Public service broadcaster founded in 1922, UK
Andy Burnham has set out a plan to shift power out of Whitehall, pledging a 10-year mission to raise living standards through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure and utility reform as he makes his case to become prime minister. He has emphasised devolving taxes and moving parts of No 10 operations to the north to deliver "good growth in every postcode."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary standards inquiry over a £5m donation from crypto magnate Christopher Harborne, with competing accounts of its purpose and use while questions over declaration persist.
Former Northern Ireland DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty on 18 counts of child sex offences, including rape, indecent assault and gross indecency, involving two women who were children at the time. His wife Eleanor is found unfit to stand trial but is deemed to have aided and abetted some offences. Sentencing awaits later this year.
Police Scotland has charged a 36-year-old man after five men were wounded in a sequence of attacks across west and north Edinburgh on 19 June. Videos show a bare-chested man carrying a long weapon and battering a restaurant door; three victims required hospital treatment. Counter-terrorism officers are supporting the inquiry and prosecutors have received a report.
In a heated PMQs, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch trade barbs over Labour’s plan to tax private school fees to fund teachers in state schools. Badenoch labels Phillipson a “spiteful class warrior” as the exchange spills into social media and prompts a call for decorum from the speaker.
The incoming UK prime minister is urged to boost defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 as experts warn current plans are too bare to deter threats from Moscow. A Defence Investment Plan is due to be published before the NATO summit, with ministers negotiating funding amid resignations in the MoD.
The royal accounts reveal Buckingham Palace will not serve as the monarch’s residence during the reign. Charles and Camilla will live at Clarence House, while the palace undergoes a £369m refit to modernize plumbing, wiring and heating. The Sovereign Grant is rising, and both royals have publicly disclosed tax payments, signaling greater transparency.
A government-ordered inquiry led by Donna Ockenden is set to detail failings across Nottingham University Hospitals’ maternity services, with hundreds of families contributing experiences amid ongoing police investigations and high fines for the trust.
Aldi has announced new UK store openings as competition among grocers intensifies amid inflation pressures. The expansion comes alongside ongoing inflation concerns, with retailers reporting mixed demand. Analysts note Aldi’s competitive pricing supports its growth strategy even as rivals face headwinds.
Scotland have faced Brazil in Miami in Group C. They have conceded costly goals and now wait to see if they advance to the knockout rounds. Manager Steve Clarke has acknowledged mistakes while John McGinn says the players are gutted but committed.
Qantas unveils a non-stop London–Sydney service using ultra-long-haul jets, aiming to cut about four hours from the journey. The route will launch in October 2027, with redesigned cabin features and wellness measures to counter long-haul fatigue. The project follows earlier long-haul wins and faces questions about demand, pricing, and operational costs.
The UK has announced a plan to ban under-16s from major social media platforms by spring 2027, joining a global trend sparked by Australia’s earlier restrictions. Parents and experts say safeguards are needed while tech firms push back. Australia has already doubled penalties for breaches, with mixed results on compliance among youths.
A sweeping heat wave across Europe has pushed temperatures to new records, stressing power grids, transport and health systems. France, Germany, the Czech Republic and the UK have reported record highs, with authorities warning of heat-related risks as humidity worsens conditions. Hospitals are bracing for increased demand while governments consider measures to protect vulnerable populations.
The US and Iran have signed a short memorandum of understanding launching a 60-day negotiation to end the recent war. Israeli leaders and major American Jewish organisations have voiced concern — ranging from muted criticism to outright opposition — while at least one pro-Trump Jewish group has backed the framework. Negotiators have not yet produced a full, binding deal.
Researchers reveal a vast whale graveyard in the southeastern Indian Ocean, extending to depths of 7,000 metres and spanning hundreds of kilometres. The site hosts hundreds of fossil skeletons and five modern whale falls, highlighting a thriving deep-sea ecosystem that feeds on whale carcasses. The findings, published in Nature, deepen understanding of deep-sea life and whale evolution.
The UK government has announced plans to bar under‑16s from major social platforms and to restrict risky features, including livestreaming, stranger‑to‑stranger chats and romantic AI chatbots for under‑18s. Ministers say the measures will start next spring; critics warn the ban is rushed, risks driving children to unregulated services and could face legal challenges.
