Kate Lally

Five UK bank holidays remain in 2026. Scotland observes its summer holiday on August 3, while England, Wales and Northern Ireland observe theirs on August 31. Scotland also has a St Andrew’s Day holiday on November 30, followed by UK-wide holidays for Christmas Day on December 25 and a substitute Boxing Day holiday on December 28 because December 26 falls on a Saturday.

Santander is promoting a life insurance offer to parents ahead of the back-to-school period. Customers taking out a qualifying policy can receive £100 cashback, rising to £150 for Santander mortgage holders, Select customers or holders of a Santander Edge current account. The cashback is paid 280 days after the policy begins, provided it has not been cancelled, and is limited to one payment per customer and policy. Cover is provided by Aviva, and Santander says the offer may be withdrawn at any time.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has reiterated its warning about the dangers of methanol-contaminated alcohol overseas after several British travellers died. Victims included Simone White in Laos, Cheznye Emmons in Indonesia and Kirsty McKie in Bali. Travellers are advised to buy drinks only from licensed establishments, avoid homemade alcohol, check bottle seals and labels, and seek urgent medical attention if symptoms such as abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, blurred vision or blindness develop.

Wildfires in Spain have forced thousands of people to evacuate, with 47 roads closed across Ávila, Castellón, Madrid and Toledo. Authorities advise avoiding affected roads, monitoring official updates and following emergency instructions as an intense heatwave and dry conditions keep fire danger at very high or extreme levels. The UK is not advising against travel to Spain but urges vigilance, while wildfires in France have also displaced around 300,000 people across the two countries.

The NHS identifies blurred vision as a less commonly recognised symptom of type 2 diabetes, alongside fatigue, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, slow-healing wounds, genital itching and recurring thrush. Type 2 diabetes develops when insulin does not work properly or the body produces too little of it, causing elevated blood sugar. Risk is higher for older adults, people from certain ethnic backgrounds, those with a family history, people who are overweight or inactive, and people with conditions such as high blood pressure. Anyone who suspects they or their child may have diabetes, or faces increased risk, is advised to consult a GP, since symptoms can develop gradually or be absent.

British visitors to Spain are advised that saying “Estoy caliente” to mean “I am hot” can imply sexual arousal; “tengo calor” is the correct expression for feeling warm. The article also explains that “embarazada” means pregnant rather than embarrassed, recommends “estoy avergonzado/a” for feeling embarrassed, and suggests using “hasta luego” or “adiós” instead of the film-popularized “hasta la vista.”

Go.Compare data indicates that the Fiat 500 is the cheapest electric car to insure in the UK, with a median annual premium of £278, followed by the Mini Cooper at £304 and the Dacia Spring at £333. The comparison covers policies purchased through Go.Compare between January and March 2026, and Which? cautions that premiums may differ on other insurance platforms. The article also outlines UK government grants of £3,750 for eligible Band 1 electric vehicles and £1,500 for Band 2 models priced at or below £37,000.

A sleep expert explains that high humidity during the UK heatwave can prevent the body from cooling naturally at night and suggests using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and improve sleep comfort. The appliance can also provide white noise and help prevent issues like dust mites and mould. While fans do not lower room temperature, they can aid cooling by improving sweat evaporation when positioned correctly, including directing air out of a window or using ice or a damp sheet to cool airflow.

Norwegian Air fulfilled a social media bet with British Airways after Norway’s World Cup quarter-final loss to England by temporarily placing the BA masthead on its Instagram profile. The airline paired the gesture with supportive messages for England and a flash sale on flights. Social media users reacted positively, praising Norwegian’s marketing approach and playful exchange with British Airways.

Jude Bellingham’s standout performance against Mexico, securing England’s place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, has renewed interest in his diet, which includes a favourite meal of baked beans and eggs. The dish provides balanced nutrition with protein, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and antioxidants beneficial for athletic performance. Eggs supply high-quality protein and essential nutrients, while baked beans contribute fibre and micronutrients such as iron and B vitamins. England next face Argentina as Bellingham encourages supporters with a confident message following the victory.

Lyme disease cases in England have risen more than 20 percent in a year, with UK health authorities urging the public to understand symptoms and take precautions against tick bites. The UK Health Security Agency advises staying on marked paths, wearing protective clothing and using DEET repellents. The NHS highlights that a circular rash appearing weeks after a bite may indicate infection, though detection can vary with skin tone.

High temperatures across the UK have prompted reminders from the NHS to stay hydrated, while the British Dietetic Association warns that adding salt to water can worsen dehydration. Cucumber is recommended as a safer additive that offers flavour, antioxidants and potassium, though small amounts provide limited nutritional benefit. Experts note that most people can maintain hydration by drinking more fluids and eating water-rich foods, with electrolyte drinks generally unnecessary for healthy adults.

British travellers are urged to complete key passport checks following updated validity rules and the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System. Passports must be issued within the last ten years, valid for three months beyond departure from the EU, and contain at least two blank pages. Travellers are reminded to verify visa requirements, ensure passports are free from damage and check children’s five-year passports early. Experts warn that invalid passports can lead to denied boarding and potential travel insurance issues.

Drivers face fines of up to £300 and three penalty points for using the right‑hand motorway lane while towing a trailer or operating other restricted vehicle types. The Highway Code requires motorists to keep left unless overtaking and lists several vehicle categories prohibited from the right lane on motorways with three or more lanes. Exceptions apply only in limited circumstances, such as overtaking exceptionally wide loads or avoiding danger. Additional guidance reminds drivers to overtake safely and legally, using mirrors, checking blind spots and allowing sufficient space when returning to the left lane.

Health officials urge parents to ensure children are fully vaccinated as measles cases in England rise to more than 800 this year, with most occurring in London, the West Midlands and the North West. Authorities warn of complications such as ear infections, pneumonia and rare long‑term disability or death. Measles symptoms typically begin like a cold before a widespread rash develops. Parents are advised to check vaccination records and consult GP surgeries if immunisations need updating, with further guidance available via the NHS.