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Wylfa Chosen as Preferred Site for UK’s Major Nuclear Power Station

Wylfa Chosen as Preferred Site for UK’s Major Nuclear Power Station

The Government’s Move Aims to Boost Energy Security and Create Thousands of Jobs

Wylfa in North Wales has been selected as the UK Government’s preferred location for a major new nuclear power development. This marks a pivotal step towards increasing the country’s nuclear energy capacity, with ministers now in talks with international energy firms to move forward with the project. The proposed plant could generate enough clean energy to power six million homes for the next 60 years, significantly contributing to the UK’s aim of achieving 24GW of homegrown nuclear power by 2050.

The project is expected to replicate the scale of existing plants like Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk, with hopes of bringing substantial investment and thousands of jobs to North Wales. Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho expressed that the development will not only provide reliable power but also create high-quality employment opportunities in the region, strengthening the nation’s energy security.

The Government’s commitment to nuclear energy comes after the scrapping of a previous plan for a nuclear station at Wylfa by Hitachi in 2019 due to rising costs. Wylfa’s Magnox reactor was decommissioned in 2015, but the site has maintained its importance due to its ideal geographical features, including existing grid connections and superior cooling water access.

The announcement of Wylfa as a top site for nuclear development was met with support from the Nuclear Industry Association, with Tom Greatrex highlighting the site’s advantages and the long-term benefits of large-scale nuclear projects. However, the opposition has been vocal about the delays in this project, accusing the Conservative Government of a lack of progress since the initial identification of Wylfa as a potential site over a decade ago.

Labour’s shadow energy minister, Alan Whitehead, voiced concerns about the slow pace of the project, arguing that it should have progressed much earlier, and called for a more reliable government approach to energy planning. Meanwhile, unions like Prospect welcomed the move, stressing the importance of focusing on delivery to ensure the successful realisation of this critical energy project.

Chris Pratt Talks ‘Surreal’ Experience of Voicing Garfield in New Film

Chris Pratt Talks ‘Surreal’ Experience of Voicing Garfield in New Film

Actor Reflects on Dream Role for Childhood Favourite

Hollywood actor Chris Pratt, known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, described his casting as the voice of the famous comic character Garfield as “surreal.” Having grown up as a fan of the Garfield comic strips, Pratt expressed his excitement about bringing the Monday-hating, lasagne-loving cat to life in the upcoming animated film.

At the film’s premiere in Hollywood, Pratt, along with co-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Hannah Waddingham, shared his thoughts on being approached for the role by director Mark Dindal. Pratt recalled reading Garfield in his childhood in Alaska, and how the comic was often paired with movie listings in his local paper. “I think before I could even read, I just looked at the pictures,” said Pratt.

Dindal explained that he had imagined Pratt’s voice for Garfield for years, before finally reaching out to him for the role. Pratt was humbled by the offer, admitting he didn’t know what Dindal saw in him but was eager to bring his own “spirit” to the character.

The film, The Garfield Movie, will feature Pratt alongside Waddingham, who voices a new villainous character, Jinx. Waddingham, known for her role in Ted Lasso, spoke about the fun of reuniting with her co-star Brett Goldstein, who plays Jinx’s canine sidekick.

Creator Jim Davis, who founded the Garfield comic in 1978, also attended the premiere and reflected on his pride in how the character continues to make people laugh. The premiere saw Pratt, Waddingham, and Davis join Garfield for a memorable paw print ceremony outside the TCL Chinese Theatre.

The Garfield Movie is set to hit cinemas in the UK on May 24, 2024.

Bradgate Park Becomes National Nature Reserve, Honouring Its Rich Heritage

Bradgate Park Becomes National Nature Reserve, Honouring Its Rich Heritage

Sir David Attenborough’s Childhood Inspiration Protected for Future Generations

Bradgate Park, the site of Sir David Attenborough’s childhood memories, has officially been designated a National Nature Reserve. Located just outside Leicester, this protected area is rich in biodiversity, with ancient oak trees, rare species such as the Charnwood spider, and a variety of wildlife, including fallow and red deer, woodpeckers, and butterflies.

