This cookie policy explains how Headlines UK uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website. It tells you what cookies are, which ones we use, and how you can control them. We recommend reading it alongside our privacy policy, which covers how we handle personal data. You can adjust your cookie preferences at any time using the Cookie Settings link in the footer of every page.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences, recognise you on return visits, and understand how you use the site. Headlines UK uses cookies to improve your experience and to support our journalism. Some cookies are essential for the site to work, while others help us analyse traffic and offer a more personalised service.
Cookies may be ‘session’ cookies, which are deleted when you close your browser, or ‘persistent’ cookies, which remain on your device for a set period. We also use third-party cookies from trusted providers, such as analytics and advertising partners, but only with your consent where required.
What cookies does Headlines UK use?
Headlines UK uses four categories of cookies: strictly necessary, analytics, functional, and advertising. Only strictly necessary cookies are essential for the site to function; all others require your consent before we set them. We classify each cookie according to the purpose it serves.
- Strictly necessary cookies – These are required for basic site operations, such as security, session management, and load balancing. They are set automatically and cannot be turned off through our cookie settings.
- Analytics cookies – These help us understand how readers interact with our content, which pages are most popular, and where visitors come from. We use aggregated, anonymised data to improve site performance. Disabling these cookies does not affect your browsing experience.
- Functional cookies – These remember your preferences, such as font size, cookie consent choices, and region settings. They enable enhanced personalisation but are not essential.
- Advertising cookies – These are used by third-party advertising partners to display relevant ads and measure their effectiveness. We clearly label all sponsored or commercial content in line with our advertising and affiliate disclosure policy. These cookies are only set if you give consent.
We do not use cookies for retargeting or to build behavioural profiles without your explicit consent. A full list of individual cookies and their purposes is available on request – write to privacy@headlinesuk.uk.
How do I manage my cookie preferences?
You can accept or reject non-essential cookies when you first land on Headlines UK, or later by clicking ‘Cookie Settings’ in the footer of every page. Our cookie consent tool lets you toggle each category on or off. When you make a choice, a functional cookie stores that preference so we do not ask again on subsequent visits.
If you disable analytics or advertising cookies, we and our partners stop setting those cookies on your device. Your existing cookies from your previous consent will remain unless you clear them through your browser settings. You can also withdraw consent at any time by returning to the Cookie Settings link. Please note that blocking strictly necessary cookies may prevent parts of the site from working correctly. For more detail on how we process your data, see our privacy policy.
How this works in practice
When you visit an article on Headlines UK, our cookie banner appears. You decide to click ‘Cookie Settings’ and disable analytics and advertising cookies. Only strictly necessary cookies are set. Your preference is stored in a functional cookie so we remember your choice on subsequent visits. If you later enable analytics cookies, we begin collecting anonymised usage data to help improve site performance – for example, identifying which articles our readers find most useful. You can change your mind as often as you like.
Who is responsible for cookies on Headlines UK?
Headlines UK is owned and operated by Sliema Media Limited, a company registered in Malta (Malta Business Registry number C 84217, registered office Level 3, Tower Business Centre, Tower Street, Swatar, Birkirkara BKR 4013, Malta). Our editorial team, led by editor‑in‑chief David Harwood, oversees all content, but cookie management is handled by our privacy team. For questions about your cookie choices, contact privacy@headlinesuk.uk.
We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe we are not handling your data properly. Full details of our ownership, funding, and editorial independence are available on our ownership and funding page. For general inquiries about our journalism, visit our contact page.
In short
Cookies help Headlines UK deliver a smoother, more personalised experience. You are in control of which non-essential cookies you allow, and you can change your mind at any time through the Cookie Settings link. If you have any questions, please write to privacy@headlinesuk.uk.