The Square Mile’s ceremonial county, financial hub, and governing body
American refuelling tankers have been evacuated from RAF Mildenhall in eastern England after an unspecified Iranian threat. Officials say assets moved to meet operational requirements; Pentagon declined to comment. Trump has described momentum toward ending the conflict, while UK and US authorities stress ongoing vigilance.
NHS services face ongoing summer pressures as heatwaves intensify, with A&E attendances rising and infrastructure strains highlighted by officials. Hospitals report equipment failures in heat, and authorities warn of greater risks to the vulnerable as climate-related health demands grow.
Sir James Cleverly has quit frontline frontbench duties to pursue a 2028 London mayoral bid, stressing London’s need for enterprise and opportunity. He faces a potential contest against Labour’s Sadiq Khan, with Liberal Democrats and Reform UK weighing into the race as the Conservatives court a centrist path.
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.
The government has given English mayors the power to charge an overnight visitor levy as a percentage of accommodation costs with no statutory upper limit. Industry groups and major hotel chains have warned the uncapped power will push up prices, reduce demand and cost jobs; mayors argue revenue will fund local services and infrastructure from 2028.
South Africa has taken a 2-1 lead in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with Baltimore set to host the fourth Test. World Rugby is exploring US games to boost revenue and profile, while unions weigh the idea against potential backlash from traditional locales.
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.
Palestinian President Abbas has addressed the UN via a pre-recorded video, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is delivering a live address. Abbas has called for ending the war in Gaza, a withdrawal from Gaza, and a political process toward an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu is focusing on Israel's security concerns and Iran, with some world leaders planning protests in New York.
Turner’s Rome, From Mount Aventine remains on its original canvas and frame, with fingerprints and brush marks visible. It has never been restretched or restored and was last sold in 2014 for £30.3m. Sotheby’s expects about £50m at the December London sale, following showings in Rome, Hong Kong and New York.
London’s Oxford Street is transitioning to a fully pedestrianised stretch, a centralelement in Sadiq Khan’s drive to green the capital. From 7am daily, vehicles including buses and bikes are banned along nearly 0.6 miles between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, with deliveries allowed outside hours. The move aims to boost footfall, public space, and urban health, while city planners refine the plan based on feedback.
The police reform drive has moved to the forefront as Sir Mark Rowley and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood push to shrink England and Wales’ 43 forces into a smaller number of regional bodies. Mayors and critics warn that local accountability could suffer, while Hogan-Howe’s review outlines a possible path to nine regional forces and a nationwide service.