Christmas travel warning as Storm Pia to batter UK with 80mph winds - live - The Independent

UK weather- 60/70mph winds

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The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as strong winds are expected to bring travel chaos in the run-up to Christmas.

Gales are expected to reach up to 80mph in some areas, with all of Scotland and large swathes of England set to be affected from midnight tonight until Thursday evening.

The warning comes with a caution for Brits heading home for Christmas ahead of the weekend, saying that they should expect travel disruptions on roads and train services.

Network Rail have cancelled several services in Scotland on Thursday morning as staff check the lines for debris and damage.

It comes as it is revealed there is “high degree of confidence” that the UK will see snow over the Christmas period.

“We can say with a high degree of confidence it will be a white Christmas this year,” Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge told The Independent.

“However that does not mean we will see blankets of snow. It is more likely we will see snow in higher parts of the UK like the North Pennines or Scottish Highlands.”

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Two cars crushed and driver injured by falling trees in Derbysire

Derbyshire Police have closed several roads as two cars were crushed by falling trees in half an hour.

The force is warning road users to “please go carefully”.

Barney Davis21 December 2023 08:32

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Map shows windy start as Storm Pia picks up speed in North

Barney Davis21 December 2023 08:12

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Winds as high as 80mph expected as Storm Pia batters Scotland

A yellow weather warning for wind came into effect at midnight and will last until 9pm, with forecasted gusts of 70mph to 80mph in northern Scotland – 65mph to 70mph on high ground – and 45mph to 55mph elsewhere in the country.

The warning also covers Belfast, Newcastle upon Tyne and Manchester.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland warned people on the roads to be aware of the potential for falling trees and debris.

A statement said: “Road users are advised of potential traffic disruption this morning, Thursday 21st December, caused by fallen trees and debris in some areas across Northern Ireland.

“Officers have been assisting with traffic control whilst local roads are being cleared of any obstructions, and we thank you for your patience as we continue to do so.”

Schools in Shetland will be closed on Thursday and more electricity network engineers are being brought in to deal with any power cuts.

Ferry services across the west coast of Scotland are expected to be disrupted, CalMac said.

Danger zone: Met Office is warning of 80mph winds

(Met Office)

Barney Davis21 December 2023 08:00

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Air: British Airways grounds 24 short-haul flights as Loganair offers flexibility to change Scottish plans

British Airways has grounded two dozen domestic and European flights to and from London Heathrow, including multiple links to and from Amsterdam.

Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow routes also have cancellations.

A British Airways spokesperson said: “Due to the high winds forecast as part of Storm Pia, we have made some adjustments to our schedule with as much notice as possible for our customers. We have apologised for the disruption to their travel plans and our teams are working hard to get their journeys back on track as quickly as possible.”

In Scotland, some Loganair services are cancelled and others delayed.

The airline says: “We are offering customers the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge. You can choose to re-book on an alternative flight up to seven days from your original travel date.”

(Getty Images)

Barney Davis21 December 2023 07:33

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Rail: many cancellations and warnings of delays

Some railway lines in Scotland are closed completely due to Storm Pia. Even on stretches that are open one operator is urging passengers not to attempt to make Anglo-Scottish journeys.

TransPennine Express is advising passengers not to try to travel in or out of Edinburgh until after 3pm, with no services running between Edinburgh and north west England until Thursday afternoon.

Network Rail Scotland is telling passengers: “We’ll suspend train services on some routes on Thursday until we can safely inspect our tracks for fallen trees and debris.

“Those lines are the West Highland Line (including lines to Oban and Mallaig), Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Far North Line and Inverness-Inverurie.

“Speed restrictions will also be in place across the Highland Mainline, as well as some central belt, south-west Scotland and cross-border routes.

“Our local maintenance teams are well prepared, with additional chainsaw gangs ready to clear fallen trees and extra staff on hand across the country.”

LNER is curtailing trains that would normally serve northern Scotland and says: “Some LNER services between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross will terminate or start at Newcastle.”

The train operator has lifted restrictions for tickets dated Thursday 21 December. Tickets are valid on LNER services throughout Thursday 21 December and Friday 22 December.

Northern warns of speed restrictions on a number of lines, adding 45 minutes to journeys.

