British trade union official; current leader of the Labour-affiliated TUC
Banks have reported stronger half-year profits amid sustained higher interest rates, with Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest expected to post gains. Analysts foresee continued earnings growth as the sector navigates mortgage stress and potential increases in bad debt provisions. The sector remains buoyant but faces scrutiny over tax policy and regulatory expectations.
NatWest and Lloyds report higher half-year profits, with NatWest posting 4.3bn pre-tax profit and Lloyds following with 4.3bn, as AI and cost-cutting drive efficiency and expansion in wealth management and digital services.
Banks report six-month profits surging across the UK, fueling calls for windfall taxes to fund cost-of-living measures. Campaigners urge government to consider a levy on profits to support households, while bank chiefs caution on lending and growth.
Public transport workers delivering for Arriva North London are walking out on scheduled dates amid heat-related safety concerns. Drivers report heat in cabs, while TfL warns of disruption to routes. The disputes overlap with heatwaves and drought conditions affecting farming and road safety across the country.
The UK and parts of England face an ongoing extreme heat event. Amber heat-health alerts are in place across much of the country, with health officials urging caution, travel adjustments, and cooling measures as temperatures reach near-38C and drought conditions worsen.
ONS data shows 981,000 young people aged 16-24 are not in education, employment or training (Neet) in April–June, a fall of 30,000 from January–March but 30,000 higher than a year ago. Milburn’s forthcoming review is expected to push for wide reforms to education, welfare and jobs support.
The government has ordered 658 employers to repay about £4 million to more than 27,000 workers after robust enforcement of the minimum wage rules. Officials say 7 million pounds in penalties have been issued and a list of named firms will be published regularly to ensure accountability.
Geese’s Getting Killed signals a robust, contemporary rock moment. The band’s new work reflects global tensions and is doing so with force, while the political scene around Reform UK persists in a wary climate.
The Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador is expiring this week, but no firm end date has been announced. DHS has indicated it will decide at the appropriate time, with protections remaining in place until then. Officials note that TPS extensions could affect about 200,000 Salvadorans and broader policy changes.
Trade unions and the new Labour leadership are pushing for higher taxes on banks’ profits to fund a social tariff that could lower energy bills for millions, as energy costs and inflation remain central to the policy agenda.
Reform UK has received two large donations totaling £72m from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. The money is aimed at expanding the party’s reach with more staff, targeted campaigning and stronger policy preparation, while police investigations into donor rules and questions of influence mount. The donation surge raises questions about the role of money in politics as campaigns gear up for upcoming byelections and local elections.
Two crypto billionaires have donated 72m to Reform UK, triggering a debate over caps on overseas and domestic political contributions as Parliament considers the Representation of the People Bill. The government is pushing to tighten rules while reform argues donations are legal. The story is developing as Lords debate the bill.
The UK debates overseas and domestic political donations after crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne each donate 27m to Reform UK. Government plans to cap donations by Britons living abroad backdated to March 25 and to tighten rules on foreign influence are being scrutinised as MPs warn of a potential Americanisation of UK politics.
A run of fresh data shows the UK labour market remains resilient despite signs of cooling. Payrolls edge down; unemployment holds at 4.9%; wage growth remains mixed across private and public sectors, with vacancies at a post-pandemic low.
The UK government has proclaimed it is ready to work with international partners to prioritise public safety and national security amid rising AI safety concerns. Leaders warn of potential risks, urging robust regulation while highlighting benefits in health, services and industry. The debate mirrors intensifying calls from tech chiefs and lawmakers for coordinated global action.
The TUC has called for a levy on bank profits to fund a social tariff aimed at cutting energy bills. The union movement argues ministers should move faster on cost-of-living relief as households face high energy costs and inflation.
Louise Haigh has announced stronger rights for workers seeking flexible working, requiring employers to sit down with employees to properly consider requests and explain refusals. Support from unions highlights a push to widen access to remote and hybrid work while acknowledging limits for certain roles.
Andy Burnham is meeting Donald Trump at the UN and Ursula von der Leyen as the UK faces international talks. He is framing a middle path with the US while pressing for an EU-UK reset; British parliamentarians and business voices warn of domestic strain as inflation and taxes stay high.
Reform UK faces scrutiny over its £72 million in donations from crypto billionaires, prompting calls for a cap on political donations. The government has signalled potential reforms to spending limits and overseas donor rules, while opposition and unions warn of risks to democracy.
The energy price cap is expected to rise sharply in January, with Cornwall Insight forecasting a 16% increase to about £1,999 for the typical dual‑fuel bill. UK households on Ofgem tariffs face a 4% rise in October, driven by high wholesale prices amid Middle East tensions and supply disruptions.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has outlined plans to abolish inheritance tax on the family home and to allow a further £1m tax-free for couples. The policy, pitched as strengthening home ownership, would cost the state around £6bn a year and is expected to primarily benefit wealthier households. Critics warn it would hit public services and fail to help ordinary families.
The Conservative Party conference in Birmingham shows ongoing friction over a possible Reform UK alliance. Rhetoric emphasizes a return to core principles amid questions about electoral prospects, while Badenoch frames the party as the credible alternative to Labour.
The BBC and Guardian report that the UK government is weighing an increase to the bank surcharge ahead of the 28 October budget. Ministers are considering reversing Hunt’s cuts and possibly returning the surcharge to 8%, which would raise billions in tax revenue while banks warn on competitiveness. Trade unions press for a larger levy amid record profits in the sector.