WASHINGTON — British political commentator Sami Hamdi is going to voluntarily leave the U.S. after spending more than two weeks in immigration detention over what his supporters say was his criticism of Israel. The Trump administration has accused him of cheering on Hamas.
Hamdi, who is Muslim, was on a speaking tour in the U.S. when he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 26. He had just addressed the annual gala for the Sacramento chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, the day before his arrest.
In a statement late Monday, the organization said Hamdi had “chosen to accept an offer to leave the United States voluntarily.”
“It is this simple: Sami never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell. His only real ‘offense’ was speaking clearly about Israel’s genocidal war crimes against Palestinians,” said the chief executive of CAIR’s California chapter, Hussam Ayloush, in a statement.
Hamdi’s detention was part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to identify and potentially expel thousands of foreigners in the United States who it says have either fomented or participated in unrest or publicly supported protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Those enforcement actions have been criticized by civil rights groups as violations of constitutional protections for freedom of speech, which apply to anyone in the United States and not just to American citizens.
Zahra Billoo, executive director of CAIR’s San Francisco office, said Tuesday that the logistics of Hamdi’s departure were still being worked out but that it might happen later this week. Billoo said there were “no conditions to the voluntary departure” and that he’s not barred from seeking another U.S. visa in the future.
CAIR said Hamdi’s charging document in immigration court did not accuse him of criminal conduct or security concerns but only listed a visa overstay, which they blamed on the government revoking his visa.
Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, said in a statement Tuesday that Hamdi had requested voluntary departure and “ICE is happily arranging his removal from this country.”
The State Department said due to “visa record confidentiality,” it could not comment on specific cases.
CAIR has said that Hamdi, 35, was detained in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during a U.S. speaking tour.
The Department of Homeland Security said at the time of Hamdi’s arrest that the State Department had revoked his visa and that ICE had put him in immigration proceedings. Homeland Security later accused him of supporting the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel.
In a statement at the time, McLaughlin cited remarks he made in a video posted online shortly after the Hamas-led attack in which he asked: “How many of you felt it in your hearts when you got the news that it happened? How many of you felt the euphoria? Allah akbar.”
Hamdi said later his intent was not to praise the attacks but to suggest that the violence was “a natural consequence of the oppression that is being put on the Palestinians.”
The State Department has not said specifically what Hamdi said or did that initiated the revocation but in a post on X the department said: “The United States has no obligation to host foreigners” whom the administration deems to “support terrorism and actively undermine the safety of Americans. We continue to revoke the visas of persons engaged in such activity.”
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The U.K. Royal Navy flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, is now carrying 24 F-35B fighters — the largest number of the jets to go aboard either of the U.K.’s two aircraft carriers, or any ship, for that matter. All 24 of the jets are British, a significant achievement for the British F-35 force, which has long faced questions about the feasibility of deploying a meaningful number of the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) jets at sea, without U.S. Marine Corps aircraft making up the numbers.
The Royal Navy announced today that the 24 British F-35Bs were aboard HMS Prince of Walesfor planned multinational maneuvers in the Mediterranean, called Exercise Falcon Strike. The service has not so far published photos showing all the jets on deck, instead posting imagery from Operation Highmast, the eight-month cruise that took the carrier to the Indo-Pacific region.
HMS Prince of Wales entered the Mediterranean, via the Suez Canal, around a week ago. Six additional British F-35Bs embarked in the carrier once it had arrived in the Med, flying from their base at RAF Marham in England.
A pair of F-35Bs landing on board HMS Prince of Wales during Operation Highmast in May 2025. Crown Copyright
As part of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group, the conventionally powered HMS Prince of Wales is accompanied by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, the replenishment tanker RFA Tidespring, and several allied ships. A Royal Navy Astute class nuclear-powered attack submarine is normally also part of the Carrier Strike Group.
For Exercise Falcon Strike, the U.K. Carrier Strike Group is joined by the Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo, as well as Norwegian warships, for what are Italian Navy-led air and maritime maneuvers.
Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group, said that Falcon Strike is “a real demonstration of the warfighting readiness” of the group.
The British F-35Bs on the carrier are from the two frontline units, the Royal Air Force’s No. 617 Squadron and the Royal Navy’s 809 Naval Air Squadron, as well as from the training unit, No. 207 Squadron, RAF, which serves as the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).
Well done to everyone at Marham for making this happen. Whilst it did require the rather unprecedented deployment of the OCU to achieve a totemic milestone, it has readily demonstrated that our Carriers can be reinforced anywhere in the NATO region in a matter of hours. https://t.co/eIWNIyKkLX
It’s notable that, in the past, larger F-35B complements on U.K. carriers were assisted by detaching U.S. Marine Corps aircraft during these cruises.
For example, in 2021, HMS Queen Elizabeth deployed with a Marine Corps-augmented air wing. On that occasion, eight F-35Bs from No. 617 Squadron were joined by 10 from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, the “long.” This total is still smaller than the current F-35B complement for Exercise Falcon Strike.
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B operates from HMS Queen Elizabeth during the U.K. Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment. Crown Copyright POPhot Jay Allen
The number of F-35Bs now on HMS Prince of Wales is also bigger than has been deployed aboard any amphibious assault ship by the Marine Corps. Back in 2022, the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) hosted 20 of the jets during a test of the “Lightning Carrier” concept. This is based upon essentially turning a big-deck “Gator Navy” amphibious assault ship into a light aircraft carrier, packed with F-35Bs.
A J-35 launches from the Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian. PLAN
Having a larger number of F-35Bs on board the British carrier means that HMS Prince of Wales can contribute more to Falcon Strike, which also involves air assets from France, Greece, Italy, and the United States.
More importantly, a carrier deployment with 24 British F-35Bs is a major requirement for the declaration of full operating capability for the U.K. Carrier Strike capability, once planned for 2023, then delayed to the end of this year. A 24-aircraft total is the minimum required for this declaration, with the Queen Elizabeth class having the capacity to embark more jets, if required.
The move toward full operating capability is also welcome, considering recent criticism of the British F-35 program.
Last week, the U.K.’s Public Accounts Committee released its latest report on the program. Among others, this highlighted the effects of a lack of overall investment in the program. According to the report, cost-cutting measures have had an adverse impact on the F-35B’s capability, availability to fly, and value for money.
To date, the United Kingdom has only placed firm orders for 48 F-35Bs. The previous Conservative government confirmed it was negotiating to buy another 27 F-35Bs for delivery by 2033. However, this batch of 27 jets will now be divided between F-35As (12) and F-35Bs (15). The conventional takeoff and landing F-35A offers a number of advantages, including being cheaper, possessing a bigger weapons bay, having a nuclear capability, and improved performance in many scenarios. However, it cannot embark on a carrier.
Most analysts consider that many more than 48 F-35Bs would be required to meet the ambition of 24 jets available for the baseline Carrier Strike mission, across two carriers, as opposed to just one. Considering training and other demands, a figure of 60-70 jets is generally thought to be reasonable. It is for this reason that U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs have been relied upon to make up the required aircraft numbers during carrier cruises.
Officially, at least, the U.K. Ministry of Defense says that it still expects to procure 138 F-35s over the lifetime of the program. However, this total now includes at least 12 F-35As. Having a smaller pool of F-35Bs will also put more strain on the fleet of STOVL jets that are required for missions aboard the carriers.
“The new fast jets will be based at RAF Marham, with the Government expected to procure 138 F35s over the lifetime of the programme.” Everything else aside, this is about as clear a commitment to the UK’s full programme of record as you’re ever going to get……
Whatever the final F-35B numbers, the Royal Navy is increasingly looking to the potential of uncrewed aircraft to bolster its carrier air wings. The Royal Navy hopes that a combination of drones and long-range weapons will help to make a more balanced ‘hybrid carrier air wing,’ as you can read about here.
In 2023, the Royal Navy revealed details of its plan to fit its two carriers with assisted launch systems and recovery gear, enabling operations by a variety of fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft and, potentially, also conventional takeoff and landing crewed types.
“We are looking to move from STOVL to STOL, then to STOBAR [short takeoff but arrested recovery], and then to CATOBAR [catapult assisted takeoff but arrested recovery],” Col. Phil Kelly, the Royal Navy’s Head of Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation, told the Combined Naval Event conference in 2023. “We are looking at a demonstrable progression that spreads out the financial cost and incrementally improves capability.”
