SHOCK CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN: STARMER’S LAST DAYS IN NO10?

Voters believe Keir Starmer is spending his last Christmas in No10 as anger mounts within Labour ranks.

YouGov research found half of the public expect the PM to be gone within a year, including 19 per cent who are ‘definite’ about his demise.

That compared to just 35 per cent who thought he has a chance of surviving until the next festive season.

The growing sense of doom surrounding the premier is a stark contrast to his triumphant arrival in Downing Street just 17 months ago, on the back of a landslide election victory.

The government’s misery deepened today as announced another humiliating U-turn, watering down the inheritance tax raid on family farms just days after Sir Keir insisted it was ‘sensible’.

Despairing Labour insiders have complained that the leadership seems to have learned nothing from the debacle over the winter fuel allowance and abortive effort at benefits reforms.

They now braced for a climbdown on business rates increases, which have seen Sir Keir and other Labour MPs banned from pubs across the country.

Labour Party chair Anna Turley told Sky News at the weekend that Sir Keir would ‘absolutely’ still be PM next Christmas.

But Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are increasingly seen as on manoeuvres with the PM looking down the barrel of apocalyptic local elections in May.

Voters also appear pessimistic about the prospects in 2026, with just 15 per cent hopeful their own financial situation will improve over the next year, while 40 per cent expect things to get worse.

Some 39 per cent anticipate little change.

Despite the grim backdrop, the latest YouGov poll did show Reform’s advantage on headline voting intention narrowing from 10 points to five.

Sir Keir’s allies will be watching closely to see if that trend continues to show up in the New Year.

Voters believe Keir Starmer is spending his last Christmas in No10 as anger mounts within Labour ranks

Under the original plan unveiled by Rachel Reeves in the 2024 Budget farmers faced paying IHT at a 20 per cent rate on agricultural property and land worth more than £1million from April.

It triggered a huge wave of protests in London and a backlash from Labour MPs in rural seats.

But in the PM’s latest U-turn Defra today lifted that threshold to £2.5million, admitting that it had acted after it ‘listened to concerns of the farming community’.

A Defra spokesman said the change would halve the number of farms affected by the change to Agricultural Property Relief.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: ‘I am thankful common sense has prevailed and government has listened.

‘From the start the government said it was trying to protect the family farm and the change announced today brings this much closer to reality for many.’

But shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins said the change to the ‘vindictive’ scheme would be ‘too late for some’, adding: ‘Businesses and lives have been lost.

Olly Murs Breɑks His Silence on 16-Yeɑr Rift With Twin Brother  His heɑrtbreɑking confession — “I still think of him every Christmɑs” — hɑs left fɑns in teɑrs. A fɑmily wound thɑt never heɑled…

Olly Murs tại một sự kiện. Olly Murs has opened up on his heartbreaking family fallout in a rare interviewCredit: Splash

Olly Murs has given one of his most emotional interviews yet — finally opening up about the pain of a family rift that has haunted him for 16 years. The singer, now 41, revealed that his twin brother Ben still refuses to speak to him, a silence that has left their mother devastated and that continues to cast a shadow over every Christmas.

Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, Olly admitted that only now, as a father himself, does he truly understand the depth of his mum’s heartbreak.

“Now I’m a parent, I can relate more to my mum’s sadness that my twin brother and I have been estranged since 2009,” he said softly. “I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him.”

A Career Highs, But A Personal Void

His brother stopped talking to him when Olly skipp his wedding to compete in The X Factor

This year has been one of triumphs for the Dear Darlin’ hitmaker — releasing a new album, touring nationwide, and even sharing a show-stopping reunion on stage with Robbie Williams in June.

But behind the scenes of his glittering career, Olly admits the silence between him and Ben is a wound that has never healed.

The fallout dates back to 2009, when Olly chose to compete in the X Factor semi-finals rather than attend his brother’s wedding. It was the chance of a lifetime that catapulted him to fame, but it also became the decision that split the family.

“When you’ve been in the womb with someone, you struggle with loneliness,” Olly confessed. “I was desperate to be around people. I couldn’t sit in a room alone.”

Family First — This Time Around

Olly pictured on The X Factor in 2009Credit: Rex

Now married to Amelia, with a young daughter Madison and another baby on the way, Olly says his priorities have shifted.

He recalled the guilt he felt when his first child was born:

“Two days after Madison was born, I had to go on tour supporting Take That. Amelia had lots of support, but it was hard and I felt guilty. Second time round, I’m not going anywhere.”

Fatherhood, he admits, has changed the way he sees everything — especially his mum’s sadness at the family feud.

“Christmas Has Never Been The Same”

Despite years of attempts to reconcile, Olly says his brother has not responded. He sent birthday texts, only to discover Ben had changed his number.

In a 2018 interview with Lorraine Kelly, Olly was asked if he could ever imagine a reunion. His voice wavered as he admitted:

“I hope so. Every year I think about it — nine years, ten years. I texted him for his birthday but he changed his number. Christmas has never been the same.”

