UK2.XYZ NEWS

Someone asked about things people ‘don’t understand, no matter how many times it’s explained? – 23 things we just cannot get our heads around

The world is an increasingly complex place with an awful lot of things to get to grips with, from which bin to use for which recycling to the ways in which AI is going to end humanity. So it’s no wonder there are some things we just cannot fathom, no matter how hard we try. […]

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Fall in small boat Channel crossings down to law enforcement, agency says

But other factors, including developments in the Middle East, may also be playing a role.

Number of people claiming key disability benefit hits record high

An ongoing review into Personal Independence Payments (Pip) has found the system is "not fit for purpose".

Breaking Bad’s brilliant Vince Gilligan had the ultimate final word on people pushing AI and it’s just perfect

If you want the perfect final word on Artificial Intelligence then you’d better call Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and the (now Emmy award winning) sci-fi satire, Pluribus. The great man was asked about AI at the Emmy awards and he totally nails it in less than a minute. Not for […]

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London misses out to Nairobi in World Athletics bid

London has lost to Nairobi in its bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029, while the 2031 event will be held in Munich.

London loses bid to host 2029 World Athletics as Nairobi named host

London has lost to Nairobi in its bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029, while the 2031 event will be held in Munich.

Key findings from Lucy Letby Thirlwall Inquiry

The inquiry found a "complete failure to protect babies on the neonatal unit" where the nurse worked.

Suspected sabotage causes major Netherlands rail disruption

Trains were cancelled or delayed on Tuesday after objects were found on tracks at multiple locations.

Pidcock and Backstedt lead GB at Road Worlds

Great Britain's best cycling talents including Tom Pidcock and Zoe Backstedt will lead the charge at the Road World Championships - live on the BBC.

Major high street chain shutting 17 branches as huge clearance sales launch

Another major UK high street chain is closing 17 stores forever, launching clearance sales while adding to a growing wave of nationwide retail closures

Noel Gallagher was left covered in blood after accidental headbutt from Man City star's dad

Noel Gallagher watched Manchester City beat Manchester United at the weekend but has had troublesome fan experiences in the past

Five things you may not know about Emmy history-maker Matthew Rhys

The Welsh actor became the first person to win two lead acting prizes in one night at the Emmy Awards.

Man who vandalised Churchill statue not guilty of criminal damage

A man who vandalised Sir Winston Churchill's statue in Parliament Square has been found not guilty of criminal damage.

Home Alone and Schitt's Creek stars pay tribute to late Catherine O'Hara

Tributes were also paid at the Emmy Awards to Dolly Parton, James Van Der Beek and Tim Curry.

‘What’s a small thing you’ve seen abroad that you’d like to see implemented here?’ – 23 little changes that would have a huge impact

When we think about altering the UK for the better, we tend to think of the big things, like a change of government or eye-wateringly expensive infrastructure projects (we’re looking at you HS2). But there are smaller changes that could be more easily implemented that would make all of our lives noticeably better. They’ve been […]

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Supreme Court blocks Trump's plan to restrict mail-in ballots

The Trump administration had asked the court to lift a federal judge's temporary block on new rules for mail-in ballots.

Pokémon fans prepare for 'biggest day in a decade'

Collectors are eagerly awaiting the first release of the 30th anniversary Pokémon trading cards.

Denmark says Russian warship fired flares at military helicopter

The Danish prime minister has accused Russia of "reckless" behaviour, while the Kremlin is yet to comment.

Talk TV ‘feather ruffler’ Isabel Oakeshott argued we have nothing to fear from billionaires and it’s the polar opposite of a slam dunk

To the world – briefly – of Isabel Oakeshott, the Dubai-based international editor of Talk TV and self-described ‘feather ruffler’. Except there’s one class of people who Richard Tice’s betrothed appears to believe should never have their feathers ruffled. And that’s the poor old put-upon billionaires. Here’s what she had to say on Talk TV […]

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Two dead after car hits group of pedestrians

A vehicle hit four people before colliding with two cars on White Rose Way in Doncaster, police say.

