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.

• China deal will cut tariffs on Scotch whisky Sir Keir Starmer says

  Tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to China are to be halved as a result of a deal struck by Sir Keir Starmer – with the Prime Minister insisting the agreement showed how his Government’s “hard-headed international engagement brings benefits at home”.

• 94 patients were harmed by Great Ormond Street surgeon review finds

  Some 94 patients suffered harm at the hands of a Great Ormond Street orthopaedic surgeon, a report has concluded.

• Nearly one in two parents fear losing support for their Send child survey

  Nearly one in two (47%) parents are worried their child with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) could see support reduced as they await details on Government reforms, a survey has found.

• Santander to shut 44 bank branches with 291 jobs at risk

  Santander is to shut 44 of its bank branches in a move putting 291 jobs at risk

• Laurence Olivier among figures honoured by new London Blue Plaques

  Late actor Sir Laurence Olivier, a Second World War military strategist and a Victorian-era photographer are among the people being honoured as nine blue plaques are installed in London.

• Boy hails new found freedom after 16m treatment

  A boy who was one of the first children to be given a £1.65 million treatment has returned to the hospital where he received his care to thank his nurse for his new-found freedom.

• The Prime Minister wants more sophisticated China ties

  Sir Keir Starmer has met Xi Jinping in Beijing, telling the president he wants a “more sophisticated” relationship with China.

• Ben Stokes to join England Lions coaching staff for UAE trip

  Test captain Ben Stokes will join the England Lions coaching team in the United Arab Emirates next month.

• Ireland centre Bundee Aki set to miss France clash for disciplinary reasons

  Bundee Aki looks set to miss Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations opener against France after being withdrawn from Andy Farrell’s squad for disciplinary reasons.

• Sir Keir Starmer arrives in China in first visit by British PM since 2018

  Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in China on the first visit by a British Prime Minister in eight years.

• First woman Archbishop of Canterbury pledges to speak out on misogyny

  The first female Archbishop of Canterbury has vowed to speak out on misogyny, as she was confirmed in her new role as the Church of England’s top bishop.

• 29 of UK adults hit by Royal Mail delays over Christmas warns Citizens Advice

  An estimated 16 million people – or 29% of UK adults – experienced post delays with Royal Mail over Christmas, Citizens Advice has said.

• Number of 18 year olds from deprived areas applying for university up across UK

  The number of 18-year-olds from the poorest areas applying for university has increased in every part of the UK, the latest figures from Ucas show.

• Mental ill health in children biggest challenge of our time report

  The decline in the mental health of children and young people is “one of the biggest challenges of our time”, leading charities have warned.

• EasyJet used misleading baggage price claim says regulator

  EasyJet’s claim that the cost of adding large cabin bags to flight bookings was “from £5.99” was “misleading”, a regulator has found.

• Kate praises grassroots rugby league and community spirit during club visit

  The Princess of Wales praised a “gold dust” rugby league club for the support given to its community of fans when she braved Storm Chandra at a stadium in West Yorkshire.

• Anthony Gordon attempting to replicate blistering form at Newcastle

  Newcastle striker Anthony Gordon admits he is a victim of his own success as he attempts to replicate the blistering form which won him England recognition.

• Former MP charged with sexually assaulting woman in 2022

  Former Labour MP Conor McGinn has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman in 2022.

• Pubs and music venues to see business rates cut by 15 says Treasury

  Pubs and music venues will get 15% off their business rates bills from April as part of a major support package, the Treasury has announced.

• King and Queen meet Holocaust survivors on memorial day

  The King and Queen met Holocaust survivors and lit candles of remembrance to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

• Jessie Buckley nominated for Bafta as Hamnet makes history

  Irish actress Jessie Buckley has continued her awards season streak with a Bafta nomination for her role in Hamnet.

• Storm Chandra brings flooding travel disruption and school closures across UK

  Heavy rain and strong winds are hitting the UK as Storm Chandra brought weather warnings, flooding, travel disruption and school closures.

• Four nightingale courts made permanent in push to cut court backlogs

  Four temporary courts set up during the Covid-19 pandemic will be made permanent in an effort to cut court backlogs.

• Ground rents to be capped at 250 under leasehold shake up

  Ground rents will be capped at £250-a-year in England and Wales as part of sweeping changes to the leasehold system announced by the Government.

• Cate Blanchett to perform at National Theatre as 2026 programme released

  Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is one of a host of acclaimed actresses who will be performing at the National Theatre this year.