Parts of UK could see heavy snow as temperatures set to plummet after Storm Chandra

Parts of the UK are set to be blanketed by snow as temperatures plummet in the aftermath of Storm Chandra.

Chilly conditions will sweep the north of Scotland from Thursday, with some snow forecast in the north east, as much of the country wakes up to fog.

Further flooding is also expected in the wake of the storm on Thursday and Friday, as fears grow that heavy rainfall could bring the worst flooding seen in more than a decade.

Already, more than 60 properties across England have been flooded following the storm earlier this week, while a major incident was declared on Somerset on Tuesday.

Dozens of flood warnings remain in place, including a severe “danger to life” warning in at Ilford Bridge Home Park in Dorset, where residents have been forced to evacuate.

The Met Office issued a warning for rain in the south west of England from noon until Friday. Rain will be falling on already saturated ground, leading to concerns of further flooding.

Roads in the West Country have also been blocked by flooding, while National Rail has warned of railway disruptions up until Friday.

Zelensky warns Putin is planning ‘massive’ attack ahead of Sunday peace talks

Russian forces have suffered the heaviest battlefield losses the world has seen since the Second World War during its invasion of Ukraine, a new study shows.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies says the war has resulted in about 1.2 million Russian casualties and between 500,000 and 600,000 Ukrainian casualties. This includes both wounded and killed troops.

As many as 325,000 Russians have been killed since the war began nearly four years ago, the think tank reported, accounting for the majority of troops killed in the war.

“No major power has suffered anywhere near these numbers of casualties or fatalities in any war since World War II,” the CSIS said, despite advancing “remarkably slowly on the battlefield”.

The Kremlin dismissed the reports on Wednesday, saying the figures should not be seen as reliable.

Elsewhere, Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of an “act of terrorism” after a Russian attack on a Ukrainian passenger train killed at least five people.

“In any country, a drone strike on a civilian train would be regarded in the same way – purely as an act of terrorism,” Zelensky said.

Madonna reveals love for Margate and mysterious Italian restaurant

With its sandy beach, popular market and growing arts scene, more and more people have been visiting Margate during an impressive revival for the Victorian seaside town – but its latest tourist has taken it to new fame.

Posting on her Instagram profile to her 20 million followers, Madonna shared pictures from her visit to an arts festival in the town last weekend, the second time she has reportedly visited in three months.

Pictured with Turner Prize winner Dame Tracey Emin, she praised her friend’s “quite remarkable” residency programme for artists in the community, before providing a glowing review of the town, which has a population of just over 60,000 and is around 80 miles from London.

“The whole town seems to be inhabited and energised by creativity,” she wrote. “Writers and performance artists, photographers, and painters. This is my idea of heaven. Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream.”

Described as England’s coolest seaside town, Margate has seen an influx of creatives in recent years, attracted by its thriving arts scene, boutique shops and trendy pubs and cafes. Its biggest attraction is the Dreamland amusement park, which features many traditional rides, including a helter-skelter and a Ferris wheel.

Madonna, who has homes in New York and London, wrote: “I have known Tracey [Emin] for over 25 years and I’ve always been a fan of her extremely personal and provocative work. But what she has created in this community by the sea is quite remarkable.

“She has an artist residency program where she invites young artists from all around the world to come and paint and live for several months, artists who otherwise would have no place to paint and develop their talent and be a part of the many exhibitions that happen around Margate.

“I’ve been there a few times now and I’m always struck by the commitment and passion of all of these artists. Hungry, possessed, and extremely grateful to have this opportunity. They all have very touching stories to share and honestly it’s so refreshing to witness them working in such a dedicated way.”

She added that the town also has her favourite Italian restaurant, believed to be Bottega Caruso. When The Independent approached the family-run restaurant, rated 4.7 stars on Google, a staff member said they were unable to comment. The restaurant’s menu features main dishes priced from £19.95.

In her Instagram post, the 67-year-old, behind worldwide hits such as “Like a Prayer”, “Vogue” and “Material Girl”, wrote: “On top of all of that [visiting arts in Margate], I get to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant which I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table!!

