April borrowing tops £24bn — the worst since Covid — as London joins eight allies in warning Israel over West Bank settlements
UK public-sector borrowing hit £24.3bn in April, the highest since the Covid pandemic and £4.9bn above the year before, with record £10.3bn debt interest and a 10.2% collapse in motor-fuel sales as Iran-war petrol prices bit. London joined eight Western allies — France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands — in a joint statement warning Israel to halt West Bank settlement expansion. Thames Valley Police widened the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor probe to sexual misconduct; the Attorney General is reviewing non-custodial sentences for three Hampshire teen rapists.
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gb95UK April public-sector borrowing hits £24.3bn, highest since 2020 Covid, as debt-interest sets April record £10.3bn and motor-fuel sales plunge 10.2%
UK public-sector borrowing reached £24.3 billion in April, the highest April figure since the Covid pandemic in 2020 and £4.9 billion above the year-earlier total, with debt-interest payments hitting a record £10.3 billion for the month and inflation-linked social benefits adding £2.7 billion to net spending, the Office for National Statistics said on Thursday. Separately released retail figures showed sales volumes falling 1.3 percent over the same month — the steepest monthly drop in nearly a year — dragged down by a 10.2 percent collapse in motor-fuel sales, the largest since November 2020, as petrol prices spiked on the Iran war. Pantheon Macroeconomics' Rob Wood estimated that debt-interest costs in 2026/27 will now run about £15 billion above the Spring Statement assumption if gilt yields stay where they are, threatening Chancellor Rachel Reeves' £23.6 billion headroom against her own fiscal rule.
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UK April public-sector borrowing hits £24.3bn, highest since 2020 Covid, as debt-interest sets April record £10.3bn and motor-fuel sales plunge 10.2%
UK public-sector borrowing reached £24.3 billion in April, the highest April figure since the Covid pandemic in 2020 and £4.9 billion above the year-earlier total, with debt-interest payments hitting a record £10.3 billion for the month and inflation-linked social benefits adding £2.7 billion to net spending, the Office for National Statistics said on Thursday. Separately released retail figures showed sales volumes falling 1.3 percent over the same month — the steepest monthly drop in nearly a year — dragged down by a 10.2 percent collapse in motor-fuel sales, the largest since November 2020, as petrol prices spiked on the Iran war. Pantheon Macroeconomics' Rob Wood estimated that debt-interest costs in 2026/27 will now run about £15 billion above the Spring Statement assumption if gilt yields stay where they are, threatening Chancellor Rachel Reeves' £23.6 billion headroom against her own fiscal rule.
UK public-sector borrowing reached £24.3 billion in April, the highest April figure since the Covid pandemic in 2020 and £4.9 billion above the year-earlier total, with debt-interest payments hitting a record £10.3 billion for the month and inflation-linked social benefits adding £2.7 billion to net spending, the Office for National Statistics said on Thursday. Separately released retail figures showed sales volumes falling 1.3 percent over the same month — the steepest monthly drop in nearly a year — dragged down by a 10.2 percent collapse in motor-fuel sales, the largest since November 2020, as petrol prices spiked on the Iran war. Pantheon Macroeconomics' Rob Wood estimated that debt-interest costs in 2026/27 will now run about £15 billion above the Spring Statement assumption if gilt yields stay where they are, threatening Chancellor Rachel Reeves' £23.6 billion headroom against her own fiscal rule.
gb88UK Police Expand Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Investigation to Include Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Thames Valley Police said on May 22 that their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, now includes potential sexual misconduct as part of a broader probe into misconduct in public office. The force repeated its call for witnesses and victims to come forward, and confirmed it has contacted the lawyer of a woman who, according to a BBC report, was sent by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. Mountbatten-Windsor, arrested on Feb. 19 and released under investigation, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
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UK Police Expand Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Investigation to Include Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Thames Valley Police said on May 22 that their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, now includes potential sexual misconduct as part of a broader probe into misconduct in public office. The force repeated its call for witnesses and victims to come forward, and confirmed it has contacted the lawyer of a woman who, according to a BBC report, was sent by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. Mountbatten-Windsor, arrested on Feb. 19 and released under investigation, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Thames Valley Police said on May 22 that their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, now includes potential sexual misconduct as part of a broader probe into misconduct in public office. The force repeated its call for witnesses and victims to come forward, and confirmed it has contacted the lawyer of a woman who, according to a BBC report, was sent by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. Mountbatten-Windsor, arrested on Feb. 19 and released under investigation, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
gb85UK government reviews unduly lenient sentences for teen rapists in Hampshire
The UK government is reviewing the sentences of three teenage boys who raped two girls in separate attacks in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in 2024 and 2025, after criticism that the non-custodial sentences were too lenient. The boys, aged 14 and 15, were given youth rehabilitation orders and walked out of court with 11 rape convictions between them. The attorney general's office has received multiple requests for review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme and has up to 28 days to decide whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal.
