United Kingdom — Daily Briefings

gb45

UKHSA estimates nearly 2,900 heat-associated deaths in England's May and June heatwaves

Background: Researchers estimated over 2,700 heat-related deaths in England and Wales during the May and June heatwaves, with the June heatwave being the warmest on record. Today: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released an official estimate of 2,877 heat-associated deaths in England during the same period, nearly double the 2025 summer figure and approaching the 2022 annual record. The deaths are broken down as 753 associated with the May 24-27 heatwave and 2,124 with the June 21-28 heatwave. The June heatwave triggered three consecutive red warnings from the UKHSA and the Met Office, the first such occurrence. Experts have called for urgent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable groups.

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Background: Researchers estimated over 2,700 heat-related deaths in England and Wales during the May and June heatwaves, with the June heatwave being the warmest on record. Today: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released an official estimate of 2,877 heat-associated deaths in England during the same period, nearly double the 2025 summer figure and approaching the 2022 annual record. The deaths are broken down as 753 associated with the May 24-27 heatwave and 2,124 with the June 21-28 heatwave. The June heatwave triggered three consecutive red warnings from the UKHSA and the Met Office, the first such occurrence. Experts have called for urgent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable groups.

gb41

Thames Water CEO Calls Leakage Targets Unrealistic Amid Debt and Pollution Crisis

Thames Water CEO Chris Weston has publicly stated that the company's leakage and pollution targets are 'not realistic,' drawing sharp criticism from regulators and environmental groups. The UK's largest water company, serving 16 million customers, faces potential special administration due to its massive debt, with Weston backing a creditor rescue plan that would write off £9bn of debt. The comments come as drought conditions affect much of England and Wales, with Thames imposing a hosepipe ban. Weston also defended executive pay amid public anger, while campaigners accuse the company of deflection and accepting sewage pollution as inevitable.

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Thames Water CEO Chris Weston has publicly stated that the company's leakage and pollution targets are 'not realistic,' drawing sharp criticism from regulators and environmental groups. The UK's largest water company, serving 16 million customers, faces potential special administration due to its massive debt, with Weston backing a creditor rescue plan that would write off £9bn of debt. The comments come as drought conditions affect much of England and Wales, with Thames imposing a hosepipe ban. Weston also defended executive pay amid public anger, while campaigners accuse the company of deflection and accepting sewage pollution as inevitable.

gb39

Major Wildfire Near Sizewell Nuclear Plant Stabilizes After 24 Hours

A large wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, UK, near the Sizewell B nuclear power station, has stabilized after burning for over 24 hours. More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze, which grew to about 150 hectares, prompting evacuations and raising concerns for rare wildlife. EDF confirmed operations at Sizewell B were unaffected. The fire highlights the impact of exceptionally dry conditions, with Suffolk receiving only 2% of its average July rainfall.

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A large wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, UK, near the Sizewell B nuclear power station, has stabilized after burning for over 24 hours. More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze, which grew to about 150 hectares, prompting evacuations and raising concerns for rare wildlife. EDF confirmed operations at Sizewell B were unaffected. The fire highlights the impact of exceptionally dry conditions, with Suffolk receiving only 2% of its average July rainfall.

gb35

Shell Q2 profit more than doubles to $9.84bn on war-driven energy prices

Background: European energy majors Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies reported sharp Q1 profit increases due to the Middle East war and Strait of Hormuz blockade, renewing windfall tax calls. Today: Shell's Q2 2026 net profit reached $9.84 billion, more than doubling year-on-year, driven by higher oil and gas prices amid the Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Production in its integrated gas division fell 30% due to strike damage at Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG complex, with repairs expected to take about a year. Shares rose 1.5% to £33.72, the highest since early June. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and Uplift, intensified calls for windfall taxes, citing the contrast with climate disasters and household energy costs.

