12 h. ago UK bank holiday changes in 2026 explained with full list and new day added

The government has confirmed that bank holidays in the UK are set to change for 2026, with 2027 bringing even more switch-ups. If you're planning your annual leave, here's everything you need to know

Politics

26 h. ago Myanmar’s first election since the 2021 coup: everything you need to know

The ruling junta says the heavily restricted polls are a return to democracy but critics are waryFive years after Myanmar’s junta ousted the country’s last elected government, triggering a civil war, voting is set to begin this week in national elections.The junta claims the vote is a return to democracy, but in reality the one-sided and heavily restricted poll has been widely condemned as a sham designed to keep the generals in power through proxies. Continue reading...

Politics

40 h. ago Do you support a ban on trail hunting? Take our poll and have your say

Campaigners have long warned foxes are still torn to shreds by dogs during the hunts, while the national police lead on illegal hunting says they are often a smokescreen for illegal fox hunting

Politics

41 h. ago Reform plan to cap aid at £1bn would damage UK’s international influence, critics warn

Exclusive: Campaigners say slashing overseas aid would leave UK unable to meet existing commitmentsPlans by Reform UK to slash the aid budget by 90% would not cover existing contributions to global bodies such as the UN and World Bank, shredding Britain’s international influence and risking its standing within those organisations, charities and other parties have warned.Under cuts announced by Nigel Farage in November, overseas aid would be capped at £1bn a year, or about 0.03% of GDP. Keir Starmer’s government is already set to reduce aid from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3% by 2027, but even that lower proportion would still amount to £9bn a year. Continue reading...

Events

59 h. ago Ban on shock collars and trail hunting among Government’s animal welfare plans

The animal welfare strategy, launched on Monday, includes plans to ban trail hunting, for fear it is being used as cover for chasing live foxes.

Politics

59 h. ago Nigel Farage's 'authoritarian control freaks' attack on Labour slapped down by No10

Downing Street has slapped down Nigel Farage after he called ministers 'authoritarian control freaks' over their plan to ban trail hunting in the Animal Welfare Strategy

Events

61 h. ago Voices: ‘Enough is enough’: Readers welcome move to ban trail hunting

Our community has largely backed a ban on trail hunting, calling it foxhunting by another name, while a minority warned it would damage rural life

Politics

3 d. ago Crackdown on cruel puppy farms and ban on trail hunting planned in major animal welfare shake

A CRACKDOWN on inhumane puppy farming is planned in a major animal welfare shake-up. Government proposals will tackle the cruel trade which sees dogs bred in grim conditions. The animals are kept in cramped, unsuitable surroundings as puppies are churned out for profit on an industrial scale with no thoughts for well-being. Despite licensing rules...

Politics

3 d. ago Trail hunting set to be outlawed in Wales over claims it's a 'smokescreen'

The UK Government claims the practice is being utilised as a 'smokescreen' for hunting wild animals, the BBC reports

Events

4 d. ago Government set to ban trail hunting amid 'smokescreen' fears

'In our manifesto we said we would ban trail hunting, and that's exactly what we'll do'

Politics

4 d. ago Trail hunting set to be banned for fear it is a ‘smokescreen’ for harm

Trail hunting mimics a traditional hunt, with dogs following a pre-laid, animal-based scent.

Events

6 d. ago Crackdown on deepfake abuse part of strategy to tackle violence against women

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips announced the move as she set out the Government’s Vawg strategy.

Events

7 d. ago State pension warning over 'letter from the taxman through the door'

The Government set out new policies for the state pension in the Budget

Events

7 d. ago TV licence fee could be replaced by ‘sliding scale’ payment rates for households

The UK Government has set out plans to reform the TV licence fee in the BBC royal charter review.

Politics

9 d. ago Motherwell set for £20m boost over next decade through UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme

This long-term investment will empower local people to shape the future of their communities, revitalise spaces, and create opportunities for growth.

Politics

9 d. ago DWP update over state pensioners needing to fill in tax returns

The Government recently set out a new policy about tax on pensions. The full new state pension currently stands at £230.25 a week, or £11,973 annually

Economics

1 week ago Every police force to get rape probe teams as part of Shabana Mahmood's blitz on sex crimes in 'largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history'

Specialist rape and sex offences investigation teams will be set up in every police force in what the Government calls 'the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history'.

Events

1 week ago Andy Burnham makes demand after claims government policies creating homelessness

It comes after the government set out a new plan to tackle homelessness

Events

2 w. ago Fury as prison bosses splurge £700 on giant chess set despite Govt pledging to crackdown on spending

PRISON bosses bought inmates a giant £700 outdoor chess set. The purchase was revealed after the Government pledged a crackdown on spending. Other departments splurged on designer water bottles, staff trophies and presentation courses. The chess set, with 2ft high pieces, was bought off Amazon by the Ministry of Justice and delivered to the Isle...

Economics

2 w. ago Universal Credit rule change to help more working parents get help with childcare costs

WORKING parents on Universal Credit are set for a major boost, as the Government unveils new support to cut the crippling cost of childcare. Ministers have confirmed that Universal Credit rules will change next year to stop families from falling into a "debt trap" when they try to return to work. The strategy targets one...

Society