Tag: News Story

STORY

UK inflation fell to 2.6 per cent in June, down from 2.8 per cent in May and its lowest rate since March 2025. Lower fuel prices contributed to the reduction in the headline rate.

Core inflation remained at 2.6 per cent, while services inflation eased slightly to 3.6 per cent. Economists have warned that renewed increases in global energy prices could push inflation higher later in the year.

The Bank of England is expected to consider the figures when it next reviews interest rates. The current Bank Rate is 3.75 per cent.

STORY

The European Commission has given a cautious welcome to the latest United States tariff announcement, saying that exemptions for several European products were consistent with the EU US trade agreement reached in 2025.

The United States announced new tariffs of 10 per cent and 12.5 per cent on goods from a range of trading partners. Exemptions included aircraft parts, generic medicines, cork and diamonds.

The Commission said it would continue pressing Washington to honour the wider terms of the agreement and seek further exemptions. It rejected US claims that the European Union had failed to act sufficiently against forced labour.

STORY

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to cross party talks on the future of social care in England. The Government is considering how to fund and organise long term support for older and disabled people.

Burnham indicated that ministers would speak to the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in an effort to establish a more durable settlement. No final funding model has been announced.

The Government has said any changes will need to address pressure on families, councils and the NHS. Further proposals are expected after discussions with political parties and organisations in the care sector.

STORY

The UK Government has announced support for residents of 97 homes evacuated in Coalsnaughton after ground movement was linked to historic coal mining. The Mining Remediation Authority will take over management of the response.

The authority said investigations had found continuing signs of movement and that monitoring would remain in place until the ground was stable. Residents will be contacted directly about financial and practical assistance.

Under existing legislation, the Government is responsible for remedying damage caused by coal mining subsidence. The local council and Scottish Government will continue to assist with the response.

STORY

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s Governor to the World Bank. The Government said the appointment would give him direct responsibility for Britain’s engagement on international development and climate finance.

Kirsty McNeill has also been appointed Minister for Development and will oversee day to day policy delivery. International development will remain within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The Government said it would continue to use its World Bank role to support economic development, poverty reduction and international action on climate and nature.

STORY

The European Union is keeping firefighting aircraft and personnel in reserve as France and Spain continue to tackle major wildfires. Tens of thousands of hectares have been affected during a period of extreme heat and dry weather.

Aircraft and helicopters from the EU civil protection mechanism have already been deployed to support national services. Additional planes, helicopters and firefighters remain available if further requests are made.

The EU is planning to establish a permanent firefighting fleet by 2028. Member states are also discussing additional climate resilience funding in the next long term EU budget.

STORY

Fourteen year olds in England are to receive earlier access to technical education, work experience and links with employers under changes announced by the Government. Ministers said the reforms would give vocational and academic routes equal status.

Schools, colleges, mayors and employers will be expected to work together to create clearer routes into skilled employment in their areas. The Government said courses would be connected more closely to local labour market needs.

Ofsted will also change how it assesses technical education and preparation for work. Further details of the curriculum and implementation timetable are expected from the Department for Education.

STORY

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the first international leader to visit the UK since Burnham entered Downing Street. The Government said the meeting reaffirmed Britain’s continuing support for Ukraine.

The leaders reviewed military cooperation, including the Stone Cloak electronic jammer developed through UK Ukrainian collaboration. The equipment is designed to make it harder for Russian air defence systems to track drones.

They also met Ukrainian military personnel taking part in Exercise Sea Breeze in the UK. The Government said Britain would continue providing £3 billion a year in military support to Ukraine.

STORY

The European Commission has published new guidance to help manufacturers, software developers and other businesses comply with the EU Cyber Resilience Act. The legislation introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for products containing digital elements.

The guidance explains which products are covered, what counts as a substantial modification and how businesses should approach risk assessments, security support periods and incident reporting.

The Commission said the document includes practical examples and specific information for small and medium sized businesses. Companies are being encouraged to prepare before the Act’s main obligations become mandatory.

STORY

The Government has confirmed plans to replace the existing council structure in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay with four unitary authorities, subject to Parliamentary approval. The decision follows a consultation on competing proposals for local government reorganisation.

The selected proposal was submitted by Exeter City Council and Plymouth City Council. Ministers said the new structure would better align local government with the area’s economy and public services.

The change forms part of a wider programme to remove two tier local government in a number of English counties. Detailed transition arrangements and the boundaries of the new authorities will now be developed.