“Good to share something in the news that is not about hatred and killing but celebrates human connection and the ability that Art has to elevate people. To bring people together.”

Madonna kept busy in 2025 with a remix album, Veronica Electronica, as well as the release of Bedtime Stories – The Untold Chapter, which gave fans a companion collection of remixes and outtakes from her 1994 album Bedtime Stories, Confessions on a Dance Floor.

More recently, Madonna shared her appreciation for Harry Styles earlier this week after he reportedly cited her as an influence for his new song “Aperture”. She wrote on her Instagram Story: “love your new song Harry!!!!” and then showed a picture of the singer’s upcoming album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally with the words “On Repeat………. ”

‘I’m not surprised this happened’ says brother of suspect in US congresswoman attack

The man accused of attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Tuesday evening town hall meeting in Minnesota is a “piece of s**t” with lifelong anger issues who has been fixated on the Somali-born lawmaker – and the Somali diaspora in general – for years, his younger brother told The Independent.

“I’m not surprised this happened,” Anthony James Kazmierczak’s brother said Wednesday morning in a phone interview from his home in North Carolina. “Not at all. Unfortunately, he and my mother are both right-wing extremists.”

Kazmierczak, a 55-year-old Minneapolis resident, is “just a different person than I am,” according to the brother, who said he has been estranged from his sibling for the past four years. The Independent agreed not to name the brother, who said he has begun receiving death threats.

“I believe in helping people,” Kazmierczak’s brother, 52, went on. “He believes in blaming people.”

When asked if Kazmierczak had mentioned Omar before, the brother responded, “Oh, yeah,” and said he is thankful the Somali-born Democratic legislator, who fled her war-torn nation as a child and became a U.S. citizen in 2000, wasn’t badly hurt. Kazmierczak’s antipathy toward Somali-Americans, whose presence in Minneapolis makes up the largest Somali population in the U.S., dates back to well before Omar was elected in 2019, according to the brother.

“He has had a hatred of the Somali community for probably 20 years,” Kazmierczak’s brother continued. “There’s a reason I don’t talk to him… He’s got a lot of anger, I have no idea where it comes from. He’s always been that way. In and out of treatment since he was a kid.”

During Omar’s address to a group of constituents last night at the Urban League Twin Cities, Kazmierczak suddenly stood up and rushed the progressive congresswoman as she called for abolishing ICE, the country’s deportation agency. Video of the bizarre incident shows Kazmierczak spraying an unidentified substance at Omar from a syringe in his right hand, which initial reports described as “foul-smelling.”

A security guard tackled Kazmierczak, who was subsequently arrested by police and booked on one count of third-degree assault. Omar, the first Somali-American to serve in Congress, asked for a napkin to wipe herself off but declined further medical attention and continued speaking to the crowd of roughly 100 attendees.

“We’re gonna keep talking,” she said. “Just give me 10 minutes. Please don’t let them have the show.”

ICE has been under fire for violent tactics that left two American citizens dead amid an ongoing deportation push in Minneapolis that has roiled locals and prompted nationwide protests.

The frightening episode spurred outrage by politicians on both sides of the aisle, including GOP Rep. Nancy Mace, who said in a post on X that she was “deeply disturbed” to learn about the attack on Omar.

“Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric – and I do – no elected official should face physical attacks,” Mace wrote. “This is not who we are.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, called for an immediate end to the “cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric” by politicians on the right.

Nevertheless, when asked if he had seen video of Omar’s assault, President Trump told ABC News, “No. I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud. I really don’t think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”

Omar was assaulted the day after federal charges were unsealed against a legally blind “outlaw biker” in Kansas who allegedly posted death threats to her on social media.

According to data released this week by the U.S. Capitol Police, which is responsible for protecting members of Congress, threats to elected officials rose for the third year in a row, with the department’s Threat Assessment Section investigating 14,938 threats in 2025, compared to 9,474 in 2024 and 8,008 in 2023.

Omar is regularly denigrated publicly by Trump, who claims to object to her left-leaning ideas, tarring the 43-year-old pol as a “socialist,” calling her “disgusting” and a “complainer,” and demanding variously, that she be impeached, imprisoned, or deported.