A no-confidence motion against Oxford Union’s Palestinian president, Arwa Elrayess, has failed after a heated forum. Elrayess argues Palestinians are routinely vilified, while opponents say the debate reflects ongoing tensions surrounding Palestinian advocacy. The debate follows scrutiny of messages attributed to Elrayess and broader disputes over how Palestinian issues are discussed on campus.
Maureen Beattie has been cast as Lear in a new Pitlochry Festival Theatre production adapted and directed by Finn den Hertog. The show, staged by artistic director Alan Cumming, has opened a run from 4 July to 1 August 2026 and reframes King Lear as a matriarchal tragedy performed by a largely Scottish company.
A rarely seen Gwen John portrait will go on display in Edinburgh this summer before a global tour in celebration of her 150th birthday. Young Woman with a Coral Necklace from 1900s will feature at Modern Two and join more than 200 works, with lenders and partners spanning Cardiff, Yale and Washington.
British forces have boarded and detained the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel. Royal Marine commandos and National Crime Agency officers have boarded the sanctioned vessel during a six-hour operation; the ship is being held off the south coast while authorities investigate and monitor for environmental or safety risks.
Budapest’s Pride march proceeds amid a shifted political landscape after Viktor Orbán’s defeat. Organisers report a peaceful event with security in place as LGBTQ+ rights remain a central focus, including discussions on adoption, gender recognition, and anti-discrimination protections.
The Defence Investment Plan has become a flashpoint as Dan Jarvis reviews the scheme and signals possible pressure on the Treasury. Healey’s resignation has sharpened debate over targets and timelines for defence spending, ahead of the NATO summit and G7 discussions.
The World Cup has introduced mandatory three‑minute hydration breaks in every half to protect players in North American heat. Broadcasters are gaining new advertising windows, while players and fans debate the pace and flow of the games. Incidents with Fox and other broadcasters have drawn scrutiny, but FIFA has upheld the rule and demanded adherence to return-to-action timing.
The UK government has announced plans to block children under 16 from major social media platforms and to restrict livestreaming and stranger contact on gaming services, following Australia’s model. Legislation is expected before Christmas with protections due to take effect in spring 2027; Ofcom will design "highly effective" age checks.
The Guardian reports a conflict around whether politicians can present the Today programme. Ofcom differentiates news from current affairs, affecting rules on who can host political programming. Other outlets weigh in on GB News and broader public broadcasting debates.
Cred’s leadership shift and Meta’s $900 million investment strengthen WhatsApp’s push into payments and business services. Kunal Shah departs Cred to lead WhatsApp; Miten Sampat becomes interim WhatsApp chief strategy officer as Cred scales toward an IPO.
Clarkson has disclosed an aggressive but early-stage cancer diagnosis. He has undergone prostate surgery and remains optimistic about continuing farming and the show. New episodes reveal the confrontation with his illness, with a potential sixth season on the horizon.
BBC has announced a planned cost-cutting drive to save about 500 million pounds over two years, with job cuts expected across BBC News and other divisions. The drive follows broader plans to reduce around 2,000 roles and reviews of channels and services as audiences shift online.
The U.S. Central Command has ended the maritime blockade of Iran’s ports in line with a signed memorandum with Iran, while U.S. and Iranian officials push a broader peace framework. Authorities say vessels may transit Hormuz without tolls for 60 days, and both sides signal continued engagement amid remaining regional tensions.
The BBC has suspended a second series featuring Ashley Cain after revelations of abusive and misogynistic comments he posted online. The corporation says it expects the highest standards and will review vetting processes as the drama around Cain unfolds while a cost-cutting round adds pressure on leadership.
A 13‑month‑old boy, Preston Davey, was murdered by his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, a teacher, after extensive abuse. His partner John McGowan-Fazakerley was jailed for 25 years. A safeguarding review is underway to examine missed warning signs and agency cooperation. Ministers have promised nationwide safeguards in response to the case.
Three pairs of conjoined twins, Olivia and Gianna in Riyadh; Mercy and Goodness in Abu Dhabi; and a fourth Filipino pair in Saudi care, have undergone or prepared for separation surgeries funded by national programs and charities. Updates show varying stages of recovery and ongoing post-operative care.
Oil shipments through the Hormuz Strait have increased since the US and Iran reached a deal, with several tankers moving through and sanctions being waived for a 60-day period. Analysts say traffic is climbing toward prewar patterns, though total exports remain below historic peaks.
