Navy to use AI to detect ‘hostile’ Russian activity in the Arctic

The UK Navy is to use artificial intelligence to detect hostile state activity in the Arctic, amid the increasing threat from Russia in the region.

The area is a key flank of European and Britain’s security, while the Kremlin’s operations there aid it war in Ukraine and threaten critical infrastructure like undersea cables to the UK, ministers warn.

On a visit to Iceland, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy will announce a new joint scheme between the two countries to use cutting edge AI technology to monitor the activity of state actors.

Mr Lammy said: “It’s more important than ever that we work with our allies in the High North, like Norway and Iceland, to enhance our ability to patrol and protect these waters,”

The problem is growing as rising temperatures lead ice caps to melt, opening up previously inaccessible routes.

Areas close to the Arctic are being used by Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers, clearing paths for tankers helping fund his illegal war in Ukraine.

These are Russia’s “shadow fleet” of ships which transport oil and gas or stolen Ukrainian grain, to get around Western sanctions.

The foreign secretary will also reveal that the UK has halted Putin’s plans to have a floating repair dock in the Arctic, to service the icebreakers.

Under the new joint UK-Iceland strategy more than half a million pounds, £554,000, of UK funding from the UK Integrated Security Fund, for the Alan Turing Institute, will examine how AI can improve monitoring.

The announcement comes after Donald Trump hit out at Putin, calling the Russian leader “absolutely crazy” for firing hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine overnight.

French president Emmanuel Macron said he hopes Trump’s latest remarks would “translate into action”, while Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky called for the US to slap additional sanctions on Moscow instead of continuing talks.

HS2: Investigation launched into firms supplying construction workers

An investigation has been launched into allegations surrounding the practices of some “labour suppliers” for the HS2 rail line between London and Birmingham, a spokesman has said.

HS2 Ltd said tighter controls have been introduced after claims from a whistleblower, which are being taken “seriously”, threw a spotlight on two firms working on the the West Midlands section of the high-speed line.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “The Government and HS2 Ltd take all whistleblower allegations extremely seriously and have a zero-tolerance attitude towards fraud, bribery, and corruption.

“We will therefore ensure any claims of wrongdoing in HS2’s supply chain are thoroughly investigated.”

The allegations are that an HS2 sub-contractor has been falsely declaring self-employed workers as PAYE (pay as you earn) salaried staff and charging an inflated rate for them, then submitting “fake” payslips, according to the i newspaper on Monday.

The HS2 spokesman said: “HS2 Ltd treats all whistleblower allegations seriously and we are aware of the claims made in relation to labour suppliers on part of the route.

“An investigation was launched earlier this year into a number of different allegations and our contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI  (BBV) has implemented additional monitoring and controls.”

It is believed that one company remains suspended from new contracts while an investigation continues.

It is believed that a second company was suspended and investigated.

This suspension was later lifted by BBV, after a period of remediation, but the company remains under enhanced monitoring.

The police and HMRC are not believed to be involved.

About 31,000 people are now employed on the programme across the 140-mile route.

Earlier this month, a giant HS2 boring machine broke through to complete the first section of a 3.5-mile tunnel on the route’s approach into Birmingham.

The tunnel is the first of two bores of the Bromford Tunnel, running from the village of Water Orton in North Warwickshire to the Birmingham suburb of Washwood Heath, and passing under the area’s motorway network and the River Tame.

The tunnel breakthrough, HS2’s first in Birmingham, was described as a significant milestone for the line, which will almost halve journey times between Birmingham and London, while freeing up track space on the West Coast Main Line for local, regional and freight services.

About 31,000 people are now employed on the programme across the 140-mile route.

Passengers rushing off flights on landing to be fined £50 in Turkey

Holidaymakers too eager to get off the plane in Turkey will now face fines for standing up when the aircraft is still moving.

Travellers caught rising into the aisle before their row is ready to disembark may have to pay $70 (£52) to authorities in Turkey.

Turkey’s civil aviation authority hopes to stop impatient passengers dashing for the doors before the aircraft is stationary.

