Author: Ronan Walsh

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has written directly to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner regarding Lord Mandelson’s communications with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The former Labour leader stated his correspondence concerned “Mandelson’s disclosure of market sensitive and confidential government information” to Epstein. The intervention comes as Metropolitan Police examine whether Lord Mandelson breached protocols by sharing confidential details with Epstein during his time as a government minister. Police confirmed they had received a formal referral from the government over the matter. A Cabinet Office review of documents released by the US Department of Justice found that emails sent by Lord Mandelson…

A South Yorkshire town has been selected as the testing ground for a nationwide artificial intelligence rollout, with residents set to benefit from free training courses and AI-enhanced public services across healthcare, education and local government. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced Barnsley as Britain’s first government-backed Tech Town on Tuesday, launching an 18-month pilot programme designed to create a blueprint for AI deployment in communities outside London and the South East. The initiative will see artificial intelligence applications trialled across multiple sectors, from hospital check-ins to classroom technology. According to the government’s plans, the pilot will demonstrate how AI tools…

A Labour MP suspended from the party has been arrested on additional allegations including rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting as a police investigation expands to include multiple alleged victims. Dan Norris, who represents North East Somerset and Hanham, was initially detained in April 2025 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in a public office. Avon and Somerset Police have now arrested him on further charges following continued inquiries. The force’s Operation Bluestone team, which specialises in rape and serious sexual assault investigations, confirmed the man in his 60s has been arrested on…

The former UK Ambassador to the US has resigned from the Labour Party whilst questioning the authenticity of documents suggesting he received $75,000 from convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein two decades ago. Lord Mandelson, 72, told Labour’s general-secretary Hollie Ridley he is stepping down from party membership to prevent “further embarrassment” whilst he investigates allegations he believes to be false. US Department of Justice files released on Friday indicated Epstein made three separate payments of $25,000 to Lord Mandelson in 2003 and 2004, when he served as MP for Hartlepool. A separate document claimed his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, received…

Scottish whisky producers will gain enhanced access to China’s growing premium spirits market after the Asian nation agreed to halve import tariffs on Scotch during UK trade negotiations. The tariff reduction from 10 per cent to 5 per cent will enable Scottish distillers to compete more effectively in China, currently the 10th largest market by value for Scotch whisky. The agreement is projected to deliver £250 million in economic benefits to the UK over five years. Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, described China as a priority growth market that has evolved into a knowledgeable and premium-focused…

President Trump has announced a week-long ceasefire for Ukrainian cities after securing an agreement from Vladimir Putin to suspend bombardment of urban areas. The US President revealed the arrangement during a cabinet meeting, stating he had asked the Russian leader “not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week, and he agreed to do that”. Trump praised Putin for making what he described as a “very nice” decision to halt the strikes. The ceasefire specifically covers attacks on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, along with various other towns across the country. The announcement comes as millions of Ukrainians remain…

British pubs will save an average of £1,650 annually under a business rates relief package announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, as the government moves to address declining numbers across the sector. The Treasury confirmed that approximately 75% of pubs will see their business rates bills either fall or remain unchanged in the coming year. The sector as a whole is expected to pay 8% less in business rates by 2029 compared to current levels. From April, eligible pubs will receive a 15% reduction on their business rates bills, followed by a two-year freeze in real terms. The measures come as…

An academic who spent years researching populist movements across Europe has been chosen to contest a crucial Greater Manchester by-election for Reform UK. Matthew Goodwin, 44, brings credentials as an author of two books examining shifting political trends and currently holds the position of honorary president of Students for Reform. He studied contemporary history at the University of Salford, located near the constituency. The announcement was made during a campaign launch event in Greater Manchester, where Mr Goodwin appeared alongside Reform UK MP Lee Anderson. He becomes the first major party candidate confirmed for the contest, although Shahbaz Sarwar from…

A major offshore wind project capable of generating enough electricity to power more than half the homes in Wales has taken a significant step forward after securing a contract in the UK Government’s record-breaking renewable energy auction. The Awel y Môr development, located in the Irish Sea off the North Wales coast, was among the successful projects in the auction announced on 14 January, which delivered the largest single procurement of offshore wind energy in British and European history. Developer RWE is now working towards a final investment decision on the project, which will see up to 50 turbines constructed…

A wave of high-profile defections from the Conservative Party to Reform UK has intensified in early 2026, raising questions about the future direction of Britain’s traditional party of the right. The most recent departure came on January 26, 2026, when Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary and MP for Fareham, announced her defection at a Reform rally in London. Speaking at the event, Ms Braverman said she felt “like I’ve come home” after 30 years as a Conservative, and accused the Tories of “betrayal” on border control and what she described as lies about the European Convention on Human Rights.…