Ellie Ng

The University of Cambridge will conduct an independent review of its appointment, tenure and HR processes alongside an investigation into Jason Arday’s appointment and time at the university. The review follows criticism from academics after Arday resigned amid allegations concerning plagiarism and other claims about his background and achievements. Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice said the case was an aberration and should not undermine the legitimacy or contributions of staff of colour. Liverpool John Moores University previously cleared Arday of wrongdoing, while Durham and Glasgow universities are examining his appointments and Jesus College has accepted his resignation.

A-level entries in the UK exceeded 900,000 for the first time, while the share awarded A or A* grades rose to 28.5%, the third consecutive annual increase and above the 2019 pre-pandemic level. The A* rate reached 9.6%, the overall pass rate held at 97.5%, and 78.4% of entries achieved C or above. Mathematics remained the most popular subject for the 13th year, with its scale and strong performance significantly influencing the overall figures; economics rose to fifth place, reflecting growing student interest in subjects associated with employment and earnings. Boys achieved slightly higher rates of top grades than girls. London recorded the highest proportion of A or A* grades among English regions, while Northern Ireland outperformed Wales and England. Scotland, which uses a different qualification system, also reported increased pass rates for National 5 and Higher qualifications.

The University of Cambridge will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Jason Arday’s appointment and tenure despite his resignation amid allegations of plagiarism and questions about other claims in his professional biography. The findings will inform reviews of senior academic appointments and research-misconduct policy. Cambridge academics, including Priyamvada Gopal, are demanding an independent, transparent inquiry, while Jesus College and the University of Glasgow have indicated they will conduct their own reviews. A previous Liverpool John Moores University investigation cleared Arday of wrongdoing. Academics also warned that the controversy could fuel racist attacks on diversity initiatives and harm Black scholars and the field of critical race studies.

Kemi Badenoch’s proposal to restrict social-housing eligibility for many foreign nationals and evict some existing tenants has been condemned by the National Housing Federation as dangerous and likely to increase homelessness, instability and division. Critics also warn that it could breach international obligations, trigger legal challenges and cost taxpayers more. The controversy comes amid anti-migrant unrest in Thetford, where police arrested five people over three nights and escorted residents from properties targeted by protesters who believed they housed asylum seekers.

Professor Jason Arday resigned from his senior position at the University of Cambridge amid plagiarism allegations and questions about his academic qualifications and appointment. Cambridge will continue investigating the circumstances of his appointment and tenure, with the findings expected to inform a review of senior academic appointments and research misconduct policies. Academics have also raised concerns that the case could fuel attacks on diversity and equality initiatives and discourage Black scholars from pursuing careers in higher education.

Professor Jason Arday resigned from the University of Cambridge after the university opened an investigation into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments following allegations of plagiarism and scrutiny of other claims about his past. Liverpool John Moores University reportedly cleared him of wrongdoing, while Cambridge and Jesus College began their own processes. Academics including Alan Lester and Kehinde Andrews warned that the case could be exploited by far-right opponents of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and deter Black scholars. Arday said he resigned because he had reached the limits of what anyone should reasonably be expected to endure.

The Universities of Kent and Greenwich have merged to form the London and South East University Group, described as the UK’s first “super-university.” The group will represent more than 50,000 students across four campuses, while both institutions retain their names, academic divisions and separate degree identities. The merger officially launches on 7 September and is intended to strengthen financial resilience amid growing warnings about deficits and possible insolvencies across the UK higher-education sector.

Religious education teacher Thomas Wilson, 38, was banned indefinitely from teaching in England after a Teaching Regulation Agency panel found that he sent sexually motivated messages to two former female students while they were under 18. The panel found that he sent one student a photograph showing his naked torso and part of his groin and concluded there was no plausible innocent explanation. It determined that his conduct put both students at risk of serious harm and was abhorrent and wholly unacceptable.

The Universities of Kent and Greenwich have merged to form the London and South East University Group, known as LASE, which has more than 50,000 students across four campuses and ranks as the UK’s third-largest university. The institutions will retain their separate names and academic identities while operating within the new group. The merger comes amid severe financial pressures across UK higher education, with the Office for Students warning that numerous providers face insolvency risks and potential deficits. LASE’s leaders describe the structure as a strong financial foundation and a possible blueprint for other universities.

