British Isles
Bank of England expected to cut interest rates
The Bank of England is widely expected to cut interest rates, reducing the Bank rate from 4% to 3.75% - its lowest level since February 2023. Analysts anticipate a close vote among the…
We need more people ready to fight, military chief says
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, has warned that the nation needs more people prepared to defend the country amid growing global instability and rising threats from Russia.…
Nine-year-old girl murdered in Weston-super-Mare
Weston-super-Mare is in deep shock following the tragic death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was fatally stabbed at her home on 15 December. The police confirmed that she died at the scene after…
Teachers to be trained to spot early signs of misogyny in boys
The Government has announced new measures aimed at tackling violence against women and girls by addressing harmful attitudes at an early age. As part of a long-awaited strategy, teachers will be trained to…
Two arrested after police say they will act against intifada chants
Police have arrested two people for racially aggravated public order offences after chants calling for 'intifada' were allegedly shouted at a pro-Palestinian protest in central London. The arrests followed a joint announcement by…
Bishops to take more time over same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops have decided to take more time before finalising proposals on same-sex blessings and clergy marriage rules, following continued disagreement across the Church. Meeting at Lambeth Palace, they did not…
X Factor finalist discovers the joy of faith
Singer-songwriter Talia Dean, once an X Factor finalist, discovered that fame brought none of the fulfilment she longed for. Though achieving what many dream of, she found herself exhausted, unwell, and deeply empty…
£3.5bn plan to halve homelessness unveiled
The Government has unveiled a £3.5bn national plan to end homelessness, aiming to halve long-term rough sleeping by 2029/30. Housing secretary Steve Reed described homelessness as 'one of the most profound challenges we…
Reeves admits Budget leaks were damaging and unacceptable
Rachel Reeves has condemned a series of Treasury leaks ahead of her recent Budget, calling them 'inaccurate, damaging, and unacceptable’. She insisted the disclosure suggesting that she had abandoned plans for an income…
Navy chief warns: fund defence or risk losing Atlantic to Russia
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Royal Navy, has issued a stark warning that the UK risks losing its long-held maritime advantage in the North Atlantic unless defence funding increases urgently. He…
