The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer has a tour planned for 2026, which is now thrown into doubt.
Justin Bieber will headline the 2026 World Cup half-time show in New York on July 19, performing alongside Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and others. The event supports the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund.
Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's most decorated Paralympian with 19 gold medals, has announced her retirement from elite competition after a 35-year career. The 48-year-old, who excelled in swimming and cycling, plans to leverage her experience in new roles, including her work as Manchester's travel commissioner and chair of Lancashire Cricket.
An interim review of the UK's Personal Independence Payment (Pip) has found the disability benefit is not 'fit for purpose'. The minister leading the review, Sir Stephen Timms, stated that recommendations due in autumn will involve 'fundamental change' but not 'crude proposals' on payment levels, acknowledging concerns about the benefit's sustainability.
The UK's ethics watchdog has recommended a radical overhaul of transparency laws, proposing a new register to publicly declare all government lobbying, including informal communications like WhatsApp chats and party conference meetings. The review, led by Doug Chalmers, aims to restore public trust by highlighting who is lobbying, what policies they seek to influence, and who they meet in government.
UK government is considering new plans for the veterinary sector, including mandatory licensing for practices, price caps on pet medicine, and increased transparency over ownership. These reforms aim to address concerns over high costs and lack of competition, with over 60% of practices owned by six major groups.
A government review of the Personal Independence Payment (Pip) has concluded the system is "unfit for purpose" and "dehumanising" for claimants. The interim report highlights deep-rooted problems and suggests radical reform is needed, while stressing any changes must be financially sustainable.
