45 m. ago Norway backs Nato’s 5% defence spending target despite Spain rejecting it as ‘unreasonable’ – Europe live

PM Jonas Gahr Støre declared Norway’s support for the 5% target proposed by Nato’s secretary general Mark RutteIn Berlin, meanwhile, a German government spokesperon said that Iran will probably be a topic of discussion at next week’s Nato summit in The Hague.“We do not comment on allies’ possible attack plans,” the spokesperson said, referring to US president Donald Trump saying he would decide within two weeks whether his country would join Israeli strikes. Continue reading...

Events

51 m. ago UK households urged to close all curtains and blinds this weekend

Many people are looking for ways to keep their homes cool during the heatwave

Politics

60 m. ago Keir Starmer’s AI tsar to step down after six months in role

Matt Clifford, a tech investor who wrote government’s controversial AI action plan, to resign for personal reasonsKeir Starmer’s artificial intelligence tsar, a key figure in steering the government’s approach to artificial intelligence, is stepping down after six months in the role.Matt Clifford, the author of the government’s AI opportunities action plan, said: he would leave his post next month for personal reasons. Continue reading...

Politics

60 m. ago Cervical cancer rates soaring in deprived areas after low vaccine uptake

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that low vaccine uptake among children is leaving many women vulnerable to cervical cancer.

Politics

86 m. ago Personal insolvencies 5% higher in May than same month of 2024, figures show

The number of people needing ‘breathing space’ from debts was also 2% higher last month compared to May last year.

Politics

90 m. ago Hospital consultants may strike with junior doctors in pay row escalation

BMA warns government faces ‘several groups of doctors on picket lines together later this year’

Events

91 m. ago Coronation Street fans 'concerned' for Todd Grimshaw as they 'rumble' dark story and make demand

As fans of the ITV soap know, the undertaker is in quite a new relationship with Theo Silverton

Politics

1 hour 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

1 hour ago Bank of England boss not ‘convinced’ of need for digital pound

The Bank and the Government are in the process of exploring the launch of a digital pound.

Economics

1 hour ago Get the fan out! Londoners face first 'tropical nights' of 2025 with temperature above 20C during bedtime

The Met Office has warned such conditions pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups

Sport

2 h. ago Tree felling plans in rural Stirling forest attracts major opposition in call for delay

The proposals from Forestry and Land Scotland include more than 4,000 hectares near Strathyre where woodland and forest could see trees chopped down over infection concerns.

Politics

2 h. ago National Speech Debate Tournament evacuation leads to arrest of Wyoming artist

The Des Moines Police Department said that Jayden Roccaforte’s “behavior prompted safety concerns and the immediate area was evacuated”

Events

2 h. ago From heat to unrest: how five major Club World Cup storylines are shaping up

With the group stage approaching halfway, it is time to take stock of key issues surrounding the expanded tournamentThe Club World Cup is into the second round of games in the group stage, with matches across the United States showing off all that was hotly anticipated about this newly expanded tournament, as well as a few concerns.Here’s a breakdown of five major storylines we were keeping track of before the games, and where we stand. Continue reading...

Society

2 h. ago Gregor Poynton MP welcomes the expansion of the Warm Home Discount, providing an extra 240,000 families in Scotland with money off their energy bills.

The UK Labour Government has confirmed that an extra 2.7 million households will receive £150 off their energy bills next winter to ensure that families across the UK stay warm this winter.

Society

2 h. ago BBC Breakfast editor takes extended leave after consultant is hired to investigate bullying allegations

Senior presenter Naga Munchetty is said to have been one of the individuals who raised concerns about Richard Frediani’s behaviour

Events

2 h. ago Labour Government frontbencher resigns over proposed disability benefit cuts

Vicky Foxcroft has resigned as a Government whip because she did not believe the proposed cuts “should be part of the solution”.

Politics

2 h. ago Voices: Angela Rayner must learn lessons from housebuilders if she wants to succeed

The government has big ambitions to build 1.5 million new homes – but for too long the private sector has been viewed with suspicion, writes Chris Blackhurst. It’s time for an urgent re-think

Politics

2 h. ago MPs vote on legalising assisted dying TODAY: Politicians urged not to put vulnerable people at risk with seismic law change

The biggest change on the law on suicide for decades is expected to take place this afternoon, with the result on a knife edge.

Politics

2 h. ago Minister insists no major welfare rebellion on the horizon after whip quits

Lisa Nandy said the Government believes the Commons will back reforms.

Politics

3 h. ago New DWP proposed welfare reforms due for debate in Parliament at start of next month

The UK Government needs to have the planned legislation approved by November to implement it next year.

Politics