A Stoke-on-Trent man whose LEGO creations have been seen and loved by fans across the world has started building the city centenary logo out of bricks.
Neil Walker has thanked residents on the Facebook group ‘Sneyd Green Community’ for donating some of the 5,000 bricks he needs but he has appealed for more help. He has said any leftover bricks from the build, will be donated to a local Samaritans shop.
A chat between Mr Walker, who is known on social media as StokieLEGO, and one of his former workmates at Stoke-on-Trent City Council led to him agreeing to the creative project for the city’s centenary year celebrations.
The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe and Chair of Centenary Celebrations Organising Committee, said: “I can’t wait to see what ‘StokieLEGO’ builds. His work is building up a following and is even watched by the manufacturers of this famous brand. His final creation is going to share the message far and wide that we turn 100 in 2025.”
Mr Walker said: “I loved LEGO as a child but back in the day it was just for children. Two years ago, my mum asked me to go in her attic to get some old photos and I found some of my LEGO sets.
“I took them home and started to mess around with them. That’s how the whole LEGO journey started.”
He found time spent building LEGO had a positive effect on mental health, and soon realised how good a coping mechanism it can be, so now wants to spread the word.
During his spare time, he volunteers for the Samaritans and runs a men’s mental health support group on Facebook.
He said: “I found LEGO was relaxing like reading, walking or doing jigsaws.”
StokieLEGO started on social media and attracted the attention of LEGO’s social media team who sometimes give him free sets to build and photograph for his followers.
But he still doesn’t have all the colours and pieces he needs for his city council project.
“I need a lot of LEGO bricks. It’s going to be about 81cm x 81cm and initially flat, but the kiln and Spitfire will ‘stand out’ of it.” said Mr Walker.
Becky Smith, a designer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, created the celebratory logo. She’s helping Neil by checking each stage of his build to make sure the proportions and sizes are right.
Members of the public will be able to view his creation in The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery with plans for it to go on public display at other locations being finalised by the city council.
If you have any LEGO bricks to donate, you can contact Neil, either on his Instagram ‘@StokieLEGO’ or by emailing walker_n@yahoo.com.
Have your say on a new proposed Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) for the Plymouth Hoe area. This measure is designed to enhance public safety during large events and in response to potential threats.
Following a request from the local Police, an ATTRO allows the police and designated partners to close off or restrict access to certain areas and roads within the ATTRO footprint when necessary, ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors.
Most of the time, the ATTRO will remain dormant, only being activated when needed. It covers a large area, including Plymouth Hoe, the Barbican, and surrounding locations, to ensure comprehensive coverage for various events. It will not affect daily activities unless activated, and it will replace most of the existing Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) for events.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, explains: “While there’s no specific threat to Plymouth at this moment, crowded places can be targets for terrorism. We have all seen the awful events that have happened in other around the world, from the tragic attack on London Bridge in 2017, and more recently the Magdeburg car attack in Germany.
“Having an ATTRO in place means we’re prepared to act swiftly to protect everyone. It’s about being proactive and ensuring we have the right tools to safeguard our community.”
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, added: “The ATTRO will help us manage traffic and pedestrian access effectively during large events, ensuring that emergency services can operate without hindrance. This is a crucial step in maintaining public safety and smooth operations in our city.”
The ATTRO is a vital tool for keeping Plymouth safe while allowing us to enjoy our events and gatherings with peace of mind.
It is a permanent measure that will lay dormant until needed for security purposes associated with large gatherings and planned events, or if there is an immediate need to protect the public from harm such as a terrorist attack. To be clear;
The ATTRO is not the pedestrianisation of an area.
The ATTRO will not see the installation of any permanent barriers or permanent vehicle mitigation measures within the highlighted map area.
The ATTRO will not change the overall base layout of roads or public pathways, nor will it result in any roadworks.
The ATTRO will not affect day-to-day business operations unless activated.
Any pre-planned road closures put in place as part of the ATTRO and large scale events would be communicated in advance to residents and businesses.
If you wish to offer comments on the proposed Order, please send them in writing to: Service Director for Street Services (Plymouth Transport and Highways), Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ or by emailing: [email protected] Quoting reference Amd.2025.2137339 ATTRO by 14 May 2025
Chasing Amy: A Soulful Tribute to Amy Winehouse by Victoria Geelan
16 April 2025
Following the overwhelming success of her last festival show ‘Feeling Good’, which paid tribute to the legendary Nina Simone, acclaimed vocalist Victoria Geelan returns to the Alley Theatre, Strabane on Friday 25th April with her powerful and personal new show: “Back to Black” – A Celebration of Amy Winehouse.
Presented in the relaxed and intimate setting of the cabaret-style auditorium, this one-night-only performance promises a powerful and personal tribute to one of the most iconic voices of the 21st century.
Titled ‘Chasing Amy’, the show is a reflection on Amy Winehouse’s artistry, influence, and inner world – brought to life through Victoria’s stunning vocals and the backing of a talented band of top-class musicians.
Born in the same year as Winehouse -1983 – Victoria shares a unique connection with the late star. “Amy’s voice, honesty, and fearless lyrics struck me from the very beginning,” she says. “This show is my way of honouring her life, her genius, and the struggles she faced with grace and empathy.”
Audiences can expect an immersive musical journey that moves from Amy’s jazz roots to her chart-topping soul, reggae, and hip-hop hits – including songs from the seminal ‘Back to Black’ album. The show goes deeper than the music, exploring the artists who inspired Amy, whose songs she often included in her own live performances, the media’s treatment of her private life, her battles with bulimia, depression, and addiction, and her impact as a trailblazing female artist who reshaped the landscape of modern music.
“Amy broke the mould of what a female pop star could be – unapologetically real, raw, and relatable,” adds Victoria. “This show is not just about remembering her music but understanding the woman behind the voice.”
This is one unforgettable evening of music and storytelling that will stay with you long after the final note.
Due to some explicit lyrical content and adult themes, this show is recommended for audiences aged 14+. Tickets are £12 available online at www.alley-theatre.com or call 028 71 384444
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston:
“I am delighted to see that the UK Supreme Court has ruled so comprehensively in favour of common sense and biological reality. This is a devastating blow to those who have sought to peddle the fiction that a man can magically become a woman or vice versa.
“Paragraph 265 of the judgement spells out important points including: The Gender Recognition Act did not change the meaning of the terms man and woman in the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act; The Sex Discrimination Act refers to biological sex; The Equality Act of 2010 did not modify the meaning of man and woman and There are aspects of life which require a biological interpretation of sex including changing rooms and medical services.
“There is an onus on the devolved administration in Stormont to take note of today’s ruling.
“The funding of Stonewall – which receives public money both via the Sinn Fein lead Department of Finance and the Sinn Fein and DUP lead Executive Office – must cease.
“Policy documents such as the Inclusive Language Guide which was produced by the Finance Department and seeks to discourage the use of words such as mother, wife and girlfriend must be withdrawn.
“There can be no more nonsense of the Executive Office producing policy documents like their flagship Violence Against Women and Girls document while refusing to say what a woman is.
“The Justice Minister must revisit her policy on housing men in female prison space.
“The Alliance chair of the Executive Office Committee needs to consider the judgement carefully and reflect on how she has chaired meetings in light of the same – although one fears that she may regard it as “gratuitously offensive” given her reaction when I pointed out similar facts in committee.
“Furthermore, there can now be no question of the inquiry into gaps in equality legislation pushing Stormont down the same road as the Scottish Government who so comprehensively lost today.”
