Neil Shaw

The UK is forecast to face wetter and stormier conditions in autumn and early winter because of an exceptionally strong El Niño event, which the Met Office says could be the most intense since the 19th century. The event may also contribute to 2027 becoming the hottest year on record. The forecast follows a record-hot, exceptionally dry summer that has placed much of England and all of Wales in drought, reduced reservoir levels and increased wildfire risks. Officials warn that isolated heavy rain will not quickly replenish depleted water supplies and that drought could persist into the new year, prompting the National Drought Group to move to weekly meetings.

Police charged 31 drivers in England and Wales over the past 30 weeks for offences involving wrong-way motorway driving. National Highways recorded 947 reports of oncoming vehicles on England’s motorways in the year to May 11, although it said confirmed wrong-way incidents remain rare. Recent cases involved drivers reversing on the M11 and M6 Toll and using an entry slip road to escape congestion; fines, penalty points and driving bans were imposed or are being considered. The incidents have renewed concerns about the potentially fatal consequences of driving against motorway traffic.

A review of 81 studies by experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health links youth vaping with respiratory symptoms, allergies, sleep and eye problems, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and oral and dental harms. It also identifies adverse outcomes for babies exposed to vaping during pregnancy and strong evidence that vaping increases the likelihood of later cigarette initiation. Paediatricians are calling for tighter limits on vape flavours and faster implementation of measures including plain packaging, plain devices and restrictions on retail display. Action on Smoking and Health supports stronger youth protections but stresses that vaping remains less harmful than smoking and should remain accessible as a cessation aid. The UK Government says it has banned single-use vapes and is legislating against advertising and sponsorship while pursuing further restrictions.

The Met Office forecasts a shift from weeks of hot, dry weather to cooler, more changeable conditions across southern parts of the UK, with rain, showers and possible thunderstorms as low pressure moves south and winds turn northerly. A yellow heat health alert remains in place for London, the South East and South West until Tuesday morning. The weather change follows severe wildfires, including a Stourbridge blaze that destroyed 19 homes and significant wildfire activity in South Wales, which prompted additional firefighting and military support. Separately, a Hackney man, Isaac Shozi, has been charged with arson over several small fires.

Rank Group chief executive Richard Harris warns that a proposed £460 million increase in gambling taxes, including a potential rise in Machine Games Duty from 20% to 40%, could make some Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo venues unviable and lead to closures. Rank says it paid more than £225 million in taxes last year and argues that higher rates could ultimately reduce government receipts. The company reported gaming revenue of £835 million for the year to June, although pre-tax profit fell to £39 million, while it continues to invest in digital and electronic gaming and reduce its Mecca estate. Entain has separately criticized higher remote-gambling taxes, saying they have weakened earnings.

Hiker Marc Screeton was criticised after bypassing a long queue at the summit of Yr Wyddfa to touch the peak and descend. A video captured other hikers calling his actions out of order, with one person reportedly suggesting his phone should be thrown off the mountain. Screeton argued that queuing in nature was unnecessary, said he waited for a clear opportunity without pushing or endangering anyone, and noted that other hikers had done the same.

GP Dr Mariam Farshchi warns that the August 12 solar eclipse can cause permanent retinal damage, even during a partial eclipse, and says ordinary sunglasses, camera filters and improvised alternatives are unsafe. She also highlights indirect risks including neck strain, trips, falls and traffic collisions caused by distracted spectators. Viewers are advised to use ISO 12312-2-compliant eclipse glasses, watch from a stationary safe location, avoid viewing while walking or driving, and seek urgent medical advice after any visual or physical symptoms.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has caused 2,011 deaths among 4,381 confirmed cases, with 704 patients isolated in hospitals. Deaths doubled from 1,000 to more than 2,000 in roughly three weeks, highlighting delays in reaching remote communities. The outbreak, declared on May 15 after beginning in February, is the largest and fastest-growing Ebola outbreak recorded in the country and is driven by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists.

Analysis of 120 years of Office for National Statistics data identifies traditional baby names at risk of disappearing in the UK. Names including Leigh, Maurice, Percy, Claude, Winifred, Millicent, Freda, Rosina and Bessie had very few registrations in 2024, while Cecil was officially recorded as extinct. The analysis by mynametags.com highlights how naming fashions change cyclically and suggests that some vintage names could be revived.

