National News

Former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has left Strictly Come Dancing

The 53-year-old and professional partner Lauren Oakley left the competition on Sunday night after losing the dance-off to Amber Davies and professional Nikita Kuzmin.

Health leaders call for Tobacco and Vapes Bill to be passed swiftly

More than 1,200 public health leaders have called for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to progress quickly through the final parliamentary stages to “protect future generations”.

Christmas housing market slowdown has started early says Zoopla

The usual housing market slowdown seen in the run-up to Christmas has started early, according to a property website.

Rapid blood test for children could spot sepsis and save lives

A rapid blood test to help diagnose life-threatening conditions in children – such as sepsis or meningitis – is being trialled in the NHS.

UK supermarkets warn business rates rise could push up food inflation

Bosses of the UK’s biggest supermarkets are urging the Chancellor to exempt shops from a new business rates surtax, warning that shoppers will bear the brunt of higher costs.

Tories pledge to stop 35000 crimes if elected

The Conservatives have promised to stop 35,000 crimes by deploying more police to violent “hot spots” if they return to power.

Private clinics carrying out more NHS appointments and procedures

The number of NHS appointments, tests and operations delivered by private hospitals and clinics has increased by almost 500,000 this year to 6.15 million.

Wes Streeting warns over unlicensed weight loss jabs after illicit factory raid

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned people not to buy weight-loss jabs from unregulated sources after an illegal laboratory was dismantled.

Asylum seeker released in error seen in London area police say

An asylum seeker accidentally released from prison was last seen in the London area, police said, as officers urged anyone who spots him to call 999 immediately.

Westminster has failed Scots says Swinney ahead of Scotland Demands Better demo

Westminster has had its chance to improve the lives of Scots and has failed, the First Minister has said as thousands of people prepare to take to the streets of Edinburgh.

Strictly professionals to wear Britney Spears inspired looks for icons week

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals are to embody the different eras of Britney Spears’ music career as part of the show’s icons week.

Parents urged to vaccinate children against flu wildfire as cases rise

Parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated against flu “wildfire” over half-term as cases rise, with pop-up clinics being set up at fire stations and bowling alleys.