Change to law for anyone taking day off sick from April 6 2026
The UK government is implementing significant changes to employment law, including sick pay starting from day one and enhanced protections for millions of workers, effective April 6, 2026.
'Our little girl, 2, has childhood dementia - it's every parent's worst nightmare'
The parents of a toddler with childhood dementia are advocating for government funding for research into a cure for her rare condition.
SA premier warns One Nation poses threat to federal Labor as Marles says party only ‘about stunts and the vibe’
The South Australian premier warns that One Nation represents a significant threat to federal Labor following the party's strong performance in the state elections.
Hundreds of petrol stations across Australia run out of fuel as Albanese inks supply deal with Singapore
Australia faces a fuel shortage as hundreds of petrol stations run dry after the government strikes a supply deal with Singapore.
Middle East war oil price surge to 'trigger profits and £427m a month tax windfall'
The ongoing war in the Middle East is driving up oil prices, resulting in significant profits for energy producers and a £427 million monthly windfall tax for the UK government.
UK fuel rationing plans: Who gets priority as government confirms emergency measures
The UK government has unveiled emergency fuel rationing plans prioritizing essential services in response to potential shortages stemming from the Middle East crisis.
Over 300 new school-based nurseries announced - see full list of schools
The UK government has announced the establishment of over 300 new or improved school-based nurseries, significantly increasing childcare availability for families.
UK staring down barrel of economic crisis - caused by Trump's reckless Iran war
The UK faces a looming economic crisis attributed to Donald Trump's actions related to Iran, with calls for urgent government action to prevent job losses for working families.
Seven new towns locations unveiled for tens of thousands of homes - see full list
The UK government has announced the locations of seven proposed new towns intended to address the housing crisis by providing tens of thousands of new homes.
Britons increasingly dissatisfied: 78% believe government is handling immigration poorly
A recent survey reveals that 78% of Britons believe their government is failing to manage immigration effectively, which remains the nation's foremost concern.
Politics live: new standards for datacentres being built in Australia; report warns of drone threat
The Australian government is under pressure over oil supply issues while introducing new regulations for datacentres and facing rising concerns about drone threats.
British traders press to close 'loophole' exploited by two Chinese companies
British traders are urging the government to swiftly address a controversial loophole in retail trade that allows foreign platforms to gain a competitive advantage with low-cost goods.
ICE agents will be deployed to US airports on Monday to ease long lines
ICE agents are being deployed to US airports starting Monday to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents amid a government shutdown causing long waiting times.
Queensland government ‘opens old wounds’ as police officer criticised after Palm Island riots appointed to Legal Aid board
The Queensland government has faced backlash for appointing a police officer involved in the controversial Palm Island riots to the Legal Aid board, reigniting trauma for the First Nations community.
As Labor faces pressure to respond boldly to oil shock, it needs to find more unconventional levers to pull
Australia's government is under increasing pressure to address rising oil prices and supply issues following recommendations from the International Energy Agency.
Starmer adviser urges ministers to look at profits cap for energy and petrol firms
A Labour peer has urged the UK government to consider implementing a temporary cap on the profits of energy and petrol companies amid rising prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.
UK expands detention capacity to speed up deportations
The UK government has announced plans to increase detention capacity to expedite the removal of foreign offenders and illegal migrants from the country.
Britain: No evidence that Iran can or plans to strike Europe with ballistic missiles
The UK government assures there is no evidence suggesting Iran has the capability or intention to launch ballistic missile attacks on Europe, despite escalating tensions in the Middle East.
MPs threaten fresh inquiry into carers allowance scandal amid redress delays
UK MPs are considering a new inquiry into the carers allowance scandal due to ongoing delays in the government’s response to unpaid carers awaiting redress.
Family courts in England and Wales ‘not good enough’ for women and children, minister says
A government minister in the UK has criticized the family courts in England and Wales as inadequate, announcing reforms aimed at prioritizing child welfare and improving the legal process for women and children.
Full list of UK bank holidays with new one added for 2026
A new UK bank holiday has been confirmed for 2026, along with a detailed list of all bank holidays across the UK until then.
Six fuel ships bound for Australia cancelled as Bowen concedes ‘flow of oil to Asian refineries has slowed’
The Australian government is facing disruptions in oil supply as six fuel ships scheduled for delivery have been cancelled, prompting preparations to secure alternative shipments.
High streets set for £319 million investment and boost to playgrounds
The UK government has announced a £319 million package aimed at revitalizing struggling high streets with new infrastructure and services.
Britain: Bases in Cyprus will not be used for aggressive military actions
A representative of the Cypriot government stated that the UK will not use its bases in Cyprus for aggressive military operations, reaffirming the security of the Republic of Cyprus.
Iran issues chilling threat to UK after missile attack on Diego Garcia base
Iran has threatened the UK with consequences following a missile attack on the Diego Garcia base used by US forces, which was permitted by the British government.
