Blog

Sir Keir Starmer has backed his safeguarding minister Jess Phillips to continue leading the government’s inquiry into grooming gangs, despite calls for her resignation from survivors. Four members of the inquiry’s survivor panel quit this week, demanding Ms Phillips step down, saying they’d consider returning only if she resigned. But five other survivors have written to the Prime Minister saying they’ll only stay if she remains. Sir Keir said Ms […]

The United States has imposed sweeping new sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to tighten economic pressure on Moscow and push for peace in Ukraine. President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office after talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, said, “I just felt it was time. We waited a long time.” The move follows confirmation that Trump’s planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest […]

A police van has been set on fire and missiles have been thrown at officers during violent protests outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers in Dublin. It’s the second night of demonstrations at the Citywest Hotel, following an alleged sexual assault in the area early on Monday morning. Footage from the scene shows a Garda vehicle engulfed in flames, while several protesters could be seen waving Irish flags. […]

An American man who faked his death and fled to Scotland to avoid rape charges has been jailed for at least five years. Nicholas Rossi, aged thirty-eight, was sentenced in Utah after being found guilty of raping two women in 2008. It’s the first of two sentences he faces following separate convictions in August and September. Utah uses indeterminate sentencing, meaning Rossi’s release date will be decided by a parole […]

Israel’s military has announced it is “resuming enforcement” of the Gaza ceasefire after accusing Hamas of violating the truce earlier today. The Israel Defense Forces say the decision comes “in accordance with the directive of the political echelon” and stressed it will continue to uphold the ceasefire while responding firmly to any future breaches. The move appears to signal an end to the air strikes on Gaza that were launched […]

Prince Andrew reportedly insisted Virginia Giuffre sign a one-year gag order to prevent her allegations overshadowing the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, according to claims in her upcoming memoir. The revelations come just hours after Andrew relinquished his Duke of York title and remaining honours, following discussions with King Charles and the Prince of Wales. Both are said to have pushed for an end to the scandal that has dogged the […]

Sam Fender has won the 2025 Mercury Prize for his album People Watching. The announcement was made in his hometown of Newcastle, marking the first time the ceremony has been held outside London. Crowds at the Utilita Arena erupted in celebration as the North Shields singer beat off competition from Britpop icons Pulp, Irish artist CMAT, and post-punk favourites Fontaines DC. The event was hosted by DJ Lauren Laverne, with […]

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the military has received the bodies of two hostages, handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas in Gaza. The remains are being transferred to a specialist centre in Israel for formal identification, though Hamas hasn’t confirmed the names of those returned. Netanyahu said all hostage families have been informed and added that efforts to bring everyone home “continue relentlessly and will not stop […]

England have secured their place at next summer's World Cup with a dominant 5-0 victory over Latvia in their latest qualifier. Thomas Tuchel’s side have been imperious in Group K, winning all six of their matches so far and not conceding a single goal. Tonight in Riga, the Three Lions were already 3-0 up at half-time thanks to Anthony Gordon opening the scoring and Harry Kane adding two, including a […]