Mother sentenced for killing son and attempting to murder daughter

The woman was convicted and jailed in 2023 but in 2025 senior judges ruled those convictions were unsafe.

McBurnie & seven uncapped players in Scotland squad

Hull City forward Oli McBurnie is called up to the Scotland squad for the first time in five years while seven uncapped make new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli's first selection.

Four in 10 Brits credit a mentor for their career – but many never said thank you

New research reveals 84% of people only felt their talent was worth pursuing after a teacher, boss, or mentor stepped in

State pension likely to top £13,000 a year as UK wage growth slows to 3.9%

The increase has reignited the debate about the state pension's long-term affordability and generational fairness.

Political donors could face tougher residency rules

It comes after Reform received donations totalling £72m from two British crypto-billionaires who have both recently lived abroad.

The message behind this viral French video about what would happen if immigrants went ‘home’ is more important than ever

Afrobeats and RnB singer Leeno Daash has gone viral, after making and starring in a video about the contribution immigrants make to Europe, or more accurately – what would happen without them. Having moved to Italy from Cameroon, he’s likely to be only too familiar with the angry bigotry portrayed in the clip. It’s in […]

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27 of the funniest and most interesting entries from the brilliant ‘Terrible Maps’ on Twitter

We make no secret of the fact that we’re more than partial to a map. Good maps, bad maps, accurate maps, deliberately incorrect maps. It’s almost as though the Terrible Maps account – @TerribleMaps – has tapped straight into our browsing tastes. They describe themselves as ‘The home of terrible maps with a pinch of […]

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Harry and Meghan change children's school over security concerns due to traffic

It is understood that the couple's private security team had cited concerns about difficulties in making the school run route secure.

The unexpected plot twist to this ‘morning after the night before’ exchange is a proper humdinger

Here’s a rather fabulous ‘morning after the night before’ exchange which has been making us smile all over again. It was posted a little bit back in the day by Dan White – @atdanwhite over on Twitter– who said: ‘Trying to be a good guy.’ Trying to be a good guy. pic.twitter.com/nXHggXzRLi — Dan White […]

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There was no shortage of eye-opening moments in this derelict house for sale but the payoff was truly the stuff of nightmares

To Rightmove now, where this particular house for sale has been raising eyebrows – and keeping people awake at night – over on Twitter. It’s somewhere called Station House on Station Road in Bleasb in Nottinghamshire and, well best have a look for yourself. @SarahDuggers I know you love these…..you may think you know what […]

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You don’t have to like Angela Rayner to appreciate her scorching 41-second takedown of Nigel Farage (and why that £72m is so important)

To the Trades Union Congress now – not a phrase you read too often on these pages – where Angela Rayner has been having her say on Nigel Farage. Rayner is back on the Cabinet now Andy Burnham is in charge, and you don’t have to like her to appreciate what she is saying here, […]

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Sweeney ad a barrier for girls in sport, sprinter Hunt says

British sprinter Amy Hunt says she is concerned the controversial advert starring Sydney Sweeney is a part of a "barrier" to girls' participation in sport.

Sweeney ad a barrier for girls in sport - Hunt

British sprinter Amy Hunt says she is concerned about the controversial advert starring Sydney Sweeney being part of a "barrier" to girls' participation in sport.

Suspected sabotage to trains during Dutch rush hour

Thousands of rail passengers have faced delays and cancellations after suspected saboteurs disrupted train services in the Netherlands during Tuesday morning's rush hour.

Spurs' Richarlison posts crying emoji after being left out of Liverpool tie

Richarlison publicly expresses his displeasure at Roberto de Zerbi's decision to leave him out of Tottenham's squad for Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool.

Liz Truss tried to seize the economic moral high ground and these A++ comebacks brought her tumbling back to earth

Liz Truss – you remember – took time out from her busy schedule to attempt to seize some sort of economic high ground as we await the first Budget of Andy Burnham’s government. We can only hope it goes better than the mini budget unveiled by Kwasi Kwarteng which proved to be the undoing of […]

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US confirms it has weapons in space to counter 'hostile' enemies

America has deployed weapons in space to guard against "hostile adversary action", the US military confirmed for the first time.

