Ukrainian forces have used British-made drones for the first time to strike targets inside Russia, including oil refineries in Volgograd and Yaroslavl, according to The Sunday Times and confirmed by a military source to the BBC. The UK-supplied systems, including the Nyan drone with a range over 150 miles and a catapult-launched model exceeding 600 miles, offer cheaper alternatives to missiles and help sustain Ukraine's deep-strike campaign. Nearly 700 successful strikes hit 52 Russian regions between January and June, causing over £35 billion in economic damage. This marks a new phase in UK–Ukraine military cooperation, with London showing increased willingness to support long-range operations.

Reform UK has announced a policy to exclude foreign nationals, including EU citizens with settled status, from most welfare benefits. The plan would require renegotiating the UK's Brexit deal, potentially affecting British expatriates in the EU. Reform claims savings of £21bn annually by the fifth year, but Labour and Conservatives have criticized the proposal. The announcement precedes a speech by shadow chancellor Robert Jenrick.

Wildfires across south Wales have prompted the deployment of about 200 soldiers from the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, supported by Royal Engineers and Army helicopters, to assist fire crews. Chief fire officer Fin Monahan praised the military's logistical support, including water distribution and building fire breaks, as crews from London, Cumbria, and elsewhere joined the effort. Multiple fires, including a 480-hectare blaze in Rhandirmwyn, have been brought under control with cooler conditions, but officials warn of continued risk and irresponsible behavior.

A nationwide emergency alert warning of wildfire risks across England and Wales, sent on Friday, has drawn criticism from domestic abuse charities and survivors who say the lack of advance notice endangered victims hiding secret phones. The alert, the largest use of the system to date, was issued after a direct request from fire services amid 43 wildfires and 11 major incidents. Campaigners urge the government to provide more forewarning and consider silent notifications to protect vulnerable individuals.

Background: Ofwat recently approved £3.4bn extra spending by water companies, leading to higher bills for millions. Today: Ofwat is exploring 'surge pricing' during droughts to cut consumption, amid public anger over sewage and leaks. Trials include rising block tariffs and seasonal pricing. The government backs innovation but has no nationwide surge pricing plans. Following the approval of bill increases for five companies, Ofwat is considering proposals to allow water companies to implement 'surge pricing' during droughts, raising bills to reduce consumption. This comes amid public anger over sewage discharges and leaks. Trials include rising block tariffs and seasonal pricing by South West Water and Anglian Water. The government has no plans for nationwide surge pricing, but supports tariff innovation. Consumer groups urge fairness and smart meter data.

Sinn Féin has condemned the burning of images of Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill on a bonfire in Derry's Bogside area as 'anti-democratic' and 'sectarian'. The bonfire, which also included union flags, Israeli flags, and other symbols, was set alight on Saturday night. Police are treating the incident as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. O'Neill said she would not be deterred, and political leaders across parties condemned the act, highlighting ongoing sectarian tensions in the region.

A former Afghan police special unit worker, identified in an accidental 2022 Ministry of Defence leak, has received threats from the Taliban after the UK refused his resettlement application under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap). Despite certificates praising his service, the MoD rejected his claim, stating he lacked evidence of working alongside UK government departments. The man lives in hiding, fearing for his life, and campaigners highlight the plight of Afghan partners left behind.

A report by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS), which supported Australia's under-16 social media ban, is under investigation after a Senate inquiry heard it may contain AI-hallucinated citations. The report, part of a $3.48m age assurance technology trial, was heralded by Communications Minister Anika Wells as showing 'many effective options' for age checking. Guardian Australia identified six references with errors, including DOIs linking to non-existent papers and incorrect author/journal combinations. ACCS initially denied using AI but later admitted using ChatGPT for editing. The government department is examining the concerns, and senators are calling for accountability, citing previous incidents like the Deloitte AI report.