UK News

Some cases of meningitis seen in Kent have been confirmed as meningitis B, health officials have said, as hundreds of people are being urged to get antibiotics to stem the spread of infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is investigating the outbreak that left two young people dead and others in hospital, told the Press Association it would confirm the strain seen in other cases “when we have […]

Train passengers who buy tickets with railcard discounts will be required to pass additional checks as part of a Government crackdown on fare dodging. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the introduction of “simple validation” will save about £20 million a year in lost revenue. Under the trials – expected to begin in the second half of 2026 – passengers in Britain who buy a discounted ticket from a machine […]

Black music has made up 80% of the UK’s recorded music revenue over the past three decades, new figures show. The report, by industry body UK Music, examined the cultural and commercial impact black music – defined as music that has its roots and inspiration from the culture, beliefs and traditions of black people and the African diaspora – has had on the wider industry. Titled Black Music Means Business: […]

The estimated cost of bringing pothole-plagued local roads in England and Wales up to scratch has risen to a record £18.6 billion, according to a new report, which branded the situation “a national disgrace”. Research by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) found only 51% of the local road network is reported to be in good condition. It claimed this shows extra investment to tackle potholes has failed to deliver “noticeable […]

Three schools have confirmed cases of meningitis after an outbreak killed two students and others were admitted to hospital One of those who died was a year 13 student called Juliette, who was described by her headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham in Kent as “incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent”. The other person who died attended the University of Kent. The Press Association understands that some of those […]

A nursery worker who raped and abused young children in his care has been jailed for 24 years. Nathan Bennett, 30, preyed on the two and three-year-olds at the Partou King Street nursery in Bristol. He was found guilty by a jury last month of eight charges including rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration, relating to five children. On Monday he was jailed at Bristol Crown Court for 24 […]

Sir Keir Starmer says he is working with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Prime Minister has resisted Donald Trump’s demands to send Royal Navy warships to help secure the vital shipping route for oil and gas which has been effectively closed to tankers by the Iran war. He said the UK was working with countries, including European allies, on a “viable plan” to ease […]

A school pupil is the second person to have died following an outbreak of meningitis in Kent The student was in Year 13 at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham and is understood to have died on Saturday. The other person who died attended the University of Kent. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Sunday it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis from […]

The UK must send ships to help the US secure a key oil shipping route out of the Middle East, Donald Trump has said. The US president appealed to the UK and other nations including France, China and Japan to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect oil tankers from Iranian attacks. Tehran is blockading the narrow sea passage out of the Persian Gulf, stemming the flow of […]