NATIONAL

Over 2,000 UK firms collapsed in July as rising taxes and wages hit retail, hospitality, and construction under Chancellor Rachel Reeves' policies.

Finnish MP Eemeli Peltonen, 30, was found dead inside Parliament in Helsinki, weeks after sharing details of his rare kidney condition; his death is being treated as an apparent suicide.

New ONS figures reveal renters in England spend 36.3% of income on housing, with London tenants paying 41.6% — and some boroughs like Kensington and Chelsea swallowing more than 70%.

Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza sounds the alarm on drastic spine in pornographic exposure among young users. She urges the government to stop children from accessing VPNs.

Met Office says a widely reported 600-mile UK rainstorm forecast for 28 August is premature, with only broad weather trends possible.

The Cambridge Dictionary has added over 6,000 new words in 2025, including 'skibidi', 'delulu' and 'tradwife', reflecting Gen Z slang moving into mainstream English.

Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons halt supplies from Somerby Top Farm after alleged pig abuse; Red Tractor suspends assurance as Cranswick apologises.

Westminster Bridge closed Monday morning after police responded to a mental health incident. Commuters faced delays, bus diversions, and train disruptions across London's transport network.

Soho House nears £1.3bn ($1.8bn) buyout by MCR Hotels, aiming to restore its exclusive brand promise

Skibidi joins Cambridge Dictionary, reflecting Gen Alpha slang and fueling debate on internet culture's linguistic influence

Caroline, the fiancée of murder suspect Alexander McKellar, dropped an empty can of Red Bull at the grave of Parsons so she could later guide police to the exact spot without arousing suspicion.

UK state pension age to rise to 67 by 2028, possibly 70 by 2040s, due to fiscal pressures. Workers face longer careers, sparking equity concerns

Women in the UK are wearing pink at anti-migrant rallies to symbolise maternal concern, but critics warn the 'pink protests' are being used to mainstream far-right narratives.

Irish author Sally Rooney vows to fund banned group Palestine Action with BBC and book royalties, raising questions under UK counter-terrorism law.

Though she now denies it, Karen Matthews staged her daughter Shannon's 2008 kidnapping for reward money

A massive rainstorm will hit most of the UK from 27 August, with only eight counties likely to remain mostly dry.

Hurricane Erin, now a Category 3, will bring heavy rain and strong winds to southern and western UK from 19-28 Aug

BrewDog's Punk IPA has been axed from almost 2,000 pubs as the brewer struggles with falling demand, financial woes and lingering workplace controversies.

Spanish court orders global search for Jack Hulme, 31, accused in a Magaluf hit-and-run that injured two tourists. Proceedings paused until his arrest.

A Florida mother claims raw milk caused her miscarriage amid outbreak tied to Keely Farms Dairy. Officials warn of risks for pregnant women and children.

A leaked email reveals Birmingham City Council relied on police to remove Palestinian flags, fueling accusations of bias and double standards.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are relocating to their self-funded 'forever home' at Forest Lodge Windsor. Learn about its £16m value, royal history, and why the move breaks tradition.

Virgin Active sparks controversy by banning trans women from female changing rooms following legal action threats by TV star Michelle Dewberry. Here's who she is and why the case is making headlines.

US Vice-President JD Vance's Cotswolds holiday was upended by a staff mutiny that forced a Cotswolds pub to cancel his dinner booking, part of a week marked by protests, intrusive security, and satirical mockery.

Birmingham City Council has sparked outrage after removing Union Jack flags installed by locals, citing safety risks, while Palestinian flags remain on display. Critics call the move biased and politically charged.

A coroner confirmed Karl Joyce died from acute cocaine toxicity after collapsing in Manchester Airport custody, prompting a review of detainee safety measures.

Buckingham Palace issues rare update on King Charles's cancer, confirming ongoing treatment and positive progress while keeping details private.

Former world champion Graeme Dott faces trial in 2026 over allegations of child sexual abuse spanning from 1993 to 2010.

Brampton Manor Academy achieves record A-Level results in 2025, with over 250 straight-A students and competitive entry requirements for its sought-after sixth form.