NHS ‘online hospital’ will help cut waiting lists, Starmer to announce

A new “online hospital” will deliver millions of appointments and help slash waiting lists, Sir Keir Starmer will announce.

The Prime Minister will use his leader’s speech at Labour’s conference to set out plans for NHS Online which will connect patients to specialist clinicians.

The scheme, which will begin operating in 2027, will deliver up to 8.5 million extra NHS appointments in its first three years, Labour claimed.

In his speech in Liverpool Sir Keir will say “a new world is coming” and “in decades to come, I want people to look back on this moment as the moment we renewed the NHS for a new world”.

The online hospital will be accessible through the NHS app and will allow patients to choose between the digital service and their local hospital.

Those who use the service will be able to access and track prescriptions, be referred for scans and tests, and receive clinical advice on managing their condition.

Patients who require a physical test or a procedure will be able to book them on the app, at a nearby hospital, surgical hub or community diagnostic centre.

Sir Keir will describe it as “a new chapter in the story of our NHS, harnessing the future, patients in control”.

“Waiting times cut for every single person in this country. That’s national renewal, that’s a Britain built for all.”

The Prime Minister will stress the need for continued NHS modernisation, insisting it is Labour’s responsibility to make the health service fit for the years to come.

Sir Keir will say: “I know how hard people work in the NHS – I see it my family – and I celebrate it at every opportunity.

“But the responsibility of this party is not just to celebrate the NHS, it’s to make it better.”

The scheme builds upon ideas already being used in some NHS trusts to reduce waiting times and allow patients to get treatment or advice quicker.

NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey said: “This is a huge step forward for the NHS and will deliver millions more appointments by the end of the decade, offering a real alternative for patients and more control over their own care.

“Patients who choose to receive their treatment through the online hospital will benefit from us industrialising the latest technology and innovations, while the increased capacity will help to cut demand and slash waiting times.

“The NHS can, must and will move forward to match other sectors in offering digital services that make services as personalised, convenient, and flexible as possible for both staff and patients.”

NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles said: “The online hospital could be a very significant development, transforming the way many patients receive their care.

“The way the NHS provides outpatients services hasn’t changed much for decades, but during Covid we learned a lot about opportunities for new approaches using digital technology.

“It’s sensible they are taking the time to plan this properly because there are a lot of factors to consider.

“These include the handling of patient data and the need to avoid ‘digital exclusion’ of people who can’t access the service.

“It’s important there’s new funding and it will be an NHS organisation with NHS staff.

“This is a bold, exciting initiative, but the benefits should not come at the cost of destabilising vital services patients will continue to rely on.”

PE teacher sent topless Snapchat pictures to student

A PE teacher who asked a pupil if they were wearing a ‘lucky thong’ and sent topless pictures to another has been banned from teaching indefinitely.

Joshua Roper, who was the head of PE at Sheringham Community Primary School in Norfolk, was accused of sending inappropriate messages, touching a child’s bottom and referring to one child as “babe”.

A panel found the 30-year-old guilty of failing to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

In July 2022, one child raised concerns about Roper to a manager at a football club after he sent inappropriate messages. Two more children also came forward with similar concerns which were reported to the Football Association on 25 August 2022.

One alleged that Roper had engaged in conversations with her about her outfits and appearance and put “kisses” at the end of his messages. She also said he had touched her bottom on several occasions while they were setting up for training sessions.

Roper admitted he commented on her appearance but said this was “banter” or a “joke”.

The child explained that while she was walking her dogs Roper messaged her to tell her that she looked good in short shorts, and that he had looked at her bottom. She stated that there was another time where Roper asked her if she was wearing a bikini to the beach.

It was raised that Roper also called her “babe”, which he suggested was a “genuine slip of the tongue”.

He explained that another person was also training and he simply asked them to “please pick up the cones babe”, but that he did not realise the child was behind him. He said at the time they both found it funny, and also embarrassing. But the panel found this use of language inappropriate.

Another child reported Roper had invited three of the players, including herself, to be friends on Snapchat. She said at first they would send each other images of their pets and talk about football – but she said this progressed to Roper sending images of himself topless which showed his underwear.

