TRANSPORT: Strikes by drivers working for First Bus in Greater Manchester have been called off after winning an “exceptional” pay deal worth 20 per cent, Unite announced today.

Under the two-year deal, members who were on £15 per hour will see pay rise to £16 immediately and backdated to April 1.

From October, this will rise again to £16.50 followed by further increments in January 2026 to £17 for weekdays, £18 on Saturdays and £19  for Sundays.

MOURNING: John Swinney expressed his sympathy to the Jewish community today following Thursday’s terrorist attack in Manchester, with flags at Scottish government buildings also flying at half-mast.

The First Minister has written privately to community leaders and he visited the Edinburgh Hebrew Community on Thursday evening.

He said his government will “do everything necessary” to ensure the continued safety of the Jewish community in Scotland.

PROTEST: Four pro-Palestine protesters have appeared at the Old Bailey accused of causing more than £1 million of damage at an arms factory.

Iain Evans, 32; Hisham Alkhamesi, 22; Bea Sherman, 22; and Hana Yun Stevens, 23; appeared by videolink from custody for a preliminary hearing this morning.

They have been charged with a single count of criminal damage at the Moog Aircraft Group factory in Pendeford, Wolverhampton, on August 26. A plea trial will take place on February 13.