Trump says AI safety fears a 'hoax' as he rejects calls for greater safeguards

The US president's comments come after Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark told the BBC an AI "kill switch" may need to be mandatory.

Martin Short may not have bagged the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy, but his reaction to the news deserves an award of its own

It was TV’s big moment on the red (well, actually it was blue) carpet on Monday night as the stars all came out for the Emmys. Widow’s Bay and The Pitt were among the success stories, with Welsh actor Matthew Rhys making history by taking the Lead Actor Emmy for two separate shows in one […]

The post Martin Short may not have bagged the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy, but his reaction to the news deserves an award of its own appeared first on The Poke.

The 'Sultan of Sequins' dies: Cher and Elton John lead tributes to legendary costume and fashion designer

Cher, Sabrina Carpenter, Sir Elton John, and Miley Cyrus are among the stars paying tribute to legendary costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie, who has died aged 87.

Reform UK-er Laila Cunningham said her beloved Nigel Farage always ‘brings receipts’ and it was a simply magnificent own goal

You’ll be familiar with a little bit of the work of Reform UK-er and London mayoral hopeful Laila Cunningham, whose been at it again on Twitter begging up her beloved leader. Cunningham presumably thought she’d got a proper slam dunk after she suggested that unlike other party leaders, Nigel Farage always ‘brings receipts’, instilling in […]

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Isabel Oakeshott claimed the crypto billionaire donors want nothing from Reform because they’re already rich enough, and the chinny reckon stretched to Dubai and back – 21 highly sceptical responses

Reform rent-a-gob and economic migrant to Dubai, Isabel Oakeshott, is often to be found running interference for the party that used to be led by her fiancé Richard Tice, until he was unceremoniously bumped by Nigel Farage before the general election. With increased scrutiny over what two crypto billionaires could possibly want from the party […]

The post Isabel Oakeshott claimed the crypto billionaire donors want nothing from Reform because they’re already rich enough, and the chinny reckon stretched to Dubai and back – 21 highly sceptical responses appeared first on The Poke.

Meghan shares Harry birthday post - as children moved to new school

Meghan has shared family holiday photos in a birthday message to her husband - as the couple moved their children to a new school over security concerns, it is understood.

How did they get the Madring track so wrong? - F1 Q&A

BBC Sport F1 correspondent Andrew Benson answers your latest questions after the Spanish Grand Prix.

Spiders looking for sex in your home 'stay out if you use 1 smell they can't stand'

'People suddenly begin spotting those extremely large, lengthy-legged spiders scurrying across floors.'

Face mask ban comes into force in UK city

Nottingham will become one of the first cities to bring in a balaclava ban as new powers aimed at tackling intimidation in the city come into effect.

Donald Trump said that the only control needed over AI is a strong and smart president, and the internet responded as one – 23 scathing clapbacks

You should, by now, have seen the news that AI industry insiders believe that there’s a much higher than zero chance that their product could kill all humans within ten years. If you haven’t heard that, Alexa is probably hiding it from you. Here’s Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire reacting appropriately to that information. “You just said […]

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Meghan Markle's three word verdict on Kate Middleton speaks volumes about royal relationship

Meghan Markle has shared an adorable social media post showcasing the family's first few weeks back in the UK following their return from California

The winners and nominees in full

Zendaya, Noah Wyle, Sarah Snook and Colman Domingo are among the stars nominated for acting prizes.

Watch: Superstars and broken records at the 2026 ceremony

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were hosted by Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

Lost oyster beds rediscovered thanks to Gaelic and Scots language

Scientists searched for the inclusion of the Gaelic and Scots words for oyster or oysters in place-names around Scotland's coast.

Ukraine's postal workers deliver lifeline under Russian fire

The state post service delivers pensions, medicine and letters to people just miles from the front.

Top 10 signs you're experiencing 'too many tabs syndrome'

Brits juggle multiple thoughts at once – often resulting in 'too many tabs syndrome'. Here are the top signs you might be experiencing it too.