It proposed that airlines announce to passengers that they must remain seated, even after the seatbelt sign has gone off until it is their turn to leave the aircraft.

Passengers regularly immediately unbuckle on landing and queue down the aisle in a bid to be the first to baggage claim.

“According to the regulation, airlines are obliged to remind passengers to fasten their seat belts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to explicitly point out that any infringement will be reported to the aviation authority and a fine will be imposed,” reported the German DPA news agency.

That means staying seated after the plane lands and taxis to the terminal.

Turkish Airlines, the country’s flagship carrier, flies routes to 131 countries, with other regional airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, reportedly considering implementing the stay-seated rule.

Rushing to get off the plane isn’t the only bad habit airlines see from flyers.

Airlines are now making moves to crack down on “gate lice” – those who hover by the desk with their hand luggage in a bid to board first.

American Airlines is one airline trialling new technology to enforce boarding groups and cut queue jumping at the gate.

In trials at Albuquerque, Tucson and Washington airports, passengers scanning their boarding passes before their group number was called were met with an alarm sound.

The computer will also display an alert message for gate agents, who can then instruct pushy passengers to stand aside.

American Airlines said the move was intended to “improve the boarding experience” and “ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding”.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

Who Wants to be a Millionaire contestant loses £1m question

A Who Wants to be a Millionaire contestant has been left with one of the biggest losses in the show’s history after getting the £1m question wrong despite using two lifelines.

Nicholas Bennett, a data analyst from West Hampstead in London, raced through the money tree securing a £125,000 safety net before arriving at the final question.

The UK show, presented by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, provides contestants with four lifelines including: Phone a Friend, Ask the Audience, Ask Jeremy, and 50:50.

Clarkson read out the £1m question: “Which of these words, each coined by a famous writer, was derived from the tale of of a fairytale about three princes?”

Bennett, a University Challenge alum, was tasked with choosing between: A) Pandemonium, B) Serendipity, C) Utopia and D) Yahoo.

He was unsure about the answer and used a lifeline to ask Clarkson who did not know it. He then rang his friend and roommate to use his final lifeline, however she was also unsure.

Sticking with the answer that stood out to him at first, Bennett locked in “Yahoo”. But Clarkson revealed that it was wrong as the audience gasped loudly at the loss.

Bennett would have had the option to walk away with £500,000 had he decided to throw the towel in. But his decision to continue playing cost him £375,000. If he had got the answer correct, he would have won an additional £875,000 to his safety net of £125,000.

He responded with optimism but visible disappointment as he said: “Still get £125,000.”

Clarkson said: “What a reaction”, adding he would be on the floor “sobbing” had it been his own loss. “I am so sorry Nicholas, the answer is serendipity.”

The contestant had ruled out the right answer very early on, saying that it sounded like it was derived from another word such as “serene” and did not feel like it originated in a fairytale. The process of elimination led him to pick “Yahoo”, which was revealed as incorrect.

“Oh my giddy aunt. Is that the biggest loss in Millionaire history?” asked Clarkson.

“Serendipity was coined by Horace Walpole of The Three Princes of Serendip,” revealed the host.

Clarkson consoled Bennett by adding: “I don’t think I’ve ever had a contestant I’ve enjoyed more than you.”

Only seven people have won the £1m jackpot on the popular show, which has been running since 1998. Originally presented by Chris Tarrant, ITV axed the programme in 2014 after he announced his departure. It was then revived in 2018 and has been presented by Clarkson ever since.

Family holiday guide: why the Costa Dorada ticks every travel box

If there’s one thing every parent knows, it’s that children can sometimes (as much as we love them) be hard to please. So the key to any family holiday destination is variety: somewhere you can spend a sunny day by the sea, but where you can also enjoy breathtaking nature, as well as fascinating culture and history.

The brilliant news? The Costa Dorada (known locally as Costa Daurada) delivers all of this in spades, offering everything from theme parks and waterparks to stunning beaches, picturesque hiking and cycling trails, and incredible historical sites. What’s more, with Jet2holidays flying to the Costa Dorada from 12 UK airports and a range of two to five-star accommodation, it’s easy to get your family getaway in the bag. Jet2holidays is always giving you more, to help make planning and booking as smooth as possible. That goes for the PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments** option, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage for all the kids’ stuff, and return transfers† that are included. Look out for Free Child Places***, while infants under two go free‡.

