British digital radio station owned by News UK, a joint operation with The Times and The Sunday Times.
The defence secretary and allied ministers have resigned amid tensions over the Defence Investment Plan. The government has promised a defence boost, but critics say the funding is insufficient and backloaded. A new defence secretary has been named as the PM stays in post.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) has been published, detailing a 2.7% of GDP defence spend by 2029 with a 3% target in the next Parliament. The plan shifts funding away from road and energy projects to weapons, drones, and naval capabilities, while promising efficiencies and a long-term upgrade in nuclear deterrence. Several ministers have resigned over the funding levels amid a controversial rollout that may be revisited by a new prime minister.
The Amos review has recommended appointing a national maternity and neonatal commissioner to drive urgent reforms in England. Ministers are now pursuing this plan, signaling a turning point after years of concerns about safety, listening to women, and discrimination. An accompanying 10-point plan sets out actions to improve triage, staffing, capacity, and accountability.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will leave Elon Musk’s platform X, joining the Attorney General’s Office in suspending official posts. The move comes amid scrutiny of X’s handling of misinformation, racist content and online safety, with Ofcom investigations and past government actions raising pressure as violence and protests linked to recent incidents unfold.
The Reform UK leader has quit as an MP to trigger a Clacton by-election, arguing the people of Clacton should judge his actions amid ongoing scrutiny over a 35m gift and separate fundraising allegations. Most major parties are not fielding candidates, leaving Count Binface as the primary challenger; the by-election carries potential legal and financial implications for Farage and Reform.
The dispute over moving the Mexico City kick-off and related disciplinary actions around Balogun has been resolved. FIFA has kept the start time, while discussions highlighted the PM’s and US President’s differing approaches to interference and safety concerns.
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, 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.
The government has taken British Steel into public ownership to protect steel production in the UK, secure thousands of jobs, and safeguard national infrastructure. Parliament has enacted new powers allowing state intervention, with ministers aiming to stabilise the plant, back communities, and modernise the sector toward green steelmaking.