George Thompson

The Department for Transport is encouraging 18-year-old school leavers to consider train-driving careers after regulations lowered the minimum entry age from 20 to 18. The recruitment campaign aims to address driver shortages, an ageing workforce and limited diversity, with fewer than 4% of drivers under 30, fewer than 12% female, and a quarter expected to reach retirement age by 2030. Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy, the Rail Delivery Group and train drivers’ union Aslef support the change, which brings the UK into line with countries including Switzerland, Germany and Australia and allows candidates to begin training without a university degree.

Reform UK has proposed requiring long-term benefits claimants deemed fit for work to complete 20 hours of community service each week or lose their payments. Robert Jenrick says wider reforms to sickness and disability benefits could reduce the welfare bill by £50 billion. The plans would also restrict most UK benefit access for foreign nationals, including EU citizens, requiring changes to the Brexit agreement, and reduce employers’ national insurance rates to encourage a return to work for people on long-term sick leave. The Liberal Democrats called the proposals “senseless and cruel,” while the Conservatives dismissed Reform’s financial estimates as fantasy.

Reform UK’s plans to overhaul welfare, including abolishing or severely restricting Personal Independence Payment, could remove or alter disability support for an estimated 2.89 million people. Pollster Sir John Curtice warned that the proposals may reinforce Reform’s appeal among socially conservative voters while limiting its ability to broaden support beyond that core constituency. The risk is particularly significant because several Reform-held or target constituencies have high PIP claimant rates. The plans would also restrict benefits for foreign nationals, require some long-term claimants deemed fit to work to complete 20 hours of community work weekly, and introduce new disability support accounts and employer-funded return-to-work insurance. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said key details were lacking, while opposition parties and disability charities warned that the proposals were financially implausible and could push disabled people into poverty.

Nigel Farage says Counter Terrorism Policing made mistakes in its handling of an alleged April 2025 firebomb attack at his south London home. The investigation, initially treated as an attempted burglary and closed without arrests, was reopened after the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Counter Terrorism Policing and the Metropolitan Police referred the conduct of a London staff member to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Farage says Reform UK figures were previously treated differently from others but maintains confidence in the police, while suggesting officials are concerned about what the investigation may reveal.

Axel Rudakubana, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years for murdering three girls and attempting to murder eight other children and two adults in Southport, has been transferred from Belmarsh prison to Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital. The Ministry of Justice said the move followed an independent clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act and does not change his sentence, which he will continue to serve in full. Lawyers for the victims’ families and prison officers’ representatives accused Rudakubana of manipulating the system, while junior minister Sally Jameson said he should return to prison as soon as possible. He will remain at Broadmoor until clinicians assess him as fit to return to custody.

Axel Rudakubana, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years for murdering three girls and attempting to murder others in Southport, has been transferred from Belmarsh prison to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital. The victims’ families accuse him of trying to manipulate the system, while the Ministry of Justice says the move followed an independent clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act and does not alter his sentence. Prison staff representatives have raised safety and potential benefits concerns, and junior housing minister Sally Jameson said he would return to prison as soon as possible.

Axel Rudakubana has been transferred from Belmarsh prison to the high-security Broadmoor psychiatric hospital. The Ministry of Justice approved the move but emphasized that it does not affect his 52-year sentence. Rudakubana carried out the 29 July 2024 attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, which killed three girls. Such transfers are generally made when offenders with mental disorders cannot be safely managed in prison.

The future of the UK’s agreement to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is uncertain after Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the government was reviewing the deal’s details. The agreement would give Mauritius sovereignty while allowing the UK to lease the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years, at an average annual cost of £101 million. Jarvis did not rule out redirecting funds intended for Mauritius toward defence spending, while the legislation has already stalled amid reported objections from former US president Donald Trump.

The future of the UK’s agreement to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is uncertain after Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said he was reviewing the deal and would discuss it with US allies. The agreement would give Mauritius sovereignty while allowing the UK to lease the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years, at an estimated cost of £3.4 billion. The legislation has stalled amid reported objections from Donald Trump, while opponents warn of higher long-term costs, risks to the base and possible Chinese involvement. The agreement has been signed but not ratified, and no payments have been made.

Keir Starmer has condemned FIFA's World Cup ticket prices as unacceptable and urged the governing body to ensure supporters are not overcharged. The intervention follows complaints about misleading seat descriptions, the later introduction of more expensive ticket categories and variable pricing that reportedly raised costs for around 90 fixtures by an average of 34 percent. Attorneys general from New York and New Jersey are investigating FIFA's ticketing practices for eight matches, including England's group game and the final.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned FIFA’s World Cup ticket prices as unacceptable and urged the governing body to prevent fans from being exploited. Supporters reportedly felt misled about seat locations and ticket categories, while allegations claim variable pricing increased costs for most matches by an average of 34 percent. The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey are seeking information from FIFA about ticketing practices for matches in New Jersey, including England’s game against Panama and the final. FIFA has been asked to comment.

