A ceremonial county in England’s East Midlands, home to the Peak District.
Gen Z and millennials are embracing “soft hermitting” to cope with a busy social summer. A RiseGuide survey shows a third of young adults went days without human interaction; searches for “How to say no to plans” have doubled. Even stars like Harry Styles have taken quiet time after tours. Experts say the trend offers a way to protect mental space amid an overactive season.
The government has announced funding for the Dreadnought-class submarine programme, replacing Vanguard and enabling up to 47,000 UK jobs and apprenticeships as Barrow builds the submarines. The plan supports HMS Dreadnought and HMS Valiant through readiness and sea trials, with total defence investment in the next four years reaching about £298bn and defence spending expected to hit 2.7% of GDP by 2035.
Sainsbury’s has agreed to sell Argos and the Habitat brand to Swift Partners, a new vehicle led by Richard Pennycook and supported by Trevor Strain and Matt Truman. The deal will see Argos, including its standalone stores and in-store outlets, transferred to Swift, enabling Sainsbury’s to concentrate on its food business. Completion is expected in February 2027 with full separation by 2029.
Multiple fatal vehicle crashes have occurred recently across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Police have confirmed a series of investigations and are seeking dash-cam footage and witness information. Road closures have been in place and investigations are ongoing.
The new Prime Minister has launched a UK‑wide listening tour to hear people’s cost‑of‑living concerns. He has unveiled measures including VAT cuts on energy bills, a bus‑fare cap, and business‑rates relief for pubs and venues, while signalling further action in the budget and on high streets. He is travelling to communities to inform a long‑term plan.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
Nathan Owen has been jailed for four years and three months after fabricating a car-acceleration emergency to avoid a finance agreement. Police pursued the Jaguar I-Pace across multiple motorways, but investigations showed the car was functioning and speeds reached up to 86mph before it was stopped.
The government has announced a multi-billion-pound investment to fund four Dreadnought-class submarines, aiming to bring the fleet into service by the 2030s, safeguard thousands of UK jobs, and boost domestic industry. Leaders emphasize security and national resilience, while questions remain about funding the 3% GDP defence target.
The UK is facing a heatwave with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s by midweek and warnings of drought across large parts of England and Wales. Authorities say millions are under water-use restrictions as dry conditions intensify, with new heat alerts and potential hosepipe bans.
Ming Yang’s £1.5bn Ardersier project is blocked by UK ministers over national security concerns. Scotland’s leaders are calling for a review as officials weigh jobs and investment against security risks and data-control questions. The debate centers on whether Chinese tech can power the UK’s offshore wind ambitions without compromising resilience.
England and Wales face ongoing drought conditions as reservoir levels stay low despite a wetter winter. Officials warn that continuing heat and low rainfall threaten water supplies, with hosepipe bans in effect and calls for infrastructure action.
News analysis tracks the new prime minister’s approach, reflecting Compass proposals for the first 100 days and comments from senior Labour figures on leadership style and policy delivery.
The New Forest wildfire has destroyed thousands of hectares of heath and bog, and crews are wrapping up operations while restoration plans draw on past experiences; visitors are urged to heed safety warnings and temporary bans on disposable barbecues as authorities assess long-term environmental impact.
A band of thunderstorms and heavy rain has prompted yellow weather warnings across much of England and Wales. The Met Office warns of disruption to transport and potential flooding, with 81 areas under warning and multiple flood alerts. Homeowners in Perry Barr have already seen flooding, as forecasters anticipate further downpours over the bank holiday weekend.
Frasers founder has warned the high street could be "further devastated" without major business-rate cuts, criticizing the Prime Minister's approach while Downing Street promises action to back British business. The exchange highlights a broader push to reform rates for pubs, clubs and live venues as part of a wider cost-of-living agenda.
Campaigners are pressing NHS England to update a 2017 rule that bars a second allogeneic stem cell transplant if relapse occurs within 12 months. Affected patients indicate the policy is outdated and unaffordable without fundraising. An independent review into the case for a second transplant is under way.
An 18-year-old former Glentoran goalkeeper has signed with Viterbese in Serie D after a 2,000-mile van journey seeking trials across Europe. Debuting with a clean sheet, he aims to help the club rebound to Serie C and grow his career.
Liverpool city region has begun bringing bus services back under public control, starting in St Helens. Fares stay capped at £2, and the network aims to increase frequency, improve evening and weekend services, and better connect hospitals and rail links.
A Stockport man in his 60s has admitted 60 offences against his wife at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, including rape and administering a substance to stun her. The victim cannot be named. Sentencing will follow the conclusion of the trial, with other defendants denying the charges.
A growing discussion around body cleansing habits questions whether daily double cleansing is necessary. Guardian letters push back on overconsumption and water use, while experts warn against over-cleansing and highlight environmental and skin-health considerations. Independent and Guardian pieces explore consumer behavior, hygiene science, and practicality.
A husband has admitted a string of offences including rape and sexual assault against his wife, with a separate defendant also admitting multiple charges. The case, heard at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, involves 13 others and spans 2018 to 2025. The trial for remaining defendants is due to open in October.
Mark Broadhurst, 28, has been sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing firearms and explosives linked to extremist beliefs. Police uncovered online messages advocating violence and plans to arm a right-wing network. A judge found the offences connected to terrorism amid an investigation into extremist activity and a prior case involving other suspects.
England faces a severe drought as reservoirs across the south and east run low following a record-hot summer. Authorities urge daily monitoring, water restrictions where needed, and long‑term resilience measures as climate pressures persist.