Senior bishop, leader of the Church of England and head of the Anglican Communion
Two passenger trains bound for London collided near Bedford on Friday evening. One driver has died, and dozens are injured with hospital treatment ongoing. RAIB and British Transport Police are investigating as officials urge patience while facts are gathered.
Keir Starmer has delivered a formal parliament apology for historical forced adoption practices in England and Wales (1949–1976). The government has committed a £4 million package to help victims access records, reconnect families, and fund research on long-term impacts. Campaigners welcomed the move after decades of advocacy, noting ongoing needs for trauma support and record access.
The UK government has issued a formal apology for the state’s role in forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976, acknowledging harm to mothers, children and families. A £4 million package will fund access to adoption records, reconnecting relatives, and research into long-term impacts. The apology is supported by devolved administrations and follows earlier apologies from religious institutions.
Public mourners gathered at Buckfast Abbey for Ann Widdecombe’s private requiem, following her death on 8 July at 78 after a fatal assault. The service featured tributes from family, political figures and clergy. A public memorial is planned later this year, with donations split between Leprosy Mission and Abound India.