UK2.XYZ NEWS

Somebody asked about the ‘dumbest thing’ people had ever heard said – 22 people who weren’t even in the queue when brains were handed out

Are people less intelligent these days? Or are we just exposed to the idiocy of a greater volume of people thanks to the internet? It’s hard to say, but there are definitely a worryingly large amount of quarter-witted folks walking the earth, some of whom came to light on the AskReddit page after user SuspiciousSpell5386 […]

The post Somebody asked about the ‘dumbest thing’ people had ever heard said – 22 people who weren’t even in the queue when brains were handed out appeared first on The Poke.

What is something in your home, which is generally considered boujee, but is absolutely paramount to your happiness? – 23 unmissable treats

It’s a hard life if you have nothing in it that can be described as a luxury, even if not everybody sees it the same way. It might be the more expensive insoles that make your job a bit more tolerable, or a high-end shampoo that just smells perfect. Sometimes, though, a luxury is genuinely […]

The post What is something in your home, which is generally considered boujee, but is absolutely paramount to your happiness? – 23 unmissable treats appeared first on The Poke.

This Brit’s unlikely praise for an American TikToker kicked off a voyage of linguistic discovery that will make you proud to be British

Like us, you may not have come across Kalani Smith before. Going by the name of Kalani Ghost Hunter (KGH), the TikTok and much else besides star is a food reviewer who has made it his mission to show the world that British food is not all bad. And we mention him because of this […]

The post This Brit’s unlikely praise for an American TikToker kicked off a voyage of linguistic discovery that will make you proud to be British appeared first on The Poke.

Ex-Tory campaign chief pleads guilty over election bet

Anthony Lee passed confidential information to his wife Laura Lee about when the 2024 election would be held.

England's mayors to be given power to introduce tourist tax

Hospitality leaders warn the uncapped levy would risk jobs and push prices up for families holidaying in England.

At least 20 people killed after fire breaks out on cargo ship in China port

At least 20 people have been killed and five are missing after a cargo ship caught fire while docked in a China port, state media has said.

Top four seeds in historic semi-final line-up

For the first time since 1975, the top four seeds in the women's US Open singles draw have reached the semi-finals.

Royal family rift after popular TV news presenter chosen to succeed Ugandan king

King Oyo's family say he left a will naming his young son as heir to the Tooro kingdom.

Soldier who plotted to rape baby jailed for 12 years

A Household Cavalry soldier who plotted to rape a young girl and a 10-month-old baby has been jailed for 12 years.

Badenoch denies housing benefit cuts plan would make people homeless

The Conservatives say £4bn could be cut from the housing benefit bill to help fund increased defence spending.

EastEnders appeared to start a second or two before the actors and it’s surely the most entertaining thing the soap’s ever done

You don’t have to be a fan of EastEnders to enjoy this. It’s the start of Wednesday night’s episode and the aftermath – Google, Google – of Max Branning’s wedding to Cindy Beale (Cindy’s still in it?) And by the looks of it they started a second or two before the actors get going, and […]

The post EastEnders appeared to start a second or two before the actors and it’s surely the most entertaining thing the soap’s ever done appeared first on The Poke.

We spent £23,000 on fertility treatment - now our embryos will be destroyed

Nat and Nik Fraser-Edwards want a change in the law so once an embryo has been made, a donor can't withdraw consent.

Iceland set to open store in Falklands and become first UK high street retailer on islands

Iceland has confirmed it will open a store on the Falkland Islands, becoming the first UK high street brand to operate there.

Trump says every adult American would get $5,000 if Republicans win midterm elections

Speaking at a party convention, the US president gave no details on how the plan would work or where the money would come from.

Primark finally set to launch home deliveries

The retailer launches the service four years after making its first foray into internet shopping.

Sicko pensioner, 90, jailed after raping stepdaughter, 14, and making her pregnant

EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Delves, 90, raped his victim multiple times in her bedroom and in his car after telling her he was preparing her for what “boys would do to her”

Victoria Derbyshire’s eye-opening response to the threat posed by AI to humanity surely speaks for us all

To the studios of Newsnight now, where the estimable presenter Victoria Derbyshire was finding out just how serious a threat AI might be to the future of humanity. Here she is chatting to Nobel Prize Winner and so-called ‘Godfather of AI’ Geoffrey Hinton and her response – unusual for a TV news presenter you might […]

The post Victoria Derbyshire’s eye-opening response to the threat posed by AI to humanity surely speaks for us all appeared first on The Poke.

