An investigation found agents selling sham “skilled” jobs at genuine firms to secure visas, charging up to £20,000. Undercover evidence shows offers of sponsorship certificates and fake employment records. The Home Office faces pressure to tighten checks and take enforcement action.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a pub support package: a 15% cut to business rates from April and relaxed hours for the World Cup opening. Trade groups welcomed relief but warned it falls short of addressing rising costs and ongoing closures in the sector.
The PM faces claims he led a human‑rights case that opened the door to widespread legal pursuits of Iraq‑era soldiers. Supporters say it upheld accountability; critics call it a ‘witch‑hunt’. He maintains he backs the armed forces and the rule of law.
A travel firm has launched what it calls the first Cheltenham Festival-themed break in Benidorm. The package includes flights, hotel, race screenings and fan events, with facilities for placing bets, giving racing fans a sunny base to follow the meeting.
The PM’s returns deal with France faces scrutiny after figures showed 350 arrivals and 281 removals in six months. The Home Secretary admitted more people came than were sent back but rejected claims of failure, saying the scheme is bedding in and removals will increase.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reversed course, giving pubs and music venues 15% off business rates and freezing them for two years to safeguard community assets. Restaurants, cafés and hotels are excluded and face April rises, expected to lift prices; MPs warn many small firms still risk closure.
Washington signalled that security assurances may hinge on territorial concessions by an eastern European partner, raising concern it is being pressed into a deal. Critics doubt US commitment; officials say they seek talks. The UK and allies emphasise sovereignty and oppose rewarding coercion.
Doctors report a concealed death toll from Iran’s crackdown, estimating more than 30,000 killed. Hospitals were pressured not to register trauma cases, leading some injuries to go untreated. Families fear reprisals. Evidence is drawn from medics’ testimonies and local records.
The NHS has opened an investigation into alleged over‑treatment by a retired cancer consultant after a 45‑year‑old mother says she received six years of chemotherapy despite only needing six months. She reports ongoing health problems. Regulators will review her records and the clinical decisions made.
Charity Missing People has launched SafeCall, offering a direct lifeline to the 72,000 children who go missing each year. Funded by donations, the service provides confidential contact, guidance and links to specialist help. The PM hailed it as ‘vital’ support for vulnerable young people.