TUV party secretary Ann McClure added: “I am proud to be a member of a party which has always taken a stand for women’s rights in relation to these matters. We never bought the nonsense that you can change your gender like you change your socks and are pleased that the highest court in the land has sided with common sense.
“I very much hope that the powers that be in Stormont take this ruling seriously and revisit their policies accordingly.”
Becky Wood appointed as Chief Executive Officer of NISTA
New CEO brings wealth of infrastructure leadership experience to new body supporting the implementation of the government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy.
The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) has today announced the appointment of Becky Wood as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Last October, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones announced plans to create a new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), bringing together the former Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) and National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).
Formally launched at the beginning of this month, NISTA will look to fix the foundations of our infrastructure system by bringing strategy and delivery under one roof, addressing the systemic delivery challenges that have stunted growth for decades.
Supporting delivery of our roads, railways, schools and hospitals, it will help overcome the barriers to delivery of UK infrastructure, as well as provide expertise on private finance and implementing the 10-year infrastructure strategy.
With extensive experience in infrastructure leadership, particularly in the UK transport and international sectors, Becky will bring significant expertise, skills and knowledge to the role.
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury said:
I am delighted that Becky is going to lead NISTA as the new CEO, she brings a wealth of experience from the public and private sector overseeing some of the biggest transport projects around the world in the past decade. Her appointment is an important milestone for NISTA’s work in getting a grip on infrastructure delivery, powering growth across the country and delivering on our Plan for Change.
Sir John Armitt, Chair of the NISTA Council of Expert Advisors said:
I am pleased to welcome Becky on board to lead NISTA. We are at a critical moment for transforming how we plan and deliver the nation’s infrastructure, and Becky’s leadership will be vital for building an effective and credible institution that can do just that. I look forward to working closely with her in the coming months.
Becky Wood, NISTA Chief Executive Officer said:
It is an honour to be appointed to a role that has so much potential to make a vital difference to the everyday lives of people across the UK, ensuring robust delivery of infrastructure and enabling growth. I am very much looking forward to joining the team in June.
Becky will formally take up her role as CEO in June 2025.
Notes to editors:
The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, formally launched on 1 April 2025, brings together the functions of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and National Infrastructure Commission, under HM Treasury NISTA is part of a three-pronged approach to addressing the fundamental constraints to infrastructure investment, sitting alongside the 10-year infrastructure strategy, which sets out a long-term plan for the country’s infrastructure, and the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill to unblock planning constraints.
She is currently a partner at the consultancy firm EY, and prior to that was a Commercial Advisor at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. For ten-years Becky oversaw major infrastructure developments at the Department for Transport, serving as the Senior Responsible Officer for the Crossrail, Thameslink and Intercity Express programmes. She also has valuable international experience, having worked on significant infrastructure programmes across both public and private sectors in Australia and New Zealand.
Last week, we also announced that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones had set up a new Council of Expert Advisors to support the work of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
The allocation of Isle of Wight primary school places has been announced today (Wednesday 16 April 2025) with hundreds of children across the Island finding out which primary school they’ll be attending from September.
This year 97.6 per cent of Island parents will have gained a school of choice for their child, with 91.5 per cent of applications achieving a place at their first-choice school. Every child for which an application was submitted to the council received a school place.
The number of applications in 2025 — 998 (1,024 last year).
The percentage of applications achieving first choice — 91.5 per cent (96.9 per cent last year).
The percentage achieving second choice — 5.11 per cent (2.3 per cent last year).
The percentage achieving third choice — 1.00 per cent (0.1 per cent last year).
The figures above include all applications that were received on time and those children with an Education and Health Care Plan, but not those who applied late.
Ashley Whittaker, Strategic Director of Children’s Services said: “We are pleased the majority of children have gained a place at one of their preferred schools, with most getting their first choice and all children being offered a place.’’
“Those children starting their primary education will be embarking on a new journey and as they settle-in and make new friends, it will be an exciting time as we develop and improve education across the Island.”
A total of 95.8% of children who applied for a Reception place at a primary school in York this September were allocated their first choice on National Offer Day (Wednesday 16 April).
A total of 95.8% of children who applied for a Reception place at a primary school in York this September were allocated their first choice on National Offer Day (Wednesday 16 April).
All the children who applied for a Year 3 place in a junior school were allocated their first choice.
Parents who applied online can find out where their child has been allocated a place by logging into their parent portal account today.
Parents who made written applications will receive a letter confirming their admission arrangements. Anyone who didn’t receive their first choice of school will also receive written confirmation.
Councillor Bob Webb, Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People, at City of York Council, said:
Starting primary school is such an exciting time for children and their families and I know that primary schools in York work really hard to help families settle into the education communities and make starting school easy and fun for the young people.
Any parent whose children may be eligible for free school meals, one of a number of benefits that come with applying for the pupil premium, should apply through their online parent portal account.
Derby City Council is pleased to announce its acceptance of £3.920 million in funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under Household Support Fund 7 (HSF7). This crucial funding will provide support to vulnerable households struggling with the cost of living from April 2025 to March 2026.
The grant aims to assist households in Derby that are facing financial hardship by addressing essential needs, including food, energy, and housing costs.
Key Support Initiatives Under HSF7 include:
Free School Meals Support: Over 16,400 Derby city households with children receiving benefit-related free school meals will be supported with supermarket food vouchers, delivering approximately 1,070,000 meals during school term breaks between April 2025 and March 2026.
Food Vouchers: Eligible households in financial crisis can apply for supermarket food vouchers through an online application form. Two rounds of funding will be available. Round 1 will be from May 2025 to September 2025 and Round 2 will be available from October 2025 to March 2026. Only one award will be made per eligible household in each round, with a total allocation of £600,000.
Warm Welcome Hubs: Financial support is being provided to over 40 community organisations across Derby to maintain and enhance a cost-of-living support network. These hubs offer warm spaces, hot meals, guidance on reducing energy bills, and help accessing other services. In summer 2024/25, the hubs received over 37,300 visits from adults and more than 4,050 children.
Energy Support: Vulnerable households and those in financial crisis can access PayPoint energy vouchers via the Warm Welcome Hubs. The energy scheme will open in September 2025 and run through to March 2026, or until the allocated £195,000 is awarded.
Pensioner Support: Up to 2,000 low-income pensioner households not receiving pension credit (and thus missing out on the winter fuel payment) but who do receive Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit will automatically receive a £100 direct payment by February 2026. These households do not need to apply; payments will be sent directly to their bank accounts. Pensioners can also access support at Warm Welcome Hubs.
Essential Household Items: Support may include energy-efficient appliances and warm clothing or bedding for eligible households in financial distress.
Financial Wellbeing Workshops: Workshops will run to equip Derby residents with money management skills.
Leaving Care and Crisis Support: Targeted support will also be delivered for young people leaving care and for households experiencing specific crises.
Assistance for families in temporary housing situations.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities, said:
I am thrilled that we have managed to secure this funding for Derby. The Household Support Fund continues to be a lifeline for many households in Derby, particularly those experiencing significant financial challenges. This latest round of funding ensures we can continue to provide targeted assistance where it is most needed, helping families and individuals maintain stability.
I strongly encourage anyone who is struggling with the cost of living to take a look at what is on offer and to take full advantage of the resources and support that is available. HSF7 could be what you or your family need to find your way through the rising cost of living.”
