UK News

London is preparing a bid to bring the World Athletics Championships back to the capital in 2029, organisers have announced. Athletic Ventures – the joint organisation between UK Athletics (UKA), the Great Run Company and London Marathon Events – has completed a feasibility study ahead of submitting a formal expression of interest to World Athletics in September. The bid is contingent on securing £45million in government support for delivery and, […]

Counter terror police have said a crossbow and a firearm were recovered after an incident that left two women seriously injured in Leeds. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) North East said it took over the probe “due to the circumstances surrounding the incident”. West Yorkshire Police were called Otley Road at 2.47pm on Saturday following reports of a man seen with weapons. Officers found three people with injuries that are not […]

Presidents, prime ministers and cardinals have gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis as huge crowds descended upon Vatican City. The Catholic faithful are bidding a final farewell to a religious leader dubbed the “people’s pope”, whose death sparked tributes from across the globe. The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been hailed for his leadership of the Church, proving popular among young people and known for his outreach […]

Virginia Giuffre, an outspoken sex trafficking survivor who settled a sexual assault lawsuit against the Duke of York, has died aged 41, her publicist has confirmed. Her family said in a statement Ms Giuffre was a “fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse” but that the “toll of abuse… became unbearable”. The statement added: “She was the light that lifted so many survivors. Despite all the adversity she faced […]

Flags on Scottish Government buildings will fly at half-mast in honour of Pope Francis as the First Minister attends his funeral in Rome. The pontiff died on Easter Monday, sparking tributes from across the world, with his funeral set to take place in St Peter’s Square on Saturday. John Swinney has been invited to attend as part of the UK delegation, as have representatives of the country’s bishops. While there, […]

London Gatwick has said it is ready to accept tougher limits on aircraft noise and public transport needs in an effort to get the green light for its expansion plans. It comes after Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in February announced she is prepared to support expansion of Gatwick airport if the project is adjusted. An improved noise insulation scheme for local residents was proposed by Gatwick in its response on Friday, along with accepting […]

Some 250,000 mourners paid their respects to Pope Francis over a three-day lying-in-state, the Vatican said on the eve of his funeral. World leaders and dignitaries were arriving in Rome on Friday, to attend what will be a huge gathering in St Peter’s Square for his requiem mass. The final mourners had a chance to see the Pope close up in the grand surrounds of St Peter’s Basilica, before his […]

The Princess Royal has remembered “brave Anzacs” in their own words during a dawn service in north-west Turkey where thousands fell 110 years ago. On a day when the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand forces who were killed in the Gallipoli landings in 1915 was recognised in services across the world, the Princess Royal laid a wreath on that fateful coastline. Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army […]

Water company bosses face up to two years in prison if they cover up illegal sewage spills under new laws coming into force on Friday. The Environment Department (Defra) said no prison sentences have been handed to water company executives since privatisation despite widespread illegal sewage discharges, and the tougher penalties were essential because some firms have obstructed investigations. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “Bosses must face consequences if they […]