UK News

Report: Vapers Now Outnumber Smokers in UK

According to a BBC report published in November 2025, there are now more vapers than smokers in Britain.

The report cites a survey conducted in 2024 by the Office of National Statistics. The survey’s results suggest that there now about 5.4 million vapers in the United Kingdom, while 4...

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Report supports firefighters' concerns

The Fire Brigades Union has called on the government to immediately drop proposed unworkable changes to firefighters’ pension schemes after an academic report on firefighter fitness backed up the concerns firefighters have been raising for three years.

The majority of brigades measure firefighter fitness using a safety-related level of aerobic fitness. The report argues that “...

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The Fire Brigades Union

central government

firefighters' pension schemes

Mel B Spices Up The X Factor!

The nation’s most talked about entertainment show today confirms its brand new judging panel with Spice Girl Melanie B becoming the fourth and final judge.

As part of the biggest selling female group of all time and the cultural phenomenon, which was The Spice Girls, Mel B has notched up a stunning 80 million record sales worldwide, including nine UK No.1s. She also has five...

World Cup domestic violence warning

The Home Office and The Association of Chief Police Officers are warning football supporters of harsh consequences if their World Cup celebrations turn sour.

From now until mid July, a poster and online advertising campaign will be used to communicate important messages about domestic violence to men aged 18 to 35.

All advertising will direct men to the Respect website and...

Comedian and actor Rik Mayall dies

Comedian and actor Rik Mayall died this morning, a spokesman for his management company, Brunskill Management, said today.

The star, who shot to fame playing Rick in The Young Ones, was 56 and his career included appearances in shows including Blackadder and Bottom. His film roles included the comedies Drop Dead Fred and Guest House Paradiso.

Rik, who has a home in Devon, was...

Luxury apartments get crowning glory

Dorchester-based C G Fry & Son organised a large crane to position a cupola, complete with gold finial as the finishing touch to Corston House their exclusive and élite development of luxury apartments.

Nearing completion in area 2.22 of the South West Quadrant of the prestigious Poundbury, the impressive and elegant Corston House offers five special, luxurious apartments built in...

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'Inspirational' fundraiser dies

Stephen Sutton a 19-year-old who raised more than £3.2m for charity has died peacefully in his sleep, his mother said on his Facebook page.

The teenager from Burntwood in Staffordshire, was diagnosed with terminal cancer aged 15 but resolved to overcome his illnesss to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust .

In the months leading to his death Stephen's fundraising efforts...

Ashfords LLP cycle for CHSW

Over the week commencing 28 April 2014, Ashfords LLP staff cycled an impressive 1,687.31 miles in order to raise donations for their chosen Charity of the Year, Children's Hospice South West (CHSW). CHSW are the only organisation in the South West to provide care for children with life-limiting conditions outside of a hospital environment.

Exercise bikes were placed in the...

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Russian warships pass South West Coast

A group of Russian warships with nuclear capabilities has passed by the South West coast today as part of a routine transit into the North Atlantic.

Russian news agencies this morning reported that the aircraft-carrying cruiser the Admiral Kuznetsov and the heavy nuclear guided-missile cruiser Petr Velikiy had entered the English channel.

The Russian vessels have been...

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MPs demand new legal powers to fight Devon countryside 'invaders'

As thousands of people head out to enjoy the beautiful Devon countryside, Parliament’s green watchdog has demanded that the Government must implement new legal powers for tackling invasive plants and animals,

Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, Joan Walley MP said: “The growth of international trade and travel means more non-native plants and animals are being introduced into...

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MPs

legal

Closer community on the menu at free Big Lunch

The Big Lunch and Start UK are holding a free panel event at the Eden Project in Cornwall on Sunday, April 27 discussing what community means in today’s society and how collective action can lead to more sustainable lifestyles.

The panel will be made up of a range of experts in the art living and working sustainably, including River Cottage chef Steve Lamb and Jen Gale, author of the...

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big lunch

Plymouth

ede project