The Conservative Party has announced a policy to abolish 24-hour bus lanes in council areas under their control following May's local elections in England, a move they claim will restore 'common sense' for drivers. This forms part of a broader six-point plan aimed at motorists.
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, has been remanded in custody after being charged with multiple counts of war crimes, including murder, in Afghanistan. His legal team did not seek bail, and he denies all allegations. This development follows a 2023 defamation judgement which found substantial truth to claims of his involvement in unlawful killings.
The Scottish Conservatives have launched their general election manifesto, pledging substantial income tax cuts for low, middle, and high earners, along with pensioners. Leader Russell Findlay outlined a vision focused on economic growth, improved public services, and firmly opposing Scottish independence.
The UK government has retracted its offer of 1,000 additional doctor training posts in England after the British Medical Association (BMA) refused to cancel a six-day resident doctor strike. The BMA has labelled the decision "extremely disappointing", while the Department of Health and Social Care cites operational and financial infeasibility due to the industrial action.
Republican Clay Fuller, endorsed by Donald Trump, has won the Georgia runoff election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, maintaining the party's narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
A wave of benefit and pension increases has been implemented with the commencement of the new financial year, notably including the abolition of the two-child benefit cap. This change is projected to provide substantial financial relief to numerous larger families across the UK.
Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party is advancing constitutional amendments that would see the president elected by Parliament, rather than direct popular vote, and extend the presidential term from five to seven years. These proposals have ignited significant controversy, with the opposition decrying them as a 'slow coup' and a move towards an 'imperial presidency', while Zanu-PF defends the changes as a means to foster stability and reduce electoral conflict.
Venezuelan crude oil is once again flowing into US refineries, with Chevron leading the charge, following the lifting of US sanctions and a new political landscape. This development is seen as crucial for the US Gulf region, especially as global energy markets face instability, though the impact on petrol prices for consumers remains to be seen.
Northern Ireland has become the first part of the UK to grant two weeks of paid leave to women and their partners following a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy. This landmark decision aims to provide crucial support and validation for those experiencing such profound loss.
HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy destroyer deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean, has docked for a 'routine logistics stop' and maintenance due to a 'minor technical issue' with its onboard water system. This comes as the UK maintains its defensive posture in the region following Iranian actions.
Leading figures in British comedy are urging the government to recognise comedy as a legitimate art form and increase funding to support emerging talent and grassroots venues. They warn that without intervention, the next generation of comedic voices may struggle to break through.
The Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the Home Office denied entry to headliner Kanye West, citing his presence as not 'conducive to the public good' following a string of antisemitic remarks. The decision has sparked a wider debate on free speech, accountability, and the role of mental health.
To Lam, previously Minister for Public Security, has been unanimously elected as Vietnam's President and Head of State by the National Assembly, marking an unprecedented concentration of power for a single individual in recent decades. His elevation follows a robust anti-corruption drive and the recent vacancies in top leadership positions.