Donald Trump is trying to bribe voters with the promise of five grand if the Republicans win the midterms – 18 highly sceptical reactions

If there’s one thing Donald Trump enoys, it’s a re-run of his big hits – Sleepy Joe ‘Windmills’ are dangerous The 2020 election was stolen Dumb ends with a b ‘Russia, Russia. Russia’ hoax. You know the drill. We’re personally crossing everything for a return of the shark discourse. One popular line from last year […]

The post Donald Trump is trying to bribe voters with the promise of five grand if the Republicans win the midterms – 18 highly sceptical reactions appeared first on The Poke.

Apple's new boss starts with big gamble on £1,999 first folding iPhone

Apple showed off at an event the first major design change to the iPhone in almost 20 years.

'My cancer spread while I waited months for surgery': The cost of England's cancer wait times

Cancer care has got worse since the government announced plans to speed up waiting times and save more lives, BBC analysis shows.

A Little Englander said she was ‘disgusted’ by the ‘greedy’ RNLI and ended up owned into next year

Like us you won’t have come across Debi Evans who is apparently a retired NHS matron and a super-proud Little Englander by the looks of it. She’s also not happy with the RNLI, the extraordinary volunteer organisation which has been targeted by the far-right this week for refusing to discriminate between people who might be […]

The post A Little Englander said she was ‘disgusted’ by the ‘greedy’ RNLI and ended up owned into next year appeared first on The Poke.

RNLI reviews security after volunteers targeted online

Volunteers were targeted online after it assisted in the rescue of people crossing the Channel on Sunday.

Donald Trump said there were no empty seats at his Maga-fest and give this camera operator the rest of the week off

We’re not saying the Republicans fear a complete and utter meltdown in the midterm elections in November, but they just held their first ever convention in the middle of a presidential term in a desperate bid to shore up support. And Donald Trump was busy doing what he does best – making stuff up – […]

The post Donald Trump said there were no empty seats at his Maga-fest and give this camera operator the rest of the week off appeared first on The Poke.

How history points to another Solheim Cup thriller

With no more than one point separating the teams at the past three Solheim Cups played in Europe there is every reason to expect that this week's contest will be just as exciting, writes Iain Carter.

Tributes to 'much-loved' cyclist killed in crash

The family of a "much-loved" cyclist who has died following a collision with a car in Inverclyde has said he will be missed "every day".

Group entered hotel where Pakistani cricketers mistaken for migrants were staying

Protesters congregated at a Portsmouth hotel after false rumours that a coach of migrants had arrived.

The BBC got absolutely dragged for using ‘food pipe’ in a headline about the health risk of hot drinks – 17 favourite clapbacks

We cross now to BBC News, where there is a report of a worrying finding from a health study. The article in question warns that people who drink their tea and coffee without giving it the chance to cool down a little are as much as three times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer than […]

The post The BBC got absolutely dragged for using ‘food pipe’ in a headline about the health risk of hot drinks – 17 favourite clapbacks appeared first on The Poke.

Spurs should be awarded 2016-17 title - Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea should be stripped of the Premier League title for 2016-17, when his Tottenham team finished runners-up.

Airbnb faces potential new restrictions as EU proposes clampdown on holiday rentals

The EU has drafted new rules which could lead to more restrictions for Airbnb and other short-term home rental companies.

BBC drops Drag Race UK after eight series

Future series will no longer be broadcast on BBC Three as the show moves to a streaming platform owned by its production company.

Watch: Is Trump's $5,000 election pledge legal?

The US president has said every American will get $5,000 (£3,700) if the Republican Party wins November's midterms.

The hilarious Community Note on this ‘fighter plane versus flying carpet’ clip may be the greatest of all time

There’s a lot of misinformation and disinformation relating to the Iran-US war – much of it, bizarrely, coming directly from the Orange Man-baby in the White House. Trump posts AI slop with the caption, “Kharg Island being blown to smithereens!!!” pic.twitter.com/HVTF9xFC6B — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 31, 2026 Obviously, much of it is quite obviously […]

The post The hilarious Community Note on this ‘fighter plane versus flying carpet’ clip may be the greatest of all time appeared first on The Poke.

