Christmas Past & Present: Getting Ready for the Festive Season
From Victorian goose clubs and Stir-Up Sunday puddings to Black Friday and luxury Advent calendars, here's how British families have got ready for Christmas across the generations.
UK news
National stories, written for UK readers.
UK
12 stories
US Flight Ground Stop: What Went Wrong and How UK Travellers Were Affected
A communications failure in America's air traffic control system brought flights to a standstill across the US. We explain what went wrong, how the disruption spread to UK airports and what passengers need to know.
When the Digital World Stops Working: Are We Too Dependent on Technology?
Microsoft's worldwide outage and cyber attacks on refrigeration systems show how much daily life depends on technology. Here are some simple ways to stay prepared when services go down.
Overcharged at the Pump? How to Report Fuel Price Problems in the UK
Found a different price at the pump, spotted an inaccurate fuel listing or suspect a faulty petrol dispenser? Here is how UK motorists can report fuel-price problems and which authority deals with each issue.
DWP Winter Fuel Payment eligibility 2026/27: who gets £100, £200 or £300
DWP is paying Winter Fuel Payments of £100 to £300 from mid-November to people born on or before 27 June 1960. Most are automatic, and anyone who needs to claim has until 31 March 2027.
The BBC’s 'Black Sky' Plan Explained: What It Is and What It Means for Sheldon
The BBC has revealed how it plans to keep broadcasting during an extreme national emergency. Here's what its Black Sky plan involves, why traditional FM radio still matters and what households in Sheldon, Birmingham and across the UK can learn from the government's Be Ready campaign.
When Smart Devices Are Weaponised: The Real-World Harm Cyber Attacks Can Cause
Hackers raised freezer temperatures to 50°C across supermarkets in seven European countries. The equipment used is also in Tesco and Sainsbury's — and over 800 UK refrigeration controllers are currently reachable from the open internet.
UK Earned Settlement Reforms: What the ILR Changes Mean for Care Workers
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a major overhaul of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) rules, moving the UK to an earned settlement system. Here is what the changes mean for migrants, care workers, and Skilled Worker visa holders across the UK.
The $6.3 Billion Binance Hack: How Stolen Funds and Cyber Attacks Really Work
Following the world's largest digital currency theft, I look at how criminal hackers drained $6.3 billion from Binance, how funds were frozen, and key takeaways for everyday online safety.
UK Be Ready Campaign: Why Are Households Being Told to Prepare for Emergencies?
Following the Government's new Be Ready campaign asking households to prepare for 3 days of disruption, I look at official guidance, Operation Albiston Shadow, and viral social media claims.
UK Budget 2026: What It Means for Households
Chancellor John Healey presented the 2026 UK Budget on 28 October, announcing a £100 energy payment, removal of gas standing charges, a £2 bus fare cap and changes affecting workers, pensioners and first-time buyers.
UK and EU Talks: Youth Mobility, Travel and Food Trade Explained
The UK and EU are in talks on a Youth Experience Scheme and a food and agricultural trade (SPS) agreement. Here is what is being discussed, what has not changed, and what happens next.