A General Atomics rendering of a catapult-equipped HMS Prince of Wales with a Gambit-series drone ready to launch. The rendering also depicts an air wing that includes carrier-capable MQ-9B drones fitted with a STOL kit, as well as F-35Bs. GA-ASI
By the time a British carrier makes its next scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific, planned for 2029, the Ministry of Defense hopes that it will include some kind of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This aspiration was laid out by First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins earlier this year, when he said he wanted to “launch the first jet-powered collaborative platform drone as a concept demonstrator off a Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier” before the end of 2026.
Nevertheless, for the foreseeable future, the F-35B remains the cornerstone of the carrier air wing’s strike capability. Putting the largest number of the stealth jets on a Royal Navy carrier is a visible demonstration of the aircraft’s central role and underscores the British F-35Bs’ progress, despite lingering concerns over final aircraft numbers and other criticisms of the program.
The new system will gradually be introduced as part of an upgrade to border control operations at airports across the Schengen area, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and more
Tenerife has begun to implement a new system for non-EU travellers(Image: Getty Images)
Tenerife South, a holiday hotspot that welcomes around three million Brits each year, has started rolling out a new system for some travellers. The new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced, which could require non-EU citizens to register their biometric data, including face photographs and fingerprint scans, at the border.
The scheme is being launched across many airports in the Schengen area to help alleviate long queues at passport control. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, the EES will be gradually implemented across the region, but won’t be fully operational until April 10, 2026.
So far, the Spanish Ministry has allocated 83 million euros to enhance border checkpoints at all Spanish airports. Meanwhile, the National Police will continue to manage many border control duties, with the Guardia Civil overseeing customs operations.
The EES was launched at the beginning of October across participating countries. The data collected will be used to create a digital record linked to each traveller’s passport, with the primary goal of the new system being to streamline the border process.
Brits jetting off to Tenerife are being urged to get to the airport earlier than usual to allow for extra processing time. While the new system is designed to speed things up, it might take a while for both staff and passengers to get used to it during the initial stages.
All the countries that use EES
Spain is one of the many countries that has implemented EES. Currently, the following countries will have the new changes applied to them:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Most travellers won’t see the changes immediately, with only a small number expected to go through a fully digitised process while it’s still being rolled out. It’s understood that for the first six months of the scheme, manual passport stamping will continue alongside EES registration across the Schengen area.
Iron Maiden rocker Bruce Dickinson has revealed the surprising reason behind his decision to take up fencingCredit: GettyBruce has told how he used the sport to help him fend off sex-hungry groupiesThe rocker spent months training with Team GB and represented a semi-pro club – and was once an outside contender for the OlympicsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Run to the Hills singer Bruce — worth about £100million – was at one point ranked No7 in the UK and an outside contender for the Olympics.
He tried fencing as a teenager and then took it up as a hobby in 1983 to distract himself from the temptations of sex, booze and drugs after finding fame.
He spent months training with Team GB and represented a semi-pro club.
Asked why he picked up the blade, he told Classic Rock mag: “I was busy sh*****g everything that moved and none of it was healthy.
“I remember something that (The Who guitarist) Pete Townshend once said about groupies — ‘The moment you realise you can click your finger and manipulate people into having sex with you, that’s the moment you’re going down the slippery slope’.
“You can’t believe women are throwing themselves at you. You think, ‘Well this is nice’. And it is. It’s f*****g great. But there’s a dark side to this.
“Where do you stop? When does it become a prop, like alcohol or cocaine?
“So that’s when I started doing extracurricular activities like fencing.
“I was thinking, ‘I’ve got to do something to keep my brain clean’.”
Bruce, also a qualified pilot who flies Iron Maiden’s private 747 on tour, still takes part in fencing competitions for his age group.
The band has sold more than 130million albums since forming in London in 1975.
LIDOS are experiencing a resurgence of popularity across the UK and this one has been open since the 1800s.
For locals it’s been a peaceful spot for a morning swim, or a Full Moon dip, but now there’s talk of it becoming more like the busy resort town of Benidorm.
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Havre des Pas is a tidal pool on the edge of St Helier in JerseyCredit: Visit JerseyWith a change of operator, it could become a lot different in the coming yearsCredit: Alamy
The historic pool is tidal, meaning it fills with seawater at high tide and empties at low tide.
Currently, the lido also has a waterside beach kiosk and bar along with a rooftop bar, but it could all be about to change.
From 2026 First Point will take over as the lido’s operator, and one Constable Marcus Troy, senior partner at First Point, revealed he wants to make the bathing pool and surrounding area “a resort like Benidorm.”
Talking to the BBC, he said: “So, we are going to be talking to all the catering and hospitality businesses in the area and creating our own map as if it’s a destination in its own right, like West Park and St Brelades. A resort like you would call Benidorm, for example.
“We aren’t the size of Benidorm, but we want more activity in general – whatever it is – volleyball, swimming competitions, galas, night time events, family amusements; we might like to put bouncy castles in the pool.”
First Point will take on the lease for nine years.
Plans to open the lido in St Helier began in 1860s when The Jersey Swimming Club was established and the group sought a safe swimming space on the British Isle.
Years later and the lido at Havre De Pas opened in May 1895 with a large pool and a circular tower, which had the changing rooms and club room.
It was very popular, especially between the 1920s and 30s which is why it saw lots more improvements and additions in the years that followed.
Havre Des Pas also has a bar, Kiosk cafe and rooftop areaCredit: AlamyThe pretty lido is on the edge of Jersey’s capitalCredit: Alamy
29 new cabins were built on the tower, and there was an extension to the club built called the Blue Terrace.
Now, inside the tower is a bar with an open kitchen, dance floor and stage as well as a balcony that overlooks the pool.
There’s a dining area too which has indoor tables or the choice to eat al fresco, plus there’s the rooftop which has live music and is an ideal location for a cocktail.
The venue at the lido can stay open until 1AM and has dubbed itself the ‘ultimate Private Party Island’.
Through the summer months, the Kiosk is open with lots of light bites, as well as pizzas, burgers, tacos, fish and chips and full English breakfast offerings.
The lido is just on the coast outside of the island’s capital of St Helier – and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors too.
One visitor wrote in Tripadvisor: “What a fabulous place The Lido Havre de Pas is! Beautiful views over the bay and to watch the people swimming in the gorgeous Lido.
“Will definitely return when I go back on holiday there next year. Can’t recommend enough.”
Another simply branded it as a “good old fashioned historic Lido”.
Not everyone is happy after the announcement of the new operator.
After the news, LidoJersey took to social media to voice concerns about it and stated that the pool could and end up being a ‘bare shell‘
It said: “Unless this new entity wishes to negotiate with us, which hasn’t been done to date, the site will revert to a bare shell, just as it was when we took it over in 2015.”
It added that this would mean there would be no licence for alcohol, entertainment, marriage of infrastructure like the kiosk, commercial kitchen and bar area.
Cleveland Pools in Bath, which was built in 1815 and is the country’s oldest, may never reopen to the public again.
It was open for just four months in 2023 after receiving £9.3 million for a revamp. But it hasn’t reopened since, and it might never do so.
The trustees of the restored lido revealed in a report that it “might not be possible” to reopen the pool, according to the BBC.
The report stated: “The risk that the cost to repair the pools and the plantroom will be substantial and beyond the resources available to the trust.
“There is therefore a risk that the pools cannot be repaired and reopened.
“To mitigate against this risk the trust is exploring all potential avenues that would allow the pools to be repaired and reopened, including but not limited to legal recourse and external funding.”
Cleveland Pools is a Grade II listed lido, and is considered the oldest outdoor swimming pool in the UK.
It opened in the early 1800s and closed in 1984. It then took a huge campaign by the public, and almost £10million to reopen the lido in September 2023.
Havre Des Pas Lido first opened in the 1800sCredit: Alamy
BRITISH Airways passengers will soon be able to stay connected mid-flight without having to pay a penny.
The airline has confirmed that they will be rolling out Starlink WiFi on all of their planes next year.
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All passengers will soon be able to use free Starlink WiFi on BA flightsCredit: AlamyStarlink is owned by Elon MuskCredit: Alamy
Not only will it be available in all cabins, but it will be completely free for all passengers.
The high speed network means passengers will be able to stream video onboard without any lag.
This also includes over remote regions and oceans, a common area where WiFi can often cut out.
BA boss Sean Doyle, British Airways said “Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate-to-gate.
Another 15 airport lounges are being upgraded, with 17 new short-haul aircrafts being introduced.