The impact of previous Household Support Fund initiatives has been widely recognized. A recent Department for Work and Pensions audit highlighted Derby City Council as a model of effective fund management and community support, praising its strategic approach to alleviating poverty and deprivation.
Further details about HSF7, including eligibility criteria and application processes, will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information on the Household Support Fund 7 and how to access support, please visit our Household Support Fund webpage.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Press release
Joint Statement from the United Kingdom and France on Haiti
Joint statement from the United Kingdom and France on Haiti.
The UK and France are concerned by reports of criminal gangs coordinating to further destabilise Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). We reiterate our collective support for CARICOM and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in assisting the TPC and the Haitian National Police to tackle the gangs who continue to cause daily suffering to the Haitian people and in their efforts to bring about the stability required to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law in Haiti. We are committed to maintaining pressure on those who seek to destabilise Haiti via the implementation of sanctions, and we call on authorities to fully implement the sanctions regime in Haiti.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Funding from Homes England and HSBC UK supports Wyatt Homes to deliver hundreds more houses across the south
It follows a previous finance package provided by Homes England and HSBC UK in 2022
Wyatt Homes’ Rivers Edge Development in Wimborne, Dorset. Credit Wyatt Homes.
Families across the South of England will soon benefit from hundreds of new homes, made possible by a multi-million-pound finance package provided to housing developer Wyatt Homes by Homes England’s Home Building Fund and HSBC UK.
The Home Building Fund is one of the ways that the Agency works with the private sector to deliver on the Government’s mission to build 1.5 million homes this parliament.
This particular finance package will enable Wyatt Homes to grow its output to build over 300 homes year across developments in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire, which will include the delivery of much needed new affordable housing.
The previous finance package provided by Homes England and HSBC UK in 2022 accelerated the delivery of over 1,000 new family homes across multiple sites.
Nigel Barclay, Director of Loans at Homes England, said:
As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, we are committed to working in partnership with organisations in both the public and private sector, to achieve their ambitions and develop much needed new homes across the country.
Supporting Wyatt Homes’ ambition to grow housing delivery to over 300 homes per year across developments in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire is an excellent example of how the Agency’s Home Building Fund can be deployed alongside private sector capital from HSBC UK, to deliver high quality new homes in priority locations while supporting the growth of small and medium house builders, that are crucial to building a diverse and resilient housing sector.
Shaun Pettitt, Managing Director at Wyatt Homes, said:
This funding is a pivotal step for us, as we look to scale up and bolster the delivery of hundreds of new homes. Our commitment to quality of design and high standards of construction remains unwavering as we expand our operations through the delivery of a significant pipeline of new developments. In doing so, we will continue to strive to provide not only essential housing, but also to build vibrant, long-lasting communities that will stand the test of time.
Dan Wright, Head of Housing at HSBC UK, added:
Having supported Wyatt Homes over the past five years, we’re thrilled to continue backing its growth journey. This substantial finance package will bolster the business’s operations, enabling it to increase its annual output and address the urgent need for housing in the South of England. Additionally, the financing strengthens our expanding partnership with Homes England to support housebuilding across the country.
Wyatt Homes, headquartered in Poole, is a well-established traditional housebuilder, with a track record of delivering award-winning homes in the South for over 30 years.
Previous developments include: Luzborough Green in Romsey, Weatherbury Place in Puddletown, Harbour Ridge at Canford Cliffs, and Chapel Fields in South Petherton.
Notes to editors
About Homes England
We are the government’s housing and regeneration Agency, and we’re here to drive the creation of more affordable, quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and grow.
We make this happen by working in partnership with thousands of organisations of all sizes, using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built.
HSBC UK serves over 15 million active customers across the UK, supported by 23,900 colleagues. HSBC UK offers a complete range of retail banking and wealth management to personal and private banking customers, as well as commercial banking for small to medium businesses and large corporates. HSBC UK is a ring-fenced bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,017bn at 31 December 2024, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
Happy Easter from the waste and recycling service!
Household waste and recycling collections will continue as usual over the long Easter weekend, with collections as normal on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The bulky waste and free re-use collection service is still available over this period also. Book your slot online.
The Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) at Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh will also be operating normal hours, but you must book your visit online beforehand. You can also book yourvisit via the council’s website.
Top tips for a waste free Easter
This Easter think Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Here’s some tips to get you started.
Reduce
How about buying flowers or vegetable seeds instead of an Easter egg?
If you want to give an egg, look for ones with minimal plastic or why not make your own?
Send an e-card: save paper by sending an electronic greeting to friends and family, or make your own collage card from scraps of paper.
Get crafty: make your own Easter decorations such as turning a can into an Easter rabbit.
Reuse
Food waste: With the average family throwing away more than £700 worth of perfectly edible food each year, advice on food waste reduction and recipes for leftovers can all be found at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Try not to over-estimate the amount of food you’ll need over the Easter break. The Love Food Hate Waste website has great ideas for some delicious Easter leftovers inspiration. But what about the food waste you can’t eat, such as egg shells or the base of a lettuce? These can go in your food waste caddy.
If you don’t have an indoor/outdoor food caddy, you can order one at www.iow.gov.uk/waste or contact the waste team at (01983) 823777.
Recycle
Recycle as much you can; choose Easter eggs that come in less packaging, or at least in recyclable packaging. Plastic goes in your green bin/reusable sack and cardboard in your paper/card insert or blue reusable sack.
If you do opt for a traditional card, ensure it does not have any glitter or bows on it as this means it cannot be recycled. Plastic wrappers (the sort with coloured plastic and foil attached) are unable to be recycled so goes in your black bin/black sack. This is because we are currently unable to separate the foil from the coloured plastic during the recycling process.
Postal vote packs are being issued to voters in St Albans District for important local elections on Thursday 1 May.
Packs for voters who applied for a postal vote before 28 March were despatched on 14 April.
Those who applied between 28 March and 14 April will be sent their packs around Tuesday 22 April.
The packs will include a white ballot paper for the Hertfordshire County Council elections.
All of the County Council’s 78 seats, including 10 in St Albans District, are up for election.
There are also by-elections taking place in the Redbourn ward of St Albans City and District Council and in the Harpenden North, Harpenden South, and Harpenden West wards of Harpenden Town Council.
Separate postal vote packs will be sent to voters living in these areas. The ballot papers for the Redbourn by-election are lilac, and the ballot papers for the Harpenden Town Council by-elections are green.
Voters are advised to return their completed postal votes as soon as possible. Postal votes must be received by the Returning Officer by 10pm on Thursday 1 May to be counted.
If you have a postal vote in place, you will not be able to vote in person at a polling station.
However, if you miss the post, you can hand in your completed postal vote pack (and/or the postal vote packs of up to five others) at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, during office hours.
Alternatively, you can hand them in at any polling station in the electoral area between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 1 May.
Anybody returning completed postal vote packs by hand must complete a short form.
If you have not received your postal vote by Friday 25 April, contact the Electoral Services team on elections@stalbans.gov.uk or 01727 819294.
If you lose your postal vote or make a mistake, please contact the team immediately as a replacement postal vote can only be issued before 5pm on Thursday 1 May.
Alderney Marks 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII with Launch of New Occupation Trail
Alderney, Channel Islands – As the island commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a new Occupation Trail has officially launched, offering residents and visitors an immersive way to explore one of the most defining chapters in Alderney’s history.
