J.K. Rowling caused a fresh storm online after openly ridiculing SNP MP Kirsty Blackman’s contribution to a Westminster Hall debate on the Equality Act in June 12, 2023. Highlighting Blackman’s comment — "I have an assumption that my chromosomes are probably XY but I don't know" — Rowling tweeted, "Footage like this must be preserved for posterity, or future generations will never believe how many idiots paraded their stupidity in the sincere belief that they were being clever." The scathing remark quickly went viral, reigniting fierce cultural battles and drawing sharp lines between Rowling’s supporters and her critics.

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse, has died by suicide at age 41. She was a prominent campaigner against sex trafficking and abuse, having alleged that she was trafficked to Prince Andrew when she was 17. Her family described her as a "fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse" who lost her life to suicide after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. The cause of death is under investigation by police.

Corby MP Lee Barron criticized North Northamptonshire Council for demanding £5,000 in legal fees from residents who took the council to court over a planning error. The council failed to consult people living close to a proposed warehouse site, and only consulted the wrong street. The residents applied for a judicial review, which was dismissed due to a delay in filing. However, the judge criticized the council's handling of the planning application. Despite this, the council is pursuing legal fees from the residents, who feel it is unfair given the council's own errors.

Prince William and Keir Starmer attended Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City's St. Peter's Square, joining other world leaders for a moment of silence and the open-air service. Prince William, representing his father King Charles III, stood with Sir Keir, wearing a dark blue suit and black tie, and bowed his head during the moment of silence. He then met with clergy members before taking his seat in the basilica. The event saw 55 heads of state, 14 heads of government, and 12 reigning monarchs attend, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.