UK2.XYZ NEWS

The only thing more awkward than JD Vance’s attempt at a joke about Joe Biden was the stony silence from his audience – 23 full-body cringes

If the politics career doesn’t work out for JD Vance – and that’s already looking likely – he’s going to want to find a new grift. If this clip of his visit to the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach is anything to go by, he can scratch ‘stand-up comedian’ off his list straight […]

The post The only thing more awkward than JD Vance’s attempt at a joke about Joe Biden was the stony silence from his audience – 23 full-body cringes appeared first on The Poke.

Watch: People smuggler tracked down and confronted by BBC

A convicted people smuggler is living in Leicestershire and seeking asylum while working illegally, the BBC can reveal.

At least 10 killed in large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv

Russia launched its biggest strikes on the city in weeks with children among the "significant number" of casualties, Ukrainian officials say.

People smuggler convicted in France now seeking asylum in UK, BBC discovers

Once described as "the godfather" of French migrant camps, he has been working in a Leicestershire village.

'Two weeks after her death I got a call': Gaza patients face agonising delays for evacuation

An estimated 300 Palestinians referred for treatment abroad have died since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

'I spent $6,000 on a World Cup trip but was left stranded at the gate'

Hundreds of fans who bought World Cup tickets on resale site StubHub say they have had them cancelled at the last minute.

'Beautiful and terrible' - the world's thoughts on America at 250

From Brazil to India to Egypt, the BBC asked people across the world what they think of America today.

In ‘no-one cares about Farage’s finances’ news, he only declared two of his five homes on Parliament’s register of interests – 19 top takedowns

Another day, another financial question hanging over the head of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The absentee MP for Clacton is under investigation by the Privileges Committee after faiing to declare a £5 million gift from the Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. EXCL: Nigel Farage was given an undisclosed £5m by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne […]

The post In ‘no-one cares about Farage’s finances’ news, he only declared two of his five homes on Parliament’s register of interests – 19 top takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

'Kane to the rescue' and 'defence black hole triples'

England Captain Harry Kane's World Cup goals against DR Congo dominate Thursday's front pages.

Watch: Couple scale Empire State Building, get engaged and are arrested

The two were atop the 1,454 ft (443m) building for at least ten minutes and displayed a large banner before climbing down.

USA march on but will Balogun red card prove costly?

Mauricio Pochettino's USA side set up a World Cup last-16 meeting with Belgium, but how costly will forward Folarin Balogun's red card prove?

Canadian boy, 11, dies of rabies after waking to bat on his face

Rabies infections are rare in Canada. There have been 28 human deaths due to rabies in the country since 1924.

Couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building

A couple have been arrested after scaling the Empire State Building in an apparent marriage proposal. 

Did this AI anti-drug video make drugs look appealing?

Hong Kong’s Correctional Services Department removed an AI-generated K-pop video, after facing backlash that it made substances look too appealing.

Latest ever winner, comeback and controversy - Senegal's remarkable exit

Late drama, controversy, history and heartbreak - the World Cup last-32 tie between Belgium and Senegal had everything.

Aunt of Venezuelan boy pulled from rubble tells BBC she will give him 'mother's warmth'

Kleiber Moran, 2, was rescued on Wednesday, six days after last week's deadly earthquakes.

Why did England struggle against DR Congo - and what can they learn?

A tactical analysis of England's victory over DR Congo - and what it might teach them for their next World Cup match against Mexico.

Alleged member of hacking group Scattered Spider arrested

A teenager alleged to be a member of the criminal cyber hacking group Scattered Spider - which was linked to attacks on M&S and Transport for London - has been arrested, according to US authorities. 

Don't expect trackers to save your stolen car, experts say

Kia told the BBC UK law prevented its location tracking function being used to live track vehicles.

As Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce prepare to tie the knot, we look back at their relationship

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to celebrate their wedding with a party at New York's Madison Square Garden this weekend.

