MAINSTREAM GB News

Major car brand building 'truly climate neutral' vehicle 'concerned' by 2035 petrol and diesel ban

Polestar has confirmed that it remains optimistic about its lofty goal to create a truly climate-neutral car, telling GB News that the "ambition stays".The premium Swedish car brand said it was working hard to meet the 2030 deadline to create a revolutionary car that does not produce any emissions at the tailpipe, or anywhere along the manufacturing process.Polestar is collaborating with a number of unique partners, including SSAB, which works to produce steel where the carbon emissions are "virtually zero" using recycled steel and fossil-free energy.The Polestar 0 project, which is led by Hans Pehrson, is innovating and recasting materials to produce a vehicle without any greenhouse gas emissions. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Polestar continues to take steps to cut its production emissions, having achieved a 24.7 per cent reduction in emissions per vehicle sold compared to its base year.It announced in its 2024 sustainability report that it would be able to produce an equivalent Polestar 2 with a carbon footprint that would be 10 tonnes lower today than when the project started in 2020.Speaking to GB News, Fredrika Klarén, head of sustainability at Polestar, said policy changes were making the switch to zero emission vehicles more difficult.The European Union announced in December that it would water down its pledge to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, instead opting for automakers to comply with a 90 per cent tailpipe emissions reduction target.The remaining 10 per cent of emissions must be compensated through a range of measures, including low-carbon steel made in the UK, e-fuels and biofuels.Commenting on Europe's new plans, Ms Klarén said: "In a way, it's concerning because we want the industry to start focusing on production-related emissions. "We want to just remove the tailpipe emissions so that we can get on track with the production-related emissions."For as long as the policymakers delay the requirements on the industry to cut tailpipe emissions, the longer we will have to wait until they fully get on the topic of production emissions."LATEST DEVELOPMENTSMajor car brands debut new models launching soon including Mercedes, Kia, Hyundai and more - full listSadiq Khan set to provide major update on plans to BAN all cars from popular London hotspotFord 'in talks' with Chinese car giant BYD over huge partnership despite fears of 'supply chain extortion'She described this as a "risk", noting that the 2030 and 2035 deadlines gave manufacturers, especially those who are electric-only, guidance and "clarity" for the business.Labour remains committed to the phase out of new petrol and diesel car sales across the UK by 2030, while only zero emission vehicles will be sold from 2035 onwards.This is being supported by the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires manufacturers to have 33 per cent of sales be electric by the end of this year, before reaching 80 per cent at the end of the decade.Ms Klarén said policies like these, as well as requirements to install so-called "battery passports" in new electric vehicles, were "very welcome" to ensure more drivers can get behind the wheel of a zero emission car.The number of parts included in an electric vehicle can also have an impact on its total carbon footprint, with a two-tonne car potentially creating 57 tonnes of greenhouse gases upstream in the production cycle.Ms Klarén and the Swedish manufacturer remain optimistic about the Polestar 0 project, with hopes that the process will push other manufacturers to take sustainability seriously.Commenting on the Polestar 0 project, environmental expert Matt Finch, told GB News: "You've got to give credit to Polestar."Whilst it's already offering drivers a cleaner way to drive, it's showing other businesses a cleaner way to exist."With JFK-esque echoes, Polestar management has chosen to put time and effort into Polestar 0, even though it's hard. Let's hope they stay the course." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM GB News

Manchester shooting: Armed officers and police helicopter deployed as one person rushed to hospital with 'serious injuries'

A shooting in Greater Manchester has left one person in hospital with serious injuries.Armed police officers were among emergency services who rushed to the scene of Higher Road in Urmston last night.The immediate area, which is close to Urmston railway station, was closed off the public with additional police patrols deployed.A police helicopter was also deployed in the area. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say No arrests are thought to have been made at this stage.A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "At around 8.42pm this evening, we were called to reports of a firearms discharge on Higher Road, Urmston."Emergency services have treated one casualty at the scene with serious injuries."A scene is in place and Higher Road remains closed off to the public."Extra patrols have been deployed around the local area while we continue our enquiries."Appealing to the public for information, the spokesman added: "If you have any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist our investigation, please contact GMP on 101 quoting log 3132 of 16/01/2026."You can also report information via LiveChat on www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111."One witness told local media that there appeared to be evidence of someone being treated at the scene, with a torn padded jacket discarded on the ground visible from outside the cordon."It looks like there's a coat or a jacket of some kind, there's an ambulance right in front of it, a first response," they told Manchester Evening News."It looks like the feathers or whatever it is inside the padding is all over the road so someone must have been treated." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM GB News