Simon Calder21 December 2023 07:22

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Trains delayed and cancelled as Storm Pia hits UK

Network Rail has confirmed services in Scotland will be delayed this morning as they assess the damage done by Storm Pia overnight.

Due to the risk of trees and debris blocking the lines following 80mph winds due tonight, Network Rail said some rail lines will need to be inspected before passenger services can begin to run.

A spokesperson told The Independent that they believe the delays will be in place until at least mid-morning.

“Services on some routes will be significantly impacted by Storm Pia, and in addition to some cancellations on the routes most impacted, customers can expect short notice changes to their journeys,” David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said.

“We will be working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail Scotland to ensure we are able to keep people moving as much as possible, but customers should also expect that their journeys will take longer than usual.”

Lines affected include the West Highland line, Kyle of Lochalsh line, Far North line, and the Inverness-Inverurie line.

Speed restrictions will also be in place across the Highland Mainline, as well as some central belt, south-west Scotland and cross-border routes.

(Network Rail)

Athena Stavrou21 December 2023 07:00

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Today’s forecast

Brits across the UK will wake up this morning to feel the effects of Storm Pia.

Although the storm - named by the Danish Met Office - will mainly impact Denmark, some parts of the UK will feel wind gusts of up to 80mph.

Here’s Thursday’s forecast according to the Met Office:

Athena Stavrou21 December 2023 06:00

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New Year’s forecast

As it’s revealed that some parts of the UK will see a white Christmas, the Met Office has also shared what New Year’s celebrations may look like for Brits.

Looking towards the New Year, the forecasters said that weather looks to remain unsettled with low pressure bringing breezy and wet conditions for many, but there will be some drier and brighter interludes.

In terms of winter snow, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “Beyond Christmas Day further rain or showers and strong winds are likely for many, and again any sleet and snow will be mainly over the hills of Scotland, as is often the case in December.”

Athena Stavrou21 December 2023 05:00

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Where will be hit the worst?

Storm Pia is due to impact the UK’s weather from midnight tonight - but where will be hit the worst?

The storm was named by the Danish Met Office and will likely impact Denmark more than the UK.

In Britain, the north of Scotland is expected to be hit the worst with wind speeds of up to 80mph. Meanwhile, 45-55mph wind gusts will hit elsewhere in Northern Ireland, Scotland, North Wales and England north of Birmingham as well as the top half of East Anglia.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “Exposed coasts and high ground could see gusts of 70-80mph at times, mainly across the far north of Scotland. There’s a chance this low pressure will continue to exert its influence into Friday, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest Met Office forecast.

“This system has been named Storm Pia by the Danish Met Service, with the system likely to have more severe impacts in Denmark.”

Athena Stavrou21 December 2023 04:30

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UK weather: Met Office reveals where will see White Christmas this year

Forecasters say it is highly likely the UK will see a white Christmas this year - in certain areas at least.

With millions planning their Christmas getaway, Britons will be keen to know whether ice and snow will be on the cards when they hit the roads and railways towards the end of the week. The Met Office said it had a “high degree of confidence” there would be snowfall over the festive period.

However, the forecaster stressed this does not necessarily mean the country will be covered in blankets of the white stuff and has urged people not to get their hopes up for a “picture perfect white landscape”.

Athena Stavrou21 December 2023 03:30

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2023-12-21 07:53:02Z
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Brianna Ghey killers obsessed with torture 'preyed on anxiety of transgender friend' - The Telegraph

Two 15-year-olds who were obsessed with torture and killing, preyed on the anxieties of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey in order to lure her to a park and then murder her, police have said.

The pair, identified only as Girl X and Boy Y, who are now aged 16, spent weeks plotting the attack on Brianna, who was apprehensive and rarely went out alone.

After posing as her friends and arranging to meet her at a local beauty spot, they ambushed her and stabbed her 28 times in an attack of shocking brutality.

Following their arrest, the pair – who cannot be named because of their age – sought to deny responsibility and blame one another for the murder.

But following a three-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, they were both found guilty on Wednesday and face mandatory life terms in prison when they are sentenced in the new year.

Boy Y, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and who is non-verbal, and Girl X, who has traits of autism and ADHD, were both in the dock as the verdicts were delivered.

A handwritten note of a 'murder plan' to kill Brianna was shown to the jury Credit: PA

Detective Inspector Nigel Parr, from Cheshire Constabulary, who led the investigation, said outside court: “This was a senseless murder committed by two teenagers who had an obsession with murder, whose only motivation in killing Brianna was to experience what this would be like. 

