New NPCC guidance encourages police to disclose suspects’ ethnicity and nationality in high-profile cases to help combat disinformation—but civil rights groups warn it may fuel prejudice and distract from gender-based violence.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing major inheritance tax and pension reforms to tackle a £40 billion budget shortfall. New proposals include capping lifetime gifts, tightening taper relief, and making unspent pensions subject to IHT from 2027 — changes aimed at boosting revenue without raising income tax, VAT, or National Insurance.
The UK’s heatwave peaks today with highs up to 34°C in the south, before cooler, fresher weather arrives later in the week.
A night of bold headlines: tomorrow’s papers highlight 50,000 Channel crossings since Starmer’s tenure began, significant inheritance tax reforms, drought emergency measures, and Europe’s arms expansion.
The UK faces a £51 billion budget shortfall, rising tax pressures, and director departures amid non-dom rule changes. Global trade tensions and US tariffs threaten further disruption to growth and public finances.
More than 50,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel since Labour took power. Despite new enforcement strategies like a UK–France returns deal and Border Security Command, crossings remain at record levels—a complex crisis with no easy solution.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a possible Ukraine ceasefire. The White House and Kremlin both call the talks “historic,” but allies warn nothing should be decided without Kyiv at the table.
The UK’s statistics watchdog is facing a leadership shake-up after a series of data blunders undermined public trust. New ONS head Darren Tierney has pledged rapid reforms to restore accuracy and transparency.
Hundreds were arrested in London as protesters defied the ban on Palestine Action, the group behind the costly sabotage of RAF Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton. The incident has reignited debate over national security, free speech, and the limits of protest in the UK.
A UK water company has issued an “essential use only” notice as drought conditions worsen, urging residents to cut non-essential consumption. Surge pricing trials and hosepipe bans are expanding amid growing strain on supplies.