EUROPE

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Pepsi has announced it will no longer be the main sponsor of London’s Wireless Festival this summer following the news that Kanye West is set to headline. The rapper, known as Ye, has faced intense backlash for past antisemitic remarks, despite issuing an apology in January. The decision comes shortly after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described West’s headlining slot as "deeply concerning."

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A dispute has emerged over the cost of policing the state visit of Donald Trump to Windsor Castle in September 2025, with Thames Valley Police being told it will not receive full reimbursement for expenses exceeding £900,000. The decision, confirmed by the Home Office, has drawn criticism from local officials who argue that the financial burden should not fall on local taxpayers.

Matthew Barber, the police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, expressed clear disappointment after being informed that the government would not cover the full cost of officer time spent during the high profile visit. According to Barber, the force has effectively been left “short changed” by more than £900,000. He has been actively seeking reimbursement for several months and insists that the current arrangement is unfair given the national significance of such events.

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Scott Mills has signed off from his role on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, marking a sudden and unexpected departure from the broadcaster.

The DJ, who began hosting the BBC Radio 2 breakfast program in January 2025, has left the station's flagship show after the BBC confirmed on March 30 that he is no longer contracted with the organization. A spokesperson for the broadcaster stated that while it does not comment on individual personnel matters, it can confirm that Mills is no longer working under contract with the BBC.

Following the announcement, BBC's director of music, Lorna Clarke, sent an internal message to staff addressing the situation. In her note, which was later reported by E! News, she acknowledged that the news would likely come as a surprise to many employees, particularly those who had worked with Mills over the years across various platforms including Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 5 Live, and television. She said it was important to inform staff as soon as possible given the circumstances.

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Slovenia has become the first European Union member state to implement fuel rationing following significant disruptions in global energy markets. The measure follows US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on Gulf allies, which have caused worldwide fuel prices to spike. Slovenian officials introduced the limits to combat "fuel tourism," where drivers from neighboring countries like Austria cross the border to buy cheaper, regulated fuel.

Under the new measures, private motorists in Slovenia will be restricted to a maximum purchase of 50 litres of fuel per day. Businesses and farmers have a more generous allowance of 200 litres.

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Austria has announced plans to ban social media for children under the age of 14, joining a growing list of countries implementing online restrictions for minors. The decision follows negotiations within the nation's three-party coalition government. While Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler stated the ban is necessary to prevent children from becoming "addicted" or "ill," the government has not yet provided specific details on how or when the policy will be enforced.

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The BBC has asked a court to dismiss a multi-billion dollar lawsuit filed by Donald Trump, arguing that the Florida court lacks jurisdiction. The broadcaster stated that the Panorama episode in question—which featured edited sections of a Trump speech—was never aired in the U.S. and was unavailable on iPlayer or any American streaming platforms.

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Apple is introducing age verification for iPhone and iPad users in the UK to control access to 18-plus apps and services. Following the iOS 26.4 software update, users will be prompted to confirm they are adults by providing a credit card or scanning an ID. According to Apple’s support page, users who are underage or choose not to verify their age will have web content filters enabled automatically on their devices.

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In recent years a noticeable shift has been taking place in the United Kingdom’s anti abortion movement. While opposition to abortion has existed for decades, analysts and activists say a new generation of young people is becoming increasingly involved in campaigning against abortion. Many observers point to the growing influence of American conservative organisations, activists and messaging as one of the main forces behind this change.

One example often cited is the experience of 21 year old John Alexander from Buckinghamshire. Alexander says his opposition to abortion began while he was still at school, long before his religious views became more serious. At the time he struggled to understand why many of his classmates supported abortion access and he frequently voiced his disagreement on social media.

After the pandemic he began exploring Christianity more deeply. Although he was raised in the Church of England, he felt that the denomination lacked energy and engagement with social issues. He later became inspired by a Pentecostal pastor whose sermons openly addressed issues such as abortion. Online videos of street preachers and Christian commentators also played a role in shaping his views.