Teacher Rafiqul Islam has been indefinitely banned from teaching in England after sending Instagram messages to a pupil at Friern Barnet School in 2022, including declarations of love and comments that she was cute. A Teaching Regulation Agency tribunal found the conduct sexually motivated and professionally unacceptable, rejecting Islam’s denial despite his claim that he was seeking companionship and believed the pupil reciprocated his feelings. The panel noted the clear upset caused to the pupil.

Rafiqul Islam, a former teacher at Friern Barnet School in north London, was banned indefinitely from teaching in England after sending a pupil an Instagram message declaring an “Edward Cullen type of love” and seeking a future relationship. A Teaching Regulation Agency tribunal found that his conduct was sexually motivated, breached safeguarding expectations, amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and could bring the teaching profession into disrepute. Islam denied sexual motivation, described his feelings as infatuation, apologised and acknowledged that contacting the pupil was wrong. The panel noted the distress caused to the pupil.

The government plans to introduce technical subjects for 14-year-old pupils from September 2028 as part of an effort to give vocational and academic education equal status and reduce youth unemployment. Teaching and school leaders’ unions broadly welcome the ambition but warn that underfunded schools and further-education institutions lack the staff, facilities and resources needed to deliver it. They also demand more detail, consultation and realistic implementation timelines. Academic Lee Elliot Major says technical routes will not achieve parity until league tables, parental expectations and employer recruitment practices stop favouring traditional academic pathways.

The UK Government will initially keep social media curfews for 16- and 17-year-olds voluntary, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson saying the policy will be reviewed as evidence and technology develop. The measures include default overnight restrictions, disabling addictive features such as infinite scrolling and algorithmic feeds, stronger safeguards around AI chatbots, media-literacy teaching and possible action against services offering dangerous mental-health advice. Ministers and the Children’s Commissioner support the proposals, while the Conservatives argue that teenagers can simply disable the curfew and want a stronger under-16 ban. The NSPCC says the changes are a useful start but warns they will not address harmful platform design without further measures.

New government-backed sex education lessons for 14- to 15-year-olds will address the influence of the manosphere and incel culture, warn that choking or suffocating a sexual partner can be an imprisonable offence, and teach consent, boundaries, and recognition of toxic behaviours such as gaslighting and phone snooping. Developed by Oak National Academy, the materials form part of the statutory updated RSHE curriculum beginning in September. Schools minister Georgia Gould said the changes are intended to help halve violence against women and girls.

Government-backed Relationships, Sex and Health lessons for 14- to 15-year-olds will explicitly warn that strangling or suffocating a sexual partner is a criminal offence potentially punishable by up to five years in prison. The Oak National Academy materials will also cover consent, personal boundaries, toxic relationship behaviours such as phone snooping and gaslighting, and the influence of manosphere and incel culture. The updated curriculum becomes statutory in England in September, with schools expected to use the resources to support sensitive classroom discussions and help prevent violence against women and girls.

Former headteacher Joy Ballard has been banned from teaching in England after a tribunal found that she deliberately changed Ryde Academy’s term dates to accommodate a personal cruise. The panel also found that she used school funds to buy items including a Peugeot car, karaoke machine, televisions and camping equipment for personal use. Ballard, who appeared on Channel 4’s Educating Cardiff and had won a Pearson Teaching Award, admitted the conduct but said she intended to benefit pupils. The prohibition may be reviewed in June 2028.

Pearson has delayed the release of Key Stage 2 SATs results for Year 6 pupils in England from 7 July to 16 July because of technical problems with its marking platform and internal data transfer systems. The company has apologized, while teacher unions have condemned the disruption to schools, teachers, parents and pupils. The Department for Education is considering financial penalties or terminating Pearson’s £180 million contract. The delay has also renewed calls to review or scrap the current national testing system, which campaigners say causes stress and is flawed.

