just now (441+ words) A pottery firm boss has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to give the ceramic industry a "level playing field" on energy costs. Portmeirion chief executive Mike Raybould said the government needs to be doing more to support UK ceramic manufacturers in the face of rocketing gas prices and increased foreign competition. Mr Raybould is hoping the government will respond to his plea in the Budget on Wednesday. While other energy-intensive industries such as steel will receive further support with their electricity costs from next year, the scheme will not help ceramic manufacturers with their gas bills. Royal Stafford and Moorcroft both collapsed earlier this year due to energy costs and cheap foreign imports, with the latter later rescued. Mr Raybould believes that Stoke-based Portmeirion and other local manufacturers could be a part of the "great success story" for the UK…...

just now (283+ words) Plans to extend a house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been approved on appeal. The proposal concerned 4 Ivy Road in Abington, Northampton, where the owner wanted to increase the number of occupants from six to seven. Planning officers at West Northamptonshire Council had recommended the scheme for approval. But after an August committee meeting raised concerns over noise, parking and litter, members voted to refuse it. However, the applicant, Mr V Kryshinets, appealed to the government's Planning Inspectorate, which has now overturned the council's decision. At the August meeting, a local authority officer told councillors it would be difficult to argue that adding one bedroom would significantly affect parking or local amenities, saying he was "not convinced we can make a case for it" if the decision went to appeal. Reform UK councillor David Gaskell warned the committee was being…...

1+ min ago (339+ words) North Melbourne great Emma Kearney has backed the Kangaroos taking a massive AFLW grand final selection risk with teammate Mia King. After missing five games with a knee injury, King is pressing for a recall in Saturday night's match against arch-rivals Brisbane. This time last season, Kearney had returned to the side at the pointy end of the finals after recovering from a hamstring injury. Speaking after Tuesday training, she was asked about the risk of recalling King as they try to go back to back. "Mia is available for selection, so the coaches will select the side later tonight," Kearney said. "I'm not privy to what sorts of (training) loads she's doing, but I can only speak for what I can see on the track. "She's been bringing a lot of energy, a lot of spark, and she's also…...

1+ min ago (323+ words) A celebration of life service is being held for a woman who blogged about her life with breast cancer. Felicity Rackstraw ran the My Traitorous Tit blog, talking of her epxeriences since being diagnosed in 2022. In a post published following her death in October she called for people to mark her passing by wearing their fanciest outfit and having a party. A service to celebrate the 48-year-old's life is being held in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, later on Tuesday. "We are not calling it a funeral because that wouldn't be right for Flick, it's definitely a celebration of life," said her friend Janet Stanway, adding it would be "packed out" as she made an impression on so many people. Ms Rackstraw, known as Flick, was helped by Stoke-on-Trent cancer support group, Pink Sisters and Misters. In 2023 she told BBC Radio Stoke screenings…...

1+ min ago (243+ words) Sharjah Warriorz have unveiled their new campaign "Roar as One" ahead of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025, scheduled from December 2 to January 26, 2026. The campaign introduces the team's identity, shaped around its diverse squad and its deep-rooted connection to the rich cultural heritage of Sharjah, one of the most iconic and historic venues in world cricket. Featuring players from 14 different nationalities, the campaign highlights the unified character of the Sharjah Warriorz, embodying a team that is united beyond borders and is proud to representthe city as one. The campaign video encapsulates Sharjah Warriorz as a team that reflects the multicultural nature of the city, known for its global community and strong sporting culture. Released under the campaign route "Roar as One", the film sets the tone for the Sharjah Warriorz' participation in ILT20 2025, with the hashtag #ShaaneSeSharjah anchoring the messaging across platforms. The team…...

2+ min ago (428+ words) Patriots spots an opportunity to break the firewall once and for all The far-right Patriots for Europe have an offer for European Parliament President Roberta Metsola: If you give us more power, we'll help you keep the job in 2027, when MEPs elect a new president. Centre-right Metsola, as first reported by Euractiv, is chasing an unprecedented third term at the helm of the hemicycle until 2029, though her path to the presidency is narrowing. The Patriots, sensing leverage, are moving in. Anders Vistisen, a senior Danish MEP in the Patriots for Europe group, told Euractiv's Rapporteur on Tuesday that Metsola could get their 85 votes, but only if the firewall blocking his group from power is lifted. "We have not ruled out giving Metsola a third term, but it depends," Vistisen said in an interview in his parliamentary office in Brussels. "If…...

2+ min ago (141+ words) The EU is concerned that the Americans are ready to conduct peace talks bypassing them, because the USA is a key member of the alliance. "If NATO can be split anywhere, it will happen as a result of actions of this kind,"the publication writes about... The conditions of the peace plan are a "complete humiliation of NATO," reports Helsingin Sanomat The EU is concerned that the Americans are ready to conduct peace talks bypassing them, because the USA is a key member of the alliance."If NATO can be split anywhere, it will happen as a result of actions of this kind,"the publication writes about the secret 28-point plan.In addition, the newspaper claims that the actual size of the Ukrainian army is already close to the 600,000 required by the peace plan due to mass desertion....

2+ min ago (149+ words) Germany will have to import gas from Russia through SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe GmbH) for several more years, said Klaus, head of the Federal Network Agency of Germany. M'llerAccording to M'ller, "the state cannot restrict these... " Germany will not stop importing Russian gas until 2028Germany will have to import gas from Russia through SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe GmbH) for several more years, said Klaus, head of the Federal Network Agency of Germany M'llerAccording to M'ller, "the state cannot restrict these supplies without the European sanctions regime " If SEFE terminated the agreements, it would still have to pay, and Russia "would be able to resell this gas "In October, the EU approved a plan to phase out all Russian gas imports starting in 2026 The plan allows for continued imports under existing short-term contracts until June 17, 2026, and long-term contracts until January…...

2+ min ago (111+ words) In Britain, streets that are named after ex-Prince Andrew have begun to be renamed, writes Reuters.Earlier, the king stripped him of his title and evicted him from the mansion because of his ties to the scandalous financier Epstein.In particular, such... In Britain, streets that are named after ex-Prince Andrew have begun to be renamed, writes Reuters. Earlier, the king stripped him of his title and evicted him from the mansion because of his ties to the scandalous financier Epstein. In particular, such a request was made by residents of Northern Ireland in the city of Carrickfergus. The street will be renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II....

3+ min ago (134+ words) Rachel Reeves has urged Labour MPs to unite behind her Budget as she vowed to stay on as chancellor in the years ahead. Speaking to a meeting of Labour's Parliamentary Party on Monday evening, Reeves warned MPs they must "stick together" if they wanted to win the next election. The Budget, which is expected to contain tax rises, will be delivered on Wednesday following weeks of speculation. Rachel Reeves has urged Labour MPs to unite behind her Budget as she vowed to stay on as chancellor in the years ahead. Speaking to a meeting of Labour's Parliamentary Party on Monday evening, Reeves warned MPs they must "stick together" if they wanted to win the next election. The Budget, which is expected to contain tax rises, will be delivered on Wednesday following weeks of speculation....