News 21/09/25

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport, as the government searches for fresh opportunities to drive economic growth.

The £2.2 billion project, to be privately financed, involves moving the existing Northern Runway around twelve metres so it can be brought into regular use, alongside an expansion of terminal facilities. Gatwick argues the development will create jobs and strengthen the local economy, though campaigners have long opposed the plan, citing environmental and community impact. The airport currently handles about 280,000 flights a year, but says that could rise to nearly 390,000 by the late 2030s.

The Duchess of York has in recent years appeared to be back in the royal fold.

She joined the family at Sandringham for Christmas, and just this week was seen alongside Prince Andrew and other royals at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent. But fast forward to this weekend and she’s at the centre of the latest Jeffrey Epstein scandal, a problem the royals cannot seem to escape. An email has emerged showing Sarah Ferguson sending a grovelling apology to the convicted paedophile. It’s the latest example of just how far some appeared willing to go to stay on Epstein’s good side, following the messages from Peter Mandelson that cost him his job, and the card allegedly written by Donald Trump.

For the first time in 22 years, Great Britain and Northern Ireland have failed to win a gold medal at a World Athletics Championships.

The team finished with five medals overall, matching their tally from Doha in 2019, and recording their joint-lowest haul since 2005. The 64-strong squad placed 21st in the medal table. Head coach Paula Dunn said the target for Tokyo had been between five and eight medals, but no table finish had been set.

Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK now officially recognises Palestine as a state.

In a statement posted on X, the prime minister said Britain was acting “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution.” He added that at present “we have neither a safe and secure Israel nor a viable Palestinian state,” stressing the move was designed to keep alive the possibility of peace amid what he called the “growing horror” in the Middle East.

Canada and Australia have also announced their recognition of Palestine in a coordinated move with the UK.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country was offering its partnership in building a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel. Australia’s Anthony Albanese described the decision as part of an “international effort” to push forward a viable two-state solution.

A former Thames Valley Police officer has been banned from ever working in the force again after being convicted of fraud.

Andrew Hatchett, a former special constable, falsely claimed more than £21,000 in expenses. Investigators found he had recorded 935 duty shifts between 2019 and 2024, when in fact he only worked 404. The dishonesty amounted to over 500 bogus claims and a total of £21,672.

Air travellers are facing a second day of disruption at airports across Europe, including Heathrow, after a cyber-attack disabled a key check-in and baggage system.

Hundreds of flights were delayed on Saturday, with staff resorting to pen and paper to process passengers. Brussels Airport says it has no indication of when the system will be back online and has asked airlines to cancel half of their departures. RTX, which owns the software provider Collins Aerospace, confirmed it was aware of what it called a “cyber-related disruption” and is working to restore services as quickly as possible.

Broadcaster John Stapleton has died at the age of 79.

His agent said he passed away peacefully in hospital this morning, after suffering from Parkinson’s disease complicated by pneumonia. Stapleton became a familiar face on British television through programmes including Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour, and was one of the original presenters when Sky News launched. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa were by his side in his final days.

The UK is expected to formally recognise Palestine as a state, with Sir Keir Starmer due to make the announcement today.

In July, the prime minister said the move would go ahead unless Israel met conditions including agreeing to a ceasefire, allowing UN aid supplies, committing to long-term peace, and ruling out annexation of the West Bank. Israel’s foreign ministry has reacted furiously, with Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Starmer of rewarding terrorism and punishing its victims.

Two British fighter jets have carried out their first defence mission over Poland following a Russian drone incursion into its airspace.

The flights form part of NATO’s “Eastern Sentry” operation, aimed at reinforcing Europe’s eastern flank. Earlier this month Poland shot down Russian drones, while another was intercepted over Romania, and three jets entered Estonian airspace for twelve minutes on Friday. The series of incidents has heightened concern that Moscow is testing NATO’s defences as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey is urging Ofcom to take action against Elon Musk, accusing him of presiding over “crimes” on his social media platform X.

He says Musk should be held personally accountable under the Online Safety Act, despite the billionaire warning that the law threatens free speech. Davey claims the site has carried adverts linked to child abuse, grooming and self-harm, and is calling for a full investigation. His comments come as the Lib Dems meet in Bournemouth for their annual conference.