Trump has also made wild claims recently about Omar being worth tens of millions of dollars, suggesting, without evidence, that she came about the funds unethically.

Yet, during the Biden administration, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into Omar’s finances but dropped the case due to a lack of evidence, according to The New York Times.

Kazmierczak was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989, has numerous arrests for DUI, and has twice filed for bankruptcy, according to public records.

Kazmierczak is a staunch Trump supporter, his online activity shows. In one social media post cited by the Associated Press, Kazmierczak wrote, “Trump wants the US is stronger [sic] and more prosperous. Stop other countries from stealing from us. Bring back the fear that enemies back away from and gain respect that If anyone threatens ourselves or friends we will [expletive] them up.” He has also deemed Democrats “angry and liars,” according to the AP. In a March 2022 Facebook post reviewed by The Independent, Kazmierczak called President Biden “spineless.”

A neighbor told the New York Post that Kazmierczak has been “heavily medicated” since a car wreck damaged his spine, and has since been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, calling him a “pretty conservative guy.”

The health issues have left Kazmierczak “not very physically able to do much,” the neighbor said.

Still, Kazmierczak regularly “complains about socialism,” according to his brother, who said his sibling has nevertheless himself “cheated the system” to receive his own entitlements.

“He’s crazy,” Kazmierczak’s brother told The Independent. “He needs help, period… In my mind, he’s a piece of s**t.”

Will taking HRT help with the menopausal dementia risk?

Is there a definite link between menopause and dementia? A new study suggests that during these hormone-depleted years, women undergo brain changes in the regions affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The authors suggest that this might be one reason why there are almost twice as many cases of dementia in women as men.

I have certainly noticed brain changes; from memory to brain fog to attention span. Aged 53 and firmly post-menopausal, I sometimes struggle to collect my thoughts, fighting through layers of in-head cotton wool to coherently work down my to-do list. Worst of all, because of a 2023 breast cancer diagnosis, I’ve been advised to stop taking HRT. I can’t even clear the mist with a top-up of oestrogen, something I know from experience would help.

The study, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, analysed data from almost 125,000 women, of whom 11,000 had MRI scans. Led by Professor Barbara Sahakian at the University of Cambridge, it showed a reduction in grey matter volume in key brain regions such as those linked to emotional regulation, memory and learning, when comparing pre- and postmenopausal women.

But as with everything to do with menopause, it’s a nuanced picture that’s as grey as our deteriorating brains.

Menopause itself is defined as being 12 months after your last period, and the years leading up to it are perimenopause. Simply put, you run out of eggs, and the oestrogen produced by your ovaries goes down. Oestrogen receptors are found throughout the body, including the brain. There are well-established links between oestrogen and brain function as well as mood changes such as depression and anxiety.

Certainly, cognitive symptoms in menopause, such as memory lapses and poor concentration, can be frightening. I’ve interviewed many women in perimenopause who were worried about early-onset dementia. These symptoms are frequently lumped together as “brain fog”. In the Menopause Mandate 2025 Survey, which had 15,000 respondents, 86 per cent reported experiencing brain fog.

“Brain fog can be very distressing, but it’s not diagnosable,” says Aimee Spector, professor of clinical psychology of ageing at UCL. “Cognitive symptoms are most often referenced in the perimenopause years, and include memory, concentration and attention. People worry that it’s dementia, and brain fog is the symptom most linked to stopping work, but for most women, it settles and improves post-menopause.”

In my early forties, I suffered horribly from brain fog, although I had no idea what it was. I couldn’t concentrate at work, my confidence collapsed, and each day was a battle to meet deadlines. At night, I lay awake worrying that I’d made some catastrophic mistake.

Within a week of starting HRT, aged 46, I was myself again, cheerfully churning out deadlines inbetween school runs. My brain smugly cushioned by oestrogen, I swore I’d stay on it forever, especially as I then co-wrote a book about the subject with broadcaster and campaigner Mariella Frostrup – Cracking the Menopause.