Apple butter, sightseeing and puppets: How UK is marking US independence milestone

As America turns 250 years old, people across the pond are running events of their own to mark the big breakup.

Third UK heatwave increasingly likely as 30C temperatures forecast

Temperatures are forecast to climb throughout the weekend, potentially leading to a heatwave being declared in parts of the UK

Diesel sees biggest monthly fall in 26 years. What's happening to fuel prices?

When the US-Israel war with Iran began, fuel costs jumped, but they are now plummeting as hope of lasting peace grows.

'It's disgusting': The desperate measure being taken to avoid having Travellers as neighbours

It's a desperate measure to avoid living next to Travellers - but Sky News has learned of at least one community which clubbed together to buy land, fearing unwelcome neighbours were about to move in.

Scathing report into miscarriage of justice watchdog finds interns' legal work 'not properly checked'

The public body which examines potential miscarriages of justice needs to urgently improve the quality of its work, an independent review has found.

From Truman's pension to Trump's billions - a White House windfall unmatched by any president

Historians say Trump's $2.2bn income last year is unprecedented and blurs the line on conflicts of interest.

Lethal Weapon actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

The four-time Emmy winner said his movements, speech and memories have slowed since receiving his diagnosis.

Turkish police beat us with iron rods before we lost limbs to frostbite, Afghans say

The young migrants heading to Europe say they were stripped and had their hands tied in freezing temperatures.

No time for England to adapt to altitude - Tuchel

Mexico will have a "huge advantage" against England in the World Cup last-16 tie because of the altitude of the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, says head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Banned by Beijing, this comedian is taking his act to Chinese speakers abroad

Chizi, one of China’s biggest stand-up comedians, has found a new stage after falling afoul of China's censors.

Teenage boy injured in Birmingham shooting

The boy was taken to hospital with "potentially life-threatening" gunshot injuries.

More than 300 arrests in crackdown on illegal trade and organised immigration crime

The National Police Chiefs' Council says said the five-day operation led to hundreds of arrests and seizures of more than £1m in cash.

Vintage Djokovic 'in full flow' to crush Tsitsipas as Sinner wins

Novak Djokovic outclasses Stefanos Tsitsipas in a statement performance to reach the Wimbledon third round.

Superstar Kane produces his biggest England moment

Harry Kane's England career is filled with great moments - his World Cup rescue act against DR Congo in Atlanta is his greatest, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.

Genuine superstar Kane produces his biggest England moment

Harry Kane's England career is filled with great moments - his World Cup rescue act against DR Congo in Atlanta is his greatest, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.

Halifax brand to be scrapped after 173 years

Lloyds says it remains committed to the town of Halifax and very little will change for customers.

Spurs agree deal worth up to £100m for Newcastle's Tonali

Tottenham Hotspur agree a deal worth up to £100m with Newcastle United for midfielder Sandro Tonali.

'Pure evil': Parents and grandparents charged after 16 children found living in squalor

The parents and grandparents of 16 children found living in a "disgusting" home with "signs of human faeces" have appeared at a US court via videolink.

Watch: Fans react to tense World Cup game

England Captain Harry Kane rescued England from a major upset, with two late goals, after DR Congo took an early lead.

Teenager drowns during Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition

A teenager has drowned during a Duke of Edinburgh's Award trip in Wales.

England into last 16 - what is their path to the final?

BBC Sport takes a look at what England will need to do to reach the final after progressing the last 16

Lions sneak through - but who had a nightmare start? Player ratings

BBC Sport England reporter Alex Howell rates the players after the World Cup comeback win over DR Congo - plus have your say.

Burnham calls for grooming gang ringleader to be deported

The Labour leadership hopeful says he will "ask the home and foreign secretaries to review all possible options".

Father killed baby by shaking him in moment of 'pure violence', court hears

A father killed his four-week-old baby by shaking him in a moment of "pure violence", a court has heard.

