18 h. ago Smartphone bans in Dutch schools have improved learning, study finds

After initial concerns, pupils are said to be more focused and have better social interactions with each otherBans on smartphones in Dutch schools have improved the learning environment despite initial protests, according to a study commissioned by the government of the Netherlands.National guidelines, introduced in January 2024, recommend banning smartphones from classrooms and almost all schools have complied. Close to two-thirds of secondary schools ask pupils to leave their phones at home or put them in lockers, while phones are given in at the start of a lesson at one in five. Continue reading...

Politics

41 h. ago Government introduces special law for Oasis shows 'in the public interest'

Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher will take the Oasis Live ’25 Tour to Heaton Park in Manchester next week after opening the awaited reunion tour in Cardiff tomorrow night

Politics

4 d. ago Immigration reforms for ‘complete reset’ to be introduced in Parliament

The legislative measures are the first policy changes to be introduced from the Government’s Immigration White Paper.

Politics

7 d. ago New £500 Cost of Living vouchers available for certain UK households – how to apply

The Household Support Fund was introduced by the government in 2021 to support those most in need during winter, with the first phase of the scheme ending on March 31, 2022

Economics

9 d. ago Now nanny state Labour get set to call time on TV alcohol adverts

In the latest sign of expansion of the 'nanny state', the Government confirmed it is looking at introducing 'partial restrictions' on booze ads among measures in its 10-year health plan.

Politics

9 d. ago Government is mulling over alcohol advertising clampdown as part of 10

In the latest sign of expansion of the 'nanny state', the Government confirmed it is looking at introducing 'partial restrictions' on booze ads among measures in its 10-year health plan.

Politics

9 d. ago Stormzy receives an honorary doctorate in law from Cambridge University

The London based grime artist, real name Michael Omari Owuo Junior, was awarded a doctorate in law during a special congregation at Senate House.

Society

9 d. ago Scottish Government propose new regulations for Botox, fillers and cosmetic surgery

The Scottish Government is introducing a Bill to regulate the profession following concerns about botched procedures.

Politics

2 w. ago MPs voting on legalising assisted dying following emotive debate – UK politics live

The terminally ill adults (end of life) bill will either clear the House of Commons and move to the Lords, or fail completelyMPs have gathered in the House of Commons for the third reading of the assisted dying bill. If approved, it will then go to the House of Lords.There will also be four votes in the Commons on changes within the bill since it was last put to MPs in November.The terminally ill adults (end of life) bill has huge implications for hospices, our staff, volunteers and patients, as well as the health system and society more broadly. But there are still many unanswered questions around how a future assisted dying service would work.Given this lack of clarity we welcome the introduction of new clause 20, which would require the government to consult with palliative and end of life care providers if the bill progresses. It is vital that the access of palliative and end of life care for everyone is increased, and for that we need a better funding model for hospices. Contin...

Politics

2 w. ago MPs debate assisted dying bill ahead of crunch vote – UK politics live

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will either clear the House of Commons and move to the Lords, or fail completelyMPs have gathered in the House of Commons for the third reading of the assisted dying bill. If approved, it will then go to the House of Lords.There will also be four votes in the Commons on changes within the bill since it was last put to MPs in November.The terminally ill adults (end of life) bill has huge implications for hospices, our staff, volunteers and patients, as well as the health system and society more broadly. But there are still many unanswered questions around how a future assisted dying service would work.Given this lack of clarity we welcome the introduction of new clause 20, which would require the government to consult with palliative and end of life care providers if the bill progresses. It is vital that the access of palliative and end of life care for everyone is increased, and for that we need a better funding model for hospices. Contin...

Politics

2 w. ago Ministers face calls to drop 'crazy' changes to equality laws 'that will penalise middle classes'

Senior Tories called on the Government to abandon plans to introduce a new 'socio-economic duty' which could force authorities to favour the poor.

Politics

2 w. ago China considers lifting sanctions on UK parliamentarians as relations warm

Exclusive: Restrictions to be reviewed as embassy official says ‘UK-China relations are showing a positive momentum’China is considering lifting the sanctions it imposed on UK parliamentarians in 2021, in the latest sign of warming relations between London and Beijing.The Chinese government is reviewing the sanctions, which it introduced four years ago in response to what it called “lies and disinformation” about human rights abuses in Xinjiang, according to two UK government sources familiar with the conversations. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Keir Starmer plots equality law 'to penalise middle class and privately educated', Tories claim

The Government has already introduced a punishing 20 per cent VAT hike on private school fees.

Politics

3 w. ago Brits believe roads will be fully driverless in 15 years, but want tougher laws

The government has set a timetable for the introduction of self-driving vehicles but research suggests many people are wary

Transport

3 w. ago Driving licence rule change TODAY allows millions to legally take to the wheel of larger cars... with a catch

An updated weight restriction for category B driving licences has been introduced by the Government on 10 June.

Transport

3 w. ago Warning over new cabin bag charge for Brits travelling to Spain

Travellers have been warned over the controversial new hand luggage rules which are set to be introduced this summer - as the Spanish, German, Slovenian, and Portuguese governments voted against the changes,

Events

3 w. ago The Guardian view on child poverty: free school meals are a help, but not a panacea | Editorial

Giving lunch to more pupils is a good move – but poor nutrition points to deeper problems that ministers must faceIt was Ellen Wilkinson, education minister in the Attlee government, who announced in 1946 that free school dinners would be introduced, along with free school milk, at the same time as child benefit. No doubt Rachel Reeves, who has a picture of Wilkinson on the wall of her office, is aware of this – and also that the Treasury subsequently decided the policy was unaffordable. The meals were subsidised instead.Despite these initial charges, and later price rises, poorer children did gain, and keep, an entitlement to free school meals. The announcement last week that this is being extended in England to all those whose parents or carers claim universal credit – rather than restricted to families with incomes lower than £7,400 – should be welcomed by all objectors to child poverty. Being assured of a hot lunch in the middle of the school day makes pupils’ lives be...

Politics

3 w. ago Unions pile pressure on Reeves to avoid cuts and impose wealth taxes

Exclusive: The TUC has ratcheted up pressure on the government to introduce wealth taxes amid a growing expectation that the chancellor will unveil a swathe of spending cuts next week

Economics

4 w. ago Show us your BritCard: Minister confirms Government looking at introducing ID app in illegal immigration crackdown

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said that ministers 'know we need to look at all the actions we can take' to reduce the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Politics