News – World and UK

A new King, a global pandemic and a trophy for England at the women’s Euros mean this is already a decade like no other – and all were responsible for some of the biggest TV audiences of the first half of the 2020s. Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and King Charles’s coronation both attracted enormous ratings, as did former prime minister Boris Johnson’s broadcasts about Covid-19, proving that moments of history […]

Millions of bus passengers in England have been hit by an increase in single fares from £2 to £3. The Government increased the bus fare cap on Wednesday for the first time since it was launched for most routes two years ago. It will remain at £3 until the end of 2025. The Department for Transport (DfT) said this will enable “potential savings of up to 80% on some routes”. […]

There has been a “troubling” increase in the number of people admitted to hospital for health problems caused by a lack of vitamins, new data shows. NHS figures analysed by the PA news agency show a dramatic rise in people with a main diagnosis of anaemia (caused by lack of iron) and B vitamin deficiencies. The Royal College of GPs said the findings are “very concerning” and highlight how a […]

Flights from UK airports must use a minimum amount of lower-carbon jet fuel from Wednesday, with the introduction of the sustainable aviation fuel (Saf) mandate. By law, Saf must make up at least 2% of all jet fuel used in flights in 2025. The percentage will rise annually, reaching 10% in 2030 and 22% in 2040. The Department for Transport described the requirement – which applies to all aviation fuel […]

The UK faces a “year of rebuilding” while also “rediscovering the great nation that we are” in 2025, according to Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister used his first new year’s message since entering Downing Street to reflect on a “year of change” in 2024, although joked this did not extend to football as the England men’s team experienced “another agonisingly close shave” by losing to Spain in the Euro […]

Veteran radio DJ Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, it has been announced. Walker’s death was announced on air by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November. His wife Tiggy said: “I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped […]

An under-pressure ambulance service has urged New Year’s Eve revellers to drink in moderation to help reduce demand on resources. The Welsh Ambulance Service declared a critical incident on Monday evening, and said more than 340 calls were waiting to be answered, with problems set to continue. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, chief executive Jason Killens said: “People out celebrating can help us tonight by, of course, having a good time, […]

Drivers of Mercedes cars will soon be able to ‘chat’ to their vehicles following an update. The free upgrade, which applies to many of the brand’s cars running its MBUX infotainment system, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide clear answers to all manner of questions. When asked something, the system will now deliver responses through Microsoft Azure OpenAI and Microsoft Bing web search data, allowing ‘seamless’ interaction between car and […]

Wimbledon finalist Gabriela Dabrowski has revealed she played through the 2024 season while receiving treatment for breast cancer. The 32-year-old Canadian had kept her diagnosis in April a secret but detailed the battle she has been through in a lengthy Instagram post. Dabrowski said: “I know this will come as a shock to many, but I am OK and I will be OK. Early detection saves lives.” Having first found […]