Rory Poulter

Sainsbury's pledged £8 million to expand support for children at risk of food insecurity during school holidays, aiming to fund more than 500,000 additional holiday club places through its partnership with Comic Relief. The retailer urged the UK Government to extend the Holiday Activities and Food programme to all school breaks and broaden eligibility. Since 2022, Sainsbury's has donated the equivalent of 60 million meals and aims to raise £30 million by 2030. Fundraising events by Sainsbury's and Argos employees will run through the summer, with customer donations matched until July 31.

Government plans for the most extensive reform of the veterinary sector in six decades include a proposed £21 cap on prescription fees, mandatory price transparency, disclosure of veterinary practice ownership, and the creation of a veterinary ombudsman with binding authority. The reforms aim to protect pet owners from escalating costs highlighted by a Competition and Markets Authority investigation. Veterinary organisations broadly support the need for modernisation but emphasise collaboration and caution against attributing rising fees solely to practitioners. Campaigners urge legislation before the next general election to ensure timely implementation.

The UK Health Security Agency warns that high temperatures combined with potential summer storms may trigger “thunderstorm asthma” by breaking pollen into inhalable particles. Public guidance includes keeping homes cool, avoiding peak sun hours, staying hydrated, choosing appropriate clothing, and limiting strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Asthma and hay fever sufferers face heightened risk, and the Met Office forecasts an increased likelihood of hot spells as UK heatwaves become more severe. Citizens are encouraged to monitor Heat Health Alerts and check on vulnerable individuals.