In a statement the child explained she sent him some pictures of her pet, with him doing the same in return. However, these images got “progressively odd”. Roper would send her pictures of his pet but he would be topless in the background, he then started sending her pictures of just him topless and in his underwear, and sometimes his pet would be somewhere in the picture.

A child who also received messages on Snapchat from Roper said some of the messages were sexually based, such as, “guess you must’ve been wearing a lucky thong today” and “next time you tie up your laces just bend over in front of me.”

Roper stated that he has taken many hours for self-reflection to try and understand how his good intentions went wrong. He apologised for his short fallings as a coach and stated that he has removed himself from social media and no longer uses it for messaging.

Sarah Buxcey, acting on behalf of the secretary of state, concluded in the report: “Mr Joshua Roper is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England. Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Roper shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.”

The Independent has contacted Sheringham Community Primary School for comment.

Gatwick travel chaos after airport station evacuated

Gatwick airport station has been evacuated due to concerns of overcrowding, amid train delays of up to two hours.

Several incidents across the Southern Railway have sparked travel chaos across the network. The operator said two people were hit by a train, one in the Gatwick airport area at around 10.30am on Monday, and another between Luton and St Albans City at around 9.15am. Emergency services attended the scene of both incidents.

Trains between Luton and London St Pancras International, and through Gatwick airport, are expected to be severely delayed, cancelled or revised. Major disruption across the network is expected until the end of the day.

Police were called to Three Bridges railway station near Gatwick airport following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner,” the British Transport Police said in a statement.

They were also called to the line near St Albans railway station where another person was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances leading up to their death.

A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services, said: “We’re doing everything we can to get people back on the move, working with colleagues at Network Rail and the British Transport Police, and arranging taxis and ticket acceptance on local buses.

“Passengers are being advised to postpone their travel where possible as the main line between London and Brighton is shut.”

Southern services between Brighton, Gatwick airport, East Croydon and London have been cancelled or severely delayed, and Thameslink and Gatwick Express services will not run until further notice.

Southern Railway said: “If you are travelling now, your journey will take at least 120 minutes longer than usual to complete and we cannot guarantee that you will be able to reach your destination.”

Passengers travelling to the airport have been advised to allow more time for their journey, and those who remain on board a train that has come to a standstill have been told not to leave the train unless directed to do so. “We know where you are and we are working to get you on the move again shortly,” it added.

Rail replacement buses have been requested to run a shuttle service connecting routes between Luton and Bedford, Stevenage and St Neots and further connections towards London. This has not yet been confirmed.

Southern Railway said it first received reports of someone being hit between London and Bedford, and was soon alerted to the second incident between Haywards Heath and Gatwick airport.

“Staff are working with Network Rail and the emergency services to deal with these incidents as sensitively, quickly and safely as possible,” it said.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you

Trump considers supplying Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles, says JD Vance

Donald Trump is considering Ukraine’s request to obtain long-range Tomahawk missiles in an effort to push back against Russia, US vice president JD Vance has said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky asked the US to sell Tomahawks to European nations that would send them to Ukraine, Vance said on Fox News on Sunday, adding that Trump would make the “final decision” on the deal.

Trump has long denied Ukraine’s requests for the use of long-range missiles in the past, but has recently grown frustrated with Vladimir Putin’s refusal to reach a peace deal.

Tomahawk missiles have a range of 2,500km, which would put Moscow in range of Ukraine’s arsenal. The Kremlin has said it is monitoring the potential sale.

The move comes at a time where more Nato nations are raising the alarm over violations in their airspace from Russia, with Denmark ordering a ban on civil drone flights ahead of two European summits this week after unexplained drones were spotted near military sites over the weekend.

Zelensky has also offered his congratulations to Moldova’s president after the pro-EU ruling party managed to retain its governing status in an election allegedly rife with Russian interference.

Eats, Beats and Storied Streets: A journey through Louisiana

Few places in America are as spellbinding as Louisiana. Streets are alive with music, every table groans with food that tells a story, and every river bend reveals landscapes as mysterious as they are beautiful. Whether you’re dancing to zydeco in Lafayette, devouring beignets in the French Quarter, or gliding through the Atchafalaya swamps in search of alligators, this is a destination which offers travellers an unforgettable blend of rhythm, flavour and culture.