Pearson has delayed England’s Key Stage 2 SATs results by more than a week, moving the expected release date from 7 July to 16 July because of technical problems with marking and data transfers. The Department for Education is considering financial penalties or cancelling Pearson’s £180 million contract, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the department is helping resolve the issue. School leaders and campaigners called the delay unacceptable and damaging, citing disruption to end-of-year reporting, staff wellbeing and secondary-school transitions, and renewed criticism of the wider SATs system.

Teachers in England are due to receive a 3.5% pay rise from September and a further 3% increase from September 2027. However, schools must fund the first 1% of each increase, prompting the National Education Union to consider industrial action over the risk of budget cuts and job losses. The government has pledged £1.8 billion for schools and £485 million for further education over two years, but other unions say this will not fully offset the financial pressure. Academy trust executives will also face a £174,000 pay cap from September.

Teachers in England could face industrial action after the government accepted pay rises of 3.5% from September and 3% from September 2027 but required schools to fund the first 1% of each award. The National Education Union is considering a formal strike ballot, arguing that schools must find £460 million from already strained budgets, potentially costing thousands of staff jobs. School leaders’ unions also warned of significant financial pressure, despite £1.8 billion in additional funding for schools and £485 million for further education providers. The government defended the settlement as a substantial investment and announced a £174,000 cap on academy trust executives’ pay.

Teachers face a partially funded pay settlement requiring schools to cover part of the cost, prompting unions to consider a strike ballot. The NEU and other education unions warn that the requirement will strain already overstretched school budgets despite additional government funding. Union leaders argue that the shortfall could lead to staffing cuts and question government spending priorities, while the Education Secretary maintains that the multi‑year deal provides stability and fair recognition for teachers.

The Department for Education defended allocating more than £700,000 to influencer marketing across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years. The department said the spending is a cost-effective way to promote childcare support and recruit teachers and early-years professionals, while critics including the Conservatives and the Association of School and College Leaders questioned whether it is an appropriate use of public money. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also defended featuring Gemma Collins in unpaid social-media content, arguing that influencers can reach audiences who might otherwise miss government schemes. The department’s overall marketing budget is expected to remain around £51 million annually.

The number of children and young people in England with education, health and care plans reached 718,838 in January, a 12.5% year-on-year increase and the largest rise since EHCPs were introduced in 2014. New plans and the number of EHCP pupils in mainstream schools also increased. School leaders and unions warn that growing demand, long waits, regional disparities and shortages of specialist staff are overwhelming schools, while arguing that the Government’s proposed SEND reforms are not adequately funded. From 2030, the reforms would introduce individual support plans for pupils and reassess some children’s eligibility for specialist provision.

Schools across England are closing early, offering optional early collection, or relaxing uniform rules as temperatures are forecast to reach 38C to 40C. The Department for Education says attendance should generally continue, but school leaders must take steps to keep pupils safe and comfortable. A red health warning covers six English regions, while the National Association of Head Teachers recommends measures such as limiting sun exposure, providing extra water and improving ventilation, and urges the government to modernize school buildings for increasingly hot summers.

Ofqual fined Cambridge English £875,000 after automated marking errors in IELTS tests gave 62,794 people incorrect English-language results between August 2023 and September 2025. More than 20,600 revised scores were higher, and 1,108 affected tests related to UK visa applications; four candidates had their visa eligibility directly affected before resitting successfully. Cambridge English accepted the breaches, spent more than £6 million on corrections, compensation and preventative measures, and offered refunds or resits to all affected candidates.

Year 6 teacher Joe Wilson falsely claimed illness to attend a friend’s stag party in Portugal in May 2023. A photograph of him holding a pint at an airport exposed the absence, and an investigation found that he had removed passport pages to conceal the trip. The tribunal found him dishonest and lacking integrity but chose to publish its findings rather than impose a teaching prohibition order.

Year 6 teacher Joe Wilson falsely claimed illness to attend a friend’s stag party in Lisbon in May 2023, then removed passport pages to conceal the trip during a school investigation. After initially claiming the photographs were from an earlier journey, he admitted to the Teaching Regulation Agency that he had fabricated the sickness absence and altered his passport. A tribunal found that he had acted dishonestly, lacked integrity and risked bringing the teaching profession into disrepute. It decided that a prohibition order banning him from teaching would be disproportionate, concluding that publication of the findings was sufficient.