The park, which holds deep historical significance, was once the home of Lady Jane Grey, England’s nine-day Queen, and is renowned for its Precambrian fossils that provide evidence of early marine life, supporting Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

As part of National Nature Reserves Week, the new reserve will be part of a national effort to create connected spaces for wildlife to thrive, joining 220 other reserves in England. It will protect geological and archaeological treasures while promoting nature recovery. The new status is seen as an important step towards reversing biodiversity loss and improving public access to natural spaces.

Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood will now join other nature reserves in the East Midlands, continuing efforts to safeguard the country’s environmental heritage for future generations.

Church Attendance Shows Signs of Recovery, With More Children Attending

Church Attendance Shows Signs of Recovery, With More Children Attending

Figures Indicate Positive Growth, Yet Numbers Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

The Church of England has reported a rise in attendance for the third consecutive year, with a notable increase in children attending services, although overall numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels. The latest early figures from the Church’s annual Statistics for Mission show a 5% increase in weekly attendance, bringing the total to 685,000 in 2023, up from 654,000 in 2022.

The number of children attending weekly services has risen by almost 6%, from 87,000 in 2022 to 92,000 in 2023. Despite this positive trend, total attendance across all age groups is still far from the 2019 level of 854,000. Attendance had plummeted to just 345,000 in 2020 during the height of the pandemic.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, welcomed the increase, particularly the rise in younger attendees, and expressed gratitude towards those involved in children’s ministry. He noted that while these figures are encouraging, they are just a snapshot of ongoing trends.

Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, also viewed the growth as a hopeful sign, stressing the importance of the Church’s efforts to engage with communities and revitalise parishes. While he acknowledged that it’s too early to determine if the growth will continue, he hailed the focus on reaching more people and becoming a younger, more diverse congregation.

The full report on Statistics for Mission is expected to be published later in the year.

Alcohol Abuse in England Costs £27bn Annually, Study Reveals

Alcohol Abuse in England Costs £27bn Annually, Study Reveals

New Research Highlights Growing Economic Burden of Alcohol-Related Harm

Alcohol abuse is costing England an estimated £27 billion annually, according to a recent study by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS). This significant financial burden on the country’s NHS, social services, and criminal justice system has risen by 37% since 2003.

The research outlines that alcohol-related harm to the health service costs £4.9 billion each year, with more than £3 billion attributed to hospital and A&E admissions. Additionally, the criminal justice system bears a £14.6 billion cost, including over £4 billion related to alcohol-fuelled crimes.

The study also highlights the social and economic costs, with an estimated £1 billion lost due to alcohol-related unemployment and almost £4 billion in lost productivity. The average cost of alcohol harm per person in England is £485 annually, rising to £562 for residents in the north-east, the region most affected.

Dr Katherine Severi, IAS chief executive, emphasised the need for urgent government action. She called for a comprehensive alcohol strategy to reduce harm and alleviate the financial burden on public services.

In response, the Department for Health and Social Care pointed to its efforts to address alcohol-related harm, such as the introduction of alcohol duty reforms and the funding of specialist alcohol care teams in high-risk areas. The government’s 10-year drug strategy, backed by £532 million, aims to support more people with alcohol and drug issues.

Previous studies have also warned that drinking patterns developed during the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a surge in hospital admissions and alcohol-related deaths over the next two decades.

SNP’s Leadership Crisis Hindering Progress on Mental Health, Says Ed Davey

SNP’s Leadership Crisis Hindering Progress on Mental Health, Says Ed Davey

Liberal Democrat Leader Calls for Focus on Health Services Amid Turmoil

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has accused the SNP of neglecting vital issues, including mental health care, due to ongoing leadership chaos. Speaking ahead of a visit to Scotland, Davey criticised the party’s internal turmoil, which he believes has distracted the Scottish Government from addressing pressing concerns such as the mental health crisis.

Davey’s remarks follow John Swinney’s recent appointment as First Minister, just over a year after Humza Yousaf took office. He suggested that the constant leadership changes have prevented the government from focusing on the real problems facing Scotland’s public services.

