Georgia Bell

Rachel Reeves is set to claim that the UK economy has strengthened due to decisions made during her tenure as Chancellor, citing improved growth, reduced borrowing, and rising investment, productivity and wages. She will call for maintaining economic credibility as Andy Burnham prepares to form a new government and will support his emphasis on devolution and stronger regional empowerment. Reeves highlights progress on waiting lists and child poverty reduction while noting ongoing external pressures, including the conflict in Iran. She signals she will not continue as Chancellor once Burnham becomes prime minister, with leadership transition in the Labour Party expected shortly.

A UK government‑commissioned study of 300 families found that reducing or restricting social media use among 13‑ to 17‑year‑olds improved sleep, concentration and in‑person socialising, with the strongest effects from stricter limits such as curfews or full app removal. Teens initially experienced irritation and tension but later adapted through texting, calling and in‑person contact. The findings support the UK’s forthcoming ban on certain social media platforms for under‑16s, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said reduced social media use improves wellbeing, though related Australian research found little early evidence of impact. The report notes that long‑term effects depend on education, guidance and treating restrictions as collective norms.

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, depots and supply routes have increased pressure on Moscow, prompting President Vladimir Putin to threaten significantly stronger retaliatory attacks. Kremlin insiders say the strikes have reinforced his resistance to peace talks. Reports referenced by historian Peter Frankopan describe severe Russian frontline casualties driven by expanding Ukrainian drone capabilities, with estimates suggesting extremely short survival times for new Russian recruits and monthly Russian losses of around 30,000. British intelligence has put total Russian deaths since the 2022 invasion near 500,000. Ukraine claims major advances in long‑range strike capacity, contributing to shortages across Russia and strengthening its leverage ahead of potential negotiations.

Kemi Badenoch stated that Conservative candidates who support net‑zero climate targets will be rejected, arguing that such policies increase energy costs and harm industry. She emphasised stricter candidate vetting, citing past failures and asserting that former MPs will receive no special treatment. Badenoch aims to attract professionals from outside politics and outlined her criteria of the “five Cs” for prospective candidates, accepting that some may defect to Reform UK or the Liberal Democrats as a result.

Extended high temperatures of at least 29C are forecast to continue across the UK into next week, prolonging the third heatwave of the summer and breaking national heat records. Persistent heat and low rainfall have led multiple water companies, including Anglian Water, South East Water, Cambridge Water and Southern Water, to implement or expand hosepipe bans as drought conditions become more likely. Officials urge residents to conserve water as demand reaches record levels, with restrictions affecting millions across regions including East Anglia, Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A review by the Royal College of Physicians found that consultant Veronica Varney gave outdated and incorrect advice to interstitial lung disease patients, leading to three deaths and long-term harm to others. She discouraged flu and Covid‑19 vaccinations and failed to follow multidisciplinary care requirements, causing delays and missed treatments. St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals apologised and said corrective measures are in place. Varney remains under investigation by the General Medical Council as the trust reviews all her cases from 2019 onward.

Reform UK urged activists to leave the Manchester mayoral campaign to bolster Nigel Farage’s snap by-election effort in Clacton after he resigned his seat to stage what he calls a people-versus-establishment contest. The move follows internal messages directing volunteers to Essex and comes as the party’s earlier momentum in Greater Manchester appears to have slowed. Farage faces scrutiny over financial interests and National Crime Agency investigations, while major parties plan to boycott the Clacton vote, dismissing it as a fake or vanity by-election. Manchester’s mayoral race continues with Labour’s Bev Craig as the frontrunner, ahead of by-elections scheduled for late July and early August.

A rare bacterium capable of causing severe infections in vulnerable people was detected in wastewater near Meta’s planned data centre in Cheyenne, leading officials to shut down two reclamation plants and revoke Meta’s authorization to discharge wastewater. The contamination, traced to contractor Goat Systems, prompted cleanup efforts and increased scrutiny of the project. Meta and its contractor Fortis dispute ongoing contamination, citing independent testing, while city authorities emphasize that drinking water remains unaffected.

Donald Trump described the Iran War as a major US success during a NATO summit in Ankara, citing reduced oil prices, destroyed Iranian capabilities and claimed denuclearisation. He warned of potential further strikes while insisting any new conflict would be brief. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged renewed negotiations, warning of catastrophic consequences if the conflict expanded. Trump criticised the UK's stance under Keir Starmer and highlighted varying levels of European support, while portraying the NATO summit as unified and supportive of the United States.

Donald Trump mistakenly referred to the “Islamic Republic of Japan” firing missiles at a US aircraft carrier and then confused Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Vladimir Putin during a NATO summit press event. Reporters attempted to correct him as he tried to cover the errors. The incident follows a series of recent verbal missteps, including remarks about Pearl Harbor and claims about Sharpie-brand pens, contributing to growing voter concerns about his mental sharpness, reflected in recent polling.