EuroVerify Fact check: Yes, the UK does have free speech The principle of free speech is enshrined in law across Europe thanks to the European Convention on Human Rights. 06/03/2025
Art Blink-182 frontman sells Banksy at auction for €5.2 million After the death of Jack Vettriano, the painter who inspired the original, Blink-182 frontman Mark Hoppus has sold his Banksy painting for £4.3 million (€5.2 million) at a London auction. 05/03/2025
Tech News Microsoft's OpenAI gets green light from UK watchdog A UK watchdog has dropped its competition review of Microsoft's OpenAI deal. 05/03/2025
Food and Drink How absinthe became fashionable again in Europe As the (over-age adults of the) world celebrate International Absinthe Day, we’re taking a look at the history and present popularity of the emerald-coloured drink. 05/03/2025
Destinations Big screen buff? Take your next film-inspired holiday in Britain Britain continues to be the real star of the show for our favourite films and TV series. Here's where to visit. 05/03/2025
United Kingdom UK government launches ad campaign in Iraq to reduce Channel crossings The move comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempts to crack down on smuggling gangs. 04/03/2025
United Kingdom Belfast factory to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air defence missiles The move comes as part of the UK's four-point roadmap to 'reach peace and defend Ukraine'. 03/03/2025
Smart Regions Consolidating peace: A cross-community centre for women in Belfast In partnership with the European Commission Northern Ireland launches a space for peace. The Shankill Shared Women's Centre in Belfast is a training and drop-in centre for women and children. Many are still suffering the aftermath of the religious conflict that caused thousands of deaths in the most divided corner of the UK. 03/03/2025
Tech News UK opens investigations into TikTok and Reddit over children’s data “The responsibility to keep children safe online lies firmly at the door of the companies,” the UK information commissioner said. 03/03/2025
United Kingdom Trudeau to discuss Trump’s annexation threats with King Charles The British monarch, who is Canada's head of state, has been criticised for his silence on the issue. 03/03/2025
Europe News Meloni says division of the West would be 'fatal for everyone' Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stresses the importance of Western unity after Ukraine talks with European leaders, Canada and Turkey in London. 03/03/2025
Europe News Europe must do ‘heavy lifting’ on Ukraine at ‘crossroads of history’ Starmer spoke to the press following the summit of Canadian, Turkish and European leaders held at Lancaster House on the future of Ukraine. 02/03/2025
Europe News Italy and UK can build bridges, Italy's Meloni tells Starmer The Italian premier made the comments after holding talks with the UK's prime minister in London ahead of the summit on European defence and Ukraine. 02/03/2025
Europe News Starmer says UK, France to work with Ukraine on ceasefire plan The UK prime minister says London and Paris will take the lead on drawing up a plan to 'stop the fighting', which will then be presented to US President Donald Trump. 02/03/2025
Food and Drink Why UK restaurants are making minimum spend requirements the norm Multiple high-end London restaurants have adopted minimum spend requirements for reservations. How will this impact the dining experience? 28/02/2025
Business UK house prices on the rise for sixth month in a row, says Nationwide Economists have been predicting a flurry of buyers trying to complete purchases before stamp duty increases in April. 28/02/2025
Culture news Celebrities criticise BBC for pulling Gaza documentary The film about the lives of children in Gaza was removed after the BBC said it discovered the film’s 14-year-old narrator was the son of an official for Palestinian organisation Hamas. However, it may not be as simple as that... 27/02/2025
United Kingdom Is the British military fit for the new European security order? The UK government is hiking defence spending to help build up Europe's forces against Russia — but decades of funding cuts and recruitment problems have hollowed the British armed forces out. 27/02/2025
Europe News Starmer reiterates US-UK commitment to Ukraine ahead of Trump meeting The British prime minister has previously said the US' 'backstop' is crucial for a Ukrainian peace deal — a notion the Trump administration has rejected. 27/02/2025
Climate UK urged to embrace EVs and heat pumps to cut emissions in time Cattle and sheep numbers should fall 27 per cent by 2040, the Climate Change Committee urges. 27/02/2025
Culture news Five English football teams commission official poems Five English football teams are commissioning official poems for their clubs as part of a scheme to encourage youth literacy. 26/02/2025
Travel News Tourist tax protest: Welsh attractions to close on St David’s Day Welsh tourist attractions are preparing to fly flags at half mast or even close their doors entirely in protest of the Welsh tourist tax. 26/02/2025
Art Tate Modern is celebrating the outrageous legacy of Leigh Bowery Tate Modern’s latest exhibition is celebrating the outrageous genius of Leigh Bowery - artist, fashion designer, clubland icon and muse to Lucian Freud. 26/02/2025
Culture news Charli XCX named Brits songwriter of the year Charli XCX has been named songwriter of the year by the Brit Awards ahead of this weekend's ceremony, hinting that the star – who’s a front-runner with five nominations – may dominate the awards. 26/02/2025
Lifestyle In pictures: Here's everything you missed at London Fashion Week 2025 London Fashion Week wrapped up with a mix of opulent collections and star-studded moments, with designers like Burberry, Erdem, and Emilia Wickstead stealing the show. 25/02/2025
Culture news New tongues and gay classics: International Booker Prize longlist out 11 novels and two short story collections are in the running for one of the most prestigious prizes in literature. 25/02/2025