British Airways is also rolling out a new First Class Suite, with its biggest bed yet as well as 32inch screens.
A new app is also being rolled out next year.
Mr Doyle said at the time the app would be similar to an Amazon when it comes to easily being able to book flights.
He explained: “The website’s been around for 22 years. We were leaders in it many years ago and we’d improved it down through the years.
“But we’ve been falling behind and we need to catch up and leapfrog the rest.”
Other inflight upgrades include larger overhead lockers – where suitcases lie on their side rather than flat – and upgraded seats made from Scottish leather.
But British Airways isn’t the first airline to roll out Starlink onboard.
Back in March, United Airlines confirmed that they would be adding the free WiFi service to more than 40 aircraft.
And Qatar Airways confirmed that all passengers will be able to use free Starlink onboard – even FaceTiming a flight attendant to show how fast it will be
BA is currently undergoing as £7billion expansionCredit: Getty
SUPERSTAR DJ David Guetta has been announced as the first headliner for the 2026 Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The Titanium hitmaker, 57, will join star-studded music line-up at the event, that features a variety of artists across multiple stages.
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David Guetta has been announced as the first headliner for 2026 Formula 1 British Grand PrixCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Titanium hitmaker will join star-studded music line-upCredit: AFPThe announcement sees Guetta join a stellar list of past British Grand PrixCredit: PA
The performance will mark Guetta’s only UK appearance of his global MONOLITH tour nextsummer.
Having attracted record crowds of 500,000 last summer, the home of British motorsport is set to go bigger and better, with a line-up of international musicians.
The announcement sees Guetta join a stellar list of past British Grand Prix headliners that includes Stormzy, RAYE, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim and Becky Hill.
Ahead of the big performance, David Guetta said: “I’ve played some incredible shows around the world, but performing at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix is going to be something truly special.
“I’ve always been drawn to Formula 1 – the atmosphere, the adrenaline, the passion – it’s everything I love.
“I even made a music video inspired by F1 years ago.
“I can’t wait to bring my energy to the main stage and make it an unforgettable night.”
The BRIT and Grammy-winning icon will open the four-day celebration on Thursday 2 July, delivering his world-famous high-energy set packed with global hits.
Guetta’s Silverstone debut promises to kickstart the Grand Prix weekend with an unforgettable party and marks a fitting full-circle moment for the French DJ, whose 2014 Dangerous music video paid tribute to Formula 1, featuring F1 legend Romain Grosjean.
More headliners and entertainment acts will be announced in the coming months, alongside on-track programming and fan experiences.
Tickets for the 2026 British Grand Prix are now available online.
The BRIT and Grammy-winning icon will open the four-day celebrationCredit: Getty
SIR David Beckham celebrated his knighthood with a champagne knees-up — and jam roly-poly.
Best pal Gordon Ramsay hosted the bash at his flagship restaurant in Chelsea, whipping-up a three course meal including a Michelin-star take on Becks’ favourite pud.
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Sir David Beckham celebrated his Knighthood with wife Victoria in LondonCredit: Darren FletcherThe bash was hosted by Gordon Ramsay at his flagship restaurant in ChelseaCredit: Darren FletcherHarper Beckham attended in a pink satin dressCredit: Darren Fletcher
Guests including his three youngest children Romeo, Cruz and Harper joined his parents, Ted and Sandra, and sister Joanne for beef Wellington — while wife Lady Victoria, who avoids red meat, had sea bass.
They then tucked into roly-poly and custard.
A friend said: “It was a super-lovely, very chilled sit-down dinner with David’s inner circle.
“Becks’ favourite Chateau Margaux — plus a lot of champagne — was flowing.
“Obviously everyone kept making a big deal of calling him ‘Sir David’ and that was the running gag of the night.”
After the Windsor Castle ceremony Sir David, 50, changed into a dapper black velvet tux while Lady Victoria, 51, opted for a slinky black floor length number from her own fashion range.
But there was still no sign of estranged eldest son Brooklyn.
Cruz Beckham was seen at the bash holding his bowtieCredit: Darren FletcherRomeo was all smiles for his dad’s big partyCredit: Darren Fletcher
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers a rare pre-budget speech Tuesday at her official residence at No. 9 Downing Street, London, in which she suggested tax hikes were unavoidable. Photo by Andy Rain/Pool/EPA
Nov. 4 (UPI) — British Chancellor Rachel Reeves signaled Tuesday that she was likely to raise taxes on ordinary people in her upcoming budget this month in spite of an election pledge by the Labour government it would not do so.
In a speech in Downing Street, Reeves said she would make “the choices necessary” to ensure the foundation of the economy was sufficiently strong for the government to deliver on its mandate to protect the NHS, get down the national debt and rebuild the economy.
Notably, she did not repeat the manifesto pledge the party ran on in the 2024 general election, in which it swept to power to leave untouched the three main taxes — income tax, National Insurance and VAT.
Instead, seeking to explain her actions in advance of her watershed budget, which she will deliver to Parliament on Nov. 26, she said people needed to “understand the circumstances we are facing” and that everyone needed to do their bit to rectify the situation.
“As I take my decisions on both tax and spend I will do what is necessary to protect families from high inflation and interest rates, to protect our public services from a return to austerity and to ensure that the economy that we hand down to future generations is secure, with debt under control.
“If we are to build the future of Britain together, we will all have to contribute to that effort. Each of us must do our bit for the security of our country and the brightness of its future.”
Reeves dangled the prospect of rewards down the line, stating that getting it right now would yield more resilient public finances with the headroom to withstand global shocks, which in turn would provide businesses with the confidence to invest.
She said that would in turn leave the government with more leeway to act when necessary, investing in infrastructure and industry to build a stronger economy and get down the cost of government debt, spending less on interest and more and schools and the NHS.
Reeves is betting on the budget, her second, to win the endorsement of the market for her management of the country’s finances by showing she can stick to the fiscal rules she set for herself in October 2024.
Those rules state she must balance spending with revenue — within a plus or minus margin of 0.5% of GDP — within five years, meaning no borrowing for everyday spending from the 2029-30 financial year onward. In addition, the ratio of government debt to GDP must begin falling within the same timeframe.
To do that, however, she must demonstrate how she plans to plug a fiscal hole of as much as $40 billion and boost lackluster economic growth.
The only options to close the gap and balance the books are a return to austerity — which the government has categorically ruled out — or boost the amount of money flowing into government coffers.
Reeves raised some taxes on business in her first budget in November 2024 and to come back for more after promising she would not do so, particulary when it comes to raising the basic rate of income tax — currently 20% — is very high risk, politically.
It hasn’t been done for 50 years and it didn’t work out well for then-Labour government with the country plunged into a currency crisis and forced to seek a bailout loan from the IMF.
Reeves mostly laid blame at the feet of the previous Conservative administration’s policies, including Brexit, austerity and cuts to infrastructure spending, all of which she said had led to falling productivity.
She also cited high inflation globally and economic uncertainty created by the trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in recent months.
Conservative shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, said it was now certain tax hikes for families and businesses were on the way.
He said that if Reeves proceeded to go back on her word, she should quit.
Daisy Cooper, Treasury spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said the government could no longer dodge responsibility.
“It’s clear that this budget will be a bitter pill to swallow as the government seems to have run out of excuses,” she said.
As the nights start to draw in even earlier leading up to Christmas, TV viewers will be looking for sumptuous dramas to get lost in
Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman portrays the iconic monarch(Image: ITV)
ITVX is presently broadcasting a popular period drama featuring a British ruler that’s ideal for a comfortable binge-watch throughout the lengthy winter nights.
With darkness falling increasingly early in the run-up to Christmas, television enthusiasts will be seeking lavish dramas to lose themselves in.
Viewers need look no further than ITV’s digital streaming platform, which boasts an extensive range of celebrated programmes to select from.
Among the finest choices available this winter is the successful series Victoria, which launched in 2016 and featured Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman as the youthful sovereign, charting her journey from defiant adolescent years through to responsible adulthood over three captivating seasons.
Whilst critics have targeted the programme’s shortage of historical precision, it’s undeniable that the series crafted by Daisy Goodwin provides tremendous entertainment that’s ready for exploration, or potentially a second viewing, reports the Express.
The Guardian’s favourable critique captured the essence: “As ever, it all hinges on Jenna Coleman’s performance as Victoria and her ability to conjure up a portrait of this queen as understanding, sympathetic, kind and decent, even under unimaginable and possibly imaginary pressures.
