Stop ‘cash for trash’ housebuilding in Norfolk Broads, says Labour MP 19. October 2026 (14:20) Exclusive: Chris Hinchliff urges environment watchdog to block rules that will allow almost 16,000 new homes in one of UK’s most protected areasThe environment watchdog is being urged to intervene in “cash to trash” planning rules that will allow almost 16,000 new homes in the Norfolk Broads despite the damage to one of the UK’s most environmentally protected areas.Labour’s flagship planning reforms allow damage to protected habitats and species to be overlooked if developers pay into a central nature restoration fund, which is used for conservation actions at a later date. These environmental delivery plans (EDPs) have been called “cash to trash” by critics, who say they roll back decades of environmental law and are a “licence to kill nature”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Youth services in parts of England in state of emergency, children’s commissioner says 19. October 2026 (14:11) Rachel de Souza names Middlesbrough and Hounslow among hardest places in which to grow up and says some children are being ‘radically failed’Services for children in parts of England are in a “state of emergency”, according to a report that identifies what it claims to be the hardest places in the country for young people to grow up in.The children’s commissioner, Rachel de Souza, said in some local authorities individual service failures or systemic problems meant “no child could reasonably be expected to thrive and those that do thrive do so against the odds”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russell Brand had ‘maniacal grin’ as he dragged woman into toilet and raped her, court told 19. October 2026 (14:03) Comedian, who is on trial at Southwark crown court, allegedly sexually assaulted woman within minute of meeting herRussell Brand had a “weird maniacal” grin on his face like a clown when he grabbed a woman’s breasts before dragging her into a toilet and raping her, a court has heard.The 51-year-old comedian is accused of orally raping the MTV worker as he told her: “You want to do this,” and: “Come on, don’t be a spoilsport.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Britain 'faces relying on EU to keep the lights on this winter' as power imports soar
More Labour Brexit chaos as minister insists PM doesn't want to 'reopen the acrimonious debate'