Controversial bishops ordained as Pope warns of 'schism' in Catholic Church

Thousands of worshippers attended a ceremony in the Swiss Alps as part of the breakaway Society of Saint Pius X.

17 funniest concerns people had over the design of this beach-friendly beer bottle

A concept created for a 2023 conference by designer Kenji Abe went wildly viral on X in 2025, where people had certain – how can we put this – concerns. The beer bottle that can easily be stuck in the sand on a visit to the beach was part of an Axis exhibition for the […]

The post 17 funniest concerns people had over the design of this beach-friendly beer bottle appeared first on The Poke.

Lethal Weapon star reveals he has Alzheimer's disease

Hollywood actor Danny Glover has revealed he has Alzheimer's disease.

Stephen Miller issued an apocalyptic warning of what might happen if the Democrats retake power and he accidentally rallied the wrong base

It’s long since been established that of all the despicable cretins inhabiting Donald Trump’s administration, Stephen Miller is the creepiest. That hasn’t stopped the man from continuously invading our screens and making bold and angry proclamations, his latest of which actually seemed to strike quite a chord with the audience. Just not in the way […]

The post Stephen Miller issued an apocalyptic warning of what might happen if the Democrats retake power and he accidentally rallied the wrong base appeared first on The Poke.

Man 'shot in the neck' on Merseyside street as armed police 'jump fences into gardens'

Merseyside Police have confirmed a man has been arrested after a male induvial was reportedly shot in the neck with an air rifle as locals recalled seeing armed police swarm the area

JD Vance hopes that the Pope has learned his lesson from Donald Trump and these 17 replies were divine

Religion and politics have always had a somewhat tenuous relationship and that was before JD Vance started his WWE wrestling-style feud with the Pope. Vance’s latest taunt stems from the Pope’s stance on immigration (basically, let’s all try to help each other) and how it contrasts with Donald Trump’s views on immigration (lock up the […]

The post JD Vance hopes that the Pope has learned his lesson from Donald Trump and these 17 replies were divine appeared first on The Poke.

The BBC’s Danny Murphy went full Partridge mode and told World Cup viewers a sad tale about his cat – 16 purrfect replies

We certainly have admiration for anyone who has the skills to be a sports commentator. Constantly having to think on your feet, filling any lulls in play with insightful and witty remarks – it’s a terrifying seat of the pants gig. So it’s not at all surprising when commentators get things wrong or make weird […]

The post The BBC’s Danny Murphy went full Partridge mode and told World Cup viewers a sad tale about his cat – 16 purrfect replies appeared first on The Poke.

Halifax bank brand to be scrapped as 'changes' message issued to all customers

The 173-year-old Halifax bank brand is being scrapped and all customer accounts will be changed to Lloyds over time, Lloyds Banking Group has announced over two decades since taking ownership brand

'Terrified' Preston Davey killer 'refusing to leave cell' after making himself 'target'

EXCLUSIVE: Terrified Jamie Varley - serving a whole life term at HMP Wakefield for the torture, abuse and murder of little Preston Davey - is said to be refusing to leave his cell

This woman had a message for men who obsess about women’s ‘body count’ and it was simply magnificent

Takedown of the week, the month and possibly the year – any year, in fact – is surely this, a woman who was asked about men who go on about women’s ‘body count’. It’s a clip that went viral back in the day and it’s a proper cut and paste job for any man who […]

The post This woman had a message for men who obsess about women’s ‘body count’ and it was simply magnificent appeared first on The Poke.

‘What’s the funniest blunt remark you ever got from someone who didn’t mean any malice?’ – 24 drops of the purest cringe

There are some people who were born without the ability to use tact – or even to recognise that tact is needed in a certain situation. We all have that elderly relative who’ll blurt out “Are you wearing that shirt for your date, or do you have one that fits?” You know the type. Over […]

The post ‘What’s the funniest blunt remark you ever got from someone who didn’t mean any malice?’ – 24 drops of the purest cringe appeared first on The Poke.