The UK and Poland are preparing to sign a defence and security treaty aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, protecting borders, combating organised crime and addressing Russian and other hybrid threats. Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk are expected to discuss closer collaboration with the European Union, joint exercises on NATO’s Eastern Flank and increased use of uncrewed systems. The agreement is also expected to support defence-industrial cooperation, including co-production of next-generation medium-range air-defence missiles.

Peers supported banning Lord Stone of Blackheath from the House of Lords estate after an investigation upheld three complaints of harassment, including findings of sexual misconduct involving two visitors. The conduct committee described him as a repeat offender and said his presence posed an intolerable risk, noting that 11 people have complained about his behaviour since 2019. Stone resigned from the Lords in December 2024, avoiding possible expulsion, and apologised for causing distress while saying he had not recognised the impact of his conduct. The committee will also ask the Commons Speaker to consider comparable restrictions.

A letter signed by 111 Labour MPs backs Keir Starmer and argues that the party should unite to rebuild public trust rather than hold a leadership contest after difficult election results. The show of support was undermined by Rupa Huq, who said her name had been included without her approval. Potential challengers include Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham, while Streeting is reportedly considering resigning to trigger a contest.

Labour MP Rupa Huq said her name was included without permission on a letter backing Keir Starmer and opposing a leadership contest. The dispute comes as Labour faces internal divisions, with more than 80 MPs reportedly calling for Starmer to leave office while over 100 were listed as supporting him.

The UK government appointed four new parliamentary under-secretaries and three government whips after Miatta Fahnbulleh, Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones and Zubir Ahmed resigned in protest at Keir Starmer’s leadership. Nesil Caliskan, Natalie Fleet, Catherine Atkinson and Preet Kaur Gill received ministerial roles, while Gen Kitchen, Deirdre Costigan and Shaun Davies were appointed to government whip positions.

A total of 112 Labour MPs have signed a letter backing Keir Starmer and arguing that the party should focus on rebuilding public trust rather than holding a leadership contest. The intervention follows difficult election results and reports that at least 80 MPs want Starmer to resign. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has publicly reaffirmed his full support, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting—viewed as a possible leadership challenger—is due to meet Starmer amid continuing speculation about the party’s future.

The prorogation of Parliament marked the end of hereditary peers’ membership in the House of Lords. Although most hereditary peers lost their seats in 1999, 92 retained voting rights; the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill has now reduced that number to zero, although some may continue as life peers. Lords Speaker Lord Forsyth paid tribute to those departing, while MPs attended the traditional ceremony in the upper chamber. The session also concluded with royal assent for nine laws, and Parliament is due to return on 13 May for the King’s Speech.

The prorogation of Parliament formally ended the centuries-old tradition of hereditary peers sitting in the House of Lords. The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill reduced the number of hereditary peers to zero, although some former hereditary peers have been allowed to continue as life peers. Lords Speaker Lord Forsyth paid tribute to the departing members, while nine new laws received royal assent. MPs and peers are due to return on 13 May for the King’s Speech.

The UK government has made a legally binding commitment to impose some form of age or functionality restrictions on social media for children under 16, resolving a parliamentary deadlock over the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The measures are expected to target addictive features, harmful algorithm-driven content and stranger pairing, with curfews considered in addition. Ministers promised a three-month progress report and regulations within 12 months, while Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said proposals would be brought forward before the summer and legislation could be in place by year-end. Supporters welcomed the commitment as a major victory, but Liberal Democrat peers and bereaved parents criticized the potentially lengthy implementation timetable.

The UK government has committed to introducing age or functionality restrictions for under-16s on social media, targeting addictive features, harmful algorithms and contact with strangers. The pledge resolved a parliamentary stand-off after peers accepted a timetable involving a progress report within three months and regulations within 12 months. Campaigners and parents welcomed the decision, while Liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement-Jones argued that implementation should be faster.

The Cabinet Office terminated Capita’s contract to deliver the new Royal Mail statutory pension scheme after the company missed critical transition milestones, including required IT automation targets. The decision follows wider problems with Capita’s administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, including payment delays, tens of thousands of backlogged cases, unresolved complaints and a data breach. The government has provided hardship loans, withheld milestone payments and ordered Capita to clear inherited arrears and restore service levels, while considering whether the company should cover recovery costs. MPs and unions called for the civil service scheme to be brought back in-house, and Capita apologized and accepted responsibility for resolving the failures.

