UK

Cases of sextortion reported to the UK’s revenge porn helpline have almost doubled within a year, new figures show. Sextortion is now the most reported issue with 1,124 cases in 2021 compared to 593 in 2020, with 88% of cases involving a male victim. Sextortion occurs when images or videos are captured or sent during

The investigation into lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street and around Whitehall has concluded, the Met Police has announced. In all, police have made 126 referrals for fines relating to the partygate scandal – not all of which have yet been issued. Boris Johnson, his wife Carrie and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are among those that have

Rock band Queen will open the Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace on Saturday 4 June. The iconic British rock band will perform with singer Adam Lambert in a bumper show featuring stars like Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli and Sir Elton John. Non-musicians like Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry will also make appearances. The

A Conservative MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault offences spanning a seven-year period. Scotland Yard confirmed in a statement that a man aged in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office. The individual remains

The Queen has made a surprise visit to see the new Elizabeth line at London’s Paddington Station, Buckingham Palace has said. The 96-year-old monarch joined her youngest son, the Earl of Wessex, for the official visit. Holding a walking stick, the monarch emerged from a transparent lift and smiled brightly, looking resplendent in a Stewart

Inflation has hit its highest level in 40 years amid the deteriorating cost of living crisis. The rate shot up to 9% last month – its highest level since comparable readings in 1982. Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a broad-based hike in prices for everyday goods and services during April

The government is set to bring forward legislation on the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Last year, there was outrage when the government proposed to effectively end all prosecutions related to crimes committed during the Troubles. The move was opposed by all five of the main political parties in Northern Ireland

A government minister has suggested that people struggling with the cost of living should take on more hours or move to a better-paid job. Rachel Maclean, the safeguarding minister, told Sky News’ Kay Burley that those were some of the ways households could “protect themselves” as prices soar. She said that every minister was looking

The prime minister is expected in Northern Ireland on Monday as efforts to break the political deadlock at Stormont intensify. Boris Johnson will hold talks with party leaders and attempt to persuade the Democratic Unionists to enter the power sharing government. Sinn Fein is now the largest party but its vice president, Michelle O’Neill, cannot

Business leaders in the fish and chip industry are calling on the government to offer a “long-term strategy” to their food shortages crisis – or face a third of chippies closing. The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has warned the four key ingredients that make up a traditional fish and chip meal are deeply

Cancer campaigner Deborah James has said she’s had the “most surreal, mind-blowing, humbling five days” of her life after being made a dame and her fundraiser reaching more than £5.7m. The podcast host, who is receiving hospice-at-home care to treat her terminal bowel cancer, thanked the public for their “generosity” and the Duke of Cambridge

Prince William has personally given bowel cancer awareness champion Deborah James her damehood. The Duke of Cambridge visited her family home in Surrey to hand over the honour, and was seen beaming with the podcaster, who is also known as Bowel Babe. Ms James said she was “utterly honoured” that Prince William had joined her

James Scott sits on his own eating his chickpea curry. He likes to come in when the rush has died down, when the Amazing Graze soup kitchen is quieter. The centre provides free hot meals for Blackpool‘s less fortunate. It used to be the homeless and rough sleepers that needed help the most but now

The Queen has been pictured smiling at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, days after missing the State Opening of Parliament due to mobility issues. She was seen chatting to several people from the window of her car as she arrived at the event. Several of the Queen’s horses are understood to be appearing at the

Cancer campaigner and podcast host Deborah James has been awarded a damehood, the government has announced. The presenter of the BBC Podcast You, Me and The Big C was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2016 and she has since kept her 300,000 Instagram followers up to date with her treatments. On Thursday night, Number

At least 50 more fines have been issued as a result of the police investigation into lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street and Whitehall during coronavirus restrictions. But Number 10 has confirmed Prime Minister Boris Johnson is not one of those who have received a new fixed penalty notice (FPN). In the latest update on its

Tax cuts could now be announced before the summer recess, Sky News understands. Ministers have been forced to rethink plans after grim forecasts from the Bank of England suggested the economy was now at risk of recession. Inflation is also likely to be higher than expected just six to eight weeks ago, putting pressure on

Twin 11-year-old girls have been found safe and well after going missing from their home in Leicestershire. Gracie and Millie Bennett were reported missing shortly after 8.30pm on Tuesday, with police issuing an appeal for information from the public. Both girls went missing from Mountsorrel, south of Loughborough – where they were found on Wednesday.

The government has set out its legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session in the Queen’s Speech. Laying out what new laws will shape people’s lives over the next year, it contains 38 pieces of legislation. For the first time in 59 years the Queen was forced to defer to her son Prince Charles and

Boris Johnson has promised to “grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families” through new measures in the Queen’s Speech. The address, which outlines the government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead, focused heavily on the economy as the PM aims to get the country “back on track” after