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Working with the Conservatives when they were in government “could not have been more awful” but relationships with Westminster are “incomparably better” now Labour is in power, John Swinney has said. The Scottish First Minister made the comment after talks with Sir Keir Starmer in Edinburgh, with the Prime Minister and the leaders of all the devolved administrations joining the British-Irish Council summit on Friday. Mr Swinney said afterwards he had “made no secret of the fact that relationships between the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government today are incomparably better than they were immediately before the general election”. Hitting out at the Tories, he said: “The relationship with the last United Kingdom government latterly – I speak only for the government I lead – was awful. “They could not have been more disrespectful, they could not have been more awful.” The SNP Government at Holyrood and the Conservative administration at Westminster clashed on a range of issues over the years, including transgender rights and the Scottish Government’s plans for a deposit return scheme for drinks cans and bottles. Mr Swinney said he has held a number of meetings with Sir Keir since Labour’s election victory in July. Just days after moving into Downing Street, the Labour leader travelled to Edinburgh for talks with the First Minister, and Mr Swinney said the pair have had a “number of one-to-one meetings” since then, including on Friday morning. He added that Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden – a senior figure in Sir Keir’s Government – has also been involved in “engagement and dialogue” with the devolved administrations. “The dialogue is incomparably better,” Mr Swinney said, adding that he wants the governments to “work constructively to secure the best outcomes for the people we represent”. The First Minister said while the leaders may not agree on everything, they “come at these discussions in good faith”. Mr Swinney’s comments were echoed by the first ministers of Northern Ireland and Wales. Michelle O’Neill, the Northern Ireland First Minister, stressed “it is how you disagree that is important”, as she complained: “I think the tenure of the Tories in government was one of disrespect, one that drove an austerity agenda that decimated our public services, one that very much left people behind.” With Labour having worked to improve relationships with the devolved governments, Ms O’Neill added: “I welcome the fact that there is a determination for a reset.” While she added it is “early days” and that relationships will be “tested of course over time”, the Sinn Fein politician added she believes there is a “genuine willingness” to work between the parties. Stormont’s deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the test for the UK Government will be whether it listens to concerns flagged by the devolved nations. The DUP minister said she raised issues around changes to inheritance tax on agricultural properties and the increase to employer national insurance contributions during the BIC meeting. “The key test for this Government will be, will they listen to us?” she said. “Will they listen to the many, many thousands of farmers from across the United Kingdom and their concern about agricultural relief? Will they listen to the thousands and thousands of businesses across the United Kingdom, across Northern Ireland, concerned about national insurance contributions? “I think that’s the test for this Government. We raised that today with them, and we’ll see what happens.” Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “You would expect me to say it has been a much better relationship as a Labour politician, and it genuinely has.” She added that the fact the Prime Minister had taken part in the BIC talks for the first time since 2007 “indicates an eagerness to make sure we co-operate”. Adding there has been a “transformation” in the relationship between the governments, she recalled: “We had a flooding in Wales last week and the Prime Minister picked up the phone that very evening to check if there was anything we needed. That would never have happened before.” Irish premier Simon Harris and deputy premier Micheal Martin also attended the BIC summit in Edinburgh, but neither participated in the post-event press conference, instead opting to head back to Ireland earlier than planned due to the incoming Storm Darragh. Speaking to reporters on the fringes of the event before departing, Mr Harris praised Sir Keir for his attendance, characterising it as a “really important step forward”. “We’ve had a very good British-Irish Council, it’s the 25th year of the British-Irish Council, a council that was set up under the structure of the Good Friday Agreement and indeed the first time in many years, I think since Gordon Brown, that we’ve had a British Prime Minister attend a working part of the council,” he said. “I really want to acknowledge that leadership from Prime Minister Starmer. “I think it is a really important step forward because this is an opportunity to come together across these islands to discuss issues of mutual concern.” Published: 07/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department has returned to the top of the UK albums chart as her record-breaking Eras Tour comes to a close, the Official Charts Company has confirmed. It marks the LP’s ninth non-consecutive week at the summit of the charts after a new anthology version was released, with 79% of the record’s sales made up of physical copies, seeing it also claim number one