MPs rejected by 260 votes to 161 an amendment that would have banned social media access for under-16s on platforms deemed harmful. Education minister Olivia Bailey said the government would await the results of a broader consultation covering social media, gaming and AI chatbots before acting. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill would nevertheless give ministers powers to impose curfews, scrolling limits, location-sharing restrictions and potentially platform-specific bans. Conservative MPs criticized Labour for delaying stronger protections, while the government pledged to report to Parliament within six months.

MPs rejected, by 260 votes to 161, a proposal to raise the minimum age for accessing social media platforms deemed harmful to 16 within a year. Education minister Olivia Bailey said a three-month consultation was needed before deciding how to address harms linked to children’s social media use. Although the direct ban failed for a third time, the Bill would give ministers powers to impose measures such as online curfews, scrolling limits and restrictions on specific platforms. The government has also committed to a statutory ban on phones in schools, with exceptions for children with specific needs.

Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to a comprehensive Hillsborough Law on the 37th anniversary of the disaster, which killed 97 Liverpool football fans. The proposed Public Office (Accountability) Bill would impose a duty of candour on public officials during inquiries, but its progress has stalled over possible exemptions for intelligence agencies. Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne urged Starmer to reject any such carve-out, and Starmer said he would work with Hillsborough families to ensure the duty applies universally, with the bill expected to return to Parliament.

MPs have backed the government’s wide-ranging Crime and Policing Bill, which includes new offences involving non-consensual intimate images and incest pornography, personal liability for technology executives, reforms on repeat fly-tipping, and pardons and record expungement for women investigated or convicted under abortion laws. The legislation also removes the £200 threshold for low-level theft and introduces new anti-social behaviour respect orders. Labour backbenchers strongly opposed provisions requiring police to consider the cumulative disruption caused by protest movements, warning that they could undermine civil liberties, but the rebellion was defeated 247 votes to 21. MPs also rejected a proposal to expand vehicle seizure powers for fly-tipping and voted down a Lords amendment concerning groups below the terrorism threshold. The bill now returns to the House of Lords, and both chambers must agree on a final version before it can become law.

The bill to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands from the UK to Mauritius while retaining a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia military base will not pass before the next King’s Speech. Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty blamed a delay on the apparent change in Donald Trump’s position, which has prevented the UK and US from agreeing an update to their 1966 defence arrangement. The agreement, signed last year, has not been ratified, and the bill was not among the legislation carried over into the next parliamentary session. The UK will consult the US and Mauritius on next steps, while no payments can be made to Mauritius until the treaty and related legislation are approved. Critics warn the deal could endanger the base, increase costs substantially and create opportunities for China.

The UK has reportedly put legislation transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on hold after Donald Trump criticized the proposed £35 billion agreement. The deal would allow the UK and US to retain access to the strategically important military base on Diego Garcia, but the legislation is not expected to appear in the forthcoming King’s Speech. A UK government source said the process would not proceed without Trump’s endorsement, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for the agreement to be abandoned.

The UK government has reportedly paused legislation to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after Donald Trump withdrew his support for the proposed £35 billion agreement. The deal would allow the UK and US to lease back the Diego Garcia military base, which the government says is necessary to secure its long-term future. The bill is not expected to appear in the May King’s Speech, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has condemned the agreement. The proposal follows a 2019 International Court of Justice advisory ruling that backed Mauritian claims to sovereignty over the islands.

A cross-party group of UK MPs, supported by YouTube and creator-industry representatives, is urging Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to include influencers, podcasters, video producers and online publishers in the Standard Industrial Classification 2026 framework. Supporters say the current system fails to reflect digital-first business models, restricting access to finance, grants and business support. The creator economy forms part of a creative sector contributing £124 billion in gross value added and supporting 2.4 million jobs. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Digital Creators plans to launch a broader inquiry later in 2025.

The House of Lords voted 266–141 to support John Nash's amendment backing a ban on social media for under-16s, despite the House of Commons rejecting an outright ban earlier in the month. Supporters, including Hilary Cass and Beeban Kidron, argued that children are being harmed while the government consults. The government defended a six-week pilot involving 300 young people and a wider consultation on social media, gaming and AI chatbot harms, saying it would take further action but that an immediate ban may not be the right approach. The amendment's future depends on the Commons, which is expected to consider the issue again.

The House of Lords voted 266–141 to support banning social media access for under-16s, backing an amendment introduced by Conservative former minister Lord Nash. MPs had previously rejected a similar measure and instead supported giving the UK government broader powers to tackle online harms. The vote follows a US jury’s finding that Google and Meta designed deliberately addictive products that damaged a young person’s mental health. The government is running a six-week pilot involving 300 young people and consulting on the most effective way to reduce online harms.