Ben on his wedding day in 2009Credit: Rex Features

Old photos of the brothers as toddlers show them smiling, inseparable. Olly often reflects on that bond, remembering the closeness they once shared, and the loneliness that followed when it was gone.

Love Despite the Silence

Olly and Ben were close in childhood with the singer admitting to feeling ‘lonely’ following their fall outCredit: Eastnews

Although the pain is real, Olly insists he holds no bitterness toward his twin.

“I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him,” he repeated.

Friends say the singer has matured in recent years, balancing his career with family life and developing a deeper appreciation for what really matters. Yet, whether he and Ben will ever rebuild their relationship remains uncertain.

For now, the silence continues. But Olly’s words — spoken with hope rather than anger — leave the door open for a reconciliation that fans, and especially his heartbroken mum, still dream of.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY: THE “EXTRAORDINARY” ACT OF LOVE THAT BROKE THE NATION  SARRA HOY’S SECRET BATTLE Sir Chris Hoy is facing a terminal diagnosis, but BBC viewers were left sobbing by the quiet strength of his wife, Sarra. She was hiding her own “waking nightmare,” yet she chose to do something truly beautiful that has touched hearts everywhere.  Imagine being told your husband has 2-4 years to live, only to be diagnosed with aggressive MS yourself just weeks later!  Instead of crumbling, Sarra called supporting him the “greatest privilege of her life.” But it was her “extraordinary gesture” for their terrified children that had everyone in tears. To explain Daddy’s chemotherapy without fear, she created a “Cherry Blossom” ritual in their garden—a symbol of hope and regrowth that saved their family’s spirit.  While Chris is a hero on the track, viewers say Sarra is the true “remarkable woman” off it.  READ THE TEAR-JERKING STORY! Discover the beautiful way Sarra helped her children cope with the double tragedy. Click the link to read about the love that conquered fear.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY: THE “EXTRAORDINARY” ACT OF LOVE THAT BROKE THE NATION SARRA HOY’S SECRET BATTLE

BBC audiences have been left deeply moved after watching a powerful new documentary charting Sir Chris Hoy’s terminal cancer battle — with many saying it was his wife Sarra Hoy who truly stole their hearts.

The BBC One documentary Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me offers an intimate look into the couple’s lives as the six-time Olympic gold medallist confronts Stage 4 cancer, after being told in 2023 that he had between two and four years to live. Scans revealed his prostate cancer had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, ribs and spine — a moment Chris described as nothing short of “a waking nightmare”.

Yet just weeks after receiving her husband’s devastating prognosis, Sarra was handed her own life-altering diagnosis: an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. Despite this, viewers watched in awe as she consistently placed her focus on supporting Chris, describing standing by him through his illness as “the greatest privilege of my life”.

Reflecting on her own diagnosis, Sarra explained that the shock of Chris’s cancer had completely eclipsed everything else. She said the world had been so “upside down” by the news about her husband that her MS diagnosis felt like “just another moment in time”, adding that she preferred it that way because “talking about Chris” mattered more.

Throughout the programme, Sarra’s quiet strength shone through — particularly when she spoke about helping their two children understand what their father was going through. Determined not to let cancer become something frightening or taboo, she wanted it to be part of their everyday lives rather than a single traumatic conversation.

She revealed how the children’s fears surfaced quickly, with unspoken worries about whether their father might die, whether they could catch cancer, or whether they had somehow caused it. To help them cope, Sarra came up with a simple yet profoundly moving idea centred around a cherry blossom tree in their garden.

Realising that Chris’s chemotherapy would end around the time the tree bloomed, the family painted a large bare tree and added pink blossoms to it each day — symbolising Chris regrowing and recovering. Sarra said the ritual was as much for her husband as it was for their children, helping them all believe that even when something is stripped bare, it can grow again.

Chris paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife during the documentary, saying she never seeks attention but deserves every ounce of it. He admitted he could not imagine coping without her, calling Sarra “an amazing person”.

Viewers flooded social media with emotional reactions, praising Sarra’s compassion, resilience and selflessness. Many described the documentary as difficult to watch but deeply inspiring, with one viewer saying that while Chris is a hero on the track, Sarra is “a truly remarkable woman” off it.

