BBC Panorama reported rape allegations from two cast members, allegations the men involved have denied.
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Money experts warn millions of savers could be missing out on up to £322 a year
Millions of savers are being cautioned that they could be squandering hundreds of pounds every year.
A typical saver with £20,000 sitting in a closed easy-access account is receiving an average rate of just 2.39% – potentially losing out on £322 a year compared with transferring the money into an account offering 4%. The findings from Moneyfactscompare.co.uk come despite savings rates remaining close to their highest levels for over a year, with the average savings rate currently sitting at 3.57%.
Experts say numerous customers are being “blinded by loyalty” and neglecting to review accounts that were opened years ago, allowing banks and building societies to pay them considerably less than what is available elsewhere.
The warning carries particular weight as inflation remains at 2.8%, meaning a significant number of savings accounts are struggling to keep pace with rising prices and are effectively eroding the real value of customers’ money. Moneyfacts analysis revealed that four out of five easy-access accounts currently pay less than the Bank of England’s 3.75% base rate.
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said: “Savers blinded by loyalty or failing to check their easy access accounts regularly could be earning a paltry rate. Convenience comes at a cost, so savers who keep their pots with a high street bank, or even in a current account, are not making their money work as hard as it could.
“The top savings rates on live easy access accounts pay more than 4%, yet some of the biggest high street banks pay just 1%. A closed easy access account will be earning a pitiful 2.39% on average, which results in a loss of £322 a year unless savers instead deposited £20,000 into an account earning 4.00%.”
The research further indicates that customers locked into older, closed accounts are slower to reap the benefits when interest rates increase.
When the Bank of England last raised rates by 0.25 percentage points in August 2023, it took approximately two months for average rates on new easy-access accounts to reflect the change. In contrast, savers in closed accounts had to wait three months, while closed cash ISA customers faced a four-month wait.
Moneyfacts noted that many savers have grown complacent following years of meagre returns, but argued that reviewing accounts every six months could make a considerable difference.
The study revealed that fixed-rate deals have grown increasingly appealing in recent months. The average one-year fixed-rate bond has climbed from 3.79% in March to 4.24%, while average easy-access rates have risen only marginally from 2.42% to 2.53%.
Ms Springall suggested that those holding larger cash balances should consider whether securing their money in a fixed-term account could yield a greater return.
She also cautioned that more savers could find themselves facing tax bills on interest earnings, as frozen tax thresholds pull a growing number of people into higher-rate tax bands. Higher-rate taxpayers can earn only £500 in savings interest before becoming liable for tax, compared with £1,000 for those on the basic rate.
Meanwhile, the growing attraction of cash ISAs — which protect interest from taxation — was also highlighted. According to Moneyfacts, £12bn was deposited into ISAs in April alone, representing one of the largest monthly inflows since records began.
Savers are also facing a deadline to take full advantage of the current cash ISA rules. From April 2027, the annual cash ISA allowance for those aged under 65 is set to be reduced from £20,000 to £12,000, as ministers look to steer more people towards investing via stocks and shares ISAs.
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New research has revealed that one in three people admits to eating undercooked burgers, which could be putting them at risk of food poisoning.
Eating burgers that are still pink inside or release pink juices carries significant health risks because the mincing process spreads harmful, surface-level bacteria like E. coli and salmonella throughout the meat.
Unlike a solid steak, where outside bacteria are killed during searing, undercooked mince leaves live pathogens inside.
While some restaurants serve pink burgers safely, they typically use carefully monitored processes and high-quality, trusted meat sources.
Research consistently shows that there are more cases of foodborne illness in the summer, when people may undercook meat on the BBQ or transport picnic food around at warmer temperatures, which can encourage bacteria to grow.
The latest survey, which comes from Food Standards Scotland, found that a fifth of people don’t always cook food until it is steaming hot all the way through.
What’s more, over a third admitted defrosting meat or fish at room temperature, where harmful bacteria can multiply, instead of in the fridge.
Lower numbers of consumers surveyed reported occasionally eating sausages or chicken when they were pink or had pink juices.
Eating burgers that are still pink inside or have pink juices carries significant health risks
The research found that a third of people wash raw chicken, despite advice warning this can spread harmful bacteria around the kitchen through splashes.
Louise Crozier, Senior Scientific Adviser at FSS, said: ‘These findings show that risky habits are still far too common. Eating undercooked burgers or chicken can lead to serious food poisoning, but it’s entirely preventable.
