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Record numbers of hen harriers have been killed or gone missing under suspicious circumstances in the last five years, according to the RSPB. The protected bird species is one of the rarest in the UK, known for their acrobatic “skydancing” courtship display over the uplands, such as Forest of Bowland in Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales. A total of 102 the protected birds of prey were illegally killed or went missing between 2020 and 2024 – mostly in areas where grouse shooting takes place, the RSPB says. Some hen harriers were shot and their chicks were stamped on, while others were poisoned or illegally trapped, according to the charity.Chicks were killed underfoot, the report reveals More

Marks and Spencer’s chief executive has lambasted a key aspect of the Windsor Framework’s final phase as “bureaucratic madness,” as over 1,000 products destined for Northern Ireland will soon require “Not for EU” labelling.Stuart Machin revealed the significant operational challenge, describing the new requirement as “yet another layer of unnecessary costs and red tape for retailers.” From next week, a substantial portion of M&S’s product range for Northern Ireland will need these specific labels affixed.The “Not for EU” labels have been progressively introduced since the post-Brexit trading deal, known as the Windsor Framework, was agreed in 2023. This framework was negotiated between the UK and the European Union to resolve complexities arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol, which effectively maintains Northern Ireland within the EU’s trade orbit.The stringent labelling rules are designed to prevent goods intended for the UK market from inadvertently entering the EU single market via the Republic of Ireland. Despite the current friction, the UK Government recently indicated its expectation for a more streamlined flow of trade once its new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU is finalised.Marks and Spencer’s chief executive Stuart Machin revealed that more than 1,000 M&S products destined for Northern Ireland will need to have a “Not for EU” sticker affixed from next week More

Labour ministers have announced two major changes to their controversial welfare reforms amid intense criticism over the measures.Over 120 Labour MPs were threatening to rebel against the government over its ‘Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill’ which is still set to be voted on by members on Tuesday.Writing to Labour MPs on Thursday evening, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall said: “These important reforms are rooted in Labour values, and we want to get them right.”“We have listened to colleagues who support the principle of reform but are worried about the impact of the pace of change on those already supported by the system.”The piece of legislation will still bring in the two key changes to Universal Credit and the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, tweaks have been made to ensure that existing claimants have greater protections than first promised.Here’s everything you need to know:What PIP claimants need to knowThe central cost-cutting measure remains a tightening of the eligibility to be awarded PIP. Currently claimed by 3.7 million people, the benefit is designed to help with extra costs related to health or disability.Under the changes, around 1.5 million of the current claimants would not be found eligible for the “daily living” side of the benefit. This is because, while they scored the eight points needed at assessment to be awarded at least the lowest payment rate, they did not score four in any single category.Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has written to MPs outlining changes to the Bill (Jacob King/PA) More

Assisted dying in England and Wales has moved a step closer after MPs voted by a majority of 23 in favour of a Bill legalising it for terminally ill people.After an emotional four-hour debate in the Commons, 314 MPs voted for the Bill and 291 against.Supporters of assisted dying wept, jumped and hugged each other outside Parliament as the news spread that it had been passed.The Bill, which allows adults who have less than six months to live to end their lives, will move to the House of Lords for further debate and scrutiny.Public support for a change in the law remains high, according to a YouGov poll, suggesting nearly three in four people back assisted dying.MPs had a free vote on the Bill, meaning they decided according to their conscience and the arguments rather than along party lines.This was the first time Kim Leadbeater’s Bill had been debated and voted on in its entirety since last year’s historic yes vote, when MPs supported the principle of assisted dying for England and Wales by a majority of 55 at second reading. Labour MP Ms Leadbeater argued her Bill would “correct the profound injustices of the status quo”. Both Houses must agree on the final text of the Bill before it can be signed into law.Due to the four-year implementation period, it could be 2029 – potentially coinciding with the end of this Government’s Parliament – before assisted dying is offered.Encouraging or assisting suicide is currently against the law in England and Wales, with a maximum jail sentence of 14 years.Supporters of assisted dying have described the current law as not being fit for purpose, with desperate terminally ill people feeling the need to end their lives in secret or go abroad to Dignitas alone, for fear loved ones will be prosecuted for helping them.Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer remained supportive of the Bill, voting yes on Friday as he had done last year.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who had urged MPs to vote against the legislation, describing it as “a bad Bill” despite being “previously supportive of assisted suicide”, voted no. Friday was the first time the Bill was debated and voted on in its entirety since last year’s historic yes vote, when MPs supported the principle of assisted dying for England and Wales by a majority of 55 at second reading.Labour MP Ms Leadbeater has argued her Bill will “correct the profound injustices of the status quo and to offer a compassionate and safe choice to terminally ill people who want to make it”.During an hours-long date on Friday, MPs on both sides of the issue recalled personal stories of loved ones who had died.Conservative former minister Sir James Cleverly, who led the opposition to the Bill in the Commons, spoke of a close friend who died “painfully” from cancer.He said he comes at the divisive issue “not from a position of faith nor from a position of ignorance”, and was driven in his opposition by “concerns about the practicalities” of the Bill. More

