Stories from United Kingdom

Singer Harry Styles and actress Zoe Kravitz are engaged, according to People magazine. The couple reportedly shared the news with a small circle of friends and family. Engagement speculation began after Kravitz was seen wearing a ring while kissing Styles in London last week. The pair has been dating since August.

Brighton has announced plans to construct Europe's first stadium specifically designed for women's football. The facility will be located next to the existing stadium of a Premier League club. English football club Brighton will become the first European team to build a stadium dedicated exclusively to its women's team. The new facility will be located adjacent to the existing Amex Stadium, which serves the men's team. Brighton football club has presented plans for the first stadium in Europe built exclusively for a women's team. Details regarding the stadium design and capacity were provided by a correspondent in London. Approximately 1,200 people are expected to retire in connection with the sport's developments. The investment must now undergo the building permit process.

BP reported that first-quarter profits more than doubled. Oil giant BP is facing criticism for earning £366 per second during the ongoing Iran war. The criticism highlights the contrast between the company's high profits and the financial struggles of households. The report notes the company's branding colors are being used in arguments regarding profiteering. BP reported a increase in profits, which analysts attribute to rising energy prices since the start of the conflict. Average prices have been approximately $84 since January but have consistently exceeded $100 since the conflict began. Financial experts suggest profits may rise further as price trends continue. The company's performance is linked to volatility in commodity markets, specifically oil. Volatile markets provide opportunities to buy and sell, benefiting from price differences.

The racing car Babs has returned to Carmarthenshire to be marketed. The vehicle set a world land speed record on Pendine Sands in April 1926. It reached an average speed of 170 miles per hour driven by Welsh racer J.G. Harry Thomas.

A group calling itself the New IRA has claimed responsibility for a Saturday attack in Northern Ireland. One 33-year-old man, identified as Timothy B. from the Belfast suburbs, has been arrested in connection with the incident. No injuries were reported following the explosion. Police are currently conducting searches at multiple locations in Belfast. The suspect's specific involvement in the attack remains unknown. The group has also issued threats to target the homes of police officers. A 21-year-old suspect, who was allegedly involved in a 2024 concert attack attempt, is being investigated. The attack follows recent security concerns in the region. Police have arrested a 66-year-old man regarding the attack. The source did not provide further details on the extent of the damage or casualties. The group reportedly seeks the independence of the United Kingdom through violence.

The Epstein case continues to impact the UK political landscape. The investigation is reportedly looking into what information was shared and whether it should have been disclosed. The organization Labour Together, involving Peter Mandelson and Morgan McSweeney, was responsible for deciding the long list of candidates for Members of Parliament. The group reportedly removed several left-wing MPs from the selection processes to favor allies. Reports indicate that several Labour MPs in Parliament received campaign money from Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, and Peter Mandelson. Some MPs are reportedly reflecting on their reliance on these funds. Former Foreign Office boss Sir Philip Barton previously noted that making the announcement before completing vetting was not normal. Morgan McSweeney clarified that he did not oversee national security vetting or pressure officials to ignore procedures.

The UK government has decided to whip a vote in the House of Commons regarding an ongoing debate. This decision prevents Labour MPs from voting according to their individual discretion. The Prime Minister's decision on the whip is being discussed in the Commons. It remains uncertain if the whip will impact the final result of the vote. The decision aims to ensure party discipline during the vote. Analysts suggest the outcome of the vote may remain the same regardless of the whip status. The decision comes at a critical juncture for the parliamentary Labour Party.

London-based startup Marloo has secured $10 million in seed funding. The capital will be used to develop an AI platform designed to automate note-taking, documentation, and compliance for financial advisers.

Two men were released from police custody following the discovery of items near the Israeli embassy in London. One individual was granted bail while the other was released without charge. Counter-terror police are also investigating a suspected arson attack on a memorial wall in Goldersgreen, a north London area with a large Jewish community. Police stated the arson incident may heighten local concerns following previous attacks in the area.

The European Union has launched an investigation into Lord Mandelson. The inquiry is currently investigating whether the decision-making process was flawed or a matter of poor judgement. Ian Collard from the Foreign Office is noted as a key figure in the ongoing review of the decision. The inquiry is specifically questioning the dismissal of Sir Oli Robinside and the evidence used in that decision. Investigators are also looking into the existence of a color-coded risk document that has not been seen by officials. During a parliamentary inquiry, a witness testified they were not consulted on the terms of a departure involving a payment made upon leaving a role. The witness stated they were unaware of the payment until it was reported in the media.