Two dead after small plane crash in Essex field during short flight experience

Two people have died after a Cessna light aircraft crashed in a field in Ongar, Essex, during a short flight experience that departed from North Weald airfield

A man told his fiancee she was only interested in his money and her A++ response was a comeback for the ages

In an ever more uncertain and troublesome world, it’s always reassuring when someone gets exactly what was coming to them. And this tale of a woman whose fiancee wouldn’t stop suggesting she was only interested in her money is a small but supremely satisfying example of that. She went on the subReddit ‘Am I The […]

The post A man told his fiancee she was only interested in his money and her A++ response was a comeback for the ages appeared first on The Poke.

TG Jones may close around 150 stores with jobs at risk as chain saved from insolvency

TG Jones, formerly known as WH Smith, has been saved from insolvency after a plan was approved at the High Court, but could see around 150 stores set to close with jobs at risk

Prince William gets shown hairdryer and stuns people with cheeky joke

Prince William was recently shown a hairdryer during a public engagement, and floored people with his response. He made a cheeky joke that caught people off-guard

JD Vance said his faith is why he doesn’t like ‘low-wage foreigners’, and the internet read him chapter and verse – 19 biblical takedowns

JD Vance must be the world’s most famous Catholic convert since Tony Blair, and if he doesn’t get with the Gospel programme, he may find himself becoming the most famous excommunicate – American Pope or no American Pope. For example, we can’t remember whether it was Matthew, Mark, Luke or John who said ‘Blessed be […]

The post JD Vance said his faith is why he doesn’t like ‘low-wage foreigners’, and the internet read him chapter and verse – 19 biblical takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

An American footballer turned pundit said the only reason Brits don’t like World Cup ‘hydration breaks’ is because they’re American and Chris Sutton’s response spoke for the nation

Time to return to the World Cup which has been a bit of a treat so far – we write this ahead of England’s last 32 fixture against DR Congo, obviously – apart from one thing. Well, two things every match, to be specific, and that’s the wildly irritating ‘hydration breaks’ and their uncanny ability […]

The post An American footballer turned pundit said the only reason Brits don’t like World Cup ‘hydration breaks’ is because they’re American and Chris Sutton’s response spoke for the nation appeared first on The Poke.

Met Office confirms third UK 33C heatwave is coming – but it'll feel different

The Met Office has issued a new forecast for the third heatwave of the year, warning that temperatures could hit a peak of 33C next week as a high-pressure front moves in from the Azores

An American trolled British cuisine and these 13 replies will make you proud to be a Brit

Time to return to the apparently bottomless well that is the cultural chasm that exists between the US and basically anywhere else. This time it’s food – specifially, British food – that this American chose to have a little pop at. It’s someone called @MoMohler who, according to their Twitter bio, is ‘Rated 100% pure, […]

The post An American trolled British cuisine and these 13 replies will make you proud to be a Brit appeared first on The Poke.

Family of boy 'thrown in crocodile enclosure' break silence after 'multiple surgeries'

A three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure in at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, has underwent "multiple surgeries" as his family break their silence

Two Henry Nowak cops under investigation after 'don’t think you have mate' arrest

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Two Hampshire police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct over the arrest and handcuffing of Henry Nowak and alleged failure to recognise he needed medical help

An American questioned Stan Collymore’s credentials to critique World Cup ‘hydration breaks’ and Collymore’s A++ response had Brits everywhere applauding

The World Cup has already exceeded expectations we reckon, with a reassuring lack of politics and no end of memorable games and we’re only just into the knockout stages. But there’s one thing that’s got people talking more than any other and that’s the introduction of ‘hydration breaks’ halfway though each half, partly for the […]

The post An American questioned Stan Collymore’s credentials to critique World Cup ‘hydration breaks’ and Collymore’s A++ response had Brits everywhere applauding appeared first on The Poke.

