FTSE 100 firm DS Smith, which works with firms over alternatives, urges next government to match global standardsWhoever wins the UK general election must tighten regulations to slash the use of plastic packaging, match global standards and drive “green consumption”, the boss of one of the sector’s biggest manufacturers has urged.Miles Roberts, the...

Shaheen claims party has ‘problem with black and brown people’ after panel stops her standing in London seatUK politics live – latest updatesFaiza Shaheen, the candidate blocked by Labour from standing in Chingford and Woodford Green, has announced she will challenge the decision in the courts, claiming she has faced “a systematic campaign of racism,...

Gary Priddle from Exeter given community order after 10 animals died when heating failed over ChristmasAn animal enthusiast has admitted dumping the bodies of 10 giant tortoises in Devon woodland after they died from the cold when the heating failed over Christmas.Gary Priddle, 56, an electrician who kept more than 50 tortoises at his home in Exeter,...

Brick Fest Live promised lifesize models and rare collectibles but disappointed visitors of all agesAn event advertised as the “UK’s biggest Lego festival” has been called a “complete rip-off” by attendees who described it as a half-empty room with piles of bricks.Brick Fest Live, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham over the bank holiday weekend,...

Jamie Ray Mills, 50, is scheduled to be put to death after he was convicted of bludgeoning an elderly couple 20 years agoAlabama is set to execute a man on Thursday evening who was convicted of bludgeoning an elderly couple to death 20 years ago to steal prescription drugs and $140 from their home.Jamie Ray Mills, 50, is scheduled to be put to death...

Critics fear law could stop bystanders from holding police accountable by preventing them from filming officersCritics of a new Louisiana law that makes it a crime to approach within 25ft (7.6 meters) of a police officer under certain circumstances fear the measure could hinder the public’s ability to film officers – a tool that has increasingly been...