Many couples avoid discussing money until serious relationship milestones, with nearly half identifying finances as one of the hardest topics to discuss and almost one in five refusing to discuss them altogether. Creditspring expert Tamsin Powell says secrecy, rather than debt itself, is most damaging to trust and recommends discussing shared goals, upcoming expenses, fair contributions, credit use and debt before financial pressure escalates.

Research commissioned by Ecover estimates that stained clothing costs UK consumers £2.6 billion annually, with many people discarding garments without trying to remove marks. Experts from Ecover and Charity Super.Mkt say stains reduce clothing reuse and recommend blotting rather than rubbing, pre-treating marks, avoiding heat that can set stains, washing at 20C where suitable, and air-drying garments before deciding whether to discard them.

A Play Nimbus study found that more than a third of UK residents consider themselves above-average football experts, while 14% believe they know more than Gary Neville. Confidence was highest in London, followed by Aberdeen and Oxford, and watching live matches was the most commonly cited source of football knowledge. Play Nimbus co-founder Adam Levy said fans’ confidence is part of football’s appeal.

More than 1,200 adults contacted the NSPCC over concerns about children being left home alone during the previous summer holidays. Family-law solicitor Anna-Laura Lock explains that England and Wales have no fixed legal minimum age or time limit, but parents may face consequences if leaving a child alone exposes them to harm. Decisions should take account of the child’s age, maturity, ability to handle emergencies, duration of absence and access to support. Social services may investigate reports from neighbours, relatives or professionals, with criminal prosecution possible in serious cases. Separated parents are urged to prioritise the child’s welfare and agree suitable childcare arrangements.

Rising household costs are prompting many UK families to take shorter, cheaper or more local holidays in 2026. MoneySuperMarket data shows that nearly half of holidaymakers needed six months to save, while three quarters compromised on their plans and 64% expect to take more days out closer to home. Disposable income has fallen by £56.37 a month since April, with households also anticipating higher grocery, energy, fuel, childcare and school costs. A Portsmouth mother who has paid for a week in Turkey said she was still concerned about affording activities for her children.

UK holidaymakers are advised to check their passports before travelling, particularly to Europe, where documents must have been issued less than 10 years before entry and remain valid for at least three months after departure. Travellers should also verify that they have two blank pages, obtain any required visas, and check for water damage, tears, missing pages or peeling laminate. Child passports are valid for only five years, and the EU’s new Entry/Exit System may increase border queues. Tiger.co.uk warns that travel insurance may not cover travellers denied boarding because of passport problems.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out scrapping stamp duty in the next budget, rejecting reports that such a move was imminent. He said the government instead aimed to make taxation fairer and reduce cost-of-living pressures, while suggesting that council tax reform remained possible. Burnham highlighted disparities between council tax bills in Greater Manchester and more valuable homes in London, and said any changes would need to comply with Labour's election manifesto. Downing Street said tax decisions remain the Chancellor's responsibility. Labour MP Jonathan Brash called for wholesale reform, while Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly accused Labour of seeking new ways to tax homeowners and said the Conservatives would scrap stamp duty on primary residences.

Research cited by London Luton Airport suggests that many children feel pressure to make their summer holidays productive, while half view reading as an obligation rather than a pleasure. Reading for enjoyment among eight- to 18-year-olds has fallen from 58.6% a decade ago to 36.1%, with only 20.3% reading daily. To counter this trend, the airport and comedian-author Olaf Falafel have created the graphic novel “26 Minutes to Save Summer,” which satirises excessive focus on efficiency and achievement. More than 2,000 free copies will be distributed to families at the airport as part of its Summer Resort activities, with the National Literacy Trust endorsing children’s freedom to choose formats and subjects that interest them.

Lidl GB is launching Wellness Wednesdays, offering Lidl Plus customers 10% off a product from its Live Well range every Wednesday from 30 July to 2 September 2026. The initiative accompanies seven £1 Planet Plate recipes created with chef Miguel Barclay, designed around the Planetary Health Diet and focused on affordable, healthier and more sustainable meals. Lidl says the measures aim to address research showing that many consumers see healthy eating as more expensive and sometimes choose less healthy food because it costs less.

Households going on holiday are advised to switch off and unplug unnecessary appliances to avoid wasting electricity. An unused second fridge or drinks fridge should be emptied, unplugged and left slightly open, while a main fridge-freezer containing food should remain on at recommended temperatures. Televisions, games consoles, printers, coffee machines, chargers, lights and other devices should also be switched off or unplugged where possible, although the savings are expected to be modest.