The number of teachers in England’s state-funded schools fell by 1,907 to 466,372 between November 2024 and November 2025, despite Labour’s pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers. The Department for Education says it has delivered more than two-thirds of the target, counting increases in special schools and further education, while the National Education Union argues that the overall decline makes the promise meaningless. The reduction was concentrated in nursery, primary and secondary schools as pupil numbers fell, while special-school staffing increased. Unions and school leaders warn that shortages are contributing to larger classes, heavier workloads, reliance on supply staff and weaker support for pupils with additional needs; the Conservatives called the figures evidence of another broken promise.

Ofqual warns that mobile phones and smart devices are the most common form of exam malpractice, accounting for 44% of student misconduct cases in last summer’s exams. Of 2,225 reported cases involving phones and smart devices, 545 resulted in disqualification and 1,240 in lost marks. Ofqual chief Ian Bauckham also raised concerns about emerging technologies such as smart glasses and supported statutory guidance on phone bans in schools. The regulator is urging exam boards to strengthen measures against devices in exam rooms and prevent pupils from using artificial intelligence in coursework.

Ofqual warns that students are increasingly using mobile phones and other smart devices, including smartwatches and potentially smart glasses, to cheat in exams. Phones and similar devices accounted for 44% of exam malpractice cases in summer 2025, with 2,225 cases leading to hundreds of disqualifications and more than 1,200 losses of marks. The regulator is also concerned about artificial intelligence being used in coursework and has urged exam boards to strengthen prevention, detection and sanctions.

Bereaved parents and other campaigners are urging the UK government to accelerate measures addressing online harms to children. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, they were told that new protections would be announced within weeks. Options under consideration include restricting social media access for under-16s and imposing curfews, while Ian Russell opposed a blanket ban and instead called for limits on engagement-based algorithms, infinite scrolling, disappearing messages and unsolicited contact with children. The Education Committee has recommended a statutory under-16 social media ban, and Barnardo's research has highlighted young people's exposure to online misogyny and other harmful content.

Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly died by suicide in 2017 after viewing harmful social media content, urged the UK Government to make platforms safer rather than impose a blanket ban on under-16s. He called for an end to engagement-based algorithms, infinite scrolling and disappearing messages, along with protections against contact from strangers. Other bereaved parents pressed Prime Minister Keir Starmer for immediate action, while the Government considers measures including age restrictions, scrolling limits and overnight curfews following an online-safety consultation that received more than 80,000 responses. The Education Committee has separately recommended a statutory social media ban for under-16s, amid survey evidence of widespread online misogyny, image-based abuse and pressure on young people.

A Which? survey of 514 adults found that seven in ten could not reliably distinguish AI-generated videos from real footage, while 8 per cent identified none correctly. One deepfake falsely showed Boots staff promoting an unlicensed weight-loss product. Which? called for stronger Ofcom powers and robust Online Safety Act codes requiring technology platforms to block fraudulent deepfake content. The UK government said platforms are responsible for proactively tackling illegal scam advertising.

A Which? experiment found that seven in ten adults, along with experts at Kingston University, could not correctly identify all real and AI-generated videos. One deepfake falsely showed Boots staff promoting an unlicensed weight-loss product. Which? is urging the UK Government to require Ofcom to implement robust Online Safety Act measures against fraudulent advertising, arguing that social media companies will not adequately tackle scams without legal compulsion. The Government says platforms must proactively address illegal scam content and points to £79 million in anti-fraud funding, while research estimates that social media companies generated nearly £3.8 billion from scam advertisements in Europe in 2025.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate hidden charges imposed on parents using government-funded childcare in England. Reported costs include waiting-list deposits, compulsory add-ons, extra hours, meals, nappies and special activities. More than a quarter of surveyed parents identified cost as the main barrier to accessing their preferred childcare, and the CMA said it would develop a proposal for a review of the early-years childcare sector.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate hidden and additional fees charged to parents seeking government-funded childcare in England. Reported charges include waiting-list deposits, compulsory extras, meals, nappies and demands for hours beyond the funded entitlement. An Ipsos survey found that cost is a major barrier for many families and that most parents using formal childcare pay for extras. The government is also developing a digital map of childcare providers, initially covering areas around Bristol, with a national rollout planned.