The House of Commons rejected a Conservative motion, 259 votes to 103, to prevent a planned 1p-per-litre fuel-duty increase in September. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden called the rise an unfair tax on working people, while Treasury minister Torsten Bell said the Government had extended the temporary 5p cut, cancelled a planned inflation-linked increase for 2026–27 and would save the average motorist more than £90. The debate took place amid higher oil and gas prices linked to conflict involving Iran and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Conservatives are seeking a Commons vote to stop a planned 1p-per-litre fuel duty increase in September, arguing that rising oil prices and the cost of living make the policy inappropriate. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden condemned the rise as an additional tax on working people. Treasury minister Torsten Bell defended the government’s approach, citing the temporary 5p-per-litre cut, the cancellation of a planned inflation-linked increase and claimed savings of more than £90 for the average motorist. The motion is unlikely to pass because Labour has a large Commons majority. The debate also linked higher oil and gas prices to disruption and attacks on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell warned that the UK’s weakened defences resemble the situation in the late 1930s, while stressing that the government is working to rebuild military capabilities. Conservative former defence minister Andrew Murrison urged ministers to publish the overdue defence investment plan, arguing that the delay is holding back the defence industrial base. Defence Select Committee chair Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi also called for stable, long-term investment as global tensions rise.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill, introduced by Justice Secretary David Lammy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons by 304 votes to 203. The reforms would restrict jury trials to cases likely to receive sentences of at least three years, with other cases heard by a single Crown Court judge. Lammy said the changes are needed to prevent the court backlog from reaching 200,000 cases within a decade, while Labour MP Charlotte Nichols accused the government of weaponizing victims’ experiences. Ten Labour MPs voted against the Bill and 90 did not vote.

Keir Starmer is resisting calls for a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged use of British airports, saying police investigations should conclude first. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey is urging the government to release Epstein-related flight logs and documents, while Gordon Brown has called for scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s use of taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases. Ministers have agreed to release files about Andrew’s 2001 appointment as trade envoy amid allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein.

Reform UK faces accusations of racism over its proposal to lift the two-child benefit cap only for families with two British-born or naturalised parents who both work full-time. Green, Labour and Conservative MPs argue the policy would create discrimination and downgrade the rights of children, while Reform says its position concerns work incentives and welfare spending rather than race. The debate also includes criticism of Labour’s decision to abolish the cap entirely, with concerns raised about work incentives, birth rates, public finances and the UK’s ageing population.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that UK-trained doctors could leave the NHS if they are not prioritised for specialty and foundation training places. His proposed Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill would give UK and Irish medical graduates precedence, as the government seeks to reduce reliance on international recruitment and address resident doctors’ concerns over blocked career progression. Applications for specialty training have risen sharply since 2019, while only 37% of 2025 applicants were UK graduates. The British Medical Association is balloting resident doctors on further industrial action, and Conservative health spokesman Stuart Andrew supports the bill’s principle but criticises its timing, scope and potential use as leverage in negotiations.

Labour MP Anna Gelderd called for a help-to-buy scheme covering fishing vessels, licences and quota, alongside funded training and mentoring to bring younger workers into the industry. MPs warned that the possible end of relaxed overseas hiring rules could worsen workforce shortages, particularly in depopulated Scottish constituencies. Representatives from several parties urged the Government to create a dedicated immigration route for fishing crews, while Food Security Minister Angela Eagle acknowledged recruitment difficulties and promised to raise the sector’s concerns with the Home Office.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer attacked the Green Party during Prime Minister’s Questions, accusing it of being reckless on drug legalisation, NATO withdrawal, relations with Vladimir Putin and nuclear disarmament. The remarks followed Green MP Ellie Chowns’s criticism of the government’s treatment of agricultural pollution in its water white paper. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski responded by accusing Labour of being weak in the polls and hard on the country. His positions include legalising drugs, reviewing US military bases in the UK, leaving NATO and pursuing international nuclear disarmament.

Labour MPs Graham Stringer, Peter Lamb and Bell Ribeiro-Addy rebelled over legislation implementing a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing the future of the Diego Garcia military base. The rebellion followed Donald Trump’s criticism of the agreement and concerns raised by a UN racial-discrimination committee. MPs’ amendments seeking a pause, greater cost disclosure, payment safeguards and a referendum were rejected by the Commons. Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty defended the deal as essential to UK and US national security and said the government would engage with the Trump administration.

The government has paused the Hillsborough Law, formally the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, after concerns that an amendment could create a loophole allowing intelligence agencies to avoid the proposed duty of candour. Liverpool MP Paula Barker welcomed the pause but warned against weakening the legislation, arguing that an exemption could enable failures like those exposed by the Manchester Arena inquiry to recur. Ian Byrne pressed for a timetable, fearing the Bill could be delayed indefinitely, while Anneliese Midgley called any inadequate intelligence-services carve-out a red line. Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government remains committed to the Bill, will consult families and campaigners, and will return it once the policy is appropriately strengthened, without setting an arbitrary deadline.

