UK2.XYZ NEWS

Meta says it will cut 8,000 jobs as AI spending grows

The cuts, which employees had been expecting for weeks, will be Meta's largest layoff since 2023.

Watch: Girl describes finding rare Mexican axolotl in Wales

Evie, 10, tells the BBC about finding the axolotl - named Dippy - and bringing it home to Leicester.

NHS trust 'failed to warn mum of home birth risks' before week-old baby Poppy died

A coroner found that the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust failed to inform Poppy Lomas's mother of the risks involved in a home birth

Proxy attacks in UK a real and growing concern, says PM

The prime minister says he is increasingly worried a number of countries are behind attacks in the UK.

No rape took place outside Epsom church, say police

The force says the woman concerned had injured her head on a night out and made 'a confused report'.

PC Andrew Harper's widow unveils 'hero' memorial

A stone tribute honours PC Harper, who was dragged by a car after confronting quad bike thieves.

Police update on Epsom church rape investigation after protestors clashed with cops

Surrey Police have said they are “confident there was no offence” following an investigation into an alleged rape outside a church in Epsom that sparked protests

Woman killed by bear in Polish forest, son and local government say

In an extremely rare fatal encounter, the 58-year-old was killed as she was walking in a mountainous area, her son told rescuers.

Masked Iranian forces appear to seize ships in staged video

Analysis indicates that parts of the video appear to have been filmed hours after the ships were reportedly seized.

Police arrest two over alleged drug sales through shops in West Midlands after BBC investigation

It follows a BBC investigation that found High Street mini-marts were selling drugs in some West Midlands towns.

Andrew Windsor's bodyguards 'had no clue' about Epstein's sex crimes during New York trip

A former royal protection officer claims Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's security team didn't know Jeffrey Epstein was a sex offender during an infamous New York visit

Meet the 19-metre octopus that prowled the seas 100 million years ago

Giant octopuses may have ruled the oceans 100 million years ago, according to fossil evidence.

Why deadly snake bites are on the rise in one US state

A 78-year-old woman has become the third person to be killed by a snake in California in recent weeks.

'No offence occurred': Police close Epsom rape investigation

Police have closed their investigation into reports of a rape outside a church in Epsom that led to widespread public disorder, with the force saying that "no sexual offence occurred".

Trump tells BBC that King's visit could 'absolutely' help repair relations with UK

In a phone interview with the BBC's North America editor, the president discussed next week's visit and his relationship with the UK PM.

Migrant gang rapist was already on run for murder before coming to UK on small boat

An Egyptian fugitive wanted for murder entered the UK on a small boat before gang-raping a woman on Brighton beach as he and his accomplices now face deportation

Huge chunk of glacier blocks Everest route in peak climbing season

Sherpas cannot prepare the route to the world's highest peak because a huge block of ice is in the way.

Which airlines are cancelling flights to the UK - and what can you do?

Airlines are putting up prices and cancelling flights in response to higher jet fuel prices.

Football Focus to end after 52 years

Football Focus is to end after 52 years, BBC Sport announces.

Warner Bros shareholders approve Paramount's $111bn takeover

The approval came as Donald Trump is to attend a dinner with billionaire Paramount backers the Ellisons.

Doctor warned Nottingham attacker he would end up killing

However, Dr Faizal Seedat told the Nottingham Inquiry he did not actually believe Valdo Calocane would kill.

Big clubs and big names - a summer of managerial upheaval awaits

BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel analyses a summer that promises plenty of change in the Premier League.

Rapist who infected men and boys with HIV jailed

A judge says Adam Hall took away the futures of his victims, including boys aged 15 and 17.

Three men guilty of 'callous' Brighton beach rape

The men, who are all asylum seekers, had denied targeting the woman in the early hours of October 4.

Baby girls held aloft at funeral of father shot during Israeli settler attack

The grieving family of a man reportedly shot dead by Israeli settlers held his twin daughters aloft at his funeral procession on Thursday.

This minute-long clip of RFK Jr. breathing closely into his senate hearing mic inspired some of Twitter’s funniest work in years

If you’ve been waiting for RFK Jr. ASMR, have we got a treat for you. The man who’s voice sounds like a gargling garbage disposal was caught on a hot mic during his senate hearing. It appears just breathing for the head of HHS was enough to cut through the question being asked in this […]

The post This minute-long clip of RFK Jr. breathing closely into his senate hearing mic inspired some of Twitter’s funniest work in years appeared first on The Poke.

