The law-making assembly of a state
The government has pledged to end Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) jail terms by the end of the current Parliament, aiming to ease prison capacity and recalibrate early-release plans. Leaders stress fairness and public protection, while a cross-party oversight group will guide releases. Data shows thousands remain imprisoned on IPP terms, with recalls extending stays.
The Scottish government has not funded the implementation of a standalone sexual offences court and related measures, despite reforms to end the not proven verdict. Crown Office warns Holyrood that resources are not in place as rape and sexual violence statistics rise, with ongoing calls for timely delivery of promised protections.
UK ministers are pushing new schemes to tackle Neet levels as government-backed opportunities expand. Reports show over a million young people are economically inactive, with work schemes at Boots and new guarantees shaping the debate.
Starmer has announced he is stepping down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years, triggering a by-election. He has cited a shift in focus to international affairs and other issues. The leadership transition follows Labour leadership changes and electoral pressure within the party.
The US is reviewing a position on the Falkland Islands amid reports it could pressure allies to meet defence spending targets. Britain reiterates the islanders’ wish to remain British, while Argentina’s claim remains unresolved. The UK warns that sovereignty rests with the islanders and will defend their right to self-determination.
The government has signalled a new push on England’s social care system, with talks among Labour, Liberal Democrats and Conservative figures seeking a cross‑party consensus. The plan centers on a national care service, better pay for care workers, and a Casey review upgrade, while promising to fund reforms from existing budgets and avoid immediate tax rises.
The new Prime Minister has launched a UK‑wide listening tour to hear people’s cost‑of‑living concerns. He has unveiled measures including VAT cuts on energy bills, a bus‑fare cap, and business‑rates relief for pubs and venues, while signalling further action in the budget and on high streets. He is travelling to communities to inform a long‑term plan.
Nigel Farage has faced renewed questions about a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire and related undisclosed liabilities as Reform UK seeks to regain momentum ahead of Clacton by-elections. Several outlets report that discussions about Reform’s finances occurred before his return to frontline politics, with investigations paused as he stands in the by-election.
Photographs released by Myanmar's Presidential Press Office have confirmed Aung San Suu Kyi has met the International Committee of the Red Cross in Naypyidaw, providing the first independent visual confirmation of her condition since the 2021 coup. Her son, Kim Aris, has said he feels relieved but demands independent verification and family access.
Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, reverting to its traditional designation. The government says the move strengthens national identity and heritage; the UN and several foreign ministries have updated their listings accordingly. A referendum was not pursued, with lawmakers endorsing the change after “extensive discussions.” The transition will also affect the country’s international code and demonym.
Clashes have intensified between Ethiopian federal forces and the TPLF in western Tigray near the Sudan border. Civilians are fleeing, and both sides accuse the other of violating the Pretoria peace deal. The fighting follows months of deteriorating relations since the Pretoria agreement and raises fears of a wider conflict in the region.
Ousted Bangladeshi premier Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to Bangladesh, insisting she must answer to her people. Speaking via videolink from New Delhi on the second anniversary of the 2024 uprising, she has pledged to confront the charges against her while Bangladesh seeks extradition and India says the request is under review. A memorial museum marks the uprising as Dhaka and New Delhi navigate a fragile reengagement.
Four US-based rights organisations have filed a federal lawsuit in New York challenging last year’s executive order that authorised US sanctions on International Criminal Court judges, prosecutors and groups that cooperate with the court. The complaint has argued the measures have forced them to curtail work, violated constitutional rights and unlawfully interfered with international justice.
The Guardian, The Mirror and Independent quote Labour figure Andy Burnham revealing his wife Marie-France van Heel doubted his bid for leadership, saying 'Not again' amid his renewed ambition. Burnham says the idea is to be radical about social care and to work with other parties to find long-term solutions.
Health ministers push binding national maternity standards and a new commissioner to end postcode gaps, following multiple investigations into failures. The plan aims to improve patient experience and address racial inequalities in maternity care.
Myanmar’s military-led government is pushing a calibrated path to regain ASEAN engagement and regional legitimacy after more than five years of isolation following the 2021 coup. Bangkok hosts Min Aung Hlaing for high-profile diplomacy with Thai leaders and business forums, while critics warn such engagements may prolong the civil war and bolster the regime.
David Owori, 27, captain of SC Villa, has died after being attacked while resisting a robbery outside his Makindye home. He helped SC Villa win a record 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024 and represented the Uganda Cranes. Police are pursuing suspects; tributes pour in from FUFA, Parliament, and fans.
Andy Burnham has paused the early release of prisoners while reviewing eligibility, with some killers and grooming offences still eligible. The move follows political pressure and the ongoing strain on prison capacity, and signals further balancing acts ahead as the Sentencing Act comes into effect.
Nigel Farage has triggered a by-election in Clacton after stepping down. Major parties are not fielding candidates amid questions over a £5m gift and possible standards investigations. Count Binface is a notable independent contender as voter turnout and polling shape the race.
The Hungarian Parliament confirms Andr?s Baka as transitional president, as the ruling party pursues a sweeping constitutional overhaul that tightens control over media and judiciary. The move comes after Tisza-led reforms dismantle Orbán-era institutions and set the stage for a new constitutional order.
A total solar eclipse has crossed parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from the UK since 1999. Scientists have used airborne and balloon experiments to study the Sun's corona and the event has drawn large crowds despite patchy clouds and local viewing limits.
The Electoral Commission has paused vote counting amid reports of violence and theft of ballot papers. Bishops warn that delays undermine election credibility, while the government and opposition accuse each other of irregularities. Official results are expected soon as observers monitor the process.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election with a reduced majority, while Count Binface punctuates the race as a satirical counterpoint. With no major parties running, the race becomes a barometer for Brexit-era politics and Reform UK’s standing. Turnout sits around 44%, and the contest features a crowded field of 34 candidates.
