O n a small residential close in Willingdon, near Eastbourne on the southeast coast, Peter Birchall shares his humble 50ft-by-30ft garden with 180 native plant species, a fox, and many other animals. “My neighbours just have lawn. There’s no biodiversity, their gardens
A hunt has apologised unreservedly after its hounds killed a much-loved pet cat as they “ran out of control”. One dog snatched the terrified animal from under a car in a private garden and “shook her like a rag doll”, the owner
World leaders were dismayed by John Major’s risky leadership contest designed to challenge critics within the Conservative Party and feared he might lose, according to previously confidential papers. Documents released to the National Archives under the 30-year rule reveal that European capitals
John Major heaped fulsome praise on anti-obscenity campaigner Mary Whitehouse upon her retirement in 1994 and held a farewell meeting with her despite the misgivings of officials, previously confidential correspondence reveals. Whitehouse stepped down as president of the National Viewers’ and
Secret documents reveal how the head of the civil service leant on Channel 4 to curtail a comedian’s mischief-making impressions of John Major, after a Conservative MP was so completely taken in during a phone call that he refused to believe he
Ed Miliband has called on the people of Britain to deliver “the biggest climate mobilisation we have ever seen” to make 2021 “a year of hope” for the future of the world. The UK is at the centre of the battle against
England should go into full national lockdown immediately, amid rising coronavirus cases and a new highly contagious variant of the virus, scientists have claimed. The independent committee of experts said a third national lockdown for England was “vitally necessary”, as they warned
Boris Johnson will claim to have achieved a “resolution” of decades-long clashes between the UK and the rest of Europe, when MPs back his Brexit trade and security bill in the Commons. “Namely, that we could trade and cooperate with our European
The return of English secondary schools is likely to be delayed until mid-January, as ministers bow to pressure to allow more time for mass testing. The new plan, expected to be confirmed on Wednesday, would see only vulnerable students and those of
With New Year’s Eve just days away, health professionals are warning UK residents to follow rules aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus and rule out any plans to gather as Covid-19 rates continue to rise across the country. As the NHS
An asylum seeker had to be taken to hospital earlier this month after falling ill during a days-long hunger strike over the conditions at the Penally military camp, where dozens of asylum seekers and migrants are currently being housed. Speaking toThe Independent,