A 2006 confidential contract shows that the Post Office and Fujitsu had agreed procedures for correcting inconsistencies between branch transaction records and Horizon’s central database, including possible amendments authorized by the Post Office and financial penalties for faulty transactions. The document appears to contradict repeated claims that Horizon data could not be altered remotely and that system bugs were not responsible for account shortfalls. Subpostmasters’ representatives say it demonstrates that data-integrity problems were recognized years ago, while wrongly prosecuted subpostmaster Lee Castleton says disclosure could have changed his case. The Post Office apologized and pledged transparency, financial redress and restorative justice; Fujitsu declined to comment while the public inquiry continues.

Palestine Action hunger strikers have begun legal proceedings against the UK government, sending a pre-action letter to Justice Secretary David Lammy after several imprisoned activists were hospitalized, including one on the 51st day of a hunger strike. The group says the government has abandoned its prison safety policy and is demanding a response within 24 hours and an urgent meeting. The Ministry of Justice rejects the claims, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prisons Minister Lord Timpson say established rules and procedures are being followed.

The UK government plans to make infant formula more affordable by providing clearer retail guidance and enabling parents to use loyalty points and vouchers, potentially saving up to £500 before a child’s first birthday. The measures follow a Competition and Markets Authority study that found misleading marketing, information gaps and substantial price pressures, with prices rising 25% over two years and three manufacturers—Danone, Kendal and Nestlé—controlling about 90% of the market. Proposed changes include NHS-branded or non-brand formula and clearer nutritional labelling, though no price cap has been recommended. The National Childbirth Trust says stronger advertising and labelling rules, including standardised packaging in healthcare settings, are still needed.

The UK government is introducing measures intended to make baby formula more affordable, potentially saving families up to £500 before a child’s first birthday. Retailers will receive clearer guidance, and parents will be able to use loyalty points and vouchers. The initiative follows a Competition and Markets Authority study highlighting misleading marketing and the disproportionate cost burden on low-income families, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying the changes will help parents make informed purchases and reduce household expenses.

Labour MPs and the National Farmers’ Union have urged the government to reconsider planned inheritance tax changes affecting farms, despite the House of Commons approving them by 327 votes to 182. The reforms would apply a 20% tax to agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1 million, with a Budget concession allowing unused allowances to transfer between spouses and civil partners. Critics argue the policy could burden elderly farmers, force farm closures and undermine trust, while Treasury minister James Murray maintains that it provides generous relief and supports public finances.

The SNP has urged the UK Government to intervene after ExxonMobil announced that its Mossmorran ethylene plant in Fife will close in February, putting around 400 jobs at risk. Stephen Flynn blamed the government’s policy environment for worsening Scotland’s industrial decline, while Labour MP Brian Leishman described the closure as industrial vandalism that could bring chaos to local communities. Industry minister Chris McDonald said the government had explored reasonable support but that the closure was a commercial decision, adding that rapid-response assistance would be available to affected workers. The announcement follows the closure of crude-oil production at the Grangemouth refinery.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that merging new-style Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance into a time-limited unemployment insurance benefit could save the Government £2 billion to £3 billion annually. The proposed benefit would likely be paid at the higher ESA rate of £140.55 per week, substantially above the current JSA rate of £92.05. A 12-month benefit could cover the full unemployment spell of about 53% of people who lose their jobs, while a six-month version would generate greater savings. Researchers support modernising the contributory benefits system but note that UK support remains low by European standards. The Nuffield Foundation warned that reforms must include carefully designed transitional support to protect existing long-term claimants with health conditions.

The contest to become Labour’s deputy leader is under way, with Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson competing ahead of the 25 October result. Powell says Labour must acknowledge that it is performing poorly, develop a stronger political narrative and listen to a wider range of voices rather than imitate Reform UK. Phillipson warns that choosing Powell could destabilise the party and pledges to unite Labour from within government, reduce child poverty and defeat Reform UK.

The UK Government is discussing the European Union’s plans to double steel tariffs to 50% and cut tariff-free import quotas by 47%, while also negotiating with the United States. UK Steel and trade unions warn that the measures could severely restrict access to the EU, the destination for roughly 78–80% of British steel exports, and threaten companies, jobs and communities. They are urging ministers to secure preferential treatment and introduce stronger UK import protections. The European Commission says action is needed to address global overcapacity and cheap imports, while the UK Government says it is seeking urgent clarification and wants to protect trade flows.