Myra Hindley's horrifying admission about first Moors Murder with Ian Brady

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were responsible for the Moors Murders, killing five children in the 1960s – Hindley's own confession details the chilling story behind their first victim, Pauline Reade

Ricky Hatton's ex admits the heartbreaking truth she realised about the ex boxer

Jennifer Dooley, who was engaged to boxer Ricky Hatton, has spoken for the first time since his death about how she feared he'd never grow old

Man just missed deadly Tenerife plane crash and then escaped two IRA bombs

Steve Potts survived the 1980 Tenerife Dan Air crash by one last minute decision, and two IRA bombings. If he had made three slightly different decisions any one of these incidents would mean he was not here today.

Supervolcano with strength of 'thousands of atomic bombs' discovered under England

The massive supervolcano has recently been discovered beneath England's east coast extending into two counties — and its eruption was one of the largest in Earth's history.

A gang of bigoted demonstrators had egg all over their masked faces after the ‘asylum seekers’ they spotted turned out to be Pakistan’s U19 cricket squad

In the latest ‘We only object to illegal immigration’ news, a crowd of balaclava-clad demonstrators rocked up to Portsmouth’s Marriott Hotel after someone spotted young brown men arriving by coach. With no justification or information other than the colour of these men’s skin, the mob remained outside the hotel until a local Reform councillor informed […]

The post A gang of bigoted demonstrators had egg all over their masked faces after the ‘asylum seekers’ they spotted turned out to be Pakistan’s U19 cricket squad appeared first on The Poke.

At least five dead and more than 80 missing after fire on Philippines ferry

At least five people have been killed and more than 80 are missing after a fire on a passenger ferry off the western Philippines.

Five dead and 86 missing as 'heartbreaking' fire breaks out on Philippines ferry

Rescuers are searching for survivors after the vessel travelling from the mainland to a popular tourist destination caught fire.

'It started as a joke, a fantasy' - F1 heads to football-obsessed Madrid

After F1’s explosion in popularity away from its European heartland the sport is coming home. Why Madrid? Because it is beautiful… and has a very big expo centre on the outskirts.

Waitrose and John Lewis customers feeling the pinch as partnership records losses of £124m

The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has sounded a note of caution over its outlook after surging costs and weaker consumer confidence contributed to deeper half-year losses.

The Met Police have opened a new investigation into Reform UK’s finances, and the schadenfreude is off the scale – 23 top responses

In shocking news, it seems that Nigel Farage has taken some time off from his tireless work for the constituents of Clacton to go on a jaunt to Washington DC, where he’s taking part in celebrations of the anniversary of the launch of GB News in the US. Gasps all round, eh? – Re-elected MP […]

The post The Met Police have opened a new investigation into Reform UK’s finances, and the schadenfreude is off the scale – 23 top responses appeared first on The Poke.

Russia's new jet-powered drones outpacing Ukraine's air defences with daily launches

The new models can travel at speeds of up to 300mph, faster than Ukraine's air defence interceptors.

Four takeaways from Trump's speech at first Republican midterms convention

The US president covered many of the subjects he has returned to time and again - with a few surprises thrown in.

August joint-hottest month on record as climate change and El Niño drive heat

Climate change and the rising influence of El Niño saw August reach the record for warmest month.

Migraines and acne among five more conditions pharmacists can treat

Pharmacies in England will soon offer treatments for a total of 12 common conditions which save people going to their GP first.

Menstrual fitness: Why some women are 'cycle-syncing' their workouts

Menstrual cycles are highly individual, making blanket advice found on social media difficult to apply, researchers say.

Why some experts increasingly fear AI will take over

AI agents went on an uncontrolled hacking spree, leaving some in the industry worried

The one thing you need to do to succeed - according to top bosses

What makes someone stand out in a crowded workplace? Six business leaders tell us what they look for.

Prince William, Kane and Shearer in campaign to use sport to prevent suicide

The prince's new project aims to use the reach of sport to raise awareness about suicide and to show people the help available in a crisis.

Arsenal are passing every test - and Odegaard is in form of his life

Another Arsenal win, another Martin Odegaard goal - the Gunners captain looks back to his best, writes Phil McNulty.

American football is coming to Australia - can it succeed?

The LA Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in the first regular season American football game to be played Down Under.

How a community living under demolition orders from Israel view UK sanctions

BBC's Middle East Correspondent Lucy Williamson visits the Palestinian community of Khan al Ahmar in the so-called E1 area, and the neighbouring Israeli settlement of Maale Admumim.