Here’s what to look forward to on your family getaway…

With 50 miles of coastline and 26 Blue Flag beaches, families are spoilt for choice when it comes to somewhere to pitch up at with a unicorn-shaped inflatable and a bucket and spade. The stretches of soft sand are long and golden, with safe, calm and shallow waters perfect for little ones. And in many places, water sports and beach activities to suit older children.

Some of the most popular seaside resorts include Salou, which houses the charming Platja Llarga, surrounded by a small pine forest. And there’s Cambrils, where you’ll find Platja del Cavet, which boasts a water sports school and open water swimming channel. Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja, is known for its nearly two miles of fine, champagne-sand beach, fronted by a long promenade, while Tarragona has a range of fantastic options, including Platja del Miracle in the heart of the city. There, you’ll find a great range of bars and restaurants and Platja de la Savinosa, a quieter beach enveloped by imposing cliffs. Many of these can be reached by easy coastal paths.

Another advantage of the Costa Dorada is its many theme parks and waterparks. For a real all-rounder, head to PortAventura World in Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja, a three-in-one park that’s one of Europe’s largest. Here you can enjoy everything from thrilling rollercoasters, rides (don’t miss Dragon Khan, which reaches over 68 miles per hour) and live entertainment. Then pop your swimmers on to enjoy waterfalls, pools and beaches at Caribe Aquatic Park. After you’ve had fun splashing around, head to Ferrari Land, which has a range of spectacular attractions that will make you feel like a real F1 driver.

Get even more thrills at nearby Aquopolis Costa Dorada. It has a range of attractions for all ages, from toddler-friendly and gentle – like the Mini-Park playground and Treasure Island – to more high-octane rides, such as the Boomerang, a speedy waterslide. Or there’s the Kamikaze that older kids will love. Alternatively, Náutic Park offers a range of fun activities and experiences spanning a coastal area of nearly 60 miles including those in Salou, Cambrils, Vandellós – l’Hospitalet de l’Infant and Mont-roig – Miami Platja. Whether you want to rent a sailing boat for the day, try a water bike or even take part in an escape room on the beach, Nàutic Park has it all.

Finally, Aqualeon, near Tarragona, has plenty of enjoyable rides and slides too. The Rapid River is fun for all the family, where you’ll feel like you’re gently ‘flying’ over the water. All the while, the Crazy Race pits you against grown-ups and siblings to see who can get down the slide first. Do you dare to ride the Anaconda? Featuring two intertwined tubes, it’s suitable only for the bravest…

Getting the kids out into the fresh air can sometimes feel like a struggle, but when the scenery in the Costa Dorada is this beautiful, nobody will feel it’s a hardship. Head inland to the striking Prades Mountains, which has a wealth of hiking and cycling trails in the area. These are filled with quaint villages and jaw-dropping viewpoints, where you can get active, immerse yourself in nature, and explore the distinctive, rocky landscape. Don’t miss the Gorgs route, near La Febro, known for its scenic natural pools and waterfalls.

For fascinating grottoes and gorges, head to Serra de Montsant Natural Park, which has dozens of walking trails which offer spectacular views. Back at ground level, in Cambrils, Parc Samà is a lovely botanical garden where kids will enjoy visiting the aviary, filled with exotic birds, as well as looking out for the deer, pheasants and peacocks which also call this place home.

With its rich history, there are stacks of captivating sights in the Costa Dorada that will grab your kids’ imaginations. Take them back to Roman times at archaeological sites, such as the amphitheatre of Tarragona; it was used for fights between wild beasts, races and gladiatorial combat. All these are brought excitingly to life by guided tours and interactive exhibits. Children will also love walking the Roman walls, and exploring the Circus and Forum, with the open-air setting making for the ultimate mix of education and adventure.

