Greggs reports a 7.2% increase in total sales to £1.1bn for the first half of 2026, attributed to new store openings, successful menu adaptations (iced matcha lattes, salads, chicken rolls), and controlled price increases, despite UK heatwaves.
A 19-year-old Norwegian, Johannes Natland, was convicted at London's Old Bailey for conspiracy to murder, having been recruited by a Swedish crime group allegedly used by the Iranian government.
Love Island UK's evolving dynamics reflect broader societal changes in gender roles in dating, with women increasingly taking the lead, yet traditional expectations and double standards persist.
A surge in UK consumer confidence, dubbed the 'Burnham bounce', driven by optimism in economic prospects, coincides with England's strong World Cup run and policy interventions like VAT cuts. However, deep inequalities and gloomy outlooks among older Britons and the poorest households threaten sustainability.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting downplays Iran's threats of attack, stating the UK is prepared to respond to any aggression and remains aligned with the US on securing maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
Online sales in Great Britain reached a five-year high in June, rising 1% month-on-month, driven by a heatwave boosting demand for air conditioners and outdoor products, and World Cup spending, according to the ONS.
A senior UK government official announces 'No 10 North', a new initiative based in Manchester, aimed at decentralizing political and economic power, driving reindustrialisation, and fostering bottom-up growth across all UK regions to achieve equivalent living standards.
UK homes are ill-equipped for rising temperatures, with past policy failures like the Green Homes Grant exacerbating the issue. London's mayor proposes a heat-ready plan, but its implementation faces significant public investment challenges amidst political quietness on the climate crisis.
Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami and face extradition to the UK on new rape and sex trafficking charges. The White House confirmed the Trump administration will not intervene, despite the Tates' support for Donald Trump.
Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn dismissed Tyson Fury's doubts about their long-awaited heavyweight clash, confirming the fight is still expected in November. Both boxers have warm-up bouts this week, with Joshua fighting in Saudi Arabia and Fury in Thailand.
Australia is investing A$4.6 billion (US$3.2 billion) into a shipyard in Osborne, South Australia, to build sovereign capability for its future submarine fleet under the AUKUS deal, addressing concerns over slow production rates from the US and UK.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the new UK Energy Secretary, faces urgent decisions on gas supply, including approving new fields and a £2bn expansion for Centrica's Rough storage facility, crucial for avoiding a 2030 crisis.
British boxer Hamzah Sheeraz, inspired by working in Eden Hazard's apartment, reignited his career and is now set to defend his WBO super-middleweight title against Simon Zachenhuber in Saudi Arabia. Undefeated, Sheeraz dreams of fighting boxing legend Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
New data from the Metropolitan Police shows a significant drop in neighbourhood crime and homicides in London, with the Mayor attributing success to record police funding and the Violence Reduction Unit. The report aims to counter online disinformation portraying London as a "lawless" city.
Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, has appointed several prominent critics of his predecessor Keir Starmer to top government positions. This move follows Starmer's erosion of power and subsequent ousting, with figures like Anas Sarwar, Ed Miliband, John Healey, and Wes Streeting now receiving promotions after publicly challenging the former leader.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games aim to redefine their future with a simplified, cost-effective model, expanded Para programme, and new broadcasting deal. Key athletes like Adam Peaty and Shericka Jackson return, while India faces reduced medal opportunities but eyes future hosting bids.
Hedge funds have significantly increased short positions against UK-listed stocks, with disclosed bets surging fivefold in the first half of 2026. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham's 'cost-of-living' agenda, focusing on housing and utilities, is expected to create new long and short opportunities across various sectors.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham aims to strengthen No 10's executive power to drive a decentralisation agenda, addressing the paradox of Britain's overcentralised state and past policy failures under Sir Keir Starmer.
Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, has appointed several prominent critics of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, to key cabinet positions. This move comes despite Burnham's pledge to end factionalism within the Labour Party, rewarding figures like Anas Sarwar, Ed Miliband, John Healey, and Wes Streeting for their past challenges to Starmer's leadership.
Over 70 mosque attacks occurred in the UK last year, with data showing a 19% rise in anti-Muslim hate crime in England and Wales. The British Muslim Trust criticizes the government's £40m security funding scheme for being difficult to access and slow, despite the increasing threat.
Britain's 8,000 km canal network, originally built for industrial transport, has unexpectedly become a vital refuge for endangered wildlife like water voles and otters. These waterways also offer significant mental health benefits to nearby residents, despite facing pressures from pollution, invasive species, and climate change, requiring constant maintenance.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after winning Labour leadership unopposed, announced a "cost of living government." His initial policies include removing 5% VAT from electricity bills until April and capping single bus fares in England (outside London) at £2 from January 2025.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces early criticism for his "doing politics differently" approach, accused of U-turns on tax and rent policies. He defends his open communication style, which worked as Greater Manchester mayor, but risks misunderstanding in Downing Street.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, following Keir Starmer's resignation, has prioritized the cost of living, announcing a 5% VAT removal from electricity bills and capping bus fares at £2 in England outside London. These measures, funded by scrapping the digital ID program and reallocating climate finance, highlight the fiscal challenges of high public debt and ambitious spending plans.