GB News presenter Tom Harwood claimed ‘pumping oil hardly releases any CO2’, and got owned into the middle of the North Sea – 16 scathing takedowns

The recent record-breaking temperatures across Europe have fuelled the debate over man-made climate change. On the one hand, experts are in almost unanimous agreement that the increasingly extreme weather conditions have been caused by human activity. On the other hand, Billy Bunch O’Numbers on social media and some politicians who are funded by fossil fuel […]

The post GB News presenter Tom Harwood claimed ‘pumping oil hardly releases any CO2’, and got owned into the middle of the North Sea – 16 scathing takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

JD Vance said Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would run for president in 2028 and AOC’s killer response just won everyone’s vote

Only two years and a half years to go until the next presidential elections in the US (that’s assuming there is one – a United States, that is) and thoughts are already turning to who will run. Well, thoughts might be overdoing it, because in this instance it’s JD Vance who reckons Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will […]

The post JD Vance said Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would run for president in 2028 and AOC’s killer response just won everyone’s vote appeared first on The Poke.

You can now buy a breakdancing robot for under $5k, but there’s just no impressing some people – 17 underwhelmed replies

It seems the dream (or nightmare) of a future where intelligent robots walk amongst us is getting increasingly near to becoming a reality. With AI becoming more powerful and robot technology becoming cheaper, surely it can’t be long before we all have personal humanoid assistants to cater for our every whim? A Chinese robotics company, […]

The post You can now buy a breakdancing robot for under $5k, but there’s just no impressing some people – 17 underwhelmed replies appeared first on The Poke.

The Great American State Fair achieved the dubious (but hilarious) distinction of having more people on stage than in the ‘crowd’ – 26 reactions dripping in schadenfreude

The Great American State Fair in Washington DC is neither great, nor – technically – in one of the 50 US states. What it is, though, is the gift that keeps on giving. Just a day after a TMZ cameraman did the funniest pan to show an almost empty field as Dean Cain was boasting […]

The post The Great American State Fair achieved the dubious (but hilarious) distinction of having more people on stage than in the ‘crowd’ – 26 reactions dripping in schadenfreude appeared first on The Poke.

News that ‘man of the people’ Nigel Farage made £22,500 p.h. advertising gold bullion was made all the more staggering by his plan to cut the minimum wage for young people – 21 24-carat takedowns

Later today, Labour MP Richard Burgon will lead a debate in Parliament on whether to ban MPs from having second jobs. He shared his invitation to the almost permanently absent Nigel Farage to attend the debate, since he’s a prime example of an MP not prioritising the job for which taxpayers are footing the bill. […]

The post News that ‘man of the people’ Nigel Farage made £22,500 p.h. advertising gold bullion was made all the more staggering by his plan to cut the minimum wage for young people – 21 24-carat takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

25 of the funniest posts we’ve seen on Bluesky this week

Happy Hump Day to all who celebrate. No matter which side of the Atlantic you’re on, we hope the political and climate turmoil isn’t frying your brain too much. We’ve been giving ourselves a break from the news with a deep dive into Bluesky to find comedy treasure, and we’re confident that’s what we’ve got. […]

The post 25 of the funniest posts we’ve seen on Bluesky this week appeared first on The Poke.

What Does It Cost To Keep The UK Safe?

The government releases it’s long awaited defence investment plan.

Prison officer jailed for relationship with convicted murderer

Rebecca Green, 29, was jailed for one year and four months after entering into a relationship with convicted murderer John Otugade, who is serving a 25-year sentence

Preston Davey's murderers house back on market for £370k with warning to buyers

The former Grimsargh home of Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley — jailed following the murder of toddler Preston Davey — has been put back on the market for £370,000, with prospective buyers warned about its previous owners.

