Right to jury trial under threat as Leveson asked to carry out ‘once in generation’ review of courts

A massive blaze engulfed Upton Heath in Poole, Dorset, with 80 firefighters battling the wildfire that affected 37 acres in dark conditions. The cause of the fire remains unknown as Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services plan to investigate once the flames are fully controlled. An amber wildfire alert was extended across the country, including England, Northern Ireland, and southern Scotland, as fire brigades and the Met Office warned of an elevated risk. Full...

European leaders condemned new US tariffs, with the EU prepared to retaliate and open to negotiations. Trump imposed a 20 percent tariff on the EU, prompting criticism and warnings of economic damage. Despite hopes for a UK-US trade deal, countries like Germany and France expressed concerns over the impact on global trade. Full Article

Spring has brought a new financial year with higher incomes for millions, offset by rising costs like energy, water, and council tax. Income boosts in April, including a 1.7% increase in DWP-administered benefits and a 4.1% rise in the state pension, will benefit households, but Labour's cuts to welfare and tightening criteria for claiming PIP are cause for concern. Despite the challenging economic situation, key benefit and state pension payment dates in April remain unchanged,...

British firms face a 10 per cent tariff on exports to the US after Donald Trump declared a new era for global trade, vowing to end America being "ripped off". While the UK did not secure an exemption, it has one of the lowest tariffs at 10 per cent, compared to 20 per cent for EU nations and 34 per cent for China. Downing Street is focused on negotiating a sustainable trade deal and lowering...

Persons with disabilities, comprising 16% of the global population, face health inequities leading to premature deaths and higher disease risks. The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized the struggles of those in conflict zones, like Gaza, where accessibility challenges persist. The upcoming Global Disability Summit aims to address these issues and promote global disability inclusion. Full Article

Working age households are set to be £400 worse off on average next year due to tax hikes, rising bills, and stagnant benefits, according to the Resolution Foundation. Despite Rachel Reeves' claim of Labour's policies leaving families £500 better off, the outlook for living standards is described as "historically bleak" with a one per cent drop in disposable income for a typical household, blamed on tax hikes and frozen thresholds. The only positive note is...