Heatwave warning & state subsidy surge: Today's briefing
A fifth heatwave of the year is expected to hit the UK next week, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 35C. Residents should prepare for sustained hot weather beginning this weekend, following a period of record-breaking dry conditions that have already visibly impacted the landscape in south-east England.
In national economic news, government state subsidies have more than doubled to £114bn in the year ending March. This significant increase in public funding is largely attributed to expanded support for energy projects across the country.
Regarding ongoing legal and political developments, Pakistan has reportedly declined to provide a timeline for the return of a grooming gang suspect currently released on bail in the UK, who faces outstanding rape charges. Separately, the government has launched a safeguard investigation into imports of polyethylene terephthalate—a type of plastic resin—to determine if current trade levels are causing injury to domestic industry.
For more updates, including the latest on Scottish Labour leadership discussions and the return of the Red Arrows from North America, please check the News section of our app.