British Isles
SEND pupils face major shakeup in new government proposals
Parents in England may soon face limits on choosing special schools for their children under sweeping reforms to special educational needs and disabilities provision. The white paper proposes that councils provide families with…
By-election: Reform member suspended for racist and misogynistic social media posts
Reform UK has suspended a campaign figure in the Gorton and Denton by-election, which they hope to win, after reported social media posts containing racist and misogynistic remarks. Adam Mitula, said to be…
Cornwall: UK’s first deep geothermal power plant
On 26 February, the UK’s first deep geothermal power plant began generating electricity in Cornwall after nearly twenty years of development. The United Downs project, led by Geothermal Engineering Ltd, drilled three miles…
Bafta awards: newcomer wins awards for portrayal of Tourette’s campaigner
Robert Aramayo, a relative newcomer, was a surprise winner at the Bafta awards, ahead of several better-known stars. Born in Hull, he won two awards (Best Actor and Rising Star) for his portrayal…
‘Snowdrops’ pause for thought from Archbishop Stephen
On Shrove Tuesday, instead of speaking about pancakes or fasting, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell reflected on snowdrops in his ‘pause for thought’ on Radio 2. Walking through his garden in Bishopthorpe, he was struck…
Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct
Following an investigation by Thames Valley police, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Officers detained the 66-year-old at the Sandringham estate and are searching properties in Norfolk…
Local council elections reinstated after government U-turn
Thirty English councils are scrambling to reinstate local elections after the Government reversed plans to delay them until 2027. The ballots, affecting more than 4.5 million voters, will now go ahead on 7…
UK inflation falls to 3%, helped by lower cost of petrol and bread
The UK inflation rate has fallen to 3% in the year to January, down from 3.4% in December, according to the ONS. Economists had predicted the drop, which was driven partly by lower…
Trump tells Starmer: 'Do not give away Diego Garcia'
Donald Trump has cast fresh doubt on the UK’s planned Chagos Islands agreement with Mauritius, urging Keir Starmer not to 'give away Diego Garcia'. The deal would see Britain transfer sovereignty of the…
Many Londoners to vote tactically to stop Nigel Farage becoming PM
New YouGov polling suggests large numbers of Londoners are prepared to vote tactically at the next general election to prevent Nigel Farage becoming Prime Minister. The survey indicates that in several potential Reform…