Then, just after my 50th birthday, I had my first mammogram, followed by a recall, a biopsy, a diagnosis, a lumpectomy and then chemo and radiotherapy. 2023 was a terrible year. Because my cancer was triple negative, meaning that it’s not hormonal, I was “allowed” to stay on HRT during treatment. Afterwards, I was advised to stop.

There is little support for menopause after cancer. As my then oncologist said, “I don’t know why you want those fake hormones. Why don’t you just go for a run?” – thus consolidating all rubbish approaches to the cancer/menopause experience ever.

My biggest fear was that without the protective effects of oestrogen, I was at higher risk of other conditions; osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and – most frightening of all – Alzheimer’s. There was interest in the idea that starting HRT early offered protection against dementia, and I knew many women made the personal choice that it was an intelligent preventative measure (not recommended by official bodies, by the way).

Reassuringly for those of us who aren’t on HRT, the new study suggests that it doesn’t appear to prevent this grey matter loss. “HRT does play a role in slowing psychomotor speed,” says study co-author Christelle Langley. This is basically reaction time, and I have very much noticed it. You wouldn’t necessarily want to be on my pub quiz team.

“This suggests that HRT may help to slow age-related declines in response speed,” says Langley, who adds that the data points to a potential role for HRT in mitigating aspects of cognitive ageing.

And yet, “Brains naturally decline decade by decade, so we’d expect them to look different in older women,” says Prof Spector. In December 2025, she published a meta-analysis in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, showing no significant association between HRT and dementia risk or benefit.

As both studies concluded, more research is needed into the subject. I’d add that I’ve not ruled out going back on HRT in the future, and it’s a discussion that I’ve had with my current – lovely – oncologist.

Women who experience premature menopause before the age of 40 do have a higher risk of dementia, and HRT until the age of natural menopause is recommended. This is extremely hard for younger women who’ve had hormonal cancers and are unlikely to be offered it.

Dani Binnington, the brilliant founder of the support organisation Menopause and Cancer, frequently advises women in this position. “I always recommend not pinning hopes on one strategy, but looking for lots of solutions – sleep, stress, nutrition and exercise.” She says that very few women go back on HRT because of dementia prevention alone. “It’s usually for immediate symptoms as well as long-term health.” Most importantly, she says, there needs to be support. I second that.

Thankfully, there is plenty we can do to support brain function. “There are a number of evidence-based healthy lifestyle habits that help to reduce our risk of dementia and may mitigate these menopause-related changes in brain health,” says Langley.

Strength training – ideally at least twice a week – significantly benefits brain health and cognitive function. Reducing alcohol (no real surprises here) is a good idea. Alcohol damages blood vessels and destroys brain cells. A diet that I’ve written about and attempt to follow is known as the MIND diet, which has a focus on fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein and olive oil.

I still love Kit-Kats and Creme Eggs, but I eat at least 30 different fruits and veg a week to support my gut microbiome – research increasingly suggests a link between gut bacteria and dementia. And I drink champagne, but less than previously. Reading-wise, I’ve found great tips in Menolicious by Mariella Frostrup and Belles Berry, and The Feel Good Fix by Lavina Mehta.

I’ve been aware of these lifestyle elements for years without particularly adhering to them, but I can now testify that they make a tangible difference to mood and memory.

The study may suggest a link between menopausal brain changes and dementia, but what I’ve learned in the last couple of years is to see this time of life as one that contains choices. I may not be using HRT (for the moment), but I hope I’ve made other positive decisions that diminish my dementia risk.

Don’t forget there’s also a recent study suggesting that women’s brains don’t hit their prime until they’re in their late fifties. Menopause or not, I’m here for that!

What the future of travel looks like in 2026

Are we done with viral hotspots? According to travel comparison site KAYAK’s WTF (that’s What The Future, by the way) 2026 trends report, the era of copy-paste travel may finally be winding down. Not because people are travelling less – quite the opposite – but because they’re travelling differently.

Drawing on billions of user searches, an independent survey from more than 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travellers – including over 2,000 next-gen UK travellers – and exclusive TikTok community insights, KAYAK’s report shows a shift away from headline destinations and performative travel. In their place? Shorter breaks, quieter cities, better value and experiences that feel personal rather than pre-approved.