A Mother’s Worst Nightmare  Birthday Balloons Still Hanging as Police Charge Teen With Killing 9-Year-Old Girl

In the quaint seaside town of Weston-super-Mare, where families stroll along the pier and children chase waves under the summer sun, a chilling darkness descended on a quiet residential street. On the evening of December 15, 2025, emergency sirens shattered the peace as police rushed to a modest family home. Inside, they discovered the lifeless body of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, a vibrant girl who had just celebrated her birthday with laughter and cake. Stabbed once in a fatal wound, Aria’s young life was cut short in an act that has left her community reeling and her loved ones grappling with profound grief. Now, a 15-year-old boy stands accused of her murder, appearing in court amid a storm of questions about how such horror could unfold in a place meant for safety and innocence.

theguardian.comAria Thorpe killing: family of nine-year-old pay tribute to …

Aria Thorpe was the epitome of childhood joy—sassy, fun-loving, and full of boundless energy. Friends and family paint a picture of a girl who embraced life with open arms, her days filled with dress-up games, make-up experiments, and endless giggles. Just two weeks before her death, Aria had marked her ninth birthday with a themed KPop Demon Hunters party, a celebration that captured her playful spirit. Photos from the event show her beaming amid balloons and friends, a snapshot of pure happiness that now serves as a heartbreaking reminder of what was lost. Her mother, Victoria Hull, a former soldier turned hairstylist, had organized the bash, pouring love into every detail for her daughter.

Victoria, known for her resilience forged in the military, now faces the ultimate test of strength. As a single parent, she had built a life centered around Aria, balancing work at a local salon with the demands of raising a spirited child. Neighbors recall Victoria as warm and dedicated, often seen chatting with other parents while Aria played outside. But on that fateful Sunday evening, around 6:09 p.m., everything changed. A frantic call to emergency services reported a stabbing at their home on Winterstoke Road. Police arrived swiftly, but it was too late—Aria had succumbed to a single, devastating knife wound. The scene was one of chaos and sorrow, with forensic teams soon swarming the property, erecting a large cordon that remained in place for days as investigators combed for clues.

The arrest came almost immediately, a mere seven minutes after the initial response. A 15-year-old boy, whose identity is protected by law due to his age, was detained on suspicion of murder. The speed of the apprehension raised immediate questions: Was this a random act, or something more personal? As details emerged, it became clear that the suspect and Aria may have had some connection, though authorities have been tight-lipped about the exact nature. The boy, a local teen, was charged with murder and made his first court appearance at Bristol Crown Court on December 19, 2025—a hearing that lasted only minutes but carried the weight of a community’s shattered trust.

bbc.com
Weston-super-Mare stabbing: Family pay tribute to ‘bubbly’ Aria

In the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense. The boy, dressed simply and flanked by security, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. No plea was entered at this preliminary stage, a common procedure in such serious cases. Judge Peter Blair, presiding over the proceedings, set a provisional trial date for June 15, 2026, allowing time for both prosecution and defense to build their cases. In the interim, the teen was remanded into youth detention accommodation, a secure facility designed for young offenders. His next court date is scheduled for March 16, 2026, where further details may emerge. Prosecutors, led by the Crown Prosecution Service, have indicated this is a case of utmost gravity, with the potential for a lengthy sentence if convicted.

The charges stem from what police describe as a targeted attack within the home. While the exact circumstances remain under wraps to preserve the integrity of the trial, sources suggest the stabbing occurred suddenly, leaving little time for intervention. Forensic experts have been meticulously examining the scene, collecting evidence from the knife believed to be the weapon to any traces of a struggle. The single wound, though fatal, speaks to the brutality of the moment—Aria, small and defenseless, stood no chance against her alleged assailant. As the investigation unfolds, questions linger: What motivated this teen? Was it a momentary rage, or something premeditated? In a nation grappling with rising knife crime among youth, Aria’s death adds another tragic statistic to a growing epidemic.

Weston-super-Mare, a coastal gem in Somerset with its iconic Grand Pier and sandy beaches, is not accustomed to such violence. The town, home to about 76,000 residents, prides itself on community spirit—annual events like the Weston Air Festival and Christmas markets draw families together. But now, the shadow of this tragedy looms large. Neighbors on Winterstoke Road, a typical suburban street lined with terraced houses, have been left stunned. One resident, speaking anonymously, told reporters, “It’s like something from a nightmare. We all know each other here; kids play in the streets. How could this happen?” The cordon around the Thorpe home became a focal point for mourners, with flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes piling up in tribute to Aria.

Among those most affected is Tamara Taylor, a 40-year-old family friend who lives opposite the Thorpe residence. Tamara’s daughter, Mollie, was Aria’s inseparable best friend, the two girls bonded over shared adventures and secrets. In an emotional interview, Tamara shared the depth of their connection: “Aria was a sassy little girl who loved dressing up and putting on make-up. Mollie and Aria did everything together away from school and it’s just so heartbreaking what has happened. Aria was always around here playing with Mollie—they were inseparable. I don’t know how we’re going to break it to her that she won’t see her again.” The night before the incident, the girls had excitedly discussed their Christmas wish lists, dreaming of toys and surprises under the tree. Now, those dreams are forever unfulfilled, leaving Mollie to navigate a world without her playmate.

Tributes have flooded in from all corners, painting a vivid portrait of Aria’s personality. Classmates at her primary school remember her as bubbly and kind, always ready with a smile or a joke. Teachers have spoken of her enthusiasm in class, particularly in art and music, where her creativity shone. Online, social media has become a virtual memorial, with hashtags like #JusticeForAria trending as people share stories and condolences. One post from a relative read, “Our beautiful Aria, taken too soon. Your light will never fade.” The outpouring reflects not just grief but a collective anger at the senselessness of it all—a child killed in her own home, a sanctuary turned crime scene.

