Eleventh-hour decision to cancel outdoor markets in Stockport over Covid concerns sparks fury

direct to your inbox The government made a "rash" decision in relaxing coronavirus measures over Christmas amid calls for five-day break to be scrapped.

Meghan Markle has reportedly sparked fury from the palace after enlisting Oprah Winfrey to help flog a vegan coffee she has invested in.The former actress and husband Prince Harry quit their roles in the royal family and moved to California earlier this year in a bid to “become financially independent”.The couple, who share son Archie, promised to “continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty” after sensationally stepping down from royal duties.However, palace insiders revealed there were "more

State officials in Michigan told local media Sunday that key buildings in the state, including its Senate and House, will be closed Monday due to unconfirmed threats prior to the Electoral College meeting.

Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) says six of its branches are moving to ballot union members in disputes with their respective local authorities, while another four branches are considering whether to take this step. EIS says current coronavirus measures do not keep pupils or staff safe.

direct to your inbox The Home Secretary has written to both Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester Police to express ‘deep’ concerns about the findings of a damning inspection report into the force - and to demand their plans for improvement.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.A Paisley mum-of-two has told how she has suffered sleepless nights since a disgusting yob spat at her through her car window.The 30-year-old, who asked not to be named, has revealed fears over catching Covid-19 have left her extremely anxious.Cops are still hunting for the vile lout who aimed a ball of spit at the victim as she parked her car in Causeyside Street on Saturday evening.She is worried either

The organisers of the Summer Solstice Gay Weekend have announced that the event has been postponed due to growing concerns around a possible second wave of Covid-19 cases during the festive season.

direct to your inboxA furious row has erupted between Manchester Council and Diamond Bus company over the decision to pedestrianise a stretch of Deansgate earlier this year.A section between Blackfriars Street and King Street has been closed to traffic since May after the council said it would give people more space to return to businesses in the area following national lockdown.It is understood money was used from the government's £250m emergency Active Travel Fund set up to encourage more

But the Handy Ladies - who submitted a full risk assessment to the council - are furious over what they see as inconsistencies and double standards in the local authority’s approach. Jo has described the situation as ‘hardship by postcode’.She said: “Why not shutdown drive-thru McDonalds or drive-thru KFC? They have got a drive-thru Santa event at the Trafford Centre going ahead.

direct to your inboxThe walk-in centre on the second floor of Boots on Market Street is moving towards an appointment system - arguing its waiting room is getting too overcrowded to be safe during the pandemic.Manchester councillors were told that the centre’s provider, GTD Healthcare, wants to ‘rebrand’ the walk-in as an ‘urgent care hub’ or similar until its current contract runs out at the end of July.While patients will still be able to walk in without an appointment, the centre plans to

direct to your inbox Care homes in Rochdale have been warned not to rely on Covid-19 rapid test kits for visitors due to serious concerns over their accuracy. The council has stepped in after the government announced lateral flow tests were now available to allow care home visiting to take place.

scrapping exams should be made before the Christmas holidays.Willie Rennie, the Scottish Lib Dem leader, echoed the call.Education Secretary John Swinney has already cancelled exams at a National 5 level and is under pressure to make the same decision for Highers and Advanced Highers.Critics believe there would not be a level playing field for pupils from poorer backgrounds if an exams diet went ahea.The Scottish Government is considering the matter.Harvie, whose party wants exams replaced by a