on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart. The news comes as the 34-year-old’s Eras Tour finishes in Vancouver, Canada on Sunday, having become the highest-grossing tour of all-time, consisting of more than 150 shows spanning five continents. As the festive period draws closer, Michael Buble’s Christmas album has also risen up the charts from number 17 to number four while the highest-charting new entry goes to late rapper and singer-songwriter Juice Wrld, with posthumous collection The Party Never Ends at number five. The rest of the top five albums is made up of Kendrick Lamar’s GNX in at number three and Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet at number two. On the singles chart, US singer Gracie Abrams, the daughter of film director JJ Abrams, has denied Wham! from returning to the top spot with Last Christmas, with her single That’s So True in at number one. The 1980s pop group came in at number two while Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You has also returned to the top five in at fifth position. Rose and Bruno Mars’s Apt in at number three and Gigi Perez’s Sailor Song at number four make up the rest of the top five. Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (six), Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? (eight), Ed Sheeran and Elton John’s Merry Christmas (nine) and Bobby Helms’ Jingle Bell Rock (10) have also returned to the top 10 of the singles chart. There is currently a total of 21 Christmas songs in the top 40. Published: 07/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Chancellor Rachel Reeves told a shop owner the Government was “trying to help” as she visited independent retailers ahead of Small Business Saturday. Ms Reeves toured the Leeds Corn Exchange on Friday where Deborah Bellamy, owner of Hidden Wardrobe, told her that businesses had found it “very tough” in recent years with rising costs and minimum wage increases, and had to let some staff go. The Chancellor said: “I know it’s tough and there are a lot of costs but we are trying to help.” She told Ms Bellamy: “I’m not sure if you’ve looked at the national insurance changes that we made in the Budget but we’ve increased the employment allowance to £10,500. So you should look to see what happens to your business because… if your national insurance bill is less than £10,500, you won’t pay any national insurance. “We’ve tried to design it in a way that supports the smallest businesses.” The Chancellor later told reporters her message to small businesses was to “look at some of the detail in the Budget”. Ms Reeves said: “The smallest businesses will be paying less or no national insurance because of the changes I announced. “I met one small business today who employs three people, and she didn’t know about those changes, but they mean for her business that she’s next year unlikely to pay any national insurance at all whereas this year she is paying national insurance. “So the smallest businesses will benefit from those changes in the Budget because we recognise the importance of small businesses and their needs.” She added: “In addition to those changes around national insurance, I’m also making changes to business rates. “Under the plans that I inherited as the Chancellor in July, we would have seen a business rates relief for retail hospitality and leisure businesses disappear entirely from next April. “I didn’t want that to happen, so we have been able to extend business rates really for a further year, and we’ve also made a commitment in the Budget to reform business rates to have permanent lower rates for smaller retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. “That’s so important because I do recognise over the last few years, the Covid pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, that there are challenges that are unique to smaller businesses, particularly in those sectors.” During the visit, Ms Reeves also visited gift shop Attic In Bloom, where she bought an ornament for her desk at 11 Downing Street. Published: 07/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

The UK is the “sick man of Europe” when it comes to spending on medicines and community pharmacies, leaders from the sector have said. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) urged the Government to “get round the table and start to deliver the funding necessary” to stop pharmacies closing and improve care for patients. NPA analysis of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) figures found the UK has fewer pharmacies per 100,000 people than the likes of Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria. It said the average UK pharmacy also serves more customers – about 5,700 – than those in France (3,238) and Ireland (2,500). The analysis found the UK also spends less on medicines per head of population than Ireland, Australia, Japan, the US, Spain, Germany and Italy. Germany spends double what the UK does, according to the NPA. NPA chairman Nick Kaye said: “These shocking new figures show that the UK is the ‘sick man of Europe’ when it comes to spending on vital medicines and community pharmacies. “It is damning that UK pharmacies serve more patients than comparative countries whilst also receiving ever reducing levels of funding.” The analysis comes after members of the NPA voted in favour of collective action in a row over funding. The trade association said this could mean fewer pharmacies will be open in evenings or at weekends, with some potentially withdrawing from locally commissioned services such as emergency contraception, addiction support and stop smoking services. Mr