“Brianna was a teenager whose whole life was ahead of her. She went out on that Saturday thinking she was going to meet a friend. The fact that she suffered with anxiety and was vulnerable was something which both defendants preyed upon.

“Brianna trusted the female defendant. She was betrayed by someone she called her friend.”

Speaking after the trial, Brianna’s mother, Esther Ghey said: “To know how scared my usually fearless child must have been when she was alone in that park with someone that she called her friend will haunt me forever.”

She also urged people to show compassion to the parents of the teenagers convicted of murdering her daughter.

Mrs Ghey said: “Please have some empathy and compassion for the families of the young people convicted of this horrific crime. They too have lost a child and they must live the rest of their lives knowing what their child has done.”

She added: “Prior to the trial, I have had moments where I felt sorry for the defendants because they have ruined their own lives as well as ours.

“But now, knowing the true nature of the two and seeing neither display an ounce of remorse for what they have done to Brianna, I have lost any sympathy that I previously had for them, and I am glad that they will spend many years in prison and away from society.”

Brianna's mother, Esther Ghey, said she had 'lost any sympathy that I previously had' for the murderers Credit: AFP

The trial heard how Brianna, who was born a boy but was living, dressing and referring to herself as female, had thousands of followers on TikTok.

But despite this, she was a withdrawn, shy and anxious teenager who struggled with depression and rarely left her home.

In February she was persuaded by Girl X to meet in Linear Park in Culcheth, near Warrington, where she was told they would “hang out with friends”.

While on the way there, she had sent a message to her mother saying: “I’m on the bus by myself. I’m scared.”

Her mother replied that she was proud of her, but Brianna never read the message before she was murdered.

Brianna was attacked from behind with a hunting knife with a 13cm blade, brought to the park by Boy Y.

The court heard both defendants, who were from good homes, had a fascination with violence, torture and murder and had planned the killing for weeks.

Jurors heard Girl X enjoyed watching internet torture and killing material from the “dark web” and had an interest in serial killers.

Doorbell footage shown at the trial captured Brianna leaving her home on the day of her murder

During the trial, jurors were told about a notebook found at Girl X’s house in which she described Boy Y as “very, very smart, genius level” but also a “sociopath”, lacking emotion and socially awkward.

The trial heard that the pair had a “kill list” of at least four other victims before finally settling on Brianna as their target.

Some of Brianna’s classmates have been left traumatised at the prospect they may have also been targeted by the pair.

Pupils at Birchwood High School have been fearful that they too were on the “kill list”, the contents of which have never been revealed.

Police said while there was no firm evidence that Brianna had been targeted because she was trans, in text messages exchanged before the killing, the murderers discussed whether Brianna would “scream like a boy or a girl”.

Boy Y also referred to her as “it” in messages.

The hunting knife used to kill Brianna Credit: PA

Girl X, admitted, while giving evidence, that she thought Brianna was “quite attractive” and confessed she found the idea of killing her exciting.

Speaking outside court, Peter Spooner, Brianna’s father, said: “My heart bleeds every day for Brianna, and this will never go away – and the amount of guilt I have can sometimes be unbearable. But I will ensure her memory lives on in my thoughts and dreams.”

Peter Spooner, Brianna's father, is held up by supporters as he reads a message to the media outside the courtroom Credit: OLI SCARFF

‘Distressing’ case that is ‘beyond belief’

Ursula Doyle, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “This has been one of the most distressing cases I have ever dealt with. The planning, the violence and the age of the killers is beyond belief.

“Girl X and Boy Y appear to have been a deadly influence on each other and turned their dark fantasies about murder into a reality. The extensive messages between the two, planning and plotting to kill people, talking of murder, torture and cruelty, were difficult to read.

“The messages provided a terrifying insight into the minds of the two defendants – but also revealed the detailed planning of their attack and subsequent attempts to cover it up.”

But the CPS was accused of risking derailing the case months before the trial began by publicly labelling the murder an example of a “transphobic hate crime” in a newsletter.

The online post was spotted by the Welsh branch of the Women‘s Rights Network (WRN), which said: “You’d expect the CPS to have a comprehension of ‘sub judice’ and contempt of court.”

