Miranda Pell

The Department for Work and Pensions has identified 25 skin-related conditions associated with Personal Independence Payment claims, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, lymphoedema and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. As of April 2026, 27,391 people were claiming PIP for these conditions, with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and lymphoedema accounting for the largest numbers. Eligible claimants may receive up to £114.80 a week for the enhanced daily-living component, alongside possible mobility support, with eligibility based on the effect of a condition on daily life rather than income or National Insurance contributions.

Several major UK airports have lifted the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage, allowing containers up to two litres thanks to new scanning technology. Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, and both Belfast airports have adopted the updated rules, though certain metal or insulated containers must still be emptied. Manchester Airport and others continue to enforce the 100ml restriction for summer 2026. Travellers are advised to check individual airport guidance and be aware that overseas airports may still apply older limits, potentially affecting return travel.

A red aviation alert was issued after Mount Etna erupted, sending ash clouds across Sicily and forcing Catania Airport to cancel all incoming flights. ITA Airways suspended or rescheduled services as dense ash continued to spread. Monitoring agencies including the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported intensified volcanic activity from early morning, prompting heightened safety warnings for aircraft. Recent lava flows and ongoing seismic activity were also confirmed as specialists continued surveillance of the volcano.