Kaye added: “As our ballot result showed, many pharmacy owners feel pushed to breaking point thanks to the impact of 40% cuts to their funding and increases in their workload. “Community pharmacies have the potential to deliver so much more for patients, including a wider range of clinical services that will help to keep pressure off other parts of our health system. “However, this cannot happen with funding at its current levels and pharmacies shutting at record rates. “The Government must get round the table and start to deliver the funding necessary so we can stop the closures and deliver the best possible care for patients.” The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment. Published: 07/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Dame Mary Berry has been announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women In Film And Television Awards. The former Great British Bake Off star was given the award at a ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday. The event also saw Jessica Gunning win the Best Performance Award for her role as Martha in Netflix series Baby Reindeer, and Newsnight host Kirsty Wark win the Contribution To The Medium Award. Dame Mary, 89, follows in the footsteps of Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Maggie Smith in winning the award. The New Talent Award was given to Ambika Mod for her breakthrough performance in Netflix’s One Day while TV chef Andi Oliver won the Presenter Award, and Bafta-nominated director Juliet Riddell was given the Achievement Of The Year Award. Daisy Allsop won the Producer Award for The Puppet Asylum, a 30-minute short written and directed by Otto Baxter, a filmmaker with Down’s Syndrome. Comedian Katherine Ryan, who presented the awards ceremony, said: “Hosting the awards today has been an absolute joy. It’s truly special to celebrate so many talented and inspiring women excelling in diverse areas of film and TV. “I want to extend my congratulations to all the deserving winners and express my gratitude to Women In Film And TV for inviting me back to host this incredible event.” Talent behind the camera was also celebrated at the ceremony, with Victoria Mapplebeck (director, Motherboard), Holly Waddington (costume designer, Poor Things), and Faiza Tovey (production manager, Mr Bates Vs The Post Office) among those taking home a gong. Women In Film And Television Awards chief executive Katie Bailiff added: “We’re here today to celebrate the unstoppable force that is women in film and television. “Our vision is a thriving, creative, inclusive industry where women are supported, empowered and celebrated at every level. “We’ve come a long way but there are still clearly doors that need to be opened and ceilings that need to be smashed as we continue to fight for equal representation both off and on screen. “This has been one of the industry’s toughest ever years. With all the creativity, resilience and brilliance the women in our industry are defined by, we pull it off. Because we always do.” The annual awards are organised by Women In Film & TV (UK), a membership organisation for women working in creative media in the UK. Published: 06/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

The Princess of Wales has made a rare public appearance with her family to celebrate Christmas with selfless individuals who have supported others. Kate is making a gradual return to public events after completing her cancer treatment and joined William and their children at Westminster Abbey for her annual Together at Christmas carol service. The royal couple walked into the historic Abbey where they married in 2011 with Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, aged six. The young royals had stopped at a “Kindness Tree” outside the Abbey’s great west door and hung messages on its branches in dedication to someone has supported them during their lives in keeping with the service’s theme of love and empathy. The royal children were introduced to the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle when they first arrived with their father William. Kate had travelled ahead of her family to meet and thank the celebrities taking part including singers Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith and actor Richard E Grant, who is giving a reading. Kate thanked Porter, known as much for his popular songs as his jazz performances, for agreeing to take part. She told the singer: “Thank you, I’m conscious it’s such a busy time for everybody.” The princess wore a festive red coat featuring a large black bow on the collar and black buttons by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. She turned to Faith, in a red dress, and singer-songwriter JP Cooper, who wore a similar coloured coat, and smiled as she said: “It’s a celebration, everybody’s wearing red.” Later Kate walked through the Abbey and stopped to speak to a number of the guests as they sat waiting for the carol service to begin. The 1,600 guests have all supported others, whether friends or family, helped individuals through their work or volunteered. The order of service for the event paid tribute to these community stalwarts and others: “This Carol Service is dedicated to those who have shown love, kindness and empathy to others in their communities. “They have inspired, counselled, comforted, and highlighted how love unites and connects us all.” Published: 06/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has apologised after being accused of making light of serious safeguarding failures in the Church of England. Mr Welby’s final speech in the House of Lords on Thursday was