Here’s what that looks like in practice, and where those trends could take you.

The next “it” destination, it turns out, is the one you haven’t already seen 50 times on your phone. According to KAYAK, 71 per cent of Gen Z and 75 per cent of Millennials actively want to visit places they’ve never been before, while TikTok posts tagged #hiddengems are up more than 50 per cent. Saturation is the new turn-off.

Cork fits that brief neatly. Long treated as a stopping point on the way to somewhere else, Ireland’s second city still flies under the algorithmic radar. Yet it rewards curiosity in small, satisfying ways: a walkable centre, a burgeoning food scene and easy access to coastline and countryside without the fanfare.

Base yourself near Shandon rather than around the busier quays, and start the day with a stroll along the River Lee before the city fully wakes up. For dinner, follow locals to the English Market at lunchtime, then head out to Ballycotton or Garretstown the next morning.

Travellers aren’t cancelling trips in 2026, they’re financing them more creatively. Nearly 30 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial travellers say installment plans will determine how many trips they take, while KAYAK data shows international fares from the UK sitting almost exactly where they were last year. Add a 52 per cent rise in the use of flight price alerts and the picture becomes clear: deal-hunting has gone mainstream.

This shift favours cities that deliver substance without sticker shock. Bilbao still fits the bill, but it’s the city’s everyday pleasures that offer the real value. Skip the Guggenheim café and eat at Gure Toki or Sorginzulo for pintxos done properly. Better still, cross the river into Deusto at lunchtime, where menus del día feel resolutely local and prices soften noticeably. Savvy travellers are stretching budgets without sacrificing experience, and places like Bilbao are making it easy for them.

Forget souvenirs. In 2026, it’s goosebumps people are packing for. More than half of travellers say natural wonders will shape their plans, and 34 per cent list awe-inspiring experiences as a top priority. That’s driving renewed interest in northern landscapes, but not always the obvious ones.

While Tromsø continues to top bucket lists, travellers looking for something fresher are turning towards Christchurch, New Zealand as a gateway rather than a destination in itself. From here, the night skies of the Canterbury plains offer serious dark-sky credentials without the premium price tags of more famous stargazing spots. Pair it with a drive to Lake Tekapo or a night at Mt John Observatory, and prepare to be amazed as the universe puts on one of its more impressive galactic light shows.

AI has officially replaced your mate who “went once and loved it”. Nearly six in 10 travellers say they’d change destination if AI suggested somewhere better, and half would do so for a better deal. Notably, 44 per cent of AI prompts are now about value, not inspiration.

AI can also steer travellers toward lesser-visited cities that prioritise authentic, local experiences over familiar tourist circuits. Fukuoka, in particular, remains one of the country’s most liveable and engaging destinations, offering a compelling blend of modern convenience and rich cultural heritage. Base yourself near Hakata Station for better-value hotels, then eat like a local at the yatai food stalls along the Naka River. It’s informal, affordable and far more revealing than a booked-out tasting menu. Leveraging AI-led planning tools helps today’s savvy travellers to unlock the city’s true potential, moving beyond generic guidebook recommendations.

Luxury, redefined, looks suspiciously like a good night’s sleep. KAYAK’s report shows 69 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials travel primarily for mental reset, while wellness-led luxury continues to rise. The emphasis has shifted from showing off to switching off.

The Greek island of Zakynthos excels here, particularly inland. Head to villages such as Kiliomenos, where evenings are cooler and dinner at family-run tavernas like Latas stretches lazily into the night. No playlists, no dress code, just plates refilled without fuss. For one in five travellers, it’s the small comforts that matter most: a quiet morning, decent coffee, and nowhere you’re expected to be. Wellness travel isn’t about spa breaks and luxury escapes anymore; it’s about coming back better than you left.

The big-city rush is out. In 2026, 84 per cent of younger travellers say they’d rather visit a smaller city or rural area than a major hub. Lower prices help, but the real appeal is authenticity that doesn’t need explaining.