Victoria Hull’s pain is unimaginable. As a former soldier, she has faced hardships before, serving her country with honor before transitioning to civilian life as a hairstylist. But nothing could prepare her for this. In statements released through family spokespeople, Victoria expressed her devastation, calling Aria her “world” and vowing to seek justice. Support has rallied around her, with local charities and neighbors offering meals, counseling, and financial aid. A GoFundMe page set up in Aria’s memory has raised thousands, aimed at covering funeral costs and supporting anti-knife crime initiatives. The funeral, expected in the coming weeks, will likely be a poignant affair, drawing hundreds to celebrate a life cut tragically short.

This case thrusts the spotlight on the UK’s knife crime crisis, a scourge that has claimed too many young lives. Statistics from the Office for National Statistics show a rise in knife-related offenses among teenagers, with over 50,000 incidents reported in 2024 alone. Factors like gang involvement, mental health issues, and easy access to weapons contribute to the problem. In Somerset, local authorities have launched campaigns like “Operation Sceptre,” aimed at removing knives from streets through amnesty bins and education programs. But critics argue more needs to be done—stricter sentencing, better youth support, and community interventions to prevent escalation from arguments to violence.

The accused teen’s background remains largely undisclosed, respecting legal protections for minors. What is known is that he lived locally, possibly attending a nearby school. His family, too, is enduring scrutiny and sorrow, as the ripple effects of the allegation tear through relationships. Defense teams will likely explore mitigating factors—perhaps mental health, family dynamics, or provocation—though the prosecution’s case appears strong given the rapid arrest and evidence gathered.

As the provisional trial date approaches in June 2026, the path to justice will be long and arduous. Witnesses will testify, evidence will be dissected, and a jury will decide the boy’s fate. If convicted of murder, he faces a life sentence, with a minimum term set by the judge. For juveniles, rehabilitation is often emphasized, but the gravity of killing a child may sway toward harsher punishment. Legal experts note that cases involving young defendants are complex, balancing accountability with the potential for reform.

In Weston-super-Mare, the holiday season feels dimmer this year. Christmas lights twinkle along the promenade, but for many, the joy is overshadowed by loss. Aria’s empty stocking, her unwrapped presents—these are the stark reminders of a family forever changed. Yet, amid the pain, there’s resilience. Victoria Hull has vowed to honor her daughter’s memory by advocating for change, perhaps through anti-violence campaigns or school programs. “Aria deserved a full life,” a family statement read. “We won’t let her death be in vain.”

This tragedy serves as a wake-up call: in an era where children should be safe in their homes, vulnerabilities persist. It challenges us to foster stronger communities, support struggling youth, and protect the innocent. Aria Thorpe, with her sassy smile and love for life, will be remembered not for how she died, but for how she lived—a beacon of joy in a world that needs more light. As the waves crash on Weston-super-Mare’s shore, her spirit endures, urging us toward a safer tomorrow.

independent.co.uk

Family of Aria Thorpe ‘heartbroken’ by death of nine-year-old …

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed Anna Turley has “total contempt for democracy” after the Labour Party Chairwoman was accused of refusing to rule out delaying the next general election.

Ms Turley, who is facing a challenge in her Redcar seat from Reform UK, struggled to confirm whether the next national poll would get the go-ahead if substantial constitutional changes were made to the House of Lords.

Fears arose about the next general election after Sir Keir Starmer invited more than 60 local authorities to postpone elections slated for May next year.

When asked to rule out delaying the next general election, Ms Turley told Sky News: “The reality is we’re moving to unitary councils, there’s a huge restructuring of local government and it’s really difficult for them to manage that alongside running elections as well.

“We’ve got a huge programme of elections this May, but the reality is while we’re undertaking the biggest restructuring in a generation it’s really important we give councils the capacity to do this so they don’t keel over.”

When asked if Sir Keir’s manifesto pledge to abolish hereditary peers could necessitate a delay, Ms Turley again failed to answer.

However, Ms Turley insisted general elections “always come at the decision of the Prime Minister and that’s the reality of the process we have in this country”.

“I’m looking forward to spending the next couple of years setting out our programme for reform and delivering for the country,” the Redcar MP added.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed Anna Turley has ‘total contempt for democracy’

Mr Farage delivered his verdict on Ms Turley’s comments just a few hours later.

“Labour chair Anna Turley has total contempt for democracy,” the Reform UK leader said.

However, Ms Turley later clarified her position, pointing out the date for the next general is set in stone.

“There’s no change to the General Election,” the Labour Party Chairwoman told Times Radio.

“The law is very clear: we will have a General Election by 2029.

“That won’t change. I’m not quite sure where he was going with that I’m afraid. I’m a big fan of Trevor but I think there was some confusion there. There’s absolutely no change to the General Election.”

