Britain will rejoin the Erasmus programme from 2027, restoring funded study exchanges across Europe. UK students can spend a year abroad with reciprocal fee waivers for EU visitors. Ministers say it widens opportunity and skills; universities broadly back the move, with costs and implementation still to be set.
Ministers are weighing reforms to the BBC’s funding, with a consultation on options including advertising or subscriptions and free TV licences for benefit claimants. The plan aims to ease costs for low-income households while deciding the broadcaster’s future model.
Campaigners demand a ban on cutting engineered stone for kitchen worktops after UK cases of silicosis emerged. They urge mandatory workplace health tests, a national register of cases, stronger HSE enforcement and better protections for young tradespeople.
Neonatal nurse Sarah Alcock, a new mum whose daughter Chloe arrived 15 weeks early in March, is volunteering to work over Christmas to support an overstretched unit. In recognition of her dedication to families and colleagues, she and her family receive a festive getaway as thanks.
Labour’s workers’ rights overhaul cleared its final parliamentary stage, setting up implementation next year. Plans curb exploitative zero‑hours contracts, give day‑one rights to sick pay and parental leave, strengthen unfair‑dismissal protections and expand flexible working. Business groups warn of costs.
FIFA has performed a U-turn, reducing ticket prices for next year’s World Cup finals after criticism over affordability. Cuts will apply across categories, easing costs for travelling supporters and domestic fans, following pressure over pricing concerns.
Paul Doyle, 51, is to be jailed for driving into crowds at a Liverpool parade, injuring bystanders. A 12-year-old describes the fear of being hit as celebrations turned to chaos. The case underscores event safety concerns and the consequences of reckless driving.
The PM rejected calls to ditch April’s inheritance tax changes affecting farms, despite warnings from MPs and farm groups that the plan could force family sales and intensify rural distress. Critics label it “cruel”; No 10 insists the reforms are sensible and will go ahead.
A widespread fault in speed camera systems on smart motorways and some A-roads led to wrongful speeding charges. About 40% of devices were affected for years, prompting more than 30,000 cases to be scrapped. The Government faces compensation claims as police review enforcement and accuracy.
A man faces court after a vehicle incident at Liverpool’s victory parade left more than 100 injured. Dashcam audio presented to the judge captured the driver shouting at crowds. The suspect, ex‑marine Paul Doyle, is accused of dangerous driving during the celebrations.