A CPS spokesperson said: “We prosecuted this case diligently and as a result Brianna’s killers will now face justice – there is no evidence at all to suggest that the newsletter had any impact on the trial.”

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2023-12-20 19:24:00Z
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London nightclub fined after serving caustic soda with tequila shots - The Guardian

A nightclub has been fined after one of its bartenders mistakenly gave customers caustic soda instead of salt with their tequila shots.

Four customers were treated in hospital after ingesting the cleaning chemical at the Tiger Tiger nightclub in Haymarket, central London, Westminster city council said.

The venue was fined £120,000 having pleaded guilty to four charges under section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act at Westminster magistrates court.

An investigation by the council’s health and safety team found the incident happened when a group visited the venue and ordered four tequila shots, often served with salt and lime, on 7 December 2021.

The bartender prepared the drinks and while doing so, realised there was no salt to accompany the tequila shots. He went to an unlit area behind the bar and used a disposable plastic cup to scoop what he believed was salt from a large white container that was on a shelf, the council said.

The customers then poured the white substance on to the back of their hands, licked it and drank the shot. They immediately became unwell and the emergency services were called. When he realised something was wrong, the bartender tasted the substance himself, which burnt his mouth and tongue.

Police officers who attended the scene found a white container with a caustic soda label on it, the council said. When tested, the substance was found to have a pH level of 13, making it a strong alkaline.

Councillor Aicha Less, deputy leader and cabinet member for communities, public protection and licensing, said: “The shocking details of this case show a lack of attention and proper process for handling toxic cleaning chemicals. This incident shows that overlooking basic safety measures can have the most serious consequences.

“We hope the significant fine awarded in court acts to all businesses as a warning, preventing this from ever happening again.”

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Met Office issues danger to life warning as UK braces for Christmas cold snap – live - The Independent

UK weather- 60/70mph winds

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It is highly likely the UK is set for a white Christmas this year with snow expected in the north of the country, according to the Met Office.

The forecaster said it had a “high degree of confidence” the UK would see snow over the Christmas period, but this did not mean the country would be covered in blankets of snow.

“We can say with a high degree of confidence it will be a white Christmas this year,” Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge told The Independent.

“However that does not mean we will see blankets of snow. It is more likely we will see snow in higher parts of the UK like the North Pennines or Scottish Highlands.”

Despite warmer temperatures in the south of the UK, the forecaster said snow could not be ruled out completely in the region.

It comes as the Met Office issued a danger to life warning for large swathes of the UK amid strong winds and wintry showers in the lead-up to Christmas.

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Warnings of damage to buildings and power cuts as gusts up to 80 mph could hit tomorrow

People have been warned to expect damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption tomorrow as gusts of 70-80 mph could hit.

A yellow wind warning is in place across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northern England and the north of Wales.

Ms Caughey, said: “Wind speeds will increase from the north west through Wednesday evening and overnight, so that by Thursday there is a risk of gusts of 50-60mph for a large swathe of central and northern parts of the UK.

“Coastal locations, higher ground, and areas to the east of high ground could see gusts of 70-80mph.

“Due to the scale of the low pressure to the north of the UK, it is possible this event could persist across some areas into Friday.”

Tara Cobham19 December 2023 07:55

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Full report: Met Office reveals where we will see White Christmas this year

Forecasters say it is highly likely the UK will see a white Christmas this year – in certain areas, at least.

My colleague Alexander Butler has the full report:

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 07:01

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Trains and ferries disrupted as heavy rain hits west of Scotland

A number of public transport services were hit by delays and cancellations on Sunday, as heavy rain hit the west of Scotland. Here was our report:

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 06:00

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What is cause of windy weather headed for UK?

The Met Office has provided this visualisation of what is causing the windy weather en route to the UK later this week:

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 05:01

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Weather to remain unsettled into New Year, says Met Office

Looking towards the New Year, the weather looks to remain unsettled with low pressure bringing breezy and wet conditions for many, the Met Office has said.

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 04:02

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‘Damp start for many’ this morning

Here is the Met Office forecast for this morning, with forecasters predicting a damp start for many:

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 03:01

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Rain may turn to snow over higher ground on Christmas Day

“As we begin Christmas Day wintry showers initially feeding in across the north in the colder air mass would technically make it a white Christmas, as we only need to see a single flake falling,” said Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Helen Caughey.