The Liberal Democrat leader outlined a potential solution, proposing the tripling of the Digital Services Tax on major tech companies. This plan could generate an additional £9.5 billion across the UK over five years, with £770 million earmarked for Scotland. Davey believes this could provide much-needed funding to hire mental health professionals in schools and GP surgeries, reducing waiting times for patients.

“We cannot allow the mental health crisis to continue unchecked. It’s time for the Scottish Government to prioritise these issues over political infighting,” said Davey.

Maree Todd, Scotland’s Mental Wellbeing Minister, responded by pointing to the significant investment in mental health services in the 2024-25 budget. This includes £1.3 billion for mental health services and £130 million for early intervention and prevention. Todd emphasised the Scottish Government’s commitment to expanding mental health support.

Mikel Arteta Reflects on Heung-min Son’s Crucial Miss Against Manchester City

Mikel Arteta Reflects on Heung-min Son’s Crucial Miss Against Manchester City

Tottenham Captain’s Late Chance Could Have Shaped Arsenal’s Title Hopes

Mikel Arteta admitted to a tense reaction as he watched Heung-min Son squander a pivotal late chance for Tottenham against Manchester City—a moment that could have drastically affected Arsenal’s title chances. Spurs were trailing City 1-0 when Son found himself one-on-one with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega but failed to convert, leaving Arteta and his side to agonise over what might have been.

Arsenal needed their north London rivals to take points off City to keep their title hopes alive. However, City held on to secure a 2-0 victory, putting them two points clear at the top of the table with just one match remaining in the Premier League season.

Reflecting on Son’s missed opportunity, Arteta remarked: “If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment, it probably would be him (Son).” He drew parallels with sports icons like Michael Jordan, noting that even the best sometimes falter at critical moments. “This is the beauty of sport,” he added. “Sometimes it goes your way; sometimes it doesn’t.”

Arteta revealed that he watched the match at home with his family, sharing their collective reaction. “My kids were running around the table, heads in their hands, just like me,” he said. “You can imagine the emotions. It’s like you’re almost playing the game alongside them, living every moment.”

Despite the disappointment, Arteta found some value in experiencing such intense moments with his family and colleagues. “These moments are what sport is all about—being a part of the highs, the lows, and everything in between. But, unfortunately for us, it wasn’t meant to be.”

King Hosts Buckingham Palace Garden Party to Honour Creative Industries

King Hosts Buckingham Palace Garden Party to Honour Creative Industries

Star-Studded Event Welcomes Celebrities and Cultural Icons

King Hosts Buckingham Palace Garden Party to Honour Creative Industries
Star-Studded Event Welcomes Celebrities and Cultural Icons
Entertainment

King Charles celebrated Britain’s creative industries with a grand garden party at Buckingham Palace, attended by notable figures including TV presenter Maya Jama, filmmaker Louis Theroux, and director Sir Ridley Scott. The event aimed to champion art, film, fashion, and culture, bringing together roughly 4,000 industry representatives.

During a light-hearted exchange, Jama, who hosts Love Island, asked the King if he watches the show. Laughing, Charles replied, “There’s one born every minute.” Jama, dressed in a blue checked ensemble, chatted about her upcoming filming in Spain.

Theroux expressed disbelief at his invitation, remarking on the beauty of the day and speculating if the King might be a secret fan. Sir Ridley Scott, accompanied by his daughter Jordan Scott, was “incredibly honoured” to be part of the occasion. Fresh from a knighthood ceremony at Windsor Castle, Sir Ridley praised Charles for his inspiration.

Also mingling were Vernon Kay and Tess Daly, who appreciated their interaction with the monarch, and Sir Lenny Henry, who discussed literature and hats with the Queen. Artist Tracey Emin reflected on her conversation with the King about health and art, noting their coordinated pink attire, which Camilla playfully attributed to coincidence.

Queen Camilla and King Charles, sporting matching pink outfits, welcomed guests with warmth, even as Charles continues treatment for an undisclosed illness. The monarch’s vibrant presence highlighted his dedication to public duties and his commitment to celebrating Britain’s creative achievements.

