66 h. ago Rock legend Sting slams 'successive governments' for neglecting his home region

The Police frontman says his native north east has been ignored by governments after he gave a large donation to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

Politics

67 h. ago Israeli government issuing ‘illegal’ orders that must not be obeyed, say IDF intelligence officers

In letter to Netanyahu, 41 signatories say hostages given ‘death sentence’ and Israel waging ‘unnecessary’ warMiddle East crisis – latest updatesIsrael’s government is issuing “clearly illegal” orders that must not be obeyed, a group of Israeli military intelligence officers have said, announcing they will no longer participate in combat operations in Gaza.In a letter addressed to Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the defence minister, Israel Katz, and the head of the military, the group of 41 officers and reservists said the government was waging an “unnecessary, eternal war” in Gaza. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago Charities welcome free school meals change but warn ‘more is needed’

Charities and school leaders welcomed the change but urged the Government to reconsider the two-child benefit cap to ease poverty levels.

Events

1 week ago Shocking moment 'controlling' boyfriend hurls abuse at sobbing girlfriend in doorbell footage as brute who monitored victim's TikTok is recalled to prison

'Controlling' Matthew Kowal, 34, was released early from prison under a government scheme to ease overcrowding, but was recalled within two months for breaching a no-contact order.

Events

2 w. ago No more planning applications needed for EV charging point installations

The Government has removed planning red tape making it easier for EV owners and businesses to install chargers, helping the switch to electric and for drivers to save money.

Politics

2 w. ago Get Britain building ... ponds: Angela Rayner urged to use planning reform to cut red tape on small lakes to help wildlife and combat flooding

Tory MP Rebecca Smith wants the Deputy Prime Minister's plan to cut red tape around construction to include easing the rules governing the creation of new bodies of water.

Events

2 w. ago No National Park for Ayrshire as Scottish Government drop plans

Plans for the Galloway National Park which would have included parts of South and East Ayrshire have been dropped by the Scottish Government.

Politics

2 w. ago Government steps in to deliver new reservoirs amid water supply concerns

The Environment Secretary has designated two new reservoirs as ‘nationally significant’ to speed up the planning process.

Politics

2 w. ago City needs ‘powerful voice on national stage’ after Nottingham attacks – lawyer

The Government has committed to a two-year inquiry into the attacks by Valdo Calocane.

Events

2 w. ago Thousands of Israelis join violent, racist march through Jerusalem’s Muslim quarter

State-backed flag day march shut down Palestinian life in Old City to celebrate Israel’s 1967 annexation of East JerusalemThousands of Israelis have joined a state-funded march through the Muslim quarter of the Old City in Jerusalem, where large groups chanted racist slogans including “Gaza is ours”, “death to the Arabs” and “may their villages burn”.The annual march, paid for and promoted by the Jerusalem city government, celebrates Israel’s capture and occupation of East Jerusalem and its holy sites in the war of 1967. The Israeli takeover is not recognised internationally. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Watch: Justice secretary update on prisons review as chemical castration considered for sex offenders

The justice secretary has said that many sentencing reforms aimed at easing prison overcrowding have been accepted by the government, including chemical castration for sex offenders.

Events

3 w. ago Will Brits be able to dodge passport queues this summer by using European e

Government sources suggested the deal will make life easier for Britons facing queues on holiday

Politics

3 w. ago Is Keir Starmer about to cave to Labour benefit rebels? Government could ease two

The two-child cap on handouts is said to be among measures that could be tweaked as the PM and Chancellor Rachel Reeves try to appease furious party backbenchers.

Politics

4 w. ago Keir Starmer doubles down on benefit shakeup despite Labour rebellion

Keir Starmer ruled out softening disability benefit cuts when asked if rebel Labour MPs should 'lump it' as he faces a huge Commons rebellion over welfare changes

Politics

last month Minister resolute on benefit cuts amid threats of Labour rebellion

Some 100 Labour MPs are reported to have signed a letter urging ministers to scale back welfare cuts.

Politics