Ministers plan to let 63 councils postpone May’s local elections, affecting over 10m voters. Supporters cite administrative changes; opponents say it favours Labour-run areas and shields the PM from a key test. In some places, votes could be delayed for up to seven years.
The PM faces criticism over plans to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus-style exchange programme, with costs projected to reach about £6bn over the decade, far higher than before. Ministers say it will expand study abroad and skills; opponents call it poor value and a step towards reversing Brexit.
Ministers outline a BBC funding overhaul from 2028: free access for people on benefits, paid for by higher charges on other households. Ads and paywalls for big shows are being considered as the licence fee is phased out in favour of an iPlayer‑centred model.
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 43-year-old shopkeeper disarmed an attacker during an anti‑Semitic incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney, amid a Jewish festival. Fifteen people were killed and 42 injured. Police say two suspects, a father and son, took part. The shopkeeper’s actions are credited with saving lives.
The King reported a major boost in his cancer treatment, describing it as a personal blessing. After an exceptionally good response, weekly therapy will be significantly scaled back and shift to a precautionary phase in the New Year, though specialist care will continue.
Armed Forces minister Al Carns says Britain is on a heightened defence footing, warning that the shadow of conflict is at Europe’s door. Nato chief Mark Rutte urges members to prepare for large-scale contingencies, prioritising investment and readiness.
Campaigners have launched legal action to halt an NHS-backed trial of puberty blockers involving about 220 participants. A senior Conservative has criticised the plan and urged ministers to stop it, while supporters say the study is regulated and designed to assess safety and outcomes.
A National Audit Office report says the Home Office lacks reliable data on how many asylum seekers have gone missing and the true cost of the system. Spending is estimated at about £4.6bn in 2024–25, largely on hotels. The watchdog urges stronger data, oversight and value for money.
The First Sea Lord urged the Chancellor to raise defence spending, saying current budget limits leave the Forces underfunded while a rival state pours billions into North Atlantic dominance. He warned Britain could lose a strategic edge and called for investment to protect vital energy and data links.
A poll shows only a quarter of people are confident they’d receive good NHS care if diagnosed with dementia. Concerns include delayed diagnosis and a postcode lottery in support. A campaign with Alzheimer’s Society calls for earlier detection, better training, and consistent services across the country.
Dementia causes one in nine deaths, around 76,000 a year, with the NHS missing diagnosis targets in over half the country. Campaigners highlight a postcode lottery in care, no drugs available on the NHS, crippling care home fees and thin research funding, urging fair access and urgent reform.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused the BBC of double standards, pointing to 1970s shows that would fail today’s standards, after it questioned him over alleged schoolboy racism, which he denies. He said he may boycott the broadcaster unless it apologises.
The Duchess of Sussex’s father, 81, is in intensive care in the Philippines after emergency surgery. He became seriously ill at home and was rushed to hospital. Doctors plan a further procedure to address a blood clot, according to his son.
MPs have launched a probe into royal lease deals after the Royal Lodge row, examining whether rents on Crown Estate homes offer value for money. The Public Accounts Committee will review arrangements for the Waleses’ Forest Lodge, the Edinburghs’ Bagshot Park and Princess Alexandra’s home.