UK politics

UK politics

Ofgem confirmed that its price cap will rise by 13 per cent from July 1, pushing the typical annual household bill to around £1,862 - an increase of £221 on current levels. Analysts now warn that costs could climb further in the autumn, with forecasts suggesting a further rise to around £1,899 for the October-to-December period as colder weather increases demand and geopolitical tensions continue to unsettle energy markets.

The Scottish Sun reported on Tuesday that the former first minister "sat in silence for hours" at Falkirk police station following her arrest on 11 June 2023 during Operation Branchform. Sturgeon's solicitor Aamer Anwar said the answer was standard legal advice and rejected claims it hindered the investigation which this week resulted in the conviction of her estranged husband Peter Murrell for embezzlement. Anwar added that Sturgeon had later provided a "detailed written response" to Police Scotland questions.

Its survey of 4,000 young people found that a quarter of girls had been called degrading names online, while one in seven 13- to 15-year-olds had been asked to send a nude photo. Lynn Perry, the chief executive of Barnardo's, said the survey showed that online abuse and harassment were becoming part of the background noise of growing up. These findings show how constant, corrosive and deeply embedded it is in the lives of young people today both on and offline, she said.

Manifold said he was removed without warning and without explanation by the FTSE 100 company. The former chair added: I dispute entirely the characterisation of my conduct and I will not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged. BP announced Manifold's departure with immediate effect on Tuesday after less than a year in the role, expressing serious concerns about his governance standards, oversight and conduct.

The trial of former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences is set to begin in a case that triggered a political earthquake in Northern Ireland. Donaldson, 63, is charged with rape, gross indecency and other sexual offences spanning 21 years. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault and will be subject to a trial of facts. A heavy security and media presence is expected at Newry crown court for the opening of a trial on Tuesday that is expected to last at least four weeks.

The court of appeal will review the non-custodial sentences given to three teenage boys for the rape of two girls, Keir Starmer has announced. The boys, two of whom were 15 and one aged 14 at the time of sentencing, were given youth rehabilitation orders after the judge in the case said he wanted to avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily and support their reintegration into society.