A city, borough and metropolitan centre in the West Midlands, England.
Camra says multinationals dominate UK beer, misleading on craft credentials. CMA urged to review anti-competitive practices that squeeze independent brewers from pubs. Three leading groups defend transparency, while independent brewers warn of job risks and shrinking choice.
Pub groups report strong World Cup demand lifting like-for-like sales on matchdays, with Grandstand venues leading the gains. For the 42 weeks to July 18, overall sales show softer performance outside peak periods, as weather and economic headwinds weigh on non-event periods.
The Range Rover Sport Electric has been shown in prototype form at Goodwood. It follows the full-size Range Rover Electric, with deliveries due in 2027. The Sport aims for more dynamic driving while preserving Range Rover comfort and off-road ability.
Jaguar Land Rover plans to cut fewer than 300 UK jobs as it continues its recovery from a cyber attack that halted production last year and amid tariff pressures. The company says affected staff may be redeployed or offered voluntary exit, with locations and roles undisclosed.
Pooja Kanda and families affected by knife crime welcome the government’s expansion of knife-surrender bins and a mobile surrender van. Since July last year, more than 14,500 weapons have been handed in, with knife-enabled robberies and homicides showing declines. The scheme aims to remove dangerous weapons from streets, with new bins in Yorkshire and other areas.
The NHS has been forced to confront ongoing summer pressures as heatwaves drive higher A&E attendances, equipment failures, and drought-related health risks. Officials say planning for summer pressures is now essential, with public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades in focus.
British sprinter Matt Hudson-Smith has claimed his fifth continental gold at the European Championships, defending his title in the 400m in front of a home crowd at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. He powered to victory in 44.17 seconds from lane nine, ahead of France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta and the Netherlands’ Jonas Phijffers. The night also saw Emily Newnham win silver in the women’s 400m hurdles and Amy Hunt reach the 200m final.
The bank holiday weekend is marked by widespread rail disruption due to a Birmingham power outage affecting CrossCountry’s control centre. Plans for a near-normal service on Monday are in flux as rail routes face cancellations, rail replacement buses are in place, and tickets remain valid across operators amid disruption.
Meera Syal has publicly detailed how two traumatic encounters in the 1980s and 1990s shaped her career. The actress describes casting-room coercion and assault, the decision not to report, and how she found solidarity with South Asian women’s groups that helped steer her path toward writing and performance.
Carers and advocates push for an 18-week standard to secure accurate dementia diagnoses, care plans, and access to treatments. The push follows delays in diagnoses, healthcare shortages, and high-profile voices backing reform. Government commitments signal action, while civilians urge faster, clearer pathways.
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 wave of investments and initiatives is shaping how communities access art and culture. New leadership at Arts Council England, a major Northern art college plan, and local projects in Ulverston and Bradford underscore a push to embed culture in daily life and regional development.
JJ Spaun has won the DP World Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth, finishing two strokes ahead of Manuel Elvira and Rory McIlroy. Spaun’s late surge and Elvira’s costly finish define a dramatic finale on a glowing autumn day in Surrey.