Texting whilst driving now has more severe penalties. Image: Wiki Commons (RogDel)

The penalty for motorists using a phone whilst driving has risen sharply with offenders now receiving 6 points and a £200 fine.

The rules, which come into force today (1 March), still apply if motorists are stopped at lights or queuing in traffic.

Department for Transport have released an advertising campaign to accompany the new legislation.

The impact of the changes will be felt by new drivers, who face losing their licence if found using their phones behind the wheel.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said,

It may seem innocent, but holding and using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury and even death to yourself and other road users.

Nigel Farage disavows knighthood aspirations.

Former UKIP leader, Nigel Farage has suggested that he has no ambitions for a knighthood, in an interview for BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme.

When pressed on the issue by John Humphrys, Mr Farage said he was ‘not particularly’ interested in a knighthood.

Why we won’t be calling Nigel Farage ‘Sir’ any time soon https://t.co/TlZQUXQX6j #r4today pic.twitter.com/LgN3F40Pqy

— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) March 1, 2017

Within the interview he continued his feud with UKIP’s only MP Douglas Carswell, accusing him of  ‘working for the Conservatives’ and calling for his expulsion from UKIP.

Mr Farage denied that the row was connected to claims that Mr Carswell blocked him from receiving a knighthood.

Heart Attack warning signs are ‘being missed’

One in six people who died of a heart attack in English hospitals, had warning signs that may have been missed according to research published in The Lancet.

The Imperial College researchers, who analysed all heart attack admissions and deaths between 2006 and 2010, found that 16% of those who died had been admitted to hospital in the previous 28 days.

Equip yourself with the skills to save a life – you never know when you might be needed: https://t.co/5hHrv07idz pic.twitter.com/FIDM6wldZn

— BHF (@TheBHF) February 11, 2017

Symptoms of heart attacks; such as chest pain, fainting and shortness of breath were apparent up to a month before some patients’ deaths.

The report authors highlighted that doctors may not have been alert to the potential for a heart attack as there was no apparent damage to the heart.

Wales celebrates St David’s Day

Celebrations to mark St David’s Day are being held across Wales today.

#StDavidsDay #Caernarfon castle happy St Davids Day #Wales #welsh pic.twitter.com/0K6lgUdvah

— peter byrne (@Peter_J_Byrne) March 1, 2017

The Senedd, which will be lit up in the colours of the Welsh Flag, will host an assembly including a showcase of music from children and young people.

The annual St David’s Day message will be delivered by, Wales’ first female bishop, Bishop of St Davids Joanna Penberthy.

MP’s have recently backed a call to allow St David’s Day to be a national holiday in Wales, much as St Andrew’s Day is in Scotland.

A bill to devolve the power will now be introduced by Lib Dem MP Mark Williams.