capital and largest city of England and the UK
A three-year-old has been pulled from a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon and taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious injuries. Police have arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder; he has been released on bail after being assessed as not fit for interview. The zoo has closed its Tropical House.
Keir Starmer has stepped down as UK prime minister after Labour MPs withdrew support, triggering a leadership contest that could install Andy Burnham as the next prime minister. The move follows a series of policy missteps and electoral losses that weakened Starmer’s grip on power. Leaders from rival parties and analysts say the party must unite to confront a rising Reform UK and a volatile political landscape.
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."
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.
The Princess of Wales has completed the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours. She is in remission from cancer and has spoken about life beyond diagnosis and the importance of holistic care.
A multi-country heatwave has pushed Europe to record temperatures, with the UK recording its hottest June day. Health alerts remain in place in parts of Europe as authorities warn of heat-related risks and disruptions to transport and daily life.
A 34-year-old Somali-born man has been charged with five counts of attempted murder after a vehicle hit pedestrians on Ealing Broadway. The suspect fled but was later arrested. Police say the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Several people were treated at the scene or hospital. The investigation continues.
A collision between two East Midlands Railway trains near Bedford has left one driver dead and more than 100 people injured. RAIB is investigating after a stationary train unexpectedly braked due to a fault in its AWS system, and a second train failed to stop, colliding at Elstow. Disruption is expected on the Midland Main Line as engineers work to recover the scene.
Wimbledon is balancing its tennis timetable with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as players and fans navigate late-night kick-offs and potential schedule conflicts. England’s World Cup run could affect players’ court times and viewing plans, with clubs enforcing ground rules about football during the Championships.
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.
Kevin Warsh has become Fed chair and faces inflation that remains above target. Markets foresee mixed paths: rates could rise or stay steady as data guides policy. Warsh is aligning policy with data, aiming for credibility on 2% inflation while Congress weighs in.
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 British man from Bournemouth has been arrested in Quito, Ecuador, on suspicion of beating Natalia Villalba to death in Bogote1 on 18 June and concealing her body in a suitcase. An Interpol Red Notice had been issued and Dorset Police assisted in locating him.
The Guardian, New York Post, Scotsman, and The Guardian review the new Supergirl film, praising Milly Alcock’s lead while criticizing pacing, tone, and ambition. They note rough character dynamics, uneven villainy, and moments that hint at promise for the DC universe.
Aryna Sabalenka faces a high-stakes moment as top players demand a bigger share of Grand Slam revenues, sparking a debate about prize money versus unity, with Serena Williams’ legacy cited to frame the discussion.
Trump has described Andy Burnham as “extremely liberal” and said Burnham is “the mayor of a town,” signaling a testing of the Labour frontrunner’s path to No. 10. The comments follow Burnham’s Makerfield by-election campaigning, during which Trump also criticized London’s mayor and reiterated calls on North Sea drilling.
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.
A wave of Guardian pieces explores unconventional uses for lettuce and stone fruits, from warm lettuce dishes to apricot and peach pairings, as summer harvests peak. Writers highlight nutrition, seasonal fruit quality, and practical kitchen ideas, with a focus on preparing produce beyond salads.
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.
British dining is gaining ground in New York as chefs reintroduce comforting classics with modern polish. Dame’s fish-and-chips and other British-inspired spots are drawing crowds, while regional U.S. chains focus on quality and customization amid inflation and changing eating habits.
Ten years after Brexit, Europe has moved on while the UK contends with its legacy. EU states see Britain as an ex-partner navigating a changed landscape; the UK faces ongoing questions about economic model, immigration rules, and future ties. Readers are guided through how this shift shapes politics and daily life.
Australia has secured a semi-final spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup after a 113-run win over Pakistan at Headingley, with Ellyse Perry delivering 71 and Georgia Voll scoring 39. Pakistan’s chase was dismantled by Perry, Voll and the Australian bowlers, as Mooney’s fitness remains a concern.
Bad Bunny has headline-d two sold-out nights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, celebrating Latin American culture while emphasizing community ties. His La Casita stage, a replica Puerto Rican home, anchors a three-hour, genre-spanning performance that blends salsa with modern hip-hop and reggaeton. He has not toured the US this time, citing ICE concerns.
South Korea has launched a major plan to deploy tens of thousands of drones across its armed forces, aiming to make drones a universal combat tool and reduce dependence on Chinese components. The plan includes 60,000 drones by 2029, with 11,000 introduced this year, and focuses on training 500,000 drone operators. Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back says drones will be standard equipment for individual soldiers, backed by AI and loitering munitions.
PMI flash data show UK services and manufacturing activity contracting in June, with the composite index at 49.4, suggesting stagnation in Q2. Costs remain elevated amid Middle East tensions and energy price volatility, while services weakness offsets a manufacturing uptick.
Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa and NATO’s Allied Land Command, is relinquishing his post on July 2 as part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s drive to trim senior ranks. His deputy, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, will oversee duties in the interim. Donahue’s departure follows praise for his Afghanistan evacuation leadership and comes as the Army weighs downgrading Europe/Africa from four-star to three-star command.
