Blackpool, once the most famous town in British politics, is today back on the political map.

"When Finn was born, I turned to Ruth and said, just wait. He'll cry, he'll cry… But he never did," says Martin, wiping tears from his eyes.

US users were responsible for most posts on X mentioning the location of a recent violent protest in Ireland in recent days, data obtained by Sky News shows.

Chinese manufacturers receive nine times more government support than their Western counterparts, according to calculations from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which help explain the country's complete dominance in so many sectors, from solar panels and batteries to steel.

The UK is increasingly vulnerable to the threat of missiles and drones after decades of cost-saving cuts eroded its once world-class air defences, military sources and Cold War veterans have warned.

"When Finn was born, I turned to Ruth and said, just wait. He'll cry, he'll cry… But he never did," says Martin, wiping tears from his eyes.

Catholic nuns in Texas are defying the Pope and could be excommunicated amid what they say is a "hostile takeover" of their monastery.

John Swinney is expected to declare his bid to become the new leader of the SNP later today, Sky News understands.

An "animal-centred internet" - which could allow pets to interact with each other as well as humans - may be possible, scientists have suggested.

Polls are to open for the local elections across the country, with the added extra of a by-election on the same day.