Butlin’s has installed more than 100 Boxbar self-serve drink units across its resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. The machines can dispense pints, spirits, cocktails, mixers and soft drinks in as little as six seconds, with the aim of reducing queues during the summer holidays. They are available to guests on family breaks and adult-only Big Weekenders, including family guests with the All Inclusive Drinks package.

A heatwave affecting parts of England is expected to bring temperatures of 32–33°C, prompting a yellow heat alert from the UKHSA and Met Office. Pest-control expert John Whiteley-Wilkson warns that leaving windows open overnight can allow flies, wasps, moths, mosquitoes and other insects into homes, particularly when indoor lights are on. He recommends using insect screens, closing curtains before turning on lights, covering food and drinks, opening windows earlier in the evening, and removing standing water from gardens.

Tesco is offering 500 Clubcard points, worth £5, to shoppers who spend at least £50 on a One4all Restaurant Favourites Gift Card in participating stores from July 27 to August 23. The points can be worth £10 at more than 100 Tesco Reward Partners or £15 at selected restaurants, including PizzaExpress, Zizzi and Las Iguanas. The promotion is subject to terms and conditions and is available while stocks last.

More than 87,000 16- and 17-year-olds in England and Wales reportedly claim Personal Independence Payment, with over two-thirds of those receiving the higher rate citing mental-health or neurodevelopmental conditions. The article compares the roughly £194 weekly upper-rate payment with about £94 earned by a 16-year-old working the legal maximum part-time hours on the minimum wage. The figures come as a government review concludes that the PIP system is no longer fit for purpose. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that benefit support could become more conditional on claimants taking up employment opportunities, while the government says PIP is intended to cover additional disability-related costs and that reform recommendations are due in autumn. The government also highlights record NHS mental-health funding and increased staffing.

El Jimador has launched Lime and Mango ready-to-drink Sparkling Margaritas in 250ml cans across the UK. The drinks are available online through Amazon and in stores including Asda Express, with the brand describing them as premium and refreshing.

Cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in the UK, and smoking it on private property is not exempt from the law. Residents affected by cannabis smoke can report suspected criminal activity to the police or Crimestoppers, contact their local council if the smoke constitutes a statutory nuisance, notify a neighbour’s private landlord, or pursue court action as a last resort. Police may issue fines or warnings for possession and focus enforcement on use near children and schools, as well as commercial production and supply.

Pharmacist Rachel Jones explains that hairy toes, ear wax, passing wind, smelly feet and sweating are often normal signs that the body is functioning properly. She cautions that sudden hair loss on the feet, persistent digestive problems, excessive ear wax or sweating unrelated to heat and activity may require medical assessment. The article also advises against using cotton buds to remove ear wax and challenges beauty standards that portray normal bodily functions as problems.

Households are advised to use a small amount of biological washing powder to help break down organic residue in drains that can attract drain flies. Plumbing expert Ryan McNicholl warns that repeatedly pouring boiling water into modern plastic pipework may stress seals and joints, and recommends adding one to two tablespoons of powder, leaving it for about 30 minutes, then flushing with warm water. The treatment is presented as a cheaper alternative to specialist drain cleaners and as a routine preventative measure, particularly during warmer months.

The British Heart Foundation says picnic foods such as houmous, falafel, tzatziki, salsa, beans, sundried tomatoes and olives can contribute to the recommended five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Chickpeas, beans and other pulses count only once because they lack the full range of nutrients found in fruit and vegetables, while pairing dips with fresh vegetables can add further portions. The World Health Organization recommends eating at least 400g of fruit and vegetables daily to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. People are advised to check shop-bought salsa for high salt or sugar and limit salty olives.

TUI will become title sponsor of the Palermo Marathon from 2027, adding Sicily's capital to its Mediterranean Marathon League alongside Rhodes, Cyprus and Mallorca. The expansion reflects the growing racecation trend, in which travellers combine destination races with holidays focused on culture, food, wellbeing and relaxation. The league is expected to attract more than 25,000 runners in 2027, while TUI has extended its title sponsorship of the Rhodes Marathon until at least 2030.

The Big Table Group, which operates more than 200 UK restaurants including Bella Italia, Frankie & Benny’s, Banana Tree, Las Iguanas and Chiquito, is offering one free children’s meal with every adult main course purchased from July 20 to September 1. The offer includes meals with varying combinations of mains, sides, desserts and drinks, and follows the UK Government’s temporary cut in VAT on children’s meals. Several brands are also offering free items and discounts on repeat visits.

