UK news

Millions of people across the UK ushered in 2026 with fireworks displays, street parties and public gatherings, as cities marked the start of the new year amid forecasts

Renewable energy generated a record amount of electricity in Great Britain in 2025, driven by strong wind output and a sharp rise in solar power, BBC analysis shows.

Peers will hold five short debates in the House of Lords on Thursday 8 January, examining issues ranging from the environmental legacy of British mining overseas to

Snow and ice are forecast to affect large parts of the UK on Friday, with the Met Office warning of likely travel disruption as wintry weather spreads south and east.

Online minicab companies have been barred from using a niche tax scheme to reduce the VAT they pay on fares, a move the government says will level the playing
House prices forecast to rise modestly while rent inflation cools after years of sharp increases
Hundreds of people were left disappointed after turning up to a New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Birmingham city centre that never existed, marking the second year

Businesses across the UK will benefit from a new tax break from today, as a 40 per cent first-year allowance for investment in plant and machinery comes into effect,
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.

Culture
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£127.8 million lifeline for UK arts venues signals renewed push for cultural access
More than 130 cultural venues across England are set to receive a significant financial boost as part of a £127.8 million government investment aimed at widening public access to arts andRead More... -
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...

British Queen celebrates
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