“It might not be elegant and it might not survive the strain of putting its plot points to the search engine test, but as diverting drama it gets the job done.”
An enthusiastic review from an IMDb viewer declared: “Rather captivating, I loved it. Every inch a Queen.
“I love [Coleman’s] portrayal of Victoria, she has some presence and a definite strength of character. Rufus Sewell I thought was exceptional as Lord Melbourne too, the complex relationship the pair had in real life was explained very well.
“The settings, costumes, and general production values were first rate, the show felt incredibly plush and lavish, I shudder to think of the budget for this series. Totally engaging, this was first rate viewing 9/10.”
Sadly, the series left many fans feeling let down when it was cancelled after just three seasons, leaving Queen Victoria’s story incomplete.
However, ITV gave a glimmer of hope in 2021, stating “there are no plans presently to film Victoria, but that’s not to say we won’t revisit the series with the production team at a later date”, hinting that a fourth season featuring an older Victoria might eventually be on the cards.
One hopeful fan penned: “This has been the most amazing series since Downton Abbey I have watched. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. I felt every emotion humanly possible through watching it.
“My mother and I binge watched it together and couldn’t believe how much it draws you in from beginning to end. I am so heartbroken that it has not yet come out with a 4th season. My mother and I both are. We pray they decide to release another season.
“I plead to ITV or whoever, to please give the green light for the 4th season and then some. This is an amazing love story that NEEDS to be completed.”
There’s a glimmer of hope for the series to carry on if enough viewers rewatch the series on ITVX, so it’s time to start binge-watching.
Forensic teams work at the scene at Huntington railway station where a London bound train stopped after several people were stabbed in Huntington, Britain, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Photo by Tayfun Salci/EPA
Nov. 3 (UPI) — One of two suspects arrested at the scene of the weekend’s mass stabbing on a British train has been released, according to British authorities who continue to investigate.
Eleven people were injured in the Saturday evening attack on a train in Cambridgeshire, located about 37 miles north of London.
Two people — a 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old man — were apprehended at the scene.
In a statement Sunday night, British Transport Police said the 35-year-old man has been released, with no further action required.
“It was reported in good faith to officers responding to the incident that he was involved in the attack, and following enquiries we can confirm that he was not involved,” authorities said.
The 32-year-old, who’s been described as a Black British national, remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
Police on Sunday night identified him as a Peterborough resident.
Authorities were notified of the stabbing at 7:42 p.m. local time Saturday on the train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. The 32-year-old suspect is believed to have entered the train at the Peterborough station.
A knife was recovered from the scene.
Ten people were transferred by ambulance to the hospital while an 11th victim arrived later on their own.
Five of the victims have since been discharged, according to authorities that said of the six remaining hospitalized, one is in life-threatening condition.
Authorities identified the most severely injured victim as a member of the London North Eastern Railway.
Following a review of surveillance footage, authorities believe that if it were not for his actions, more people would have died.
“The actions of the member of rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives,” Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said, though it was not clear what actions the employee took that saved lives.
David Horne, managing director of LNER, said the attack was “deeply upsetting” and that over the coming days they will continue to cooperate with authorities on their investigation.
In a statement on X, LNER said it expects to run a normal service on Monday.
The incident occurred just days after the British government announced it had seized a record number of knives — nearly 60,000 — from England and Wales through its new knife surrender scheme.
Knife homicides in Britain have fallen by nearly 20% while knife crime overall has dropped for the first time in four years, according to government statistics.
Forensic teams work at the scene at Huntingdon railway station, where a London-bound train stopped after several people were stabbed. Photo by Tayfun Salci/EPA
Nov. 2 (UPI) — Two suspects have been arrested in Saturday night’s mass stabbing incident on a British train, police said Sunday, while dismissing concerns it was a terror attack.
Officers were called at 7:42 p.m. local time Saturday to respond to reports of multiple people stabbed on board the 6.25 p.m. train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross station, British Transport Police said in a statement.
The train was forced to stop in the small town of Huntingdon, where police and paramedics boarded the train.
The two suspects were arrested within eight minutes of the first 911 call, police said.
Police described the suspects as a 32-year-old Black man and a 35-year-old man of Caribbean descent, both of whom were natural-born British nationals.
They have been detained on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in custody for questioning.
In total, paramedics took ten people by ambulance to a local hospital and another later self-presented. Four victims have been discharged but two people remain in life-threatening condition.
Witnesses described seeing bloody handprints as panic spread through the train cars in comments to The Guardian.
“We declared a major incident yesterday and Counter Terrorism Policing were initially supporting our investigation however at this stage there is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident,” police superintendent John Loveless said. “This is a British Transport Police investigation.”
Loveless’ comments came after British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged people not to speculate about the attack.
The train station in Huntingdon remains closed and police said riders can see increased police presence throughout the train service on Sunday.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the stabbing an “appalling incident” and “deeply concerning” in a statement on social media, while former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it happened on a line he uses regularly.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,” Starmer said. “Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.”
Bethany Clarke and her best friend Simone White were backpacking together around Southeast Asia when they drank bootleg shots laced with methanol – and it proved tragically fatal for Simone
Bethany and Simone were on a backpacking adventure when tragedy struck(Image: Bethany Clarke / SWNS)
A woman has died after unknowingly drinking shots laced with methanol.
Bethany Clarke, 28, from Orpington, southeast London, went backpacking around Southeast Asia with her best friend, Simone White, 28, last year.
Both the women drank the bootleg alcohol, and tragically it proved fatal for Simone.
Bethany and Simone started their backpacking in Cambodia and went from there to Laos. They had spent the day tubing down the river – a popular tourist activity – before returning to their hostel for a night of drinking.
Bethany said: “We had methanol-laced shots. We had five or six each, just mixing them with Sprite.
“The next morning, we didn’t feel right, but we just assumed it was a hangover. It was strange though – unlike any hangover I’d had before.
“It felt like being drunk but in a way where you couldn’t enjoy it. Something was just off.”
Despite their condition, they continued on with their plans, heading to the Blue Lagoon and kayaking down the river again.
Bethany added: “We were just lying on the backs of the kayaks, too weak to paddle. Simone was being sick off one of them. Neither of us wanted to swim or eat – which, we later learned, are early signs of methanol poisoning.”
It wasn’t until hours later, after they’d boarded a bus to their next destination, that things worsened, with Bethany fainting and Simone continuing to vomit.
Eventually, they were taken to a local hospital – one that Bethany described as “very poor”.
She said: “They had no idea what was wrong, they talked about food poisoning, but we hadn’t eaten the same things. It didn’t make sense.”
Still confused and deteriorating, the women made it to a private hospital. But by then it was too late.
Bethany said: “They told me they’d do all they could to save her. She was having seizures during dialysis.”
When Simone’s condition worsened, her mother, Sue White, flew out to Laos, arriving just as her daughter was being wheeled into emergency brain surgery.
Bethany said: “Her brain had started to swell, and they had to shave her head. The surgery relieved the pressure but caused bleeding and the other side started swelling.”
The results confirming methanol poisoning wouldn’t arrive until two weeks later. By then, Simone had died.
Bethany said: “On an emotional level, it’s been a lot to process. Sometimes I still think, ‘Why don’t you reach out to Simone for that?’ and then I remember I can’t.”
Bethany has channeled her grief into campaigning for change and awareness. She said: “People still aren’t aware and don’t know the signs to look for.
“The government aren’t doing enough to educate British citizens about the signs of methanol poisoning.
“In Australia, where I live now, they have a big TikTok campaign and signs in all the airports.
“There’s a lot more work to be done in the UK – we’re behind. Anywhere there is organised crime, the opportunity exists – even in the UK.
Bethany also reckons there will be more deaths until people become more aware.”It’s highly likely we’ll see more deaths unless the UK government acts in a more radical way,” she said.
“It has to be in people’s heads – stick to canned drinks. But bottles can be more risky because the cap could have been replaced.
“Any spirits can be a risk. I say ‘steer clear, drink beer’ which rolls off the tongue.”
Just recently, the Foreign Office added eight further countries to the risk list for methanol poisoning due to risks associated with counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks.
The list already covered Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were now included in the list following incidents.
Methanol poisoning results from methanol being added to drinks such as cocktails and spirits to up the volume and cut costs.
Signs of the poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion – and more distinctive symptoms, such as vision issues, can develop between 12 and 48 hours after consumption.
