David O'Dornan

Ipsos polling shows that 45% of Britons now prefer personal tax cuts even if this leads to reduced public-service spending, up from 36% in February. Support has grown particularly among Conservative and Reform UK voters, while Labour and Liberal Democrat supporters remain more likely to favor increased public spending. Seventy percent believe the prime minister is likely to raise personal taxes within the next year, although this is down from 77% last October. The findings come as household finances face renewed pressure from inflation, which rose to 2.9% in July, with Andy Burnham blaming the impact of conflict in the Middle East and promising measures to support families.

Applications for British citizenship from US residents reached a record 9,300 last year, more than double the 2022 figure. Goodlord data also found a 63% increase in Americans renting in Scotland after Donald Trump's 2024 re-election, compared with a 29% rise in London. Scotland's lower rents, particularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow, are identified alongside political dissatisfaction as key drivers. American comedian Beth Knight praised Glasgow's creativity, public services and transport, while Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said Americans seeking to leave Trump's presidency should be offered sanctuary.

A study of 461 people aged 18 to 49 in Poland, Indonesia and Nepal found that couples who engaged more frequently in public displays of affection—such as holding hands, hugging, kissing and expressing love—reported greater relationship satisfaction. Private affectionate behavior was associated with even higher satisfaction. Researchers, led by Dagna Kocur of the University of Silesia, said affectionate gestures may reinforce feelings of closeness, security and emotional connection across cultures. A larger study involving 1,000 people in nine countries, including the UK, is planned to investigate whether affection directly causes happier relationships.

An unusually hot summer with temperatures above 30°C is accelerating the spread of bluetongue among sheep and cattle in Britain. More than 590 cases were reported in one week, including 98 in Devon since July, while farmers report livestock deaths and growing financial pressures. Officials and farming organizations are urging vigilance and vaccination, although concerns are rising that vaccine supplies may not keep pace with demand. The disease does not affect humans, and meat and milk from infected animals remain safe to consume.