Market town in South Yorkshire, steeped in coal, steel, and river history.
Joshua Kerry has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism in connection with investigations tied to the murder of former Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe. The case, unfolding across multiple days in London courts, centers on alleged activity between May 2024 and July 2026, with Kerry due back in Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted from nearly 400 applications to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to develop full bids, with the winner receiving £3 million to host a year‑long cultural programme in 2028; runners‑up receive £250,000 each. The shortlist includes Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham. The decision will be made by an independent panel early next year.
Reform UK politicians face renewed scrutiny over protective security as counter-terror police lead the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death. Ministers are reviewing MP protection; Nigel Farage’s security package is under renewed debate after he reportedly declined a government offer.
Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her Haytor, Devon, home after sustaining serious injuries. Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham and counter-terrorism officers have taken over parts of the inquiry. Authorities say there is currently no information to indicate a political motive or that the attack is terrorism-related.
A 78-year-old former Conservative minister, Ann Widdecombe, has been found dead at her Devon home with serious injuries. Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham on suspicion of murder; investigators say there is no evidence of a political motive and the inquiry is ongoing.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, has been found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon; prosecutors have charged 28‑year‑old Joshua Kerry with her murder after his arrest in Rotherham. Counter‑terrorism teams have taken the lead and police are continuing to investigate whether the attack had a political or terrorist motive.
Nigel Farage has announced a by-election in Clacton as he faces ongoing parliamentary standards investigations over a £5 million gift and related donations. Main parties decline to contest, leaving Count Binface as his rival; observers question whether the move is a genuine bid for endorsement or a tactic to pre-empt scrutiny. The story is developing as police and investigators examine the funding sources.
Former MP Ann Widdecombe has been killed in Devon in a targeted attack. Police say a counter-terrorism inquiry is running alongside the murder investigation, with a 28-year-old suspect re-arrested on terrorism grounds. A University of Aberdeen staff member’s online comments are under review after stating the death was “good news.”
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, who was found with serious injuries at her Devon home. A 28-year-old man is in custody on terrorism-related suspicion after authorities say new information has come to light. The suspect was re-arrested amid ongoing inquiries.
Following the killing of Ann Widdecombe and a related arrest over a threat to Farage, Reform UK faces renewed security scrutiny. Counter-terrorism police are investigating the death; police report an arrest on suspicion of threatening communications to a MP in London.
The investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s killing is led by counter-terrorism police. A 28-year-old suspect remains in custody on terrorism and murder charges. Politicians call for a serious review of MPs’ security as officials warn of a rising threat and debate about taxpayer-funded protection continues.
Former MP Ann Widdecombe has been killed in a targeted attack on her Dartmoor home. A 28-year-old man is in custody as counter-terrorism police look into possible left-wing extremist motivation. The National Protective Security Authority has published guidance on safe rooms for high-risk figures, published online before Widdecombe’s death.
The 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister has died after a hammer attack at her home in Haytor, Devon. Joshua Kerry has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on charges of murder and possible terrorism offences. Prosecution says the assault occurred on 8 July, with Kerry remanded in custody as the investigation continues.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% business rates reduction for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, a package the government says will save a typical pub about £1,100 a year and cost roughly £100m. Ministers are proposing to fund it by reviewing reliefs for vape shops and cracking down on online tax non-compliance.
Mayors will keep a share of income tax and business rates from 2027-28, replacing central grants and empowering local areas to fund transport, housing and jobs. The reform is pitched as the biggest transfer of power in a generation, with details to be announced in the autumn budget as Burnham leads devolution push.
A 73-year-old farmer has been convicted of murdering Richard Dyson, whose body was found in a concrete-filled barrel on a Barnsley farm. Dyson’s daughter read a victim impact statement in court as the judge sentenced the killer to life with a long minimum term. A friend received a three-year sentence for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
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.
The government has reformulated a plan to release about 5,000 offenders early to ease jail overcrowding. Ministers are excluding some grooming and serious sex-offence cases from the scheme, but critics say the scope remains too broad and victims’ families remain outraged as the policy edge continues to shift.
Counter-terrorism police have reopened an April 2025 incident at Nigel Farage’s London home and identified a new line of inquiry not pursued at the time. The police watchdog is investigating conduct related to the earlier inquiry, while Farage says the development underscores the seriousness with which security services are treating potential threats to Reform figures.
Climate patterns have intensified this year, driving heatwaves, droughts and floods across multiple regions. Governments are mobilising finance, strengthening resilience, and adjusting policies as temperatures and rainfall shift. Aid budgets face pressure while activists warn of rising humanitarian needs.
Public Accounts Committee warns that nationalising British Steel lacks a credible long-term plan, with costs rising and uncertainty for workers. Government asserts commitment to a sustainable, decarbonised steel sector while evaluating options for SSUK and broader industry support.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published a Local Youth Opportunity Index showing a sixfold gap in suitable vacancies for 18-24-year-olds between the South and certain northern regions. Rotherham faces 46 vacancies per 1,000 youths, while the Cotswolds have 288. The report argues lack of opportunities, not unwillingness, drives Neet rates, and calls for targeted youth employment services and reforms to apprenticeships.
The government has faced rising inflation to 3.1% in August, driven by Middle East turmoil and higher fuel prices. Ministers are facing calls to act on the cost of living, with energy bills and transport costs under scrutiny ahead of the autumn Budget.
Forensic search at a High Green property has prompted evacuations. A 36-year-old woman has been charged under the Explosive Substances Act; several suspects are being questioned as the investigation continues.
Inflation has moved to a five‑month high of 3.1% as fuel prices and airfares climb, driven by Middle East conflict. The government has announced relief measures while stressing fiscal prudence. The Budget is six weeks away, and markets face higher borrowing costs amid a fragile headroom.
The government has pledged a £6bn package to upgrade Faslane naval facilities and fund UK-built floating docks and a marine research vessel, as part of a broader push to reindustrialise Britain. Rolls-Royce will invest £300m in British factories.
Healey has argued fiscal discipline underpins promises to rebuild the economy, unveiling a local Apprenticeships Service and promising welfare reform as part of Labour’s plan to balance the books while investing in skills and jobs.
The major UK parties are rolling out policies to address NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training). The BBC, The Mirror and The Guardian outlets report on proposals to replace or reform Universal Credit with work-focused schemes, including mandatory attendance, in-work wage subsidies, and possible benefit cuts for non-compliance. Critics warn about dignity, feasibility, and the risk of increasing poverty.