Gousto lead recipe developer Sophie Nahmad explains that frozen peas can be sweeter than fresh peas because they are often frozen soon after harvesting. She recommends glazing them in a frying pan with butter, water and salt instead of boiling, and offers six additional techniques including roasting, cooking in stock, using mint stalks, chilling cooked peas, adding citrus zest and enhancing sweetness with a little sugar.

More than 120 wealthy UK individuals including Gary Lineker urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to impose higher taxes on extreme wealth, arguing it would reduce inequality, support public services and boost economic opportunity. Organised by Patriotic Millionaires UK, the open letter advocates a 2% tax on wealth above £10 million and capital gains reforms, projecting substantial revenue gains. Signatories emphasize fairness, national values and the need to disperse economic power as polling shows strong support among millionaires for increased taxation.

A wine expert advises that common misconceptions about rosé lead people to judge it by colour, serve it at the wrong temperature and use unsuitable glassware. Aldi research shows strong consumer preferences around rosé shade and rising sales of several bottles, prompting the launch of a pocket-sized Rosé Sip Swatch to help shoppers choose. The guide aims to encourage experimentation as rosé continues to grow in popularity during the summer season.

Research indicates parents can save around £2,130 over the summer by relying on grandparents for childcare, with many saying they would struggle to balance work and parenting without this support. Iceland Foods found that 57 percent of parents depend on grandparents during school holidays and shared practical tips from grandparent employees to keep children entertained. The supermarket also highlights its weekly discount for customers aged 60 and over.

A passenger on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen was partially sucked out of a window after it broke mid‑flight, suffering neck and shoulder injuries before fellow travelers pulled him back in. He remains in a neck brace and may need surgery, while he and his wife expressed gratitude to another passenger who helped block the opening. The aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has assumed responsibility for the investigation under international aviation rules.

Households are urged to unplug non‑essential appliances before travelling to reduce fire risks, power waste and potential damage, while leaving key systems like fridge-freezers and routers running. Expert guidance highlights risks from unattended lithium‑ion batteries, suggests checks for unnoticed power cuts, and advises turning off the mains water supply to avoid leaks. Heating systems should be set to low or holiday mode in colder months to prevent frozen pipes without wasting energy.

Experts warn that fast‑spreading plants such as wisteria, bamboo, ivy, Japanese knotweed, tall trees and jasmine can cause structural damage to homes and may invalidate insurance claims if not properly maintained. Norton Insurance Brokers advises homeowners to identify invasive growth early, keep plants away from vulnerable areas and take responsibility for preventing spread to neighbouring properties, as most insurers treat gradual plant-related damage as preventable maintenance rather than an insurable event. Legal liabilities may also arise if plants encroach on or damage neighbouring land.

Andy Burnham is expected to announce measures that could cut average UK household energy bills by £130 a year by removing green levies from bills and shifting them to general taxation. A proposal from thinktank Nesta under consideration would also reduce standing charges and tariffs, making electricity cheaper than gas. Nesta suggests wiping out £2.7 billion of electricity bill debt to provide further relief for two million households. The changes would leave high gas users paying more while reducing costs for those who use less energy or rely on electricity, as energy bill caps have recently risen by 13%.

Tesco will ask shoppers to round up their bills in early August as part of expanded efforts to support families facing hunger during the school holidays. The supermarket will sell pre-filled food donation bags and enable online cash donations, with contributions going to Felix and Trussell for distribution to charities and food banks. It is also extending its Kids Eat Free café scheme and offering free fruit for children in stores. Charity leaders report rising demand for food support and say Tesco’s initiatives will help ease pressure on families across the UK.

A man from Chester lost eight stone after years of weight struggles linked to unhealthy eating habits and low confidence, which were compounded by humiliating experiences at public venues. Motivated by the birth of his son, he turned to the weight loss drug Mounjaro after other methods failed, ultimately transforming his physical and mental health. He now reports feeling happier, more confident, and able to participate fully in his life and family.

Data from Simplicity Cremations links increases in funeral plan purchases to daytime TV viewing, with the strongest surge occurring during episodes of Dickinson’s Real Deal. Other shows, including This Morning and Escape to the Country, also align with notable spikes in searches and purchases. The findings suggest that ordinary daytime viewing prompts practical end‑of‑life planning, particularly during weekday hours, reflecting a shift toward simpler, direct cremation options and more informal, at‑home funeral planning habits.