The European Commission plans to double tariffs on UK steel to 50% and cut tariff-free import volumes by 47%, threatening Britain’s access to the EU, which receives roughly 78–80% of UK steel exports. UK Steel and trade unions warn the measures could redirect imports into the UK, endanger steel companies, jobs and communities, and potentially undermine domestic steelmaking. The UK Government is seeking urgent clarification and preferential treatment, including country-specific quotas and stronger trade-defence measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged stronger sanctions against British companies allegedly supplying components used in Russian drones. He said recent Russian attacks involved hundreds of thousands of foreign-made parts, including UK-manufactured microcomputers, and criticized allies for failing to respond effectively. A drone and missile strike on Lviv killed four people, including a 15-year-old, and injured six others. Ukraine is preparing new sanctions and wants G7 countries to adopt measures preventing sanctions evasion.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged pro-Palestine protesters to respect the grief of British Jews after a terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue. Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar called on the UK government to oppose planned marches, while police warned that the demonstrations could strain resources and appear insensitive so soon after the attack. Organizers including Defend Our Juries said cancelling peaceful protests would allow terrorism to prevail and maintained that their demonstrations target government policy rather than Jewish sites. Protests in London and Manchester were expected to proceed.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged people planning pro-Palestine protests in London and Manchester to respect the grief of British Jews following a fatal terror attack at a Manchester synagogue. The Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police have also asked organisers to cancel or reconsider the demonstrations, citing heightened community tensions and the diversion of officers needed to protect Jewish sites. Defend Our Juries says its London protest will proceed, arguing that cancelling peaceful demonstrations would undermine democracy and that the action opposes the proscription of Palestine Action and Israeli government policy. Authorities plan to deploy substantial policing resources, while the Campaign Against Antisemitism is organising a separate Downing Street demonstration demanding stronger government action.

Former Labour MP Apsana Begum became tearful in the House of Commons while describing alleged harassment by her former partner and the devastating effects of what she called institutional gaslighting. She urged employers and political parties to establish a duty of care for survivors of domestic abuse in public life. Commons Leader Lucy Powell praised her bravery and said an upcoming Elections Bill would address candidate suitability and behaviour. Begum's former husband, Ehtasham Haque, previously denied her domestic-abuse allegations.

Welsh Labour Member of the Senedd Hefin David has died suddenly at the age of 47. David represented Caerphilly from 2016, after serving as a local councillor from 2007, and had previously worked as a senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University. First Minister of Wales and Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan confirmed his death, while politicians from across the Senedd and Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough paid tribute to his dedication and impact.

Oasis will play five sold-out shows at Manchester’s Heaton Park, marking the band’s first Manchester performances in nearly 16 years. The city is celebrating the reunion with initiatives including Liam Gallagher’s voice on tram announcements. The tour follows Noel Gallagher’s 2009 departure after a backstage dispute with Liam and has drawn criticism over dynamic ticket pricing, prompting government and watchdog scrutiny. Further UK, Irish and international dates are planned, alongside a film produced by Steven Knight.

Northumbria Police are investigating the death of a man in his 40s in Harlow Green, Gateshead, amid concerns that it may be linked to four cardiac arrests reported in the area. Authorities suspect a dangerous batch of drugs could be responsible and have warned users about potentially fatal consequences.

Alexander Dighton was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years after admitting attacking police officers outside Talbot Green Police Station in Wales. Wearing body armour and carrying petrol bombs, a hatchet and a pole, he damaged police vehicles, stabbed Detective Constable Jack Cotton, injured other officers and attempted to cause grievous bodily harm to Sergeant Richard Coleman. The court heard that Dighton held racist and anti-Muslim views and had links to incel ideology; the judge and prosecutors concluded that the premeditated attack had a terrorist connection.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for the revival of Port Talbot’s blast furnaces and the domestic production of coal as part of a plan to “re-industrialise Wales” if his party gains power. He acknowledged that reopening a furnace would take years and cost billions, while arguing that increased military spending and housebuilding would create strong demand for steel. Tata Steel says the old furnaces were closed because the works were losing £1 million a day, and an electric arc furnace is under construction for operation in 2028. The GMB union, Welsh Labour, the Welsh Conservatives, the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and Greenpeace rejected or criticized Farage’s proposals, describing them as unrealistic, opportunistic and economically or environmentally misguided.

Bethan James, the 21-year-old daughter of former England and Glamorgan cricketer Steve James, died in February 2020 after developing sepsis and pneumonia alongside complications from Crohn’s disease. At her inquest, treating doctor Duncan Thomas said he was astounded by the speed of her deterioration and believed she could not have been saved, while expert witness Chris Danbury argued that earlier recognition, lactate testing and aggressive treatment could have significantly improved her chances. The inquest heard concerns about delayed escalation and the lack of a hospital pre-alert from paramedics, with proceedings adjourned until June 17.

