UK2.XYZ NEWS

EU announces plan to restrict social media access for under-15s

Under the plans, only children over 15 would be able to set up their own social media accounts.

River home to 500 crocodiles chosen as Olympic rowing venue

A river that is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles is given the OK to host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.

Ed Sheeran asked me to donate $2m in aid, Robert Kraft says after Macklemore backlash

It comes after Macklemore pledged $1m to Palestinian causes, challenging the tycoon to match the sum.

In ‘serious party’ news, Reform’s new immigration-tracking app features a game where you turn back small boats crossing the channel – 17 dumbfounded reactions

As you’re no doubt aware, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK are rather flush with cash at the moment after being handed a whopping £72 million from just two crypto-billionaire donors. But how to spend these riches handed over by people who obviously don’t expect anything in return for their largesse? Why not a nice shiny new […]

The post In ‘serious party’ news, Reform’s new immigration-tracking app features a game where you turn back small boats crossing the channel – 17 dumbfounded reactions appeared first on The Poke.

Uncontrolled AI could lead to 'silicon species' rivalling humans, Microsoft boss tells BBC

Mustafa Suleyman says he believes rival AI firm Anthropic is in effect teaching Claude it "may be conscious".

Climate change played role in Nepal-Tibet flood, study finds

More than 1,400 people were killed and thousands remain missing following the deluge on 26 August.

'Everybody was as one': Reverend reflects on search effort for Noah Woods

The Reverend Chris Willis says the public reaction has been a "thread of positivity" in the sadness.

Real Madrid keen on Man Utd forward Gabriel, 15

Real Madrid have a strong interest in signing 15-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel.

Real Madrid keen on Man Utd forward Gabriel, 15

Real Madrid have a strong interest in signing 15-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel.

Ted Cruz warned that if Democrats take Congress they’ll ‘stop Trump’s agenda’, and the entire internet said “No shit, Sherlock!”

The US midterm elections are just 47 days away, and the polls suggest that the Democrats will probably take the House of Representatives, and might even end up controlling the Senate. Before you get too excited, remember that the only poll that counts is the actual election – right up until Trump declares it void […]

The post Ted Cruz warned that if Democrats take Congress they’ll ‘stop Trump’s agenda’, and the entire internet said “No shit, Sherlock!” appeared first on The Poke.

Why dealing with defeat is key for Lampard at Coventry

BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explains why Coventry boss Frank Lampard needs to manage himself as well as his players after their poor start to the season.

At least 82 people killed after gold mine collapses in Sudan

At least 82 people have died after an informal gold mine collapsed in war-torn Sudan, officials have said.

Palace in war of words with Earl Spencer over claims in Diana book

The row threatens to overshadow a very crowded day for the royals - with the King and Princes William and Harry all attending events.

USA midfielder sues doctors after on-pitch cardiac arrest

United States women's national team player Savannah DeMelo is suing a hospital and two doctors after she suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch last year.

Bank of England expected to hold interest rates as it faces tough choices

Forecasts of further rises in the inflation rate mean some analysts expect the Bank to act by the end of the year.

Anthropic claims to be highly profitable, if you ignore their major expenses, and the internet understood the assignment – 18 hilariously sarcastic takedowns

We’re very grateful to the wily bunch over at Anthropic, the company behind AI chatbot Claude, for taking time out of their busy schedule of developing their product (which experts say could wipe out the human race within a decade) to come up with a hilarious explanation of their finances. The company has put off […]

The post Anthropic claims to be highly profitable, if you ignore their major expenses, and the internet understood the assignment – 18 hilariously sarcastic takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

A team that offered hope... then, four months later, Hamas attacked Israel

Can the potential of a golden generation of Israel's footballers, in sport and society, be realised?

Boy abducted by mum has renewed 'sense of purpose'

Alex Batty, who vanished aged 11 in 2017, says a new job has given him renewed purpose.

Mum's Facebook kidney plea prompts 'mind-blowing' gift from total stranger

A woman has undergone a lifesaving transplant after receiving a kidney from a stranger who saw her post on social media.

Balaclava boys on electric bikes: How to tackle the problem?

The sight of masked young men on electric bikes or motorcycles is becoming increasingly familiar - what can be done about it?

'My rent was higher than my student loan' - the booming cost of private halls

Private student halls are springing up in Scotland's cities in ever increasing numbers yet rents continue to soar.

Afghan inquiry into alleged SAS war crimes has already cost £58m, MoD figures show

The inquiry has been running for more than three and a half years but has yet to publish any findings.

Steve Rosenberg: Russia's elections will have few surprises, but for the Kremlin they matter

There is no doubt over the outcome of this vote, but for the Kremlin they are still an important moment.

Assad regime planned US journalist Austin Tice's kidnap for weeks, BBC finds

Austin Tice’s abduction was approved by Syria’s former leader Bashar al-Assad, a source claims.

Boy, 13, is new voice of Thomas the Tank Engine

A new Thomas series also stars The Gentleman actor Henry Golding.

The Papers: King's 'astonishing outburst' and 'heartbreak' after search for missing Noah

Several of today's papers splash on the Palace's response to Earl Spencer's claim in his upcoming book about his sister Diana.

JD Vance’s plea for the US to give the Trump government ‘another chance’ wasn’t the winning midterms message he seemed to think – 24 votes of no confidence

JD Vance is not a man known for having a flare for communication …or empathy …or intellgence. In short, he’s the David Brent of Maga politicians, but with less charm and more eyeliner. Never forget that this is the man who – Claimed the Left would probably say drinking Diet Mountain Dew is racist. Vance: […]

The post JD Vance’s plea for the US to give the Trump government ‘another chance’ wasn’t the winning midterms message he seemed to think – 24 votes of no confidence appeared first on The Poke.

Life-extending drug for breast cancer patients now on NHS

A life-extending drug will be made available on the NHS to patients in England with a specific type of incurable breast cancer, after an initial decision to reject the treatment was reversed.

UK prosecutors file for extradition of the Tate brothers from the US

The brothers are facing a total of 59 charges in the UK, including rape. Both men deny any wrongdoing.

Macklemore announces $1m donation after Sheeran row - as stadium owner responds

Macklemore has said he will donate his $1m (£750,000) net earnings from Ed Sheeran's upcoming tour to organisations supporting Palestinian people.

Lena Dunham announces birth of first baby via surrogacy

The writer and actress announced the birth of her daughter in an op-ed published by Vogue on Wednesday.

Why caffeine makes some people buzz - and others barely notice

Scientists say it all depend on caffeine habits, lifestyle and one factor we have no control over: our genes.

At least seven months of relentless rain needed to end drought, research shows

Almost 75% of England remains in drought following an exceptionally dry spring and summer.

'I can get more time - that's everything': Breast cancer patients get life-extending drug

Enhertu, which can give patients an extra seven months to live on average, has been prescribed in Scotland for more than two years and is available.

Snapchat open to putting time limits on teens, boss tells BBC

Evan Spiegel says it would be "an important step forward for the industry" in an interview with the BBC.

Carrick 'not bothered' by pressure - but should he be after this latest mess?

Manager Michael Carrick insists he does not feel under pressure after Manchester United's EFL Cup exit.

Boehly and Walter sell Chelsea stakes to Clearlake

Clearlake Capital acquires full control of Chelsea as chairman Todd Boehly, director Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss sell their stakes in the club.

I sent 200 DMs to companies - it was awkward but I got a job

From coffee chats to LinkedIn messages, here's how to network your way to your next job.

Chelsea chairman leaves club after selling ownership stake

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly will leave his role after agreeing to sell his stake in the football club to co-owners Clearlake Capital.

Inside Singapore's 'Fort Knox' for city's $2bn dirty money auction

The BBC goes inside a fortified storage facility to view luxury goods seized by police that are now up for auction.

Student found with hundreds of indecent images of kids makes odd request during arrest

Ashraful Islam, 21, from Chippenham avoided jail after police seized his phone during an unrelated arrest in March 2026, uncovering hundreds of child abuse images including nearly 350 of the most serious category

Trump demands interest rate be lowered 'fast' after Fed announces hike

The US Federal Reserve has hiked the interest rate for the first time in three years, prompting Donald Trump to furiously demand they be lowered.

Palace denies allegations facing King about Harry, William and Diana

Buckingham Palace has hit back at claims made in an upcoming book written by Diana's brother Earl Spencer.

Palace hits back after Diana's brother claims King Charles said world would 'forget' her

Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer has made a bombshell claim about King Charles in his new book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, alleging the King said the world would 'forget' Diana following her death in 1997

Body found in search for missing three-year-old Noah Woods

A body has been found in the search for missing three-year-old Noah Woods in Suffolk.

Noah Woods search volunteers break down in tears as cop's voice cracks after body found

Many of the hundreds of volunteers searching for missing three-year-old Noah Woods have wept at the heartbreaking news that a body has been found in local pond in Brantham

Body of child found in search for missing three-year-old Noah Woods

Superintendent Tom Pearse from Suffolk Constabulary has issued a new statement in the search for missing three-year-old Noah Woods after the toddler disappeared over 24 hours ago

Gang jailed for horror UK airport gas attack where people 'vomiting blood'

Heathrow Terminal 3 was shut down after tear gas was sprayed leaving people hospitalised and bystanders coughing and choking

Noah Woods police share message from missing boy's family as specialist diving team sent

Police searching for missing three-year-old Noah Woods have shared a short message from the his family as the operation continues to find him over 24 hours since the toddler was reported missing

Dad jailed over extremist posts said 'If I go to prison, it’ll be for making real change'

Ivan Jennings, a dad of four, has been jailed for encouraging terrorism in an online chat as he encouraged attacks on migrants and how to use poisonous mushrooms in the food of Jews and Muslims

‘What hobby looks peaceful from the outside but is pure stress once you get into it?’ – 22 ‘relaxing’ pastimes that will give you a nervous breakdown

A hobby is an activity that you do in your downtime, a chance to relax and take your mind off the pressures of work and day-to-day life. Well, it’s meant to be. But if the answers to this question posed by Stukwan on the AskReddit page are anything to go by, sometimes it’s the exact […]

The post ‘What hobby looks peaceful from the outside but is pure stress once you get into it?’ – 22 ‘relaxing’ pastimes that will give you a nervous breakdown appeared first on The Poke.

Trump lap dog Mike Johnson says there’s nothing to worry about, AI will regulate itself and the internet begged to differ – 15 prophetic putdowns

Of all the brownnosers in the Trump administration, House Speaker Mike Johnson seems to have his schnoz furthest up the President’s rear end. Johnson will defend literally anything Trump says or does, either directly or through pleas of ignorance. The Speaker is best known for his ability to have not heard the latest reports out […]

The post Trump lap dog Mike Johnson says there’s nothing to worry about, AI will regulate itself and the internet begged to differ – 15 prophetic putdowns appeared first on The Poke.

The Brits’ replies to this Maga who said he’d been told not to wear his hat in London is best in class of this type of thing

We’ve featured plenty of posts on these pages of Brits telling various Magas exactly what’s what, and they don’t come much better than this. It’s a rewind to back in the day (does last year count as back in the day?) and this American who arrived in London for some sort of protest or another […]

The post The Brits’ replies to this Maga who said he’d been told not to wear his hat in London is best in class of this type of thing appeared first on The Poke.

Harry and Meghan hit with 'fiasco of own making' and have 'serious questions to answer'

Prince Harry and Meghan face a backlash after pulling their kids from school over a security blunder, with experts branding their UK return a self-made fiasco

Major update on missing boy Noah as police issue statement on 'criminality' speculation

Suffolk Police Superintendent Tom Pearse has issued a new statement following online speculation of criminality as the search continues for the missing three-year-old boy Noah

People shared the weirdest interactions they’ve had with a stranger – 17 unforgettable head-scratchers

We’re all aware that talking to a stranger can be a risky endeavour, but sometimes there’s no avoiding it. And as you’d expect, it often leads to some bizarrely memorable moments. To hear about the oddest encounters, C-My-Vest challenged r/AskUK users to share the strangest interactions they’ve had with strangers in the UK. And to […]

The post People shared the weirdest interactions they’ve had with a stranger – 17 unforgettable head-scratchers appeared first on The Poke.

This brutally honest US Senator said what we’re surely all thinking about Trump’s FBI chief Kash Patel and these 15 internet replies said the rest

Kash Patel hasn’t been in the news in a while. For him, that is a very good thing. Because when he does find himself back in the headlines, it’s never positive. Which brings us to Patel’s latest senate hearing, which was basically asking him why he has his job. Not surprisingly, Patel didn’t have a […]

The post This brutally honest US Senator said what we’re surely all thinking about Trump’s FBI chief Kash Patel and these 15 internet replies said the rest appeared first on The Poke.

This American lawmaker’s takedown of Donald Trump’s grasp of AI will surely never be bettered

If there’s a worse person than Donald Trump to help guard against the frankly terrifying excesses of artificial intelligence then we haven’t met them yet. And yet the president continues to insist it will all be hanky dory despite all of the evidence – exhibit A: Donald Trump – suggesting otherwise. And surely no-one nailed […]

The post This American lawmaker’s takedown of Donald Trump’s grasp of AI will surely never be bettered appeared first on The Poke.

UK soldier who died in Ukraine was 'one of most talented intelligence officers of his generation'

The British armed forces member who died in Ukraine at the weekend has been named as Major Paul Wilks.

Nadine Dorries suggested Angela Rayner owed the taxpayer a £17k refund only for it to blow up spectacularly in her face

Nadine Dorries should surely have seen this coming when she took aim at Angela Rayner over a Telegraph story about ‘botched local government reorganisation’. The tale, such as it is, concerns Reform UK demanding that Rayner – newly returned to the government under Andy Burnham – repay the cost of the aborted local government shake-up. […]

The post Nadine Dorries suggested Angela Rayner owed the taxpayer a £17k refund only for it to blow up spectacularly in her face appeared first on The Poke.

Netflix star's 'nuclear' response to Harry and Meghan becoming his neighbours

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father star Michael Whitehall has shared a brutal verdict on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after the royal couple became his new neighbours in the Cotswolds

Jake Humphrey’s response to this unlikely heckle just went viral just not for reasons he would have hoped

Jake Humphrey used to be best known as a sports presenter but now he’s all about the High Performance podcast, helping us all become the very best version of ourselves (or, if we’re lucky, someone else). And we mention Jake because he was out and about minding his own business when a complete stranger yelled […]

The post Jake Humphrey’s response to this unlikely heckle just went viral just not for reasons he would have hoped appeared first on The Poke.

This brilliant Victoria Derbyshire interview was held up as an example for American journalists everywhere and it’s just magnificent

This won’t be the first or last time we’ve found ourselves bigging up Victoria Derbyshire on these pages but if anyone is doing this sort of thing better at the BBC (or anywhere else) we’d like to see it. This time it was Tory Mark Harper in her sights, after it turned out she was […]

The post This brilliant Victoria Derbyshire interview was held up as an example for American journalists everywhere and it’s just magnificent appeared first on The Poke.

What’s the angriest you’ve ever made your parents? – 17 times kids pushed their folks over the edge

Annoying your parents is par for the course when you’re a kid. After all, you’re still learning how to be a human. However there are occasions where kids have pushed their folks too far with their nonsense. KuntaWuKnicks was curious to learn more, so they invited r/AskCasual members to share the times they made their […]

The post What’s the angriest you’ve ever made your parents? – 17 times kids pushed their folks over the edge appeared first on The Poke.

Donald Trump started calling this American lawmaker names so she gave every bit as good as she got and it’s just brilliant

Like us you might not have come across American congresswoman Joyce Beatty but once you watch this you surely own’t be able to forget her. Beatty clashed with Donald Trump after a judge rejected his demand to add his name to the Kennedy arts centre, of which she is a board member. Which the president […]

The post Donald Trump started calling this American lawmaker names so she gave every bit as good as she got and it’s just brilliant appeared first on The Poke.

Tantrum Trump will permanently block the Kennedy Center from reopening unless they put his name on it – 17 scathing takedowns

The world’s biggest toddler and the President of the USA should ideally be two different people, and yet here we are. The Oval Office Orange is having a strop of epic proportions because – yet again – a court has blocked his name from being displayed on the John F Kennedy Memorial Center. This was […]

The post Tantrum Trump will permanently block the Kennedy Center from reopening unless they put his name on it – 17 scathing takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

Richard Tice complained that a Sky News journalist had become an ‘anti-Reform activist’ and was schooled into next year

Time now to turn to the world of Richard Tice, the increasingly angry Reform UK deputy party leader who’s not happy with Sky News, he’s not happy with Sky News at all. Specifically he’s not happy with the widely respected and multiple award winning journalist Cathy Newman who he has accused of being an ‘anti-Reform […]

The post Richard Tice complained that a Sky News journalist had become an ‘anti-Reform activist’ and was schooled into next year appeared first on The Poke.

Acclaimed playwright and author dies after brief illness

Playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer has died aged 77 following a brief illness, her husband David Hutchins says.

25 of the Funniest Posts We’ve Seen on Bluesky This Week

Hello, and welcome to the Poke’s round-up of the funniest things we’ve seen on Bluesky since last week. We’re heading to the long slide into the weekend, and that has to be a cause for celebration. If you find something that makes you laugh, show it some love. If we missed a banger that you […]

The post 25 of the Funniest Posts We’ve Seen on Bluesky This Week appeared first on The Poke.

Tory Lord Mark Harper tried to break the world record for repeatedly dodging the question, and you could almost see Victoria Derbyshire’s last nerve

The village of Piddington in Oxfordshire has been in the news after residents staged protests over plans to house around 1250 male asylum seekers in a nearby military base. In a village referendum on whether to withdraw from the UK, they voted to leave by 285 to 26, plus one spoiled ballot. The vote carries […]

The post Tory Lord Mark Harper tried to break the world record for repeatedly dodging the question, and you could almost see Victoria Derbyshire’s last nerve appeared first on The Poke.

Three more Durham Reform councillors have quit, leaving them on the brink of losing control, and we’re shocked. Shocked, we tell you!

At the last set of local elections, Durham Council came under the control of Reform UK, with 65 councillors – including former GB News presenter Darren Grimes, who was appointed Deputy Leader of the council. Last week, a Sky News report revealed chaos in the council, with allegations of bullying and incompetence, illustrated by a […]

The post Three more Durham Reform councillors have quit, leaving them on the brink of losing control, and we’re shocked. Shocked, we tell you! appeared first on The Poke.

Sprint star Amy Hunt says her attack on Sydney Sweeney is 'nothing personal'

The British 200m ace sparked a huge reaction after hitting out at an ad where Sydney posed naked with strategically-placed footballs and other sporting equipment

Slimmers risking death by buying 'dodgy weight-loss jabs' from fake online pharmacies

Around 5,000 bogus pharmacy websites were accessed by UK consumers in 2025, according to cybersecurity firm Avast

King Charles' hidden rules about how Prince Harry should be treated uncovered in letter

King Charles' letter confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are considered "private citizens" and any duties carried out would not be on behalf of the Royal Family, as experts analyse what this means for the couple's new life in the UK

BBC Weather issues new heatwave verdict after Met Office 'rather warm' forecast

The UK had the hottest summer ever and now it has been suggested that yet more sunshine is on the way in the coming weeks

Furious airline boss slams 'unacceptable' UK flight chaos as 7,200 passengers stranded

The boss of a major airline has slammed the UK's latest air traffic control problems as 'unacceptable' after a rescue mission was launched to bring 7,200 stranded passengers home

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

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

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.'

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

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.

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

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

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

Inside Ella Toone’s life on and off the pitch

Behind the scenes with Manchester United and England star Ella Toone.

BBC News app

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