An investigation says the SNP directs billions in public grants to charities with clauses that deter criticism of policy, covering gender, alcohol, drugs and safeguarding. Ministers insist funding is transparent and fair. Critics argue it compromises independence and skews civic debate.
A new analysis details internal warnings to Meta’s boss about harms linked to its platforms, including misinformation, safety gaps and risks to young users. Critics say these concerns were downplayed, intensifying scrutiny and calls for stronger regulation and accountability.
Morgan McSweeney, a senior No 10 aide, has been told to hand over private messages from a second phone to the inquiry into the Mandelson scandal. Investigators will recover any relevant texts to clarify his communications and timeline.
Up to 70 Britons have been detained in the UAE for taking or sharing images of security incidents, breaching strict laws on photographing sensitive sites. Tourists, expats and crew are among those held. Penalties can reach 10 years’ jail or £200k, and even receiving such images may be an offence.
The PM set out plans to curb addictive social media for children, targeting algorithms that keep them scrolling. Measures under consideration include time limits, overnight curfews and an Australian‑style ban. The move follows a landmark UK court ruling, with a call to act for the next generation.
Drone mapping has found soil anomalies in a field near the Gloucestershire border, indicating possible burial sites linked to Fred West. Investigators believe two victims may be there and will share the data with police, potentially prompting targeted excavation and renewed inquiries.
Britain’s National Crime Agency warns criminal groups are set to exploit AI to forge videos and images, create false alibis and discredit witnesses, risking jurors losing trust in genuine CCTV. It urges rapid safeguards, verification tools and training across the justice system.
A champion golfer, 50, was arrested in Florida after a crash and spent about eight hours in custody before release on bail. They have been charged with driving under the influence after their vehicle rolled. Police enquiries continue ahead of an expected court appearance.
Keir Starmer’s clash with President Trump over Iran policy has boosted his ratings, a JL Partners poll shows. When reminded of the dispute, voters lift the PM’s approval by 26 points to net -14, versus -40 otherwise. Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage initially backed the stance, then reversed.
Asda chairman Allan Leighton accuses ministers of having “zero credibility” on fuel prices after claims of profiteering. With petrol above £1.50 a litre, he rejects the charge, citing taxes and wholesale costs, and warns regional tensions could tighten supply.
Police have reopened inquiries into the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s phone. The PM’s former chief aide is under scrutiny for failing to clarify whether a tracker was used to locate the device, with officers reviewing CCTV and timelines around the incident.
Market turmoil linked to Iran drove a rare simultaneous slide in global equities and bonds in March. Yields jumped as investors sought liquidity, while traditional hedges faltered, leaving diversified portfolios under pressure. Analysts warn volatility may persist and havens remain scarce until tensions ease.
A golf icon was involved in a minor rollover crash in Florida. Emergency crews attended, and initial reports suggest no serious injuries. The incident comes five years after a similar crash that caused significant injuries. Officials are investigating the cause.
At a public engagement, the King briefly fumbled an unveiling, tugging the cloth loose before regaining composure and finishing the task. The moment drew laughs from onlookers and caused no damage or injury.
The PM says Britain won’t join a US-led military operation in Iran, resisting pressure from Donald Trump and the White House. He prioritises UK interests and de-escalation, as Washington talks up diplomacy while preparing to send more troops.
Polling finds half of voters have tightened their belts amid global tensions, cutting back on eating out, fuel, big purchases and home energy. Over a third report no change. Many back more North Sea oil and gas, while a majority support targeted energy help for the poorest.
Washington said its campaign against Iran could end within weeks, with no negotiations under way. Israel vowed to press on and may widen operations against sites linked to weapons development, heightening regional tensions despite diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.
A month into a Gulf crisis, closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven oil to $120 a barrel, adding £307m to UK fuel costs and threatening £150 on annual food bills. The OECD says £15bn has been wiped from UK growth, the US cost is put at $25bn, and over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon.