UK news
Cllr Claire Holland, the chair of London Councils and leader of Lambeth Council, has been awarded an OBE for services to local government and public service.
An amber cold-health alert has been rolled out across all regions of England as forecasters warn of a sustained spell of very cold weather.

The British pound edged slightly lower against the dollar on Wednesday but remained on course for its strongest annual performance in eight years, buoyed by broad
More than 500 new ambulances are being deployed across England in a major upgrade to the NHS emergency fleet, aimed at cutting response times and easing
A record number of offenders will be forced to stay sober over the Christmas and New Year period, as the Government steps up efforts to curb alcohol-fuelled crime.
Fifty-five people from Northern Ireland have been recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List 2026 for their contributions to community life and
The British pound was little changed against the dollar and the euro on Monday, hovering near recent highs as subdued holiday trading limited market moves and left investors with few

Perth and Kinross has recorded more earthquakes than any other part of the UK this year, according to newly published figures from the
Electric vehicle drivers will be required to pay London’s Congestion Charge from 2026 after the Mayor confirmed plans to end their long-standing exemption.

More than nine in ten care services in Wales are meeting high quality standards under a new national ratings system, according to figures released by

Culture
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Paddington and Sondheim lead the pack as Olivier Awards mark 50 years of theatre excellence
London’s theatre scene is buzzing ahead of this year’s Olivier Awards, where a charming Peruvian bear and a classic Stephen Sondheim musical are tied at the top of the nominations list.Read More... -
A century of Marilyn: landmark London exhibition reexamines the woman behind the icon
In 2026, London’s National Portrait Gallery will mark the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe with a major exhibition that promises to go beyond the myth and into the making of one of theRead More... -
£4 million boost brings new life to UK museums and expands public access
A fresh wave of investment is set to transform museums and galleries across the UK, with £4 million allocated to improve access, modernise displays, and better preserve collections for futureRead More... -
Kanye West banned from UK over antisemitism row, Wireless Festival 2026 cancelled
Britain has barred U.S. rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, from entering the country, forcing the cancellation of London’s Wireless Festival where he had been scheduled to headline in July.Read More... -
Who stood behind Western support for Ukraine’s independence?
From the life story of British politician Stefan TerlezkyRead More... -
London secures £4.66m lifeline for Notting Hill Carnival as iconic festival marks 60 years
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has stepped in with a crucial £4.66 million funding package to ensure the Notting Hill Carnival goes ahead this August, as the world-famous event celebratesRead More... -
Paul McCartney announces new album “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” a nostalgic return to Liverpool roots
Legendary musician Paul McCartney is set to release his first solo album in more than five years, offering fans an intimate journey back to his childhood streets in Liverpool. The upcomingRead More... -
The National Gallery visitor numbers surge 29% in 2025 after bicentenary and Sainsbury Wing reopening
The National Gallery has reported a remarkable resurgence in visitor numbers, with a 29% increase in attendance during 2025 following its landmark bicentenary celebrations and theRead More... -
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £141,000 to preserve historic synagogues
A new grant from the National Lottery will help preserve historic synagogues in areas such as Wales, Brighton, and the East End, addressing the challenges of declining congregations andRead More...

British Queen celebrates
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