The UK Ministry of Defence is preparing a voluntary military gap-year style programme designed to give young people short-term experience in the armed forces. The initiative is intended to help address recruitment challenges while offering participants training and practical skills.

Under the proposal, participants would spend up to a year working with branches of the UK Armed Forces, gaining exposure to military life without committing to long-term service. Officials say the scheme would focus on personal development, teamwork, and technical skills rather than combat roles.

The programme is expected to be open to school leavers and young adults, providing paid placements and ...

Parts of the United Kingdom could see snow over the Christmas period as colder air moves across the country, according to the latest official weather forecasts.

Forecasters say wintry showers are most likely in northern and eastern regions, particularly over higher ground, while some low-lying areas may experience sleet or brief snowfall. Southern areas are expected to remain milder, though colder nights could still bring frost.

The Met Office said temperatures are expected to be close to or below average for late December, with a mix of rain, cold winds and occasional wintry conditions affecting different parts of the country.

Weather conditions are ...

UK prosecutors have filed additional rape and sexual assault charges against Russell Brand, significantly expanding the criminal case against the comedian and media personality.

The new charges relate to alleged offences involving multiple complainants and date back several years. Prosecutors said the decision followed a further review of evidence as part of an ongoing investigation into historical allegations.

Brand has previously denied all accusations of criminal wrongdoing and has said that any past relationships were consensual. His legal representatives have stated that he intends to contest the charges in court.

The case is being handled by UK authorities under standard criminal procedure, with ...

A new artwork widely believed to be by the elusive street artist Banksy has appeared overnight at the base of a skyscraper in west London, quickly attracting crowds of onlookers and sparking debate over its meaning.

The mural, discovered in the Bayswater area, depicts two children standing side by side and gazing up at a night sky filled with stars. Rendered in Banksy’s signature monochrome style, the piece is positioned low on the building, making it easily accessible to the public.

As with many suspected Banksy works, the artist has not immediately confirmed authorship. Banksy typically verifies new pieces by sharing images ...

Actor James Ransone, best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka in HBO’s acclaimed series The Wire, has died at the age of 45, according to reports confirmed by representatives and US media.

Ransone gained wide recognition for his emotionally charged performance in The Wire, which aired from 2002 to 2008 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas of all time. His portrayal of the troubled dockworker made him a standout among the show’s ensemble cast.

Beyond television, Ransone appeared in a range of films, including the horror thriller Sinister and the blockbuster It Chapter Two, demonstrating a ...