Following months of low rainfall, severe drought has been officially declared across extensive parts of southern England, prompting a direct appeal from the Water Minister for immediate public action on water conservation.
King Charles III presented the government's legislative programme, comprising 37 bills, to the House of Lords. The address occurred amidst continued speculation regarding Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
Prime Minister Starmer announced plans to nationalise British Steel, citing a failed commercial sale and the public interest. This follows the government's previous intervention to prevent the closure of Scunthorpe's blast furnaces, crucial for virgin steel production. The move has received support from industry and unions, who emphasise the need for a long-term investment strategy.
A parliamentary group has called for a comprehensive ban on sunbed advertising and the implementation of graphic, cigarette-style warnings in tanning salons. The proposals aim to combat rising skin cancer rates, citing evidence that sunbed use before age 35 significantly increases melanoma risk.