Jude Bellingham excites bookies for Bond role as he eyes up 007 movie career

England’s ‘JB’ has admitted he fancies shifting his shirt number from ‘10’ to ‘007' when his footballing career comes to an end

Afghan nationals convicted of UK rape 'celebrated' escaping in lorry to France

Mehrab Safi, 21, filmed his two friends Awal Ahmadzai and Salman Habibkheil, both 19, laughing in the back of a lorry three days after they raped a teenager at a house in Bristol

The doorbell camera footage of a tired nurse’s funny attempt at opening the door had people sharing their own exhaustion-fails

The beauty of the Ring e-doorbell (other brands are available) is that it captures those notable moments that would otherwise go unseen. One such moment happened in 2022, when this exhausted health worker got home and forgot where he was. Ring explained – ‘Will is an Emergency Room Nurse Technician, and one day when he […]

The post The doorbell camera footage of a tired nurse’s funny attempt at opening the door had people sharing their own exhaustion-fails appeared first on The Poke.

Secret hideouts of the world's worst criminals – from Bonnie and Clyde to El Chapo

Criminal masterminds have used secret boltholes for decades, where they do their utmost to avoid the authorities. Many have ended up meeting grisly ends after being discovered

Wimbledon's rich and famous will be called out for watching the World Cup in Royal Box

The grass court grand slam will not show any football action on its screens or even in the players’ dressing rooms, championship boss Sally Bolton said

'Thrill-seeking' boy, 15, involved in horror e-scooter crash that killed pal spared jail

Jacob Calland was sadly riding on the back of the vehicle when it collided with a car and he suffered a catastrophic brain injury

Thug who scalded police officer in boiling water attack is jailed for 14-and-a-half years

John Davies, 58, admitted maliciously wounding a female officer by scalding her with a kettle, assaulting a second officer, and attacking a member of the public

Woman told 'give me my dog before I punch you' in B&M row after 'pet left in hot car'

A woman was left 'shaken' after a man allegedly threatened to 'punch her in the face' during a furious row at a B&M store in Lichfield, over claims a dog was left inside a car in 30C-plus heat during the heatwave

Parents spend 38 minutes a day battling with kids over chores and hygiene

Parents are spending the equivalent of 10 full days a year locked in negotiations with their children over chores and hygiene and admit they don't always win.

UK heatwave warning as 26 counties face above 30C temperatures next week - full list

The Met Office has warned of a return to "warm or very warm" conditions in the UK early next week, with heatwave conditions "increasingly likely" in some areas as 26 counties face 30C temperatures

World Cup causes family tension as households split over who to support

One in four households are divided over who they’re supporting during the 2026 World Cup, with family members backing rival nations and adding tension on matchdays.

'Stabbing' at UK holiday park after reports of a fight breaking out as one hospitalised

Devon & Cornwall Police were called to the Monkey Tree Holiday Park at the weekend following reports of a fight breaking out in the early hours as a man was found with stab wounds

Home bought by Preston Davey's evil dads to rebuild lives after murder on sale for £79k less

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: A lavish Lancashire property purchased by Preston Davey's convicted adoptive parents just 22 days after the toddler's murder is back on the housing market at a reduced price after a failed auction

Inside haunting remains of the old Broadmoor jail with abandoned wards and decaying cells

An urban explorer has captured spine-chilling images from inside the abandoned, decaying Victorian wards of Britain's most notorious secure hospital, Broadmoor

Couple avoid jail after caught on CCTV dumping dog in bin bag and throwing it in canal

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Terrence and Sadie Boyd were caught on CCTV carrying their elderly dog Maddie in a bin bag before throwing her into a Lancashire canal – the couple pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences and the dog was later put to sleep

Has the Supreme Court just made Trump the most powerful president in history?

A landmark decision expands Trump’s presidential power

Man guilty of attempting to murder children in stabbings that sparked Dublin riots

A man has been found guilty of attempting to murder three children in Dublin.

Boy, 16, has potentially life-threatening injuries after shooting near UK mosque

A teenager has been left with potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds after a shooting near a Birmingham mosque.

BBC News app

Top stories, breaking news, live reporting, and follow news topics that match your interests