- World News
UK, European governments urge FIFA for Women’s World Cup TV rights deal
Major European governments, including the United Kingdom, have urged FIFA and independent broadcasters to swiftly settle on an agreement for televising the Women’s World Cup in July and August. This joint appeal follows FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s threat to withhold the tournament’s broadcast in five European nations – the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain – due to a financial…
- World News
CBI launches change programme amid scandals and confidence vote
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) members are set to vote on the organisation’s future amid recent scandals. The business lobby group faced turmoil following serious sexual assault allegations made by employees. The CBI is now launching an “ambitious programme of change,” focusing on governance, culture, people processes, and refining its core purpose. Over 1,000 business leaders provided input on…
- World News
Elton John promises surprises, unique setlist at final UK gig
Elton John, 76 years old, has revealed plans to include special guests and a unique setlist for his final UK performance at the Glastonbury Festival next month, while also expressing his feelings of intimidation about headlining the renowned event. The legendary singer is set to close the festival on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, on June…
- World News
ASA bans Litty Liquor ads with rapper ArrDee for promoting excessive drinking
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned advertisements for Litty Liquor featuring rapper ArrDee, due to the promotion of excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption and the inclusion of an individual under 25 years old. Two Instagram posts from December displayed ArrDee surrounded by bottles of spiced rum in a distillery, violating advertising regulations. Another post showcased a video of the…
- World News
Police race action plan faces racism claims from ethnic minority staff
The Police Race Action Plan, an initiative aimed at addressing racism within policing in England and Wales, is facing accusations of racism from some of its ethnic minority staff members. Launched in response to the murder of African-American George Floyd in 2020, the plan seeks to improve police relations with black communities. However, former staff members have told BBC Newsnight…
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Universal credit parents to get hundreds more for childcare costs
Universal credit recipients will be able to claim significantly higher amounts for childcare costs starting from the end of June, according to a recent government announcement. Parents on the benefit will now be able to claim back £951 for childcare costs for one child and £1,630 for two or more children, marking a 47% increase. This policy, announced as part…
- World News
UK government probes video games’ mental health impact and economic benefits
The UK government is seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s thriving video game industry, including the potential impact on users’ mental health. With popular games such as Grand Theft Auto and Football Manager being produced in the UK, the industry is valued at £2.8bn and over half of the country’s adults participate in gaming. However, the government…
- World News
Woman rescued waist-deep in mud near West Kirby Marine Lake
A woman was rescued after being trapped waist-deep in thick mud while walking near West Kirby Marine Lake on Merseyside. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) deployed the Hoylake hovercraft Hurley Spirit to assist her at approximately 2:45pm on Monday. The woman had become stuck in a channel of shallow water and was unable to reach the shore. Following her…
- World News
UK mortgage deals drop 10% as lenders reassess amid interest rate fears
In the wake of rising concerns over interest rates, nearly 10% of UK mortgage deals have been withdrawn from the market since the previous week. Financial data company Moneyfacts reported that close to 800 residential and buy-to-let deals have been removed as lenders reassess their offerings. Furthermore, average rates on two-year and five-year fixed deals have experienced an increase. This…
- World News
Protest at Oxford Union over Kathleen Stock’s gender-critical talk
A large crowd assembled outside the Oxford Union to express their disapproval of a lecture delivered by Kathleen Stock, a gender-critical academic. Despite facing opposition from some students, Stock remained resolute in her decision to proceed with the talk, which has been labelled transphobic by critics. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported Stock’s right to speak, stating that universities should foster…
- World News
IRA agent Stakeknife admits to killing informer in uncovered 1990 court document
A BBC investigation has revealed that Freddie Scappaticci, the man believed to have been one of the British Army’s top agents within the IRA, admitted in 1990 to shooting a suspected informer. Scappaticci, who passed away in April, consistently denied being the agent known as Stakeknife. He is suspected of being involved in over 20 murders during the Troubles in…
- World News
UK homeless charity St Mungo’s staff strike over pitiful 2.25% pay rise dispute
Homeless charity St Mungo’s is facing a month-long strike from its staff, beginning today, as workers protest against what they consider an insufficient pay increase. Unite union members will form picket lines outside the charity’s offices in London, Brighton, Bristol, and Oxford. According to the union, the employees are “taking a stand” following a “pitiful” offer of a 2.25% pay…