National News

Here are the latest stories from the team at Radio News Hub. The links will open in a new page and take you to their website.

• Equalities watchdog chairwoman urges common sense policy on single sex spaces

  The head of Britain’s rights watchdog has called for a “common sense approach” to toilet provision as newly-published guidance confirmed single-sex services must be on the basis of biological sex.

• Keir Starmer says he will campaign for Andy Burnham in Makerfield by election

  Sir Keir Starmer has said he will be out campaigning for potential leadership challenger Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election.

• UK net migration drops below 200000 for first time since Covid 19 pandemic

  UK net migration dropped to an estimated 171,000 last year, the lowest level since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

• FA investigates Southampton over Spygate scandal

  Southampton are now under investigation by the Football Association in relation to the ‘Spygate’ scandal

• Classy Aston Villa cruise to Europa League glory in Istanbul

  Aston Villa ended their 30-year wait for a trophy as they strolled to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul.

• Cheaper food and free bus rides for children in Reeves cost of living plan

  Shoppers could save on the cost of biscuits and chocolate as part of a package of measures being set out by Rachel Reeves to ease the impact of the Iran war.

• Drivers warned over bank holiday jams as many appear undeterred by fuel prices

  Drivers are being warned to expect congestion on major routes this weekend as millions of people embark on bank holiday getaway trips despite the surge in fuel prices.

• MPs call for statutory social media ban for children under 16

  MPs have urged the Government to enforce a statutory ban on the use of social media for children under 16, as they said tech companies cannot be relied upon to self-regulate.

• First train with Great British Railway branding unveiled

  The first train displaying Great British Railways (GBR) branding has been unveiled.

• Southampton expelled from play offs after admitting trio of spying offences

  Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs after admitting to spying on opponents on three occasions this season, including play-off opponents Middlesbrough earlier this month.

• Bukayo Saka says Arsenal critics not laughing anymore as club celebrate title

  A jubilant Bukayo Saka hit back at Arsenal’s critics by saying “they’re not laughing at us anymore” as the club celebrated their first Premier League title in 22 years.

• UK relaxes Russian oil restrictions on diesel and jet fuel imports

  The Government has relaxed sanctions on Russian crude oil, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs.

• Inflation drops back by more than forecast as energy offsets Iran war fuel hit

  Inflation fell back to its lowest level for more than a year last month as a drop in energy prices offset soaring fuel costs, but fears are mounting over a looming cost-of-living squeeze caused by the Iran war.

• Make tech platforms offer safe services before children can use them PM told

  Campaigners have told Sir Keir Starmer that tech platforms should not have an automatic right to offer their services to children and must instead earn it.

• Young drivers urged to steer clear of ghost broking insurance scams

  Motorists aged 17 to 25 are being warned about “ghost broking” scams, as a survey indicates around half (49%) of young drivers have bought insurance through social media or messaging apps.

• Arsenal champions as Man Citys pursuit of another Premier League title ends in draw at Bournemouth

  Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after second-placed Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by a Bournemouth side bound for Europe.

• Strictly Come Dancing Emma Willis Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe to host

  Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have been announced by the BBC as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.

• I hope its not true Patrick Vieira says Pep Guardiola would be massive loss

  Former Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira is hoping reports that Pep Guardiola will leave the club in the coming days are “not true” as he said the Catalan will go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest.

• Jobless rate rises and vacancies slump to lowest level in five years ONS

  Britain’s rate of unemployment has unexpectedly risen as vacancies slumped to their lowest level for five years amid a sharp pull back in hiring across under-pressure retail and hospitality sectors, according to official figures.

• Grandfather receives pioneering UK first operation to treat brain issue

  A man has been spared from undergoing a craniotomy after surgeons performed a UK-first operation displacing his eye to treat a brain problem.

• Fan spending on Harry Styles Wembley gigs set to top 1bn

  Fan spending for Harry Styles’s 12-night run at Wembley Stadium is set to reach £1.1 billion despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, figures suggest.

• Drug drive repeat offending nearly five times more common than drink driving

  Repeat offending of drug-driving is almost five times more common than for being drunk behind the wheel, an investigation has found.

• 15 million across UK under saving for retirement warns Pensions Commission

  About 15 million people are thought to be under-saving for their retirement, according to the Pensions Commission, which said a fresh “national settlement” for pensions was needed.

• King hosts Irish president at Buckingham Palace

  The King has held an audience with the President of Ireland at Buckingham Palace.

• Stars show off their gnomes as Chelsea Flower Show gets under way

  Stars have been showing off the gnomes they have decorated for charity as celebrities and royals get a sneak preview of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.