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.
Chinese automakers have doubled electric-vehicle exports and are shifting production and R&D toward Europe as domestic demand cools. BYD has announced European assembly in Hungary and plans more local production; Xpeng says it will compete on quality rather than price. European OEMs are pivoting into defence contracts while Rivian has cut under 2% of staff as it begins R2 deliveries.
The Israeli government has announced that planning and construction powers in the H2 zone of Hebron will be transferred to Israeli authorities, while Palestinian and international actors condemn the move as unilateral and damaging to potential peace. The Hebron Protocol's status is invoked as a reference point in escalating tensions across the West Bank and Jerusalem.
England defeats West Indies by 38 runs at Lords to secure a place in the semi-finals, led by Danni Wyatt-Hodge's 65 and Heather Knight's 43; West Indies are eliminated from Group B contention after dropped chances and controversial umpiring decisions.
Federal regulators are directing grid operators to streamline interconnections for AI data centers, with data centers paying upgrade costs. The move aims to support AI growth while protecting consumers, but critics warn it could stress reliability and raise bills.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a Qatari-donated Boeing 747 that the Air Force has converted for presidential use and repainted in a red, white and dark-blue livery he chose. The jet will serve as a temporary Air Force One until two purpose-built Boeing 747-8s are delivered around 2028; the gift has prompted ethical and security questions.
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.
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.
EasyJet has rejected Castlelake’s fourth bid of 6.50 pounds per share but is engaging with the bidder and has extended the deadline for a potential offer. Castlelake aims to own a majority of the airline through an EU-based structure while keeping many shares offshore.
EY's Scotland attractiveness survey shows inward investment projects in 2025 declined 20% to 108, but Scotland remains the UK’s top destination outside London, with investors citing strong talent, infrastructure and sector strengths.
Global tech shares have pulled back after a rally in AI-related stocks. Benchmark indices in Asia show sharp declines, including South Korea’s Kospi, as investors reassess valuations amid rising chip costs and AI infrastructure spending. US futures show mixed signals as investors await key inflation data.
Gold and silver prices have eased as investors weigh hawkish central-bank signals and the potential for higher rates. Macquarie sees the path for bullion as range-bound this year, with 2026 forecasts nudging higher before a 2027 decline. Markets are pricing in a September rate hike.
The Tate brothers have 21 UK charges including rape and human trafficking. The High Court has dismissed their challenge to withholding the accusers' identities until proceedings commence in Britain. They await extradition from Romania, with UK charges to be pursued once in the UK.
The president has instructed the DOJ to investigate whether customers are being gouged as crude prices fall from wartime highs; gas at the pump remains higher than pre-war levels, with ongoing debates over how quickly prices will drop.
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.
Emergency services are conducting a multi-agency search at Testwood Lakes, near Totton, Hampshire, after a 15-year-old boy went missing while swimming. The incident coincides with a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures around 36C. The area is closed to the public while responders search, and authorities urge the public to avoid the site.
SpaceX and Tesla shares have pulled back, eroding Elon Musk’s trillionaire status after a record IPO earlier this month. Valuation slips follow a broad tech retreat as investors weigh AI optimism against rate fears.
Garfield AI has helped a freelancer recover £7,000 in unpaid fees after a May trial in Wandsworth County Court. The case marks a milestone for AI-assisted legal services and signals growing traction for robo-firms in the English legal system.
Anthropic says operators linked to Alibaba’s Qwen AI lab carried out the largest known distillation attack to extract Claude’s capabilities, using about 25,000 fraudulent accounts to run nearly 29 million exchanges. The claim is echoed by multiple outlets, with the White House and Congress urged to act.
A European heatwave has intensified, with temperatures surpassing 30C in multiple countries. Scientists say human-caused climate change has made such heatwaves more likely and severe, while authorities report rising strain on hospitals, power grids, and transport. The heatwave is prompting new warnings and policy responses across the continent.
Trump has described Andy Burnham as “extremely liberal” during a meeting with Nato’s Mark Rutte, casting doubt on Burnham’s prospect of opening the North Sea to oil exploration. Keir Starmer has resigned, and Burnham is emerging as the Labour leadership front‑runner. The dynamic reflects shifting U.K.–U.S. ties amid the Iran war.
Final Bear season closes a chapter in TV history. Carmy Berzatto resigns; Syd prepares final dishes as the restaurant faces the financial wind-down and a potential Michelin fate.
Britain is facing a leadership churn unseen in recent history as Keir Starmer has stood down, following a string of premiers in the last ten years. Analysts point to policy missteps and internal party dynamics as drivers of instability, with Andy Burnham now floated as a potential alternative. The row over pensioner benefits, welfare reform, and broader economic challenges has intensified scrutiny of governance and the Tory-Labour balance.
The Crown Estate has posted a drop in revenue account profit to £487m for the year, down from £1.1bn, with most of the decline tied to fading offshore wind option fees as wind farm projects move into construction. Net asset value, however, rose to £16.7bn amid higher property values. Marine profits rose to £175m, while real estate and development profits increased to £258m.