Tony Blair handed key role in rebuilding Gaza as Donald Trump gives him job on 'Board of Peace'

Sir Tony Blair will sit on Donald Trump's Gaza “Board of Peace”, the White House has confirmed.A statement released by the President's office named the former UK Prime Minister as a member of the “founding executive board”, which aims to lead long-term peace efforts in the Middle East.As well as Sir Tony, US secretary of state Marco Rubio, special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Mr Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will sit on the board.The other members were named as billionaire Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga and US deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Mr Trump hailed the group as "the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place".A White House statement on the formation of the executive board read: "The Board of Peace will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the president’s plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilising international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development."It added: "The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transitional framework, working in close partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community."It is understood each member of the group will hold a specialist portfolio in relation to the future of Gaza.Sir Tony has not yet publicly commented about the Board of Peace.Rumours had swirled since September last year over Sir Tony's inclusion on the new body set up by Mr Trump. Although, at one point it appeared the White House had dropped him from the project."I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody," the US President said in October when asked about his potential inclusion on the Board of Peace.Reports of Sir Tony being dropped from the plan emerged after it was claimed Arab and Muslim states had complained about his inclusion.States are said to have objected to the former Prime Minister being involved due to his prior record in the Middle East, with anger still felt over his involvement in the invasion of Iraq in 2003.More recently, suggestions even spread President Trump was considering Sir Keir Starmer for a role on the board.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSTony Blair's sister-in-law sparks fury after describing October 7 massacre as 'legendary'REVEALED: Mosque helped pick police chief who banned Israeli football fansBBC ‘unaware’ Traitors star 'compared Israel to Nazi Germany' as it responds to unearthed postsEarlier this week, No10 did not directly deny that conversations had been held on the prospect of the Prime Minister's inclusion when, only telling GB News that no "formal" offer had been made to Sir Keir.Additional members of the board are set to be announced in the coming weeks.As well as the Board of Peace, Sir Tony will also sit on the "Gaza Executive Board", the purpose of which appears to be advising a newly set up interim government for Gaza.That interim authority, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), was established on Wednesday, led by Palestinian officials.Ali Shaath will head up the NCAG and was described by the White House as "a widely respected technocratic leader who will oversee the restoration of core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions, and the stabilisation of daily life in Gaza, while laying the foundation for long-term, self-sustaining governance".It added: "Dr Shaath brings deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement, and is widely respected for his pragmatic, technocratic leadership and understanding of Gaza’s institutional realities." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

10 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM Daily Mail News

Revealed: Murder-suicide family secret of Traitors PhD brainbox Jade Scott

Jade Scott, a PhD student and contestant on the BBC One show The Traitors, is coping with a deeply personal and tragic family secret. In August 2018, her mother, Maggie Fung, and seven-year-old half-sister died in a murder-suicide at their home in Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The two were discovered unconscious in each other's arms by a domestic worker who raised the alarm. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, and a suicide note was found in the apartment. Authorities believe that Ms. Fung, aged 44, who worked at a medical clinic, was overwhelmed following a recent breakup with her boyfriend. Prior to the incident, she had arranged for her domestic worker to take a holiday, as she and her daughter were planning to travel overseas. However, when the worker returned to Hong Kong two days earlier than expected, attempts to contact Ms. Fung were unsuccessful, leading to the tragic discovery. This heartbreaking event has remained largely private until now, as Jade Scott has focused on her academic pursuits and participation in the reality television series. The revelation sheds light on the personal challenges she has faced beyond the public eye. It also underscores the often unseen struggles individuals endure, even as they engage in high-profile or competitive environments. The tragedy highlights broader issues related to mental health and the pressures faced by families, particularly in the context of personal relationships and caregiving responsibilities. Jade Scott’s story brings a human dimension to her public persona, illustrating resilience amid profound loss.

8 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM The Guardian UK

He called himself an ‘untouchable hacker god’. But who was behind the biggest crime Finland has ever known?

