Tom Jeffreys

Retailers and public viewing sites across the UK have sold out of solar eclipse glasses ahead of the 12 August event, with demand driven by the eclipse’s unusually high visibility from Britain. An AM2PM shop in Whitechapel sold 6,000 pairs in a day after receiving a Spanish delivery, while Exmoor National Park sold more than 300 pairs and could have sold twice as many. More than 90% of the Sun is expected to be obscured, with the best views in Devon, Cornwall and western Pembrokeshire. Forecasts are broadly favorable, though cloud may affect northern and western areas. Experts stress that only ISO 12312-2-certified eclipse glasses or other proper projection and solar-viewing equipment should be used, as ordinary sunglasses are unsafe.

Andy Burnham has secured 322 nominations from Labour MPs for the party leadership, with 18 Cabinet ministers among his supporters, including Rachel Reeves, David Lammy and Yvette Cooper. High-profile figures such as Angela Rayner, Lucy Powell, Wes Streeting and Emily Thornberry have also endorsed him. Some Cabinet members, including Shabana Mahmood and Steve Reed, have not yet nominated. The article provides the full list of MPs who have formally backed his leadership bid.

Fifteen towns across the UK have been shortlisted for the inaugural UK Town of Culture award, which includes a £3 million grant for the eventual winner and £60,000 for each shortlisted town to prepare their final bids. The competition, launched by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and overseen by an independent panel chaired by Phil Redmond, aims to highlight local cultural contributions and support community development. The shortlist spans small, medium and large towns, aligning with the parallel UK City of Culture programme administered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Kemi Badenoch said she would probably not support a bank holiday if England win the World Cup, arguing it would burden the private sector while giving the public sector time off. Speaking at a Politics UK event, she noted she did not stay up to watch England’s win over Mexico but praised the result and expressed optimism about the team’s chances. Keir Starmer intervened to stop FIFA from moving England’s kickoff time, acting through diplomatic channels after concerns were raised that the change could disadvantage the team.

The UK is abandoning plans for the Type 83 destroyer and will instead procure at least six common combat vessels that prioritise drone integration and uncrewed systems. These new ships will serve as control hubs to expand naval reach and firepower while controlling costs and crew requirements. The shift reflects concerns about underdeveloped Type 83 plans and evolving threats such as drones and hypersonic missiles. Existing Type 45 destroyers continue to play a key role, including intercepting drones and missiles in recent operations. The Ministry of Defence describes the CCVs as adaptable, exportable, and designed for modern warfare, with delivery expected in the early 2030s.

A walk along the proposed HS2 route reveals widespread opposition among local residents, who cite environmental damage, community disruption, poor planning and a lack of trust in HS2 Ltd and the government. Supporters are rare, while critics describe extensive emotional and practical harm, from fears over construction impacts to concerns about political accountability. Many affected communities consider shifting political support, including toward UKIP, reflecting deep frustration with existing representation. The project is widely viewed as poorly communicated and insensitive to local realities, leaving uncertainty about its long-term benefits and consequences.