British Sunday newspaper; flagship of Times Newspapers Ltd, part of News UK/News Corp.
The government has announced that English mayors will gain the power to 'call in' planning decisions and grant upfront permission for developments meeting thresholds of 150+ homes, 15,000 sq m of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres. Ten of 14 devolved mayors back the move, aligning non-London areas with powers already held by the Mayor of London. The change aims to speed up housing and regeneration, with funding levers and levies to support infrastructure.
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.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a standards inquiry over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and questions about lobbying the Bank of England for crypto interests. The investigation follows a string of donor-related and financial disclosures that have unsettled the party and shifted public perception.
Burnham is poised to become prime minister, with a plan to shake up the political and economic landscape. He faces questions on housing, cost of living, and long-term strategy, while the economy awaits a new chancellor choice and clear fiscal plan.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warns that AI poses a Hiroshima‑style risk unless international rules are agreed. She outlines concerns over climate change, migration and foreign interference, and argues for a stronger UK‑EU relationship in security and trade.
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP to stand in a snap by-election in Clacton after facing scrutiny over a £5 million donation and related allegations. He claims the move lets the people judge him; opponents call it a distraction as investigations continue.
Nigel Farage has resigned as Clacton MP and has stood again in a by‑election set for 13 August after revelations about undeclared gifts and donations. Major parties are refusing to contest the seat; the campaign is dominated by novelty and fringe candidates such as Count Binface and Laurence Fox while parliamentary and criminal inquiries continue.
The Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday have won a high court ruling in their legal battle over alleged unlawful information gathering. Seven claimants, including Prince Harry and Doreen Lawrence, have lost their cases, with bills potentially reaching around £50 million. The decision highlights ongoing tensions between the press and public figures.
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.
Andy Burnham has been installed as prime minister and has promised immediate measures to give households "breathing room" on the cost of living. He has begun selecting a cabinet, signalled support for new North Sea drilling, and faces immediate fiscal and defence funding gaps that his first autumn Budget must fill.
Kenya Wildlife Service has reported that 15 elephants have died in the Amboseli ecosystem between 24 June and 24 July after showing paralysis and difficulty breathing. Preliminary tests have detected traces of cyanide in carcasses and tomatoes were found in stomachs. Investigations are ongoing into the cyanide source as farmers and conservationists dispute the cause.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has appeared as a mystery guest judge on MasterChef Australia, filing in for Andy Allen due to paternity leave. The broadcast features a surprise call from Prince Harry and highlights Meghan’s preferences and family life, as audiences react with mixed reviews to the Duchess’s appearance.
The case of Dr Lin Russell and her daughter Megan is being re-examined after witness statements to the CCRC name Raymond Buck as a possible killer. Michael Stone has served 29 years in prison for the 1996 hammer attacks; the CCRC is conducting further DNA analysis to test new theories and identify the true culprit.
Filming for Sam Mendes’s four-film Beatles biopic is underway near Abbey Road, recreating the iconic crossing with cast members in period attire. Fans and residents have been drawn to the disruption as studios confirm the project’s 2028 release window, with actors adopting the Beatles’ image for promotional sequences.
Isabelle Welsh suffered weeks of abuse, including 21 broken bones, before she collapsed at her Thornaby home in September. Her mother Alexandra Walker and her boyfriend Harrison Simpson have been jailed for murder and child cruelty, with Simpson also convicted of sexually abusing the child. Police say an outstanding arrest warrant for Simpson was not acted on promptly, prompting a review and changes in warrant tracking and governance.
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.
Rod Liddle, a controversial British columnist and former BBC Radio 4 Today editor, has died at 66. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and politicians, highlighting his wit and provocative voice, while critics note his history of targeting marginalized groups. The news is confirmed by multiple outlets, with ongoing updates on his legacy and influence in British journalism.
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.
A series of interviews and festival appearances highlight a lifetime in theatre, from Olivier-winning performances to enduring roles on stage and screen. New retrospectives and archival screenings showcase how a lifetime in performance continues to shape audiences worldwide.