John Healey ‘targets tax crackdown on online marketplaces’ in first budget
A tax crackdown on online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay that could raise up to £1bn more for the Treasury is reportedly being drawn up for John Healey’s first…
Swimmer Archie Goodburn to meet prime minister over cancer funding
Swimmer Archie Goodburn is to meet the prime minister later after making a tearful plea for more investment to be put into brain cancer research. The Scottish athlete, who was…
Andy Burnham to meet swimmer Archie Goodburn after emotional plea on BBC Breakfast
The Scottish swimmer has urged Mr Burnham to appoint a national brain cancer lead Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn has described his upcoming meeting with prime minister Andy Burnham as a…
Chancellor in online marketplace tax crackdown as he plots ‘white van man’ Budget
It comes amid growing concern that Chinese retailers are using online marketplaces to undercut British competitors by evading the 20 per cent VAT on all their sales Ministers are reportedly…
Hundreds of Royal Mail staff quitting each week under new efficiency plans
About 400 postmen and women are leaving Royal Mail per week, according to the Communication Workers Union (CWU), who claims this number has gone up since the company introduced a…
Amputee told he needs more proof for blue badge
For amputee Nigel Ward, the evidence is undeniable. The 71-year-old from King’s Lynn assumed that providing photos showing his missing leg would be enough proof to get his Blue Badge…
Pollinating insects flock to plants gardeners might think of as ‘weeds’
Ubiquitous urban plants often derided as “weeds” are the most attractive to pollinating insects. The autumn blooms of common ivy, rich in pollen and nectar, are the most visited by…
Scale back on hake and coley, seafood charity tells shoppers
UK shoppers have previously been urged to avoid UK-caught cod and to buy European hake or coley instead – but now these fish are in trouble, too. The Marine Conservation…
Energy bills through the roof? Five signs your house is leaking heat
Pick a day when there is a good breeze, and heat the house to its usual temperature. Then wander around with a candle or smoke pen (about £20). Alternatively, buy…
Businesses could be barred from non-essential water use amid supply threat
Three water companies are seeking to impose severe restrictions on businesses as the drought continues across most of England, putting rivers and wildlife under huge pressure. Golf clubs and private…