How UK could adopt US-style murder offences under new plans The Law Commission has put forward that mandatory life sentences for murder should be abolished The Independent UK · Jun 18
Intertek agrees £9.5bn takeover by Swedish suitor in fresh blow to London market London-listed Intertek has accepted a £61.08-a-share bid from EQT, ending weeks of talks between the pair. Evening Standard · Jun 18
How to watch 'Isle of Wight Festival 2026' online from anywhere Catch Calvin Harris, Lewis Capaldi and more at this year's event - here's how to watch "Isle of Wight Festival 2026" online from anywhere. Tom’s Guide · Jun 18
Polls open in historic byelection in Makerfield that could determine Keir Starmer’s future – as it happened Andy Burnham hopes a successful byelection will mean he can encourage Keir Starmer to step aside as prime minister The Guardian - UK · Jun 18
Voters head to the polls in key UK by-election that could determine Britain's next PM Burnham is regarded by many Labour MPs as the party's best chance of recovery following the disastrous May local elections. Euronews · Jun 18
‘My sister was groomed to her death online. It’s a national scandal’ INTERVIEW: Kenneth Law admitted causing the deaths of 73 victims in the UK, but will face no court in this country. Adele Zeynep Walton, whose sister Aimee died after taking poison sent by Law, speaks to Nicole Wootton-Cane about why she believes the government must act to prevent more deaths The Independent UK · Jun 18
India-UK trade deal to offer export benefits from day-one; steel issues addressed: Govt Sources The landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into force from July 15, 2026, with the government working to ensure that customs notifications and related processes are put in place so that exporters can start availing concessions from day one, senior government sources told ANI. The Economic Times · Jun 18
Love Island host Maya Jama stars in new Blossoms music video as band unveil sixth album Songs From The Wedding Cake Blossoms have confirmed details of their sixth album Songs From The Wedding Cake alongside new single Meet Me In Love and a UK arena tour. BANG Premier · Jun 18
India to allow import of 3.78 lakh UK cars at concessional duty in first 15 years of trade pact India will allow imports of up to 3.78 lakh conventional-engine passenger cars from the UK at concessional duties under a new trade pact starting July 15. Import duties will fall from 110% to 10% with quotas, while Indian electric and hybrid cars will gain duty-free access to the UK market… The Economic Times · Jun 18
India-UK social security pact to benefit 90-95% of Indian professionals in Britain A new social security agreement between India and the UK, effective July 15, will benefit 90-95% of Indian professionals working for Indian companies in Britain. This pact exempts temporarily transferred employees from host country social security contributions for up to five years, reducing costs for firms and boosting Indian service… The Economic Times · Jun 18
Why weakening the ZEV Mandate risks making us forget why we went electric in the first place With ministers reportedly considering relaxing EV sales targets, The Independent’s EV Editor Steve Fowler can’t help but wonder whether many people – including the Government – have forgotten the most important reason Britain started switching to electric cars. The Independent UK · Jun 18
British Amazon delivery driver jailed after making £300,000 helping students cheat in university exams A UK-based delivery driver who secretly completed university coursework and online exams for students in exchange for money has been jailed for three years after investigators uncovered a large-scale academic fraud operation that generated more than £300,000 in illegal earnings. The Times of India · Jun 18
Bookings rise at Premier Inn owner Whitbread amid leisure demand Positive trading across Premier Inn in the UK and Germany was partially offset by a slump in food and drink sales caused the closure of restaurants. Evening Standard · Jun 18
UKIBC hails India-UK trade pact rollout from July 15, says CETA to unlock new growth opportunities The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, will become effective on July 15, 2026. This landmark deal opens new avenues for trade and investment between India and the United Kingdom. Businesses are encouraged to prepare for its implementation. The agreement is set to boost economic engagement and create employment… The Economic Times · Jun 18
The National (Scotland) · Jun 18 Major expansion proposed creating 60 jobs for one of UK’s largest retail parks A MAJOR new shopping and leisure development has been proposed for one of the UK’s biggest retail parks ...
International Business Times UK · Jun 18 UK Prime Minister's AI Adviser Named on Leaked Peter Thiel 'Dialog' Guest List A leaked attendee list from Dialog reveals influential figures, including AI strategist Matt Clifford, highlighting the private network's role in shaping global technology and policy discussions.
Euronews · Jun 18 UK: Tommy Robinson’s Oxford Union debate sparks protests and free speech backlash Tommy Robinson’s appearance at the Oxford Union prompts large protests and reignites the UK debate over free expression and platforms for extremists.
The Independent UK · Jun 18 Brexit helps send UK plummeting down list of world’s strongest economies UK’s place in World Competitiveness Rankings has dropped since Brexit, academics say
The Guardian - UK · Jun 18 Weather more important to sales than World Cup, says Tesco as growth slows Strong sales of canned cocktails and Irn-Bru help retailer beat forecasts – and sunshine made people spend
The Guardian - UK · Jun 18 Bank of England leaves interest rates on hold and lowers inflation forecast amid Middle East ‘uncertainty’ – as it happened Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, including the latest UK jobs report and the Bank of England’s interest rate decision
Bangkok Post · Jun 18 Starmer rival seeks win in UK poll pivotal to PM’s fate ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England - Britain was holding a key local election on Thursday that could trigger the endgame for Labour leader Keir Starmer’s beleaguered premiership, or win him a reprieve.
France 24 · Jun 18 Starmer rival Andy Burnham seeks win in local UK poll pivotal to PM's fate Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is hoping to emerge triumphant from a key local election Thursday that could propel the popular Labour party veteran to the UK premiership. Several figures within the centre-left party are positioning themselves to challenge the deeply unpopular Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The Independent UK · Jun 18 I’m a 30-year-old charity founder – here’s why my generation should switch Netflix for an ‘impact subscription’ GIVING WHILE LIVING: As ‘finfluencers’ across social media encourage women to take control of their money, Caragh Bridgwood argues that giving should become part of our financial habits – with research showing that it contributes to happiness, wellbeing and even longevity
Radio France Internationale · Jun 18 Starmer rival seeks win in UK by-election pivotal to PM's fate Britain was holding a key local election on Thursday that could trigger the endgame for Labour leader Keir Starmer's beleaguered premiership, or win him a reprieve.
The Economic Times · Jun 18 India-UK FTA levels the playing field for apparel exporters, says Pearl Global's Pallab Banerjee India's apparel exports are set for a significant boost with the new UK Free Trade Agreement, finally removing a long-standing 10-12% tariff disadvantage against competitors like Bangladesh and Cambodia. Industry leaders anticipate improved price competitiveness, attracting fresh investments, increasing exports, and creating substantial employment opportunities across various garment categories.