In this issue

July 21, 2024

Crisis-hit probation service not ready for early releases

The head of the UK's probation watchdog has warned that the service is failing in 97 per cent of areas, even before the government releases thousands of prisoners early. Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, said the service was already struggling to cope with supervising and managing the number of prisoners currently released on licence.

4 mins

Tui passengers are worst hit as software chaos continues

Thousands of passengers across the UK have faced fresh cancellations and delays to flights as airlines recover from the impact of one of the largest global IT outages ever.

3 mins

Third of English pharmacy drug supplies hit by outage

A global IT outage hit one-third of drug deliveries to pharmacies in England, as thousands of GP practices were affected and hospitals across the country declared critical incidents.

2 mins

Public sector pay rises could cost extra £10bn, IFS warns

The government could need up to £10bn extra to cover public sector pay increases if reports of a 5.5 per cent rise prove true, a leading economist has warned.

2 mins

Chancellor says 'big bang' reform of savings will boost pensions and unlock growth

The chancellor hopes to boost pension pots by £11,000 and unlock billions more in investment with a review of retirement savings.

2 mins

Two senior Tories back Tugendhat as new leader

Two senior Tories have thrown their weight behind Tom Tugendhat to be the new Conservative Party leader. Damian Green and Steve Baker, who lost their seats in the 4 July election but are influential figures in the party, have endorsed shadow security minister Mr Tugendhat.

1 min

Labour MP pregnant at 15 was 'groomed' by older man

An MP who has revealed she became pregnant at 15 after being \"groomed\" by an older man has vowed to be a voice for \"women that have children in far from ideal circumstances\".

2 mins

Government rejects Straw's two-state Cyprus solution

Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has led celebrations of the anniversary of his country's intervention 50 years ago, which left the island of Cyprus split in two.

4 mins

Highs of 27C forecast as schools out for summer

Soaring temperatures are set to hit the UK next week with the weather likely to improve for the start of the school summer holidays, the Met Office said.

2 mins

Ray Reardon, world snooker champion, dies aged 91

Ray Reardon, the six-time world snooker champion who was affectionately nicknamed Dracula for his widow's peak hairline and prominent teeth, has died at the age of 91 from cancer, his wife Carol confirmed.

4 mins

Protests expected at Fringe show on Rowling trans row

The producers of a controversial Edinburgh Festival Fringe play about JK Rowling's trans views are preparing for protests ahead of the show opening next month.

2 mins

Democrats divided on how to replace Biden if he quits

Nancy Pelosi wants open convention to nominate new ticket

3 mins

At least 11 dead in China after road bridge collapses

Thirty feared missing as structure falls during heavy rain

2 mins

Qualifier Brown one shot off lead in thrilling Open

The major championship debutant shot 73 to remain hot on the heels of leader Billy Horschel at rain-lashed Royal Troon

3 mins

Read all stories from The Independent

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The Independent has been at the frontline of journalism since 1986, with its mission to challenge and debate always ahead of its time. The Independent is free-thinking and free of bias in an increasingly fragmented world where communities locally, regionally and across continents are disenfranchised with traditional establishments. They want real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a news source that is ready to stand for something, not everything.