Detained British Muslim commentator Sami Hamdi agrees to leave U.S.
WASHINGTON — British political commentator Sami Hamdi is going to voluntarily leave the U.S. after spending more than two weeks in immigration detention over what his supporters say was his criticism of Israel. The Trump administration has accused him of cheering on Hamas.
Hamdi, who is Muslim, was on a speaking tour in the U.S. when he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 26. He had just addressed the annual gala for the Sacramento chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, the day before his arrest.
In a statement late Monday, the organization said Hamdi had “chosen to accept an offer to leave the United States voluntarily.”
“It is this simple: Sami never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell. His only real ‘offense’ was speaking clearly about Israel’s genocidal war crimes against Palestinians,” said the chief executive of CAIR’s California chapter, Hussam Ayloush, in a statement.
Hamdi’s detention was part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to identify and potentially expel thousands of foreigners in the United States who it says have either fomented or participated in unrest or publicly supported protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Those enforcement actions have been criticized by civil rights groups as violations of constitutional protections for freedom of speech, which apply to anyone in the United States and not just to American citizens.
Zahra Billoo, executive director of CAIR’s San Francisco office, said Tuesday that the logistics of Hamdi’s departure were still being worked out but that it might happen later this week. Billoo said there were “no conditions to the voluntary departure” and that he’s not barred from seeking another U.S. visa in the future.
CAIR said Hamdi’s charging document in immigration court did not accuse him of criminal conduct or security concerns but only listed a visa overstay, which they blamed on the government revoking his visa.
Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, said in a statement Tuesday that Hamdi had requested voluntary departure and “ICE is happily arranging his removal from this country.”
The State Department said due to “visa record confidentiality,” it could not comment on specific cases.
CAIR has said that Hamdi, 35, was detained in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during a U.S. speaking tour.
The Department of Homeland Security said at the time of Hamdi’s arrest that the State Department had revoked his visa and that ICE had put him in immigration proceedings. Homeland Security later accused him of supporting the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel.
In a statement at the time, McLaughlin cited remarks he made in a video posted online shortly after the Hamas-led attack in which he asked: “How many of you felt it in your hearts when you got the news that it happened? How many of you felt the euphoria? Allah akbar.”
Hamdi said later his intent was not to praise the attacks but to suggest that the violence was “a natural consequence of the oppression that is being put on the Palestinians.”
The State Department has not said specifically what Hamdi said or did that initiated the revocation but in a post on X the department said: “The United States has no obligation to host foreigners” whom the administration deems to “support terrorism and actively undermine the safety of Americans. We continue to revoke the visas of persons engaged in such activity.”
Santana writes for the Associated Press.
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British Carrier Hosts Largest Number Of F-35Bs On A Ship Ever
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Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The U.K. Royal Navy flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, is now carrying 24 F-35B fighters — the largest number of the jets to go aboard either of the U.K.’s two aircraft carriers, or any ship, for that matter. All 24 of the jets are British, a significant achievement for the British F-35 force, which has long faced questions about the feasibility of deploying a meaningful number of the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) jets at sea, without U.S. Marine Corps aircraft making up the numbers.
The Royal Navy announced today that the 24 British F-35Bs were aboard HMS Prince of Wales for planned multinational maneuvers in the Mediterranean, called Exercise Falcon Strike. The service has not so far published photos showing all the jets on deck, instead posting imagery from Operation Highmast, the eight-month cruise that took the carrier to the Indo-Pacific region.
HMS Prince of Wales entered the Mediterranean, via the Suez Canal, around a week ago. Six additional British F-35Bs embarked in the carrier once it had arrived in the Med, flying from their base at RAF Marham in England.
As part of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group, the conventionally powered HMS Prince of Wales is accompanied by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, the replenishment tanker RFA Tidespring, and several allied ships. A Royal Navy Astute class nuclear-powered attack submarine is normally also part of the Carrier Strike Group.
For Exercise Falcon Strike, the U.K. Carrier Strike Group is joined by the Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo, as well as Norwegian warships, for what are Italian Navy-led air and maritime maneuvers.
Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group, said that Falcon Strike is “a real demonstration of the warfighting readiness” of the group.
The British F-35Bs on the carrier are from the two frontline units, the Royal Air Force’s No. 617 Squadron and the Royal Navy’s 809 Naval Air Squadron, as well as from the training unit, No. 207 Squadron, RAF, which serves as the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).
It’s notable that, in the past, larger F-35B complements on U.K. carriers were assisted by detaching U.S. Marine Corps aircraft during these cruises.
For example, in 2021, HMS Queen Elizabeth deployed with a Marine Corps-augmented air wing. On that occasion, eight F-35Bs from No. 617 Squadron were joined by 10 from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, the “long.” This total is still smaller than the current F-35B complement for Exercise Falcon Strike.
The number of F-35Bs now on HMS Prince of Wales is also bigger than has been deployed aboard any amphibious assault ship by the Marine Corps. Back in 2022, the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) hosted 20 of the jets during a test of the “Lightning Carrier” concept. This is based upon essentially turning a big-deck “Gator Navy” amphibious assault ship into a light aircraft carrier, packed with F-35Bs.
The biggest carrier embarkation involving fifth-generation fighters also makes an interesting parallel with developments in China, which is now also flying the J-35 stealth fighter, as well as fixed-wing airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from its latest flattop, the Fujian. Elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan is meanwhile preparing for regular F-35B operations aboard its two amphibious assault ships that have been modified to become STOVL carriers.
Having a larger number of F-35Bs on board the British carrier means that HMS Prince of Wales can contribute more to Falcon Strike, which also involves air assets from France, Greece, Italy, and the United States.
More importantly, a carrier deployment with 24 British F-35Bs is a major requirement for the declaration of full operating capability for the U.K. Carrier Strike capability, once planned for 2023, then delayed to the end of this year. A 24-aircraft total is the minimum required for this declaration, with the Queen Elizabeth class having the capacity to embark more jets, if required.
The move toward full operating capability is also welcome, considering recent criticism of the British F-35 program.
Last week, the U.K.’s Public Accounts Committee released its latest report on the program. Among others, this highlighted the effects of a lack of overall investment in the program. According to the report, cost-cutting measures have had an adverse impact on the F-35B’s capability, availability to fly, and value for money.
The number of British F-35Bs that will ultimately be available to the Royal Navy’s two carriers has long been a matter of intense debate.
To date, the United Kingdom has only placed firm orders for 48 F-35Bs. The previous Conservative government confirmed it was negotiating to buy another 27 F-35Bs for delivery by 2033. However, this batch of 27 jets will now be divided between F-35As (12) and F-35Bs (15). The conventional takeoff and landing F-35A offers a number of advantages, including being cheaper, possessing a bigger weapons bay, having a nuclear capability, and improved performance in many scenarios. However, it cannot embark on a carrier.
Most analysts consider that many more than 48 F-35Bs would be required to meet the ambition of 24 jets available for the baseline Carrier Strike mission, across two carriers, as opposed to just one. Considering training and other demands, a figure of 60-70 jets is generally thought to be reasonable. It is for this reason that U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs have been relied upon to make up the required aircraft numbers during carrier cruises.
Officially, at least, the U.K. Ministry of Defense says that it still expects to procure 138 F-35s over the lifetime of the program. However, this total now includes at least 12 F-35As. Having a smaller pool of F-35Bs will also put more strain on the fleet of STOVL jets that are required for missions aboard the carriers.
Whatever the final F-35B numbers, the Royal Navy is increasingly looking to the potential of uncrewed aircraft to bolster its carrier air wings. The Royal Navy hopes that a combination of drones and long-range weapons will help to make a more balanced ‘hybrid carrier air wing,’ as you can read about here.
In 2023, the Royal Navy revealed details of its plan to fit its two carriers with assisted launch systems and recovery gear, enabling operations by a variety of fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft and, potentially, also conventional takeoff and landing crewed types.
“We are looking to move from STOVL to STOL, then to STOBAR [short takeoff but arrested recovery], and then to CATOBAR [catapult assisted takeoff but arrested recovery],” Col. Phil Kelly, the Royal Navy’s Head of Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation, told the Combined Naval Event conference in 2023. “We are looking at a demonstrable progression that spreads out the financial cost and incrementally improves capability.”
By the time a British carrier makes its next scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific, planned for 2029, the Ministry of Defense hopes that it will include some kind of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This aspiration was laid out by First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins earlier this year, when he said he wanted to “launch the first jet-powered collaborative platform drone as a concept demonstrator off a Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier” before the end of 2026.