The UK is experiencing an exceptional heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 33–34°C on the bank holiday Monday and potentially break records for the warmest May day and hottest bank holiday. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts across several English regions, warning of increased deaths and pressure on health services. Severe heat and holiday travel also caused long queues at Dover, while the MCC relaxed its dress code at Lord’s.

Reality television personality Gemma Collins visited the UK Department for Education to meet Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and discuss reforms aimed at helping pupils who leave school with few qualifications. A teaser video shows Collins asking what is being done to support children, while the discussion covered V-levels and occupational pathways. Neither Collins nor her team was paid for the meeting or promotional material, and further content is expected on government and Collins’s social media channels.

Cranfield University and King’s College London have signed an agreement to work toward merging by August 2027, with Cranfield expected to integrate into King’s. The institutions say the unified university would combine Cranfield’s applied research, specialist facilities and industry links with King’s broader academic and international reach. University leaders and Science Minister Patrick Vallance argue that the merger could strengthen UK research, national resilience and the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. The proposal follows planned mergers involving the universities of Greenwich and Kent.

King’s College London and Cranfield University have signed an agreement to merge, with completion targeted for August 2027. Cranfield would become part of King’s, bringing its postgraduate expertise in science, engineering and technology, applied research, and industry partnerships. Leaders say the combined institution would expand educational and research opportunities, while Science Minister Patrick Vallance highlighted potential benefits for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and the UK’s wider research capacity.

A report by the Education Committee warns that an English university could face closure through insolvency for the first time, potentially causing severe disruption for students, staff and local communities. The Office for Students told MPs that 24 higher education providers could become insolvent and close within 12 months, while 45% could run deficits by 2025/26. MPs said the sector’s financial crisis is exacerbated by reliance on international students and immigration policies that reduce their numbers. The committee recommends an early-warning system, stronger student-protection plans and greater consideration of universities’ finances when immigration policies are developed.

England’s higher education sector faces a significant insolvency threat, with the Office for Students warning that 24 providers could be at risk of closure within 12 months and that 45% may run deficits in 2025/26. Parliament’s Education Committee says the Government lacks a clear response protocol and warns that a university failure could severely affect students, staff and local economies. It recommends an early-warning system, stronger student protection plans, options including restructuring or mergers, financial support, and legislation allowing insolvent institutions to continue operating temporarily. The committee also criticizes the sector’s dependence on international student fees and warns that immigration policies could worsen financial pressures, while opposing the planned £925 annual International Student Levy from 2028/29.

Two adults died in an explosion at a house on Sterncourt Road in Bristol at about 6:30am on Sunday. Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident and are treating the blast as suspicious, but said they are not seeking anyone else in connection with it and do not believe it was terrorism-related. Residents in the cordoned area were evacuated, while officers investigated a linked property in Speedwell.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is increasingly concerned that foreign states are using proxies to carry out criminal attacks in the UK and promised legislation to address malign state activity. His comments followed a visit to Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow after it was targeted in an arson attack, one of several incidents affecting Jewish community sites in London since late March. A 17-year-old British boy pleaded guilty to arson not endangering life and was granted bail, while a 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the attack was also released on bail pending further inquiries. The Community Security Trust reported minor smoke damage and no injuries.

The UK Government is seeking to make school mobile phone bans statutory through an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. ASCL general secretary Pepe Di’Iasio warned that the policy could push phone use beyond school gates and said schools could face average enforcement costs of at least £12,000. He called for stronger social media regulation, while Conservative peer Lord Nash proposed raising the age for access to harmful social media features to 16. MPs are expected to vote on the amendment, with the Department for Education acknowledging concerns about implementation support for headteachers.

Accidental deaths in the UK rose 8% to more than 23,000 in 2023, while hospital admissions increased 3% to nearly 900,000 in 2023/24. Falls were the leading cause of both deaths and admissions, while poisoning accounted for a disproportionate share of deaths. Fatal dog-bite incidents increased from six to 20. Men, older people and residents of more deprived areas faced higher risks, with Scotland recording the highest death rate among UK nations. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents called for a national accident-prevention strategy, better data monitoring and targeted measures to reduce preventable harm and the estimated £6 billion annual NHS cost.