Bastia, in northern Corsica, perfectly exemplifies the trend. Mornings on the old port unfold naturally with fishermen unloading and café chairs scraping into place. Walk up to the Citadelle before the heat builds, then lunch at U San Ghjuvà for unfussy Corsican cooking. These are places where life hasn’t been edited for visitors. Yes, social media still nudges people towards them, but only once they’re already halfway there.

In 2026, the destination is wherever the action is. An overwhelming 95 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials plan to travel for a major event, whether that’s a concert, a sporting tournament or a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Cities that flex around calendars are winning. In Canada, Toronto works as a terrific base. But those thinking ahead are looking beyond the obvious to places like Halifax, where festivals, touring acts and sporting events are easier to access and far less inflated by demand. Stay near the waterfront, eat at The Bicycle Thief, and let the event anchor the trip rather than dominate it.

Over half of travellers say slower travel helps clear their head, and #slowtravel content has surged by almost 330 per cent on TikTok. But the aim isn’t inactivity, more a break from decision-making.

The Azores remain a benchmark, but similar benefits can be found in places like Praia in Cape Verde. The rhythm is gentle, the beaches walkable, and long lunches at Quintal da Música turn into evenings almost by accident. Headspace holidays aren’t about ticking boxes, they’re about removing friction and the demand for constant optimisation.

Adventure hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply grown up. Nearly one in four travellers now combine light outdoor activity with proper rest, while searches for amenities like terraces, hot tubs and gyms continue to rise. The Great Outdoors is now more likely to be paired with a Quite Decent bottle of wine.

Hilo, on Hawaii’s Big Island, captures that softer approach to adventure perfectly. Base yourself here and mornings might mean walking the edge of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or taking an easy hike through the stunning scenery of Akaka Falls rainforest. Afternoons are for slowing down: soaking in naturally warmed ocean pools, lingering over poke bowls or fresh fish, and letting yourself reset.

Who says holidays have to be long? Nearly two-thirds of travellers plan to take several shorter trips in 2026, with searches for one-to-four-day breaks continuing to rise. The appeal is immediacy: quick resets, minimal planning and maximum reward.

Milan makes for an excellent Nanocation. Trains run on time, neighbourhoods are compact, and finding good food rarely requires much research. Rather than chasing the Duomo and moving on, spend a night in areas like Isola or Porta Venezia, where the city feels lived-in rather than visited. Grab a seat for aperitivo along the Navigli as the working day winds down, eat late without ceremony, and walk everywhere. Milan rewards restraint; do it right, and even 24 hours can feel like a proper break.

With billions of user searches across its platforms, KAYAK helps travellers find their perfect flight, stay, rental car or holiday package. Download the app here and start exploring.

Best places in UK to live in 2026 revealed

Rankings of the best place in the country to live were once dominated by leafy towns and cities in the south – but those days appear to be over.

A new list of the most desirable places to live in England and Wales has awarded the top spot to Marple in Greater Manchester, with three out of the top ten places in the city region, and five in the north of England.

Rawdon in West Yorkshire took the second spot, with St Albans in Hertfordshire coming in third, Bramhall in Stockport fourth, and Long Ashton in Somerset rounding out the top five.

The data is compiled by Garrington property services, and ranks the best cities, towns and villages with more than 5,000 residents according to five key criteria – natural beauty, wellbeing, heritage, schools and jobs, plus value for money. You can use Garrington’s interactive tool to see how your area performs here.

Winning town Marple was lauded for its close connections to Manchester city centre, “strong community spirit”, and proximity to the natural landscapes of the Peak District. While the cost of the typical family home in the area sits well above the English national average at £517,119, those compiling the list said the costs were “competitive” for a popular area of Greater Manchester.

Second-placed Rawdon in West Yorkshire placed highly for its “blend of great landscapes, panoramic views and easy access” to Leeds. Property experts also noted the price of the average family home there had dipped by 0.3 per cent over the past year to reach £451,094, making it a “good value” area.

Consistently high-ranking St Albans is the best-performing place in the south of England according to the table, described as a popular, wealthy commuter town with “schools and property prices to match”. At £895,411, the price of a typical family home in the city is the highest in the top 20 for 2026.

