A country of the United Kingdom on the island of Great Britain
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced the state pension will keep the existing triple lock until the end of this parliament but from April 2030 will rise each year by the higher of inflation or 2.5%, removing the automatic annual link to wages. He has said the change will fund a National Care Service and pledged low‑income pensioners will not pay income tax during this parliament.
The London court is set to hold a private hearing as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor challenges Thames Valley Police over searches of his homes linked to his Epstein ties. He has denied wrongdoing and is pursuing a judicial review to quash the warrants used during his February arrest.
The UK has borrowed £18.3bn in August, the ONS has reported, topping City and OBR forecasts and leaving year‑to‑date borrowing at £77.3bn — £8.1bn above the OBR projection. Rising gilt yields have pushed debt interest to record August levels and are narrowing Chancellor John Healey’s fiscal headroom ahead of the 28 October Budget.
The US has redeployed a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford back to US bases after British authorities foiled an alleged plot to attack the Gloucestershire airfield. UK officials have said there are "strong indications" of Iranian involvement; Tehran has denied the claim. The withdrawal will reduce the UK-based surge capability for strikes on Iran.
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a man in Westminster and searched a nearby property as part of the investigation into the September 27 security incident near RAF Fairford. The probe has recovered petrol from vans but no explosives; five men arrested earlier remain on bail while investigators pursue multiple lines of inquiry, including potential foreign-state involvement.
BC Partners Credit has committed an initial $300 million to LIV Golf’s restructuring, subject to bankruptcy court approval. The funding aims to propel LIV Golf into 2027, with a promised player-owned, globally oriented league as the core ambition. Hearings are set to address the terms and next steps as the league negotiates with creditors and players.
The Conservatives have announced Britannia Shield, a 10bn plan to build an integrated radar, control and interceptor missile system to defend Britain from drones and missiles. The package, funded to reach 3% of GDP by 2030, is pitched as a major upgrade to UK air defence. Labour criticises the plan as underfunding and a repeat of past hollowed-out forces.
A government-backed plan to release prisoners early to ease overcrowding is being revised after backlash. The first 700 offenders were released under the scheme, with the full rollout paused as officials assess risks and capacity. Authorities warn that without action, prison capacity could be overwhelmed by 2030.
Lionel Messi has announced his international retirement and is set to play a farewell friendly for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires. The match marks a final chapter in a 21-year national-team career that features 125 goals in 207 appearances and a 2022 World Cup crown; Scaloni signals a hopeful transition with a new generation ready to lead.
Five British men have been detained near RAF Fairford after reports of three suspicious vans. Police have bail conditions on the suspects, and investigators are examining possible links to Iran and other foreign actors. Iran denies involvement as the investigation continues.
The government has announced plans to transform the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute into a full Ghana Space Agency to coordinate space activity, promote national programmes, and foster research and innovation. Cabinet approval paves the way for a Bill to establish the agency, with legal and operational backing to manage space initiatives.
England has secured a dominant 7-0 victory over Croatia in the Nations League, with Gordon and Kane among the scorers and Alexander-Arnold delivering an assist as England consolidate top form ahead of future fixtures.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing mounting opposition from European and some global federations over his bid for a fourth term. Backlash followed his plan to sell stakes in World Cup rights to private investors, which leaders say undermines governance. Several federations have withdrawn support; discussions intensify as voters prepare for the March election in Rabat.
France and Italy play to a 1-1 draw in Paris as Olise nets a late winner for France in a tense Nations League clash; Donnarumma and Bastoni rescue Italy with key saves and a late Upamecano red card alters the game.
England has secured a convincing Nations League win, with Harry Kane scoring twice to become the national record scorer and lead a strong performance under coach Thomas Tuchel. The win strengthens England’s position in Group A3, with Spain ahead and Croatia trailing.
The West Indies have chased 352-5 to win by five wickets with 10 balls to spare in Guwahati, leveling the series after India posted 351-7. Shai Hope leads another chase with a 100, while Amir Jangoo adds a 67 and Keemo Paul anchors late in the innings.
Gina Saarberg has won the Golden Spurtle at the World Porridge Making Championship in Carrbridge, using the same Dutch-championship-winning recipe of organic pinhead oats, water and salt. Rob Reid takes the speciality prize with a cannoli-porridge creation. Thirty competitors from 14 countries competed in the event.