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Background: European energy majors Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies reported sharp Q1 profit increases due to the Middle East war and Strait of Hormuz blockade, renewing windfall tax calls. Today: Shell's Q2 2026 net profit reached $9.84 billion, more than doubling year-on-year, driven by higher oil and gas prices amid the Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Production in its integrated gas division fell 30% due to strike damage at Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG complex, with repairs expected to take about a year. Shares rose 1.5% to £33.72, the highest since early June. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and Uplift, intensified calls for windfall taxes, citing the contrast with climate disasters and household energy costs.

gb33

UK Supreme Court to Review Ban on Palestine Action

The UK Supreme Court has granted permission for Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to appeal the government's proscription of the protest group under terrorism legislation. The ban, imposed in July 2025 by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, was initially ruled unlawful by the High Court but upheld by the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court's expedited review could have major implications for UK terrorism laws and free speech. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government will robustly defend the appeal.

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The UK Supreme Court has granted permission for Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to appeal the government's proscription of the protest group under terrorism legislation. The ban, imposed in July 2025 by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, was initially ruled unlawful by the High Court but upheld by the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court's expedited review could have major implications for UK terrorism laws and free speech. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government will robustly defend the appeal.

gb31

Man arrested after firearm discharged outside York mosque

A 44-year-old man was arrested after a firearm was discharged outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre on Bull Lane in the early hours. The weapon is believed to be an air rifle, and no injuries were reported. Police are treating the incident as potentially hate-related and have increased patrols in the area, offering reassurance to the Muslim community. The suspect, a white UK national from York, remains in custody for questioning.

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A 44-year-old man was arrested after a firearm was discharged outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre on Bull Lane in the early hours. The weapon is believed to be an air rifle, and no injuries were reported. Police are treating the incident as potentially hate-related and have increased patrols in the area, offering reassurance to the Muslim community. The suspect, a white UK national from York, remains in custody for questioning.

gb30

Wife of ailing British citizen jailed in Saudi Arabia appeals for his release

Background: British national Ahmed al-Doush has been detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2024 over social media posts, sentenced to 10 years in May 2025, reduced to five on appeal, with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention finding his detention arbitrary. Today, his wife Amaher Nour publicly appeals for his release, describing his deteriorating health, multiple hunger strikes, and the impact on their four children, including a child he has never met. She pleads for UK government action and humanitarian clemency from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Amnesty International highlights his harsh prison conditions and calls for his release. In a new appeal, Amaher Nour further details the family's ordeal, noting her husband's voice is often unrecognizable, he is fatigued and confused, and he has been on multiple hunger strikes. His legal team and the UK government have been denied access to legal papers, and his lawyer says he was questioned over deleted 2018 tweets about Sudan and his acquaintance with a UK-based Saudi dissident. Amnesty International reports he is held in a cell with around 16 prisoners, his phone calls are restricted, and he has been warned against discussing his health or case. The UK Foreign Office confirms it has raised the case with Saudi authorities, and its travel advice warns that past social media statements can lead to long custodial sentences. Amnesty also calls on governments to update travel advice ahead of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup.

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Background: British national Ahmed al-Doush has been detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2024 over social media posts, sentenced to 10 years in May 2025, reduced to five on appeal, with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention finding his detention arbitrary. Today, his wife Amaher Nour publicly appeals for his release, describing his deteriorating health, multiple hunger strikes, and the impact on their four children, including a child he has never met. She pleads for UK government action and humanitarian clemency from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Amnesty International highlights his harsh prison conditions and calls for his release. In a new appeal, Amaher Nour further details the family's ordeal, noting her husband's voice is often unrecognizable, he is fatigued and confused, and he has been on multiple hunger strikes. His legal team and the UK government have been denied access to legal papers, and his lawyer says he was questioned over deleted 2018 tweets about Sudan and his acquaintance with a UK-based Saudi dissident. Amnesty International reports he is held in a cell with around 16 prisoners, his phone calls are restricted, and he has been warned against discussing his health or case. The UK Foreign Office confirms it has raised the case with Saudi authorities, and its travel advice warns that past social media statements can lead to long custodial sentences. Amnesty also calls on governments to update travel advice ahead of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup.

gb29

UK police unlawfully monitored journalist's phone in MI5 agent murder probe

Newly revealed case papers show the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) launched 'Operation Mally' in 2006, checking the mobile phone records of journalist Brian Rowan after he reported on the murder of MI5 agent Denis Donaldson. The operation sought to identify Rowan's sources by cross-referencing his number with police phones. Rowan and fellow journalist Vincent Kearney won a case at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal over unlawful access to their communications data. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has offered to meet Rowan and stated the practice has ended, while the Donaldson family is considering its own tribunal application.

