Wetherspoons reveals sites for 18 new pubs – but only if no more lockdowns and rule changes

Wetherspoons has announced plans to open 18 new pubs and refurbish dozens more - but warned the investment was conditional on no more lockdowns and "constant changing of rules".

COVID ‘likely’ transmitted from bats to humans via unknown animal, WHO report says

The most likely origin for coronavirus was transmission from a bat to humans via an unidentified intermediate animal species, according to a long-awaited World Health Organisation (WHO) report due to be published today.

Hong Kong to vet all political candidates to ensure they are pro-China ‘patriots’ under new law

Hong Kong will vet all political candidates to ensure they are "patriots" under new laws that seek to remove any opposition and tighten China's control.

COVID ‘likely’ transmitted from bats to humans via unknown animal, WHO report says

The most likely origin for coronavirus was transmission from a bat to humans via an unidentified intermediate animal species, according to a long-awaited World Health Organisation (WHO) report due to be published today.

Climber’s body found on NZ mountain after 40 years – report

The body of a climber has been found on New Zealand's Mount Aspiring more than 40 years after he went missing, according to a report.

Gangs using ‘horrendous’ torture methods on kidnap victims involving blowtorches and waterboarding

Gangs in Manchester are increasingly using "horrendous" torture methods on kidnap victims involving blowtorches and waterboarding, a senior police officer has warned.

GHB to be reclassified as a class B drug after its use in ‘truly sickening crimes’

GHB will become a class B drug after the home secretary said it had been used in "truly sickening crimes".

PM joins world leaders to call for global treaty to prepare for next pandemic

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for a "new international treaty for pandemic preparedness and response".