UK passport fees to rise in April 2026 with new rule change
The UK government has announced that passport fees will increase starting April 2026, marking the first time standard passport costs will exceed £100.
UK government yet to trial OpenAI tech months after signing partnership
The UK government has not conducted any trials involving OpenAI's technology despite signing a partnership eight months ago aimed at addressing societal challenges with artificial intelligence.
In South Australia One Nation has put meat on the bones of its polling surge – now both major parties need to respond
The South Australian election results saw Peter Malinauskas' Labor government confirmed as the winner, but the rise of One Nation poses significant challenges for both major parties.
Challenging unfair rents will be cheaper than expected under Labour shakeup
Under the Labour government's new regulations, renters will only pay £47 to appeal unfair rent increases, a decision influenced by David Lammy, aiming to protect tenants from potential exploitation by landlords.
Stuck United Kingdom will get closer to the EU - London's mayor wants to go all the way
UK's Labour government shows a shift towards closer ties with Europe, signified by the finance minister's comments favoring Ursula von der Leyen over Donald Trump.
Major DWP State Pension change from next month
A significant change to the UK's State Pension system is set to take effect next month, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in the pension age from 66 to 67.
Bill to fund US homeland security fails again as concern grows about airport lines
A Senate bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security was blocked, raising concerns about airport security screening delays.
Starmer allows the USA to use bases for Hormuz protection
The British government will permit the USA to use British airbases for preventive and defensive attacks against Iranian targets to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Lowering speed limits among contingency plans to curb UK oil demand
The UK government is considering lowering speed limits as a strategy to reduce fuel consumption amid a global oil supply crisis stemming from Middle Eastern tensions.
Britain: Grants bases to the USA for attacks on the Strait of Hormuz
The British government has approved the use of military bases in the UK by the United States to launch strikes on Iranian missile facilities responsible for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
BBC expert tells couples ‘claim before April 5’ to get £1,000 back
A BBC finance expert is advising couples to claim Marriage Tax Allowance before the April 5 deadline to potentially receive back up to £1,000 from the government.
Half of Brits facing £500 in extra costs every year as Gov told to make essentials free
A significant portion of the UK population is facing increased yearly costs for essential items, prompting a call for the government to provide free access to these necessities.
Freeview 'switch-off' Government update as 'poor broadband areas face digital exclusion'
The UK government is considering the complete discontinuation of Freeview, which could significantly impact households in poorly serviced broadband regions, forcing them into higher TV costs or complete loss of access.
UK passport warning as holidaymakers could have to fork out £239
UK holidaymakers are warned that the cost of new or replacement passports will increase to £239.50 next month, prompting travelers to check their passports now.
Downing Street to Iran: The United Kingdom is 'not involved in the wider war' in the Middle East
The UK government emphasized its limited involvement in the Middle East and clarified its position on military cooperation with the U.S. following Iranian statements regarding aggression.
Government responds to urgent demand to cut energy use due to Iran crisis
The UK government urged citizens to maintain normal fuel consumption despite warnings from the International Energy Agency to cut energy use amid the Iran crisis.
Brits told to work from home and drive slower in 10-point plan for energy crisis
The UK government has advised citizens to work from home and reduce their driving speeds as part of a plan to mitigate the energy crisis exacerbated by rising oil prices due to geopolitical tensions.
HMRC allowance for workers abolished as April 2026 UK tax changes confirmed
The UK government has confirmed significant tax changes, including the abolition of the HMRC allowance for workers, which will take effect in April 2026.
UK borrowing rises unexpectedly to £14.3bn in February
Britain's public sector net borrowing rose to £14.3 billion in February, exceeding forecasts and raising concerns over the potential impact of the Iran conflict on government finances.
Government update on major licence change for drivers aged over 70
The UK government is considering significant changes to driving regulations for drivers over 70 that include mandatory eyesight tests and other safety measures.
NSW to ban new coalmines – but will allow existing ones to get even bigger
The New South Wales government has decided to ban the establishment of new coalmines but will permit expansions of existing ones, contradicting climate agency warnings about meeting emissions targets.
Fly-tippers face new punishments in £45million crackdown
The UK government is implementing a £45 million initiative to impose stricter penalties on individuals illegally dumping waste.
Government to fund clear-up of illegal tips in north of England
The UK government will fund the clean-up of 48,000 tonnes of waste at illegal dumping sites in the north of England, addressing public concern over waste management disparities.
Tens of thousands of prisoners in England and Wales at risk of cell fires
Tens of thousands of prisoners in England and Wales are exposed to potentially fatal fire risks as the government has abandoned its commitment to make all prison cells fire-safe by 2027.
Major victory over bots as Government backs down in row over AI
The UK government has reversed its stance on controversial plans that would have allowed tech companies to use copyrighted content without consent for AI training, facing backlash from the media and arts community.