Nevertheless, for the foreseeable future, the F-35B remains the cornerstone of the carrier air wing’s strike capability. Putting the largest number of the stealth jets on a Royal Navy carrier is a visible demonstration of the aircraft’s central role and underscores the British F-35Bs’ progress, despite lingering concerns over final aircraft numbers and other criticisms of the program.
Contact the author: [email protected]
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British travellers at popular hotspot at risk of delays due to new system
The new system will gradually be introduced as part of an upgrade to border control operations at airports across the Schengen area, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and more
Tenerife South, a holiday hotspot that welcomes around three million Brits each year, has started rolling out a new system for some travellers. The new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced, which could require non-EU citizens to register their biometric data, including face photographs and fingerprint scans, at the border.
The scheme is being launched across many airports in the Schengen area to help alleviate long queues at passport control. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, the EES will be gradually implemented across the region, but won’t be fully operational until April 10, 2026.
So far, the Spanish Ministry has allocated 83 million euros to enhance border checkpoints at all Spanish airports. Meanwhile, the National Police will continue to manage many border control duties, with the Guardia Civil overseeing customs operations.
The EES was launched at the beginning of October across participating countries. The data collected will be used to create a digital record linked to each traveller’s passport, with the primary goal of the new system being to streamline the border process.
Brits jetting off to Tenerife are being urged to get to the airport earlier than usual to allow for extra processing time. While the new system is designed to speed things up, it might take a while for both staff and passengers to get used to it during the initial stages.
All the countries that use EES
Spain is one of the many countries that has implemented EES. Currently, the following countries will have the new changes applied to them:
Most travellers won’t see the changes immediately, with only a small number expected to go through a fully digitised process while it’s still being rolled out. It’s understood that for the first six months of the scheme, manual passport stamping will continue alongside EES registration across the Schengen area.
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Music legend reveals reason he took up fencing in the 1980s before ending up as British No 7 and outsider for Olympics
IRON Maiden rocker Bruce Dickinson says he took up fencing to help him fend off sex-hungry groupies.
The heavy metal star, 67, turned to the sword-fighting sport to keep a clear mind — but ended up as one of Britain’s best competitors.
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Run to the Hills singer Bruce — worth about £100million – was at one point ranked No7 in the UK and an outside contender for the Olympics.
He tried fencing as a teenager and then took it up as a hobby in 1983 to distract himself from the temptations of sex, booze and drugs after finding fame.
He spent months training with Team GB and represented a semi-pro club.
Asked why he picked up the blade, he told Classic Rock mag: “I was busy sh*****g everything that moved and none of it was healthy.
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“I remember something that (The Who guitarist) Pete Townshend once said about groupies — ‘The moment you realise you can click your finger and manipulate people into having sex with you, that’s the moment you’re going down the slippery slope’.
“You can’t believe women are throwing themselves at you. You think, ‘Well this is nice’. And it is. It’s f*****g great. But there’s a dark side to this.
“Where do you stop? When does it become a prop, like alcohol or cocaine?
“So that’s when I started doing extracurricular activities like fencing.
“I was thinking, ‘I’ve got to do something to keep my brain clean’.”
Bruce, also a qualified pilot who flies Iron Maiden’s private 747 on tour, still takes part in fencing competitions for his age group.
The band has sold more than 130million albums since forming in London in 1975.
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Historic British Isles lido to ‘feel more like Benidorm’ in huge new makeover
LIDOS are experiencing a resurgence of popularity across the UK and this one has been open since the 1800s.
For locals it’s been a peaceful spot for a morning swim, or a Full Moon dip, but now there’s talk of it becoming more like the busy resort town of Benidorm.
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Havre des Pas Lido is open year-round for swimming and you’ll find it in Jersey, in the capital of St Helier.
The historic pool is tidal, meaning it fills with seawater at high tide and empties at low tide.
Currently, the lido also has a waterside beach kiosk and bar along with a rooftop bar, but it could all be about to change.
From 2026 First Point will take over as the lido’s operator, and one Constable Marcus Troy, senior partner at First Point, revealed he wants to make the bathing pool and surrounding area “a resort like Benidorm.”
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Talking to the BBC, he said: “So, we are going to be talking to all the catering and hospitality businesses in the area and creating our own map as if it’s a destination in its own right, like West Park and St Brelades. A resort like you would call Benidorm, for example.
“We aren’t the size of Benidorm, but we want more activity in general – whatever it is – volleyball, swimming competitions, galas, night time events, family amusements; we might like to put bouncy castles in the pool.”
First Point will take on the lease for nine years.
Plans to open the lido in St Helier began in 1860s when The Jersey Swimming Club was established and the group sought a safe swimming space on the British Isle.
Years later and the lido at Havre De Pas opened in May 1895 with a large pool and a circular tower, which had the changing rooms and club room.
It was very popular, especially between the 1920s and 30s which is why it saw lots more improvements and additions in the years that followed.
29 new cabins were built on the tower, and there was an extension to the club built called the Blue Terrace.
Now, inside the tower is a bar with an open kitchen, dance floor and stage as well as a balcony that overlooks the pool.
There’s a dining area too which has indoor tables or the choice to eat al fresco, plus there’s the rooftop which has live music and is an ideal location for a cocktail.
The venue at the lido can stay open until 1AM and has dubbed itself the ‘ultimate Private Party Island’.
Through the summer months, the Kiosk is open with lots of light bites, as well as pizzas, burgers, tacos, fish and chips and full English breakfast offerings.
The lido is just on the coast outside of the island’s capital of St Helier – and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors too.
One visitor wrote in Tripadvisor: “What a fabulous place The Lido Havre de Pas is! Beautiful views over the bay and to watch the people swimming in the gorgeous Lido.
“Will definitely return when I go back on holiday there next year. Can’t recommend enough.”
Another simply branded it as a “good old fashioned historic Lido”.
Not everyone is happy after the announcement of the new operator.
After the news, LidoJersey took to social media to voice concerns about it and stated that the pool could and end up being a ‘bare shell‘
It said: “Unless this new entity wishes to negotiate with us, which hasn’t been done to date, the site will revert to a bare shell, just as it was when we took it over in 2015.”
It added that this would mean there would be no licence for alcohol, entertainment, marriage of infrastructure like the kiosk, commercial kitchen and bar area.
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Plus, check out the huge new Olympic-sized lido could open in UK city with sauna pods and ‘clubhouse’.
And here’s the UK’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark where it’s always 30C – and you can stay all day.
Britain’s oldest lido may never reopen despite £9.3million of repairs…
The UK’s oldest lido could never reopen despite years of renovation works, costing millions.
Cleveland Pools in Bath, which was built in 1815 and is the country’s oldest, may never reopen to the public again.
It was open for just four months in 2023 after receiving £9.3 million for a revamp. But it hasn’t reopened since, and it might never do so.
The trustees of the restored lido revealed in a report that it “might not be possible” to reopen the pool, according to the BBC.
The report stated: “The risk that the cost to repair the pools and the plantroom will be substantial and beyond the resources available to the trust.
“There is therefore a risk that the pools cannot be repaired and reopened.
“To mitigate against this risk the trust is exploring all potential avenues that would allow the pools to be repaired and reopened, including but not limited to legal recourse and external funding.”
Cleveland Pools is a Grade II listed lido, and is considered the oldest outdoor swimming pool in the UK.
It opened in the early 1800s and closed in 1984. It then took a huge campaign by the public, and almost £10million to reopen the lido in September 2023.
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British Airways to launch gamechanger free perk to ALL passengers as part of mega £7billion expansion
BRITISH Airways passengers will soon be able to stay connected mid-flight without having to pay a penny.
The airline has confirmed that they will be rolling out Starlink WiFi on all of their planes next year.
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Not only will it be available in all cabins, but it will be completely free for all passengers.
The high speed network means passengers will be able to stream video onboard without any lag.
This also includes over remote regions and oceans, a common area where WiFi can often cut out.
BA boss Sean Doyle, British Airways said “Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate-to-gate.
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“Especially on short-haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors.”
The rollout is part of British Airways’ massive £7billion expansion.
This includes new airport lounges in both Dubai and Miami, with the Sun’s Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding trying out the latter.
Another 15 airport lounges are being upgraded, with 17 new short-haul aircrafts being introduced.
British Airways is also rolling out a new First Class Suite, with its biggest bed yet as well as 32inch screens.
A new app is also being rolled out next year.
Mr Doyle said at the time the app would be similar to an Amazon when it comes to easily being able to book flights.
He explained: “The website’s been around for 22 years. We were leaders in it many years ago and we’d improved it down through the years.
“But we’ve been falling behind and we need to catch up and leapfrog the rest.”
Other inflight upgrades include larger overhead lockers – where suitcases lie on their side rather than flat – and upgraded seats made from Scottish leather.
But British Airways isn’t the first airline to roll out Starlink onboard.
Back in March, United Airlines confirmed that they would be adding the free WiFi service to more than 40 aircraft.
And Qatar Airways confirmed that all passengers will be able to use free Starlink onboard – even FaceTiming a flight attendant to show how fast it will be
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Superstar DJ announced as first headliner for British Grand Prix at Silverstone
SUPERSTAR DJ David Guetta has been announced as the first headliner for the 2026 Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The Titanium hitmaker, 57, will join star-studded music line-up at the event, that features a variety of artists across multiple stages.
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The performance will mark Guetta’s only UK appearance of his global MONOLITH tour next summer.
Having attracted record crowds of 500,000 last summer, the home of British motorsport is set to go bigger and better, with a line-up of international musicians.
The announcement sees Guetta join a stellar list of past British Grand Prix headliners that includes Stormzy, RAYE, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim and Becky Hill.
Ahead of the big performance, David Guetta said: “I’ve played some incredible shows around the world, but performing at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix is going to be something truly special.
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“I’ve always been drawn to Formula 1 – the atmosphere, the adrenaline, the passion – it’s everything I love.
“I even made a music video inspired by F1 years ago.
“I can’t wait to bring my energy to the main stage and make it an unforgettable night.”
The BRIT and Grammy-winning icon will open the four-day celebration on Thursday 2 July, delivering his world-famous high-energy set packed with global hits.
Guetta’s Silverstone debut promises to kickstart the Grand Prix weekend
with an unforgettable party and marks a fitting full-circle moment for the French DJ, whose 2014 Dangerous music video paid tribute to Formula 1, featuring F1 legend Romain Grosjean.
More headliners and entertainment acts will be announced in the coming months, alongside
on-track programming and fan experiences.
Tickets for the 2026 British Grand Prix are now available online.
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Inside David Beckham’s knighthood party as he splashes cash on champagne and orders British classic for pudding
SIR David Beckham celebrated his knighthood with a champagne knees-up — and jam roly-poly.
Best pal Gordon Ramsay hosted the bash at his flagship restaurant in Chelsea, whipping-up a three course meal including a Michelin-star take on Becks’ favourite pud.
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The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England ace carried his medal around with him all night in its souvenir red box.
Guests including his three youngest children Romeo, Cruz and Harper joined his parents, Ted and Sandra, and sister Joanne for beef Wellington — while wife Lady Victoria, who avoids red meat, had sea bass.
They then tucked into roly-poly and custard.
A friend said: “It was a super-lovely, very chilled sit-down dinner with David’s inner circle.
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David Beckham’s rarely seen sis Joanne looks incredible at his knighthood party
GOLDEN BOY
Tearful David Beckham opens up to The Sun on ‘surreal’ honour of being knighted
“Gordon took care of the whole thing.
“Becks’ favourite Chateau Margaux — plus a lot of champagne — was flowing.
“Obviously everyone kept making a big deal of calling him ‘Sir David’ and that was the running gag of the night.”
After the Windsor Castle ceremony Sir David, 50, changed into a dapper black velvet tux while Lady Victoria, 51, opted for a slinky black floor length number from her own fashion range.
But there was still no sign of estranged eldest son Brooklyn.
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British Chancellor Rachel Reeves signals that tax rises are coming
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers a rare pre-budget speech Tuesday at her official residence at No. 9 Downing Street, London, in which she suggested tax hikes were unavoidable. Photo by Andy Rain/Pool/EPA
Nov. 4 (UPI) — British Chancellor Rachel Reeves signaled Tuesday that she was likely to raise taxes on ordinary people in her upcoming budget this month in spite of an election pledge by the Labour government it would not do so.
In a speech in Downing Street, Reeves said she would make “the choices necessary” to ensure the foundation of the economy was sufficiently strong for the government to deliver on its mandate to protect the NHS, get down the national debt and rebuild the economy.
Notably, she did not repeat the manifesto pledge the party ran on in the 2024 general election, in which it swept to power to leave untouched the three main taxes — income tax, National Insurance and VAT.
Instead, seeking to explain her actions in advance of her watershed budget, which she will deliver to Parliament on Nov. 26, she said people needed to “understand the circumstances we are facing” and that everyone needed to do their bit to rectify the situation.
“As I take my decisions on both tax and spend I will do what is necessary to protect families from high inflation and interest rates, to protect our public services from a return to austerity and to ensure that the economy that we hand down to future generations is secure, with debt under control.
“If we are to build the future of Britain together, we will all have to contribute to that effort. Each of us must do our bit for the security of our country and the brightness of its future.”
Reeves dangled the prospect of rewards down the line, stating that getting it right now would yield more resilient public finances with the headroom to withstand global shocks, which in turn would provide businesses with the confidence to invest.
She said that would in turn leave the government with more leeway to act when necessary, investing in infrastructure and industry to build a stronger economy and get down the cost of government debt, spending less on interest and more and schools and the NHS.
Reeves is betting on the budget, her second, to win the endorsement of the market for her management of the country’s finances by showing she can stick to the fiscal rules she set for herself in October 2024.
Those rules state she must balance spending with revenue — within a plus or minus margin of 0.5% of GDP — within five years, meaning no borrowing for everyday spending from the 2029-30 financial year onward. In addition, the ratio of government debt to GDP must begin falling within the same timeframe.
To do that, however, she must demonstrate how she plans to plug a fiscal hole of as much as $40 billion and boost lackluster economic growth.
The only options to close the gap and balance the books are a return to austerity — which the government has categorically ruled out — or boost the amount of money flowing into government coffers.
Reeves raised some taxes on business in her first budget in November 2024 and to come back for more after promising she would not do so, particulary when it comes to raising the basic rate of income tax — currently 20% — is very high risk, politically.
It hasn’t been done for 50 years and it didn’t work out well for then-Labour government with the country plunged into a currency crisis and forced to seek a bailout loan from the IMF.
Reeves mostly laid blame at the feet of the previous Conservative administration’s policies, including Brexit, austerity and cuts to infrastructure spending, all of which she said had led to falling productivity.
She also cited high inflation globally and economic uncertainty created by the trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in recent months.
Conservative shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, said it was now certain tax hikes for families and businesses were on the way.
He said that if Reeves proceeded to go back on her word, she should quit.
Daisy Cooper, Treasury spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said the government could no longer dodge responsibility.
“It’s clear that this budget will be a bitter pill to swallow as the government seems to have run out of excuses,” she said.
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ITV is streaming ‘captivating’ period drama about iconic British monarch
As the nights start to draw in even earlier leading up to Christmas, TV viewers will be looking for sumptuous dramas to get lost in
ITVX is presently broadcasting a popular period drama featuring a British ruler that’s ideal for a comfortable binge-watch throughout the lengthy winter nights.
With darkness falling increasingly early in the run-up to Christmas, television enthusiasts will be seeking lavish dramas to lose themselves in.
Viewers need look no further than ITV’s digital streaming platform, which boasts an extensive range of celebrated programmes to select from.
Among the finest choices available this winter is the successful series Victoria, which launched in 2016 and featured Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman as the youthful sovereign, charting her journey from defiant adolescent years through to responsible adulthood over three captivating seasons.
Whilst critics have targeted the programme’s shortage of historical precision, it’s undeniable that the series crafted by Daisy Goodwin provides tremendous entertainment that’s ready for exploration, or potentially a second viewing, reports the Express.
The Guardian’s favourable critique captured the essence: “As ever, it all hinges on Jenna Coleman’s performance as Victoria and her ability to conjure up a portrait of this queen as understanding, sympathetic, kind and decent, even under unimaginable and possibly imaginary pressures.
“It might not be elegant and it might not survive the strain of putting its plot points to the search engine test, but as diverting drama it gets the job done.”
An enthusiastic review from an IMDb viewer declared: “Rather captivating, I loved it. Every inch a Queen.
