UK News

Andy Burnham is on course for a coronation as Labour’s new leader as the only declared candidate ahead of nominations for the contest opening on Thursday. Al Carns, thought to be the final remaining potential challenger to the former Greater Manchester mayor, ruled himself out of the running on Wednesday evening. Former armed forces minister Mr Carns said: “I’d hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a […]

US forces said they hit about 90 targets across Iran with President Donald Trump warning the conflict could “get much worse”. Iran responded to a second day of renewed attacks by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar early on Thursday. US Central Command said the strikes were aimed at hitting Iran’s ability “to threaten freedom of navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz. Renewed hostilities broke out on Tuesday after Iran targeted […]

Confusing dental services are leaving patients in severe pain, with one woman waiting eight years for treatment, an ombudsman has warned. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found cases where patients fell through the gaps between local dentists and hospital services. One woman, Anne, waited eight years for treatment for broken teeth after a series of delays and problems caused by NHS England (NHSE). The 58-year-old from South Devon […]

Disability benefits are “no longer fit for purpose”, a review has concluded amid promises of “bold” reform of the system. Claimants of personal independence payment (Pip) often find the system to apply for the benefit “dehumanising”, “soul destroying”, and “degrading”, the interim Timms report said. Pip is intended to help with everyday tasks and extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. The […]

Dame Sarah Storey has announced her retirement from competitive sport, ending a career which saw her become Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian. Storey, 48, won a British record 19 Paralympic gold medals across swimming and cycling, but has opted to step away from competition two years ahead of what could have been her 10th Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. “I am so privileged to have spent 35 years as an […]

The last woman hanged in the United Kingdom will be granted a conditional pardon but she will not be declared innocent, David Lammy has said. The Deputy Prime Minister said the pardon will replace Ruth Ellis’s death penalty with a sentence of life imprisonment “to recognise a profound injustice in this exceptional case”. He told the Commons: “We hope this brings a measure of peace to Ruth Ellis’s family, who have carried the weight of what […]

Buckingham Palace’s Picture Gallery has undergone a major transformation ready for the summer opening, with the number of masterpieces on display almost doubling to 120. In a striking visual revamp, the state room’s coral pink velvet wall coverings, which dated from 1976, have been replaced with vibrant new emerald-green silk damask. Paintings by Rubens, Caravaggio and Zoffany are among those on show for visitors, with the new presentation of artwork […]

A by-election triggered by Nigel Farage is a stunt that “shouldn’t be happening” and disrespects the people of Clacton, a senior minister has said, as the prospect of the contest appeared to fall flat. The Reform UK leader has announced he plans to trigger an election in his Clacton seat, in what he dubbed a “people versus the establishment” fight, as he faces close scrutiny over gifts and support he […]

A “gracious” mother and her two children have been found dead at a home, as a manhunt was launched for a suspect thought to have fled the UK. They were found after officers forced their way into a large detached house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford on Monday, according to Bedfordshire Police. Police believe the victims were murdered and a suspect has been identified but is thought to […]