Music that Moves You

A seemingly never-ending party, a stroll through the bouncing streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter is one of America’s most thrilling sensory experiences. Guitars crunch, symbols crash and horns howl on every street corner, from Bourbon Street to Frenchmen Street. This Cajun corner of the US has a deep heritage too, and the Preservation Hall – dating back to 1961 – is an essential stop. With its intimate time-worn walls and wooden chairs facing the small stage, it’s a shrine to New Orleans jazz and every note should be savoured.

But Louisiana’s music tradition goes far beyond the Big Easy. Beginning in 1981, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one of the country’s oldest blues festivals and the state capital is a haven of Cajun music. It’s also the home of the swamp blues, so to hear the best of these laid-back rhythms, spend a foot-tapping night at Phil Brady’s Bar & Grill or Henry Turner Jr’s Listening Room. And for a little backyard boogie from local Louisiana musicians, try and hit the wonderfully chilled out Bee Nice Concert Series.

One of the more niche regional sounds is zydeco, and these infectious beats driven by accordions and washboards are perfect for dancing the night away. Over in Lafayette, the lush outdoor Hideaway on Lee and the charming Blue Moon Saloon host high-energy zydeco and Cajun jams. For a deeper dive into this unique music of the swamp, drop by the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles for three glorious days of Cajun, Creole, and zydeco sounds.

Flavours to Savour

Louisiana has one of America’s most distinct food cultures, with Creole dishes like gumbo and jambalaya not found anywhere else. Needless to say, the fiery flavours found in these creations are sublime and it’s no surprise that 2025 is Louisiana’s Year of Food.

With its rich broth, often featuring a roux base and embellished by juicy shrimp and thick sausage, gumbo is arguably the quintessential Creole dish. If you’re in New Orleans, look no further than no–frills downtown spots like Coop’s Place or head out to neighbourhood joints like the upscale Gabrielle Restaurant who serve a smoky take on Cajun-style gumbo or the dense dishes plated up at Liuzza’s by the Track. And if you’re so enraptured by this unique stew, then learn how to make it at home at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

A Cajun rice dish that originated in southern Louisiana in the 18th Century, Jambalaya is also iconic down here and can include meats, vegetables, seafood and spices in its mouthwatering mix. The Jambalaya Shoppe is dotted all around southern Louisiana and is a good place to start, though make time to visit Gonzales – the ‘Jambalaya Capital of the World. It even has its own Jambalaya Festival every spring.

Remember to make time for sweet treats though, as Louisiana’s beignets are something special. Warm, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, these gentle delights are the perfect cafe snack. Open since 1862, the Cafe du Monde is an iconic French Quarter spot to watch the world go by with a beignet and café au lait.

And if you’re here for Mardi Gras, make sure to sample the sweet colourful King Cake as the jaunty floats pass by.

Culture and the Great Outdoors

Louisiana’s diverse cultural heritage is as unique as its landscape. French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and native influences all converge into Cajun and Creole identities and that’s most famously reflected in the state’s sublime cuisine. But don’t miss the great outdoors, as Louisiana’s biodiversity is enchanting too.

Acadiana’s humid moss-cloaked swamps and bayous are one of America’s last wildernesses, and boat tours of these serene and ethereal landscapes are unforgettable, especially if you spot wildlife like American Alligators, beavers, herons, eagles and white tail deer. The Atchafalaya Basin, just east of Lafayette, is a particular haven and several airboat tours depart from here, including McGee’s Swamp Tours and Last Wilderness Swamp Tours.

Road trails through these bayous can be just as inspiring, and the Bayou Teche National Byway tells stories. Running for 183 miles from Arnaudville down to Morgan City, this serpentine route passes by ornate antebellum homes like Shadows-on-the-Teche, tranquil fields of sugar cane, breezy swamps and historic towns packed with friendly cafes, zydeco dancehalls and local museums.

Look out for the region’s lively 400+ festivals too, which often celebrate Louisiana’s local culture. The Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette celebrates the links between Acadiana and the Francophone world, through music, art and food, while the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in Opelousas aims to preserve Louisiana’s most gleeful music genre. And there’s no better way of learning about the state’s people and heritage than at the various tours, concerts, talks and cultural events held in Vermillionville in Lafayette.

