British Isles
London: three grim days see stabbings, murder investigation, shooting, collisions
A series of violent incidents across London in late January has left communities shaken, with multiple stabbings, a confirmed murder, a shooting and several serious road collisions reported within three days. Among the…
Gang jailed over guns and £288m drug operation
Four members of an organised crime gang have been jailed following the discovery of a vast firearms and drugs operation based in Wigan. Police uncovered an industrial-scale tablet manufacturing set-up capable of producing…
Chinese mega-embassy approved by Government despite security concerns
The Government has approved plans for a large new Chinese embassy near the Tower of London, ending years of debate over security concerns. The site, purchased by China in 2018 for over £200…
House of Lords backs ban on social media for under-16s
Momentum is growing in parliament for a ban on under-16s using social media, after the House of Lords backed a key amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The proposal would require…
Inflation rises for first time in five months - but one-off factors blamed
UK inflation has risen for the first time in five months, increasing to 3.4% in the year to December. The rise, though higher than expected, is widely attributed to temporary factors rather than…
Government launches £15bn Warm Homes Plan
The Government has launched a £15 billion Warm Homes Plan aimed at expanding solar power, heat pumps, and other green technologies across households over the next five years. The scheme seeks to triple…
MPs debate removal of immunity provision from new legislation
MPs are debating plans to remove the immunity provision from legislation addressing unresolved crimes from the Northern Ireland Troubles. The Government is seeking approval for an order to overturn elements of the previous…
Incoming Archbishop defends £100m slavery reparations fund
The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has defended the CofE’s £100 million slavery reparations fund amid growing political and internal opposition. Writing to MPs and peers calling for the plan to be…
Chinese super embassy in London 'could spy on the whole of Europe'
Concerns are growing in the UK over plans for a vast new Chinese embassy in London, amid warnings it could become a major hub for espionage across Europe. Unredacted planning documents reveal a…
‘Critical incidents’ at NHS hospitals as winter viruses surge
Six NHS hospital trusts across England have declared critical incidents as winter pressures intensify, driven by rising flu cases, norovirus, Covid, staff sickness, and delayed discharges. Nottingham University Hospitals and Sherwood Forest Hospitals…
