UK politics

UK politics

“The Government's latest VAT announcement is not just a missed opportunity, it is a glaring example of short-term thinking and a fundamental misunderstanding of the UK's leisure and cultural economy,” Kill said. “While positioning this as support for families, the policy completely overlooks and effectively sidelines the night-time economy, including festivals, clubs, live music venues and late-night cultural spaces that have been fighting to survive under relentless financial pressure.”

As in the UK, the session on 12 May had started with the arrival of the ceremonial mace a five-and-a-half foot ornamented silver staff representing the British monarch's authority over parliament which now rested on a table between the government and the opposition. Despite the heat outside, debate was presided over by the speaker, dressed in a ceremonial robe.

In the days leading up to and following the election on 7 May we received reports surrounding concerns about candidates within the St Peter's ward. Following initial enquiries last week, we have launched a full investigation into the allegations.

Two women say they were raped during filming of dating show Married At First Sight UK (MAFS UK), while a third has described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act. The women, who outlined the allegations in a BBC Panorama documentary aired on Monday, claimed that Channel 4 programme did not do enough to protect them.

Finch responded by suggesting it would be "the first thing on the bonfire" when Reform looks to reshape the council. Speaking following his election to the role of leader, Finch said: "The Borough Council needs drastic change." He added: "We are going to put the people of Nuneaton and Bedworth first. We're going to put veterans, young care leavers and the most vulnerable first on our lists of priorities, not people who have come from outside of the Borough."

Children aged five to 15 will travel for free on participating local buses in England in August, the chancellor will announce on Thursday. Rachel Reeves is to reveal a 100m fare-free scheme designed to relieve some of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The Labour government will also suspend tariffs on more than 100 types of products including biscuits, chocolate, and dried fruit and nuts.

“The Queen's wish is that the Duke of Kent should be succeeded in this role by the Duke of York,” Sir David wrote. “The Duke of Kent is to relinquish his responsibilities around April next year. That would fit well with the end of the Duke of York's active naval career. The Queen is very keen that the Duke of York should take on a prominent role in the promotion of national interests.”

A new rail station to serve a growing community in north Drogheda is a case I've been making to anyone who will listen for some time now. Deputy Nash said he met with Irish Rail chief executive Mary Considine last month to discuss the issue and was advised to ask the National Transport Authority to develop a business case for the station. "I subsequently wrote to the NTA but was frustrated with the response," he said.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: "Chris will be a fantastic candidate and representative for Makerfield. "This election is about who is making the case for lower bills, warmer and more affordable homes, and a greener and fairer economy."

Manchester has recorded the biggest fall in inner-city deprivation in Britain, according to a report, as Andy Burnham stakes a claim that he could replicate the city's revival nationwide. As the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer, the Greater Manchester mayor has placed the city's economic performance at the heart of his campaign, describing Manchesterism as a political philosophy for a more interventionist approach to the economy.

A special information event for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools from Kerry and Cork will take place at The Brandon Hotel on May 27 (2pm), offering attendees the chance to access important updates and advice.

She said a review into contributor welfare was now under way and there were "limitations" on what she could say until this was complete in late summer. Ms Dogra added: "That said, I have watched the programme and heard the women's accounts which are very troubling. "Their distress is clear, and for that I am, of course, deeply sorry. "Welfare across all our programmes is hugely important to us, and is a primary concern."

The agreement, struck with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, makes the UK the first G7 nation to sign a comprehensive free trade pact with the bloc. It is the fifth major deal secured by Sir Keir Starmer's government, following accords with India, the United States, South Korea and a reset with the European Union.

Dr Kennedy told the hearing at Newry Crown Court she had prepared two reports on Eleanor Donaldson last October and May this year. She said in her opinion, given her mental condition, she would be unable to instruct her lawyers, follow the process or give evidence.