Slimming World announces major change for 2026

Slimming World is ditching the term “Syns” and bringing in healthy fats like avocado to the diet, as part of major changes to make people feel more welcome.

The popular weight-loss plan previously used the word “Syns” to describe any food that was not satiating, high in calories, fat or sugar – such as alcohol, crisps, chocolate and butter.

But following a review of the company’s language and terminology Slimming World has announced it will be “saying goodbye” to the term.

Instead unhealthy food that is high in energy density will be called Slimming World Individual “Picks”, or “Swips”.

Starting from January 2026, those on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, will also see the introduction of healthy fats – that means foods like nuts and avocados will be included.

Slimming World’s Managing Director Lisa Salmon says: “Our methods remain largely unchanged since Slimming World was founded by the late Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE in 1969. Just like Margaret always did, we’re constantly listening to our members, to the Consultants who run our groups and to the latest science to ensure Slimming World remains the most effective and realistic way to achieve lasting weight loss.

“The weight management industry has transformed in recent years – most notably with the rise of weight loss medications – and we believe the role of lifestyle-based solutions like Slimming World is more important than ever. Language matters and we know ‘Syns’ can be misunderstood or be a barrier for some people who want and need support to reach a healthy weight. We want everyone to feel welcome at Slimming World and we hope making this change will help.”

Slimming World helps people lose weight by giving a list of “free foods”. These are lower in energy density, meaning they have less calories per gram, and highly satisfying, so you can fill up on them for fewer calories.

These include lean meats, poultry, fish, plant-based proteins, eggs, beans, fruit and veg, grains, potatoes and pasta.

The plan also encourages slimmers to enjoy measured, daily portions of foods containing essential nutrients to help ensure an overall balanced diet – these are called “Healthy Extras”.

As well as including fibre and calcium-rich foods, “Healthy Extras” will also encourage the inclusion of healthy fats into members’ diets, such as nuts and nut butters, seeds, avocado and oils.

Dieters will be able to choose three “Healthy Extra” portions from a list of calcium, fibre and healthy fats choices each day, they will be encouraged to choose a variety from this category for overall health, with at least one calcium choice a day to support the intake of this important nutrient.

Slimming World said it has always had these healthy fats as options, with oily fish within Free Foods and avocado or oils within their daily “Syns” allowance.

However, there will now be an emphasis on the health benefits of these foods.

While too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease, monounsaturated fats can help protect the heart and polyunsaturated fats are a source of omega-3 and omega-6 which are vital for brain function, according to the NHS.

Ms Salmon said: “No food has ever been banned at Slimming World and members have always been able to enjoy healthy fats. We hope though that moving these foods to a new Healthy Extra option will increase members’ understanding of healthy eating and better support them to maintain their new eating habits long after they reach their target weight.”

At least three people dead in ‘serious incident’ in Ireland

Two men and a woman have been found dead at a property in Co Louth.

Gardai said one man had been arrested after they were alerted to a “serious incident” in Tallanstown on Monday morning.

Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said there was no further threat to the public following the “criminal act”.

A gardai statement said: “Three people – two males and one female (all adults) – were found deceased at the scene.

“The scene has been preserved for technical examination.

“The offices of the coroner and the state pathologist have been notified.

“A male, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is currently detained at a station in the Garda North West Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.”

The statement said investigations were ongoing.

Gardai have closed a road leading to an isolated property at the scene.

A blue-and-white forensic tent has been set up close to the property.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “I have information, An Garda Siochana have passed on information that I have received to the office.

“I am conscious that it is a developing story and it is a sensitive issue but there is no further information I can put into the public domain at present.

“I think further information will become available in due course.”

He added: “What I can say and what gardai have said is that they are not looking for anyone else in respect of this criminal act.

“There is no ongoing threat to the public in Co Louth.”

Sinn Fein Louth councillor Pearse McGeough said on social media that there was “sad news coming out of Tallanstown this morning”.

He added: “I would ask people not to speculate until we know the facts.

“Our thoughts are with the friends, family and the community.”