18+ min ago (393+ words) A 39-year-old man has been arrested as part of the investigation Britain's 'biggest ever' fly-tip." It is believed the waste was dumped in one go and it has since been described by an MP as 'threatening an environmental disaster'. The dump was discovered last month by horrified anglers and contains plastic, foam and wood. It is not known exactly when the mountain appeared. Dramatic drone footage taken from above revealed the sheer enormity of the rubbish, located just metres from the River Cherwell. Charity Friends of the Thames previously told the BBC: 'This is an environmental catastrophe unfolding in plain sight. 'Every day that passes increases the risk of toxic run-off entering the river system, poisoning wildlife and threatening the health of the entire catchment.' The 20ft-high pile of hazardous rubbish was illegally dumped in a field next to the…...

21+ min ago (967+ words) By ANDREW LEVY, REPORTER A furious mother has described how her autistic son was "pushed to the back of the stage" for a town"s Christmas lights switch on " despite being told he would press the switch alongside Santa. Gemma Keir said 13-year-old Logan - who appeared in publicity posters for the event - was "forgotten" as dignitaries became excited about getting selfies with hip hop group So Solid Crew, who provided entertainment for the crowds. The teenager, who has 22q deletion syndrome, which can cause learning difficulties and heart problems, was so upset he was unable to sleep afterwards and kept asking whether he would be returning to switch on the lights. Labour-run Stevenage Borough Council in Hertfordshire has now "triggered a full investigation" " and had to deny rumours that the person who pressed the button had been a friend or relative…...

24+ min ago (461+ words) Imagine this: you're halfway through your plane journey, anxiously anticipating your arrival to whichever exciting holiday destination you've chosen. The weather has taken a turn for the worse - and, all of a sudden, lightning strikes. You'd be forgiven for feeling terrified. But what really happens if a plane is hit by lightning?" Globetrotting flight attendant Mateusz Kowalewicz has revealed the highs and lows of life in the skies - from lightning strikes and brutal sleep deprivation to ticking off the world's greatest wonders. Mateusz first caught the travel bug as a teenager after joining a school exchange with Israel - his very first trip abroad. He soon began exploring Europe on the cheap, hitchhiking to save cash, before eventually deciding to become a flight attendant so he could get paid to do what he loved. But it's not always smooth sailing. Mateusz…...

26+ min ago (94+ words) 'The Ukrainians have agreed to the peace deal,' the U.S. official said. 'There are some minor details to be sorted out but they have agreed to a peace deal.' By PHILLIP NIETO, US POLITICAL REPORTER The Ukrainian peace delegation has agreed with the US terms to end the war with Russia, according to a new report." 'The Ukrainians have agreed to the peace deal,' the U.S. official told ABC News. 'There are some minor details to be sorted out but they have agreed to a peace deal.'...

26+ min ago (619+ words) A Nigerian migrant who claims to be a 'model' in her home country is seeking asylum, insisting her 'celebrity status' puts her at risk of harm. The woman, who was granted anonymity, argued that her fame would put her at more risk of harm if she were deported." Despite initially being denied by the Home Office as she lied about her salary on her VISA application, an immigration judge has said that her case needs to be reheard as the facts were not analysed as a whole." The Nigerian woman, known only as OO, made a protection and human rights claim in November 2021, which was refused by the Home Office in November 2023. She claimed that because she coordinated and attended a demonstration hoping to end the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), she would be at risk upon returning home. 'The consequent…...

28+ min ago (177+ words) A Saudi Arabian asylum seeker has appeared in court charged with groping a woman at a London Tube station. It is alleged he intentionally touched the passenger, who was over the age of 16, despite the fact she 'did not consent' and him 'not reasonably believing she was consenting'. Alotaibi appeared at Inner London Crown Court wearing a grey and blue waterproof coat, assisted by an Arabic interpreter. He was due to enter his plea but the hearing was adjourned until January 9 as he was unrepresented. Judge Benedict Kelleher told Alotaibi: "First of all, you are charged with, or are accused of sexual assault, which the prosecution say happened on a train at Bank Underground station. "I understand that you say it's not true, so the case will go before a jury and you will have the chance to give evidence…...

28+ min ago (537+ words) It's the steaming beverage that has kept the British worker going for generations. A survey of 1,000 tradespeople has revealed exactly how today's workers like their tea." Contrary to popular belief, the perfect builder's brew should not be boiling." Instead, the results suggest tradespeople prefer a cuppa that's 'just cool enough to sip comfortably'." What's more, the tea bag should only be brewed for one minute and 53 seconds, resulting in a 'balanced medium shade'." This is shorter than the '23 minutes' recommended by the tea specialists at Twinings. 'The builder's brew can mean a wide variety of things, but our research puts the uncertainty to bed to ensure those working on site get what they are looking for,' said Steve Catlin, managing director for Vauxhall, which commissioned the research." It's the steaming beverage that has kept the British worker going for generations....

31+ min ago (483+ words) It's a viral meme that's been infuriating teachers across Britain for months, as children say the words 'six-seven' while moving their hands as if they are juggling. But Sir Keir Starmer made the situation even worse yesterday by sending pupils into hysterics when he performed the gesture during a visit to a Peterborough school. The Prime Minister ended up having to give an awkward apology to the headteacher of Welland Academy after being told children got into trouble for doing the meme. Sir Keir had meeting Year 2 pupils at the primary school with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to help promote the expansion of the free school meals scheme. While he was reading a book with a young girl, she pointed out they were on page 'six-seven' " and the Prime Minister made the hand gesture accompanying the meme. As Sir Keir…...

42+ min ago (433+ words) Drama was elementary to Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch, who learned acting at "64,000-a-year Harrow School. However, he and his wife, theatre director Sophie Hunter, don't want to send their three sons to boarding school." 'Not unless they really want to, but no way,' the actor says." 'And Sophie [feels] the same. Selfishly, I want them around " I still want to be there, in case the call comes, [when] the fall happens, I wanna be there.' He does, however, praise his alma mater, whose alumni include Winston Churchill and pop star James Blunt, for its 'amazing facilities and very structured timetable'. Harrow is a boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18 and was founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I. Benedict Cumberbatch insists his three sons won't be going to boarding school - after he was educated at "64,000-a-year Harrow…...

43+ min ago (1845+ words) By JEFF PRESTRIDGE, MONEY EDITOR AT LARGE It's nearly time to discover what horrors the Chancellor of the Exchequer has in store for our savings and household finances. Although there will be welcome measures aimed at combating the cost of living crisis, tomorrow's Budget will herald a vicious financial assault on those of us who strive valiantly to better ourselves through a mix of hard work and thrift. In short, the expected "30billion tax grab is likely to be as devastating to the finances of middle class households as the National Insurance attack was on UK businesses in last year's Budget. Whether it's our home, savings, pensions, or investments, all will be smothered in a thick coating of extra taxes to pay for Ms Reeves' inability (refusal) to keep a lid on welfare spending (north of "300billion and rising exponentially). For many,…...