Blow to NHS as Royal Mail raises prices for bulk users by a third
Royal Mail is raising wholesale postal service prices by up to a third starting in October, affecting the NHS and other major organisations that rely on bulk mail delivery.
Burnham urged to increase tax on banks as Barclays’ profits soar
Barclays reported a 30% increase in its half-year bonus pool as profits rose, prompting union calls for higher taxes on UK banks to address cost-of-living pressures.
Security firm linked to ICE crackdown in US reports UK revenue slump after asylum centre contract ends
Security firm MTC reported UK revenue decline after losing an asylum centre contract but secured a new six-year deal managing asylum processing facilities that could be worth up to £539m.
How the High Street became a window on our political instability
A BBC investigation found widespread organized crime on British High Streets, with over 3,600 shops seized with illegal goods in 2024-25, reflecting broader economic decline and political instability.
Heat failure: Why essential tech fails when the temperature rises
A French electrical transformer failed during extreme heat on 23 June, leaving over 100,000 people without power. High temperatures increasingly cause technology failures across critical infrastructure worldwide.
‘A small snippet’: what pubs make of Burnham’s £100m rates giveaway
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% business rates reduction for pubs and music venues, costing £100m. Industry figures say the measure provides modest relief amid broader cost pressures facing hospitality operators.