She added: “The General Election is there, it’s set in law. It will happen. There’s no doubt about that.”

Mr Farage has been outspoken about plans to cancel local election contests across England following a separate set of delays in May this year.

A Reform-made petition against delaying local elections has already received more than 130,000 signatures.

Anna Turley (right) refused to rule out delaying the next general election

The Clacton MP last year compared Sir Keir to Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe and warned Britain is slowly becoming a “banana republic”.

However, Mr Farage has also blasted Tory leader Kemi Badenoch after a number of Conservative-run councils hinted at requesting a delay.

He said: “Turkeys don’t vote for Christmas. Tory County Councils look set to collude with Labour to keep their control until 2027.

“Only a banana republic bans elections, that’s what we have under Starmer.

“Kemi Badenoch must instruct her council leaders to allow elections to go ahead.”

Sir Keir Starmer is inviting local authorities to yet again delay contests slated for next May

Mrs Badenoch has voiced her frustration with Labour postponing the contests but will not overrule Tory-run councils in favour of a delay.

Meanwhile, Ms Turley’s comments about the next general election come as MPs prepare to debate holding an immediate national poll after Christmas.

A Westminster Hall debate will take place on January 12 after more than one million Britons signed the petition calling for a general election.

Despite MPs being given the opportunity to debate the petition, it is incredibly unlikely that Britons will go to the polls anytime soon.

Kemi Badenoch is also under pressure over the response from Tory-run councils

The Dissolution & Calling of Parliament Act restored the Prime Minister’s ability to call a General Election via the Royal Prerogative.

A no-confidence motion could theoretically force a General Election, although the composition of the Commons makes such a scenario incredibly unlikely.

The last time a Prime Minister was defeated in a confidence vote came in 1979, when James Callaghan lost by one vote ahead of Margaret Thatcher’s first General Election victory.

Sir Keir could wait until the last possible moment to call the next general election, which is constitutionally slated for August 15, 2029.

Keir Starmer receives damning ‘last Christmas’ verdict from British voters as PM warned about No10 ousting

WATCH: Stephen Flynn asks Keir Starmer how he will be ‘spending his last Christmas in Downing Street’ |

British voters do not believe Sir Keir Starmer will spend next Christmas as Prime Minister, a damning new poll has revealed.

A new survey by polling firm YouGov found half of Britons expect the Prime Minister will be ousted within a year, including 19 per cent who are “definite” about Sir Keir’s departure.

The figure compared to just 35 per cent of voters who believe Sir Keir will remain in No10 next December.

However, the same survey suggested Labour has cut Reform UK’s lead in the opinion polls.

Reform UK’s support was down from 28 per cent to 25 per cent, putting Nigel Farage just five points clear of Sir Keir’s Labour Party.

Meanwhile, the Tory Party remains in third place on just 19 per cent, leaving the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party tied on 15 per cent.

Despite securing a landslide victory at the 2024 General Election, Sir Keir’s authority also appears to have slipped with Labour MPs.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner have been mooted as potential plotters against Sir Keir.

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Sir Keir Starmer’s position appears increasingly vulnerable

 | PA

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham yet again confirmed he would return to Westminster if called upon by Labour MPs.

During the last round of Prime Minister’s Questions before the festive recess, the Scottish National Party’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn could not resist a swipe at Sir Keir about his future.

He said: “It’s the season of goodwill, so with that in mind, I don’t intend on asking the Prime Minister about his broken promises on energy bills, the 1,000 jobs being lost in the North Sea, and the fact that Peter Mandelson is still a member of the House of Lords.

“I won’t even ask him about the chaos engulfing the Labour Party, his Budget and his indeed his own leadership.

Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have all been accused of plotting against the Prime Minister

 | PA

“No, Mr Speaker, I simply want to wish the Prime Minister happy Christmas.

“How does he intend on spending his final one in Downing Street?”

Sir Keir responded by revealing he will receive an update from the Chancellor on the situation at Grangemouth.

The Prime Minister added: “The Right Honourable Gentleman is clearly not interested in Grangemouth.

Nigel Farage’s lead has been slashed as Reform’s support drops to 25 per cent

 | PA

“I would have thought, on a day like this, that he would want to welcome the £120million investment into Grangemouth.

“It is a landmark investment protecting 500 jobs there and hundreds more across Scotland’s supply chain, and he cannot even bring himself to mention it.

“That is on top of the Typhoon defence jobs in Edinburgh and the shipbuilding jobs on the Clyde.

“After decades of SNP rule, its Members are totally out of ideas and they cannot even welcome the Grangemouth news. Scotland deserves change next year with Anas Sarwar.”

Stephen Flynn is the SNP leader in Westminster

 | GETTY

Meanwhile, Labour Party Chairwoman Anna Turley insisted Sir Keir will remain as Prime Minister next Christmas.

“As we go into the new year, I’m really optimistic about delivering the kind of change that people voted for last year, and to see them starting to see and feel it in their pockets and in their local communities,” Ms Turley told Sky News.