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‘At barbecues especially, it’s important not to rely on guesswork – make sure food is steaming hot throughout and, if possible, use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked before serving’
The data also shows that a quarter of people eat leftovers after three days or more, despite guidance to consume them within two days.
The findings will likely resonate with people in England, where official statistics revealed that the number of food poisoning cases is on the rise.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that last year there were 10,406 recorded cases of salmonella – a bacterial infection found in chicken, meat, eggs, raw fruit or vegetables – the most for a decade.
Cases of campylobacter, a bug largely linked with chicken and pork, also remained high, at 69,394, while listeriosis from chilled foods and soft cheeses – which can cause serious illness, miscarriage and stillbirth – was linked to 181 cases.
Separate data published last year revealed cases of E.coli had risen by 26 per cent, driven by one of the country’s largest ever outbreaks which was linked to contaminated salad leaves. That resulted in 293 people being infected, 126 hospitalisations and two deaths.
Experts warn these figures are just the tip of the iceberg as, for most people, food poisoning is a relatively simple illness which they brave out at home – meaning they are not tested for specific bugs or recorded in official data.
People at higher risk of food poisoning – including those with weakened immune systems – are more likely to experience severe illness, particularly if exposed to harmful bacteria through undercooked foods.
Experts recommend using a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked all the way through, promptly storing perishable foods in the fridge and not consuming food which is past its use-by date.
The foods that are most likely to poison you 
CHICKEN
The UK’s biggest culprit, mainly due to campylobacter, which is present in around half of supermarket chickens. Salmonella is also a risk.
EGGS
Linked to salmonella, especially imported eggs from hens which may not be vaccinated. Raw egg dishes (desserts, mayonnaise) increase risk.
SANDWICHES
In 2019 listeria-contaminated hospital sandwiches caused seven deaths. In 2024 two deaths were traced to lettuce in sandwiches.
SMOKED FISH
Listeria risk in products such as smoked salmon and trout. Pregnant women are advised to avoid.
SOFT CHEESE
Can carry listeria. Baronet, a French-inspired soft cheese from Wiltshire, caused a death in 2023.
BAGGED SALAD
Packaging can promote bacterial growth. Rocket is linked to E. coli.
FRESH FRUIT
In 2025, salmonella in pre-cut watermelon affected 25 people in the US. Ready-to-eat fruit packs have been recalled due to contamination.
The museum said the project had been funded “through a unique partnership between the City of London Corporation and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, alongside support from a range of philanthropic supporters including Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, The Linbury Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund”.
Thursday will start bright after a warm night, but cloud further south and west will spread throughout the day. Patchy rain is expected over southern hills, perhaps a little more widespread later. Most areas will remain dry with occasional sunny spells. The maximum temperature will be 22°C.
Friday will see bright intervals, though it will often be cloudy with a chance of some patchy rain. It will be breezy with some light showers at times, and a maximum temperature of 23°C.
Saturday will be fresher with more sunshine. The day will start mostly dry and cloudy, turning sunny in the afternoon. The maximum temperature will be 22°C.
Sunday will be sunnier and hotter, with the sun persisting throughout the day and warming the coast. The night will remain relatively warm with clear skies and a maximum temperature of 28°C.
Monday will be another hot day with blazing sunshine all day. A warm night will give way to an even warmer day as the sunshine heats Penarth. The maximum temperature will be 28°C.
Dozens of Tesco‘s fish, dairy and meat products have been found to contain chemicals linked to liver problems and cancer, according to an ‘alarming’ new analysis.
Researchers from campaign group Foodrise and the University of Birmingham tested 30 everyday food items from the supermarket – including tinned tuna, sausages, steak, salmon, eggs, milk and cheese – and detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in every single sample.
PFAS – a group of more than 5,000 man-made chemicals found in everything from food packaging to clothing – are known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to build up in the human body over time.
This has earned them the nickname ‘forever chemicals’.
They have been associated with pregnancy complications, liver damage and cancers such as kidney, testicular and, in some studies, thyroid, with risks increasing as the chemicals build up in the body over time.
PFAS can enter the food chain through contaminated water and soil – particularly affecting fish – as well as through food packaging and processing.
In the new study, the highest concentrations of PFAS were found in cod fillets, sardines, smoked mackerel, turkey sausages and tinned hotdogs.
Carina Millstone, executive director of Foodrise, said the findings were ‘shocking’, adding that Tesco is selling food containing potentially harmful PFAS to millions of customers.
A swathe of ‘forever chemicals’ have been discovered in Tesco’s fish, dairy and meat products. Stock photo used for illustrative purposes only
‘Tesco must stop profiteering on the back of the nation’s health and take immediate steps to remove all forever chemicals from its products.’
The researchers measured PFAS concentrations in nanograms per gram (ng/g). While these amounts are tiny – billionths of a gram – scientists warn the chemicals can build up in the body over time, raising concerns even at low levels.
Topping the list were Tesco’s boneless cod fillets, which contained 1.198ng/g of PFAS, followed closely by the supermarket’s own sardines in brine at 1.192ng/g, turkey sausages (0.899ng/g), Kingsfood brand hotdogs in brine (0.838ng/g) and Tesco smoked mackerel fillets (0.605ng/g).
Dr Mohamed Abdallah, chair in environmental chemistry at the University of Birmingham, said it was ‘alarming that PFAS were detected in every single food sample tested’.
PFAS were found most commonly found in the test among fish and seafood items, as prawns and sea bass also contained them.
Most meats, eggs and cheeses showed lower levels, though whole milk ranked relatively highly with 0.564.
The European Food Safety Authority declared in September 2020 that average intake of certain PFAS should not exceed 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per week.
For context, a 70kg adult would have a tolerable intake of around 300 nanograms of PFAS per week under current guidelines.
But some scientists have argued that even these limits may not fully reflect the risks, given the chemicals’ ability to accumulate in the body over time and widespread exposure from multiple sources.
Researchers said the most concerning finding was that the chemicals were detected in every sample tested, rather than the concentration in individual items.
Ms Millstone said: ‘We were absolutely not expecting that [finding PFAS in every sample] and it’s really worrying that they are present in fish in particular.
‘We know the government tells us we should be having two portions of fish a week.
‘They were also in family favourites such as turkey sausages or hot dogs, and in milk. The vast majority of the nation will have been exposed to these PFAS if they’re purchasing these products.
‘We don’t know if it’s just the 30 here and bad luck, but probably not. Our research does suggest it’s ubiquitous across product ranges.
‘It’s entirely possible that if PFAS are in Tesco’s products, that this is also the case with other supermarkets.
‘I think what’s scary is that we all as a nation have been eating the products that we now know contain PFAS.’
Campaigners have previously written to supermarkets including Tesco – also Aldi, ASDA, Co-op, Iceland, Lidl, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose – urging them to remove PFAS from UK food packaging after uncovering it was in most of the ones analysed.
Now, Ms Millstone is urging supermarkets and the UK government to do more to tackle the problems caused by PFAS, after it unveiled a plan to ‘protect the nation’ against them earlier this year.
Environment minister Emma Hardy said in February: ‘The persistent nature of “forever chemicals” means they pose a long-term challenge for not only our health, but that of the nation’s vital ecosystems.
‘It’s crucial that we protect both public health and the environment for future generations. Through our PFAS Plan, we will act decisively to reduce their harmful effects while transitioning to safer alternatives.
‘We will work in partnership with regulators, industry and local communities to deliver co-ordinated action to ensure ‘forever chemicals’ are not a forever problem.’
A spokesman for Tesco said: ‘We take the safety of our products very seriously. Our products and packaging are safe and comply with relevant UK and EU legislation.
‘We have reviewed the claims from Foodrise and the products they tested are below EU legal limits for PFAS. Own Brand products tested for PFAS as part of our own testing programme comply with relevant EU legal limits.
‘We are also working closely with our Own Brand suppliers to meet the incoming EU legislation for food packaging.’
| Product | PFAS (ng/g) |
|---|---|
| Tesco Boneless Cod Fillets | 1.198 |
| Tesco Sardines in Brine | 1.192 |
| Tesco 8 Turkey Sausages | 0.899 |
| Kingsfood 8 Hotdogs in Brine | 0.838 |
| Tesco Smoked Mackerel Fillets | 0.605 |
| Tesco Whole 3.7% Milk | 0.564 |
| Tesco Organic Whole Free Range Milk | 0.494 |
| Tesco Semi-Skimmed 1.8% Fat Milk | 0.379 |
| Tesco Battered | 0.316 |
| Tesco Boneless Salmon Fillet | 0.204 |
| The Bury 4 Traditional Black Pudding Slices | 0.203 |
| Tesco Cooked Mussels | 0.196 |
| Tesco British Beef Rump Steak | 0.180 |
| Tesco 12 Salami Slices | 0.155 |
| Tesco Cooked & Peeled King Prawns | 0.146 |
| Tesco British Sliced Pork Liver | 0.143 |
| Tesco Organic Semi-Skimmed Free Range Milk | 0.139 |
| Tesco 8 British Pork Sausages | 0.121 |
| Tesco Mature Cheddar | 0.111 |
| Tesco 6 Free Range Eggs | 0.106 |
| Tesco Raw Patagonian Scallops | 0.065 |
| Tesco Corned Beef | 0.062 |
| Tesco Greek Style Yoghurt | 0.046 |
| Tesco British Chicken Drumsticks | 0.043 |
| Tesco 2 Boneless Sea Bass Fillets | 0.036 |
| Tesco Tuna Chunks in Spring Water | 0.035 |
| Tesco 10 Smoked Back Bacon Rashers | 0.031 |
| Wikinger 8 Hotdogs | 0.015 |
| Tesco Cooked Ham | 0.003 |
| Tesco Lamb Hearts | 0.002 |
The Old Town Road star was arrested last year for attacking police officers and later entered rehab.
