Isobel Dickinson

Record heatwaves in May and June caused more than 2,700 heat-related deaths in England and Wales, with researchers attributing over 40% of them to additional heat driven by human-caused climate change. Experts warn that climate change has raised maximum temperatures by up to 4C, increasing health risks and stressing infrastructure. Meteorologists describe the heatwaves as exceptional in both timing and intensity. Advisory bodies caution that the UK remains unprepared for extreme heat, while political figures call for urgent adaptation measures and stronger action to curb emissions.

Counterfeit condoms smuggled from China have surged across Europe after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global shipping and pushed up prices for branded products. EU authorities seized more than 200,000 fake items, prompting warnings from health officials that British tourists may face higher risks of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. The EU Anti-Fraud Office reported that the products were mislabelled to avoid safety checks, while UK retailers advised travellers to bring their own supplies amid rising STI rates. The supply chain disruption has also heightened broader economic pressures, including increased oil prices and global food security concerns.