British train operator owned by FirstGroup and Trenitalia
The Guardian and BBC report a record-breaking heatwave across western Europe, with red alerts in place as temperatures soar and humidity reaches levels that elevate heat stress. UK temperatures break June records; schools close, transport disrupts, and health concerns rise amid a climate crisis driving the event.
The government has disclosed a new price range for HS2 at up to £102.7bn (2026 prices) and confirms first services will be delayed to 2036–2039, with full completion possibly by 2043. Top speeds are being reduced and automatic operation may be dropped to cut costs; Lovegrove’s critical report is among the influencing reviews.