UK: Priti Patel clarifies defence of party’s immigration record

Priti Patel has put out a statement insisting she “was not happy” about the levels of immigration under the previous Conservative government, after earlier defending her party’s record. In the…

Russian: Four dead in strike on Kursk school-Ukraine says

President Volodymyr Zelensky says Moscow has bombed a boarding school in Ukrainian-occupied Russia where civilians were sheltering and preparing to evacuate. The Ukrainian army said four people were killed and…

UK: Blow for Reeves as AstraZeneca ditches £450m investment

AstraZeneca has scrapped plans to invest £450m in expanding a vaccine manufacturing plant in Merseyside, blaming a reduction in government support. The pharmaceutical giant announced its decision just two days…

UK: Barclays customers face second day of issues after IT outage

Barclays customers are experiencing intermittent errors with payments and transfers for a second day after serious IT problems that also affected the bank’s app and online banking. Customers have told…

UK: Aston Villa closing in on Rashford loan deal

Aston Villa are closing in on a loan deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before Monday’s transfer deadline. Sources have told BBC Sport talks are at an advanced stage,…

Belgium: Foreign policy chief says defence spending must rise

The European Union’s member states need to increase defence spending to keep pace with the threats facing the continent, its foreign policy chief has warned. Kaja Kallas, who served as…

Germany: Immigration bill rejected despite far-right backing

aThe German parliament has rejected immigration measures put forward by the conservative opposition and backed by the far-right. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz, who is tipped to be…

Germany: CDU Party could rely on far-right again for immigration vote

The man tipped to be Germany’s next leader could rely on support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party for the second time in a week, a move that…

UK: Wine and spirits duty to rise but tax on a pint to fall

The price of wine and spirits is set to rise from Saturday after an increase in tax and duties comes into effect. Taxes will rise in line with inflation, and…

UK: MPs, mayor and residents object to Heathrow plans

Residents and MPs have criticised a government announcement that it would be backing plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday that expanding Heathrow was…