Liverpool come from behind to beat Atletico Madrid

Alexis Mac Allister scores an emphatic winner as Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Plan to curb tech giants after warning of AI 'threat to humanity'

The Green Party has proposed a five-point plan to curb the power of tech giants after industry insiders warned that artificial intelligence could pose an existential risk to humanity.

St Leger hailed as 'most iconic race' as it celebrates incredible anniversary

The St Leger has been hailed as “the most iconic race in the country” as it celebrates an incredible 250 years from Thursday. Doncaster Central MP Sally Jameson said the racing spectacular remains a source of huge pride for the city and a vital boost for its pubs, hotels, restaurants and shops.

August was world's joint hottest month on record, say scientists

August was the world's joint hottest month ever recorded - at 1.65C above pre-industrial times, according to scientists.

Is This The Biggest Row Between Israel And The UK?

What counter-measures has Israel taken against the UK?

This cat owner checked in on her pet while she was away and the camera footage is surely the funniest animal video you’ll watch this week

Cat owners know what they’re getting into the moment they bring the furball home. Hardly no attention almost all of the time. But also unrelenting attention at the least convenient times. Early morning face sits and middle of the night bathroom trippings will haunt the cat owner for the entirety of their time together. The […]

The post This cat owner checked in on her pet while she was away and the camera footage is surely the funniest animal video you’ll watch this week appeared first on The Poke.

Right wing at war - Reform and Restore restart row, as fans beg them to make up

Reform voters are worried about everything falling apart, but right wing politicians are not, calling each other sell outs and "boring"

Funeral for cop killed in A66 crash sees hundreds line streets as 'dad' laid to rest

The funeral service for Pc Matthew Blades, who lost his life on duty with colleague Pc Tom Clough in the horror A66 crash, saw hundreds line the streets as police officers from every UK force were represented

What ‘compulsory’ things did you only realise later in life was totally optional? 23 people tell how they joyously saw the light

Despite fervently believing we’re intelligent and autonomous beings, the truth is that, for the most part, we move through life thinking and doing the same thing as everyone else. Just because that’s how it’s always been done. So when we witness somebody stepping outside of what’s expected and making a completely maverick move, it can […]

The post What ‘compulsory’ things did you only realise later in life was totally optional? 23 people tell how they joyously saw the light appeared first on The Poke.

Donald Trump tried to honour a fallen 9/11 hero without making it about himself but just couldn’t pull it off – 17 appalled and totally on-point responses

The 25th anniversary of the horrific World Trade Center terrorist attack is this Friday. New York City has already started honoring the people it lost and the heroes who did everything they could to help in the moment. Here is one of the many heroes from that devastating day. That man’s name was Welles Crowther […]

The post Donald Trump tried to honour a fallen 9/11 hero without making it about himself but just couldn’t pull it off – 17 appalled and totally on-point responses appeared first on The Poke.

Prince William takes Prince George to Eton but ends up in 'unlikely fight'

Prince George has started at Eton College, and his parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, were there to support him on his first day; however, his father is reported to have ended up in an "unlikely fight"

Harry and Meghan's response to King's 'royal slapdown' signals 'further bad blood'

Those in the know say the new "clarification" from King Charles is a "royal slapdown" and likely to cause offence to Harry and Meghan, just weeks after they returned to UK shores.

This brilliant Dylan Moran rant about the way we live now just went viral again and it’s even truer now than when he said it

We love pretty much everything Dylan Moran does, from Black Books to his brilliant stand-up and everything in between. And that includes this fabulous rant from back in the day – turns out it’s eight years (heck) back in the day – about the state of the state of the nation and the way we […]

The post This brilliant Dylan Moran rant about the way we live now just went viral again and it’s even truer now than when he said it appeared first on The Poke.

Brit drug lord with Pablo Escobar tattoo nicked after calling cops on burner phone

Andrew Savage - who ran a million-pound cocaine supply network - was captured after using his top secret burner mobile to call police and report a burglary

This hack for freeing a trapped electrical cord has absolutely broken people’s brains

We cross now to the fascinating mathematical field of topology, or rubber-sheet geometry – the study of properties that remain constant under multi-dimensional changes to an object. What we’re going to show you isn’t a Royal Institution Christmas lecture, or even a Ted Talk. It’s actualy a very handy life hack. Feast your eyes on […]

The post This hack for freeing a trapped electrical cord has absolutely broken people’s brains appeared first on The Poke.