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Wounded in Targeted Shooting

Slovak Prime Minister Fico Wounded in Targeted Shooting

Attack Condemned as a Direct Assault on Democracy

Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, is in critical condition after being shot five times in what authorities describe as a politically motivated attack. The shooting took place in Handlova, approximately 150 kilometres from Bratislava, where Fico was meeting supporters outside a cultural venue. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok denounced the act as an attack on democracy, vowing a full investigation to protect public officials. The suspect, a 71-year-old legally armed man, has been detained.

Following immediate surgery at a hospital in Banska Bystrica, Fico’s condition remains serious, according to Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák, who described the attack as one of the most tragic moments in Slovakia’s modern history. The event prompted widespread condemnation from global leaders, including statements of solidarity from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden. Slovak President Zuzana Caputova expressed shock and support for Fico’s recovery, emphasising the severity of such violence.

The incident has heightened political tension in Slovakia, as Fico’s recent electoral victory marked a controversial return with pro-Russian and anti-American stances. Protests against Fico’s government have been frequent, amid concerns about Slovakia’s political direction aligning with Hungary’s populist path. The attack has also led to the cancellation of opposition protests over proposed media control measures, with leaders urging unity and accountability to prevent further unrest.

Bridgerton Season 3: A Guide to Real-Life Filming Locations Across the UK

Bridgerton Season 3: A Guide to Real-Life Filming Locations Across the UK

Explore the stately homes and historic streets featured in the hit Netflix drama

Netflix’s Bridgerton offers a sumptuous visual feast, brought to life by its carefully chosen filming locations across the UK. From stately homes to grand city streets, fans of the series can explore many of these iconic settings themselves. With the release of part two of season three, here’s a closer look at the lavish sites featured in the show.

Ranger’s House, Greenwich
The elegant Georgian mansion serves as the London residence for the Bridgerton family. Located west of Greenwich Park, the house now operates as an art museum showcasing the Wernher Collection, with over 700 pieces. Fans can admire the picturesque exterior adorned with wisteria, as seen on the show.

Halton House, Buckinghamshire
While Ranger’s House serves as the Bridgertons’ exterior, their lavish interiors are shot in Halton House, a Grade II-listed property. Originally built in 1880, this building serves as the officers’ mess for RAF Halton and features prominently in other productions, including The Crown.

Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
Hatfield House, with its Jacobean decor, appears several times throughout Bridgerton, doubling as both the Featherington family home and Will Mondrich’s gentleman’s club. Built in 1611, its striking green interiors provide the perfect backdrop for the show’s opulent scenes.

Hampton Court Palace, London
This Tudor palace, with its red-brick facade and manicured gardens, represents Buckingham and St James’s Palaces in Bridgerton’s second season. The historic grounds host key scenes, including walks with Queen Charlotte and Eloise’s romantic moments with Theo Sharpe. The palace dates back to Henry VIII’s reign and features Georgian remodelling by William III and Mary.

Lancaster House, Westminster
Located near Buckingham Palace, this grand building served as Queen Charlotte’s main residence in the series. Built by the Duke of York in 1825, it now hosts major events like the G7. In Bridgerton, it functions as a glamorous setting for Charlotte’s drawing room, parlour, and even her jewellery room.

No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath
Bath’s grand Royal Crescent, a prime example of Georgian architecture, doubles as the Featheringtons’ Grosvenor Square home. While filming there proved challenging due to the show’s growing popularity, No. 1 now offers a museum experience and luxury accommodations for Bridgerton enthusiasts.

Sydney Gardens, Bath
The former hotel, now Bath’s first public art gallery, is depicted as Lady Danbury’s London home in Bridgerton. The building’s interiors were adapted with dusky pink wallpaper to complement the characters’ costumes, creating a distinct look that fans can appreciate.

Fans of Bridgerton can immerse themselves in these stunning locations, experiencing firsthand the grandeur and beauty that bring the series to life. Whether strolling through Georgian streets or visiting a historic mansion, these sites capture the show’s enchanting period aesthetic.