It’s been four years since then-first minister Nicola Sturgeon called Scotland’s drug deaths problem a public health emergency. Today, the current first minister John Swinney arrived at The Thistle drug consumption room in Glasgow. When it opens on Monday, it will be the first and only place in the UK where people will be able to take drugs without fear of arrest. The Scottish Government hopes it will help drug users access wider support, as well as reduce the risk of viruses such as HIV. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has been declared fit to start Saturday's Six Nations match against England, but Darcy Graham is not involved in the matchday 23. BBC Sport
Lock George Martin is ruled out of England's Six Nations match against Scotland on Saturday with Bath back row Ted Hill replacing him on the bench. BBC Sport
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said the last seven months of Sir Keir Starmer's government have been hard - but he is confident his party will oust the.. Sky News
The government has today launched an eight-week consultation on a major reform of Britain’s railways. These measures include the creation of Great British Railways, a public sector body which will manage rail infrastructure and train operations. They will also be able to report instances of poor performance to a regulator for enforcement action. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer reiterates that he is “prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground” in Ukraine “if there is a lasting peace agreement”. The prime minister adds: “There must be a US backstop because a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again”. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Geraint Thomas has announced he will retire from cycling at the end of the season. The 38-year-old is a former Olympic champion and became the first Welshman to win the Tour de France in 2018. Thomas says he would love to help his Ineos Grenadier teammates and “go for a stage myself” at this summer’s Tour. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Second World War veterans and civilians have gathered outside the Royal Albert Hall in London to mark 80 days until the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Those in attendance were treated to live music and a replica Spitfire. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer says he is “really pleased” the government has delivered on its manifesto promise of two million extra NHS appointments but adds there is “lots, lots more to do”. NHS England figures show that between July and November 2024 there were almost 2.2 million more appointments compared with the equivalent period in 2023. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Disabled fashion designer Kat Paylor-Bent says she is “honoured” to be showcasing her clothing at London Fashion Week. Paylor-Bent makes history by incorporating braille into her clothes designs at the event for the first time.
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The funeral of 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose took place at Sheffield Cathedral after he was fatally stabbed at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield.
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Nour Norris, the aunt of Raneem Oudeh who was killed by her ex-husband, has welcomed the 'Raneem's law' scheme which will see specialists embedded in 999 control rooms across some police forces as “it will play a huge, big role in supporting first call victims”.
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips says 'Raneem's law' scheme will “sort the systems we have now that are currently failing” as the initial phase is rolled out. The new law is named in memory of Raneem Oudeh who was killed by her ex-husband that she had reported to the police at least seven times.
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
A friend of Jaysley Beck has said sexual abuse in the Army is still going on years after the former Royal Artillery gunner's death. The body of the 19-year-old was found in a locker room at Wiltshire's Larkhill Camp in 2021. She had been subjected to relentless harassment from her line manager, Bombardier Ryan Mason, an inquest was told. Beck had also filed a complaint against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber who "pinned her down" and tried to kiss her at a work social. Former soldier Tamzin Hort compared being a woman in the Army to being "a piece of meat in a tank of sharks" and that "people get sexually assaulted left, right and centre, but nothing's done about it". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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