25 Funniest Threads Posts to Give Your Day a Lift

The nights are really starting to draw in, the weather has accepted that it’s Autumn, and there’s Christmas stuff in the shops before we’ve even had Halloween. We need something to cheer us up. Luckily, on Threads, they’ve been punning, captioning, and being generally funny, so we’ve collected 25 things that made us laugh. We […]

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In pictures: Zendaya, Selena Gomez and other stars light up red carpet

Stars from the latest hit TV shows turn out at the biggest night in the US TV calendar.

From Marilyn Monroe to Sabrina Carpenter - Bob Mackie's designs in pictures

Beyoncé, Cher, Elton John and Miley Cyrus have all worn Mackie's glittery ensembles.

UK set to turn cooler as unsettled weather continues

As temperatures drop through the week and it starts to feel more autumnal, is it now time to put the summer clothes away?

I was paid thousands to start a new life in small town America

Relocation schemes offer support for people who want to swap big cities for a cheaper, quieter life.

Two dead and four seriously hurt after truck collides with pedestrians and vehicles

Two people have died and another four are seriously hurt after a truck collided with a group of pedestrians and two vehicles.

Watch: What's behind the decision to review Harry and Meghan's UK security?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are going to be given a review of their publicly-funded security after their return to live in the UK.

Americast

And which songs have made it onto Trump’s Air Force One playlist?

Emmy Awards 2026: All the fashion from this year's 'red' carpet

Nominees and celebrity guests hit the red carpet in style at this year's Emmy Awards.

Newscast

President Trump dismisses need for AI guardrails, saying “whoever wins AI, wins”

The Emmys 2026: All the winners in the main categories

Welsh star Matthew Rhys has made Emmy history by winning two best lead actor awards at the same ceremony.

Angela Rayner fact-checking Rachel Johnson to her face is a supremely satisfying watch (and her crestfallen expression makes it even better)

Angela Rayner is back in the Cabinet under the country’s new PM Andy Burnham and good job too if this clip is anything to go by. It’s Rayner taking issue with interviewer Rachel Johnson over the cost of supporting people and making sure everyone has a certain standard of living. Specifically, personal independence payments, or […]

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Nick Robinson’s Mrs Merton-style takedown of Richard Tice had everyone cheering

To the studios of the Today programmes, where presenter Nick Robinson was naturally keen to ask Reform UK chairman Richard Tice about the combined £72m donations to Nigel Farage’s party over the last day or two. The money came from two crypto currency billionaires and Robinson channels the spirt of the glorious Mrs Merton with […]

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IRN-BRU's granny gang is coming to your city – find them and win £125

IRN-BRU is marking its 125th anniversary by unleashing a gang of balaclava-clad grannies on mobility scooters across four UK cities

A reporter asked Donald Trump what he uses AI for and his unusually tight-lipped response raised more questions than it answered

When it comes to serial liars like Donald Trump, the shorter answer, the deeper the truth. If the big orange blowhard starts in on one of his rambling stories, it’s likely that more than 50 percent of what he’s saying never happened. But when he cuts right to the point, it’s usually a revealing look […]

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Member of UK armed forces killed during 'incident' while in Ukraine

A member of the UK armed forces has tragically died in a “road traffic incident” in Ukraine over the weekend, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed as they extend "thoughts and our sympathies" with their loved ones

Donald Trump says America wasn’t built on diversity and every race, color, and creed dared disagree – 17 colorful clap backs

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a real problem for Magas. Probably because racism drives their entire belief system. Stupidity is a close second, however, and that came to light through a moronic statement Donald Trump made during an international trip to Ireland over the weekend. Trump was in Ireland for *checks notes* oh for fuck’s […]

The post Donald Trump says America wasn’t built on diversity and every race, color, and creed dared disagree – 17 colorful clap backs appeared first on The Poke.

Handling cash is a headache for small businesses - but most still say 'cash is king'

Most small businesses don’t think they’d survive if they stopped taking cash.

