UK Government Warns Over VPN Ban for Under-16s
A petition urges the UK government against banning VPNs for under-16s amid social media restrictions. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall faces backlash over proposed measures.
Category : Westminster Updates
Iran Leader Mocks Trump's 'Desperation' Over Hormuz Deal
Iran's Supreme Leader ridicules Donald Trump's 'desperation' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after signing a peace deal that lifts the US naval blockade and grants Iran significant concessions.
BBC Licence Fee Update for Streaming Users
The Labour government has ruled out extending the BBC licence fee to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, rejecting a levy on streamers.
16 BBC Shows Axed or Altered in Major Cuts - Full List
Details of major BBC cuts announced yesterday include 16 shows cancelled or changed, with radio schedule hit hard and presenter roles reviewed for efficiency.
DWP Plans to End Housing Benefit and ESA from June 30
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced its intention to stop Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance from June 30, 2026, as part of the Move to Universal Credit programme.
BBC TV Licence Fee of £180 Branded 'Ridiculous' Could Be Reduced
Former BBC One controller Lord Michael Grade calls the £180 licence fee 'ridiculous' and suggests it should be reduced to maintain public support for the broadcaster.
War of 1812 Began on This Day in History
On June 18, 1812, President Madison signed a declaration of war against Britain, starting the War of 1812. Also, trivia answers for June 17 are provided.
Starmer Responds to July Bank Holiday Calls for England World Cup Win
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addresses an early day motion for a bank holiday on July 20 if England wins the World Cup, speaking at the G7 summit.
Reeves Warned as 1 Million Pensioners Face Tax for First Time
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under fire after data shows one million pensioners will be brought into income tax by 2030-31 due to frozen thresholds, a move critics call a 'political choice'.
UK VPN Age-Gate Rules Coming in July
The UK government will reveal VPN regulations in July as part of the under-16 social media ban, with options including age-gating VPN use to prevent children bypassing restrictions.
Fresh calls for Graduated Driving Licence rules in England
Two bereaved mothers urge the Labour government to introduce Graduated Driving Licences in England to protect young drivers, highlighting tragic losses.
Princess Kate Returns to Royal Ascot After Cancer
Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended Royal Ascot with Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, marking her first appearance at the event since her cancer diagnosis in early 2024.
DWP Minister on State Pension Age Review Timeline
Pat McFadden, DWP Secretary, updates on the state pension age review, highlighting the need for fairness and sustainability, and noting varied experiences in constituencies like Wolverhampton.
HMRC Confirms Inheritance Tax Changes for Pensions in 2027
HMRC has confirmed changes to inheritance tax rules from April 2027, bringing most unused pension funds and death benefits into the estate for tax purposes.
DWP Lists Five Groups Owed State Pension Backpayments
Thousands may be entitled to backpayments as DWP corrects National Insurance errors from Home Responsibilities Protection scheme, affecting five key groups.
DWP Pension Age Change: Longer Wait for Post-1977 Births
The DWP is raising the state pension age to 68 for people born after 1977, with a phased increase from 2044. An early review may accelerate the change.
Russian Frigate Fires at British Yacht in English Channel
A British yacht was fired at by the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich in the English Channel. No injuries reported. UK investigates.
MP calls for mobile post office as Solihull branch closure looms
Solihull MP Saqib Bhatti urges Post Office to provide a mobile service after TGJones store closure on July 11, leaving town without a branch.
DWP Disallows 4.5 Million PIP Claims Amid Welfare Bill Pressure
The DWP has disallowed 4.5 million PIP claims since 2013, with 4.6 million successful. Political pressure mounts to cut welfare spending and redirect funds to defence.
Thames Water Nearer Nationalisation After Rescue Rejection
The UK government has rejected a £10bn rescue package for Thames Water, pushing the troubled utility closer to public ownership amid concerns over consumer burden.
Two New Pub Rules in England from June 2026
The Labour government announces extended pub hours for World Cup 2026, allowing opening until 2am for knockout matches.
DWP Urged to Scrap Triple Lock Pension Perk for Millions
Personal finance experts call for scrapping the Triple Lock pension increase, citing unfairness and unsustainable costs. The mechanism guarantees annual rises by the highest of earnings, inflation, or 2.5%.
Burnham Pledges HS2 Revival If PM
Andy Burnham vows to revive the scrapped HS2 northern leg from Birmingham to Manchester if he becomes Prime Minister, proposing a Crossrail-style funding model.
MP Al Carns Hints at Labour Leadership Bid Amid Fraud Claims
Selly Oak MP Al Carns hints at Labour leadership bid; supporter revealed as convicted fraudster. Plus: Majid Mahmood quits Labour, Ryan Bridge arrested at protest.
Full List of Social Media Platforms Banned for Under-16s
Sir Keir Starmer confirms under-16 social media ban. Platforms include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X. Messaging apps like WhatsApp excluded.
Starmer confirms under-16s social media ban timeline
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a timeline for banning under-16s from social media, with legislation expected before Christmas and enforcement in spring 2026.
Starmer to Water Down 2030 EV Sales Targets
PM Keir Starmer overrules Ed Miliband, reducing the 2030 EV sales target from 80% to 50% after pressure from the industry, Unite union, and business secretary Peter Kyle.
Trump Confirms Iran Peace Deal, Strait to Reopen
Donald Trump announces a completed peace deal with Iran, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The official signing is set for June 19 in Switzerland.
State Pensioners to Lose Three Months of Payments
State pensioners face losing up to three months of payments as the DWP raises the state pension age from 66 to 67, affecting those born between 1960 and 1961.
King Charles Birthday Honours 2026: West Midlands List
Discover the full list of West Midlands recipients in the King Charles Birthday Honours 2026, celebrating local heroes and community champions.
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