She added: “Well, I think rightly, people are impatient for change. We all are. And people voted for change – that was on the front of our manifesto last year.

“But it takes time to deliver that. It takes time to stabilise things from the chaos that we inherited.”

‘FROM DEATH ROW TO HOPE’: PETE WICKS JOINS RESCUE MISSION SAVING 170 DOGS FROM SOUTH KOREAN MEAT FARM

It wasn’t a television storyline, a publicity stunt, or a scripted moment for shock value. When British reality star Pete Wicks stepped onto the grounds of a South Korean dog-meat farm, he found himself face-to-face with one of the most heartbreaking sights of his life — more than 170 dogs awaiting slaughter, many trembling in fear, unaware that their fate was about to change forever.

The former TOWIE star joined international animal welfare groups in a large-scale rescue mission that liberated over 170 dogs from a brutal and long-ignored industry. Though Wicks did not act alone — working instead as part of a coordinated charity effort — his presence brought not only additional support, but a powerful human voice for animals whose suffering is often unseen.

A Scene Too Difficult to Forget

Wicks described the scene as overwhelming: cramped cages, matted fur, and eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and despair. Some dogs were born in captivity, never knowing a gentle touch. Others were former pets, abandoned or stolen.

The mission was not just about relocation — it was about dignity. Volunteers carefully lifted each frightened animal from the wire-floored pens, offering comfort, blankets, and, sometimes for the first time, kindness.

The Journey to Freedom

Once removed from the farm, the dogs began a journey across the world — with many flown to the UK, United States, and Canada for rehabilitation and adoption. For the first time, they tasted fresh air, saw open space, and felt safe human hands.

Pete Wicks, visibly moved, helped load carriers and calm distressed animals. His involvement played a key role in drawing public attention to the issue, inspiring supporters and donations that will continue funding future rescues.

A Message Bigger Than Celebrity

Wicks later shared that the experience changed him.

He spoke of compassion rather than fame.
Of responsibility rather than applause.
Of the silent victims who cannot speak for themselves.

The rescue serves as a reminder that cruelty thrives where the world looks away — and that meaningful change begins when individuals choose to look, act, and stand.

A Victory — But Not the End

For the 170 dogs saved, this mission marks the beginning of new lives filled with the possibility of love, adoption, and healing.

For those still trapped in farms across the region, it is a call to action.

And for animal lovers worldwide, it is a testament to what can happen when compassion and courage meet — when public figures use their platform not for self-promotion, but for protection.

Pete Wicks didn’t rescue 170 dogs alone.
He stood with a team.
He lent his hands.
He lent his heart.

And in doing so, he helped give hundreds of animals something they never had before:
hope.

MARRIAGE BOMBSHELL : Ben Shephard’s Surprising “Agreement” with Wife Annie After 20 Years EXPOSED — Fans Fear It May Signal Trouble Behind Closed Doors.

Ben Shephard’s ‘agreement’ at home with wife of 20 years Annie

The 50-year-old fronts This Morning alongside Cat Deeley

Ben Shephard is embracing life in his fifties with more energy – and abs – than ever.

The This Morning presenter, who turned 50 in December, has teamed up with Men’s Health UK cover star to recreate his original fitness shoot from 2012, and this time, he’s doing it with a fitness routine for a 50-year-old and father of two.

“I’m much more conscious of the fact that I’ve probably got less time ahead of me than I have behind me – that’s the reality of it,” he shared.

Ben Shephard with his wife Annie

“When Alison Hammond turned 50, someone said to her, ‘Welcome to the fifth floor.’ That felt like a lovely way of describing it – you’re still looking up to those other floors, but looking down as well.”

For Ben, fitness isn’t just a personal goal, but it’s become a powerful way to bond with his teenage sons, Sam, 19, and Jack, 18.

© Instagram
The former GMB presenter with his teenage sons

“We love training together,” he explained. “I’ve really, really enjoyed proving to my sons that I can still compete with them. And when they say I look like I’ve trained hard… they’ve been really inspired by that, particularly my eldest, Sam.”

But perhaps one of the most relatable aspects of Ben’s wellness journey is how it plays out in the kitchen – and at the dinner table – with his wife of over 20 years, Annie.

Ben Shephard stars on the cover of Men’s Health

“My wife does most of the cooking,” he noted. “And I’m turning around saying, ‘I’ve got to have enough protein.’”

Striking up the perfect balance together, Ben added: “We came up with an agreement – I’d get what I needed during the day, so I could enjoy our dinners together. You can leave stuff out that you don’t necessarily want, but we still want to share that moment in the evening.”

© David Venni / Men’s Health UK
Ben Shephard appears in this month’s Men’s Health

Asked whether he’d be up for doing another shoot at 60, Ben revealed: “I love the idea of doing a shoot again at the age of 60. There are loads of fitness influencers that aren’t just in their twenties and thirties, but in their fifties, sixties and seventies – still doing it, still living, still owning it, still looking fantastic.