Accidental deaths in the UK rose 8% in 2023 to more than 23,000, while accident-related hospital admissions increased 3% to almost 900,000 in 2023/24. Falls accounted for 48% of accidental deaths and 59% of hospital admissions, while poisoning caused 27% of deaths but only 3% of admissions, reflecting its high lethality. Older people, men and residents of deprived areas faced disproportionately high risks. Scotland recorded the highest accidental-death rate among UK countries, while London had the lowest. RoSPA said accidents cost the NHS about £6 billion annually and called for a national prevention strategy, improved data collection and targeted safety measures.

The family of a French boy who survived being thrown from the 10th floor of Tate Modern in 2019 says his rehabilitation has suffered a setback after surgery. Still unable to walk, he remains in a rehabilitation centre but hopes to return to a new school and resume a more normal life. The boy sustained severe, life-changing injuries in the attack by Jonty Bravery, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years and has since been convicted of assaults on staff at Broadmoor Hospital. A GoFundMe appeal is helping support the child’s recovery.

Police forces in London and Manchester will receive an additional £5 million from the Home Office to increase patrols around places of worship following an alleged arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green and a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue. The funding will support Project Servator deployments, while the Metropolitan Police has arrested more than 20 people over suspected antisemitic hate crimes linked to the Golders Green incident.

Police forces in London and Manchester will receive an additional £5 million to increase patrols around places of worship following the alleged arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green and the October synagogue terror attack in Manchester. The money will support expanded Project Servator deployments by uniformed and plain-clothes officers, initially focusing on faith communities. The Home Office says the funding supplements £73.4 million already committed for protective security at Jewish, Muslim and other faith sites in 2026–27. The Metropolitan Police has also arrested more than 20 people in connection with antisemitic hate crimes, with Jean Charles Tavius and Munir Saleh charged in separate cases. London police report solving 1,525 hate crimes between October 2025 and February 2026, more than double the number recorded in the comparable previous period.

British astronaut Tim Peake says the UK and Europe should be proud of their involvement in NASA’s Artemis II mission. Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall will track the crewed Orion spacecraft, whose four astronauts will fly around the Moon for about 10 days and test life-support, communications, navigation and piloting systems. The mission is intended to prepare for later Artemis missions, including a future return of astronauts to the lunar surface. Peake also highlighted the mission’s potential to inspire young people to pursue space-related careers and contribute to scientific and technological advances on Earth.

Scott Mills has left BBC Radio 2 after the BBC confirmed that he is no longer contracted with the company, following allegations about his personal conduct. His departure leaves a vacancy on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, with mid-morning presenter Vernon Kay reported as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace him. Gary Davies, OJ Borg, Rylan Clark and Clara Amfo are also being considered.

Ian Huntley, who was serving a life sentence for murdering Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, is reportedly to be cremated privately with his ashes scattered secretly and no funeral service. His family is said to have declined a government-funded funeral, while Justice Minister Sarah Sackman denied that the state would pay £3,000. Huntley died on 7 March after an alleged attack with a metal bar at HMP Frankland, and Anthony Russell has been charged with his murder.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman believed to be in her thirties was found dead at Sussex Place in St Pauls, Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said the victim’s family had been informed and was receiving specialist support. Detectives are investigating the circumstances of the death, expect a significant police presence in the area, and said they are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with it.

The meningitis outbreak in Kent has risen to 34 cases, including 23 confirmed cases and 11 under investigation, with two student deaths reported. Hundreds of people have sought vaccinations at the University of Kent, while authorities have administered nearly 5,800 vaccines and distributed more than 11,000 antibiotic courses. Officials say the risk to the wider population remains low but warn that sporadic household clusters could emerge elsewhere in the UK.

The UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry found that the NHS was ill-prepared and clearly overwhelmed during the pandemic, with the health service nearing total collapse. The “Stay home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives” message discouraged people from seeking care, including for life-threatening conditions, and was developed without health leaders’ input. Flawed infection-control guidance, shortages of personal protective equipment and intense pressure on staff contributed to patients dying alone and delays in treating non-Covid conditions. The inquiry recommended expanding urgent and emergency care capacity and strengthening infection prevention and control to improve preparedness for future pandemics.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the BAFTAs in London for their first joint appearance at the event since 2023. William, who is BAFTA’s president, presented Donna Langley with the fellowship award and spoke about watching Hamnet, while Catherine discussed the film’s emotional impact and her children’s growing interest in cinema. The appearance marked William’s first public engagement since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.

ASOS has paid tribute to co-founder Quentin Griffiths, who died aged 58 after reportedly falling from an 18-floor building in Pattaya, Thailand, on 9 February. The cause of death remains subject to a post-mortem and an ongoing investigation, while the UK Foreign Office is supporting his family. Griffiths co-founded ASOS in 2000 with Nick Robertson and Andrew Regan, later earning about £15 million from share sales. The report also details unresolved tax-advice litigation with BDO and allegations by his Thai ex-wife concerning company funds, forged documents and property and share sales, which Griffiths denied.

ASOS has paid tribute to co-founder Quentin Griffiths, who died aged 58 after falling from an 18-floor building in Pattaya, Thailand, on February 9. Police reported no signs of a break-in, and a post-mortem found no evidence of foul play. Griffiths co-founded ASOS in 2000, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting his family and liaising with Thai authorities.

ASOS co-founder Quentin Griffiths, 58, reportedly died after falling from a building complex in Pattaya, Thailand, on 9 February. ASOS expressed sadness, offered condolences to his family and friends, and said it was “forever grateful” for his contribution to the company, which he co-founded in 2000.

Former Metropolitan Police constable Brian Sharkey was found guilty of gross misconduct after undercover footage showed him joking about rape and sexual assault, dismissing claims of racial bias and discussing the handling of evidence. The tribunal said his remarks breached professional standards on authority, respect and courtesy, discreditable conduct, and equality and diversity, and could undermine public confidence in policing violence against women and girls. Sharkey apologised and said his comments were poorly expressed rather than intended to trivialise serious issues. The hearing continues after seven other officers were dismissed following the BBC Panorama investigation.

Charles Brohiri, 29, avoided immediate imprisonment after being convicted of 112 train fare evasion offences involving more than £3,000 in unpaid Govia Thameslink Railway fares. He received a three-month sentence suspended for a year, must repay £3,629.60, complete 150 hours of unpaid work and avoid GTR trains for 12 months. The judge cited the persistent nature of the offending but accepted that Brohiri’s remorse, homelessness and potential access to probation support justified suspending the sentence.

The investigation into Steve Wright’s 1999 murder of Victoria Hall exposed several missed opportunities that could have led to his earlier arrest. Police officers dismissed Emily Doherty’s account of Wright’s attempted abduction the night before Hall disappeared, failed to fully use the vehicle-registration information she provided, and stopped investigating a list of cars that included Wright’s Ford Granada Scorpio. His later criminal conviction added his DNA to the national database, but scientific advances were needed to link it to evidence from Hall’s body. Wright was arrested in 2021, decades after the killing and after he had received a whole-life sentence for murdering five women in Ipswich in 2006.

A 46-year-old e-bike cyclist died at the scene of a collision with a horse and cart on Folly Lane in Chingford, east London. A 25-year-old man driving the horse and cart was arrested on suspicion of wanton and furious driving and remains in custody. The Metropolitan Police are seeking witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage as the investigation continues.

Asaf Afsar, Mark Regan and Liam McGarry have been charged over alleged plots to attack two Pakistani dissidents at homes in Cambridgeshire and Chesham on Christmas Eve 2025. Four other men were previously charged in connection with the investigation, including Doneto Brammer, who is also accused of weapons possession and arson conspiracies linked to a New Year’s Eve incident. The defendants are due to appear in court, with the earlier group remanded ahead of an Old Bailey hearing.