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Newly revealed case papers show the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) launched 'Operation Mally' in 2006, checking the mobile phone records of journalist Brian Rowan after he reported on the murder of MI5 agent Denis Donaldson. The operation sought to identify Rowan's sources by cross-referencing his number with police phones. Rowan and fellow journalist Vincent Kearney won a case at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal over unlawful access to their communications data. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has offered to meet Rowan and stated the practice has ended, while the Donaldson family is considering its own tribunal application.

gb28

BAE Systems Raises 2026 Outlook on Strong Defense Demand

BAE Systems, the UK-based defense contractor, reported a strong first half of 2026 with sales up 9% to £15.77 billion and underlying operating profit up 11% to £1.70 billion, beating analyst expectations. The company upgraded its full-year guidance, now expecting sales growth of 8-10% and underlying earnings per share growth of 11-13%. The order backlog reached a record £84.0 billion, driven by major contracts including the UK's Dreadnought submarine programme, a £5.9 billion submarine contract phase, and international deals such as supporting Turkey's Typhoon aircraft and a US framework agreement for THAAD seeker production. CEO Charles Woodburn cited heightened global threats, including the Iran war, as boosting demand, particularly from the US, UK, and Middle East customers. The company also highlighted investments in capacity and technology, including new facilities in the US and Sweden, and the unveiling of the Brontanax uncrewed combat aircraft.

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BAE Systems, the UK-based defense contractor, reported a strong first half of 2026 with sales up 9% to £15.77 billion and underlying operating profit up 11% to £1.70 billion, beating analyst expectations. The company upgraded its full-year guidance, now expecting sales growth of 8-10% and underlying earnings per share growth of 11-13%. The order backlog reached a record £84.0 billion, driven by major contracts including the UK's Dreadnought submarine programme, a £5.9 billion submarine contract phase, and international deals such as supporting Turkey's Typhoon aircraft and a US framework agreement for THAAD seeker production. CEO Charles Woodburn cited heightened global threats, including the Iran war, as boosting demand, particularly from the US, UK, and Middle East customers. The company also highlighted investments in capacity and technology, including new facilities in the US and Sweden, and the unveiling of the Brontanax uncrewed combat aircraft.

gb25

Northern Ireland Review Launched After Publicly Visible Cattle Cull Sparks Outrage

A review is underway in Northern Ireland after 51 cattle were shot dead in a field near Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, in an operation by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). The cull, carried out under a court order following an animal welfare conviction, was visible to the public, prompting criticism from local politicians and community members who described it as inhumane and 'wild west' style. Daera says it will conduct a lessons-learned review.

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A review is underway in Northern Ireland after 51 cattle were shot dead in a field near Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, in an operation by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). The cull, carried out under a court order following an animal welfare conviction, was visible to the public, prompting criticism from local politicians and community members who described it as inhumane and 'wild west' style. Daera says it will conduct a lessons-learned review.

gb23

Archbishop of Canterbury reaffirms £100m slavery reparations fund during Ghana visit

Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally, on her first pastoral visit to Africa, reaffirmed the Church of England's commitment to a £100m fund for reparative justice related to its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. Visiting Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, she acknowledged the Church's complicity and faced both support from Ghanaian officials and opposition from critics within the Church. The visit highlights ongoing global debates on reparations for slavery.