“I find that incredibly inspiring. I’ve followed Men’s Health religiously for the past 12 years. I will carry on following it, as well. There might be a bit more grey in the hair now, but the hairline is still there. So why not do it again at 60?”

© David Venni / Men’s Health UK
Ben Shephard talks about fitness in his 50s

The full interview with Ben Shephard can be read in the June issue of Men’s Health UK, on sale from 20 May.

‘DANGEROUS’: Why I Refuse to Be GASLIT Into Silence by Britain’s Equality Watchdog

By Patrick Christys

Let me be absolutely clear from the outset: I will not be gaslit into silence.

Not by politicians.
Not by unelected bureaucrats.
And certainly not by the newly appointed chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, whose worldview I believe is not just wrong — but dangerous.

When Mary Anne Stevenson warned that talking honestly about migration risks “demonising migrants” and endangering social cohesion, what she was really saying was this: shut up. Don’t ask difficult questions. Don’t point out uncomfortable facts. Don’t connect policy decisions with real-world consequences.

That, in my view, is not leadership. It is denial — and denial is dangerous.

A Watchdog That Won’t Watch

The EHRC exists to protect the rights and freedoms of people in Britain. It is supposed to be fearless, impartial, and grounded in reality. Instead, we are now staring at the prospect of an equality watchdog that appears more interested in policing speech than confronting harm.

If the head of Britain’s human rights body believes that openly discussing the risks and failures of our migration system is itself a threat, then the institution has fundamentally lost its way.

Because here’s the truth that polite London circles don’t want to hear: words don’t make people unsafe — policies do.

Real Harm, Real Victims — Not “Rhetoric”

When critics like me talk about migration, we are not talking in abstracts. We are talking about victims with names, faces, and lives permanently altered.

Girls groomed and raped by organised gangs while authorities looked the other way, paralysed by fear of “offending communities.”
Teenagers sexually assaulted by asylum seekers who should never have been here in the first place.
Families traumatised by terror attacks carried out by individuals who passed through a system riddled with negligence and cowardice.

To suggest that highlighting these realities is “demonisation” is not just insulting — it is morally grotesque.

Who exactly are we supposed to be protecting by staying silent?
Certainly not women.
Certainly not children.
Certainly not Britain’s ethnic minorities, who are themselves often the first victims of lawlessness and failed integration.

The Cult of Silence Is Back

We have been here before.

Rotherham. Rochdale. Telford.

Time and again, authorities chose silence over safeguarding. Sensitivity over safety. And every time, the price was paid by vulnerable girls while officials congratulated themselves for being “progressive.”

Now we are being told — once again — that talking about migration is the problem.

No.
The cult of silence is the problem.

Gaslighting the Public

What infuriates people is not diversity. Britain has always been diverse. What infuriates people is being told that what they can see with their own eyes isn’t happening.

We are told:

Mass migration doesn’t strain public services — even as taxes rise and housing collapses.

Cultural tensions don’t exist — even as armed police guard Christmas markets.

There is no conflict of values — even as homophobia, misogyny, and religious extremism flourish in plain sight.

And when ordinary people object, they are smeared as “dangerous”.

That is gaslighting. And I refuse to accept it.

Equality Cannot Mean Selective Blindness

Here is the bitter irony: mass immigration from deeply conservative societies has, in many cases, made Britain less safe for the very groups the EHRC claims to defend.

Women.
Gay people.
Religious minorities.

Pretending otherwise does not make you virtuous — it makes you complicit.

An equality watchdog that cannot acknowledge this reality is not defending rights; it is sacrificing them on the altar of ideology.

Unelected Power, Unaccountable Consequences

Mary Anne Stevenson was not elected. The EHRC chair is not accountable to voters. Yet the influence of this role is enormous — shaping law, policy, and public debate.

That power demands realism, courage, and humility.

What it must never become is a platform for silencing dissent or labelling critics as morally suspect for refusing to ignore the obvious.

The Public Is Not Stupid

People know when they are being lied to. They know when elites live in a different reality. And they know when institutions stop serving the public and start lecturing them.

If those in charge continue down this path — dismissing concerns, attacking critics, and waving away consequences — they will only deepen public anger and mistrust.

And that, ironically, will damage social cohesion far more than any honest conversation ever could.

I Will Keep Speaking

So no, I will not stop talking about migration.
I will not pretend that policy failures are imaginary.
I will not apologise for standing up for women, children, and ordinary British people.

If that makes me “dangerous” in the eyes of an equality watchdog that has forgotten its purpose, so be it.

Because the truly dangerous thing is silence — and I refuse to be part of it.

’I hɑven’t seen Penny Wong shed ɑ single teɑr’: Uproɑr over foreign minister’s response to the Bondi Beɑch tr:ɑgedy

Foreign Minister Penny Wong hɑs been ɑccused of going into hiding following the Bondi Beɑch terror ɑttɑck, which left 15 people ɗeɑɗ ɑnd 40 injured.

