UK manufacturers face a "heavy drag" on competitiveness due to the highest electricity prices in the G7. Make UK and TUC call for expanded government relief, costing £3bn, to cover all manufacturers, as current schemes are too narrow.
UK plans to ban social media for under-16s face criticism from Meta, YouTube, and Snapchat, who argue it will push teens to less safe platforms. Keir Starmer announced the ban, aiming to protect children's mental health and safety, despite tech companies' concerns.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban children under 16 from using social media apps such as TikTok and Snapchat, aiming to protect them from harmful content and excessive screen time. The ban, expected early next year, aligns the UK with a global trend of increasing online child safety measures.
The UK is set for a significant warm-up this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C in some areas, particularly England and Wales. This shift follows a period of cooler, unsettled weather and is attributed to high pressure building across Europe, bringing sunshine and dry conditions.
Michael Grade, former chair of Ofcom, stated that critics of GB News are part of a 'liberal, Islington consensus' aiming to restrict free expression. He argued that the broadcaster gives a voice to the 'white majority' often ignored in public debate, a concept he linked to the success of Reform UK.
Thousands of UK companies risk bankruptcy due to soaring energy costs, which are double those in continental Europe. A survey by Make UK reveals a quarter of manufacturers are moving production overseas, and one in 10 fear insolvency within a year.
Toyota's No. 7 car, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries, won the 94th Le Mans 24 Hours by 11 seconds after 381 laps. The race showcased the series' robust health with high attendance and fierce competition across all classes.
British PM Keir Starmer faces domestic pressure and international scrutiny ahead of a French Alps summit. Resignations and potential leadership challenges from figures like Andy Burnham cast doubt on his tenure, while allies and foreign diplomats express uncertainty about future policy.
Nigel Farage announced plans to ban foreign nationals from social housing and deport those unable to find private accommodation, intensifying anti-immigration rhetoric ahead of the Makerfield byelection. This move comes amid polls showing Reform UK losing support to the more extremist Restore Britain.
Britain boarded and detained the tanker Smyrtos on Sunday in the English Channel, suspecting it of violating sanctions by shipping Russian oil as part of the "shadow fleet." Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated this operation targets resources fueling Putin's war in Ukraine.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer faces deep unpopularity and a revolt from his MPs, with nearly 100 calling for his resignation. His defense secretary also resigned. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could challenge Starmer if he wins the Makerfield by-election on June 18.
David Hockney's iconic painting 'A Bigger Splash' has become a symbol in gay domestic life, reflecting the artist's pioneering role in depicting same-sex desire and challenging homophobia in the art world.
Ten years after the Brexit vote, analysis shows severe economic costs for the UK. The pound remains below pre-referendum levels, growth has slowed significantly, trade faces friction, business investment and productivity have stalled, and employment has suffered, with public support for Brexit fading.
UK government reforms may classify bran flakes as junk food by including naturally occurring 'free sugars' in new nutrient profiling. Kellanova warns this could undo health efforts, while the government states it aims to promote healthier diets and restrict junk food advertising.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was detained at Heathrow airport under counter-terrorism laws. His phones were seized under the Counter-Terrorism Border Security Act 2019.
Folarin Balogun, born in the US to Nigerian parents, scored twice in the USA's 4-1 World Cup win over Paraguay, showcasing the 'messy, borderless reality' of modern soccer. His story, along with other US team members born abroad, highlights the role of migration in international football, contrasting with societal anxieties about immigration.
Britain and France are interested in demining a critical waterway post-conflict. Meanwhile, Pakistan's PM claims a deal to end a war is imminent, with finalization expected within 24 hours. US President Trump will also meet with leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and UAE to discuss winding down the Iran war.
Ghana's government has strongly criticized Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for a World Cup game, calling it "high-handed and extremely unfair." The denial is reportedly due to pending criminal proceedings in Britain against Partey, who denies the charges.
Britain celebrated King Charles III's official birthday on June 13, 2026, with the Trooping the Colour ceremony. This tradition, dating back to King George II, occurs in June regardless of the monarch's actual birth date to ensure better weather for outdoor celebrations. The event features over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, showcasing military precision and royal pageantry.
A western reef heron, typically found in West Africa to India, has been sighted in North Wales, marking its first known appearance in the UK. Experts attribute the sighting and survival of such tropical birds to changing climate conditions and milder winters, which are altering bird ranges and allowing species previously unable to survive UK winters to establish themselves.
Ukraine plans to increase military wages by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias and offer fixed-term contracts to boost recruitment. President Zelenskyy also aims to recruit more foreign volunteers. Meanwhile, Russia's Putin claims Ukrainian drone strikes aim to sow confusion and damage the economy, though he admits some economic damage.
Reform UK's Makerfield byelection candidate, Robert Kenyon, has faced criticism for sharing a video endorsing Ant Middleton, a former soldier and TV presenter known for controversial views. Middleton has made anti-Muslim comments and has been linked to far-right figures. The endorsement comes amid pressure from the Restore Britain party in the same contest.
South Korea and Britain signed a revised nuclear cooperation protocol and discussed deepening their global strategic partnership, including trade, investment, security, and defense. Seoul also expressed concerns over Britain's new steel safeguard measures.
David Hockney, Britain's favourite artist, has died aged 88. Known for his innovative work across various mediums including paint, photographs, and iPads, Hockney became a household name with his vivid paintings, particularly his swimming pool series. He was celebrated for his unique style and prolific output throughout his long career.
