SNP leader John Swinney defended his proposed policy to legally cap the price of up to 50 essential food items in large supermarkets, denying it is an attempt to provoke a fight with the UK government. Swinney argued the measure is a response to the cost-of-living crisis and a public health responsibility. The policy would likely require changes to the UK Internal Markets Act, potentially creating a constitutional dispute with Westminster. Swinney is expected to be re-elected as First Minister by the Scottish Parliament.

Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed he raised the issue of Welsh independence during a call with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, signaling a potential constitutional flashpoint. Ap Iorwerth aims to lead a 'national conversation' on Wales' ability to become an independent nation while pressing for more devolved powers and funding. This development follows Plaid Cymru's election victory and the decline of Welsh Labour.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has paid nearly £40 million in compensation to over 5,000 officers and civilian staff following a 2023 data breach that accidentally released personal details of all 9,400 personnel. Each claimant received £7,500 under a universal offer, with several hundred claims still ongoing. Stormont had ring-fenced £119 million for compensation. The law firm Edwards Solicitors described the legal action as "massive and unprecedented."

Background: Aeralis, a British modular jet developer, collapsed due to cashflow pressure from repeated delays to the UK Defence Investment Plan (DIP). Today: Chess Dynamics, a West Sussex-based developer of counter-drone and air defence technology, has been unable to commission new air defence systems since last year due to the same DIP delay. Liberal Democrat MP John Milne raised the case in the House of Commons on 28 April, requesting a meeting with Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, who did not directly address the DIP delay. Conservative shadow minister James Wild questioned whether the Chancellor was blocking the plan, citing Lord Robertson's warning about welfare spending. Dame Meg Hillier asked about joining the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank; Murray noted the UK had already signed up with Finland and the Netherlands. The government reaffirmed its commitment to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by next April.

The UK Foreign Office failed to record minutes of a December 4 meeting between Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and former Prime Minister Tony Blair about the Middle East, and also has no records of briefing materials or correspondence related to the meeting. The meeting coincided with Blair's advocacy for the US-led Board of Peace for Gaza, a body that excludes Palestinian representatives and grants extensive powers to President Trump. The lack of documentation has been criticized by transparency experts as a breach of accountability, especially given Blair's controversial record in the region.

A BBC investigation reveals that teenagers are brazenly posting videos on TikTok boasting about motorcycle thefts, mocking victims, and selling stolen bikes. Data from 31 UK police forces shows that over half of suspects for motorcycle thefts where age was recorded were under 18. Victims express frustration with police response, while TikTok says it has removed some accounts but hundreds of videos remain. Police operations have led to arrests and vehicle recoveries.

Sir Nick Hine, CEO of Babcock Marine, delivered a keynote at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, advocating for a hybrid naval fleet integrating crewed and uncrewed systems under 'commanded autonomy.' He introduced the Armor Force concept, featuring a Type 31 frigate as a command vessel for uncrewed surface vessels and modular payloads, emphasizing open standards, spiral development, and interchangeability among allied nations. Hine argued that traditional fleet growth cannot keep pace with modern threats and that autonomy under human authority is key to future maritime advantage.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord, speaking at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, outlined three priorities for the Royal Navy: building a hybrid crewed-uncrewed fleet, deepening industry partnerships, and forging a persistent multinational maritime force with Joint Expeditionary Force partners. He stated that drones and autonomy have become the dominant and decisive factor in modern warfare, citing evidence from Ukraine and the Middle East. Jenkins confirmed delivery of the first 20 Beehive autonomous boats and warned that Russia continues to pose an acute threat in the North Atlantic. He called for procurement reform and announced plans for a fully formed JEF maritime force by autumn.

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation fined Deutsche Bank's London branch £165,000 for processing two payments totaling £635,619 to a Russian entity affiliated with a sanctioned organization in June and July 2022. The bank voluntarily disclosed the violations, receiving a 45% discount. This underscores ongoing enforcement of Russia sanctions against financial institutions.

Navantia UK has unveiled the LASV75, a large autonomous surface vessel designed as an uncrewed escort and support platform for the Royal Navy's future hybrid fleet. The modular hull can be configured for sensing, operational, or combined mission profiles, and the company claims it can be built faster and at lower cost than crewed ships of comparable size. The unveiling coincides with a £157 million modernisation programme across Navantia UK's four shipyards, aimed at reducing design and build time for large naval vessels by up to 30%. This positions Navantia UK as a key supplier for the Royal Navy following its acquisition of Harland and Wolff assets in 2025.

Belfast Harbour Commissioners announced a £1.3bn investment plan over 25 years to upgrade port infrastructure, including facilities for offshore wind, grain trade, ferry terminals, and container shipping. The plan, contingent on legislative changes allowing borrowing, aims to leverage Northern Ireland's strong economic growth and post-Brexit dual access to UK and EU markets. Additional residential developments could bring total investment to over £2bn.

Labour MP Michelle Welsh, who experienced failings at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust during her own childbirth, has been appointed as the UK government's first national maternity adviser. She will work with families, the NHS, and maternity organizations to improve safety and care. The appointment comes ahead of the publication of the Ockenden inquiry into maternity failings at NUH, which involves about 2,500 families.

Wiltshire Council's licensing committee decided not to revoke the licence for Shindig Festival, allowing it to proceed with punk-rap band Bob Vylan as headliners. The decision followed a complaint about the band, which had previously led a chant of 'death to the IDF' at Glastonbury. The festival's lawyer argued that having a provocative performer is not illegal, and contractual measures were put in place to ensure compliance with licensing conditions.

British marine technology company RAD has launched its Autonomy Core product at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough. The system provides an interface layer between vessel engines and onboard systems, enabling remote control via IP networks without replacing existing equipment. It supports Degree 3 autonomy out of the box, with Degree 4 autonomy available through partner systems. RAD CEO Dan Hook stated the product is designed to support hybrid navy ambitions of the UK and other navies, and the company has appointed Chris Shepherd as defence and security mission systems director to accelerate growth in the defence sector.