In a quiet spot at the end of a valley, nestled under the Montsant hills, you’ll find Cartoixa d’Escaladei (see main image), a 12th-century monastery founded by French monks at a site where a shepherd had dreamt of angels coming down from the sky. Here you can enjoy guided tours around its three cloisters, church and refectory, while learning the history and purpose of each building.

Finally, stoke their creativity with a visit to the Gaudí Centre in Reus, where the architect Antoni Gaudí was born. It offers an interactive and engaging experience that brings his genius to life in a way that appeals to all ages. You’ll find real objects related to him, detailed mock-ups of his iconic works, and a special effects room that immerses visitors in his groundbreakingly imaginative world.

With Jet2holidays, it’s a doddle to book your family getaway to the Costa Dorada. From a low £60 per person deposit* to PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments**, 22kg baggage for all the kids’ stuff to return transfers†, it’s all included. Families can make the most of Free Child Places*** and infants under two going free‡. And with flights included and the choice of two to five-star hotels, Jet2holidays is always giving you more. For more Costa Dorada travel inspiration, and to find and book your ultimate family holiday, visit Jet2holidays. Plus, right now, myJet2 members can save £100 per person§ in The Big Jet2 Price Drop (correct at original publish date).

*On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. **Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within ten weeks. ***One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#FCP2025 for further details. †Unless otherwise stated. ‡Applicable for all infants under the age of two years on the date of return. Infants are not entitled to a flight seat (they must be seated with a parent or guardian) or a 22kg baggage allowance. §£100 per person off holidays for myJet2 members departing until 15 November 2026. myJet2 members will need to be logged into their account at the time of booking for the discount to automatically apply. Book online, via our app, through our call centre or with your travel agent. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a free child place. Terms and conditions apply, please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#100APRIL2025 for details.

MS patient’s life ‘crumbling’ after NHS switched her to cheaper drug

A woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) says she has been left with debilitating symptoms after the NHS switched her to a cheaper drug.

Julie Cowdrill is among scores of MS patients who say they have suffered a regression in their condition after being switched from a drug called Tysabri to one called Tyruko, with complaints that a “cost-cutting exercise” is coming at the expense of their health.

NHS England is hoping to save £1bn over the next five years by switching to biosimilar drugs – medicines that have been shown not to be clinically different from the original drug, but are made far more cheaply.

However, in Ms Cowdrill’s case, she has been left suffering from headaches and extreme fatigue, and has experienced worsenening mobility since she started taking the drug in December 2024.

“Myself and many others have said that it feels like we’ve regressed 10 or 15 years after all the work we’ve done to get better. It’s like the rug has been pulled from under you – it’s dreadful,” she told The Independent.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is “aware” that some patients have experienced side effects, but that a rigorous assessment has “demonstrated no clinically meaningful differences” between the drugs.

Ms Cowdrill first noticed her body was behaving unusually in 2006 when she was in her early twenties, after she suffered nerve damage in her eye. By 2009, at the age of just 28, she began to notice “literally everything” was going wrong with her health, and she was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS.

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system and disrupts communication between the brain and the body. There is no cure, but treatment and pain management are available to help patients manage their condition.

Due to the rapid progression of her disease, Ms Cowdrill was placed on Tysabri. While it did not reverse the neurological damage, she was able to return to her daily habits such as shopping, driving her car and taking her daughter to school.

Last April, she was told the drug could now be administered through an injection rather than an intravenous infusion, and she agreed to switch procedures.

However, an adverse reaction linked to how the drug was administered meant that by November, she was unable to walk and spent hours crying in pain in A&E at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital in Birmingham. So doctors suggested switching to Tyruko.

“The nurse told me I could now take Tyruko and said it was exactly the same, and nothing would change. Since then, I’ve gotten worse every month. I’ve not relapsed, but my disability has worsened.

“My life is crumbling, my walking is just appalling, I’m falling every week. Every part of my body is worse since the switch.”

Despite requesting to return to Tysabri, which she took for 13 years without issue, Ms Cowdrill has been informed that only Tyruko and injections of Tysabri are available from now on, as part of a nationwide rollout.

