The monster energy

British Gas is set to add another £97 to bills from April, affecting millions of households across the UK. It becomes the latest 'big six' provider to announce price rises from spring this year, in line with Ofgem's new price cap rate , which affects some of the most vulnerable customers. The energy giant said 2.3million people will be affected by the latest announcement, which will see the provider's average standard default tariff rise from £1,041 to £1,138 a year. The price cap is set twice a year to curb how much suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs - often the most expensive plans in the market. It's rising to £1,138 in April. But consumer expert Martin Lewis has warned households they stand to save hundreds by shopping around. About 15million households, including 4million prepayment meter customers are on a default tariff and covered by the cap. But switching to a fixed deal will lock you into a cheaper tariff - and put a stop to any … [Read more...] about Martin Lewis names three best energy deals right now as big six all hike prices

SNOW and ice can make driving a real challenge for motorists and can even lead to accidents. As snow piles up around the UK, these helpful tips prepare you for challenging travelling conditions in winter . How should you prepare for safe driving in snow? Before heading off in the snow , plan your journey carefully and keep up-to-date with local weather reports . Also: Allow more time than you usually would and ensure all the snow is clear from your vehicle. It is actually against the law to drive with snow on your car. Carry a lock de-icer with you to clear your locks. Make sure any auto wiper control is switched off before turning the ignition on. If they are frozen to the screen the control fuse will blow. Check your tyres for adequate tread so the grip is sufficient. If conditions are very bad you may want to consider using snow socks or chains. Use a good screenwash that protects down to at least -35C to prevent the water from freezing. Being … [Read more...] about How to drive safely in snow and ice – tips as UK hit with winter blast

ANY McDonald’s fan worth their salt will know that the straws have had somewhat of a makeover, switching from plastic to paper in 2018. But you’re going to wish that you’d hung onto the plastic variety when you see this. Those who still have the original McDonald’s straw knocking about could make thousands with eBay sellers flogging theirs for up to £4,500. There are currently 36 listings for McDonald’s plastic straws on the auction site with £5,000 currently being the highest asking price. But while collectors aren’t quite willing to fork out five grand, it seems that they will stump up to £4,500 with one seller’s listing showing he has sold three at that price making him a profit of £13,500 from the free straws (and he still has three more to sell.) For those still on the fence, the seller is offering free postage and packaging to sweeten the deal. The straws were removed from all of its UK restaurants in May 2018 to make way for the paper straws. The free … [Read more...] about McDonald’s fans flog the original plastic straw for THOUSANDS on eBay – so have you got one hanging around?

Niger's post-election unrest — during which at least two people have been killed — threatens to dent the presidency of Mohamed Bazoum, even before he is officially inaugurated. The February 21 runoff vote was expected to usher in Niger's first democratic transition of power since the West African nation gained independence from France in 1960. Trouble at the top But Niger's interior minister, Alkache Alhada, has accused one of Niger's most popular opposition figures, Hama Amadou, of wanting to usurp power by "setting fire" to Niger. The government has vowed to arrest and prosecute Amadou, whom they allege is complicit in murder, violence, racist remarks and xenophobia. Amadou, a former prime minister and speaker of the assembly, was barred by the electoral commission from running for the presidency due to a 2017 conviction on charges of child trafficking for which he was sentenced to a one-year jail term. Prosecutors had claimed that Amadou was one of a group of people … [Read more...] about Niger: A daunting presidency awaits Mohamed Bazoum

Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughters have said his spirit will always live on in a powerful tribute read out at his funeral today. Lucy Teixeira said her dad, who captured the nation's hearts when he raised millions for NHS charities during the first lockdown, said he always influenced her with his strength and courage. She said: "Daddy, I am so proud of you, what you achieved your whole life and especially in the last year, you may be gone, but your message and your spirit lives on." She laughed as she recalled how her father talked to her about concrete pipes to help calm her wedding-day jitters. She also recalled the awful day Sir Tom lost his wife - the same day he had taken his grandson to see the type of tank he had served in during the war at a military museum. "We often talked about milestones in your life and laughed about the possibility of you reaching your 100th birthday. "You said 'it's just a number, I don't feel any different' and right to the end you ignored … [Read more...] about Captain Tom’s daughters pay powerful tribute and say his ‘spirit will live on’