Modelling of the UK's proposed 'smoke-free generation' law — which would ban tobacco sales to people born in 2009 or later from 2027 — suggests smoking among 12–30-year-olds could fall below 5%, and projects about 88,000 additional healthy life years by 2075 compared with no new law.
Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn tells The Independent that daily masturbation, especially in the morning, can support mood and aspects of sexual wellbeing; she also describes three pillars of sexual wellness: relational, social and personal.
A loggerhead turtle found cold-stunned on a Jersey beach has been warmed gradually and moved to Weymouth Sea Life centre, where staff report she spent her first night in quarantine and has begun eating; rehabilitators plan months of care before a planned release into warmer seas.
Authorities confirmed nine deaths and said nearly 1,500 people were evacuated after Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar; the storm has since weakened to a moderate tropical storm moving inland.
The article reports Reform UK proposed a £3bn hospitality tax cut funded by reinstating the two‑child benefit cap, and HMRC figures suggest the plan would cost about £10bn more than accounted for.
The government and the Royal College of Nursing have agreed measures to raise graduate nurse pay and introduce a national preceptorship. Employers will review Band 5 roles and extra funding is pledged to support any resulting pay uplifts.
Luton Town said a man who sent racist messages to striker Elijah Adebayo has been banned from matches for four years after pleading guilty; the club said players and staff have faced repeated online abuse.
West Sussex Mind will hold its first Kilo Sale at Southwick Community Centre on Saturday 21 February 2026 from 11am–3pm; visitors pay by the weight of selected second‑hand clothes (£20 per kilo) and all proceeds will support the charity.
PIP can support people with many health conditions and awards are based on how a condition affects daily living or mobility. Payments normally start from the date the claim is lodged and are usually paid every four weeks.
Greenland-born Sondre Slettemark finished 62nd in the 20km individual biathlon at Anterselva and said he was proud to be an Olympian; he will race the 10km sprint on Friday with a chance to qualify for the 12.5km pursuit.