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Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally, on her first pastoral visit to Africa, reaffirmed the Church of England's commitment to a £100m fund for reparative justice related to its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. Visiting Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, she acknowledged the Church's complicity and faced both support from Ghanaian officials and opposition from critics within the Church. The visit highlights ongoing global debates on reparations for slavery.

gb20

UK Police Cyber Choices Programme Diverts Teen Hackers Toward Legitimate Careers

The BBC reports on the UK's Cyber Choices programme, which diverts teenage hackers towards legitimate cybersecurity careers. The article highlights cases like Lucas, a 16-year-old who hacked his school computers, and notes that over 1,150 cases have been referred to the NCA's scheme in eight years. It also discusses the rise of teenage hacking groups in serious cyber-attacks and the neurodiversity often seen among offenders.

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The BBC reports on the UK's Cyber Choices programme, which diverts teenage hackers towards legitimate cybersecurity careers. The article highlights cases like Lucas, a 16-year-old who hacked his school computers, and notes that over 1,150 cases have been referred to the NCA's scheme in eight years. It also discusses the rise of teenage hacking groups in serious cyber-attacks and the neurodiversity often seen among offenders.

gb18

Reform UK defends donation compliance as police drop Farage guillotine T-shirt case

Background: The Metropolitan Police are investigating donations to Reform UK from Fiona Cottrell, mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell, over potential concealment of impermissible donor sources. The Guardian's investigation reveals that George Cottrell transferred over $2 million to his mother in 2024, with each sum arriving shortly before she made substantial donations to Reform UK. The police have interviewed two people under caution, and banks reported suspicious transactions to the National Crime Agency. The investigation also uncovered a £78,100 loan from Cottrell to Richard Tice's company, which was repaid after Tice made a £613,000 donation via the same company. Fiona Cottrell donated £1 million to Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle controlled by Tice, with half transferred to the party despite banker queries. Today, Reform UK's Robert Jenrick defended the party's donation compliance, asserting full confidence in following electoral rules and noting no police contact. He declined to address why George Cottrell transferred $2m to his mother before her donations. Separately, Avon and Somerset police decided not to take action over a T-shirt depicting a guillotine targeting Nigel Farage, citing lack of intent to threaten. Jenrick called this 'two-tier policing' and expressed astonishment. In a subsequent statement, Jenrick reiterated that the party was 'entirely confident' all electoral rules were followed and that police had not contacted them, while again declining to explain the $2m transfer. Avon and Somerset police confirmed their decision, citing insufficient evidence of intent to threaten, and Jenrick repeated his criticism, labeling it 'two-tier policing.' Two parliamentary standards investigations are due to conclude in the autumn, and the police investigation is ongoing.

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Background: The Metropolitan Police are investigating donations to Reform UK from Fiona Cottrell, mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell, over potential concealment of impermissible donor sources. The Guardian's investigation reveals that George Cottrell transferred over $2 million to his mother in 2024, with each sum arriving shortly before she made substantial donations to Reform UK. The police have interviewed two people under caution, and banks reported suspicious transactions to the National Crime Agency. The investigation also uncovered a £78,100 loan from Cottrell to Richard Tice's company, which was repaid after Tice made a £613,000 donation via the same company. Fiona Cottrell donated £1 million to Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle controlled by Tice, with half transferred to the party despite banker queries. Today, Reform UK's Robert Jenrick defended the party's donation compliance, asserting full confidence in following electoral rules and noting no police contact. He declined to address why George Cottrell transferred $2m to his mother before her donations. Separately, Avon and Somerset police decided not to take action over a T-shirt depicting a guillotine targeting Nigel Farage, citing lack of intent to threaten. Jenrick called this 'two-tier policing' and expressed astonishment. In a subsequent statement, Jenrick reiterated that the party was 'entirely confident' all electoral rules were followed and that police had not contacted them, while again declining to explain the $2m transfer. Avon and Somerset police confirmed their decision, citing insufficient evidence of intent to threaten, and Jenrick repeated his criticism, labeling it 'two-tier policing.' Two parliamentary standards investigations are due to conclude in the autumn, and the police investigation is ongoing.

gb15

Scottish Woman Found Dead in Suitcase in Athens

The body of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman, was discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens, Greece, on 18 July. She had reportedly traveled from Cyprus to Greece about two weeks prior. Greek police are investigating, with cause of death pending medical examiner results. Reports suggest someone may have controlled her phone after her death to send misleading messages. Police Scotland and the UK Foreign Office are providing support to her family.