Just missing out on the top 10 were Reddish, also in Stockport, Greater Manchester, Epsom in Surrey, and Tring in Hertfordshire.

Jonathan Hopper, CEO of the buying agents Garrington Property Finders, said that while big falls in property value in London have made headlines this year, the rankings show “many other highly desirable areas across England and Wales” where homes have become more affordable over the past year.

“The price of a typical family home rose in 16 of the top 20 locations in our 2026 ranking, but all offer a strong combination of excellent amenities, a high quality of life and good value for money compared to their regional market,” he said.

He pointed out that while some places rank higher than others, all of the 1,447 places included rank well in at least one category.

“With the Bank of England base rate back below 4 per cent, mortgages have become more affordable, and this gives would-be buyers greater freedom to pick a property that’s perfect for them,” he continued.

“If this is you, our 2026 Best Places to Live guide can help you identify locations with the ideal blend of natural beauty, good schools and good living.”

Tesla annual profit plunges to lowest level since pandemic

Tesla’s annual profits have plummeted to their lowest point since the pandemic, as the electric vehicle giant lost its crown as the world’s biggest EV maker to a Chinese rival and faced significant sales boycotts.

The company, led by Elon Musk, reported on Wednesday that its net income for last year dropped by 46 per cent to $3.8bn (£3bn). This marks the second consecutive year of steep declines, occurring despite the introduction of more affordable models and Mr Musk’s pledge to remain singularly focused on the business following his foray into US politics.

Despite these financial setbacks, Tesla investors appear to have maintained their confidence in Mr Musk, with the company’s stock rising by 9 per cent over the past year. Mr Musk has been urging shareholders to shift their attention from car sales to what he envisions as a groundbreaking future of robotaxis, ferrying millions in driverless vehicles, and robots tending to plants and elderly relatives. Investors and analysts anticipate further details on these ambitious plans during a conference call later today.

For the fourth quarter of last year, Tesla’s net income also saw a sharp decline, falling 61 per cent to $840m, or 24 cents per share. Excluding one-off charges, net income reached 50 cents per share, surpassing analysts’ forecasts of 45 cents. Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at Telemetry, commented: “They’ve got aging product that is less and less competitive as others manufacturers come out with new models, then there is the general brand destruction. Musk‘s involvement in politics has turned off customers.”

One positive note for the company was an improvement in its gross profit margins, which rose to 20 per cent last quarter from 16 per cent a year ago. The stock’s resilience is partly attributed to Mr Musk’s renewed focus on Tesla after spending the early part of last year heading a government cost-cutting team in Washington. However, it remains uncertain if his attention will remain undivided in the new year, with plans to take his rocket company SpaceX public, potentially in June. This is widely expected to be a blockbuster IPO that could make him the world’s first trillionaire, but also risks distracting him.

The latest figures represent a significant setback for a company that had promised so much just a year ago. Following the election of President Donald Trump, investors had driven up the stock, betting that Mr Musk’s advisory role in the new administration would benefit the company. Instead, it backfired, with customers angered by his work for President Donald Trump and his right-wing political stances boycotting the brand. Mr Musk had also pledged a year ago that European regulators would approve Tesla’s partial self-driving software within three months, a move that could have significantly boosted sales there, but this approval did not materialise.

Investors were also enthusiastic about Tesla’s robotaxi service, which promised rides without human drivers. Initially, these services required supervisors to be present to take control if necessary, though progress is being made. Tesla recently announced the removal of these safety drivers in Austin, where the service launched in June, and has vowed aggressive expansion into other cities in the coming year. For some on Wall Street, this development is enough to fuel excitement and continue pushing the stock upwards. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities, a prominent bullish analyst, predicts robotaxis will operate in over 30 cities by the end of this year, with Tesla capturing 70 per cent of the global self-driving car market within a decade.

The company’s energy storage business also posted strong numbers last quarter, with revenues surging 25 per cent to \$3.8bn. Tesla is benefiting from massive demand as data centres, which consume vast amounts of energy, are being built across the US.