Solar and home battery sales have jumped 62% as households seek protection from rising energy bills. Analysts link the surge to oil and gas price hikes tied to US policy under Trump. Installers report supply bottlenecks, while experts urge faster planning and grants to speed uptake.
Distressed investors say turmoil in private credit offers the biggest opening since 2008. With rates high, borrowers face refinancing stress and forced sales, while cash calls pressure major managers. Software firms reliant on leveraged loans are seen as particularly exposed to valuation resets.
Campaigners urge the government to evacuate hundreds of Afghan allies left at risk after an MoD data breach exposed their details. Around 400 former UK partners and about 1,900 relatives remain stuck months on, despite promises of sanctuary.
An investigation says the SNP directs billions in public grants to charities with clauses that deter criticism of policy, covering gender, alcohol, drugs and safeguarding. Ministers insist funding is transparent and fair. Critics argue it compromises independence and skews civic debate.
A new analysis details internal warnings to Meta’s boss about harms linked to its platforms, including misinformation, safety gaps and risks to young users. Critics say these concerns were downplayed, intensifying scrutiny and calls for stronger regulation and accountability.
Morgan McSweeney, a senior No 10 aide, has been told to hand over private messages from a second phone to the inquiry into the Mandelson scandal. Investigators will recover any relevant texts to clarify his communications and timeline.
Up to 70 Britons have been detained in the UAE for taking or sharing images of security incidents, breaching strict laws on photographing sensitive sites. Tourists, expats and crew are among those held. Penalties can reach 10 years’ jail or £200k, and even receiving such images may be an offence.
The PM set out plans to curb addictive social media for children, targeting algorithms that keep them scrolling. Measures under consideration include time limits, overnight curfews and an Australian‑style ban. The move follows a landmark UK court ruling, with a call to act for the next generation.
Drone mapping has found soil anomalies in a field near the Gloucestershire border, indicating possible burial sites linked to Fred West. Investigators believe two victims may be there and will share the data with police, potentially prompting targeted excavation and renewed inquiries.
Britain’s National Crime Agency warns criminal groups are set to exploit AI to forge videos and images, create false alibis and discredit witnesses, risking jurors losing trust in genuine CCTV. It urges rapid safeguards, verification tools and training across the justice system.