UK politics: Starmer sticks by manifesto pledge not to raise taxes amid tariff turmoil – as it happened

The city of Paris experienced a large blaze at a recycling plant and sports court complex, with over 200 firefighters battling the flames. The fire caused thick black smoke and closed a major ring road, leading to traffic jams near airports. No injuries were reported, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to begin soon. Full Article

The UK Aids Memorial Quilt, created in the 1980s, will be displayed at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall to remember those who died of Aids in Britain and raise awareness of the disease. By the end of 2011, 20,335 people diagnosed with HIV had died in the UK, highlighting the importance of humanising those affected by the epidemic. This display comes as fears of an Aids resurgence grow in some countries due to recent cuts in...

Grace Davidson received the UK's first womb transplant from her sister and gave birth to baby Amy Isobel after a closely monitored pregnancy. The medical team, led by Professor Richard Smith and consultant surgeon Isabel Quiroga, expressed joy at the successful birth of Amy, the first baby born after a womb transplant in the UK. The procedure, costing £25,000 for a deceased donor and £30,000 for a living donor, has been successful in all cases,...

Previous plans to develop London’s Custom House have been rejected, but real estate company Jastar Capital is now looking to turn the Grade I listed property into a luxury hotel with a spa, café, and restaurant. Plans promise new windows, a spa, and public access all year, with a focus on sensitively upgrading the historically important parts of the building while enhancing its architectural features. The proposed revitalization aims to bring this iconic London landmark...

Luana Dougherty, a care worker, exploited her mother's Alzheimer's to steal her life savings, making withdrawals and transfers totaling thousands of pounds. Jailed for fraud, she was ordered to repay the proceeds by selling her second-hand car. Her actions left her mother anxious and distressed, impacting the family's ability to provide proper care and forcing reliance on the local authority for support. Full Article

Aldi and Lidl are currently exempt from competition laws restricting big supermarkets, giving them an advantage over rivals. The ban on using 'restrictive land' clauses to block competitors nearby applies to major chains like Tesco and Sainsbury's, who have faced over 220 breaches. The Competition and Markets Authority is reviewing the situation, considering including Aldi and Lidl in the ban or removing it altogether to ensure a level playing field. Full Article