People shared the times they splashed some serious cash and lived to regret it – 21 exquisite cases of severe buyers’ remorse

There’s no doubt that splurging money is fun, as anyone who has ever let themselves go a bit wild in an M&S food hall will know. However, there is a point where spending stops being gratifying and suddenly becomes highly regrettable. The exact threshold varies from person to person, but for SeaElk333, who posted the […]

The post People shared the times they splashed some serious cash and lived to regret it – 21 exquisite cases of severe buyers’ remorse appeared first on The Poke.

Kate Middleton's subtle gesture on Prince George's first day at Eton speaks volumes

Prince George attended his first day at Eton College on Tuesday (8th September), and one subtle gesture his mum, Kate Middleton, made at the school has got people talking

27 of the most fabulously inventive and staggeringly brutal comebacks from the takedown hall of fame

We feature no end of comebacks, takedowns, slapdowns – call them what you will! – on these pages, and most entertaining and supremely satisfying they are too. Well, most of the time. So what better place to round up 27 of our all-time favourites that all deserve a place in the hall of fame devoted […]

The post 27 of the most fabulously inventive and staggeringly brutal comebacks from the takedown hall of fame appeared first on The Poke.

James O’Brien said there were only two reasons far-right protestors wear masks and the fury he prompted made us like it even better

There was an interesting discussion on James O’Brien’s LBC show on Tuesday about face coverings and the difficulty of banning far-right protestors from wearing them. There was also a moment when the LBC man touched on why these people wear them in the first place and he could only think of two, neither of them […]

The post James O’Brien said there were only two reasons far-right protestors wear masks and the fury he prompted made us like it even better appeared first on The Poke.

Tom Daley unveils 22-foot Shaun the Sheep tapestry at Natural History Museum

Tom Daley has unveiled a giant Shaun the Sheep tapestry at London's Natural History Museum, ahead of the release of Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.

Police swarmed UK high school as scared parents say 'not risking it' after 'threat'

Threatening messages were posted on social media targeting Calderglen High School in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, with an anonymous account on X claiming to have planted explosives — police searched the grounds and found nothing of concern

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'overshadowed' proud day for William after 'warning shot'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's surprise return to the UK has "overshadowed" Prince George's first day at Eton College, according to royal expert Phil Dampier, who said King Charles's letter was a "warning shot"

Air traffic control boss breaks silence on cyber attack fear as airport chaos continues

Martin Rolfe, chief executive of air traffic controller Nats, said there will be a “very, very thorough investigation” into the technical problem that caused major flight as he weighed in on cyber attack rumours

UK to call up 95,000 retirees in WW3 preparation fears over Russia conflict threat

A major drill to mobilise a UK military reserve of 95,000 veterans is being planned for next year as WW3 preparedness fears rise over potential conflict with Russia by 2030

Prince William's brutal two words after controversial moment with Prince Harry

Prince Harry has returned to the UK with Meghan Markle and their two children but tensions between him and Prince William are not believed to have cooled

Sir David Attenborough wins NTA host gong alongside grim speech calling for help from the public

Sir David was crowned TV presenter of the year, but it was the 100-year-old's impassioned speech read out on his behalf that struck a chord with viewers

7 in 10 say their loved ones' chronic condition has impacted their mental health

A new study has found that many of those supporting loved ones with chronic health conditions struggle with their own mental health as a result

Over 50s urged to embrace the 'F-word' at breakfast to improve health

Over 50s are being urged to up their fibre intake as only one in three know whether they're getting enough

Young adults use more water than any other age group – as campaign urges 'small changes'

A campaign is urging Brits to make 'mindful choices' to cut water use, with young adults using more than any other generation.

Ray Winstone's frank response to Meghan Markle joining The Gentlemen Netflix series

Meghan Markle has been strongly tipped to star in Netflix hit The Gentlemen after her return to the UK - but one of the show's stars doesn't sound too keen on the possibility

Scientists launch bid to make humans 'snuggle a shark' and fall in love with Jaws monsters

Brits are being urged to fall in love with sharks as boffins launch a £1million mission to protect them. Scientists insist the fearsome fish swimming around our shores are actually “beautiful animals” and are a far cry from the man-eating monsters in Jaws.

Female masseuse installed rape alarm after client refused to wear towel

Ffion Price has put in place rape alarms after a man refused to wear a towel and got an erection whilst she was working.

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Why is Lindsay Clancy’s mistrial dividing America?

And will Trump succeed in limiting mail-in voting before the midterms?

BBC News app

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