Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi seen in rare photos after receiving gift from King Charles 20. October 2026 (07:07) Critics said images of detained former leader were a stunt by the military to end country’s diplomatic isolationMyanmar has delivered presents from Britain’s King Charles to Aung San Suu Kyi, releasing rare photos of the imprisoned former leader in what critics said was a stunt by the country’s military to end diplomatic isolation.A presidential spokesperson said on social media that home ministry officials handed over two gardening books on soil, “along with one sealed envelope and a sealed diplomatic pouch”, from King Charles, who is known to have an interest in planting and the environment. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
How is the US economy really doing under President Trump? 20. October 2026 (07:00) Ahead of the midterms Trump has boasted about the performance of the US economy. BBC Verify looks at inflation, jobs and economic growth in the country. (BBC News)
Royal Exchange boss unveils new plays two years after damaging censorship row 20. October 2026 (07:00) Selina Cartmell announces season including Stockport-set version of Phaedra myth by Simon StephensA theatre boss has promised to channel the “pioneering spirit of Manchester” and be “brave and fearless” as she unveiled a new season of work, two years after a deeply damaging censorship row.Selina Cartmell, the artistic director of the Royal Exchange in Manchester, revealed details of 2027-28 productions that include a retelling of the Munich air disaster and a modern Stockport-set version of the ancient Greek myth Phaedra. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Public support for founding principles of NHS is falling across UK population 20. October 2026 (07:00) Rise in economic hardship and changes in attitudes towards migration could explain drop in support, experts sayPublic support for the NHS’s founding principles – that it is free to use, available to everyone and tax-funded – has fallen over the last five years, research has shown.Backing for all three pillars dropped between 2021 and 2025 across the UK population, except for a small rise in millennials’ support for the NHS being funded from taxation. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New Bradford railway station will ‘transform travel across the north’ 20. October 2026 (07:00) Transport hub will offer through trains between Leeds and Manchester with ‘turn-up-and-go’ serviceA new railway station will be built in Bradford to “transform how people travel across the north”, the government has announced.The station will be at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) scheme, built on the current Bradford Interchange site but allowing through trains between Leeds and Manchester. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Local who came to Helen Haines' aid reveals suspect's chilling reaction after the deliberate attack on the MP: 'He was more worried about his personal belongings'
'We were terrified of him': Neighbours reveal chilling encounter with man accused of running down Helen Haines just days before attack - after years of alleged threats and intimidation