The Isle of Man is on course to become the first place in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults, as its parliament enters the final stages of debate on the legislation. If passed, the law would allow people over 18 with a prognosis of  less than twelve months to live to end their own lives under strict medical supervision. The proposal has sparked strong debate, with supporters arguing it grants dignity to those facing unbearable suffering, while opponents, including some doctors, fear it could lead to coercion and an expansion of euthanasia laws in the future. The UK, Scotland, and Jersey are also considering similar legislation, though their proposals differ in residency requirements and medical oversight. Some doctors on the Isle of Man have warned they may leave the profession if the law is enacted, while others see it as a necessary step for those suffering from painful, terminal illnesses.

Despite government pledges to lower the cost of living, UK energy bills remain the highest in Europe, as households face another price hike. From April to July, Ofgem’s energy price cap will increase by 6.4%, pushing the average annual bill to £1,847 - a rise of £111 per year. Although wholesale energy prices have dropped due to potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Europe’s gas reserves have been depleted following a cold winter, keeping costs high. Energy firms are offering fixed-rate deals, but experts warn that locking in a contract may prevent customers from benefiting if prices fall later. With 90% of UK households still on standard variable tariffs, millions remain vulnerable to rising costs. The Government insists its plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower will bring long-term relief, but for now, families continue to struggle with rising bills.

The Government’s secret demand to access Apple customers’ encrypted data has drawn sharp criticism from the US intelligence community. Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, revealed she was not informed about this move and is now investigating whether it violates US citizens’ privacy rights. The request would force Apple to break its encryption, something the company has refused to do. In response, Apple removed its highest-level security tool, Advanced Data Protection, from UK devices last week. This means UK customers' data remains encrypted but accessible to Apple if served with a legal warrant. The USA is now reviewing the UK’s actions, with concerns over whether it breaches agreements between the two nations on protecting citizens' private data. The Government has so far declined to comment on the matter.

The Church of England has initiated disciplinary proceedings against ten clergy members following the release of the Makin Review, which exposed the brutal abuse of over 120 boys by John Smyth at Christian youth camps from the late 1970s onwards. Among those facing action is former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, accused of failing to act on reports of abuse in 1983. Rev Andrew Cornes, who was set to help choose the next Archbishop of Canterbury, has also been suspended. Meanwhile, Justin Welby, who resigned as Archbishop earlier this year over his 'institutional responsibility', will not face action due to insufficient evidence. Survivors of Smyth’s abuse have expressed relief that justice is finally being done, though some are disappointed that others involved in the cover-up have not been named. Those found guilty could face permanent prohibition from church ministry.