BBC Teatime host to replace Scott Mills on Radio 2

Sara Cox will replace Scott Mills as the new host of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, the corporation has announced.

Sara Cox replaces Scott Mills on Radio 2 breakfast show

The 51-year-old, who is originally from Bolton, currently presents the teatime show on Radio 2.

Karoline Leavitt blamed Joe Biden for a discount airline facing bankruptcy and these 15 comebacks were simply business class

When it comes to blaming other people for their problems, nobody does it better than the current White House. The most recent scapegoating moment came from Karoline Leavitt. The US Press Secretary was asked about bailing out fledgling Spirit Airlines which currently faces the very real threat of bankruptcy and is turning to the Trump […]

The post Karoline Leavitt blamed Joe Biden for a discount airline facing bankruptcy and these 15 comebacks were simply business class appeared first on The Poke.

BBC axes iconic Football Focus show after 52 years

The BBC's iconic Football Focus show has been axed after 52 years.

My rapist deliberately gave me HIV. I was just 15

Sam, who was heading home from school when he got his diagnosis, says Hall's jailing is a relief.

Paedophile who preyed on children for almost 50 years 'laughed' during sentence discussion

A sexual deviant who preyed on children for almost half a century has been handed a life sentence with at least seven years behind bars.

Sexual predator who deliberately infected vulnerable men with HIV learns his fate

Adam Hall, 43, was convicted of five counts of rape and seven counts of GBH with intent after deliberately infecting vulnerable men with HIV between 2016 and 2023. He 'set out to infect as many as he could'

The boy who vanished: 50 years on from the disappearance of Sandy Davidson

The three-year-old went missing after chasing after a dog that escaped from his grandparents' garden in Irvine in 1976.

Shareholders 'overwhelmingly' approve Paramount takeover of Warner Bros

The multibillion-pound Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery has come even closer to becoming a reality after shareholders voted to accept the offer.

Girl, 10, finds rare amphibian 5,500 miles from home in UK river in world first

Melanie Hill's daughter Evie had been playing down by the River Ogmore in Bridgend, South Wales., when she made the incredible find on April 10.

Two schoolboys hospitalised after 'fireworks thrown' in Glasgow street

A large emergency presence and a bomb disposal unit were spotted on Dixon Avenue in the Govanhill area on Thursday afternoon, with two pupils from Holyrood Secondary School reportedly injured

No Fifa plan for Italy to replace Iran at World Cup

Fifa stands by comments made last week by president Gianni Infantino in which he said that "the Iranian team is coming, for sure".

RFK Jr reckons AI can cure dog cancer and the illogical conclusion he drew from this had people worried sick

The health of the American people is in the hands of a deranged conspiracy theorist. It’s dangerous for so many reasons it’s hard to keep track which one is the most detrimental to the public’s survival. In a normal world, when the head of Health and Human Services shows up for a hearing to defend […]

The post RFK Jr reckons AI can cure dog cancer and the illogical conclusion he drew from this had people worried sick appeared first on The Poke.

Prince Louis holiday video released to mark eighth birthday

The footage was filmed by photographer Matt Porteous in Cornwall earlier this month.

Karoline Leavitt put on her bravest face after she was asked about Iran’s relentless mockery of Donald Trump and absolutely no-one was buying it

The United States Press Secretary is supposed to be a conduit between the President and the American people. The role requires a deft communicator who can share the most important policies of the Oval Office. Prove that the Commander in Chief has the best interests of the American people in mind with every crucial decision. […]

The post Karoline Leavitt put on her bravest face after she was asked about Iran’s relentless mockery of Donald Trump and absolutely no-one was buying it appeared first on The Poke.

Lamine Yamal season over but Spain star should make World Cup

Lamine Yamal will miss the rest of Barcelona's season with a hamstring injury but he is expected to return for Spain at the World Cup.

Key takeaways from senior official on Mandelson vetting

Cat Little, the top official at the Cabinet Office, tells MPs "due process" was followed in the appointment.

