 train in Brighton was given the makeover ahead of the operator’s services entering public ownership on May 31. It features a red, white and blue colour scheme mirroring the Union flag, as well as the double-arrow logo initially used by British Rail. The Department […]

21 May 2026

National News

MPs Call For Statutory Social Media Ban For Children Under 16

MPs have urged the Government to enforce a statutory ban on the use of social media for children under 16, as they said tech companies cannot be relied upon to self-regulate. The consultation on access to social media for young people, which closes next week, floats a range of measures such as age restrictions and curfews. But there have been widespread calls for an Australian-style ban on children’s use of social media, although questions have […]

21 May 2026

Moorlands Local with Gav Capper

National News