A Cardiff couple, Lois Roberts and Aron Llywd, have relocated to Ynys Enlli, a remote Welsh island with only two other residents, to work as full‑time wardens maintaining gardens and historic holiday cottages in exchange for a rent‑free home and salary. Their off‑grid lifestyle relies on solar power, a wind turbine, a mountain well and rainwater storage, and they supplement their needs with home‑grown food and local resources. The move has significantly reduced their living costs, allowing them to save half their income and enjoy a slower, self‑sustaining lifestyle surrounded by nature and seasonal changes.

New Financial Conduct Authority rules coming into force on July 15 will bring buy now pay later services under formal regulation, requiring lenders to conduct affordability checks, provide clearer upfront information and support borrowers in financial difficulty. Consumers will gain access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for complaints about regulated agreements. Experts say the added friction should reduce the risk of accumulating unmanageable debts, while BNPL providers generally welcome the clarity and standardisation the regulation brings. The changes may also affect credit reporting, aiding those who pay on time but potentially limiting access to other credit for those who miss payments.

Survey data shows that a quarter of people have forgotten to cancel unused subscriptions, with average monthly spending reaching £53. Respondents reported difficulty keeping track of payments and identified streaming services and AI tools as common recurring charges. Credit Karma highlighted the growing range of subscription-based products and the ease of losing oversight, based on polling of 2,000 UK residents.

More than 2,700 people died in England and Wales during record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, with researchers estimating that 42% of the fatalities were driven by human-induced climate change. Temperatures reached unprecedented levels for the time of year, with high humidity and hot nights compounding health risks ranging from heat stroke to worsening chronic conditions. Experts warned that the UK is unprepared for increasingly severe heat events and urged adaptation measures alongside accelerated emissions reductions. Government officials highlighted ongoing climate commitments while Green Party leadership blamed political inaction for preventable deaths. Emergency services reported record demand and advised the public to take precautions in continued high temperatures.

Record heat and increasing drought risk have led Anglian Water to impose an immediate hosepipe ban affecting more than five million customers in the East of England, with full restrictions starting Saturday. Cambridge Water also issued its first hosepipe ban in 30 years amid surging demand and low rainfall. South East Water and Southern Water have introduced or are introducing similar restrictions across parts of Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as water resources come under growing strain.

Parents are warned that gel‑filled squishy toys left in hot cars can explode and cause severe burns, with multiple recent incidents reported in the UK and the US. Experts caution that high temperatures inside vehicles can quickly destabilise the toys, and the adhesive gel can cause serious skin injuries. Trading Standards also warns against microwaving the toys due to a related social media trend. Rising UK temperatures prompt further advice to check vehicles for heat‑sensitive items to prevent injuries and avoid costly interior damage.

Around 200,000 council and school workers in England and Wales are being balloted by Unison on strike action after rejecting a 3.3% pay offer from local government employers. The union argues that years of declining pay have hindered recruitment and retention, urging employers to improve the offer before ballots close in early August. If supported, strikes could begin in autumn, affecting teaching assistants, social workers, waste collectors and other essential staff.

A study from the University of Malaya found that sniffing dark or milk chocolate before and between sets of resistance exercise increased leg extension repetitions without raising perceived exertion. Dark chocolate scent reduced hunger and increased fullness the most, adding about 18 extra repetitions, while milk chocolate added about nine. Researchers suggest familiar food cues may trigger anticipatory fullness or create a pleasant sensory environment, potentially enhancing performance. Further research with larger samples is needed.

Research shows many children discuss emotional and personal issues with AI chatbots before approaching adults, often following the advice they receive. Parents express concerns about safety and accuracy, with most supporting restrictions or bans for under‑16s as the government plans new online safety measures. Experts warn of risks such as emotional dependence on AI and stress the importance of strengthening support from parents and educators.

A Welsh nurse developed severe cellulitis after wearing TK Maxx sandals she believes had been tried on by others, leading to blisters that rapidly became infected. She was hospitalised at Glan Clwyd Hospital for IV treatment and warned the condition could have progressed to sepsis if untreated. Still in pain, she urges others to wash new footwear and wear socks when trying on shoes. TK Maxx has been asked for comment.

A Columbia University study found that reducing sleep by about 80 minutes per night led to an average weight gain of one pound in six weeks and increased sedentary time. Researchers linked modest but chronic sleep loss to higher risks of obesity-related conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, with pronounced effects in postmenopausal women. The findings underline the importance of adequate sleep and call for further research into improving sleep among chronically sleep-deprived adults.