Exotic spiders thriving in UK due to global trade and a warmer climate

Exotic spiders are flourishing in Britain as global trade offers ample opportunities for spider travel and global heating provides an increasingly hospitable climate.

Plastic peril Animals of Galápagos islands living amid mounds of waste

As our fishing boat slows to a halt in a bay south-east of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, in the Galápagos Islands, a green turtle surfaces next to us, followed by a second, then a third. A spotted eagle ray glides underneath the vessel.

Joys of being homeGreggs, good cheddar and a lot of truculence

Donald Trump's appearance in criminal court has raised many questions, constitutional and otherwise, but on the evidence of the first day I find myself most curious about the former president's McDonald's order.

Lacking teeth Call for tougher law on keeping wild animals

When Lindsay McKenna went to buy a piece W of furniture from a seller, the last thing she expected was to return with a wild animal.

Ageing Does stem cell therapy hold back the years?

Stem cells have become a favoured miracle treatment among the rich and famous, with Kim Kardashian reportedly a fan of stem-cell facials and Cristiano Ronaldo turning to stem cell injections after a hamstring injury.

UK's south Asian shops struggle as smaller weddings hit sales

The south Asian high street is facing a fight for its future as customers scale back wedding celebrations owing to the cost-of-living crisis and young people's changing preferences.

Prickly matter: boss of succulent society quits in row over sourcing of plants

A row has blown up in the UK’s leading succulent society over the practice of snatching desirable specimens from the wild , with the chairperson now resigning in protest over the behaviour of his fellow enthusiasts.

A tenfold increase The real story behind the surge in Vietnamese boat crossings

The people from Vietnam trying to get to England on small boats across the Channel stand out from the rest of those drawn to the Pas de Calais coastline.

Souvenir chic: fashion embraces an early summer holiday vibe

The summer holidays are still a long way away, but for those who cannot wait the souvenirs are already on sale. Coral bracelets, kitsch keyrings and shell bracelets are some of this season’s most covetable accessories.

'I felt immense shame' One man's experience of a female stalker

Not long after he embarked on an on/ off dalliance with an former colleague, Tom began feeling uneasy about her behaviour . He ended things – but that only made matters worse.

Zendaya Actor jumps from teen idol to superstar

Zold endaya Coleman, universally known by her first name alone, has never been short of attention, but it feels as if the 27-yearactor-model-producer is at a breakthrough moment

Post Office tried to 'hush up case of operator who killed himself'

The Post Office sought to \"hush up\" the case of Martin Griffiths, a post office operator who took his own life, by \"drip feeding\" compensation payments to his widow and lining up a media lawyer to protect its reputation, a public inquiry has heard.

'She died in that waiting room' Sister's A&E death was avoidable, says twin

In life, Inga Rublite was just another patient in a busy hospital waiting to see a doctor. In death, the 39-yearold has become a tragic symbol of how overstretched and overburdened the NHS has become.

A mug's game Finding a message in Sunak's teaware

Rishi Sunak appeared on his Instagram feed on Tuesday morning holding a mug that was emblazoned with the St George's flag. \"Perfect way to start the day,\" read the caption

Sadiq Khan How green has London mayor really been?

When Sadiq Khan launched his campaign for a third term as mayor of London, he put his green policies front and centre, highlighting his work on air pollution, the climate crisis and nature.

Mayoral votes Vying for attention in clickbait age

Keane Duncan's highest-profile success, before standing to be the first elected mayor of York and North Yorkshire, was as the journalist who broke the news that Morrisons would not sell meat pies to people in Middlesbrough before 9am.

Scotland Yousaf fights to stay on as second no confidence motion tabled

Humza Yousaf is fighting for his political life as he faces two no confidence motions, submitted against himself and his government, in the space of 24 hours.

Winning hands down Arm-wrestling clubs thrive as sport takes hold across Britain

In the back garden garage of a house in east Birmingham, dozens of people are around a table where two men grapple with each other, fists interlocked, sweat dripping down their foreheads.

Teacher admits to murdering and burying boyfriend

A woman pleaded guilty yesterday to the murder of her boyfriend, whom she had buried in their back garden.

Charles to resume public duties as he continues with treatment for cancer

King Charles, who is being treated for an undisclosed cancer, is to return to public duties, with doctors pleased and \"very encouraged\" by his progress and \"positive\" about his continued recovery, Buckingham Palace said.

US has seen evidence of Chinese bid to influence election - Blinken

Washington has seen evidence of attempts by Beijing to \"influence and arguably interfere\" in this year's US elections, the secretary of state has said during a trip to China, also warning that Chinese firms face new sanctions if they do not stop supplying the Russian arms industry.

on Welcome to the largest restaurant earth (and it's all about veg)

It will boast the world's biggest salad bar, offer fans vegetarian hotdogs and bring in up to half a million bananas by boat to meet athletes' insatiable demand for the fruit while avoiding the carbon footprint of air travel.

British man charged with aiding Russia and planning arson attack

A 20-year-old British man has been charged with planning an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked business and assisting Russian intelligence services.

Scale of teacher shortage crisis in schools revealed

Nearly 40% of teaching assistants cover classes, research finds

Stuck On This Island Snub To EU Travel Deal For Young Sparks Fury

Elena, 35, was "flabbergasted" when she heard that both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer had dismissed a proposal by the European Commission to reintroduce freedom of movement for young people between the EU and the UK.

Railways Under Tories Are 'Symbol Of National Decline', Labour Declares

Britain's railways have become a "symbol of national decline" under the Conservatives, the shadow transport secretary has said, announcing Labour's plans to nationalise the rail network within five years in government.

Indian Election Muslims Work To Avert Polarisation In Key State

The sun scorched the carpeted car park at Mudipu Junction outside Mangalore in Karnataka state as volunteers arranged rows of red plastic chairs and placed mounds of biryani and fruit on the table for a public iftar, the moment Muslims break their fast during Ramadan.

Global Leaders Call On Hamas To Free Dual-National And Israeli Hostages

The leaders of 18 countries including the UK and the US have called on Hamas to free Israeli and dualnational hostages held in Gaza.

First Memorial To Be Built To 'Lost Legion' Of LGBT Armed Forces Staff

Britain's first memorial commemorating the "lost legion" of LGBT people who have served in the armed forces is to be built at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Brighton rocked by ruthless Foden and De Bruyne

Almost ten years ago to the day, Steven Gerrard slipped, Liverpool lost control of their destiny in terms of the Premier League title race and Manchester City nipped in to win it.