Brits spend just 84 minutes outside per day – see how your age group compares

A new study has found the average amount of time UK adults spend outdoors each day, with one in five Brits rarely getting a full day outside – and it turns out your age makes a big difference

Brits delay GP appointments due to fear of bad news and embarrassment

From headaches to sore throats, new research shows Brits are avoiding seeking medical advice – but could be risking their health

Which Brit city lasts longest in the bedroom as perfect 'sex duration' revealed

A new survey has rated the best places in the UK to head to for a bonk - with residents in one city lasting an impressive 29 minutes and 41 seconds

Health data of 500,000 people offered for sale online in China after UK Biobank breach

The government said medical data was affected but no personally identifiable information had been made available.

Lyse Doucet: In Tehran, money is short and a return to war looms over daily life

The BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Iran, where the buzz of busy shopping streets masks deep uncertainty over the country's future.

This 20-point guide why English is so hard to learn just went viral for reasons which will presumably become obvious

How hard it is to learn English? This hard, if this 20-point guide that just went viral on Twitter is any fink to go by. It was posted by @simongerman600, who was born in Germany but now lives in Melbourne, Australia and, well, best have a read for yourself. As a non-native English speaker I […]

The post This 20-point guide why English is so hard to learn just went viral for reasons which will presumably become obvious appeared first on The Poke.

Medical data of half a million Britons listed for sale on Chinese website, government says

The medical data of half a million volunteers to Biobank, the UK's health information database, has been offered for sale online, the government has said.

HMRC to send letters telling thousands of people to claim £2,200

Hundreds of thousands of people have money waiting to be claimed

People shared the ‘most bizarre luxuries’ they have seen enjoyed by the super-rich – 17 proper jaw-droppers

They say money can’t buy you happiness, but that hasn’t ever stopped rich people from trying. So exactly how far have the uber-wealthy pushed it in pursuit of joy? Redditor u/LyraRayne went straight to the source when they asked: People who have worked for the wealthy/rich, what is the most bizarre luxury you’ve heard of? […]

The post People shared the ‘most bizarre luxuries’ they have seen enjoyed by the super-rich – 17 proper jaw-droppers appeared first on The Poke.

Playing teen version of Zendaya's character is 'dream come true' for The Drama's Jordyn Curet

Jordyn Curet speaks of the "pressure" and "excitement" of playing the younger version of Zendaya.

Someone asked for the best pub quiz team names they’ve ever heard – 22 jackpot-winning answers

The pub quiz is a fine British tradition. Us Brits are very fond of both trivia and booze, and the combination of both in a pub setting is an absolute winner. We can’t help thinking that Only Connect and University Challenge could both be improved by the teams involved being a bit sloshed. Pub quizzes […]

The post Someone asked for the best pub quiz team names they’ve ever heard – 22 jackpot-winning answers appeared first on The Poke.

People have been sharing their nominations for the ‘single funniest moment in TV history’ – 23 straight from the very top drawer

It all began when the good films and TV folk of @TheCinesthetic asked people for their nominations for the ‘single funniest moment in this history of TV’. What do you think is the single funniest moment in the history of TV? — cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) April 19, 2026 And it prompted no end of suggestions. We’ve […]

The post People have been sharing their nominations for the ‘single funniest moment in TV history’ – 23 straight from the very top drawer appeared first on The Poke.

This influencer entrepreneur had a top tip for wannabe millionaires everywhere and it was a most unfortunate schoolboy error – 14 high-earning takedowns

Like us you might not have come across @LeilaHormozi before. She appears to be a Las Vegas based entrepreneur and influencer who has built up quite the fortune and had a tip for her Twitter followers who wanted to do something similiar. Except that’s not quite right. And when we say not quite right, what […]

The post This influencer entrepreneur had a top tip for wannabe millionaires everywhere and it was a most unfortunate schoolboy error – 14 high-earning takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

A tiny island church where couples worry about high tide making them late

The little medieval church - where you need the tide book alongside a prayer book.

‘What have you purchased as an adult that your parents have judged you negatively for?’ – 23 people who should mind their own business

Whether you adore your parents or couldn’t wait to get the heck out of their house, there’s no denying that there is a lot of joy to be found in being an adult and not having them on your back all the time. Or is there? Because it seems that some parents don’t stop sticking […]

The post ‘What have you purchased as an adult that your parents have judged you negatively for?’ – 23 people who should mind their own business appeared first on The Poke.

This peak boomer takedown of ‘young people today’ wasn’t the slam dunk they thought it was – 14 A++ comebacks

To the generational divide on Twitter now, where this peak boomer takedown of young people today has been getting all sorts of attention for reasons that may or may not be obvious. Don’t forget, this is the same generation that wants $18 an hour minimum wage… pic.twitter.com/FaN1RpnblI — (@Demo4fhs) April 20, 2026 But it’s fair […]

The post This peak boomer takedown of ‘young people today’ wasn’t the slam dunk they thought it was – 14 A++ comebacks appeared first on The Poke.

A Reform government would compel all schools to fly the Union Flag and display a picture of the King – 17 less than enthusiastic replies

Ok, so the UK may not be doing terribly well at the moment. Rising fuel prices, inflation increasing, long NHS waiting lists and the increasingly bleak prospects of our young ‘uns to be able to ever afford a house of their own. But it’s reassuring to see that at least one political party has their […]

The post A Reform government would compel all schools to fly the Union Flag and display a picture of the King – 17 less than enthusiastic replies appeared first on The Poke.

This Italian’s forensic examination of the difference between ordering a coffee in Italy and America is both very funny and totally on-point

Time now to return to the cultural divide between America and the rest of the world. Specifically, in this instance, between America and Italy and the difference between the two countries when it comes to going out and ordering a coffee. It’s a fabulous comparison between the two posted by @DanDeFiEd over on Twitter and […]

The post This Italian’s forensic examination of the difference between ordering a coffee in Italy and America is both very funny and totally on-point appeared first on The Poke.

People have been sharing the things they find ‘weird’ about America and this response basically covered every base

There’s America and there’s the rest of the world, basically. Because there is so much about America which simply doesn’t make sense to outsiders. We say this after this request just went out on Twitter. What do you find weird in US? — Jenni (@hashjenni) April 21, 2026 And while it prompted no end of […]

The post People have been sharing the things they find ‘weird’ about America and this response basically covered every base appeared first on The Poke.

A celebrity real estate agent predicts we’ll all have AI robots with Michelin-star chef skills and medical expertise in 10 years – 18 generous servings of chinny reckon

You may be familiar with the multi-millionaire celebrity estate agent Jason Oppenheim, who – with his twin brother Brett – is featured on Selling Sunset and Selling the OC. The twins recently appeared on the Iced Coffee Hour podcast, where they discussed the future of AI. Jason Oppenheim reveals EVERYONE will be able to afford […]

The post A celebrity real estate agent predicts we’ll all have AI robots with Michelin-star chef skills and medical expertise in 10 years – 18 generous servings of chinny reckon appeared first on The Poke.

RFK Jr claimed that Trump has ‘a different way of calculating percentages’, and maths entered the chat – 21 responses that sum up the problem

The US secretary of health and human services, Robert F Kennedy Jr (RFK Jr) has been appearing before the Senate Finance Committee to answer questions on his department’s policy, messaging, and budget. He addressed the TrumpRx site, which directs customers to manufacturer for large discounts on prescription medicines …impossibly large discounts, in fact. WARREN: So […]

The post RFK Jr claimed that Trump has ‘a different way of calculating percentages’, and maths entered the chat – 21 responses that sum up the problem appeared first on The Poke.

First-time buyers said they’d sell used socks to get on the property ladder

Nearly half of hopeful homeowners are taking on side hustles to raise a deposit — with some even considering “social media witch” gigs and flogging worn socks.

Exposed: The High Street Crime Crisis

From illegal cigarettes to cocaine - we go undercover on Britain's high streets.

This women’s tennis team White House photo-op didn’t just speak volumes about the Trump government, it screamed “You cannot be serious!” – 22 ace callouts

The champion tennis players of the University of Georgia women’s team made a trip to the White House on Wednesday, where they posed for a photo with their all-male coaching team, the male directors of the university’s athletics associations, and – of course – Donald Trump. Congratulations, Georgia Women’s Tennis! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/v10nwRskuU — Margo Martin […]

The post This women’s tennis team White House photo-op didn’t just speak volumes about the Trump government, it screamed “You cannot be serious!” – 22 ace callouts appeared first on The Poke.

Starmer addresses the nation as PM says 'when times get tough, we pull each other up'

Sir Keir Starmer has addressed the nation as he marked St George’s Day after some MPs had called for the PM to resign following the scandal over Peter Mandelson

Salmonella warning to Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's shoppers over salad item

The popular salad topper is being recalled due to a "possible presence of salmonella" and shoppers who have bought the Good4U Super Sprouts Super Greens are urged to return it to the store where it was bought

Democrats fight back against Trump in Virginia… and win

Has Trump’s plan to redraw America’s political map backfired?

EasyJet's Tenerife flight diverts to London Gatwick following onboard 'welfare issue'

EasyJet flight EZY3201 departed Edinburgh Airport bound for Tenerife but was diverted to London Gatwick Airport due to a welfare issue on board, with the airline confirming it plans to continue the journey

Keir Starmer v The Civil Service

What effect has the Mandelson saga had on the PM’s relationship with the civil service?

Iran say Trump 'misled' after he claimed execution of protestors stopped at his request

US President Donald Trump is claiming victory after he has claimed that Iran has respected his request in stopping the executions of eight female protestors, as the country denies it was going to happen

Klaudia Glam's mum says 'there is hope still' as influencer 'critical' after Soho crash

Klaudia Zakrzewska, known as social media personality Klaudiaglam, remains in a 'critical condition' following a crash in Soho, as her mum has now issued a heartbreaking message to her followers

Bolton cafe 'stabbing' as CCTV shows moment 'man carrying knife lunges at customer'

Horrifying CCTV footage has shown the moment a customer sitting a The Deli on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton was allegedly attacked by man reportedly carrying a knife

'Loving' girl, 12, died in rope swing tragedy just days before birthday

Brooke Wiggins, from Surrey, tragically died just days before her 13th birthday after being hit by a falling branch while she was playing on a rope swing that 'should have been removed'

Rapist jailed for life after giving men HIV

A man jailed for multiple rapes and deliberately infecting men with HIV may have more victims, police have warned.

Donald Trump claims he could have won Vietnam ‘very quickly’ – 15 epic comebacks from which there was no hiding place

Donald Trump wants everyone to know that he ends wars. The number of wars he’s ended in his short (yet tedious) Presidency fluctuates, but it usually hovers around 8 or so. Now he’s revising history to solve wars that have already been solved. Only he claims he could’ve done it faster. And better. Here is […]

The post Donald Trump claims he could have won Vietnam ‘very quickly’ – 15 epic comebacks from which there was no hiding place appeared first on The Poke.

Tucker Carlson apologised for his role in getting Trump elected and basically the entire internet responded as one

The Maga media machine has been churning out slop for over a decade now, all with one express purpose: get Donald Trump in charge and keep him there so America can become “great” again. Everyone watching from afar could see this was a horrendous plan that would only yield catastrophic results. But those inside the […]

The post Tucker Carlson apologised for his role in getting Trump elected and basically the entire internet responded as one appeared first on The Poke.

People have been sharing the hilarious ‘fake British sayings’ they casually slip into conversation and these 17 are simply magnificent

It all started when comedian Stuart Laws shared on Twitter the ‘fake British sayings and words’ he’s been slipping into conversation with his American partner. I’ve been casually slipping in fake British sayings and words into conversation with my American partner – here’s the one’s she believes: — Stuart Laws (@thisstuartlaws) April 22, 2026 “That’s […]

The post People have been sharing the hilarious ‘fake British sayings’ they casually slip into conversation and these 17 are simply magnificent appeared first on The Poke.

Major airline scrapping 20,000 flights this summer due to ongoing jet fuel crisis

Lufthansa is slashing its flights schedule as fuel costs double due to the Iran conflict, sparking fears of holiday chaos and calls for an emergency UK fuel plan

Darts star David Munyua claims Africa has already found its own Luke Littler - and he's just 14

David Munyua pulled off the biggest upset in the sport’s history at world championship but says a 14-year-old protege from Kenya is already beating him

Household energy use among top things Brits find ‘hard to guess’ - causing surprises

Research shows Brits trip up when guessing everything from paint and pasta to daily energy use – but in some cases it can end up costing them more.

Brits think working animals are ‘thing of the past’ – but many are still on the job

Plenty of animals still help humans all around the world, from donkeys hauling water to dolphins sniffing out undersea explosives – yet most Brits rarely see it

Seamen can't get through with condoms as world facing shortage due to Strait of Hormuz closure

Manufacturers expected to increase the price of condoms by as much as 30% in response to shipping disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict

Model reveals massive G-cup boobs make her a fortune but have left her in chronic pain

CeCe Rose says her curves have played a major role in her online success and have helped her build a lucrative career but have caused health problems

Three men found guilty over rape of woman on beach

Three asylum seekers have been found guilty over the rape of a woman on Brighton beach in a "cynical, predatory and callous" attack.

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