Opposition Leɑder Sussɑn Ley lɑunched ɑ blistering ɑttɑck on the Foreign Minister, criticising her for not ɑttending memoriɑls or fυռerɑls for the victims.

During ɑ press conference on Mondɑy, Ley struck the lectern ɑnd lɑid into Wong’s response.

‘I hɑven’t seen Penny Wong on the streets of Bondi. I hɑven’t seen Penny Wong ɑt the vigil for 15 innocent мυrɗered Austrɑliɑns,’ she sɑid.

‘I didn’t see Penny Wong ɑt Bondi lɑst night on the eighth night of Hɑnukkɑh. I didn’t see Penny Wong ɑttend ɑ single fυռerɑl. I hɑven’t seen Penny Wong shed ɑ single teɑr.’

Ley ɑccused the Albɑnese government of being out of touch with the grief gripping the community.

‘If more government members ɑctuɑlly cɑme to the streets of Bondi ɑnd listened – ɑnd not just listened, but heɑrd, heɑrd the pɑin, heɑrd the ɑnguish, heɑrd the cɑll to ɑction – we wouldn’t hɑve the ridiculous remɑrks thɑt she hɑs mɑde recently.’

Appeɑring on Sunrise on Tuesdɑy morning, Ley doubled down on her comments.

Penny Wong (pictured) hɑs been ɑccused of going into hiding ɑfter the Bondi Beɑch ɑttɑck

‘It wɑs me expressing my ɑnger ɑnd disɑppointment on behɑlf of the community to the government,’ she sɑid.

‘Thɑt’s whɑt it wɑs. I will not tolerɑte, ɑs I sɑid, the weɑk response I hɑve seen or ‘tɑke the temperɑture down’.’

Ley then criticised the rest of the Albɑnese government, noting thɑt very few Ministers were present ɑt the vigil ɑt Bondi Beɑch Pɑvilion.

‘Penny Wong wɑs not there, Anthony Albɑnese wɑs not there, members of the Lɑbor cɑbinet were bɑrely there.’

On Mondɑy, Wong ɑvoided cɑlls to ‘sɑy sorry’ ɑfter being ɑsked whether the Bondi terrorism ɑttɑck fɑllout wɑs ɑ ‘permɑnent stɑin’ on the Albɑnese government.

Her comments cɑme ɑfter tense scenes on Sundɑy, when the Prime Minister wɑs heckled ɑnd booed while leɑving ɑ vigil ɑt Bondi Beɑch.

Chɑllenged on whether the government’s hɑndling of ɑnti-Semitism wɑs ɑ permɑnent stɑin, Wong sɑid she understood the trɑumɑ felt by the community.

‘Whɑt I’d sɑy is we see there’s greɑt grief, there’s pɑin, there’s trɑumɑ ɑnd there’s ɑnger,’ she told ABC Rɑdio.

Sussɑn Ley (pictured) refused to ɑpologise for hɑrsh comments mɑde ɑgɑinst Wong

‘We’ve hɑd 15 Austrɑliɑns killed in ɑn horrific, evil ɑnti-Semitic ɑttɑck on Jewish Austrɑliɑns, ɑnd ɑll Austrɑliɑns feel such sorrow — ɑs do I.

‘Ultimɑtely, this ɑttɑck is ɑn ɑttempt to divide us, ɑnd we will not let thɑt hɑppen.’

Pressed ɑgɑin on whether the government’s record hɑd been dɑmɑged, Wong listed ɑctions tɑken ɑfter the ɑttɑck.

ABC host Sɑbrɑ Lɑne then ɑsked: ‘Is it ɑlso time to sɑy sorry?’

The Foreign Minister declined to ɑpologise.

‘Look, I think ɑll of us wish thɑt we were not where we ɑre,’ she sɑid.

‘We ɑll wish thɑt the ISIS-inspired тerrorιʂт ɑttɑckers hɑd been stopped. We ɑll wish thɑt ɑnti-Semitism hɑd not continued in this country.

‘Over ɑnd over ɑgɑin, ɑs Foreign Minister, I sɑid thɑt we ɑll needed to turn the temperɑture down.’

Mourners gɑthering outside Bondi Pɑvilion on Thursdɑy where flowers were lɑid to remember the victims

Wong ɑlso defended opting for ɑn inquiry into intelligence ɑgencies led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richɑrdson, insteɑd of ɑ royɑl commission.

‘The Prime Minister sɑid we would co-operɑte with the stɑte royɑl commission.

‘But ɑgɑin, if I cɑn come bɑck to why we wɑnt to ensure our ɑgencies hɑve the powers they need, we hɑve to mɑke sure thɑt our nɑtionɑl security ɑrrɑngements ɑre fit for purpose, ɑble to keep people sɑfe, ɑnd thɑt we leɑrn from ɑny mistɑkes, if there were ɑny mɑde, in the context of these ɑttɑcks.’