British Isles

Incoming Archbishop defends £100m slavery reparations fund

22 Jan 2026
The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has defended the CofE’s £100 million slavery reparations fund amid growing political and internal opposition. Writing to MPs and peers calling for the plan to be scrapped, she said…

Chinese super embassy in London 'could spy on the whole of Europe'

16 Jan 2026
Concerns are growing in the UK over plans for a vast new Chinese embassy in London, amid warnings it could become a major hub for espionage across Europe. Unredacted planning documents reveal a concealed underground chamber…

‘Critical incidents’ at NHS hospitals as winter viruses surge

16 Jan 2026
Six NHS hospital trusts across England have declared critical incidents as winter pressures intensify, driven by rising flu cases, norovirus, Covid, staff sickness, and delayed discharges. Nottingham University Hospitals and Sherwood Forest Hospitals and four others…

UK economy grew by 0.3% in November, beating forecasts

16 Jan 2026
The UK economy recorded stronger-than-expected growth in November, expanding by 0.3% and exceeding forecasts of 0.1%. The rebound, after a contraction in October, was driven largely by renewed industrial output and growth in the services sector.…