Household bills are set to rise as Ofgem introduces levies to fund grid and pipeline upgrades. The charges, supporting a £58bn networks programme and wider expansion, will climb over the decade, offsetting the Chancellor’s £159-a-year bill cut and reaching about £116 annually by 2030.
A public inquiry found a foreign leader morally responsible for the death of Dawn Sturgess after the Salisbury nerve‑agent incident. The PM announced new sanctions, including asset freezes, on officials tied to the regime, saying Britain and its allies will stand firm.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused the BBC of double standards, pointing to 1970s shows that would fail today’s standards, after it questioned him over alleged schoolboy racism, which he denies. He said he may boycott the broadcaster unless it apologises.
Liz Kendall rejects claims Labour is the party of welfare, calling the label ignorant. She defends tax rises to fund reforms, including ending the two‑child cap and expanding help with nursery fees. Labour says the package could lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030, despite criticism from the Tories and Reform.
Joe Root hit an Ashes century, meaning Australian great Matthew Hayden’s tongue-in-cheek vow to streak if Root missed a ton won’t happen. The innings steadied England and spared spectators an awkward sideshow, keeping attention on a composed batting display.
David Lammy has suggested the UK consider joining a customs union, arguing it would boost growth and cut red tape. The PM has ruled it out, insisting current arrangements can deliver. The comments reveal a policy split and are likely to prompt renewed pressure from business.
Health officials warn of an unprecedented early surge in flu, raising fears of the worst winter wave in years. With cases at record seasonal highs, the NHS faces heavy pressure. People, especially the vulnerable and frontline staff, are urged to get vaccinated promptly.
Christopher Harborne has given Reform £9m, a record donation that puts the party top of quarterly fundraising with more than £10m raised. The gift bolsters Nigel Farage’s campaign, leaving the Tories and Labour trailing on reported totals.
Nigel Farage rejected new claims from former classmates that he used racist language at school, calling them vindictive. He attacked broadcasters and the Guardian over coverage as his party slips in polls, bringing renewed scrutiny of his conduct and leadership.
A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck the Lake District, the BGS confirmed. Tremors were felt across Cumbria and parts of Lancashire, rattling homes and prompting numerous reports. No significant damage or injuries were recorded, and activity subsided quickly.
An inquiry into the Salisbury nerve agent incident finds it was authorised at the highest level of a hostile state, with its leader deemed morally responsible for a Briton’s death. Officials say the operation was a reckless show of power and warn the state’s agents remain an active threat to the UK.
The health secretary has ordered an independent review into rising ADHD diagnoses and associated benefit claims. It will scrutinise assessment standards, private clinics and medication, and pressures on services. The aim is to tighten rules while protecting support for genuine need.
An entertainer reunites with her husband after leaving a jungle reality show, expressing relief to be home and praising their relationship. She also addresses a minor on‑set fuss dubbed milk bottle‑gate, giving her side and playing down the incident.
The Duchess of Sussex’s father, 81, is in intensive care in the Philippines after emergency surgery. He became seriously ill at home and was rushed to hospital. Doctors plan a further procedure to address a blood clot, according to his son.
A recently evicted I’m A Celeb contestant reunited with their spouse and joked about needing hotel privacy after their longest time apart in nearly a decade, offering light reflections on life after leaving the camp.
Kemi Badenoch alleges the PM’s business rates rise will damage high streets, hitting hospitality and retail with higher costs and risking closures and job losses. The government says the changes are needed to fund services and modernise the system.
Ministers plan nationwide live facial recognition, letting police match CCTV to the passport photo database. They say it will speed suspect identification; critics warn of privacy risks, false matches and mission creep. Statutory oversight and safeguards are promised.
UK authorities are probing claims that foreign operatives used cargo ships and smaller ports to enter the country, then visited areas near military bases and critical infrastructure. Security services are tightening dock checks and examining shipping as a tool for hostile activity.
Parents are set to save up to £900 a year as the PM pledges to overhaul infant formula rules. Planned changes will allow price promotions, improve labelling and retailer guidance, and boost competition, helping families make informed choices and cut costs.
Bond investors cautioned the US Treasury that selecting Kevin Hassett to replace Powell as Fed chair could unsettle markets, citing worries over his perceived political ties and potential for sweeping rate cuts. Officials said the selection process continues, with alternatives under review.
An investigation finds thousands of NHS laboratory staff exposed to unsafe formaldehyde levels, a cancer-linked chemical, with cases of severe asthma and long-term illness forcing some to leave work. Regulators’ limits were breached. Experts call for urgent safeguards, monitoring and accountability.