Unlike the other Channel Islands, the majority of Alderney’s residents made the exceptionally difficult decision to leave their beloved island home before German forces arrived in July 1940. The Occupation Trail, developed by Visit Alderney with the help of historian Colin Partridge, guides participants across 80 key sites around the island that played pivotal roles during the German occupation of Alderney between 1940 and 1945. The trail provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the island’s wartime experience.
“This trail not only commemorates the past but helps future generations understand Alderney’s place in the wider story of World War II,” said Caroline Gauvain, from Visit Alderney. “Eighty years on, the scars and stories of the occupation remain deeply ingrained in our landscape and our identity.”
Highlights of the trail include the Odeon, the Hospital Bunker, and several other significant locations, brought to life with photographs from the time. The experience can be explored using a printed map available at the Alderney Visitor Centre or accessed online.
The launch of the WWII Occupation Trail forms part of a wider programme of events and exhibitions taking place throughout 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, and the eventual homecoming of the islanders in December 1945.
ENDS
Contact: Carolineor Alex at Visit Alderney Email: tourism@alderney.gov.gg Phone: 822333 www.visitalderney.com
Scottish Greens will continue to stand with trans people and resist culture war being waged against them.
More in Equality
Responding to this morning’s Supreme Court verdict, Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said:
“This is a truly dark day for human rights and a huge blow to some of the most marginalised people in our society.
“It could remove important protections and will leave many trans people and their loved ones deeply anxious and worried about how their lives will be affected and about what will come next.
“Trans people just want to be able to live their lives like any of us, without the fear of prejudice or violence, but today they have been badly let down.
“Trans people have been cynically targeted and demonised by politicians and large parts of the media for far too long. It has contributed to attacks on longstanding rights and attempts to erase their existence altogether.
“Whatever happens next, we will continue to stand with trans people and resist the nasty and aggressive culture war that is being waged against them and challenge any attempts to remove their rights.
“We will always stand up for human rights, dignity and respect for all people. We will stand with the trans community today, tomorrow and always.”
LONDON, UK – 16th April 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd today announced the UK-first launch of Samsung News, a brand-new news app designed to deliver the daily news you need.
Samsung News provides a fresh approach to digital news consumption by offering a full spectrum of news from a range of diverse publications—completely free and without paywalls. The service brings together top publishers, including Sky News, Sky Sports Daily Mail, The Standard, The Independent, Mirror, Business Insider, Reuters, Metro, Indy 100, and OK!, alongside other local news outlets, to create a seamless, high-quality news experience.
A Personalised Way to Read the News
Built for customisation and convenience, Samsung News allows users to tailor their feeds with preferred topics. A team of Editors will curate news based on reading habits, with options to select categories like politics, business, sports, and entertainment, plus up to three regions from a choice of 12*.
Key features include Morning & Evening Briefings for curated news updates at the start and end of the day, Top Stories highlighting a handpicked selection of trending articles, and Subject Spotlights offering in-depth insights on specific news stories with diverse perspectives.
Seamless Integration with the Samsung Ecosystem
Samsung News is designed to work in harmony with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, adapting to users’ preferences and offering an intuitive reading experience. Whether catching up on the headlines over morning coffee or winding down with evening briefings, the app ensures effortless access to reliable journalism.
Stringent Editorial Standards with Human Oversight
Samsung News has established strict editorial guidelines to provide additional clarity and parity across US and UK standards. These are overseen by our experienced Editors, who have formed an editorial committee that ensures standards are upheld.
This team is also responsible for maintaining a diverse and balanced portfolio of publishers, tracking political leanings to ensure Samsung News remains neutral and using their judgement to curate credible and trustworthy content. Andrew Bailey, Editor-in-Chief, Samsung News, says: “There’s never been a greater need for accurate, verified, and balanced news that doesn’t live behind a paywall. Our goal with Samsung News is to offer Galaxy users a broad selection of free content from premium partners, including breaking news, deep-dives, and briefings hand-picked by our experienced news editors.
“Users will also be able to customise their feeds by following publishers and topics that interest them, such as Sport, Business and Entertainment. With diverse content from hundreds of sources, we aim to provide all sides of a story.”
David Rhodes, Executive Chairman, Sky News Group, says: “Sky News is trusted by millions for fast and accurate breaking news, deep analysis and insight and eyewitness journalism from around the world. We’re delighted, alongside our Sky Sports colleagues, to be partnering with Samsung News allowing us to bring millions more Galaxy users the full story, first.”
Samsung News will be rolled out to users as an update to Samsung Free, previously offering a variety of free multimedia content including TV, news, podcasts, and instant games. Users who already have the Samsung Free app on their device will see the icon change to Samsung News starting on 31st March 2025, when their apps are updated. All other users will be able to access the app by downloading directly from the Samsung Galaxy Store.
To experience a smarter way to stay updated, simply open Samsung News and start personalising your feed today. Or visit the Galaxy Store for further information.
*Regions include: London, South East, South West, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, North West, North East, Yorkshire & Humbar, East Midlands, West Midlands, and East of England.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
North Wales plays a vital role in the UK Government’s missions
Welsh Secretary visits businesses in the region to discuss their contributions to the UK Government’s clean energy and economic growth missions.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens at Wockhardt UK Ltd.
Welsh Secretary champions the value of innovative businesses in north Wales
Projects to reduce carbon emissions have potential to help deliver government’s net zero ambitions
Cutting-edge life science sector drives economic growth and contributes well paid jobs
The Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens has spent two days (10th & 11th April) in north Wales meeting leading businesses in the region and discussing their contributions to the UK Government’s clean energy and economic growth missions. The missions are cornerstones of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to raise living standards across the UK and put more money in people’s pockets.
At Heidelberg Materials’ cement works in Padeswood near Mold, the Secretary of State heard about a pioneering Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, which aims to decarbonize cement production and contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals.
Heidelberg Materials is proposing a £600 million plus investment at its Padeswood works which would enable it to capture up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and create around 50 new jobs.
At Enfinium’s Parc Adfer facility in Deeside, the Secretary of State saw how the plant today converts unrecyclable waste into energy and other useful products and the company showcased their plans to retrofit a Carbon Capture Plant.
The CCS project represents a £200 million investment in North Wales’s green economy and Enfinium estimates that it has the potential to actively remove up to 125,000t of carbon from the atmosphere each year from the organic material the plant already processes.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
It’s fantastic to see north Wales at the forefront of plans for Carbon Capture and Storage. It’s a technology that has huge potential for helping us achieve our net zero ambitions.
As part of our Plan for Change we want to encourage innovation and investment like that being shown by these North Wales companies, bringing economic growth as well as the well-paid secure jobs of the future.
Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK, said:
We were delighted to welcome Jo Stevens to Padeswood and to have the opportunity to showcase our plans for the site.
Our CCS project, which was granted planning permission earlier this month, would bring significant investment and opportunity to the region, boosting the north Wales economy and securing the long-term future of hundreds of skilled jobs.
Once operational, it would also provide net zero building materials for major projects across the country, setting the construction industry on a path to decarbonisation and helping the UK government meet its 2050 net zero targets.
Enfinium CEO Mike Maudsley said:
We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Wales to our Parc Adfer facility in Deeside, to discuss our plans to invest in the region and help grow the green economy in North Wales.
To deliver net zero, Wales and the UK needs to find a way to produce carbon removals at scale. Installing carbon capture at Parc Adfer will not only decarbonise Wales’s unrecyclable waste, but it will also transform the site into the largest carbon removal project in Wales.
While in north Wales the Secretary of State also saw cutting-edge businesses in the area’s life science sector.