Hello! My name is Aoife, I am a second year MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) Student from Queen Margaret University and I was on a 10 week placement with Alzheimer Scotland. During this practice placement, my peer; Emma and I have been working with Active Voice Members from the National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN). Emma and I had the pleasure of hosting a conversation with Fiona, a NDCAN member, to share her journey as a family carer, with the aim to raise awareness of keeping the person at the centre of care and improving conditions to support other family carers. I hope you enjoy this first blog helping us get to know who Fiona is. Look out for next week’s blog post to follow Fiona’s story.
In conversation with Fiona.
Fiona’s journey as a member of the National Dementia Carers Action Network is grounded in a lifetime of compassion, dedication, and advocacy. Previously Fiona worked as a Head Teacher in a residential school supporting pupils with additional needs, supporting children with additional support needs. Fiona describes how that role shaped her deeply: she spent years advocating for children who could not always speak for themselves, ensuring they received the right teaching, environments, and support. Today, those same principles guide her as she navigates the complexities of supporting her husband, Ian.
Through her work in schools, Fiona witnessed the powerful impact of high-quality education and the difference skilled, empathetic staff can make. She saw how families’ lives changed when the right structures were in place. That experience built her commitment to advocating for dignity, training, and high-quality support.
Now, those professional foundations have become a compass for Fiona, she knows what good care looks like and she recognises when systems fall short. Her advocacy for Ian is firmly rooted in a career spent ensuring others receive the care and understanding they deserved.
Fiona during our conversation, reminded us, how she remains grounded through her family life. Her grandchildren play a huge role in this, offering joy and normality. Just a few weeks ago, Ian met his new granddaughter for the first time, a precious moment Fiona made sure to capture and treasure. Over the summer, her grandson often stays with her, and together with Ian they continue to build new memories. These family routines help her maintain balance between caregiving and the simple, grounding rhythms of everyday life.
Fiona is also an active member of the National Women’s Register (NWR), an organisation she describes as being for “strong minded, lively minded women”. Her local branch has become an essential source of friendship and support.
The group enjoys a wide range of activities, including:
- a lively WhatsApp group
- meetings with both serious and lighthearted topics
- a walking group
- a book group
- film nights
- informal coffee meet ups
- planning their annual Pride event
This year’s national theme, The Ripple Effect, inspired Fiona to write an article reflecting on how small actions can create wider, lasting change, something that mirrors her own advocacy journey.
Fiona continues to find purpose within her church community, where she leads the Eco Committee and serves as the youth convener. These roles give her structure, responsibility, and meaningful work beyond the demands of caregiving.
Fiona shares how, Ian’s diagnosis of a degenerative brain condition in 2020 soon followed by a diagnosis of Dementia, marked the beginning of a turbulent and emotional journey. Fiona has supported him through multiple transitions: from home to hospital, back home again, then to a care home, and finally to a psychiatric assessment unit, where he is currently living. Each stage required her to adapt, advocate, and rethink what quality of life could look like for Ian. Throughout it all, she has remained a constant; organising, accompanying, and advocating with Ian at every step.
Ian now lives in a 21-bedded hospital ward that Fiona describes as not purpose built for dementia care. Fiona noted this as she states the ward has no windows in the main area other than skylights, limited light, and restricted access to the outdoors. Fiona has been outspoken about the impact such environments have on dignity and wellbeing, particularly for people living with dementia to help with the awareness of time and seasons. Her advocacy is not only for Ian, but for every person on the ward who lacks a voice.