criticised by a bishop who said she was “deeply disturbed” by the language used, and by an abuse survivor who said it was “tone deaf”. The Archbishop had referenced a 14th century beheading which prompted laughter from some peers, and suggested “if you pity anyone, pity my poor diary secretary” who had seen weeks and months of work “disappear in a puff of a resignation announcement”. Mr Welby announced last month he was resigning from his leading role in the Church “in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse” in the wake of the Makin Review. The resignation announcement followed days of pressure after the independent review concluded John Smyth – thought to have been the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church – might have been brought to justice had Mr Welby formally reported him to police in 2013. Mr Welby initially declined to resign when the report was published, saying he had “no idea or suspicion of” Smyth’s abuse before 2013 but acknowledging the review had found that after its wider exposure that year, despite being told police had been notified, he had “personally failed to ensure” it was “energetically investigated”. On Friday, he said he wanted to “apologise wholeheartedly for the hurt that my speech has caused”. He added: “I understand that my words – the things that I said, and those I omitted to say – have caused further distress for those who were traumatised, and continue to be harmed, by John Smyth’s heinous abuse, and by the far-reaching effects of other perpetrators of abuse. “It did not intend to overlook the experience of survivors, or to make light of the situation – and I am very sorry for having done so.” Mr Welby had indicated in his speech that the fallout of the review required “a head to roll”. A victim of Smyth’s abuse had said he was “appalled” by the speech. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said of Mr Welby: “I have never come across anyone so tone deaf. “He has resigned in shame, burdened by the Makin Review with ‘moral and personal responsibility’ and all he can do is joke about rolling heads.” The Bishop of Newcastle said she had received “several messages from across my diocese expressing dismay at the Archbishop’s speech” and that she was “deeply disturbed” by parts of it. Dr Helen-Ann Hartley was the only bishop to call publicly for Mr Welby’s resignation last month. In a statement on Thursday, she said: “I am deeply disturbed by the language of ‘a head had to roll’ used by the Archbishop of Canterbury in his speech in the House of Lords this afternoon. “It was, in my view unwise to say at the very least. To make light of serious matters of safeguarding failures in this way yet again treats victims and survivors of church abuse without proper respect or regard. “I was disappointed too to see other Lords Spiritual laughing at the jokes that were being made.” Mr Welby insisted, in his statement released through Lambeth Palace, that he takes “both personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period after 2013, and the harm that this has caused survivors”. He added: “I continue to feel a profound sense of shame at the Church of England’s historic safeguarding failures.” Conservative former minister Lord Robathan expressed regret at the manner in which Mr Welby was “driven out of his post in a sort of witch hunt”, adding there was a “huge number of other people” who had failed to take action on Smyth’s abuse. Speaking in the Lords on Friday, he said: “I saw in fact the speech that the Archbishop (Justin Welby) made yesterday was criticised for some levity … I read the speech and I thought he spoke very well. “I think people must move on, he’s taken responsibility for the whole Church and I think that the Church and we should be grateful for that.” Mr Welby’s last day in post will be January 6 but he is not expected to take part in any public Christmas services, including not giving the traditional December 25 sermon from Canterbury Cathedral. The process to replace him is likely to take some months, and most of his responsibilities will be delegated to the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell in the meantime. Published: 06/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

A rare red warning for wind, which warns of significant disruption and a “danger to life”, has been issued by forecasters as Storm Darragh hits the UK. The warning covers parts of Wales and the South West of England, including Cardiff, Bristol and Devon, and is in place from 3am to 11am on Saturday. The Met Office warns of “damaging winds”, with gusts of 90mph possible over the coasts and hills of west and south Wales. Forecasters say the strongest winds will begin to ease from late morning. A separate amber warning covering a larger swathe of the west coast of the UK, stretching from Scotland to Cornwall, and Northern Ireland is in place from 1am until 9pm. Flying debris and falling trees could pose a risk to life, while large waves and beach material could be thrown on to coastal roads and seafronts. There could also be damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, as well as power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Roads, bridges and railway lines may be closed, with delays and cancellations likely to bus, train and ferry services and flights. The fourth named storm of the season is also expected to bring heavy rain over the weekend, with around 130 flood warnings and alerts in place across the UK. A yellow warning for rain is in place for Northern Ireland and Wales, which were badly affected by flooding during Storm Bert, as well as parts