Wockhardt UK Ltd is a subsidiary of a global pharmaceutical company which has its UK headquarters in Wrexham. The site also has a sterile injectable manufacturing facility which has been instrumental in producing the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine.
During her visit Jo Stevens toured the laboratory and manufacturing areas, met with apprentices, and discussed the company’s impact on the regional economy. She reiterated the UK Government’s commitment to supporting the life sciences sector and driving sustained economic growth through investment and innovation.
In her final engagement the Secretary of State for Wales visited Ipsen Biopharm, a global biopharmaceutical company with a neuroscience centre of excellence in Wrexham. She saw their work to develop and manufacture neurotoxins, which are used to treat people living with neurological conditions.
Ipsen has invested more than £100 million into its Wrexham site over the last three years, in order to expand its research and development (R&D) as well as manufacturing capabilities.The site uses 100% renewable energy across its production and research units.
Managing Director of Wockhardt UK Ltd Ravi Limaye said:
We were honoured to welcome the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, to our facility. Wockhardt has been in Wrexham for 21 years and has seen the town become a city and famous on the world stage.
We were involved in the COVID vaccine manufacture and are immensely proud of our dedicated staff who made this happen despite unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.
Jeannette Brend, Site Head at Ipsen in Wrexham, said:
Ipsen Wrexham manufactures products that are exported to patients in over 90 countries around the world. Wrexham is an important site for Ipsen, and we are proud to be a major employer in the local community and invest in the area.
We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to supporting the life sciences sector and hope that this will continue so innovation can keep flourishing.’’
Throughout her visits, the Secretary of State highlighted the UK Government’s priority of economic growth and clean energy, emphasizing the importance of investments in green technologies and life sciences to support regional development and job creation.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education said: “We understand how important getting into the right school is to parents and carers, and we want as many of our young people as possible to secure a place at one of their preferred schools.
“We work hard with our local providers to ensure as many children as possible are able to go to school where they want to, and it is pleasing that so many parents have secured places at one of their preferred schools.
“Waiting lists will be in operation over the coming months and any places will be made available as and when they become free, while parents and carers who are unhappy with the allocation made for their child will also have the opportunity to make an appeal if they wish, which will be considered by an independent panel.”
Any parents and carers of children due to start in reception class this autumn who haven’t applied for a place yet should do so immediately by calling the council’s school admissions team online via School admissions or by calling 01902 551122.
Meanwhile, parents and carers whose children will start their primary education in September 2026 are being encouraged to begin thinking about their preferred schools now.
Councillor Coogan added: “With demand for school places likely to be high again next year, I would like to remind parents and carers of pupils entering primary education in 2026 that they should submit their applications promptly when the window opens in November 2025 – as missing the deadline could significantly affect the chances of securing a place at their preferred school.”
Wheelchair users in Leeds are taking part in a skills course to build confidence and help them become more active.
The free course at Active Leeds’s Fearnville Leisure Centre is run by not-for-profit Experience Community, and is open to wheelchair users of all abilities, from novices to those seeking to learn advanced skills.
Rik Legge, general manager at Experience Community, said: “One of the barriers that can prevent wheelchair users from being more active is confidence. If a user does not feel skilled or confident to even leave the house, then the prospect of commuting into town independently is incredibly daunting.”
The course at Fearnville Leisure Centre is peer-led by the group’s disabled staff with lived experience of wheelchair use and is designed to help build skills and gain confidence.
Starting with basic aspects such as appropriate pushing techniques and manoeuvring in tight spaces, the course then looks at more complex situations such as negotiating uneven terrain, curbs, cambers and cobbles.
William Macpherson, peer lead for the course, said: “The world is not designed for wheelchair users, so we could be talking about anything from manoeuvring techniques, right through to managing slopes, curbs and steps. Our courses have benefited individuals in many different ways, including increasing confidence to do things such as carrying objects around their own home or other spaces, leaving the house when they normally wouldn’t, going to the shops independently, and spending more time outside with family and friends.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Improving the confidence and skills in wheelchair users is so important. Everyone should feel able to enjoy time outdoors and with friends and family, without feeling limited by their chair. I’d encourage anyone interested to take part in the course for the next few weeks!”
Details of projects in Dundee that will receive a share of £20millionof UK Government funding are set to be outlined to councillors.
A committee convener is welcoming the award, stressing it is the result of direct lobbying by the council and reflects on the city’s successful record of project delivery.
The city was allocated the cash by the former Levelling Up Partnership, which is now named the Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP) under theMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the city council and MHCLG outlining the expected delivery approach for the CRP.
Some of the projects included are:
• Life Sciences Innovation District (Protein Degradation Centre) £2m
• Legal Tech Education and Incubator Facility £1.1m
• Central Waterfront Phase 3 Office Development £3m
• Historic Buildings Renewal Fund £2m
• Fabric First Grant Fund £1m
• Eastern Quarter Improvements £1m
• Dundee Museum of Transport £1.2m
• Dundee & Angus College Future Skills Programme £4.5m
• Dundee & Angus College Social/ Health Care Facility £500,000
• Drug and Rehabilitation Infrastructure £500,000
• Community Facilities Grant Scheme £2.5m
The city council will be the lead authority for the programme delivery which includes standalone capital projects by the council or third partner parties, challenge funds where organisations and firms are invited to bid, and revenue investment.
Projects are grouped under one of three themes: Accelerating Dundee’s Business Ambitions, Enhancing the City Centre and Bridging the Divide.
The programme will be outlined to the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee at its meeting on April 21.
Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “We welcome thisfundingand I am pleased to see the work that has been ongoing to distribute it to projects across the city that have been identified and agreed with the UK Government.
“The council and its partners want this investment to make a real difference Dundee and its people, so this programme boosts our economy and offers new opportunities for them.
“The council successfully lobbied for this money and was able to prove a long track record of major project delivery.
“I am excited to see this programme move onto the next stages and really enhance our city’s prospects for the future.”
Results of Consultation around Drumgeith Community Campus
The results of a major consultation exercise over delivery of community services in the North East and East End of Dundee will be discussed by councillors next week.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
News story
G7 foreign ministers’ statement marking 2 years since the beginning of Sudan war
G7 foreign ministers gave a joint statement marking 2 years since the beginning of the war in Sudan.
Joint statement:
We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, unequivocally denounce the ongoing conflict, atrocities and grave human rights violations and abuses in Sudan, as the world marks two years since the beginning of the devastating war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
As a direct result of the actions of the SAF and the RSF, the people of Sudan, especially women and children, are enduring the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises, and continued atrocities, including widespread conflict-related sexual violence, ethnically motivated attacks and reprisal killings. These must end immediately.
We strongly condemn the RSF attacks carried out in and around El Fasher on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk IDP camps, which have caused numerous casualties, including humanitarian workers. Civilians must be protected and allowed safe passage.
As famine continues to spread across Sudan, G7 members are disturbed by reports of the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and reiterate that such actions are prohibited under international humanitarian law.
We call on the warring parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration, which include the crucial responsibility to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military targets.
We call on all parties to the conflict to lift impediments to effective crossline humanitarian assistance, provide assurances of safety and security for local and international humanitarian actors, and allow humanitarian access through all border crossings into Sudan, including through South Sudan and Chad. We recognize the important role of Emergency Response Rooms in providing for and protecting civilians and call for their protection. We further call on all parties to refrain from attacks on critical infrastructure that civilians rely upon, including dams and telecommunications systems.