“Part of what keeps me going, keeps me doing what I’m doing, is because these folk can’t speak for themselves. It’s not just Ian that I’m fighting for – it’s about getting things better for everyone.”
To continue to help with Ian’s health and wellbeing, Fiona regularly brings Ian to Reiki sessions, sound baths, and massages in the community. These therapies have had notable positive effects for Ian, helping reduce anxiety, improving his communication, and offering moments of clarity and calm. She also takes him out for coffees, lunches, concerts, and simple pleasures like sitting in the garden with a book and a non-alcoholic beer. Fiona tells us Ian and her do these activities to normalise continuing to do the things they always loved to do together.
Fiona continues to have an ongoing supportive role in Ian’s emotional, physical, and social wellbeing, all shaped by love, resilience, and a lifetime of standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. And as she continues this journey, she does so with determination: still a wife, carer, and always a voice for dignity and better care.
Thank you for reading this blog. It has been a pleasure to listen to Fiona and edit this blog on her behalf.
Reflective question for consideration: what day-to-day activities do you like to do with your loved one?
Contributor: Aoife Gordon, Queen Margaret University, MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) Student.
Look out part 2 of Fiona’s story and her campaign work in next week’s blog posted on the 25th June 2026.
If you want to learn more about NDCAN or join, please visit this link here
You can find the Alzheimer Scotland 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline, for information, signposting and emotional support to people with dementia, their families, friends and professionals here
Allied Health Professionals have created a suite of information resources for people with dementia, their families and carers that you can find here
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Please spend 1 minute completing this short anonymous feedback form to allow us to make our blog posts even better in 2026. Thank you
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It’s not optional and HMRC stressed the ‘legal need’ to do it
HMRC has been contacting people to remind them of a new rule that started in April and will affect more people over the next couple of years. In an email, it reminded people about Making Tax Digital (MTD).
It is a new way of doing self-assessment for people who are self-employed or get income from property. Instead of doing one tax return at the end of each tax year, people will need to use a new system to make quarterly reports as well as an end-of-year one.
MTD-compatible software must be used to comply with the new way of doing things. In an email this week, HMRC explained that MTD was being phased in gradually.
For those whose turnover was more than £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, it is not required to use MTD. From April 2027, those who turned over more than £30,000 in the 2025/26 tax year will need to start using the system.
Finally, those who earned more than £20,000 in 2026/27 will need to use it from April 2028.
HMRC explained that it was running webinars about MTD to help landlords, joint property owners and businesses to prepare. Businesses can register here for the webinar ‘How to get ready for MTD if you are a business’.
Those who receive income from property can register here for the webinar ‘Get ready for Making Tax Digital – landlords and joint property owners’.
The sessions will cover the requirements of MTD for Income Tax, practical steps you can take to prepare your business, the rules, who will be affected and when, making informed software choices, authorising your agent, if applicable, and signing up to MTD and utilising any benefits and opportunities.
How to get ready for Making Tax Digital if you’re a sole trader
HMRC said: “If you’re a sole trader or landlord without an accountant or bookkeeper, register for this webinar for the latest information about MTD, to help you get ready for when MTD for Income Tax, which is now a legal requirement from April 6, 2026, for those with a turnover over £50,000.”
The webinar will look at planning for MTD for Income Tax, understanding the rules and work out if you’re affected and when, how to prepare for MTD for Income Tax, including what you need to do, the actions you will take and signing up for MTD for Income Tax and using MTD for Income Tax – following the rules and consider how you can utilise any benefits and opportunities.
There are also short videos, including ‘How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax’, available on HMRC’s YouTube channel.
“At a remote weekend retreat for the adult children of serial killers, one question haunts every guest: what if the family legacy isn’t finished with them yet?”
With her first novel The Death Row Club, V. A. Vazquez creates an amalgamation of surprise and innovation. In the summer after Nicola Fischer’s sophomore year, her best friend falls victim to the Elliott Creek Ripper when visiting her friend’s home town. Fixated on finding out everything she can about the case, Nicola obsessively researches the string of deaths that led to losing the most important person in her life – on a mission that ends with her father in handcuffs and her life in ruins.
When the woman responsible for putting her father behind bars, host of To Catch A Killer, Greer Woods, invites her to the Death Row Club, Nicola sees a small light of hope in the likeminded individuals she meets at the retreat. But things are not as they seemed to be, both the attendees of the club and the events of the novel itself. Full of hidden identities and sudden plot twists, Vazquez makes an entrance onto the literary scene with this debut thriller.