How would you feel if your therapist’s notes – your darkest thoughts and deepest feelings – were exposed to the world? For 33,000 Finnish people, that became a terrifying reality, with deadly consequencesTiina Parikka was half-naked when she read the email. It was a Saturday in late October 2020, and Parikka had spent the morning sorting out plans for distance learning after a Covid outbreak at the school where she was headteacher. She had taken a sauna at her flat in Vantaa, just outside Finland’s capital, Helsinki, and when she came into her bedroom to get dressed, she idly checked her phone. There was a message that began with Parikka’s name and her social security number – the unique code used to identify Finnish people when they access healthcare, education and banking. “I knew then that this is not a game,” she says.The email was in Finnish. It was jarringly polite. “We are contacting you because you have used Vastaamo’s therapy and/or psychiatric services,” it read. “Unfortunately, we have to ask you to pay to keep your personal information safe.” The sender demanded €200 in bitcoin within 24 hours, otherwise the price would go up to €500 within 48 hours. “If we still do not receive our money after this, your information will be published for everyone to see, including your name, address, phone number, social security number and detailed records containing transcripts of your conversations with Vastaamo’s therapists or psychiatrists.” Continue reading...

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM Wales Online

'Welsh Labour's spectacular collapse like watching a drunk person stumbling to the floor in clumsy, uncoordinated stages'

Welsh Labour is facing a significant decline ahead of the upcoming Senedd election, with internal divisions and leadership challenges exposing deep fractures within the party. The controversy surrounding Vaughan Gething has highlighted the party’s underlying fragility rather than causing it, revealing tensions between MPs and Members of the Senedd (MSs), particularly over attitudes toward devolution. This internal discord comes after years of continuous governance without respite, contributing to a perception of a tired and divided party struggling to maintain its dominance in Welsh politics. The May Senedd election introduces additional complexities due to a new, larger legislature and a more proportional electoral system, making it unlikely for any single party to secure an outright majority. This shift has fragmented the political landscape, with traditional “big” parties losing their previous dominance. The election outcome may not yield a clear “winner,” as the party with the most seats might differ from the one with the highest popular vote share. This raises questions about who holds the moral authority to form a government, especially if parties like Reform UK, which could gain significant support, challenge the established left-leaning bloc of Plaid Cymru, the Greens, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats. Labour’s decline has particularly benefited Plaid Cymru, which is poised to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and potentially reshape the balance of power in Wales. The party’s historic role as a defender of Welsh interests has been undermined by the UK Labour government under Keir Starmer, which critics say has neglected Wales, contributing to Labour’s electoral difficulties. The evolving political dynamics suggest a more fragmented and competitive Senedd, where coalition-building and cross-party negotiations will be crucial, and the traditional dominance of Welsh Labour is no longer assured.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM Wales Online

I tried to reduce window condensation with 1 common kitchen item - my verdict

A London flat resident shared her experience testing a popular kitchen hack to combat persistent window condensation during a harsh winter. After moving in during a summer heatwave, she faced severe condensation and mould issues as temperatures dropped, with water pooling on her bedroom windowsills each morning. Despite efforts such as ventilating the flat, reducing indoor drying of clothes, and using moisture absorbers like salt and cat litter, the problem persisted, prompting her to try an unconventional solution involving washing up liquid. The method involved applying washing up liquid directly onto the window glass to reduce condensation buildup. The idea is that the detergent lowers the surface tension of water, causing moisture to spread evenly rather than forming droplets that cling to the glass. She applied the liquid liberally with a cloth, polishing the cold, dirty windows thoroughly. Although the washing up liquid foamed on the cold glass, she awaited the results to determine if this simple, inexpensive approach could provide relief from the excessive moisture. This experiment highlights the ongoing challenges many face with condensation in colder months, particularly in older or less insulated properties. Condensation not only damages window frames but also contributes to mould growth, which can affect indoor air quality and health. While washing up liquid may offer a temporary fix by preventing water droplets from forming, it does not address underlying issues such as inadequate ventilation or insulation. The resident’s trial underscores the need for practical, affordable solutions to manage indoor moisture during winter, especially for renters or homeowners unable to undertake major renovations. As temperatures rise, the hope is that condensation will lessen, but for now, simple hacks like this may help mitigate the problem while longer-term measures are considered.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM BBC UK News

