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​Legitimacy of court-appointed ‘experts’ to come under review after mother loses custody appealOne of Britain’s most senior judges is to examine issues relating to the regulation of court-appointed experts who provide evidence about child welfare in private custody hearings – and, in particular, where “parental alienation” is a feature.Sir Andrew McFarlane, the president of the family division of the high court, will oversee an appeal later this month brought by a mother who challenged the qualifications of a court-appointed expert who found she had “alienated” her children from their father. Continue reading… 

​Black, working-class and mature students most at risk of being forced out of higher education by financial pressuresThe cost of living crisis is placing nearly 300,000 UK students in financial peril, with a disproportionate number of older, working-class or Black students likely to drop out, according to analysis by a university group.The MillionPlus group – an association of modern universities in England and Scotland educating more than a million students – said national governments and regulators including the Office for Students (OfS) and the Scottish Funding Council should take immediate action to alleviate the severe financial pressures facing students. Continue…

​Peers from all parties seeking to stop bill getting on statute books amid hope of more optimistic talksLiz Truss is facing a rebellion in the House of Lords over the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol which is proceeding to its next stage just as negotiations to end the dispute with the EU are resumed.It is scheduled to get a second reading in the House of Lords on Tuesday but peers organising the rebellion are planning to let it squeak through for tactical reasons. Continue reading… 

Is it nearly time for a break for your little ones? (Picture: Getty) Children went back to school in September – some would’ve moved up to secondary school and others would’ve moved on to important years, like their GCSEs. Whether they’ve just started or are already thinking about exams, many children will be ready for a break. As school holiday dates vary slightly every year, many parents will be keen to check when the next half term is, as there’s always one around the end of October (a Halloween treat, one might say). Get your diaries at the ready because…

Where can you bag the best bargain during your lunch break? (Picture: Getty Images / Metro.co.uk) With the rising cost of living, many Brits are looking for ways to make their pennies stretch further. For those that don’t have the time to make a packed lunch, a meal deal can offer a cost-effective way to eat during your lunch break. It means you know how much you’ll spend each day, with many deals offering a set price for a hefty meal. Despite the cost of items rising across the board, many supermarkets still offer cheap meal deals as well as…

The former Prime Minister is now unlikely to complete a political comeback, two of his closest allies have claimed. 

The political landscape has been transformed since MPs were last at Westminster – and not in a good way for the prime minister   The political landscape has been transformed since MPs were last at Westminster – and not in a good way for the prime minister 

The political landscape has been transformed since MPs were last at Westminster – and not in a good way for the prime minister   The political landscape has been transformed since MPs were last at Westminster – and not in a good way for the prime minister 

No 10 says prime minister is ‘ideologically opposed’ to encouraging people to save energy   No 10 says prime minister is ‘ideologically opposed’ to encouraging people to save energy 

Greg Hands will replace Conor Burns in Department of International Trade after the latter was sacked following complaints of misconduct   Greg Hands will replace Conor Burns in Department of International Trade after the latter was sacked following complaints of misconduct 

Charles’ first trip abroad as King may be in Canada, as ministers consider a royal overseas tour. 

Political scientist Mark Galeotti outlined how the attack on the Crimean bridge signifies yet another humiliating failure for Vladimir Putin and even claimed it could be the straw that broke the camel’s back. 

​The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual singing competition with acts representing primarily European countries. 

It’s nearly time for Diwali! (Picture: Getty) Diwali – also known as Divali or Deepawali – is a festival celebrated over five days in many parts of the world. It’s celebrated by people of different faiths, including many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Muslims, and Buddhists. It is often referred to as the festival of lights for the bold light shows and fireworks that are used to commemorate the occasion. Last year’s festivities were scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic – so this year, people will be hoping to return to full, dazzling form. So when will Diwali 2022 start, and…

Mental health affects us all (Picture: Getty) Today is World Mental Health Day 2022, when the issue of mental health is given a global platform – inviting people to show their support on social media platforms as well as by wearing a green ribbon badge to raise awareness of the campaign. While physical health is important, mental health is something that requires its own care, attention and responsibility too. The awareness around mental health has grown over the years, with more and more companies, people and professionals focusing on ways to nurture, improve and measure mental health, especially in an…

Black History Month will be celebrated across the country in October (Picture: Getty Images) In the UK, October is Black History Month (BHM). A national celebration, BHM aims to promote and celebrate the contributions of those with African and Caribbean heritage to British society, and to improve an understanding of Black history in general. Let’s take a deeper dive into the origins of the important celebration, who started it and how to get more involved… Who started Black History Month in the UK? Black History Month in the UK was organised through the leadership of Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. Addai-Sebo had served as…

The papers at the start of the working week say rebellion is again simmering within the Conservative Party.  The papers at the start of the working week say rebellion is again simmering within the Conservative Party. 

As His Majesty and the Queen Consort prepare to move into Buckingham Palace, their two canine companions look likely to join them. 

Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent and cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated his 87th birthday on Sunday and royal fans praised him for his loyalty to the Royal Family. 

Kate Middleton has been praised for being “brave” and “confident” by a body language expert after an awkward encounter with a protestor. 

North Korean state news agency KCNA has revealed that the recent missile tests from Pyongyang were intended to simulate attacking South Korea with tactical nuclear weapons. 

LEADING toy manufacturer Fisher-Price has released a new inclusivity range featuring figurines with different ethnic backgrounds, physical disabilities, and skin conditions. The infant, toddler and…

A charity backed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is facing an investigation after it was revealed two bosses were paid nearly £2million in less than five years. 

  Its advocates range from Tim Berners-Lee to Pope Francis, while Andy Burnham has said he’d like to see it trialled in Greater Manchester. So could UBI be an idea whose time has come? Its advocates range from Tim Berners-Lee to Pope Francis, while Andy Burnham has said he’d like to see it trialled in Greater Manchester. So could UBI be an idea whose time has come? 

  Exclusive: Ex-England defender tells The Independent social media is ‘playground to spout abuse’ Exclusive: Ex-England defender tells The Independent social media is ‘playground to spout abuse’