Assisted dying in England and Wales has moved a step closer after MPs voted by a majority of 23 in favour of a Bill legalising it for terminally ill people.After an emotional four-hour debate in the Commons, 314 MPs voted for the Bill and 291 against.Supporters of assisted dying wept, jumped and hugged each other outside Parliament as the news spread that it had been passed.The Bill, which allows adults who have less than six months to live to end their lives, will move to the House of Lords for further debate and scrutiny.Public support for a change in the law remains high, according to a YouGov poll, suggesting nearly three in four people back assisted dying.MPs had a free vote on the Bill, meaning they decided according to their conscience and the arguments rather than along party lines.This was the first time Kim Leadbeater’s Bill had been debated and voted on in its entirety since last year’s historic yes vote, when MPs supported the principle of assisted dying for England and Wales by a majority of 55 at second reading. Labour MP Ms Leadbeater argued her Bill would “correct the profound injustices of the status quo”. Both Houses must agree on the final text of the Bill before it can be signed into law.Due to the four-year implementation period, it could be 2029 – potentially coinciding with the end of this Government’s Parliament – before assisted dying is offered.Encouraging or assisting suicide is currently against the law in England and Wales, with a maximum jail sentence of 14 years.Supporters of assisted dying have described the current law as not being fit for purpose, with desperate terminally ill people feeling the need to end their lives in secret or go abroad to Dignitas alone, for fear loved ones will be prosecuted for helping them.Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer remained supportive of the Bill, voting yes on Friday as he had done last year.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who had urged MPs to vote against the legislation, describing it as “a bad Bill” despite being “previously supportive of assisted suicide”, voted no. More

Council tax bills across the UK could soon see a major shake-up as a new Labour plan looks to make funding ‘fairer.’ Led by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, the plans will ensure more government funding goes to areas with the highest need.The new approach looks to address issues in local authorities that are enforcing large council tax hikes every year while residents repeatedly see little return for this money. By making more central funds available to areas where demand is greatest, these areas will be more able to ask for lower council tax increases.However, this will likely mean that less funding will be available to areas where local services are not stretched, and residents have not been asked to pay such steep bill rises in recent years. As such, these councils could be forced to recoup the funding from maximising council tax revenue.A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) official told The Times that the current system has resulted in “perverse outcomes, where some authorities are struggling to provide basic services whilst others are better off”.Birmingham City Council raised its council tax by 7.5 per cent this year amid funding struggles More

Council tax bills across the UK could soon see a major shake-up as a new Labour plan looks to make funding ‘fairer.’ Led by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, the plans will ensure more government funding goes to areas with the highest need.The new approach looks to address issues in local authorities that are enforcing large council tax hikes every year while residents repeatedly see little return for this money. By making more central funds available to areas where demand is greatest, these areas will be more able to ask for lower council tax increases.However, this will likely mean that less funding will be available to areas where local services are not stretched, and residents have not been asked to pay such steep bill rises in recent years. As such, these councils could be forced to recoup the funding from maximising council tax revenue.A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) official told The Times that the current system has resulted in “perverse outcomes, where some authorities are struggling to provide basic services whilst others are better off”.Birmingham City Council raised its council tax by 7.5 per cent this year amid funding struggles More

As Labour faces mounting backlash over plans to cut disability benefits, dozens of Independent readers have voiced fear, anger and despair over what they see as a betrayal of society’s most vulnerable.Their comments reveal the human cost behind the headlines: carers facing destitution, disabled people fearing the loss of their last shred of financial independence, and a pervasive feeling that the reforms are not about support, but punishment. Several readers spoke of lifelong conditions that make work impossible, and how benefit cuts would not help them back into employment, only into poverty. Others warned that the reforms are economically short-sighted, creating more strain on the NHS, social services and unpaid carers.Beyond practical concerns, many touched on the emotional toll of feeling vilified, dismissed or forgotten by politicians and the general public. Here’s what you had to say:It’s not just PIP cuts!It’s not just PIP cuts! It’s the cuts to the Universal Credit Health Element and Carer’s Element too that many will lose. Those who work part-time and do not claim PIP will lose out, and those who have paid in, getting contribution-based benefits, will be thrown under the bus by unemployment insurance, limited to six or 12 months, because they may have a partner, when normally they would claim in their own right. These issues are not being talked about. Disabled people in all these situations will lose massively and Labour have learnt nothing from the deaths of claimants under the Tories. They know and have heard the evidence, criticised the Tories for being cruel, yet they think this is acceptable.This is not about helping people into work; it is punishing them for being unable to do so!The ForceAre you worried about disability benefit cuts? Share your thoughts in the commentsGrinding existence of povertyI have fibromyalgia and many other chronic long-term conditions, and those 14 years under the Tories forced unnecessary austerity and cruel, draconian DWP cuts to the most vulnerable people in society, many with lifelong chronic health conditions, making work impossible, and no employer would give us a second look.Those years of horrific treatment by the DWP, constant demonisation and vilification in the media and press, being made to feel like a criminal for just being alive, although it is more like a grinding existence of poverty and constant scapegoating – which feels like a form of abuse via proxy, designed to wear us down until we are broken and prone to taking our own lives… I’ve been there!That this isn’t a national scandal on the level of the Infected Blood, Post Office Horizon, Windrush etc., is utterly shameful. But for decades, the disabled and chronically long-term sick amongst us have been treated as a drain on society – thus our plight is swept under the carpet and our lives deemed of no value.The Tories were ‘stealth culling’ us for years, but I never thought I’d see the day that Labour would carry through their callous policies.RedRocket68Insulting assessmentsSimply cutting benefits across the board isn’t the way to deal with this. There is undoubtedly misuse in the system, like in all systems, and that’s why there needs to be a workable structure in place to address this. Nothing here can or ever will be foolproof!The severely disabled and their carers need support, and not to be living in fear that they won’t be able to survive. Anyone who’s cared for someone knows what a hard, unrelenting job it is – often 24/7. Some of those making these assessments seem to be oblivious as to what disability means for those who can never get away from it. Insulting questions, which lead to people saying they can manage things they can’t, are just a small example of what people are faced with in these so-called ‘assessments’.Often disabled people face more challenges than most can imagine or are even interested in. Those who do get jobs face the daily challenge of getting there – especially if they’re dependent on a wheelchair.There’s no quick fix for this, and slashing vital payments certainly isn’t one!AmbigirlsThese cuts will break peopleNone of the arguments the government is using stand up to scrutiny; there’s no evidence which supports the cuts.The majority of the impact of disability is hidden outside people’s close circle, especially intimate, embarrassing, and financial issues.People do not realise how bad things are, or how a lack of support can destroy you.These cuts will BREAK people.Cuts will also negatively impact the economy and cause higher dependency and increased costs to the NHS and local services in the medium to long term.KittyKatThey’ve already cut mine by 36%Not badly so, but I’m disabled and have lived with not only the endless threat of losing my benefits – I have had them slashed (36%) and halted altogether. I wonder how far this has gone toward the destruction of my health, and