EUROPE

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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.

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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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The Italian government has purchased a painting by the Baroque master Caravaggio for €30 million ($34.8 million). The artwork, a portrait of Monsignor Maffeo Barberini (who later became Pope Urban VIII), was acquired from a private collection in Florence. Italy’s culture minister described the piece as being of "exceptional importance" and noted that the sale is part of a strategy to keep major cultural works in public hands.

Caravaggio, master of a lighting technique to make his subjects seem to come alive, has about 65 surviving known works worldwide, only three of which are portraits.

The painting has been transferred to the permanent collection of the Palazzo Barberini - the historic home of the family of the portrait's subject in Rome - where it was first exhibited.

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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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People are urged to join marches in some 150 towns – including Paris, Bordeaux, Lille and Marseille as well as smaller places such as Saint-Malo – to mark International Women’s Day.

In Paris, the main procession will set off at 2pm from Stalingrad in the north-east of the city and head towards Place de la République via Gare du Nord.

"The far right means a rollback of rights for everyone – and particularly for women," said Anne Leclerc of the National Collective for Women's Rights. "You only have to look at what is happening in the United States under Donald Trump – it's a laboratory."

Since returning to the White House last year, the US president has introduced measures restricting abortion rights and dismantled anti-discrimination policies.

"When conservatism rises, the first rights to come under attack are those of women and those linked to sexuality," said Sarah Durocher of the Mouvement français pour le planning familial (French family planning organisation).

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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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US President, Donald Trump has said Britain is considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East but insisted the United States does not need British assistance to win the ongoing war with Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested the United Kingdom was only now thinking about deploying naval forces after the conflict had largely been decided.

“The United Kingdom, our once great ally, maybe the greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East,” Trump wrote.

“That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer. But we will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won.”

Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and London after Britain initially blocked the use of its military bases for US strikes on Iran.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had earlier defended the decision, saying the government needed to ensure that any military action was legal and carefully planned before granting support.