We call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and urge both the SAF and the RSF to engage meaningfully in serious, constructive negotiations. All external actors must cease any support that further fuels the conflict, in accordance with the Declaration of Principles adopted at the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries in Paris in 2024 and the United Nations arms embargo on Darfur. We condemn all violations and unlawful attacks by the SAF, the RSF, and their allied militias.
For sustainable peace in Sudan, any resolution to the conflict must be rooted in the voices of Sudanese civilians. Women, youth, and civil society must be meaningfully included in all peace processes.
We reaffirm our support for a democratic transition and express our solidarity with the people of Sudan in their efforts to shape the future of their country that reflects their aspirations for freedom, peace and justice.
The sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan are paramount.
G7 members remain committed to deepening collective diplomatic efforts to bring about an end to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and secure an end to the conflict, including through the London Sudan Conference.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK House Price Index for February 2025
The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The February data shows:
on average, house prices haven’t changed since January 2025
there has been an annual price rise of 5.4% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £268,000
England
In England the February data shows, on average, house prices rose by 0.3% since January 2025. The annual price rise of 5.3% takes the average property value to £292,000.
Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 1.6%
London saw the greatest monthly price fall, with a fall of -1.1%
The North West experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 8%
London saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 1.7%
The regional data for England indicates that:
Price change by region for England
Region
Average price February 2025
Annual change % since February 2024
Monthly change % since January 2025
East Midlands
£241,000
6
0.4
East of England
£338,000
4.2
0
London
£556,000
1.7
-1.1
North East
£160,000
7.9
0.4
North West
£212,000
8
0.7
South East
£385,000
4.6
-0.3
South West
£308,000
3.9
0.7
West Midlands
£247,000
6
1.1
Yorkshire and the Humber
£205,000
7.5
1.6
Repossession sales by volume for England
The lowest number of repossession sales in December 2024 was in the South West, West Midlands and East Midlands.
The highest number of repossession sales in December 2024 was in the North West and London.
Repossession sales
December 2024
East Midlands
1
East of England
3
London
14
North East
11
North West
14
South East
6
South West
1
West Midlands
1
Yorkshire and the Humber
8
England
59
Average price by property type for England
Property type
Feb 2025
Feb 2024
Difference %
Detached
£471,000
£447,000
5.3
Semi-detached
£286,000
£270,000
6.1
Terraced
£242,000
£228,000
6.1
Flat/maisonette
£226,000
£220,000
2.8
All
£292,000
£277,000
5.3
Funding and buyer status for England
Transaction type
Average price February 2025
Annual price change % since February 2024
Monthly price change % since January 2025
Cash
£278,000
4.8
0.4
Mortgage
£297,000
5.5
0.3
First-time buyer
£245,000
5.7
0.4
Former owner occupier
£353,000
4.9
0.2
Building status for England
Building status*
Average price December 2024
Annual price change % since December 2023
Monthly price change % since November 2024
New build
£447,000
30
6.9
Existing resold property
£285,000
3.1
-0.2
*Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.
London
London shows, on average, house prices decreased by 1.1% since January 2025. House prices have shown an annual price increase of 1.7% meaning the average price of a property is £556,000.
Average price by property type for London
Property type
February 2025
February 2024
Difference %
Detached
£1,143,000
£1,099,000
3.9
Semi-detached
£705,000
£678,000
4
Terraced
£629,000
£608,000
3.4
Flat/maisonette
£442,000
£442,000
-0.1
All
£556,000
£546,000
1.7
Funding and buyer status for London
Transaction type
Average price February 2025
Annual price change % since February 2024
Monthly price change % since January 2025
Cash
£589,000
-0.4
-1.7
Mortgage
£549,000
2.4
-1
First-time buyer
£478,000
1.8
-1.1
Former owner occupier
£688,000
1.6
-1.2
Building status for London
Building status*
Average price December 2024
Annual price change % since December 2023
Monthly price change % since November 2024
New build
£598,000
22.6
4.7
Existing resold property
£552,000
0
-1.2
*Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.
Wales
Wales shows, on average, house prices fell by 0.7% since January 2025. An annual price increase of 4.1% takes the average property value to £207,000.
There were 6 repossession sales for Wales in December 2024.
Average price by property type for Wales
Property type
February 2025
February 2024
Difference %
Detached
£324,000
£315,000
3.1
Semi-detached
£206,000
£197,000
4.5
Terraced
£165,000
£157,000
4.7
Flat/maisonette
£132,000
£127,000
3.3
All
£207,000
£199,000
4.1
Funding and buyer status for Wales
Transaction type
Average price February 2025%
Annual price change % since February 2024
Monthly price change % since January 2024
Cash
£207,000
3.3
-1.1
Mortgage
£208,000
4.4
-0.6
First-time buyer
£178,000
4.6
-0.9
Former owner occupier
£248,000
3.5
-0.9
Building status for Wales
Building status*
Average price December 2024
Annual price change % since December 2023
Monthly price change % since November 2024
New build
£381,000
27.8
9.4
Existing resold property
£204,000
1.8
0.6
*Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.
UK house prices
UK house prices rose by 5.4% in the year to February 2025, up from the revised estimate of 4.8% in the 12 months to January 2025. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK remain unchanged between January 2025 and February 2025, compared with a decrease of 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (January 2024 and February 2024).
The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in February 2025, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 108,000. This is 28.1% higher than a year ago (February 2025). Between January 2025 and February 25, UK transactions increased by 13% on a seasonally adjusted basis.
House price monthly increase was highest in Yorkshire and the Humber where prices increased by 2.3% in the year to January 2025. The highest annual growth was in the North West, where prices increased by 8% in the year to February 2025.
The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.
We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the March 2025 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 21 May 2025. See calendar of release dates.
We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
We take the UK Property Transaction statistics from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
RSH takes enforcement action against Pivotal Housing Association
RSH is using its powers to make PHA commission an independent review and develop a clear action plan for agreement with the regulator.
RSH has published an enforcement notice for Pivotal Housing Association (PHA) to make it take prompt actions to address serious failures and manage itself effectively.
PHA, a lease-based provider of specialised supported housing, has failed to ensure it has access to sufficient liquidity and can manage significant risks to its viability both in the short and longer term. This could put the social homes it owns and manages and the quality of services it delivers at risk.
In 2021 RSH concluded PHA was not delivering the outcomes of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard, and the Rent Standard.
Since then, RSH has engaged intensively with PHA, however it has been unable or unwilling to resolve the issues and meet the regulatory standards.
RSH is using its powers to make PHA commission an independent review and develop a clear action plan for agreement with the regulator.
PHA must review risks and liabilities to determine whether it can remain solvent, tenant safety and management of potential conflicts of interests.
Jonathan Walters, Deputy Chief Executive of RSH, said:
We are prepared to use powers where landlords are unable or unwilling to address issues to protect social homes and tenants’ interests.
PHA is exposed to significant financial risks due to the type of lease structures it has entered into. It must address its access to liquidity urgently and agree a plan with us to ensure it can be properly managed and viable for the longer term.
We expect PHA to co-operate fully with our direction.
Notes to editors
A registered provider is responsible for ensuring that it manages itself effectively, achieves the standards set by the regulator, and engages positively with the regulator’s regulatory framework. Where a failure against a standard or other problem has been identified, the regulator expects a registered provider to respond in a prompt and effective manner. It may be necessary for the regulator to step in and exercise its powers under section 219 of the Act when a provider fails to do so.
