New research suggests a 'quiet revival' may be underway in the UK, with church attendance rising significantly - particularly among Generation Z. A study commissioned by the Bible Society found that 12% of UK adults now attend church at least once a month, up from 8% in 2018. The biggest increase was among 18- to 24-year-old men, rising from 4% to over 20%, with similar growth seen among young women. One-third of Gen Z non-attenders said they would go to church if invited by a friend. The report also highlights increasing diversity within UK churches, with ethnic minorities now accounting for one in five regular attenders. Churchgoers were also found to report higher life satisfaction, lower anxiety, and stronger community engagement. Paul Williams, CEO of the Bible Society, said the findings challenge the narrative of church decline, revealing instead that the Church in England and Wales is growing and offering real hope. Pentecostal and Roman Catholic congregations showed especially strong growth during the study period.
A quiet yet courageous resistance is growing among evangelical leaders in Russia who are risking their freedom to oppose the war in Ukraine. Bishop Albert Ratkin, pastor of Word of Life Church near Moscow, has been labelled a 'foreign agent' by the Kremlin and has had his church raided. Despite the risks, Ratkin continues to speak publicly against the war, declaring that Christians must not support violence. Other pastors, such as Nikolay Romanyuk and Yuri Sipko, have faced imprisonment, persecution, or have fled the country entirely. Romanyuk is currently facing prison for urging Christians not to enlist, while Sipko fled to Germany after authorities called his sermons 'enemy propaganda’. Pastor Andre Furmanov helps church members obtain military exemptions but avoids public protests to avoid jeopardizing lives. These men represent a small group of faithful believers whose conscience, shaped by the gospel, compels them to stand for peace and truth. Despite repression and persecution, they remain committed to proclaiming Christ’s message of love and justice.
Keir Starmer has cautioned that even if the UK secures a US trade deal or lower tariffs, it will not be enough to safeguard Britain’s economic future. In response to Donald Trump’s imposition of a 10% import tax on British goods, Starmer urged the UK to adapt to a changing global landscape by strengthening cooperation with Europe and diversifying trade partnerships. Trump later announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, though uncertainty remains. Global markets reacted with volatility, and the Bank of England warned of rising global financial risks. Despite the turmoil, Starmer reaffirmed the government's fiscal discipline. Rachel Reeves is also working to establish trade agreements, including a recent £400 million deal with India, and has planned high-level meetings in Washington and Brussels. The Government aims to boost UK growth by fostering new trade alliances while safeguarding vital interests like the NHS and digital taxation.
The Government has offered to buy the critical raw materials - particularly coking coal - needed to keep British Steel’s blast furnaces running in Scunthorpe. Without this urgent purchase, steel production could halt within weeks and may not be restartable. The offer is directed to Chinese owner Jingye, which has deemed the plant financially unsustainable. Talks continue between British Steel and government officials, with ministers preferring a commercial solution but not ruling out nationalisation. One of the two furnaces, 'Bess,' is scheduled for temporary shutdown on 14 April to conserve remaining materials. The Government hopes to buy time for further negotiations, though frustrations with Jingye’s perceived withdrawal have grown. A new long-term partner may be sought. Unions warn of an 'extreme emergency' and are calling for nationalisation to protect 2,700 jobs and preserve UK steelmaking. A final decision must be made within days to secure new coal and iron ore supplies.
The Government has announced a major new initiative to restore neighbourhood policing, aiming to rebuild public trust and enhance community safety. Under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, 13,000 additional officers will be deployed by 2029 - an increase of more than 50%. Every neighbourhood will have named, contactable officers and guaranteed police patrols during peak times, ending the postcode lottery in law enforcement standards. Each police force will also appoint an antisocial behaviour lead to respond to local issues with tailored action plans. The initiative includes new powers through the Crime and Policing Bill to address antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and phone theft. Retailers and hospitality leaders have welcomed the measures, recognising visible policing as essential for revitalising high streets and ensuring safe neighbourhoods across the UK.
Ofcom has launched its first investigation under the new Online Safety Act into a pro-suicide forum linked to at least fifty UK deaths. The anonymous website, which cannot be named for legal reasons, hosts disturbing content promoting suicide methods and substances - some linked to Kenneth Law, a Canadian cook charged with 14 counts of murder. The forum has tens of thousands of users, including children, and was instrumental in promoting Law’s deadly poison before his 2023 arrest. Families of victims are urging Ofcom to act swiftly, noting the site remains active and continues to attract vulnerable individuals. Campaigners like Melanie Saville, whose brother-in-law Joe died after visiting the site, have spent years lobbying for its closure. Though Ofcom now has the authority to fine platforms or seek court orders for removal, enforcement could prove difficult as the site is hosted in the USA. Campaigners warn that delay may cost more lives, while the forum’s operators claim censorship and are seeking cryptocurrency donations to keep the site open.
A new at-home saliva test assessing genetic risk has shown greater accuracy than the current PSA blood test in detecting prostate cancer, according to a major UK study. The spit test, which evaluates 130 genetic variants to calculate a polygenic risk score (PRS), was found to be more effective at identifying aggressive prostate cancers than traditional PSA testing. Led by Prof Ros Eeles at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, the study demonstrated that 40% of high-risk men flagged by the test were diagnosed with cancer, compared to 25% diagnosed through PSA testing. Moreover, the saliva test detected a higher proportion of aggressive cancers. This non-invasive, inexpensive tool could improve early diagnosis and reduce unnecessary treatments linked to false positives from PSA tests. Researchers are also developing updated versions of the test tailored for men of Asian and African heritage. While further research is needed to confirm long-term outcomes, experts hope the PRS test could soon revolutionise screening for men most at risk, offering better protection and peace of mind.
Around fifty Christians protested outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, after the school cancelled its traditional Easter bonnet parade and church service. Headteacher Stephanie Mander informed parents that the decision aimed to foster an inclusive environment, opting instead for classroom lessons and craft activities about the meaning of Easter. Protesters accused the school of marginalising Christianity. Banners declared messages like 'Jesus is King' and 'Let’s cancel her’, referring to the headteacher. Protesters distributed Easter eggs and prayed collectively at the end of the demonstration. A smaller counter-protest of parents defended the school’s decision, citing concerns about promoting division and noting financial pressures on families that may have influenced the cancellation. Police were present, but no arrests were made. The event has reignited broader concerns among some Christians about feeling increasingly sidelined within educational institutions and society at large.