“I love [Coleman’s] portrayal of Victoria, she has some presence and a definite strength of character. Rufus Sewell I thought was exceptional as Lord Melbourne too, the complex relationship the pair had in real life was explained very well.
“The settings, costumes, and general production values were first rate, the show felt incredibly plush and lavish, I shudder to think of the budget for this series. Totally engaging, this was first rate viewing 9/10.”
Sadly, the series left many fans feeling let down when it was cancelled after just three seasons, leaving Queen Victoria’s story incomplete.
However, ITV gave a glimmer of hope in 2021, stating “there are no plans presently to film Victoria, but that’s not to say we won’t revisit the series with the production team at a later date”, hinting that a fourth season featuring an older Victoria might eventually be on the cards.
One hopeful fan penned: “This has been the most amazing series since Downton Abbey I have watched. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. I felt every emotion humanly possible through watching it.
“My mother and I binge watched it together and couldn’t believe how much it draws you in from beginning to end. I am so heartbroken that it has not yet come out with a 4th season. My mother and I both are. We pray they decide to release another season.
“I plead to ITV or whoever, to please give the green light for the 4th season and then some. This is an amazing love story that NEEDS to be completed.”
There’s a glimmer of hope for the series to carry on if enough viewers rewatch the series on ITVX, so it’s time to start binge-watching.
Victoria is available to stream on ITVX.
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One of two British suspects arrested over mass stabbing released
Forensic teams work at the scene at Huntington railway station where a London bound train stopped after several people were stabbed in Huntington, Britain, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Photo by Tayfun Salci/EPA
Nov. 3 (UPI) — One of two suspects arrested at the scene of the weekend’s mass stabbing on a British train has been released, according to British authorities who continue to investigate.
Eleven people were injured in the Saturday evening attack on a train in Cambridgeshire, located about 37 miles north of London.
Two people — a 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old man — were apprehended at the scene.
In a statement Sunday night, British Transport Police said the 35-year-old man has been released, with no further action required.
“It was reported in good faith to officers responding to the incident that he was involved in the attack, and following enquiries we can confirm that he was not involved,” authorities said.
The 32-year-old, who’s been described as a Black British national, remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
Police on Sunday night identified him as a Peterborough resident.
Authorities were notified of the stabbing at 7:42 p.m. local time Saturday on the train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. The 32-year-old suspect is believed to have entered the train at the Peterborough station.
A knife was recovered from the scene.
Ten people were transferred by ambulance to the hospital while an 11th victim arrived later on their own.
Five of the victims have since been discharged, according to authorities that said of the six remaining hospitalized, one is in life-threatening condition.
Authorities identified the most severely injured victim as a member of the London North Eastern Railway.
Following a review of surveillance footage, authorities believe that if it were not for his actions, more people would have died.
“The actions of the member of rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives,” Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said, though it was not clear what actions the employee took that saved lives.
David Horne, managing director of LNER, said the attack was “deeply upsetting” and that over the coming days they will continue to cooperate with authorities on their investigation.
In a statement on X, LNER said it expects to run a normal service on Monday.
The incident occurred just days after the British government announced it had seized a record number of knives — nearly 60,000 — from England and Wales through its new knife surrender scheme.
Knife homicides in Britain have fallen by nearly 20% while knife crime overall has dropped for the first time in four years, according to government statistics.
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Suspects arrested after mass stabbing on British train
Forensic teams work at the scene at Huntingdon railway station, where a London-bound train stopped after several people were stabbed. Photo by Tayfun Salci/EPA
Nov. 2 (UPI) — Two suspects have been arrested in Saturday night’s mass stabbing incident on a British train, police said Sunday, while dismissing concerns it was a terror attack.
Officers were called at 7:42 p.m. local time Saturday to respond to reports of multiple people stabbed on board the 6.25 p.m. train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross station, British Transport Police said in a statement.
The train was forced to stop in the small town of Huntingdon, where police and paramedics boarded the train.
The two suspects were arrested within eight minutes of the first 911 call, police said.
Police described the suspects as a 32-year-old Black man and a 35-year-old man of Caribbean descent, both of whom were natural-born British nationals.
They have been detained on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in custody for questioning.
In total, paramedics took ten people by ambulance to a local hospital and another later self-presented. Four victims have been discharged but two people remain in life-threatening condition.
Witnesses described seeing bloody handprints as panic spread through the train cars in comments to The Guardian.
“We declared a major incident yesterday and Counter Terrorism Policing were initially supporting our investigation however at this stage there is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident,” police superintendent John Loveless said. “This is a British Transport Police investigation.”
Loveless’ comments came after British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged people not to speculate about the attack.
The train station in Huntingdon remains closed and police said riders can see increased police presence throughout the train service on Sunday.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the stabbing an “appalling incident” and “deeply concerning” in a statement on social media, while former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it happened on a line he uses regularly.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,” Starmer said. “Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.”
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British tourist dies on dream holiday after horror poisoning while backpacking
Bethany Clarke and her best friend Simone White were backpacking together around Southeast Asia when they drank bootleg shots laced with methanol – and it proved tragically fatal for Simone
A woman has died after unknowingly drinking shots laced with methanol.
Bethany Clarke, 28, from Orpington, southeast London, went backpacking around Southeast Asia with her best friend, Simone White, 28, last year.
Both the women drank the bootleg alcohol, and tragically it proved fatal for Simone.
Bethany and Simone started their backpacking in Cambodia and went from there to Laos. They had spent the day tubing down the river – a popular tourist activity – before returning to their hostel for a night of drinking.
Bethany said: “We had methanol-laced shots. We had five or six each, just mixing them with Sprite.
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“The next morning, we didn’t feel right, but we just assumed it was a hangover. It was strange though – unlike any hangover I’d had before.
“It felt like being drunk but in a way where you couldn’t enjoy it. Something was just off.”
Despite their condition, they continued on with their plans, heading to the Blue Lagoon and kayaking down the river again.
Bethany added: “We were just lying on the backs of the kayaks, too weak to paddle. Simone was being sick off one of them. Neither of us wanted to swim or eat – which, we later learned, are early signs of methanol poisoning.”
It wasn’t until hours later, after they’d boarded a bus to their next destination, that things worsened, with Bethany fainting and Simone continuing to vomit.
Eventually, they were taken to a local hospital – one that Bethany described as “very poor”.
She said: “They had no idea what was wrong, they talked about food poisoning, but we hadn’t eaten the same things. It didn’t make sense.”
Still confused and deteriorating, the women made it to a private hospital. But by then it was too late.
READ MORE: Pensioners snorting cocaine skyrockets as UK hospitals in crisis
Bethany said: “They told me they’d do all they could to save her. She was having seizures during dialysis.”
When Simone’s condition worsened, her mother, Sue White, flew out to Laos, arriving just as her daughter was being wheeled into emergency brain surgery.
Bethany said: “Her brain had started to swell, and they had to shave her head. The surgery relieved the pressure but caused bleeding and the other side started swelling.”
The results confirming methanol poisoning wouldn’t arrive until two weeks later. By then, Simone had died.
Bethany said: “On an emotional level, it’s been a lot to process. Sometimes I still think, ‘Why don’t you reach out to Simone for that?’ and then I remember I can’t.”
Bethany has channeled her grief into campaigning for change and awareness. She said: “People still aren’t aware and don’t know the signs to look for.
READ MORE: Fake vodka poisoning kills 19 people with one fighting for life as nursery teacher arrested
“The government aren’t doing enough to educate British citizens about the signs of methanol poisoning.
“In Australia, where I live now, they have a big TikTok campaign and signs in all the airports.
“There’s a lot more work to be done in the UK – we’re behind. Anywhere there is organised crime, the opportunity exists – even in the UK.
Bethany also reckons there will be more deaths until people become more aware.”It’s highly likely we’ll see more deaths unless the UK government acts in a more radical way,” she said.
“It has to be in people’s heads – stick to canned drinks. But bottles can be more risky because the cap could have been replaced.
“Any spirits can be a risk. I say ‘steer clear, drink beer’ which rolls off the tongue.”
READ MORE: Limoncello poisoning victims’ parents reveal they bought booze that killed couple
Just recently, the Foreign Office added eight further countries to the risk list for methanol poisoning due to risks associated with counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks.
The list already covered Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were now included in the list following incidents.
Methanol poisoning results from methanol being added to drinks such as cocktails and spirits to up the volume and cut costs.
Signs of the poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion – and more distinctive symptoms, such as vision issues, can develop between 12 and 48 hours after consumption.
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