Since communicating with others online, she has written a letter to NHS England, the MS Trust and the MS Society to outline concerns around the drug. The letter has been signed by 103 fellow patients from 31 different hospitals.

She has also launched a petition asking for access to Tysabri to be reinstated for those affected by the switchover. This has attracted more than 37,000 signatures.

At Charing Cross Hospital, about 170 patients have been switched back to Tysabri after suffering complications, including a relapse of their illness, from taking the biosimilar drug.

A spokesperson for the pharmaceutical company Sandoz, which manufactures the drug, said: “Tyruko (natalizumab) was approved by the UK medicine regulator (MHRA) based on no meaningful differences between Tyruko and Tysabri in terms of clinical efficacy and safety. Real-life patient data showed that switching from Tysabri to Tyruko was well tolerated.”

A spokesperson for the MS Trust said it had been contacted by patients who have noticed “significant symptom changes” after switching from Tysabri to Tyruko (both of which are natalizumab products).

“It is vital that we fully understand the experiences of people with MS when switching from one natalizumab product to another. We are talking to all stakeholders, including people with MS, to ensure that this data is collected and shared transparently with the MS community and the healthcare teams responsible for prescribing them,” the spokesperson said.

Laura Thomas, head of policy at the MS Society, said most people who have changed treatment have done so without issue, but some have reported problems.

“NHS England has said that it should always be possible for patients experiencing adverse events or deterioration on Tyruko to revert back to Tysabri IV [the version that is delivered intravenously]. We’re asking them to make sure that this is happening in practice.”

An NHS England spokesperson said the drugs have been shown to have no clinically meaningful difference in their safety or efficacy, but that it is liaising with the MHRA, manufacturers and patient groups following concerns raised by patients.

“Patient safety is our top priority,” the MHRA said. “We continuously monitor the safety of medicines on the UK market and are working to investigate these concerns using all available information, including reports from the Yellow Card scheme and data from the marketing authorisation holder for Tyruko.”

Archaeologists discover three more tombs ahead of Grand Museum opening

Egypt unveiled three new tombs of prominent statesman in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor, officials said on Monday.

Archaeologists have discovered tombs dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.) and identified the names and titles of their owners through inscriptions found within, according to a statement by the tourism and antiquities ministry.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in the statement that further study of other tombs’ inscriptions is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the tombs’ owners.

The ministry released pictures of items discovered in the tombs, including artifacts and statues. The discovery comes in the lead-up to the highly anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected this summer, though a final official date is yet to be confirmed. The museum will showcase more than 100,000 artifacts from Egypt’s rich ancient heritage.

One of the tombs discovered in Luxor on Monday belonged to Amum-em-Ipet, from the Ramesside period, who worked in the estate of Amun. His tomb was mostly destroyed and what remained were depictions of the funeral furniture carriers and a banquet.

Amun-Im-Ipet’s tomb begins with a small courtyard leading to an entrance and then a square hall ending with a niche, whose western wall was destroyed.

The other tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty and include one belonging to a man named Baki, who served as a supervisor of the grain silo. Another tomb contains the burial of an individual named “S,” who held multiple roles — he was a supervisor at the Temple of Amun in the oasis, a writer and the mayor of the northern oases.

Baki’s tomb has a courtyard leading to the main entrance of the tomb as well as a long corridor-like courtyard. It also has a transverse hall leading to another longitudinal hall that leads up to an unfinished chamber that contains a burial well.

Meanwhile, the other tomb that belongs to “S” has a small courtyard with a well, the tomb’s main entrance, and a transverse hall that leads to an incomplete longitudinal hall.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi described the discovery as a significant scientific and archaeological achievement, noting that it is one of the areas poised to greatly boost cultural tourism and attract more visitors with an interest in Egypt’s rich heritage.

In January, Egypt made several discoveries near the famed city of Luxor, including ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back 3,600 years. They were unearthed at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut’s funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri on the Nile’s West Bank.

Late last year, Egyptian and American archaeologists excavated an ancient tomb with 11 sealed burials near Luxor. The tomb, which dates to the Middle Kingdom, was found in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut.