National News

Pakistani authorities have cracked down on supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan, detaining hundreds in overnight raids and sending troops across the country to rein in violence that followed his arrest earlier this week. Clashes with police since Mr Khan’s dramatic arrest on Tuesday have killed at least eight of his supporters and dozens have been injured. Five of the deaths were reported in north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, two in the eastern city

The last Irish act to qualify for the grand final of Eurovision has called for the country to follow in the footsteps of the UK in “mixing up” its strategy. Despite Ireland’s record seven wins at the contest, it has failed to qualify for the final since Ryan O’Shaughnessy entered with his song Together in 2018. On Tuesday night, Wild Youth became the latest act to see their hopes dashed

Ukrainians will have the “best chance to defend themselves” after the UK’s donation of Storm Shadow cruise missiles, the Defence Secretary has said. Ben Wallace confirmed that he and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had agreed to authorise the donation after continued Russian attacks on Ukraine. He told the House of Commons: “Today I can confirm that the UK is donating Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. “Storm Shadow is a long-range,

TikTok does not want to compete with the BBC at Eurovision but instead “complement” and drive viewers towards its grand final coverage, a manager has said. The social media platform has partnered with contest organiser the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC for the event in Liverpool, with busker pop-ups around the city, special coverage and gigs. James Stafford, TikTok’s general manager of marketing and operations for the UK, Ireland and Nordics,

Britain’s interest rates are expected to rise to the highest level since 2008. According to economists and the financial markets, the base rate will rise for the 12th consecutive time as inflation continues to soar. Policymakers at the Bank of England are expected to raise interests from 4.25% to 4.5% on Thursday, representing a 0.25 percentage point increase. The move will make it even more expensive to borrow, pushing banks

The Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot has been renamed in honour of the late Queen and will now be known as The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. The late Queen’s love of racing and passion for breeding was rewarded with Classic success in all of the major British races except the Derby, but it is the Royal meeting in June which she became synonymous with. She entered with winner’s

There were “no concerns” about Richard Sharp’s integrity while he was BBC chairman, a BBC conflicts of interest review commissioned after he was embroiled in a cronyism row involving Boris Johnson has found. The former Goldman Sachs banker and Conservative party donor resigned from his role at the corporation last month over helping the former prime minister secure an £800,000 loan facility. He will stand down at the end of

British musician Stormzy will make his Soccer Aid debut when he steps on to the pitch as the manager of the England side, it has been announced. The Vossi Bop singer, 29, and Manchester United fan will be assisted by former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, Chelsea women boss Emma Hayes and Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure, who are all part of the England management team for the charity event.

Multi-platinum hit-makers Duran Duran have added a top civic award from home city Birmingham to their vast collection of accolades, calling it “quite an honour”. The synth pop pioneers, who have just completed a UK tour, were handed a Lord Mayor’s Award ahead of their May 5 homecoming show at the city’s Utilita Arena. Councillor Maureen Cornish, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, was pictured back stage with current line-up, Simon Le