Ministers are split over plans to curb children’s social media use, with some urging a ban and strict age checks while others favour education and platform regulation. The PM is pressed for a clear strategy balancing mental health concerns, free speech and tech innovation.
Keir Starmer sets out a tougher approach, vowing to press on in office and deliver his programme. He criticises rivals on the left and right, warns their tactics are divisive, confirms Angela Rayner will return to frontline duties, and insists he relishes the job.
Tom Stoppard has died aged 88. The acclaimed playwright reshaped British theatre with works from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead to Arcadia and Leopoldstadt. David Hare reflects on their 50‑year friendship and assesses Stoppard’s enduring legacy.
Zack Polanski outlines a Green vision: quit Nato, raise taxes on wealth to fund services and green investment, and adopt a welcoming stance on migration. He argues this agenda would reset Britain’s economy, fairness and climate goals.
Claims of political interference at the BBC include pressure on editorial decisions and influence over senior appointments. Critics warn public trust and impartiality are at risk. MPs and campaigners call for tougher governance, transparent hiring, and stronger protections for the broadcaster’s independence.
The Chancellor’s ‘two up, two down’ budget targets the young, promising help on housing, jobs and training within tight finances. It balances support for first-time buyers and skills with potential tax rises and strained services, testing claims of intergenerational fairness.
Economists say clean growth is the clearest route to prosperity, urging the UK and allies to scale up investment in renewables, grids and resilience. Critics argue the UN summit format is stalling progress, calling for binding targets, reliable finance for vulnerable nations and enforcement.
An investigation traces a coordinated online harassment campaign against Virginia Giuffre, mapping anonymous accounts, suspected bot networks and PR links. It examines funding and legal tactics used to undermine her, and questions the role of platforms and reputation managers in enabling it.
Emily Maitlis says Prince Andrew misled her about his links to Jeffrey Epstein during their 2019 Newsnight interview. She highlights inconsistencies and the Palace’s response, renewing scrutiny of his account and raising questions over royal accountability.
Families in Gaza City are trying to return to damaged homes and restart daily life, but shortages of water, power and shelter persist as aid access and basic services remain limited.