“Elsewhere, while it is likely at first to be mostly dry there is the potential for rain approaching from the west later on.

“As this moves east, we may see rain turning to snow, at least over high ground. It’s unlikely that we will see widespread or settling snow giving any proper accumulations. Although technically it might be a white Christmas, don’t get your hopes up for a picture-perfect white landscape.”

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 02:02

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What does the Met Office’s weather alert for Thursday say?

Strong winds are likely to affect a wide area through Thursday, potentially causing some travel disruption. The Met Office warns:

• There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected
• There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
• There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
• There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 01:03

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Where is Met Office ‘danger to life warning’ coming into force?

The Met Office has issued a danger to life warning for large swathes of the UK amid strong winds and wintry showers on Thursday.

The yellow advistory stretches from Norfolk to the northern-most points of Scotland as gusts are expected to reach 80mph.

(Met Office)

Andy Gregory19 December 2023 00:01

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What are the bookmakers’ odds for a white Christmas?

Betting company William Hill lowered its odds of a White Christmas, with Glasgow now priced at just 6/5 to see snow on 25 December.

In England, Newcastle (2/1) is most likely coated with snow on Christmas morning, followed by Leeds (5/2) and Manchester (3/1), while seeing Christmas Day snow in London is a 7/1 chance.

Andy Gregory18 December 2023 23:01

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NHS dentistry as we know it 'gone for good' - BBC

Getty Images

By Nick Triggle

Health correspondent

The traditional model of NHS dentistry is gone for good, experts are warning.

The Nuffield Trust think tank said the service had been cut back so much it was now at the most perilous position in its 75-year history in England.

It said restoring services would probably need an unrealistic amount of money and called for radical reform, suggesting NHS support may need to be completely scaled back for some adults.

The government said it would be publishing a recovery plan soon.

The Nuffield Trust said funding for NHS dentistry had suffered huge cuts in recent years. Some £3.1bn was spent in 2021-22 - a drop of £525m since 2014-15 once inflation is taken into account.

It said the number of treatments being done each year was now six million lower than it was before the pandemic.

• Full extent of NHS dentistry shortage revealed
• Driving hundreds of miles for dentist 'unacceptable'

The original universal service is a mix of free care for some and subsidised support for others.

The Nuffield Trust said tough policy choices needed to be made, suggesting one option could be to start charging adults for the full cost of treatment beyond emergency work and check-ups.

The young, old and those on the lowest income could then continue to receive free care.

'My family hasn't seen a dentist for four years'

Peter Williams

Peter Williams and his family last saw an NHS dentist in 2019.

"Very soon after our dentist reopened its doors after Covid we received a letter saying they were no longer treating NHS patients and we would have to take out a private dentistry plan or pay for our treatment."

Despite regularly trying local dentists close to him in West Sussex, he has not been able to find one willing to take on new NHS patients.

"They either only accept private patients or their NHS slots are all full.

"It is impossible. My children are 19 and 17 and they haven't had a check-up for four years.

"I think it is really unfair, particularly on children.

"If there was an emergency I would just have to pay privately for treatment. But that is not right."

Nuffield Trust chief executive Thea Stein said: "Difficult and frankly unpalatable policy choices will need to be made. If, as it seems, the original model of NHS dentistry is gone for good, then surely the imperative is to provide enough access for a basic core service for those most in need.

"Whichever way we go, I'm afraid that NHS dentistry cannot continue without some kind of evaluation of the offer, even if there are some major improvements to the way services are contracted and commissioned."

The think tank said while the data underpinning this report is for England only, there was little to suggest the other parts of the UK were not struggling either.

Getty Images

Louise Ansari, of patient watchdog Healthwatch England, said the government "urgently" needed to act.

Shawn Charlwood, chairman of the British Dental Association's general dental practice committee, said the report "reads like the last rites for NHS dentistry" and that "patients and this profession deserve some honesty here".

He added: "The government say NHS dentistry should be accessible for all who need it.

"The plain facts are we're not seeing any evidence of the reforms or the resources to realise that ambition."

The Department of Health and Social Care said it would be publishing a dental recovery plan shortly and had already taken steps to improve access, including increasing dental training places by 40%.

"We are making progress to boost NHS dental services," a spokesman added.

The Nuffield Trust report was released as Labour published its own analysis of NHS data showing eight in 10 dental practices were not accepting new NHS patients - similar to figures from a BBC investigation last year.

The party said it would pump extra money into the system by abolishing the non-dom tax status, which allows people living in the UK to avoid paying UK tax on money they made outside the country.

It said this would help to create hundreds of thousands more urgent appointments.

But the Nuffield Trust said that would probably still not be enough.

Related Topics

• Health
• England
• NHS

Related Internet Links

• British Dental Association

• Health and Social Care Committee

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Alex Batty says he is 'glad to be home for Christmas' after being reunited with his family - reports - Sky News

Alex Batty - the British teenager found in France after going missing for six years - has reportedly told journalists he is "glad to be home for Christmas".

He was 11 when he went on holiday with his mother Melanie Batty - who does not have legal parental guardianship - and his grandfather, David Batty, in 2017, and never returned.

Alex, now 17, was found on Wednesday after a delivery driver offered him a lift near Toulouse.

This weekend, he was reunited with family back in the UK - thought to include his grandmother and legal guardian, Susan Caruana.

He told journalists on Monday he was "glad to be home for Christmas", according to reports in several British newspapers.

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0:29

Missing British teen fled from mother

On Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed Alex had returned to the UK.

"Earlier, Alex met with a family member alongside Greater Manchester Police officers at Toulouse airport, before heading back to the UK," he said on Sunday.

"This moment is undoubtedly huge for him and his loved ones and we are glad that they have been able to see each other again after all this time."

Alex found 'walking alone'

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Alex was found by chiropractic student Fabien Accidini while walking alone near Toulouse in the early hours of Wednesday.

Image: Fabien Accidini, who found Alex Batty

Ms Caruana, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, said on Friday: "I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

"I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I can't wait to see him when we're reunited.

"The main thing is that he's safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child."

She asked for privacy as the family welcomed Alex back.

Read more from Sky News:
Alex fled 'because mum wanted to take him to Finland'
What really happened after he vanished?
Man who found him says Alex 'wants to live normal life'

It is thought Alex had been living an "alternative" lifestyle with his mother and grandfather across Spain, Morocco and France while he was missing.

French officials said he decided to leave when his mother wanted to go to Finland.

Mr Accidini said the teenager told him he had been hiking in nearby mountains for more than four days in an attempt to return to England.

On Friday, French prosecutors said the teenager's mother, Melanie Batty, who is wanted in connection with his disappearance, may be in Finland, while his grandfather David Batty has died.

Image: Alex Batty's grandmother, Susan Caruana, is his legal guardian

Prosecutor Antoine Leroy said Alex had said he knew his way of life with his mother "had to stop" after she announced an intention to move to Finland.

This led him to walk for "four days and four nights" across the Pyrenees, Mr Leroy said.

Alex was described as "tired" but "in good health" after being checked over by French officials and seemed "intelligent" even though he had not attended school for six years.

The prosecutor also said the boy did not appear to have been subjected to any physical violence.

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Gaynor Lord: Body confirmed as missing Norwich mother - BBC

Norfolk Constabulary

A body found in a river has been formally identified as that of missing mother-of-three, Gaynor Lord.

Ms Lord, 55, disappeared after leaving work in Norwich early on 8 December. Her belongings were later discovered in a city park.

Specialist divers retrieved her body from the River Wensum on Friday.

Norfolk Police said post-mortem tests found no evidence of third-party involvement and early indications of death were "consistent with drowning".

Ms Lord's death was not being treated as suspicious and no formal cause of death would be recorded until the Home Office pathologist received toxicology results, the force added.

Detectives said they would continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

PA Media

Ms Lord was reported missing after failing to return home from Jarrolds department store, where she worked on a gin counter as a retail assistant.

CCTV footage showed her leaving work more than an hour earlier than expected before hurrying through the city on foot.

Later that day her belongings, including clothing, jewellery and a mobile phone, were found scattered across Wensum Park.

Police launched a major search operation and were assisted by specialist teams from across England.

Detectives said there was a "high probability" she had entered the water.

PA Media

On Monday, Jarrolds department store issued a statement on social media which said: "Our thoughts are with the family of Gaynor Lord at this extremely difficult time.

"As someone who worked within the store she will be missed by all and we would like to pass on our collective condolences."

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