Cracking neck when turning head

Shameless Boris Johnson has told friends he will "smash on" despite a string of resignations. The Prime Minister is said to have declared "I'm not going anywhere” despite Rishi Sunak , Sajid Javid and his Solicitor General all resigning last night. But MPs have other ideas - with a string of Tories from across the spectrum reading him the “last rites”. While the Cabinet are now mostly firm, the PM is being rocked by a string of junior resignations from government. Between 6pm on Tuesday and 2pm on Wednesday 21 MPs resigned from the government - nine ministers, nine parliamentary private secretaries, two trade envoys and one Tory vice chair. Back bench MPs across the spectrum, from moderate ex-ministers Chris Skidmore and Nick Gibb to culture war Red Wallers Jonathan Gullis, Tom Hunt and Lee Anderson, have charged over the top. For so many MPs, the revelation the PM knew about claims against MP Chris Pincher, then promoted him repeatedly, then “forgot” he’d been told, is … [Read more...] about All the Tories brutally turning against Boris Johnson’s leadership as MPs ‘read last rites’

As a dog owner, it's important to keep an eye on your pet's behaviour as sudden changes could suggest something is wrong with them. And their body language is always a good place to start - especially their tail position. The RSPCA has put together a guide to help owners "recognise important body language signals and get to know how their dog is feeling". If you're ever concerned about your dog's behaviour - or think something might be wrong with them - contact your vet for advice on what to do. Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories. A happy dog A dog will have a relaxed or wagging tail when they're happy ( Image: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF) If your dog has a relaxed body posture, open mouth, ears in their natural position, eyes in their normal shape and a wagging tail then they're in a good mood. When in a happy mood, a dog might be more inclined to play with their owner or other dogs - and … [Read more...] about Dogs’ tail positions explained and what they reveal about their mood

By Hazel Shearing Published 2 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Former higher and further education minister Michelle Donelan has been made the new education secretary. It follows Nadhim Zahawi's departure from the post as he becomes chancellor. Ms Donelan, 38, has spent the past two years occupied with universities and colleges. Now she has the whole of England's education system to contend with - and she is facing a pretty packed schedule. Catch-up after Covid Perhaps the biggest issue Ms Donelan will have to contend with is the impact of two years of disruption on schoolchildren. By 2030, ministers want 90% of children leaving primary school to reach the expected standards in reading, writing and maths. There's a long way to go, and unions aren't convinced it's doable with current levels of funding. This week, Sats results … [Read more...] about Who is Michelle Donelan and what is the new education secretary facing?

Pāpāmoa residents are frustrated by freedom campers overstaying in a beachside reserve carpark. The campers are taking up most of the available parking space at the Taylor Reserve carpark in Pāpāmoa East, according to resident Jayne Darby. Darby said the campers leave their belongings around which included car tyres, timber and bongs for drug smoking.Darby regularly uses the carpark when walking her dog and said on her last visit there were eight vehicles using the carpark for camping. READ MORE: Auckland Council proposes new freedom camping bylaws for region Golden Bay business owners angry at 'naive' decision to close freedom camping sites Fears of 'trailer park' at north Auckland beach as freedom camping bylaw looms One was a large bus style campervan taking up two spaces which left very little space for other people wanting to use the carpark, she said. “They took over the majority of the car park that day. It just makes it hard for everybody else,” said … [Read more...] about ‘We’re actually really nice people’: Maligned Pāpāmoa freedom campers say they’re trying to combat cost of living

Bec Ansley Emma the duck is back with her owners after she managed to end up 40km from her home in Rangiora. We live in unusual times. It all gets a bit much some days. So each weekday we're bringing you a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness out there too. Duck found 40km from home A plucky pet named Emma Stone has been reunited with her owners after a three-day adventure across Canterbury . The 6-month-old Muscovy duck had been hand-reared by her human mum Milly Ansley, 16, alongside Emma’s bigger brother, Andrew (Andy) Garfield – before things went a bit odd. READ MORE: The Antidote: Five happy things to read about today, July 5 The Antidote: Five happy things to read about today, July 4 The Antidote: Five happy things to read about today, July 1 The duck that loves to perch on roofs and peer into backyards crossed paths with a concerned neighbour whose actions saw her taken to an animal … [Read more...] about The Antidote: Five happy things to read about today, July 6

Despite Moscow's attempts to stem any dissent against its invasion of Ukraine, some Russians are continuing to protest -- even if it means facing draconian punishment for the most benign acts of opposition. Some have paid a heavy price for their acts of protest. In the early days of the war in February, authorities moved quickly to quash demonstrations, arresting people who marched or even held blank signs, balloons in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, or other oblique references to the conflict. Critical media outlets were shut down as the government sought to control the narrative. Political opponents were singled out by President Vladimir Putin or commentators on state-run TV. Russia cracks down on independent media during Ukraine invasion Russia's brain drain: War with Ukraine prompts tens of thousands to flee abroad Lawmakers rubber-stamped measures that outlawed the spread of "false information" about what the Kremlin called a "special … [Read more...] about Russians defy crackdown to find small ways of protesting Ukraine war

By Tom Espiner Published 2 hours ago comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing The pound has fallen to a two-year low against the dollar reflecting traders' increasing concerns about recession around the world as energy prices continue to soar. But sterling is also weak because markets are worried about future UK economic growth, analysts said. Sterling could fall even further after predictions of economic stagnation and as inflation rises, they added. London shares regained some ground on Wednesday following Tuesday's falls. The resignation of two senior government ministers on Tuesday evening, including former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, was not a significant factor in the pound's fall, Rabobank head currency strategist Jane Foley told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. UK household energy bills to hit £3,000 per year Sunak … [Read more...] about Pound slides to two-year low against the dollar

By Faisal Islam Published 6 hours ago comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing All types of household energy bill are now heading above £3,000 a year this winter, say energy industry sources. The rise is 7% higher than the predicted prices on which the government's recently announced cost of living support package was based. The government said it didn't recognise the figures, but added it and Ofgem "keep a close watch on energy prices". National Energy Action said there were "few signs of energy prices becoming affordable this winter". The bleak prediction comes as households are already struggling with rising food and fuel prices. Every UK household is to get an energy bill discount of £400 this October, whilst poorest households will also get a payment of £650. When will households get the £400 energy grant? … [Read more...] about Household energy bills to hit £3,000 per year

By Tiffanie Turnbull Published 21 May Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Australia election 2022 Anthony Albanese is set to become Australia's next prime minister after leading the Labor Party to its first election victory in more than a decade. One of the country's longest-serving politicians, he promised voters "safe change" as he worked to kick out the conservative Liberal-National coalition which has been in power since 2013. Where ousted Prime Minister Scott Morrison is a self-described "bulldozer", Mr Albanese vows to be a "builder". After the pandemic, which saw Australian states cut off from each other and cities splintered by strict lockdowns, fostering unity is a top priority for the new leader. "I want to bring Australians together. I want to seek our common purpose and promote unity and optimism, not fear and division," he said … [Read more...] about Australia election: Anthony Albanese leads Labor to Australian election victory