A 14-year-old girl has been detained for 15 years after being convicted of attempting to murder two teachers and another pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Wales. The court heard that she brought her father’s multi-tool to school, planned the attack and stabbed the victims during the morning break. All three survived, although Liz Hopkin suffered serious neck injuries. Judge Paul Thomas KC said the girl had shown no genuine remorse and remained a danger to others; he noted that an adult convicted of the same conduct would likely have received a life sentence.

Headteacher Anthony John Felton was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court to two years and four months in prison for ambushing deputy head Richard Pyke with a wrench at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in Aberavon. The attack was motivated by Felton’s jealousy over an alleged relationship involving another teacher, whom he believed had begun a relationship with Pyke. Pyke suffered minor injuries and was discharged from hospital. The judge described the violence as exceptionally serious and imposed a restraining order, while the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the risk of life-changing or fatal injuries.

Karolina Zurawska, 42, received an indefinite hospital order at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility for killing her six-year-old son Alexander and to attempting to murder her father, Krzysztof Siwi. Three psychiatrists concluded that she was suffering from a psychotic episode and believed demonic voices were instructing her. The judge said she had previously been a devoted mother to Alexander, who had significant medical problems, and that the offences were wholly out of character. Alexander’s family remembered him as a kind, intelligent and helpful child.

Welsh politicians accuse the UK Government of applying double standards by urgently intervening to protect jobs and primary steelmaking at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant while allowing Port Talbot’s blast furnaces to close. Plaid Cymru and Liberal Democrat representatives argue that Wales was denied comparable support, while Conservative criticism targets Labour’s handling of the Welsh steel industry. Ministers say the cases differ because Port Talbot already has a private investment agreement and a planned electric arc furnace, whereas Scunthorpe lacks a viable deal and contains the UK’s last blast furnaces producing primary steel. Port Talbot lost around 2,800 jobs as traditional production ended, although the government says about 5,000 jobs have been retained and the site has a long-term future.

Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford warned the Senedd that Wales’s public services could face a shortfall of up to £65 million because the UK Government is not fully reimbursing higher employer national insurance costs. He argued that Westminster should cover the actual costs rather than distribute funding through the Barnett formula, which Welsh politicians across parties criticized as unfair and inadequate. Plaid Cymru also condemned the Labour Government’s policy, while the UK Treasury had been contacted for comment.

Plaid Cymru politician Mabon ap Gwynfor has urged the Welsh Government to press EA to provide a Welsh-language version of EA Sports FC. He says Welsh-speaking children, including pupils in Pwllheli, would be encouraged to use the language through gaming. Former Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford agreed that Welsh-language technology is important and said he was willing to raise the issue. EA said adding full Welsh audio and text would take up to two years and require substantial ongoing investment; Minecraft already supports Welsh, while children also want Fortnite and Roblox translated.

Plaid Cymru Senedd member Mabon ap Gwynfor has urged Mark Drakeford to pressure Electronic Arts to create a Welsh-language version of EA Sports FC, formerly FIFA. He said Welsh-speaking pupils believe access to popular games could encourage them to use the language more. Drakeford agreed that Welsh-language gaming is important and said he was willing to raise the issue. EA said adding a language with full text and audio could take up to two years and require significant long-term investment. Minecraft is already available in Welsh, while children also want Welsh versions of Fortnite and Roblox.

Traditional steelmaking in Wales has ended after Tata Steel shut down the last blast furnace at its Port Talbot plant, eliminating nearly 2,000 jobs. The site will transition to a £1.25 billion electric arc furnace, supported by a £500 million UK Government grant, with steel production expected to resume in 2027 and emissions reduced by about 1.5%. The transition is intended to retain 5,000 UK jobs and create roughly 500 construction roles, but workers, unions and Welsh politicians fear major economic and cultural damage and are demanding that Tata fulfill its employment and investment commitments.

Former Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones launched his rum and coffee liqueur, Mimosa Rwm Espiritu, on Tesco shelves in Swansea, personally helping to stock the first bottles and cans while wearing a Tesco uniform. Made with Cardiff Distillery, the drink draws its name and story from the 1865 voyage of the Mimosa, which carried Welsh settlers to Patagonia, and Jones’s first Welsh cap won there in 2006. The product is initially available only in Wales, although Jones hopes to expand sales elsewhere in the UK.

Cameron Davis was found guilty of murdering 74-year-old Lorna England in Exeter’s Ludwell Valley Park, despite previously pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. The court heard that Davis had repeatedly warned health and police professionals that he might harm himself or a stranger, but multiple psychiatric assessments concluded that he did not need to be sectioned. On the day of the killing, he was discharged from hospital, bought a knife and vodka, and fatally stabbed England before taking her phone. The judge described the case as exceptionally shocking and said Davis would receive a mandatory life sentence, with the minimum term to be decided at sentencing.