Lammy blocks Jimmy Mizen killer's open prison move

Justice Secretary David Lammy has blocked the transfer of Jake Fahri, convicted of murdering 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen in 2009, to an open prison. Fahri was released on licence in 2023 but was subsequently recalled to prison after reports surfaced that he had been producing drill music under the pseudonym TEN, with lyrics referencing the murder. Despite the Parole Board recommending Fahri’s move to an open prison two years after his recall, Lammy intervened, citing concerns for public protection. The Parole Board’s decision summary noted that Fahri initially denied the music was about his own life but later admitted to being the artist TEN after his recall. The board suggested that moving Fahri to an open prison could facilitate reflection on his lack of honesty with professionals managing his case. However, Lammy’s reversal indicates that Fahri has not demonstrated sufficient change in attitude or remorse, a stance supported by Jimmy Mizen’s mother, Margaret. She expressed shock at the initial recommendation and disappointment that Fahri had not turned his life around, emphasizing that his dishonesty during the trial and subsequent behavior showed he had not reformed. Fahri was originally sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years, the point at which release can be considered under licence with conditions. The case has drawn attention to the challenges of managing offenders’ rehabilitation and public safety, particularly when controversial activities such as producing music that references their crimes emerge. Lammy’s decision underscores the government’s priority on public protection in parole decisions, especially in high-profile cases involving violent offenders. The controversy also highlights broader debates about the influence of drill music and the monitoring of offenders’ activities post-release. Fahri’s case remains a focal point in discussions on balancing rehabilitation opportunities with safeguarding community interests.

10 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM Daily Mail News

Steve Bannon reveals why Canada is the 'next Ukraine' as he details Trump's real motivations behind taking Greenland and his 'Donroe Doctrine'

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon has characterized Canada as the "next Ukraine" in terms of geopolitical vulnerability, warning that China is poised to exploit weaknesses along Canada’s northern Arctic border. According to Bannon, President Donald Trump is preparing to intensify efforts to counter Chinese influence in Canada as part of an expanded "Donroe Doctrine," which aims to assert U.S. dominance across the Western Hemisphere beyond its traditional focus on Latin America. Bannon’s comments highlight concerns over Canada’s ability to defend its Arctic territories amid increasing Chinese activity in the region. During Trump’s first term, the administration established an Arctic working group that underscored Greenland’s strategic significance and revealed vulnerabilities in Canada’s Arctic defense. China’s self-declaration as a "near-arctic state" in 2018 has heightened U.S. apprehensions about Beijing’s ambitions in the Arctic, a region rich in resources and new shipping routes due to melting ice. Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory, was seen as part of a broader strategy to secure U.S. influence in the Arctic and counterbalance China’s growing presence. Complicating the situation, Canada has been strengthening ties with China, raising concerns in Washington about the future of U.S.-Canada relations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to China, his first in nearly a decade, and his description of Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "strategic partner" have alarmed American officials. Carney emphasized the partnership as a foundation for a "new world order," signaling a potential shift in Canada’s foreign policy that could challenge U.S. interests. Additionally, Carney aligned with Denmark and NATO allies in response to Trump’s Greenland ambitions, noting that Xi Jinping found common ground with these parties regarding American interests in the Arctic. The evolving dynamics in the Arctic underscore the intensifying geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China, with Canada positioned as a critical arena. The situation raises questions about the future of North American security and the balance of power in the Arctic region, where climate change is opening new strategic opportunities and challenges.

11 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM BBC UK News

Tony Blair and Marco Rubio among names on Gaza 'Board of Peace'

The Trump administration has announced the formation of a "Board of Peace" to oversee the temporary governance and reconstruction of Gaza following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The board’s founding executive members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law. Trump will serve as chairman of the board, which is part of a broader 20-point plan aimed at stabilizing Gaza and facilitating its long-term recovery. Other notable members include private equity leader Marc Rowan, World Bank chief Ajay Banga, and US national security adviser Robert Gabriel, each tasked with portfolios critical to Gaza’s stabilization. Sir Tony Blair’s inclusion is significant given his previous role as Middle East envoy for the Quartet of international powers and his efforts to promote economic development in Palestine and advance a two-state solution. Blair has been involved in high-level discussions on Gaza’s future, including recent meetings at the White House. His appointment has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics citing his controversial role in the Iraq War, while others highlight his diplomatic achievements such as brokering the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland. In parallel, a separate 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), has been established to manage Gaza’s day-to-day governance post-conflict. The committee will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. The board’s on-the-ground representative in Gaza will be Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN Middle East envoy, who will coordinate with the NCAG. The plan also includes deploying an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to train and support vetted Palestinian personnel, aiming to ensure security and facilitate reconstruction efforts. This initiative marks a significant international effort to stabilize Gaza after years of conflict and humanitarian crisis, with the involvement of high-profile political and financial figures reflecting the complexity and importance of the region’s recovery and governance.

16 hours ago

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