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UK government reviews unduly lenient sentences for teen rapists in Hampshire
The UK government is reviewing the sentences of three teenage boys who raped two girls in separate attacks in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in 2024 and 2025, after criticism that the non-custodial sentences were too lenient. The boys, aged 14 and 15, were given youth rehabilitation orders and walked out of court with 11 rape convictions between them. The attorney general's office has received multiple requests for review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme and has up to 28 days to decide whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal.
The UK government is reviewing the sentences of three teenage boys who raped two girls in separate attacks in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in 2024 and 2025, after criticism that the non-custodial sentences were too lenient. The boys, aged 14 and 15, were given youth rehabilitation orders and walked out of court with 11 rape convictions between them. The attorney general's office has received multiple requests for review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme and has up to 28 days to decide whether to refer the case to the Court of Appeal.
gb82Nine Western nations jointly warn Israel to halt West Bank settlement expansion and violence
Nine Western countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands, issued a joint statement on Friday urging Israel to stop expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank and to address settler violence. The statement called Israeli settlements a “breach of international law” and specifically warned businesses against bidding on construction tenders for the E1 settlement project, which would bisect the West Bank. The signatories also demanded accountability for settler violence and an end to financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority.
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Nine Western nations jointly warn Israel to halt West Bank settlement expansion and violence
Nine Western countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands, issued a joint statement on Friday urging Israel to stop expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank and to address settler violence. The statement called Israeli settlements a “breach of international law” and specifically warned businesses against bidding on construction tenders for the E1 settlement project, which would bisect the West Bank. The signatories also demanded accountability for settler violence and an end to financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority.
Nine Western countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the Netherlands, issued a joint statement on Friday urging Israel to stop expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank and to address settler violence. The statement called Israeli settlements a “breach of international law” and specifically warned businesses against bidding on construction tenders for the E1 settlement project, which would bisect the West Bank. The signatories also demanded accountability for settler violence and an end to financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority.
gb40Seven Afghan nationals charged with child sexual exploitation in Norwich
Seven Afghan men, aged 20-21, have been charged with 40 offences including rape and conspiracy to rape as part of an investigation into group-based child exploitation in Norwich, Norfolk. The alleged offences occurred between August 2023 and May 2025 and involve two teenage girls. All seven were remanded in custody; an eighth man was arrested in Ireland. The case has drawn ministerial attention, with the government stating that convicted foreign criminals have no place in the UK.
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Seven Afghan nationals charged with child sexual exploitation in Norwich
Seven Afghan men, aged 20-21, have been charged with 40 offences including rape and conspiracy to rape as part of an investigation into group-based child exploitation in Norwich, Norfolk. The alleged offences occurred between August 2023 and May 2025 and involve two teenage girls. All seven were remanded in custody; an eighth man was arrested in Ireland. The case has drawn ministerial attention, with the government stating that convicted foreign criminals have no place in the UK.
Seven Afghan men, aged 20-21, have been charged with 40 offences including rape and conspiracy to rape as part of an investigation into group-based child exploitation in Norwich, Norfolk. The alleged offences occurred between August 2023 and May 2025 and involve two teenage girls. All seven were remanded in custody; an eighth man was arrested in Ireland. The case has drawn ministerial attention, with the government stating that convicted foreign criminals have no place in the UK.
gb39UK gilt yields post biggest weekly drop since 2023 on relief rally
UK government bond yields experienced their largest weekly decline since 2023, driven by a relief rally amid easing market concerns over fiscal policy and inflation. This marks a sharp reversal from recent highs, suggesting improved investor sentiment.