yet there are many far worse off than myself.TomSnoutWe are where we areUnfortunately, the government does not have a time machine to go back and change decisions that some people may not like. We are where we are now. And where we are now is even higher taxes than the current record, to pay for even higher benefits spending, which, again, is already at a record (all in real terms).MarkConstant cycle of tortureIt’s not about ‘people who can work, should’. Realistically, no employer will jump at the chance to employ a disabled person – and if they do, it’ll be a constant cycle of torture for the worst affected, who will be forced – and it is forced—into work they cannot do. In six months or less, they’ll have worsened in health and require the services of occupational health. And what is occupational health going to tell them? Quit! Resign! You can’t work after all!This welfare reform needs total scrapping.VIMS2022Universal Credit won’t help carersThere will be many carers left destitute because the benefit system doesn’t allow them to claim any other benefits. Universal Credit doesn’t cover someone who’s unable to work due to caring responsibilities. They will get nothing!EverlastingI’ve been waiting five yearsI would love nothing more than to walk again. But this is my fifth year of waiting. In case you’re thinking I can’t be so bad, I have severe end-stage arthritis. What bone I have left is twisting. I’m pretty darn sure I’m not the only one.CynicalmeA vendetta against the most vulnerableHaving attended the consultations into the green paper, I witnessed so many who were terrified of how the cuts would rob them of their hard-fought careers.A warning for those calling for an end to disability support: these measures only save a pittance, so expect more cuts. If they can stoop low enough to give the most vulnerable a good kicking, then nothing will stop them going after pensioners next, who are the biggest slice, by over half, of the welfare bill after all.TalkingSenseEasy targetsPIP isn’t awarded because of your ability to work or not. Why cut PIP? To save money and pretend that those who have disabilities don’t have them anymore. And we are the easiest ones to target. Starmer has calculated that the ‘grey vote’ will be useful in the next general election, and voters will be upset if their granny and grandad die from cold. Children have voting parents and will grow up to be voters. But the disabled? Nah. Sub-humans without a voice. As I said, easy targets.News for him: disabled people also have loved ones who are voters, and we are voters too. I am about to be a grey voter, and I have a disability. Labour won’t be getting my vote ever again.LizzieMI feel like an expensive petI’m disabled. My partner works. I can’t claim any benefits due to her income. PIP is therefore my only source of income and independence. It allows me to get to my own appointments, and it pays for my prescriptions, eye tests, and dental care (not that it covers this—I haven’t seen a dentist in years due to the cost).PIP also makes me marginally less of a burden on my partner, as I can pay for my own prescriptions and even pick them up or get them delivered. To remove this money will drive me into poverty, make me rely more on my partner, and cost her more money. This will put pressure on our already strained relationship, as I will feel like an expensive pet, rather than a valued human being. It is cruel, vindictive and callous. I would have expected this from the Conservatives after the minefield they created throughout austerity, but for a Labour government to penalise disabled people in such a manner is bordering on political insanity – and the very definition of cruelty.SilvafoxWhy do they always pick on us?My husband is disabled, paralysed, uses a wheelchair – only one side of his body works. Due to other health issues, he can’t have a motorised wheelchair, so we have a manual one. I take him where he has to go. He is so stressed by all of this that his condition is worse. Why does the government always pick on people who cannot defend themselves? It happens all the time.BonniebellEmployers won’t take the riskThe problem with DWP trying to engage disabled individuals in finding suitable work leaves a lot to be desired. Employers are more reluctant to take on disabled people on the grounds that they have to look after them. They consider disabled people as cheap labour, and the cost of employing them far outweighs the benefits. There is a pool of people who have no skills, and that is disadvantageous, not to mention that disabled people have no history or record of having worked for a considerable time.KingdanielSome of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day’s top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click ‘log in’ or ‘register’ in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment click here. More