The Welsh government welcomed Unite’s cancellation of an all-out strike at Tata Steel, saying it had helped avert an immediate crisis and allowed talks with the company to continue. Tata agreed that Blast Furnace 4 at Port Talbot would close in September as originally planned rather than earlier, while the wind-down of Blast Furnace 5 continued. Economy and energy minister Jeremy Miles nevertheless criticized the speed of Tata’s transition to greener steelmaking, warning of job losses and uncertainty for downstream plants in Llanwern, Trostre, Shotton and Caerphilly. Conservative MS Sam Kurtz also welcomed the cancellation but questioned whether Labour’s proposed £3 billion green steel fund would provide meaningful support for Port Talbot.

Labour leaders Jo Stevens and Vaughan Gething urged Tata Steel to delay shutting its Port Talbot blast furnaces until after the July general election, allowing time for negotiations with a possible Labour government and unions. Labour supports a plan to keep one furnace operating during the transition to electric arc steelmaking and says its green steel funding could protect jobs. Steelworkers planned an overtime ban over threatened job losses, while Tata maintained that closures are necessary because of substantial losses and that running old furnaces alongside the new facility would be unsafe and financially impractical.

Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething will travel to Mumbai to urge Tata Steel to reconsider closing the two blast furnaces at Port Talbot and to avoid compulsory redundancies. Tata plans to invest £1.25 billion in an electric arc furnace while shutting the existing furnaces by the end of June and September, a move expected to eliminate 2,800 jobs. Welsh officials and unions proposed retaining one blast furnace during the transition, but Tata rejected the plan, citing at least £1.6 billion in additional costs. The Welsh Government is seeking workforce-impact details, retraining support and opportunities for affected employees in the decommissioning and construction work, while Tata says its plan will secure the business’s long-term future and preserve most UK jobs.

Nine-year-old Tomos Rhys Bunford died after his family’s Mitsubishi Warrior, towing a heavily loaded water bowser, lost control on a slope near Blaenllechau in South Wales in September 2021. His father told an inquest that he feared the vehicle would fall into a disused quarry and urged the family to jump. Tomos was struck by the jack-knifing vehicle, while his mother was also injured. A Health and Safety Executive investigation found defective trailer brakes, excessive load weight, unsuitable mismatched tyres and possible steering problems caused by shifting water. The coroner recorded an accidental death caused by blunt-force injuries to the chest and abdomen.

Blaenau Gwent Council has ordered a traveller group to stop removing earth from a hillside beside Nantyglo Rugby Club after residents raised concerns about a potential landslip and road collapse. The council says the work breached planning controls through unauthorised excavation, material importation, embankment construction and land reprofiling. An independent assessment found no immediate risk to nearby properties, while the site owner said the land would be used for grazing horses and did not rule out a future settlement.

An inquest heard that Fares Bash, aged seven, Joury Bash, aged three, and nine-month-old Mohammed Bash died from stab wounds to the chest and neck at their home in Sea Mills, Bristol, on 18 February. The coroner, Peter Harrowing, adjourned proceedings while the police investigation continues. Their father, Alfil Bash, spoke of his devastation, while Avon and Somerset Police said a 42-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of murder and detained under the Mental Health Act. The Independent Office for Police Conduct found that no investigation was required following the force’s referral over prior contact.

Twenty-seven snakes, including one measuring 17 feet, and four chickens were found dead in boxes, bin bags and pillowcases beside a road in Waterston, Pembrokeshire. RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben described the discovery as one of the worst cases he had dealt with in 25 years. The snakes appeared to be constrictors, and the chickens may have been intended as food for the larger animals. The RSPCA is arranging post-mortem examinations and seeking information about where the animals came from.

The Senedd approved the Welsh Government’s 2024-25 budget by 28 votes to 15, with 13 abstentions. The final budget includes £190 million in additional funding, including money for local authorities facing social care and school pressures, NHS capital projects, homelessness prevention, social housing, apprenticeships and employability, the Holyhead Breakwater, and small businesses. Finance Minister Rebecca Evans warned that the UK Government’s spring statement could require further revisions. Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives welcomed some spending increases but argued that the budget was constrained, lacked long-term planning and failed to address pressures facing families, businesses and public services.

Labour is urging the UK Government to approve the proposed sale of Newport Wafer Fab in south Wales to Vishay Intertechnology, arguing that delays are putting jobs and a strategically important semiconductor site at risk. The government ordered Nexperia, whose parent company is Shanghai-based Wingtech, to divest the plant in 2022 over national security concerns. Sixty redundancies have already occurred, and workers’ representatives warn of further losses or closure. The government says it remains committed to a successful divestment and to supporting the UK semiconductor sector through its national strategy.