Personalised number plates why

SIR – Although it may be theoretical at present, I would be interested to know what an insurance premium for a cyclist might be under the system proposed (Tim Franey, Letters, June 27) . I find myself sceptical of both drivers’ and cyclists’ groups as they argue about who is at fault for various conflicts. I could, however, trust an actuarial calculation of risk, expressed as the cold, hard cost for insuring a cyclist. A comparison of the annual average premiums might prove illuminating. Adam Herrick SIR – Many cyclists are fully insured, my own annual premium being almost as much as my car insurance. I would also gladly display a bicycle licence plate were it the law, but how would such legislation be enforced – and how would it reach the children and young adults who use bikes for fun and exercise but often cause mayhem on footpaths as well as local roads? Rosie Harden-Vane SIR – Tim Franey writes to suggest that cycles should carry number plates. But what … [Read more...] about Letters: Make cyclists have insurance and number plates, and ban headphones

The head of the Army today says the UK must be ready for war with Russia. Four months on from Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, General Sir Patrick Sanders is set to compare the assault to the rise of Nazi Germany . He will say that Britain is facing its "1937 moment" and must be ready to "fight and win" to ward off the threat from Russia. In his first public speech as Chief of the General Staff , Sir Patrick will say the UK must be prepared to "act rapidly" to contain Russian expansionism. Nato last night pledged to massively increase its forces available on high alert to more than 300,000 troops, a more-than seven-fold increase. Sir Patrick's intervention is likely to put pressure on Mr Johnson to maintain the size of the Armed Forces after plans were announced to reduce troop numbers in a move to a more modern military. Defence editor Danielle Sheridan reports that, in a separate speech today, Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, is to call for increased … [Read more...] about Tuesday morning news briefing: General says UK must be ready for war

Published 12 minutes ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing A pedestrian was hit by a van that failed to stop, police have said. Sussex Police say the crash happened on the B2112 New Road between Ditchling and Clayton, East Sussex, shortly after 06:00 BST on Sunday. Officers are now trying to find a white van, believed to have a 2015 number plate, with no onside wing mirror and headlight damage. No other details about the pedestrian - including their condition - have been released. Part of the road remains closed. Follow BBC South East on Facebook , on Twitter , and on Instagram . Send your story ideas to [email protected] Related Internet Links Sussex Police The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. … [Read more...] about Ditchling crash: Search for damaged van after hit-and-run

How many of us have tried to improve our diet only to throw in the towel just days or weeks down the line? There are so many tips out there about what foods to eat - and which to avoid - it can be mind-bogglingly difficult to find out what works the best for you. As such it can all become rather overwhelming, but thankfully help is at hand. Before putting things right with your diet, it's vital look at what's wrong with it. Here, nutrition expert Lauryn Lax at BreakingMuscle.com outlines the main reasons why your diet isn’t working - and how to fix it. Want to get the latest health news direct to your inbox? Sign up for the Mirror Health newsletter HERE A great addition to your diet - avocados are rich in potassium, fibre and vitamins B, E and C ( Image: Getty Images) You’re not eating enough fat Diets that exclude or drastically limit fat tend to replace all those missing calories with carbohydrates, which sets you up to ride the blood sugar … [Read more...] about Nutrition expert explains why your diet isn’t working from stress to not chewing

SIR – Your Leading Article ( June 28 ) is a salutary reminder of the need to revisit the call in last year’s defence review for “a modern army that is more agile, more integrated and more expeditionary”, achieved through digitisation rather than numbers. While digital transformation remains relevant, the need to refocus on our European backyard puts the spotlight firmly on numbers – particularly the plan to limit the Army to 73,000 regulars and 30,000 reserves, with a commensurate reduction in heavy armour. Four months on from Russia’s invasion of a sovereign nation – and given Boris Johnson’s cheerleading for Ukraine at the G7 meeting, as well as Nato’s decision to increase high-readiness forces to 300,000 – the credibility of Britain’s contribution to thwarting Vladimir Putin’s ambitions is at stake. However dire the economic outlook, the Government must reorder its defence priorities. This will include: reversing Army personnel cuts so that at least one full-sized armoured … [Read more...] about Letters: Russian aggression highlights the need to restore Army manpower