British Isles
Three major parties rule out raising VAT
Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats have all pledged not to raise value-added tax (VAT) if they win the general election. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed that the Tories would maintain the current…
Number of UK homes for sale hits eight-year high
The UK housing market currently has £230bn worth of homes for sale, the highest supply in eight years, keeping house prices stable for the rest of 2024. According to Zoopla, the supply of…
NHS computer issues linked to patient harm
IT system failures in the NHS have been linked to three patient deaths and over 100 instances of serious harm, according to a BBC investigation. A Freedom of Information request revealed that 200,000…
Archbishop launches reconciliation programme for youth
Justin Welby has launched the Difference programme for church youth groups through his Reconciliation Ministry. This initiative aims to nurture a new generation of peacemakers, building on its success in churches, prisons, and…
London shooting: girl fighting for life, three adults wounded
A nine-year-old girl has been critically injured and three adults wounded by a drive-by shooting outside a Turkish restaurant in east London, on 29 May. Witnesses described a gunman on a motorcycle spraying…
‘Goodness of God’ tops worship list again
'Goodness of God' by Bethel Music has topped the Premier Praise Worship 100 List for the second consecutive year. The 2024 list, released on Pentecost Sunday, highlights contemporary worship anthems and classic hymns…
PM calls a general election on 4 July
Rishi Sunak surprised many by calling for a UK general election on 4 July, aiming to secure a fifth term for the Conservatives. Parliament will be suspended shortly, marking the start of a…
Sunak says infected blood scandal victims will be compensated
Rishi Sunak has pledged 'comprehensive compensation' for those affected by the UK's infected blood scandal, following a damning public inquiry. The scandal, which involved the infection of 30,000 people with HIV and hepatitis…
CofE church attendance up!
Average weekly attendance at Church of England services rose nearly 5% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of growth. Children's attendance increased by almost 6%. Although total attendance remains below 2019 levels,…
Water contamination and infections confirmed in Brixham
More than fifty cases of cryptosporidium have been confirmed in Brixham, Devon; around 17,000 households were instructed to boil their water. The Health Security Agency reported 57 cases, up by eleven since last…
