News 27/09/26

A controversial ban on social media for under-sixteens will come into force in March next year, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced.

Speaking at a Labour Party conference event in Liverpool hosted by YouTube, Ms Nandy confirmed the specific implementation date. Ministers had previously stated that the ban, which is being overseen by the Culture Secretary, would take effect at some point in the spring.

The government will take control of Avanti West Coast train services from the seventh of March next year.

Transport ministers are exercising a contractual termination right to end the contract with First Trenitalia West Coast Rail, which was originally set to run until 2032. Labour stated that bringing the West Coast Mainline under public control will ensure services are run for passengers rather than private shareholders, keeping all revenue within the rail network.

Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Iran is linked to a suspected bomb plot near an RAF base hosting American bomber aircraft.

The origin of the thwarted operation is not yet known. The United States military says it is working closely with British counterparts after five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences near RAF Fairford, where the US Air Force maintains a significant presence. A spokesperson said authorities are monitoring the situation to minimise impact and ensure safety.

Only a negotiated solution can end conflict between the US and Iran, Tehran’s foreign minister has said, after President Donald Trump publicly rejected a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump told White House reporters Iran’s terms were unacceptable, claiming Tehran wants a deal to open the strait within seven days because they are losing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Trump’s rejection on Telegram but said Iran awaits a definitive official response, noting past contradictory statements.

Police have further arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, following a call early today regarding three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford.

Armed officers originally detained the men on suspicion of Explosives Act offences after responding at around twelve-forty-five AM. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone confirmed the initial response before the investigation escalated under section five of the Terrorism Act.

A man in his eighties has died following a severe house fire in Wood Green, north London.

The blaze destroyed the entire first floor and half the roof of a two-storey terraced property in Granville Road on Saturday night. Emergency services were called at ten-fifteen PM and brought the fire under control by eleven-thirty. The London Fire Brigade confirmed a woman escaped before crews arrived, but the man died at the scene.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined plans to introduce free social care for everyone in England, which he intends to put to voters at the next general election.

Mr Burnham described a universal system where everyone contributes and everyone is covered, acknowledging potential tax rises could prove unpopular. He will present his vision on Tuesday, with advice from Baroness Casey. However, shadow home secretary Chris Philp warned Conservatives would oppose further tax increases.

Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into arrests made under the Explosives Act near RAF Fairford.

The police operation around the village of Whelford was not intelligence-led, meaning investigators had no prior knowledge of any potential plot. Several men were detained and local properties evacuated after a major incident was declared in the area.

Twenty-seven people have been killed in two mass shootings hours apart in South Africa.

Seventeen people died when eight gunmen stormed a bar near Johannesburg on Saturday evening, leaving fifteen others injured. In a separate attack early on Sunday morning, ten people were killed and eleven injured outside a venue near Cape Town. Police have not yet indicated a motive for either attack.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described today’s planned Orange Order march as a challenging situation.

Speaking after discussions with the Northern Ireland secretary, Mr Burnham appealed for calm on all sides, warning against losing recent progress made in the region. He also emphasised their joint responsibility in upholding the Good Friday Agreement as tensions surround the event.

Several men have been arrested and properties evacuated in Whelford after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford.

Police confirmed the suspects were detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Specialist army bomb disposal experts are currently examining several vehicles at the scene, while armed officers maintain a cordon around the Gloucestershire village.

Ten NHS employees have been suspended or removed from duty following a data breach involving the medical records of three-year-old Noah Woods.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust launched an urgent investigation and apologised to the family, describing unauthorised record access as completely unacceptable. Noah’s body was discovered in water by police divers on September 16th following a major search in Brantham, Suffolk.