of Scotland from 3pm on Friday until noon on Saturday. Up to 60mm of rain could fall in these areas, which may lead to some flooding and disruption, forecasters said. Rhondda Cynon Taf, where between 200 and 300 properties were flooded during Storm Bert last month, is set to be hit by heavy rain once again. Published: 06/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Generous households across Britain will give around £2.8 billion in total to charities during November and December this year, according to an estimate from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). November and December are typically the peak months for giving, the foundation said, with several high-profile campaigns such as Children In Need and the Poppy Appeal taking place towards the end of the year. YouGov research for the CAF found half (50%) of people said they always or usually donate to charity over the festive period. This is higher than the third of people (34%) who said they regularly give money to charity throughout the rest of the year, such as by putting money in a bucket or by direct debit. Of those who intend to give, the majority (74%) said they will donate money, with just under half (46%) planning to give goods and 14% intending to donate their time to good causes. The top reasons cited for donating during the festive period included people being more aware of those in need at this time, tradition, being more aware of charity appeals and donating to charity instead of giving gifts. Philippa Cornish, head of charities at the CAF, said: “The last few years has seen a decline in the number of people regularly donating to charity. We hope that for those who can afford to, they give generously this year to good causes. “There are also other ways to help, such as through volunteering or donating goods.” The CAF has been producing a UK Giving report since 2004 and its research is based on a monthly YouGov survey of more than 1,000 adults per month. The £2.8 billion estimate is based on last year’s giving and the CAF’s analysis of donation trends this year. Published: 06/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Voters believe the UK should prioritise its relationship with Europe over the US, a poll has revealed. Some 44% of people think Britain’s economic future lies with its closest neighbours in the EU, compared with 19% who think the Government should prioritise links with the US, a YouGov poll commissioned by Best For Britain showed. The poll of more than 4,300 people was carried out between November 25 and 27, and comes as President-elect Donald Trump looks set to hike trade tariffs on goods entering the US. He has already raised the spectre of tariffs with his nearest neighbours in Canada and Mexico in a bid to curb migration, as well as new fees on Chinese goods. Best for Britain’s polling shows that more Britons trust the EU, at 49%, than the US, on 30%. More people were distrustful of the US than those who said they trusted the country, with 40% of respondents. In a blow to the previous government’s “global Britain” strategy, which aimed to broaden the UK’s trading partners to rapidly growing economies across the world, voters took an unfavourable view of these nations. China, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil all scored 12% or lower in terms of trust with respondents. Voters who had previously backed the Tories but switched to Labour in the summer were among those who supported closer ties with Europe, signalling the Government can have some confidence it will not divide its electoral coalition by prioritising trade with the bloc. Some 160 of those polled were part of this group of voters. Though the polling suggests the public favour closer ties with Europe over the US, Sir Keir Starmer has rejected suggestions the UK needs to make such a choice, recently describing it as “plain wrong”. The Prime Minister has attempted to lay the groundwork for cordial relations with the Trump administration, meeting the president-elect in New York in September. He has also sought to reset the UK’s relations with European nations since coming to power, meeting leaders from across the continent during his five months as Prime Minister. A test of whether his strategy bears fruit will take place when a review of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement, the basis for the UK-EU relationship after Brexit, takes place in 2026. An influential commission of MPs and business leaders which has provided recommendations for the EU-UK relationship after Brexit is set to reconvene. The UK Trade and Business Commission will meet under the new leadership of Labour MP Andrew Lewin. The vice chairs include Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, Sir Jonathan Faull, a former British official to the EU Commission, and Peter Norris, the chairman of Virgin Group. Other members include Lord Darroch, a former UK ambassador to the US. Mr Lewin, the MP for Welwyn Hatfield, said it is “vital for the UK to strengthen our ties with our biggest and closest trading partner” – the EU – as the world enters “an increasingly volatile and uncertain global trading environment”. He added: “It’s clear from this latest polling that public opinion has moved on from the binary Leave-Remain divide. Attitudes are shifting and people and businesses recognise that we need to rebuild relations with the EU to help our economy to succeed. “All of this means the role of the UK Trade and Business Commission in putting forward pro-growth policy proposals will be more important than ever.” Published: 06/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub