EU Suggests Customs Union Plan to Boost UK-EU Trade Links

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The EU has proposed a 'pan-European customs area' that could help the UK rejoin supply chains hit by Brexit barriers. The idea, backed by some business groups, would allow Britain to source parts and ingredients from dozens of countries for tariff-free trade. The EU's trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, said the plan has not been 'precisely formulated' by London yet and the 'ball is in the UK's court'. The UK government has begun consultations with business over the benefits of the PEM plan. However, housing minister Matthew Pennycook ruled out the UK's participation in the arrangement 'at the present time'.

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Record Referrals to Anti-Terror Program

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What's Happening with Anti-Terror Referrals?

Record referrals to the government's anti-terror programme Prevent were made in the year to March 2025.
8,778 referrals were made, up 27% from the previous year
The majority of referrals were for individuals with **no identified ideology
Children aged 11-15 represented the largest proportion of referrals

UK Train Stabbing: What You Need to Know

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UK Train Stabbing: What You Need to Know

Introduction to the Incident

A mass stabbing occurred on a train in eastern England, leaving 9 people with life-threatening injuries.

Key Points:

10 people hospitalized, 9 with life-threatening injuries
2 men arrested in connection with the stabbings
Counter-terrorism police are supporting the investigation

What Happened?

You can't help but wonder, what led to this attack? The train was traveling from Doncaster to London King's Cross when the incident occurred.

Aftermath:

Armed police and emergency services responded quickly to the scene.

UK Train Stabbing Incident: What You Need to Know

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UK Train Stabbing Incident: What You Need to Know

Key Points:

Multiple people stabbed on a train near Cambridge
Two individuals arrested in connection with the incident
Armed police responded to the scene at Huntingdon station
The train was stopped and all lines were blocked

What happened?** A number of people were taken to hospital after a stabbing incident on a train near Cambridge.

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Follow the advice of the police
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UK Secures £8 Billion Jet Deal with Turkey

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Introduction to the Deal

The UK has signed a deal to sell 20 Typhoon jets to Turkey, worth up to £8 billion.

What You Need to Know

The agreement deepens ties between the two NATO allies and boosts Turkish air defences
The deal is expected to support thousands of British jobs
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Grooming Gangs Inquiry Under Fire

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The UK government is facing pressure over its handling of a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
Key Demands:
Resignation of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips
A judge-led inquiry
Focus on grooming gangs and group child exploitation

What Do Survivors Want?

Some survivors want the inquiry to cover all types of sexual exploitation, while others demand a narrower focus.
The Bottom Line:
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Unlocking Russian Assets for Ukraine's Defense: A Potential Game-Changer?

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What's at Stake?

You're probably wondering how the EU plans to support Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression.
The answer lies in Russia's frozen assets**.

Key Points:

The EU proposes using Russia's frozen assets to fund a €140bn loan for Ukraine
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Ukraine would repay the loan using theoretical compensation from Russia once the war is over

Will it Happen?

The plan is still being discussed, but EU leaders are expected to back the idea.
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Gaza Truce Plan Sparks Optimism and Criticism

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The Gaza truce plan has sparked great optimism among some, but others are criticizing the EU for pausing sanctions against Israel.
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As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the road to peace is long and uncertain. Will the truce hold, or will violence erupt again?

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Dozens of balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes from Belarus have been entering Lithuania's airspace, forcing the temporary closure of Vilnius airport.

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The balloons are used by smugglers to transport cigarettes into the European Union, where tobacco products are more expensive
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The Lithuanian government is calling on Belarus to cooperate in preventing similar incidents

What's Next

The situation is being closely monitored, and the authorities are working to find a solution to this unusual problem.

Pizza Hut Closures: What's Happening?

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Pizza Hut Closures: What You Need to Know

68 restaurants to close across the UK, including locations in Brighton, Hull, and Edinburgh
1,210 jobs at risk, but 64 sites and 1,276 jobs saved by Yum! Brands

Why is this happening?

Pizza Hut's UK business has been struggling with challenging trading conditions and increased costs.

What's next?

Administrators will work with redundant employees to provide support.

British Gran's Journey Home After 12 Years on Death Row

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Introduction to Freedom

After spending 12 years on death row in Indonesia, Lindsay Sandiford, a 69-year-old British woman, is finally going home.
She was sentenced to death for smuggling £1.6 million worth of cocaine.
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So, what's next?
She'll be transferred to the UK in about two weeks
She'll be joined by another British prisoner, Shahab Shahabadi, who's serving a life sentence

A New Chapter

You might be wondering, how is this possible?
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It's a big deal, especially since Indonesia and the UK don't have a formal prisoner transfer arrangement.

Nord Stream Sabotage: A Web of Intrigue

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The US Defense Secretary's plane made an emergency landing in the UK due to a cracked windshield.

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The plane was flying from Brussels to the US when the incident occurred
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Spying Charges Dropped: What Happened?

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Justice for Agnes: A Family's 13-Year Fight

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What's Happening?

A Kenyan woman, Agnes Wanjiru, MURDERED in 2012, and her family is still seeking justice.

The Story So Far...

Agnes' body was found in a hotel septic tank near a British Army base in Kenya
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What's Happening?

The UK's approach to China has sparked controversy and raised questions about national security.
The prosecution of two Britons accused of spying for China was dropped due to a lack of evidence from the government.
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Why Does it Matter?

This issue affects YOU and the UK's relationship with China. The government's stance on China has significant implications for national security and trade.

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What's Happening with Google in the UK?

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Google has substantial and entrenched market power in general search and search advertising
The company accounts for more than 90% of the UK's online searches
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What's Next?

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In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump has confirmed a 30-day pause on tariffs for Mexico and Canada. This decision comes after talks with the leaders of both countries, who have agreed to stricter border measures to combat the illegal drug trade. But tensions with the EU are on the rise as Trump threatens tariffs, sparking fears of a trade war. Here's what you need to know:

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