Minister says government will not ‘sweep away’ NI Brexit protocol, but renews demands for major changesThe UK will not “sweep away” the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol, despite renewed calls for its abolition by the Democratic Unionist party, the Brex…
Give pupils Covid jab to prevent virus running through UK, expert says
Sage scientist’s call comes after JCVI says net health benefit in giving jabs to 12- to 15-year-olds is too smallCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSchoolchildren should be given the Covid vaccine to avoid allowing the virus to…
Young country diary: searching for an adder with my eagle eyes
Colne Pointe nature reserve, Essex: These shy and mysterious animals are one of my favourites, but I had never seen one beforeAs a trainee zoologist, I love all animals, but I really love snakes! I’d never seen a wild adder, so when we went on an adven…
HGV driver shortage: UK firms embark on the long road to plug the gap
Logistics sector ups its recruitment and training effort but big obstacles lie aheadFor an insight into the hottest spot in Britain’s jobs market, an industrial estate on the outskirts of Bristol is a good place to start.There, at a logistics depot on …
Anxiety and biscuits: the climate cafes popping up around the world
Organisers say showing people they are not alone in their fears is key to instigating climate actionKathy Kilmer tried bringing up the climate crisis twice at a recent dinner party, but it didn’t go well. Guests quickly turned the conversation to other…
Electric cars: Ofgem plans easier way for drivers to sell energy back to grid
Proposal by Great Britain’s regulator is to help make the switch from fossil fuel cars more affordableOfgem plans to make it easier for electric vehicle drivers to sell the energy stored in their car batteries back to power grid as part of a move to he…
Lockdown weight gain puts more at risk of type 2 diabetes, NHS study finds
People asking the NHS for weight-loss help are on average 2.27kg heavier than those during the previous three yearsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageWeight gained during the pandemic is putting more people at higher risk of de…
Hilary Mantel: I am ashamed to live in nation that elected this government
Double Booker prize winner tells La Repubblica she may take Irish citizenship to feel European againHilary Mantel has said she feels “ashamed” by the UK government’s treatment of migrants and asylum seekers and is intending to become an Irish citizen t…
PM’s ex-aide blames Whitehall staff for Covid ‘mixed messages’
Lee Cain says pandemic exposed a communications system ill equipped for the 21st centuryCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson’s former director of communications has blamed a lack of expertise in Whitehall for the go…
‘Chaos’ in No 10 as Johnson finalises social care funding plan
Growing backlash from cabinet ministers and MPs after leaks about plan for national insurance riseBoris Johnson is expected to make a final decision over the weekend about whether to press ahead with his controversial social care funding plan, in the f…