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UK gilt yields post biggest weekly drop since 2023 on relief rally
UK government bond yields experienced their largest weekly decline since 2023, driven by a relief rally amid easing market concerns over fiscal policy and inflation. This marks a sharp reversal from recent highs, suggesting improved investor sentiment.
UK government bond yields experienced their largest weekly decline since 2023, driven by a relief rally amid easing market concerns over fiscal policy and inflation. This marks a sharp reversal from recent highs, suggesting improved investor sentiment.
gb30Andy Burnham Launches Makerfield Byelection Campaign, Calls for Vote to 'Change Labour'
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham formally launched his campaign for the Makerfield byelection, calling for a 'new script' in British politics and urging voters to 'change Labour'. He outlined national policy positions including support for proportional representation, reform of council tax, and a shift in housing spending toward council homes. Burnham did not rule out a future challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A separate controversy erupted when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's entourage entered a Wigan charity for vulnerable adults unannounced, prompting a request for an apology from the charity's director.
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Andy Burnham Launches Makerfield Byelection Campaign, Calls for Vote to 'Change Labour'
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham formally launched his campaign for the Makerfield byelection, calling for a 'new script' in British politics and urging voters to 'change Labour'. He outlined national policy positions including support for proportional representation, reform of council tax, and a shift in housing spending toward council homes. Burnham did not rule out a future challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A separate controversy erupted when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's entourage entered a Wigan charity for vulnerable adults unannounced, prompting a request for an apology from the charity's director.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham formally launched his campaign for the Makerfield byelection, calling for a 'new script' in British politics and urging voters to 'change Labour'. He outlined national policy positions including support for proportional representation, reform of council tax, and a shift in housing spending toward council homes. Burnham did not rule out a future challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A separate controversy erupted when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's entourage entered a Wigan charity for vulnerable adults unannounced, prompting a request for an apology from the charity's director.
gb28UK minister praises Israel's democratic governance amid flotilla row
Background: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video taunting detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, sparking international condemnation. The activists were intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, and were shown kneeling and handcuffed at Ashdod port. Activists reported abuse including rubber bullets, beatings, and sexual assault during detention. Some 430 activists were deported to Istanbul. Today: UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised Israel's commitment to democratic governance at an event celebrating Israel's 78th independence day, held on the same day the Ben-Gvir video emerged. The UK Foreign Office summoned Israel's charge d'affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein over the incident, expressing concern over detention conditions. The event highlighted tensions in UK-Israel relations, including the absence of an Israeli ambassador and ongoing military cooperation despite UK sanctions on Israeli ministers.
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UK minister praises Israel's democratic governance amid flotilla row
Background: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video taunting detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, sparking international condemnation. The activists were intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, and were shown kneeling and handcuffed at Ashdod port. Activists reported abuse including rubber bullets, beatings, and sexual assault during detention. Some 430 activists were deported to Istanbul. Today: UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised Israel's commitment to democratic governance at an event celebrating Israel's 78th independence day, held on the same day the Ben-Gvir video emerged. The UK Foreign Office summoned Israel's charge d'affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein over the incident, expressing concern over detention conditions. The event highlighted tensions in UK-Israel relations, including the absence of an Israeli ambassador and ongoing military cooperation despite UK sanctions on Israeli ministers.
Background: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video taunting detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, sparking international condemnation. The activists were intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, and were shown kneeling and handcuffed at Ashdod port. Activists reported abuse including rubber bullets, beatings, and sexual assault during detention. Some 430 activists were deported to Istanbul. Today: UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised Israel's commitment to democratic governance at an event celebrating Israel's 78th independence day, held on the same day the Ben-Gvir video emerged. The UK Foreign Office summoned Israel's charge d'affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein over the incident, expressing concern over detention conditions. The event highlighted tensions in UK-Israel relations, including the absence of an Israeli ambassador and ongoing military cooperation despite UK sanctions on Israeli ministers.