Sections 219 to 225 of the Act allow the regulator to require a registered provider to take specified action to resolve a specified failure or other problem by issue of an enforcement notice. The regulator has published guidance on its use of this power which can be found here.
The Regulatory Standards that registered providers of social housing are required to meet can be found here together with our approach to regulating the standards.
A registered provider given an enforcement notice may appeal against it to the High Court pursuant to the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.
RSH may withdraw the enforcement notice at any time by giving notice to PHA. Should PHA fail to comply with this enforcement notice, RSH will consider exercising other regulatory or enforcement powers.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Commenting on the answer to an Assembly question he received, TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston said:
“The spend on the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels – over £6.7 million since the UK voted to leave the EU – will doubtless cause many to raise eyebrows, not least because I am sure I am not alone in not being clear as to what it actually does.
“Such a large investment of public money is something we would expect to see more openness about. It would appear to me that in relation to this – as with so much in the Executive Office – there is little regard for public money.
“I also cannot help but contrast this lavish spend on the Executive’s Brussels office with the fact that InterTrade UK – which was heralded by the DUP as a major achievement to address the challenges posed by the Protocol – doesn’t have offices, has no independent budget and no staff.
“This spend is something I intend to prob further in the Executive Office Committee”.
Note to editors
Mr Gaston’s question and the answer received are as follows:
Mr Timothy Gaston Traditional Unionist Voice North AntrimTabled Date: 06/02/2025 Answered On Date: 11/04/2025 Priority Written: No
Question: To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the cost of the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels in each year of its operation.
Answer:
The cost of the Northern Ireland Executive Office from 2008 to 2024 is set out in the table below. Finance Branch have advised that they can only provide a record from 2008. The Office does not have any records pre-2008 as these records would have been paper files and were disposed of in accordance with the retention schedule, which is seven years for financial records.
The section 13 report was completed under specific 2014 legislation on public service pensions. The Government Actuary is required to review the fund’s actuarial valuation and report on GAD’s findings on each of the 4 aims prescribed by the legislation:
compliance
consistency
solvency
long-term cost efficiency
Report results
GAD’s analysis of the LGPS NI found the funding position of the fund has remained broadly stable since 31 March 2019, maintaining its relatively strong financial position. Its total assets have grown from £8.0 billion in 2019 to £10.2 billion in 2022.
Our assessment includes recommendations on the treatment of surpluses. This recognises the importance of balancing intergenerational fairness with the priority of maintaining stability of contributions when setting employer contribution rates.
GAD actuary Garth Foster co-wrote the report. He said: “The section 13 report provides an overview of the valuation, and the general health, of the LGPS NI scheme. GAD’s analysis has identified areas of success, but also recognises the importance of continuing vigilance around the general risks affecting the scheme.”
Scheme details
The LGPS NI is comprised of a single fund – the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee pension fund (‘NILGOSC’). LGPS scheme employers include local authorities, schools, colleges, housing associations, and other associated bodies.
This report is based on:
the 2022 actuarial valuation of the NILGOSC pension fund
data provided by the fund
information provided by Aon – the fund’s actuarial advisers.
This is the third section 13 report of the LGPS NI; previous assessments were undertaken in 2016 and 2019.
From dire wolves to woolly mammoths, the idea of resurrecting extinct species has captured the public imagination. Colossal Biosciences, the Dallas-based biotech company leading the charge, has made headlines for ambitious efforts to bring back long-lost animals using cutting edge genetic engineering.
It recently announced the birth of pups with key traits of dire wolves, an iconic predator last seen roaming North America more than 10,000 years ago. This followed on the heels of earlier project announcements focused on the woolly mammoth and the thylacine. This all fuels a sense that de-extinction is not only possible but imminent.
But as the science advances, a deeper question lingers: how close must the result be to count as a true return? If we can only recover fragments of an extinct creature’s genome – and must build the rest with modern substitutes – is that really de-extinction, or are we simply creating lookalikes?
To the public, de-extinction often evokes images of Jurassic Park-style resurrection: a recreation of a lost animal, reborn into the modern world. In scientific circles, however, the term encompasses a variety of techniques: selective breeding, cloning, and increasingly, synthetic biology through genome editing. Synthetic biology is a field that involves redesigning systems found in nature.
Scientists have used selective breeding of modern cattle in attempts to recreate an animal that resembles the auroch, the wild ancestor of today’s breeds. Cloning has been used to briefly bring back the pyrenean ibex, which went extinct in 2000. In 2003, a Spanish team brought a cloned calf to term, but the animal died a few minutes after birth.
This is often cited as the first example of de-extinction. However, the only preserved tissue was from one female animal, meaning it could not have been used to bring back a viable population. Colossal’s work falls into the synthetic biology category.
These approaches differ in method but share a common goal: to restore a species that has been lost. In most cases, what emerges is not an exact genetic copy of the extinct species, but a proxy: a modern organism engineered to resemble its ancestor in function or appearance.
Take the case of the woolly mammoth. Colossal’s project aims to create a cold-adapted Asian elephant that can fulfil the mammoth’s former ecological role. But mammoths and Asian elephants diverged hundreds of thousands of years ago and differ by an estimated 1.5 million genetic variants. Editing all of these is, for now, impossible. Instead, scientists are targeting a few dozen genes linked to key traits like cold resistance, fat storage and hair growth.
Compare that to humans and chimpanzees. Despite a genetic similarity of around 98.8%, the behavioural and physical differences between the two are huge. If comparatively small genetic gaps can produce such major differences, what can we expect when editing only a tiny fraction of the differences between two species? It’s a useful rule of thumb when assessing recent claims.
As discussed in a previous article, Colossal’s dire wolf project involved just 20 genetic edits. These were introduced into the genome of a gray wolf to mimic key traits of the extinct dire wolf. The resulting animals may look the part, but with so few changes, they are genetically much closer to modern wolves than their prehistoric namesake.
Colossal’s ambitions extend beyond mammoths and dire wolves. The company is also working to revive the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), a carnivorous marsupial that was once native to mainland Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. The last example died at Hobart Zoo in 1936. Colossal is using a genetic relative called the fat-tailed dunnart – a tiny marsupial – as the foundation. The goal is to engineer the dunnart’s genome to express traits found in thylacines. The team says it is developing an artificial uterus device to carry the engineered foetus.
Colossal also has a project to revive the dodo, a flightless bird that roamed Mauritius until the 1600s. That project will use the Nicobar pigeon, one of the dodo’s closest living relatives, as a basis for genetic reconstruction.
In each case, the company relies on a partial blueprint: incomplete ancient DNA, and then uses the powerful genome editing tool Crispr to edit specific differences into the genome of a closely related living species. The finished animals, if born, may resemble their extinct counterparts in outward appearance and some behaviour – but they will not be genetically identical. Rather, they will be hybrids, mosaics or functional stand-ins.
That doesn’t negate the value of these projects. In fact, it might be time to update our expectations. If the goal is to restore ecological roles, not to perfectly recreate extinct genomes, then these animals may still serve important functions. But it also means we must be precise in our language. These are synthetic creations, not true returns.
Technology to prevent extinction
There are more grounded examples of near-de-extinction work – most notably the northern white rhinoceros. Only two females remain alive today, and both are infertile. Scientists are working to create viable embryos using preserved genetic material and surrogate mothers from closely related rhino species. This effort involves cloning and assisted reproduction, with the aim of restoring a population genetically identical to the original.
