A new strain of Covid has spread across the UK with some experts warning it is resisting immunity. Unlike other strains, the Stratus strain is known for its unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice. Stratus has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, with XFG.3 accounting for a larger proportion than any other individual variant, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).more

Britain's King Charles III has called on Britons to unite "against those who would divide us" on the 20th anniversary of the London terrorist attacks. On July 7, 2005, four al-Qaeda-linked suicide bombers attacked the London Underground. The explosions killed 52 people and injured more than 770.more

A commuter town just a swift 27-minute journey from London was named the safest place to live in the UK a few years back. Woking, situated in Surrey, holds this title according to research carried out by security licensing firm Get Licensed, with a crime rate of only 64 crimes per 1,000 people (excluding fraud). more

On 24 June 2025, the UK Government issued a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, introducing key updates that will impact a wide range of applicants. These include changes to the EU Settlement Scheme, 10-year long residence route, private and family life route, and several other visa categories.more

The UK is restoring diplomatic relations with Syria, the UK Foreign Office announced yesterday. The statement was made during a visit to Damascus by British diplomatic chief David Lammy.more

Eurostar passengers are being allowed to board trains earlier than normal in a bid to avoid overcrowding at St Pancras station. They are being allowed to take their seats — to destinations such as Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam — 30 minutes before departure rather than having to wait in the departure lounge.more

At Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham, central England, legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath gave a farewell concert yesterday. Singer Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage for the last time as he bid farewell to performing in his hometown.more

London could see its third heatwave of the year as temperatures are expected to reach 29C in the capital next week. Londoners rejoiced earlier this week as summer showers finally brought much-needed relief from the scorching weather following the hottest day of the year on Tuesday. more

Government plans to speed up employment support for people affected by the changes to welfare benefits will be "undeliverable", the BBC has been told. As part of the U-turn on welfare reforms, ministers are expected to fast-track a £1bn support plan to get people into work, which was originally scheduled for 2029.more

'The Telegraph' has compared 50 of the capital’s open spaces and leafy corners – tennis courts, ancient trees and all – to crown the city’s greatest green gem.more

The Home Office does not know whether foreign workers are leaving the UK or staying to work illegally after their visas expire, a cross-party committee of MPs has said. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which scrutinises government spending, said the Home Office had failed to analyse exit checks since the skilled worker visa route was introduced in 2020 under the Conservatives.more

The thorny topic of MPs’ pay and funding will be debated by randomly selected members of the public at a new citizens’ forum, as parliament’s watchdog said it was launching an “open and honest conversation” about what democracy is worth.more

An expert behind Sir Sadiq Khan’s call to decriminalise some cannabis possession believes cocaine should be next. Dr Geoff Gallop, who contributed to the landmark London Drugs Commission report, believes users are put off seeking help for addictions in the fear they might be arrested.more

Some farms in England could be taken entirely out of food production under plans to make more space for nature, the environment secretary has said. Speaking at the Groundswell farming festival in Hertfordshire, Steve Reed said a revamp of post-Brexit farming subsidies and a new land use plan would be aimed at increasing food production in the most productive areas.more

Travelling on the London Underground in a heatwave is not the nicest combination. Packed with hordes of commuters at the best of times, when the temperature rises, commuters are left feeling more uncomfortable than normal when travelling on the Tube.more

Manchester has been crowned the 'most desirable place to live in the UK', according to a recent survey, beating London by just 0.2 per cent. The thriving northern city was voted Britain's favourite by thousands of participants.more

Keir Starmer has outlined a 10-year plan for the NHS based on a shift from hospitals to community health hubs, a renewed focus on prevention and an embrace of technology, which was billed as perhaps the last chance to save the health service in its current form.more

A whole host of London Underground disruptions can be expected in July with full line closures and changes to night services. Tube, Overground, DLR and London Tram services will all be affected by the closures.more

Day-one protection for workers against unfair dismissal has been delayed until 2027 under a new timeline for the government's Employment Rights Bill.more

The cost of a taxpayer-funded grant for the UK monarchy will increase by over 45 million pounds in the 2026-2027 year, sparking renewed controversy about the royal family’s spending. more

Nearly 1,000 British workers will keep a shorter working week after the latest trial of a four-day week and similar changes to traditional working patterns. All 17 British businesses in a six-month trial of the four-day week said they would continue with an arrangement consisting of either four days a week or nine days a fortnight. All the employees remained on their full salary.more

Banknotes issued by the Bank of England are about to get their first major redesign in more than 50 years. Notable historical figures, such as Sir Winston Churchill on the current fiver, have featured on these banknotes since 1970 but could be on the way out. The public are being asked for their views on new themes, such as nature, innovation, or key events in history.more

An airport just over an hour from London which has been out of action for a decade is set to make a comeback, with hopes that it will start offering budget flights to some of Europe's top holiday destinations.more

Households have been urged to send in meter readings ahead of the energy price cap falling by 7% on Tuesday. The typical household bill for those who have still not signed up to a fixed tariff will drop by £129 to £1,720 per year when the regulator’s new price cap – which sets the limit on how much firms can charge customers per unit of energy – comes into force.more

An increase in babies born to fathers over 60 helped trigger the first increase in the number of births in England and Wales since 2021. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed there were 594,677 live births in 2024, up 0.6% from 2023.more