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The body of Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman, was discovered inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of Athens, Greece, on 18 July. She had reportedly traveled from Cyprus to Greece about two weeks prior. Greek police are investigating, with cause of death pending medical examiner results. Reports suggest someone may have controlled her phone after her death to send misleading messages. Police Scotland and the UK Foreign Office are providing support to her family.

gb13

Iran protests Bulgaria's approval of US tanker deployment at Bezmer Air Base

Background: Bulgaria's parliamentary Defence Committee had approved a draft decision to allow US KC-135 tanker aircraft and troops at Bezmer Air Base for operations against Iran, prompting Iranian warnings. Today: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi formally protested to Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, calling the deployment 'condemnable' and 'unacceptable' and citing UN General Assembly Resolution 3314. Bulgaria's parliament has now formally authorized the deployment of up to eight US KC-135 tanker aircraft and 250 personnel at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 through Oct. 1. Araghchi also spoke with Greek Cypriot Administration Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, urging prevention of use of foreign bases on the island against Iran; Kombos reaffirmed commitment to international law and noted UK assurances that bases would not be used against any country.

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Background: Bulgaria's parliamentary Defence Committee had approved a draft decision to allow US KC-135 tanker aircraft and troops at Bezmer Air Base for operations against Iran, prompting Iranian warnings. Today: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi formally protested to Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, calling the deployment 'condemnable' and 'unacceptable' and citing UN General Assembly Resolution 3314. Bulgaria's parliament has now formally authorized the deployment of up to eight US KC-135 tanker aircraft and 250 personnel at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 through Oct. 1. Araghchi also spoke with Greek Cypriot Administration Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, urging prevention of use of foreign bases on the island against Iran; Kombos reaffirmed commitment to international law and noted UK assurances that bases would not be used against any country.

gb10

Babcock targets Asia-Pacific naval contracts, advances Indonesia partnership and New Zealand frigate bid

Background: Babcock International reported strong international maritime defence growth, including a £4 billion framework with Indonesia for Arrowhead 140 frigates and submarine support. Today: Babcock's Marine CEO Sir Nick Hine outlined ambitions to sell the Arrowhead 140 design to Singapore, Malaysia, Chile, and Gulf states, highlighting the hybrid navy concept as a differentiator, stating 'You're not buying a frigate now, you're buying a task force.' The company is progressing its Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) with Indonesia, with a first agreement signed on 21 January 2026, underwritten by UK Export Finance and running until 2029. The first of two Balaputradewa-class frigates for Indonesia was launched in Surabaya on 18 December 2025, with commissioning expected in 2028-29. In New Zealand, the Arrowhead 140 is shortlisted alongside Japan's Upgraded Mogami for the RNZN frigate replacement, with Babcock leveraging its long-standing role as Strategic Maritime Partner since 1995 and 600 local suppliers.

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Background: Babcock International reported strong international maritime defence growth, including a £4 billion framework with Indonesia for Arrowhead 140 frigates and submarine support. Today: Babcock's Marine CEO Sir Nick Hine outlined ambitions to sell the Arrowhead 140 design to Singapore, Malaysia, Chile, and Gulf states, highlighting the hybrid navy concept as a differentiator, stating 'You're not buying a frigate now, you're buying a task force.' The company is progressing its Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) with Indonesia, with a first agreement signed on 21 January 2026, underwritten by UK Export Finance and running until 2029. The first of two Balaputradewa-class frigates for Indonesia was launched in Surabaya on 18 December 2025, with commissioning expected in 2028-29. In New Zealand, the Arrowhead 140 is shortlisted alongside Japan's Upgraded Mogami for the RNZN frigate replacement, with Babcock leveraging its long-standing role as Strategic Maritime Partner since 1995 and 600 local suppliers.