Port city on Devon’s south coast, at the Plym and Tamar estuaries
Western officials say Moscow’s surface fleet remains stretched as it steps up escort duties for the shadow fleet, moving oil and evading sanctions. NATO reports show ships are being boarded for intelligence, while submarines remain a strategic asset. Tensions near European waters are rising as live-fire drills and shadow-escort operations draw closer to allied forces.
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.
The FBI is investigating cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Authorities say Iranian hackers are a chief suspect, with warnings from federal agencies about threats to water and wastewater infrastructure. Local authorities report that most systems continue operating safely, with some utilities temporarily adjusting usage. No public health impacts have been confirmed.
The 16-17 Saver Railcard has been extended to remain valid for a full year from purchase, even if the holder turns 18, with the change taking effect on 17 August. The policy aligns the youth railcard with others, aiming to reduce travel costs for young people and support education, employment, and training. Several outlets report on varying proposals to widen discounts beyond the Southeast.
A Gateshead high jump coach has reclaimed competitive form at 45, returning to the sport after years away and qualifying for the World Masters Athletics Championships in Korea this September. She credits renewed fitness and a late bloom in form to a personal best that propelled her to the top of global rankings in her age group.
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 Carabao Cup second round has been drawn, with Chelsea and Tottenham entering the competition alongside other Premier League clubs not in Europe. The draw is sectional (north and south) and ties will be played the week of 24 August. The nine top-flight teams in Europe this season join in the third round.
Britain is facing a spate of wildfires amid drought and heat, prompting a temporary nationwide ban on disposable barbecues. Prime Minister says the move aims to curb fires and protect homes as authorities deploy firefighting planes and consider further emergency support.
CrossCountry’s Birmingham power outage has crippled rail services nationwide, with near-normal operations only for Peterborough–Cambridge–Stansted. Tickets remain valid across operators, and rail replacement buses are in place as major routes face ongoing cancellations and delays.
The UK has granted Ukraine access to declassified blueprints for British-made components used in the Scalp missile, the European-produced version of the Storm Shadow. Russia has warned of consequences and highlighted potential threats to UK bases in Europe as Kyiv deepens its defense production.
The Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon has secured up to £71 million from the National Wealth Fund to restart operations. The government will ringfence 50% of production for domestic use. The investment comprises equity and debt, with aims to ramp to full production by 2027 and support hundreds of UK jobs.
Tim Curry has died at his Los Angeles home on 25 August at age 80, his longtime manager Marcia Hurwitz has confirmed. The English actor had been wheelchair‑bound after a major 2012 stroke and had a history of kidney cancer; the death certificate lists those conditions as contributing factors. He had originated Dr Frank‑N‑Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and enjoyed a six‑decade career across stage, film and voice work.
HMICFRS has flagged a fragile firearms licensing system in England and Wales, calling for a single national authority after reporting nearly 500,000 certificate holders and at least 39 murders linked to legally owned weapons over the past decade. The watchdog says guidance and oversight are unclear, prompting reform to close the “postcode lottery.” Campaigners warn backlogs and practical hurdles risk public safety.
A vessel carrying five people is in distress southwest of Eddystone Lighthouse near Plymouth. A coastguard helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats have been deployed, and a large search by civilian vessels is ongoing. Three people have been accounted for, with conditions and vessel details still unclear.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has announced that the coastguard search for two missing crew from the French-registered trawler Maranello has ended after an intensive operation southwest of the Eddystone Lighthouse. Three others were rescued and hospitalised; the vessel has sunk. The rescue effort continues to coordinate cross-border support.
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.
City maintains a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Coventry. Haaland scores, Enzo Fernandez provides a timely debut assist, and Gianluigi Donnarumma makes crucial saves to preserve the lead. Coventry pressure intensifies but cannot find a leveller, leaving Lampard's side still searching for a first top-flight goal this season.
Portsmouth beat Cardiff 2-0 in a Championship game, with Krystian Bielik involved in a physical incident with a spectator while retrieving a ball. Cardiff’s coach says Bielik was slapped; another ball incident led to ejections. Authorities and clubs are reviewing the events.
The Royal Foundation-backed On Your Side program expands across UK sport, with institutions like the FA, Premier League, and Team GB adopting a toolkit to encourage conversations, identify warning signs, and direct individuals to help. William, Kane, Holmes and others champion the effort to embed mental health support into everyday sporting life.
Prince William has unveiled the Princetown Community Fund, redirecting at least 250,000 to local projects and pledging that Duchy income from 2026-27 will fund community regeneration. The fund, delivered by Devon Communities Together, will grant 500 to 40,000 and supports housing, energy, farming resilience and environmental recovery in Princetown.
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.
Britain’s new prime minister has arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly, seeking closer UK-US ties on Ukraine air defences and safeguarding shipping routes, while navigating a fraught relationship with President Trump. Officials warn of economic headwinds as winter looms.
Northern Ireland’s Southern Trust is preparing to temporarily move inpatient maternity services from Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry to Craigavon Area Hospital due to a shortage of consultant obstetricians. Clinics may continue at Daisy Hill, but safety remains the priority as the trust seeks to maintain service in the longer term. Barnstaple, Devon, is grappling with a separate maternity unit closure due to staffing shortages, forcing expectant parents to travel long distances for birth. The situation underscores broader staff shortages and the travel implications for rural families.
The UK and US leaders have met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. They have praised their connection, but remain divided over the Chagos Islands deal and the push for global AI safety standards. Burnham has emphasised long-term cooperation on security and AI, while Trump continues to press his Iran stance and criticises the deal.