Category: UK News

Political talks in Northern Ireland about a proposed £2.5bn financial package for a restored Stormont executive are entering a third day. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris is expected to again meet leaders from the assembly’s largest parties. The government offer, outlined on Monday, is dependent on reviving the power-sharing institutions. But the parties have said… Continue reading Stormont stalemate: Third day of NI party talks on £2.5bn funding package

Indhu Rubasingham has been named as the first-ever female artistic director of the National Theatre in London. She will be taking over from Rufus Norris in 2025, coming to the position from Kiln theatre in north-west London where she has been the director for over a decade. Rubasingham is renowned in the industry and was… Continue reading National Theatre: Indhu Rubasingham to be first female artistic director

In addition to his “Stop the boats” pledge, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a commitment to clear the backlog of asylum claims. The backlog is defined as claims made before 28 June 2022 that have yet to receive a decision. Mr. Sunak aims to “abolish” the backlog by the end of 2023. However, this… Continue reading Is Rishi Sunak meeting his asylum pledge?

The prime minister is likely feeling relieved after his government’s recent win in a crucial vote. While it’s not exactly a major feat to win this early stage of passing a new law, the alternative would have been much worse. If he had lost, there would have been serious questions raised about Rishi Sunak’s future… Continue reading Chris Mason: No easy way forward for Rishi Sunak after Commons win as Rwanda bill splits party

The UK government will issue cost-of-living payments in February to over eight million people on means-tested benefits to help with high bills. The payments will be the last instalment of a three-part series, totalling £900, that will have been paid within a year. The £299 payment will be deposited directly into bank accounts between 6… Continue reading Cost-of-living payment date set for February

The UK government’s proposed legislation to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has survived a rebellion by some members of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, but it still faces challenges to make it through Parliament. The bill received 313 votes for and 269 against in its first Commons vote, with no Conservative MPs voting against… Continue reading Rishi Sunak sees off Tory rebellion in Rwanda bill vote

Peter Lawson, a senior police officer who headed the investigation into the disappearance of Nicola Bulley, has passed away due to natural causes at the age of 50. Lancashire Police announced his death and added that there was no need for an inquest. Lawson is remembered as a well-respected and admired individual by his peers.… Continue reading Nicola Bulley police chief died of natural causes, force says

The Covid Inquiry has been informed that electronic devices issued by the government have been wiped, resulting in the loss of WhatsApp messages sent by former Stormont ministers during the pandemic. This includes the devices of former first minister Baroness Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill. Counsel to the inquiry Clair Dobbin expressed… Continue reading Covid inquiry: WhatsApp messages of ex-Stormont ministers 'wiped'

UK Border Force has seized thousands of illegal wildlife products, including crocodile blood, rhino horns and big cat body parts. The seizure, which took place in October, also included clothes and accessories made from turtle shell, ivory and snakeskin. In addition, more than 50 live birds were discovered. The haul was part of a global… Continue reading Border Force seize big cat body parts and crocodile blood

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s foundation, Archewell, has released its annual report revealing that the organisation donated $1.2m (£950,000) to several charities this year. The foundation’s projects varied from helping Afghan women in the United States to reducing misinformation. The Halo Trust, a mine-clearing charity supported by Princess Diana, also received a donation of $100,000… Continue reading Prince Harry and Meghan's charity makes $1.2m donations