Russia moves to block WhatsApp in messaging app crackdown

Andy Burnham has been warned that the UK economy could barely grow next year if disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues until the end of 2026. Treasury sources have confirmed that internal modelling presented to the new prime minister and chancellor suggests UK GDP growth could be as low as 0.3% in 2027, as…

A new funding scheme will give access to emergency cash for people on low incomes across England. The Crisis and Resilience Fund beginning at the start of April will provide £1bn annually for the next three years. People will be able to apply for emergency funds through their local council, whether or not they currently…

Xbox is introducing strict monthly time limits for Game Pass subscribers who stream games online through its cloud gaming service. The changes, which come into effect in November, will see a subscriber to the £16.99 Ultimate monthly plan able to stream games for up to 15 hours a month – before having to purchase additional…

Andrew SinclairEast of England political editor, Colchester Andrew Sinclair/BBC More than 330,000 people used foodbanks in the East of England in the last year. A notable fall in numbers in 2026 would show that cost of living pressures are easing. Opinion polls suggest just over half of voters see the economy and the cost of…