Keir Starmer says the UK will raise defence spending by £15bn over four years, funded by cuts to other government investment budgets. The plan would lift annual defence spending to nearly £80bn by 2029, though critics say it falls short of what the armed forces need.
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UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she is considering intervention in Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery over media plurality concerns. Paramount says the deal does not pose UK plurality issues and remains on schedule.
British American Tobacco will cut 5,500 jobs and outsource 3,500 more as part of a transformation plan expected to save £600 million a year by 2028. The company said its U.S. business will not be affected.
Andy Burnham is set to use a major Manchester speech to make devolution the centrepiece of his bid to become Britain’s next prime minister. He is expected to promise a 10-year mission to raise living standards while facing questions over fiscal rules, defence spending and his future cabinet.
Australia plans to double the maximum fine for social media platforms that fail to keep under-16s off their services, raising penalties to A$99 million. The government says children are still bypassing the ban and regulators are investigating Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.
Record heat swept across Europe, with Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic setting all-time highs as transportation systems, hospitals and public events came under strain. France reported heavy pressure on hospitals, while Italy issued red alerts in 18 cities.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will remain at Clarence House after Buckingham Palace’s £369 million renovation, while the palace stays the monarchy’s operational and ceremonial hub. Royal accounts also showed Charles paid £12.9 million in taxes in 2024-25.
Donald Trump described Andy Burnham as “extremely liberal” and suggested he would resist new North Sea drilling if he becomes prime minister. Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, is the only declared candidate to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader.