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Teachers at Haydon Bridge High School in Northumberland are planning a strike due to escalating student misbehavior, including fights and intimidation of staff. Despite previous talks, no progress has been made, leading to the renewed strike dates. The schools inconsistent enforcement of rules and lack of behavior management have been identified as the core issues.

Lawyers representing eight hunger-striking prisoners, accused of Palestine Action-related offenses, urgently seek a meeting with government ministers. Two defendants have been fasting for 37 days, and five have required hospital care. The prisoners lawyers warn of potential fatalities, citing health decline and alleged human rights breaches. The protest, involving five prisons, demands lifting the Palestine Action ban and closing a defense firm linked to Israel. The Deputy Prime Minister is aware of the situation, highlighting serious concerns over the detainees health and legal rights.

Nestles Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband bars can no longer be labeled as chocolate due to reduced cocoa and milk solids, a trend known as skimpflation as companies like Nestle and Pladis adjust recipes to lower costs amidst rising ingredient prices.

A UK employment tribunals ruling on transgender rights and single-sex spaces sparks debate. Nurse Sandie Peggie won a harassment claim against NHS Fife after objecting to a transgender doctor using a female changing room. The tribunal found in her favor on harassment but dismissed other allegations and rejected claims against the doctor. Baroness Falkner criticized the ruling, while lawyer Robin Moira White praised it as a careful analysis. The tribunal considered the Supreme Court ruling but found no inherent lawfulness or unlawfulness for a trans female using a female changing room. A separate hearing will determine Nurse Peggies remedy, which could include compensation. This case unfolds amidst ongoing discussions and legal challenges surrounding the Equality and Human Rights Commissions interim guidance on single-sex spaces.

Zilch, a UK-based fintech unicorn, secures a significant payments services license from the FCA, enabling it to acquire businesses and list shares publicly. The company strengthens its position with a deeper partnership with Visa, becoming a direct, principal member. Zilchs upcoming service, Zilch Pay, aims to capture a larger share of consumer spending. The company has raised $175 million in funding and generated over £750 million in savings for customers. With annual revenues exceeding £150 million, Zilch is well-positioned to acquire smaller rivals.

Leon, the high street food chain, announces store closures and staff reductions following co-founder John Vincents recent acquisition. Quantuma aids in restructuring, with Pret A Manger partnership supporting affected employees. Vincent attributes Leons struggles to previous ownership and industry challenges.

Sharron Davies, Olympic medalist and outspoken advocate for womens rights, joins the House of Lords as a Conservative peer. Meanwhile, Labour and Liberal Democrats appoint new peers, including Richard Walker and Matthew Doyle, aiming to strengthen their representation and influence policy debates. These appointments reflect each partys priorities and values, shaping the future of the House of Lords.

A man accused of a deadly car attack in Londons West End on Christmas Day denies using his vehicle as a weapon, despite causing the death of one pedestrian and serious injuries to four others. Anthony Gilheaney, who admitted to dangerous driving but has no driving license, claims he has no memory of the incident and insists he would never deliberately use a car in such a manner. The prosecution alleges he was drunk and enraged after leaving a nightclub, attacking people, and shouting racial slurs before driving into a stranger and causing panic among pedestrians. The trial is ongoing.

Sir Keir Starmer bolsters Labours presence in the House of Lords with twenty-five new peers, including Matthew Doyle and Katie Martin. This move, despite his predecessors promise to abolish the Lords, aims to correct an imbalance and ensure Labours agenda. Conservatives and Liberal Democrats also make nominations, while Reform UK receives none. This surge in appointments could potentially eliminate significant opposition to Labours agenda in the Lords by 2027.