Heathrow reports July traffic near 7.86 million, down 1.5% from last year, while Istanbul remains Europe’s busiest hub. The airport argues expansion is essential to restore UK leadership and support growth after a summer peak, with new routes from ITA Airways, Alaska Airlines and Riyadh Air highlighting demand.
Lebanon has passed legislation abolishing the death penalty and replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. Parliament has also approved a separate general amnesty law that will reduce some long sentences and free inmates detained more than 12 prison years while awaiting trial; the measures respond to severe prison overcrowding and political pressures.
The Independent reports MPs and activists push for a judge-led panel to review IPP sentences, as Labour and UN scrutiny intensify pressure to resolve decades-long injustices and reduce overcrowding.
Count Binface is challenging Nigel Farage in Clacton with a high-profile media presence and satirical pledges, amid a field of nearly three dozen candidates. Farage resigned to trigger the by-election; major parties boycott, citing a political stunt. The race also spotlights Binface’s creator, Jon Harvey, and his long-running spoof political career.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has cast his vote in Lusaka, launching a one-day election that will decide his bid for a second term amid concerns over rising living costs. Voters are also choosing Parliament members and local councilors; results are expected on Monday. Hichilema faces 13 challengers, with opposition leader Brian Mundubile seen as his main rival.
Incheon International Airport has become the world's busiest international hub in the first half of 2026, overtaking London Heathrow as disruptions from the US-Iran conflict redirect passengers to Asia. Heathrow remains under pressure to expand as Istanbul overtakes it in Europe, while Dubai declines.
Nigel Farage has secured a by-election victory in Clacton with 22,239 votes (63.34%), defeating Count Binface as major parties boycotted the race. Turnout was 44.37%. The result follows Farage’s resignation in July, with an investigation into a £5m undeclared gift continuing.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes after resigning in July; Count Binface has taken a record 9,455 votes (26.9%), the best-ever result for a novelty candidate. Major parties boycotted the contest and a parliamentary investigation into a a35m gift to Farage has resumed.
France’s Constitutional Council has ruled that the law banning under-15s from opening social media accounts is unconstitutional, finding the bill fails to set limits for age verification and disproportionately infringes freedom of expression and privacy. President Emmanuel Macron has asked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to draft a revised, legally robust proposal before spring 2027.
The ACT has agreed to participate in a nationwide gun buyback scheme following the Bondi attack, with details still being finalised. NSW and the Commonwealth have outlined phased compensation, while other states weigh participation. The scheme aims to remove high-risk firearms and strengthen safety.
Australia has pressed Israel for justice for Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024. Israel has decided not to prosecute those involved, citing serious failures but no criminal misconduct. Australia warns this falls far short of accountability and says it will pursue all avenues, including legal options, while consulting the Frankcom family.
Protests surge as Tunisia faces extreme heat, water and power shortages, with opposition groups criticizing President Kais Saied’s leadership. Demonstrators demand restored public services, release of detainees, and steps toward political reform amid ongoing economic strain.
Iran faces intensified pressure from U.S. sanctions while the Strait of Hormuz remains bottlenecked. Washington warns of the toughest sanctions yet; Tehran vows crushing responses. Iraqi tankers seek passage; global oil flows are at risk.
New Zealand's government has introduced a bill requiring social media platforms to verify users are over 16, with penalties of up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance. The measure is debated in Parliament, with coalition partners divided and opposition undecided, as lawmakers race to act ahead of elections.
Japan’s lawmakers are in Beijing to restore channels after Tokyo’s Taiwan remarks soured ties; discussions with Chinese officials run through Thursday as both sides seek to mend diplomatic and economic links.
The US Treasury has announced "Operation Economic Outcast," expanding secondary sanctions and targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping to sever Tehran's revenue streams. Washington has designated about 60 individuals, companies and vessels worldwide; Iran says it is prepared with contingency plans and vows to pursue both defence and diplomacy.
Parliament has backed Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi as the new Vice President, following Emmanuel Nchimbi's resignation. The approval comes after CCM’s unanimous endorsement and a high-profile transition amid post-election unrest and calls for constitutional reform.
The government has expanded the early-release scheme to exclude those convicted of unlawful killing, manslaughter, and other serious offences. Prime Minister Burnham says hundreds will remain in prison as the system is reformed, with extra space created by deporting foreign offenders and ending certain indefinite sentences. A review will publish this autumn as Parliament returns.
Guinea-Bissau has approved a constitutional change moving to a stronger presidency, granting the president power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet and to dissolve parliament. The referendum, organised by the military government after last year’s coup, also reduces parliament seats from 102 to 65 and redraws constituencies ahead of December elections.
Essex County Council has announced a three-month trial to deploy private security to town centres in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford as migrants travel from Wethersfield to access local services. The plan expands the Wethersfield base population from about 800 to 1,220 and is part of a broader effort to end asylum hotels and move residents to alternative accommodation. The Home Office says there is no evidence of increased crime linked to migrants. Critics say the scheme is a costly political gesture.
The Conservative leader has carried out a reshuffle of her shadow cabinet ahead of Parliament’s return and the party conference in October. Andrew Griffith is replacing Sir Mel Stride as shadow chancellor, while Claire Coutinho becomes shadow business secretary. Dame Priti Patel and Tom Tugendhat move into other senior roles as part of the changes.
Human Rights Watch reports a systematic crackdown on civil society in Tunisia, with arrests, prosecutions and mass suspensions aimed at shrinking civic space. By late 2024 through 2026, at least 47 people linked to NGOs have been prosecuted, with 14 convicted and several organizations dissolved or blocked from operating.