Six Palestine Action activists were acquitted of aggravated burglary after breaking into Elbit Systems’ Bristol factory in August 2024, while three were also cleared of violent disorder. The defendants admitted entering without permission and damaging equipment but said their sledgehammers were intended only for property and that they did not plan to harm security staff. Jurors could not reach verdicts on criminal-damage charges against all six, on an alleged grievous-bodily-harm charge against Samuel Corner, or on violent-disorder charges involving Charlotte Head, Corner and Leona Kamio. The trial also raised concerns about public posters urging jurors to consider jury equity.

Nineteen-year-old Mohammad Danyaal Asghar-Ali died in a head-on collision on Wigan Road in Bolton, alongside Seat driver Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, passenger Farhan Patel and taxi driver Masrob Ali. Danyaal’s family paid tribute to him as a loving, funny and supportive son and brother. Five other passengers were injured and remained in hospital, including three with serious or potentially life-threatening injuries.

A Metropolitan Police pilot using remotely monitored live facial recognition cameras mounted on street furniture in Croydon has produced 103 arrests in 13 deployments, including suspects wanted for violent offences, kidnapping and breaches of sex-offender orders. The Met says live facial recognition has helped remove more than 1,700 offenders from London’s streets since the start of 2024 and describes the Croydon scheme as efficient and successful. The technology remains controversial: the Equality and Human Rights Commission has criticised the Met’s safeguards as unlawful and potentially chilling to protesters’ rights, while Big Brother Watch opposes facial-recognition surveillance. The government is consulting on regulation and considering a regulator for police use of facial recognition and biometric tools.

The BBC is preparing to seek dismissal of Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit in a Florida court. Trump alleges that a 2024 Panorama programme misleadingly edited his speech before the 2021 US Capitol attack to suggest he encouraged the violence. The BBC plans to argue that the court lacks personal jurisdiction and that Trump has not plausibly established actual malice. The dispute follows an apology from BBC chair Samir Shah and the resignations of Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News chief Deborah Turness.

Taxi driver Masrob Ali, 54, and three teenagers—Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, Farhan Patel and Mohammed Danyaal—died in a head-on collision on Wigan Road in Bolton. Ali’s daughter described him as kind, generous and hardworking. Five other passengers were injured and remain in hospital, including three with serious or potentially life-threatening injuries. Greater Manchester Police is investigating the crash and has appealed for witnesses and footage, while local community and emergency-service organizations are supporting the victims’ families.

Oaveed Rahman, 26, pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to causing unnecessary suffering to 21 dogs and a cat, along with 11 counts of fraud by false representation. The charges followed a police, RSPCA and Basildon Council investigation at a property in Crays Hill, where officers discovered 37 deceased dogs. Rahman allegedly presented the home as a rescue centre and took money from people to care for their dogs. He has been held on remand and is due to be sentenced on February 20, with a prison sentence considered likely.

Early Boxing Day data showed UK retail-park footfall up 6.9% year on year by 1pm, although high streets and shopping centres were down 2.4% and 2.6%. MRI Software described the result as an unusually strong start, with coastal retail destinations up 10% while central London locations fell almost 8%. Analysts attributed retail-park gains partly to their combination of shopping, dining and leisure, reflecting a shift toward Boxing Day as a full-day activity. Consumer accounts pointed to more cautious spending and fewer attractive deals, while Visa data showed overall UK festive retail spending rose 3.6% from November 1 to December 23, before adjustment for inflation.

Cold and windy conditions are forecast across parts of Britain on Christmas Day, with the Met Office warning of strong winds, transport and power disruption, and dangerous coastal waves across South West England and much of Wales. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold health alert for South West England through 27 December. Several Christmas Day events, including sea swims in the South West, have been cancelled, while forecasters largely rule out a white Christmas.

London Underground and TfL rail fares are set to rise from March, with peak pay-as-you-go fares for Zone 1 increasing from £2.90 to £3.10 and the Zone 1-to-Heathrow Piccadilly line fare rising by 10p. The increases follow the government’s expectation that TfL fares rise by inflation plus 1 per cent. Mayor Sadiq Khan will freeze bus and tram fares until July 2026, while hundreds of London Transit bus workers in west London plan strikes in December over a pay dispute.