Kyriakos Petrakos

Freedom-of-information data shows that more than 5,000 weapons, ammunition items and electronic devices belonging to the UK Ministry of Defence and police forces went missing or were stolen between 2021 and 2025. The losses included a Colt Canada C8 rifle used by the SAS and SBS, ammunition, Tasers, batons, body armour and thousands of laptops and other devices. Police forces reported 4,413 technology items missing, with only at least 107 recovered, while the MoD recorded around 1,300 lost or stolen laptops, computers and memory sticks, including more than 300 in early 2025. Officials cited encryption, access controls, investigations and recovery efforts, but cybersecurity experts warned that lost hardware can contribute to serious data breaches.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to commission or secure access to firefighting aircraft as the UK faces record wildfire numbers and another heatwave. Firefighters said Britain lacks dedicated water-bombing aircraft, while military firefighting helicopters are deployed in Cyprus and have not yet been requested for domestic assistance. The Stourbridge blaze damaged 38 homes, destroyed 19 and injured six people, including firefighters. Burnham also promised emergency financial support for fire and rescue services, a fire summit and a temporary ban on disposable-barbecue sales. The fires intensified calls for stronger climate action, more reservoirs and an end to proposed North Sea drilling, while health authorities extended amber heat alerts across much of England.