Over 330 UK schools closed due to severe snowfall
Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have led to the closure of over 330 schools across the UK, with significant travel disruptions reported, particularly in northern Scotland. The Met Office has issued amber warnings for heavy snow in parts of Scotland, where accumulations of more than 40cm have been recorded, and further snowfall is expected. Airports in Shetland and Orkney remain closed, while train services have been severely affected, with snow drifts reported up to 1.2 meters on some lines.
UK Government Unveils £210 Million Cyber Action Plan
The UK government has announced a £210 million Cyber Action Plan aimed at enhancing the security of public services in response to a rise in cyber attacks, notably affecting retailers like M&S, Co-op, and Jaguar Land Rover in 2025. The plan, driven by a new Government Cyber Unit, seeks to improve cyber resilience across government departments and public sector services, ensuring that essential online functions such as tax payments and healthcare access remain secure. This initiative coincides with the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill's progression in Parliament, which aims to enforce minimum cyber standards for firms supplying services to the government.
Scotland Announces Bank Holiday for World Cup Qualification
The Scottish government has announced a national bank holiday on June 15 to celebrate Scotland's qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998. First Minister John Swinney will propose the holiday to allow individuals and businesses to commemorate the event following Scotland's opening match against Haiti in Boston. Scotland secured their place in the tournament after a 4-2 victory over Denmark in November, ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup.
UK bans junk food ads to combat childhood obesity
The UK government has enacted a ban on junk food advertisements on television before 9pm and online at all times, effective January 6, 2026, as part of efforts to combat childhood obesity. This regulation targets foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, with the aim of reducing children's calorie intake by up to 7.2 billion calories annually and preventing approximately 20,000 cases of childhood obesity. The ban follows previous measures aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among children and is supported by the Food and Drink Federation, which has voluntarily complied since October 2025.
Manchester United sacks manager Ruben Amorim after 14 months
Manchester United has sacked manager Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge, incurring a cost of approximately £20 million. The decision followed Amorim's public criticism of the club's hierarchy and a negative meeting with director of football Jason Wilcox regarding his tactics. United, currently sixth in the Premier League, plans to appoint a caretaker manager while searching for a permanent successor.