King Charles 'intervenes' in Harry and Meghan's Invictus Games drama to force U-turn

King Charles has reportedly helped persuade the African nation of Uganda to reconsider its decision to pull out of his son Prince Harry's Invictus Games following a letter

‘Has a complete stranger ever done something unexpectedly kind for you?’ – 21 incredible acts of generosity that will restore your faith in the human race

We seem to hear and see a lot about how awful other people are nowadays. You only have to open up any of the myriad social media apps to witness somebody have a huge moan about somebody else. So when we hear about people being nice to each other, it’s a real mental and emotional […]

The post ‘Has a complete stranger ever done something unexpectedly kind for you?’ – 21 incredible acts of generosity that will restore your faith in the human race appeared first on The Poke.

Gas safety warning as Brits overlook potential signs – from tired pets to condensation

One in four homeowners aren't confident they could recognise the warning signs of a gas safety issue at home - putting themselves and others at risk

Andy Burnham in fresh family tragedy as PM suddenly cancels all engagements

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cancelled engagements today and tomorrow following the death of his father Roy, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s, Downing Street said.

Harry and Meghan's abandoned £23m mansion's future revealed after sudden UK move

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have left their 19-bathroom Montecito mansion empty after their sudden return to the UK, leaving experts speculating over what happens next

Speedboat killer jailed over attacking girlfriend with BBQ tongs for burning pizza

Jack Shepherd, who was previously jailed for manslaughter over the death of Charlotte Brown in a speedboat incident, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for assaulting his girlfriend

Daughter, 19, missing 'without phone' after getting separated from parents at UK festival

Sophie Potter, 19, from Huyton, was last seen at the Reminisce Festival in St Helens on Saturday, September 12 – family appeal for information.

Yorkshire Dales towns rocked by earthquake as 'loud rumbles' shake homes

A minor earthquake struck near the town of Sedbergh in the Yorkshire Dales at around 4am on Sunday, with the tremor sending vibrations and "loud rumbles" through nearby homes and startling residents from their sleep

All-girls school teacher sacked after pupils see 'twerking teen' YouTube searches

James Hindson, 69, who worked at Moreton Hall School near Oswestry, has been banned from teaching by a TRA misconduct panel after he accidently shared his sordid search history on YouTube

Horror on major airline flight as passengers 'shaken violently' scream 'we will die'

A Turkish Airlines flight travelling from Istanbul to Tunis was diverted to an alternative airport after it was battered by severe turbulence during a violent storm, with passengers screaming in terror

Boris Johnson's train evacuated in Ukraine after Russian drone strike on railway

Passengers in part of the train were woken by conductors and temporarily evacuated as drones were detected near the railway line, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel

Charles Bronson’s 4ft 11 ex-wife 'banned' from seeing him as she ‘poses security risk’

The ex-wife of 'Britian's most notorious inmate' Charles Bronson has been barred from seeing him inside the 'monster mansion' after she was dubbed a 'security risk'

UK weather maps show 30C heat surge as 20 counties could hit 28C – see full list

Weather maps are showing a late-summer heat surge could push temperatures to 30C across parts of England, with 20 counties forecast to hit 28C or more this September

Jeremy Clarkson’s partner Lisa Hogan is 'so proud' he went public with cancer battle

Lisa Hogan, Jeremy’s partner of nine years, says Jezza was planning to keep his illness private – until he realised how much he could do to help other cancer sufferers

All the details on King Charles' letter to Meghan and Harry and subsequent 'fall-out'

King Charles has reportedly issued a formal 'guidance' letter re-establishing that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain 'private citizens' and non-working royals following their move to the UK

Trump mocks the UK over Falklands as US President would 'love to see' unified Ireland

Donald Trump has continued to have strong words about the UK's policies on energy as he told reporters during his Ireland visit about how he would "love to see" unified Ireland

Mum stabbed man to death after 'flirtatious' Facebook messages and blamed it on her ex

Kayleigh Smart, who the court heard suffers from schizophrenia, killed Liam Collier inside his own flat in Haydock in May last year after the pair reportedly shared 'flirty' messages

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