Assisted dying bill rejected & economic growth updates
UK lawmakers have voted to reject a bill that would have legalised assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. The proposed legislation, which would have applied to those with less than six months to live, will not proceed, meaning the current legal status regarding end-of-life choices remains unchanged.
In broader economic news, the UK economy grew by 0.4% in July, following a 0.3% increase in June. While the economy is projected to grow by 1% over the course of this year, consumers should remain aware of shifting retail practices, as a new report highlights that major fashion brands are increasingly tightening their return policies, making it harder for shoppers to return unwanted items.
Elsewhere, English Whisky has officially been granted protected status, joining the ranks of other recognised UK regional products. Meanwhile, reports of individuals being 'debanked'—having their financial accounts closed—following political activism have surfaced, alongside ongoing internal debates within Reform UK regarding recent protest activity in Dover and Portsmouth.
For more information on these and other developments, including updates on international diplomatic statements and industry news, please check the News section of the app.