Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Blue Islands flight makes emergency landing after engine issue

Despite the strong winds, the flight landed successfully with no injuries reported

Blue Islands flight

The aircraft has a capacity of 70 passengers

Blue Islands

A Blue Islands aircraft travelling from Birmingham to Jersey was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after take-off on Sunday due to technical issues with one of its two engines.

The aircraft, which has a capacity of 70 passengers, departed at 15:00 BST. Despite strong winds, the flight landed safely and no injuries were reported.


Passenger, crew and aircraft safety remains the airline’s top priority, a spokesperson confirmed. They added that the crew followed standard procedures throughout the flight and that the affected engine remained under control during the incident.

Passengers were provided with accommodation and meals on the night of the disruption.

Leanne Rowe, a passenger travelling with her family, described the experience as “pretty scary”.

The pilot, who managed the situation calmly and efficiently, received praise from those on board.

Birmingham Airport confirmed that the aircraft was diverted without causing any runway disruption. Fire engines were on standby as a precaution.

Following a detailed review, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded that no further formal investigation into the incident is required.

More For You

Stephen Timms

Stephen Timms MP visited St Paul’s Cathedral to explore the East India Company Trail and meet community contributors highlighting South Asian perspectives on Britain’s imperial history. (Photo: X/@stephenctimms)

X/@stephenctimms

Stephen Timms MP explores East India Company Trail at St Paul’s

Rt. Hon. Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister of state for the department of work and pensions, visited St Paul’s Cathedral on 23 July during South Asian Heritage Month to experience the East India Company Trail and meet community contributors involved in the project.

At the Chapter House, he met Sandra Lynes Timbrell, Director of Visitor Engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral, who presented the collaboration with Stepney Community Trust. The initiative reflects on Britain’s imperial history in South Asia through cathedral monuments linked to the East India Company.

Keep ReadingShow less
Meghnad Desai tribute: A peer who carried his learning lightly

Meghnad Desai (1940-2025)

Meghnad Desai tribute: A peer who carried his learning lightly

Lord Meghnad Desai, who has died, aged 85, was one of the most erudite members of the House of Lords. But he carried his scholarship lightly and with an engaging sense of humour.

The Times noted he turned 85 on 10 July, only 19 days before his death on 29 July.

Keep ReadingShow less
Meghnad Desai, UK economist and peer, dies aged 85

Lord Meghnad Desai (1940-2025)

Meghnad Desai, UK economist and peer, dies aged 85

Lord Meghnad Desai, the British Indian economist, author, and peer in the House of Lords, has died at the age of 85, sources close to the family confirmed on Tuesday (29).

Desai is understood to have passed away in hospital in Gurugram, India, following a health complication. His death was confirmed by family contacts in London.

Keep ReadingShow less
court-representational

The men avoided deportation nearly a decade ago by renouncing their Pakistani citizenship to claim statelessness, and remain in the UK despite repeated court rejections, as Pakistan had refused to accept them. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Rochdale grooming gang ringleaders may be deported to Pakistan this year

TWO ringleaders of the Rochdale grooming gang, Qari Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan, could be deported to Pakistan by the end of the year, according to a Pakistani government official.

The UK has been trying to deport the pair for years following their convictions. Negotiations have intensified since the UK lifted its five-year ban on Pakistani International Airlines (PIA) in July. The Times reported that Pakistan has used the case of Rauf and Khan as leverage in efforts to remove the airline suspension.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave 2025

London and Midlands expected to reach highs of 28–30°C

iStock

UK heatwave set to return, temperatures could reach 31°C across southern England

Highlights

  • Temperatures forecast to peak at 31°C in parts of southern England from 5–7 August
  • Cities including Bournemouth, Southampton, and Bath to see hottest conditions
  • London and Midlands expected to reach highs of 28–30°C
  • Cardiff and Swansea could see temperatures rise to 27°C
  • Met Office predicts potential for hot spells in southern and eastern regions into mid-August

Heatwave expected to hit early August

Southern and central parts of England are expected to experience a sharp rise in temperatures from 5 August, with forecasters predicting a brief but intense heatwave. According to WXCHARTS weather maps, temperatures could climb as high as 31°C in several areas.

The forecast comes after a cooler, unsettled end to July, with much of the UK experiencing overcast skies and lower-than-average temperatures.

Keep ReadingShow less