UK

EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock By Chris Mason & Henry Zeffman BBC News The energy secretary questioned the decision to approve a controversial power plant in the constituency of a cabinet colleague. Claire Coutinho’s department admitted she had sought “clarification” on the process that led to the waste-burning incinerator being signed off. But it denied a claim in leaked

Getty Images By Kevin Peachey Cost of living correspondent Domestic energy prices could be capped based on the time of day that households use their appliances, the regulator Ofgem has said. The watchdog said it has launched early discussions about a “dynamic” price cap that changes as consumers became more flexible. It said it would

Reuters By Joshua Cheetham BBC News People should give the Prince and Princess of Wales “time to heal” after Catherine’s cancer diagnosis, a former royal spokesman has said. Paddy Harverson, who previously worked for the couple, defended Kensington Palace’s handling of the announcement. “This is not just an institution, it’s a family… you also have

England manager Gareth Southgate received a brutal and timely reminder of the concerns that still follow his side around as the countdown ticks towards Euro 2024 in Germany this summer. The loss to Brazil in a Wembley friendly is hardly an earthshaker in the grand scheme of things – and all analysis must be shaped

PA Media By Greg McKenzie and Jess Warren BBC News Campaigner Richard Taylor, the father of Damilola Taylor who was killed 24 years ago, has died, it has been announced. His son was 10 years old when he was stabbed in the leg and left to die in a south London stairwell in 2000. The

Last updated on 22 March 202422 March 2024.From the section England England boss Gareth Southgate says having the Three Lions on the team’s shirt is “the most important thing” amid the controversy over the St George’s Cross design on the new kit. Kit designer Nike has changed the appearance of the St George’s Cross on

Essex Police By Lewis Adams BBC News, Essex An IT worker who fatally poisoned a couple with the opioid painkiller fentanyl and rewrote their will has been jailed for a minimum of 37 years. Stephen Baxter, 61, and his wife Carol, 64, were found dead at their home in West Mersea, Essex, in April 2023.

Getty Images By Chris Mason & Henry Zeffman BBC News Officials have raised concerns about the environment secretary’s role in a proposed waste incinerator in his constituency, the BBC can reveal. Steve Barclay will not have any say over the planned project in his Cambridgeshire seat, which he opposes. Officials escalated the matter to the

By Nalini Sivathasan and Lorna Acquah BBC News An expert witness was asked by a Post Office prosecutor to consider changing his testimony to avoid a “damaging concession”, the BBC has found. Fujitsu engineer Gareth Jenkins rephrased parts of a report on the Horizon IT system after advice from barrister Warwick Tatford. The evidence was

Getty Images By Becky Morton BBC political reporter The House of Lords has inflicted fresh defeats on the government over its flagship Rwanda bill. Six proposed changes, including a provision to ensure “due regard” for domestic and international law, have been passed by peers so far. MPs will now have to vote on the bill

Getty Images By Sean Seddon BBC News The data watchdog is assessing a report staff at the hospital where the Princess of Wales had surgery tried to view her private health information. The Daily Mirror claimed staff at the London Clinic – which is frequently used by royals – “attempted to access her private medical

Essex Police By Lewis Adams BBC News, Essex A convicted paedophile who sent a picture of his erect penis to a 15-year-old girl has become the first person to be jailed for cyber-flashing in England and Wales. Registered sex offender Nicholas Hawkes, 39, of Basildon, Essex, also sent unsolicited photos to a woman. The woman

Getty Images By Simon Jack Business editor The UK’s electricity network needs almost a further £60bn of upgrades to hit government decarbonisation targets by 2035, according to a new plan. About 4,000 miles of undersea cables and 1,000 miles of onshore power lines are needed, said the National Grid’s Electricity Systems Operator (ESO). The investment

Getty Images Five episodes of GB News programmes hosted by serving Tory MPs have been found to have broken broadcasting rules by media regulator Ofcom. They include two episodes of Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation, and three of a show fronted by married MPs Esther McVey and Philip Davies. Politicians are not normally

Getty Images By Sam Francis Political reporter, BBC News One of Labour’s most senior MPs has said she would be sad if Diane Abbott’s career ends without her being readmitted to the parliamentary party. Ex-deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman told the BBC Ms Abbott was “an amazing trailblazer” but said the party must investigate her

PA Media By Helen Catt, political correspondent & Lauren Turner BBC News Councils in England will have to consider local residents’ views before introducing new low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) under new government guidance. In LTNs, vehicles are stopped from using some residential roads. The draft guidance says councils should be confident such a scheme has