Germany coalition talks: Merkel welcomes breakthrough
AFP Angela Merkel and Martin Schulz stressed the need for social cohesion German politicians have achieved a breakthrough in talks aimed at forming a new coalition government. A blueprint for formal negotiations was agreed between Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and their former coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD). Politicians stayed up all night […]
Key workers to trial NHS tracing app
Reuters Social distancing rules will still be in place during the trial, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said An NHS app that aims to track the spread of coronavirus is being rolled out for the first time, as part of a trial on the Isle of Wight. Council and healthcare workers will be the first to […]
Former My Chemical Romance drummer dies aged 44
Bob Bryar, former drummer for American rock band My Chemical Romance (MCR), has died aged 44 at his Tennessee home, according to US media. He was the longest-serving drummer for the group, playing with the band from 2004 to 2010. A spokesperson for the band told US outlets that the “band asks for your patience […]
Minister reassures public over food supplies
Getty Images Supermarkets have taken “the necessary steps” to ensure shelves remain stocked following the coronavirus outbreak, the environment secretary has said. George Eustice, who held talks with supermarket and trade bosses on Friday, said he was “reassured” they had “robust plans” to minimise disruption. It follows concerns the virus could lead to shortages of […]
Ex-minister’s claims reignite rows over Tories and Islam
Getty Images Tory MP Nusrat Ghani’s allegations have reignited a long-running row about the Conservative Party’s approach to what’s often called “Islamophobia”. Almost four years ago, the then-chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum, Mohammed Amin, broke ranks and claimed the party was failing to take decisive action against anti-Muslim sentiment for fear of the political […]
Is Big Tech going off work from home?
Getty Images On Wednesday last week, Google’s Fiona Cicconi wrote to company employees. She announced that Google was bringing forward its timetable of moving people back into the office. Employees were also expected to “live within commuting distance” of offices. No cocktails by the beach with a laptop, then. The intention was very clear. Sure, […]
Road campaigners celebrate zebra crossing success
LDRS Caron Britton (l) and Jayne Mason (r) have lobbied Sheffield City Council since 2022 due to fears a pedestrian could be killed Two women from Sheffield have successfully campaigned for a zebra crossing to be installed where a child was knocked over by car. Sheffield City Council has approved the crossing on Birley Spa […]
New Met boss must have robust plan on culture problems
PA Media Sadiq Khan says recent revelations about the force remind him of the “bad old days of the Met” from his childhood London’s mayor has said he will oppose the appointment of a new Met Police chief unless they have a “robust plan” to deal with the force’s “cultural problems”. Dame Cressida Dick resigned […]
Tech bug keeps Mazda radios locked in to NPR
Getty Images A National Public Radio network has become a must-listen for some Mazda drivers in Washington State, as a tech bug means they are unable to retune. Owners of 2014-17 Mazdas, in the Puget Sound area, contacted KUOW to report their infotainment systems were permanently locked in to the network. Missing file extensions in […]
Vast collection of Ladybird classics ‘coming home’
Ladybirdflyawayhome Collector Helen Day said hundreds of books would be available “for visitors to browse through and share” Hundreds of privately owned vintage Ladybird books that became the “backdrop” of a collector’s childhood are to go on show in her home town. Helen Day, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, has lovingly collected and researched the classic […]