Unlike the mammoth or the thylacine, the northern white rhino still has living representatives and preserved cells. That makes it a fundamentally different case – more conservation biology than synthetic biology. But it shows the potential of this technology when deployed toward preservation, not reconstruction.
Gene editing also holds promise for helping endangered species by using it to introduce genetic diversity into a population, eliminate harmful mutations from species or enhance resilience to disease or climate change. In this sense, the tools of de-extinction may ultimately serve to prevent extinctions, rather than reverse them.
So where does that leave us? Perhaps we need new terms: synthetic proxies, ecological analogues or engineered restorations. These phrases might lack the drama of “de-extinction” but they are closer to the scientific reality.
After all, these animals are not coming back from the dead – they are being invented, piece by piece, from what the past left behind. In the end, it may not matter whether we call them mammoths or woolly elephants, dire wolves or designer dogs. What matters is how we use this power – whether to heal broken ecosystems, to preserve the genetic legacy of vanishing species or simply to prove that we can.
But we should at least be honest: what we’re witnessing isn’t resurrection. It’s reimagination.
Timothy Hearn, Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics, Anglia Ruskin University
Scientists comment on China being approved to access half a million UK Biobank GP records.
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair, Medical Research Council (MRC; a founding funder of UK Biobank), said:
“UK Biobank is an exceptional resource for global health researchers, and the MRC is proud to be one of its original and ongoing funders. It was set up to enable international research, allowing scientists from around the world to apply for secure access to anonymised data from half a million volunteer participants, driving impactful scientific discoveries that shape the future of population health.”
“The findings coming out of UK Biobank-powered research are a testament to their managed access model which allows researchers internationally to accelerate the discovery of new drug targets, treatments and diagnostics. Their data protection procedures are comprehensive, and we have full confidence in how these are implemented.”
Prof Sir John Hardy, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, said:
“Making data freely available is what drives progress and as long as confidentiality is maintained we should see this in that light. It is unfortunate that US and Chinese researchers are the major users of these data but this reflects the bureaucratic and financial hurdles facing UK researchers which limited their effective access. That is what we need to change”
THOUSANDS of children across the city will be offered a place at a primary school today, with 96% of Leicester children gaining a place at their first-choice school, and 99% getting a place at one of their top three preferred schools.
Today (16 April) is National Offer Day, when children up and down the country learn which primary school they will attend from the 2025/26 academic year.
A total of 3,740 on-time applications were received from families in Leicester.
Online applicants – who made up 89% of all applications – can to log on to the website and see their offers from midnight on national offer day, 16 April 2025. Emails will also be sent out on offer day, with letters posted out to the home addresses of all applicants within two to three days.
Cllr Elaine Pantling, assistant city mayor for education, said: “We know that starting school for the first time can be an anxious time for families, and our aim is always to take away as much of the stress from the process as possible, which is why we’re always really pleased that we manage to provide chosen school places for the vast majority of people who apply to us on time. We have made sure that, once again, no-one who applies on time is without a place.”
Only 38 applicants did not gain a place at one of their preferred schools. Families are strongly encouraged to use all of the four preferences they are entitled to when applying for school, as the main reason these families were not offered a place at one of their preferred schools was because they had made one choice only.
SYDNEY, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi participated in the 2025 Invest Cuffs conference, which took place on March 28-29, 2025, at the ICE Kraków Congress Center, in Kraków, Poland.
Event attendees had the opportunity to explore the Axi brand, and their products and services, learn more about their yearslong partnership with Premier League Champions, Man City, as well as win exciting prizes and snap exclusive photos with Man City’s Premier League memorabilia and the club’s mascot, brought in especially for the event.
Santiago Vazquez-Munoz, Regional Head, UK, Europe, and LatAm at Axi, shared his excitement for the event, “We extend our appreciation to the event organisers for a seamless conference experience, and to all event attendees who visited our booth to meet with our team. Our pledge has remained unchanged over the years: to provide our clients with the ultimate edge to maximise every trading opportunity. We were thrilled to showcase Axi’s exceptional trading conditions to those in attendance and demonstrate how they can sharpen their trading performance with us.”
Further to the long-standing partnership with Premier League club, Manchester City FC, the broker also partners with LaLiga club, Girona FC, Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia, and named England international John Stones as their Brand Ambassador in 2023. In 2024, the broker was recognised with the ‘Most Reliable Broker – Europe’ award at the 2024 Global Forex Awards, emphasising the broker’s commitment to transparency in the trading industry.
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About Axi
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Man charged with multiple offences in relation to evade incident that concluded in Blackmans Bay
Wednesday, 16 April 2025 – 2:57 pm.
Police have charged a 32-year-old man from Blackmans Bay with multiple offences following an evade incident that concluded in Blackmans Bay yesterday. The man was charged with offences including evade police (aggravated circumstances) and common assault. He was remanded to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
Ara Institute of Canterbury and The Housing Innovation Society (THIS) have partnered to bring the biennial Coho Hui 2025 to Ōtautahi for 2025.
The conference-dedicated to advancing collective housing in Aotearoa- is being held at Kahukura, Ara’s academic hub for engineering and architecture studies on April 16 and 17.
With the theme of “The Future of Housing”, Coho Hui 2025 is bringing together academics, industry leaders and housing professionals to discuss solutions aimed at redefining urban living and tackling systemic housing challenges.
It’s the first time the event has come to Ara thanks to the efforts of conference organiser Irene Boles, a senior academic in engineering and architecture at the institute.
Boles said she was excited to bring the leading experts together along with 100 delegates, for academic sessions, workshops and site visits.
“The rich perspectives our guest experts will be sharing, and the conversations our workshops will generate, will bring diverse ideas and new knowledge to Aotearoa, informing the collective housing movement here,” she said.
Boles said academic research presented at Coho Hui will be considered for a special issue of the Urbanisation, Sustainability and Society (USS) Journal published by Emerald Publishing.
Opening the conference, Ara’s Dean of Faculty of Applied Technology, Academic, Innovation and Research Division Peter Sauer said Ara’s values aligned with the aims of Coho Hui.
“As we look to the future, we understand that the needs of our learners, community and industry are changing quicker than we have ever seen before. We are working at pace to understand and meet those needs as we strive for academic excellence,” Sauer said.
THIS chair James Winter said community housing in New Zealand was still emerging compared to efforts achieved in other parts of the world.
“Our goal with this fourth Coho Hui is to bring further awareness to the sector and hopefully see more collective housing projects take off in Aotearoa,” he said in his opening remarks.
The conference features a powerhouse lineup of speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the conversation on housing innovation.
They include keynotes from Professor Louise Crabtree-Hayes (Western Sydney University, Australia) and Dr Tom Moore (University of Liverpool, UK).
Crabtree-Hayes will discuss the state of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in Australia, exploring how these models ensure permanently affordable housing and what policy support they need to thrive.
Moore will share his research on community-led housing, touching on the challenges black and minority ethnic communities face, as well as policy lessons from Northern Ireland and innovative approaches to neighborhood transformation.
Delegates will also visit three unique housing developments in Christchurch on Thursday April 17, each showcasing a different approach to community-led living: Papakāinga at Rāpaki, a Māori-led housing initiative; Te Pākau Maru in New Brighton, designed for community sustainability; and Peterborough Village, a central city collective housing neighborhood focused on urban regeneration.
Boles wanted to acknowledge the event’s sponsors Abodo Wood Ltd, The Urban Advisory, and 26Aroha for helping to make the hui possible.