News 04/11/26

The Palace of Westminster is at risk of a catastrophic event if restoration delays are not resolved, a committee of MPs has warned.

In a new report published today, the Public Accounts Committee said a Notre-Dame-style fire or the King being plunged into darkness during the State Opening of Parliament are real and rising risks. MPs warned that weekly estate maintenance costs will soon reach two million pounds, adding that each year of delay adds four hundred and twenty million pounds to the final bill.

President Donald Trump has dialled into Fox News following midterm losses for Republicans, conceding that Democrats did a good job.

Speaking to host Bret Baier, Mr Trump admitted he was surprised by the results despite holding tremendous rallies, noting there was a mood in the air. Striking a conciliatory tone, he added that there are many areas where he could work with Democrats in Congress.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has insisted that considering a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade will not lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

While the prime minister ruled out paying reparations, Mr Miliband criticised previous administrations for sweeping the issue under the carpet, referring to former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair’s 2007 statement of deep sorrow and regret as a sorry not sorry response.

Students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be able to take a Ukrainian GCSE from 2028 under new government plans.

The qualification is available to all pupils but is primarily aimed at teenagers displaced by the 2022 Russian invasion. It follows concerns that displaced students were being pushed into taking Russian GCSEs due to a lack of alternatives, raising fears of retraumatising young people.