Labour’s Andy Burnham is emerging as a potential alternative to Keir Starmer as polls show increasingly fragile support for the leadership amid a surge of Reform in local results and discussions about a possible leadership change. The Makerfield by-election victory underscores a progressive path for Labour, while the party’s top brass weigh next steps.
Lebanese conservationist Mona Khalil has died from wounds after an Israeli strike hit her home near Tyre on Mansouri beach. The Orange House project, which protected nesting sea turtles and trained volunteers, is mourned by environmentalists and communities who depend on coastal ecosystems.
Two trains south of London collided near Bedford, killing the driver and injuring many passengers. Emergency services responded quickly; investigations are underway to determine the cause as rail officials secure the scene.
Charles has published his personal tax information alongside royal accounts, marking a landmark move toward transparency. The Duchy of Lancaster and the Sovereign Grant are outlined, while questions remain about private assets and the extent of disclosed wealth. The accounts precede further releases as audits wrap up and scrutiny continues.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation as prime minister, with Andy Burnham poised to take over as Labour leader. Officials say Starmer has been consulting allies and weighing political realities after Burnham won a Makerfield by-election, a move that could trigger a leadership contest.
Two teenagers have pleaded guilty to a 2024 cyber-attack on Transport for London that disrupted Oyster and TfL services, affected millions of customers, and led to a broader crackdown on cyber-crime. Sentencing is set for July 15-16.
The government has announced plans to boost the visibility of trusted public service media on platforms like Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, aiming to counter misinformation. Proposals would require greater prominence for PSB content in feeds and search results, with potential crises-specific rules. Ministers are exploring widening PSB status and extending free-to-air protections for major sports on on-demand platforms.
Labour figures have moved toward a leadership handover as Sir Keir Starmer steps down. Andy Burnham is seen as the likely successor, with Wes Streeting’s endorsement strengthening his position. By-elections have boosted Burnham’s standing, while ministers weigh future roles and policy directions. The timeline remains uncertain as UK politics enter a rapid transition.
Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham is assembling a Downing Street team as he edges toward becoming prime minister. Rachel Reeves has backed Burnham and hints at a potential junior cabinet role, while allies push for stability in the Treasury. The field for chancellor remains unsettled amid internal debate over economic direction.
The Entry-Exit System (EES) has rolled out across Europe, requiring biometrics from travellers outside the EU. While some airports report smoother operations, others face hours-long queues, missed flights, and calls for flexibility to suspend checks during peak periods. Greece is offering exemptions, while Portugal plans extra border staff this July. The European Commission has allowed suspensions until September.
Labour leadership race appears to be consolidating around Andy Burnham as Sir Keir Starmer resigns. Reeves backs Burnham and asserts fiscal rules will guide the party's next government; a swift, orderly transition is anticipated with Burnham potentially taking office by mid-July. Other MPs weigh in on the process and potential challengers.
New police body-worn video shows Vickrum Digwa repeatedly lied to officers about being racially attacked after fatally stabbing Henry Nowak in Southampton. The footage confirms Nowak was not handcuffed as he died and shows delayed discovery of the fatal wound, triggering national outrage and an official review.
A major Nottingham maternity care review has found widespread failures across care, with 520 cases of harm graded as significant or major. The report calls for accountability and potential public inquiry, as families push for truth and reforms across the NHS maternity system.
The leadership contest around Andy Burnham is intensifying as Darren Jones rules himself out, citing a push to set out economic policy. The Guardian, The Scotsman, and The Guardian report Burnham is the strongest candidate, with Reeves, Miliband, Streeting and Cooper discussed for key roles. PMQs are imminent as Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation prompts a Labour leadership scramble.
De la Espriella has won the runoff by under a point and pledges to restore Colombia's ties with the United States and Israel, reversing Petro-era policies amid rising violence.
The government has earmarked three former MoD sites to house about 3,750 asylum seekers and extend current ex-military sites’ use. Labour pledges to end asylum hotels as hotel numbers fall since last year. Protests and local opposition persist in several communities.
The Home Secretary and Immigration Minister are in a public clash over care-worker visa rules. A Times op-ed by Mike Tapp has sparked calls for his sacking, while Downing Street says decisions will follow the ministerial code. The government is pushing a wide reform package on migration as opposition voices push back.