The Independent - May 15, 2025

In this issue

May 15, 2025

Recalled criminals to serve just 28 days under measures to free up 1,400 prison cells

Recalled prisoners will be released after 28 days under emergency measures to free up 1,400 prison places, the justice secretary has announced.

3 mins

Critical gender care waiting list for children rises by 12%

Children aged under five are among a soaring number of young people waiting for gender care treatment as the NHS grapples to clear a backlog of patients.

3 mins

Exonerated Sullivan faces up to 30-month wait for payout after 38 years in jail

The victim of the UK’s longest-running miscarriage of justice faces an agonising potential two-and-a-half-year wait for compensation after spending 38 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.

3 mins

PM mocked for 'learning' from Reform on migration

Sir Keir Starmer has been mocked by Nigel Farage for learning a great deal” from Reform UK on immigration, as the PM faces a growing backlash from his MPs over the government’s rhetoric.

2 mins

What a youth visa scheme with the EU could look like

The UK looks increasingly likely to agree to a post-Brexit youth mobility scheme with the European Union at a major UK-EU summit on Monday.

2 mins

Is the tide really turning against assisted dying?

As the Scottish parliament backed the general principles for assisted dying in a vote, reports suggested some MPs might be turning against the equivalent bill at Westminster, which will be debated in the Commons tomorrow.

3 mins

Lowe attacks 'viper' Farage as probe dropped into claim he threatened Reform chair

Former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has branded Nigel Farage a coward and a viper” after an inquiry into allegations he made verbal threats” against the party’s chair was dropped.

2 mins

'I had a baby early then was investigated for a year'

Bel Trew speaks to a woman hounded by police due to a 164year-old abortion law being debated in parliament this week

7 mins

Lineker issues apology for resharing ‘antisemitic' post

Gary Lineker has apologised after sharing an Instagram video on Zionism with his 1.2 million followers that featured an emoji of a rat.

2 mins

Famous tattooist's fortune sparks an inheritance battle.

The estate of a legendary tattoo artist who became the Queen’s handyman is at the centre of a High Court inheritance court fight between his widow and his secret” daughter in Australia.

4 mins

'You killed my son,' mother sobs as cannabis dealer who caused explosion sentenced

A drug dealer who caused the death of a seven-year-old boy in an explosion has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

2 mins

Syria's ex-terrorist leader earns approval of Trump

President calls former al-Qaeda commander ‘amazing’ after historic meeting where he lifts sanctions on war-torn nation

3 mins

Putin no-show throws peace talks in Turkey into doubt

US official also confirms Donald Trump will no longer attend

2 mins

Trump cuts scrap vital aid for Ugandan LGBT+ people

Rachel Schraer speaks to those facing dwindling medication and increased discrimination as the funding is ripped away

4 mins

James Cook memorial won't return to Melbourne park

An often vandalised monument to renowned British explorer James Cook in Melbourne, Australia, will not be repaired due to the growing cost of doing so, although authorities reject accusations that the vandals have won.

2 mins

Starmer must make the case for stronger ties with the EU

Keir Starmer has allowed Nigel Farage to set the government’s agenda on immigration. But he must not dance to Farage’s tune on the EU.

3 mins

'I'm convinced that Nixon would never have said what he said to anybody else'

As David Frost’s interview with disgraced Richard Nixon is broadcast again on Sky, it serves as a prophecy for Donald Trump who believes he’s above the law, writes Guy Walters

5 mins

Awoniyi horror is a red flag the game must not ignore

Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma because of an incident that should have never been allowed to play out.

3 mins

McIlroy's new resilience puts PGA rivals on notice

First came the vulnerability over many years.

3 mins

In Antonelli, Mercedes may have found their Verstappen

Toto Wolff has staked his post-Hamilton legacy on replacing one of the greatest of all time with an 18-year-old F1 rookie. So far, it looks like a masterstroke, writes Kieran Jackson

4 mins

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