At London’s ExCeL Arena, 40,000 believers joined Pastor Jerry Eze’s New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations conference, the UK’s largest Christian gathering this year. The six-hour event was marked by fervent worship, bold declarations, and testimonies of God’s power. Ministers stirred the crowd with faith-filled proclamations, urging worshippers to believe that walls of opposition had fallen and breakthroughs were imminent. Attendees testified of God’s intervention: a woman finally received her UK visa after years of denials; a nurse cleared of false accusations unexpectedly found a husband after decades of waiting. Worship leader Dunsin Oyekan led participants to lift prayer requests - contracts, photos, and lists of 'new beginnings' - as symbols of faith. The highlight came as miraculous healings unfolded: wheelchair users walked, crutches were discarded, and stroke survivors stood unaided, tumours dissolved, and sight and mobility were restored. Amid rejoicing, Pastor Eze declared: 'What God cannot do does not exist’. The event concluded with thousands of voices shouting 'Amen' to his promise that next year’s greatest testimonies had already begun.

A pioneering UK charity, Greater Change, is transforming lives by giving direct financial support to people facing homelessness. When single mother Laura Burns was threatened with eviction due to debts and moving costs, she received £600 almost instantly, enabling her to secure a new home. Today, she has a job, a fiancé, and renewed hope. Greater Change’s approach is simple yet radical: provide people with dignity and choice, allowing them to use funds for deposits, bills, or debts. Since January, the charity has distributed £699,000 to 403 people, with 86% moving into stable housing and almost half gaining employment. Critics fear misuse of funds, but international studies show that recipients rarely spend on harmful addictions. Instead, they invest in rebuilding their lives. Partnering with councils, philanthropists, and grant bodies, Greater Change saves taxpayers thousands per client by preventing homelessness before it becomes entrenched. For many, even modest grants are life-changing interventions at the right moment, offering stability, opportunity, and hope.

From 6 to 14 September, Christians unite in the National Week of Prayer (NWoP) under the call 'Gather, remember, return'. Inspired by Zechariah 1:3, the vision is to humble ourselves, repent, and seek God’s presence for national transformation. Over 115 prayer gatherings are already confirmed - from Bristol to Blackpool, Jersey to the Isle of Man - with more registrations daily. Activities range from inter-church meetings and workplace prayer groups to early morning breakfasts and online sessions. Ministries and networks are laying aside busy agendas to come together in worship, thanksgiving, and intercession, celebrating the good things God has done and continues to do in the nation. Organisers see NWoP as part of a growing spiritual awakening and an answer to Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:21. Believers are encouraged to join existing events or start their own, making prayer a visible wave of oneness rising across the UK and beyond. See (https://worldprayer.org.uk/events/nwop-revival-prayer-hour/)  Also see (https://www.24-7prayer.com/weekofprayer/)

Rachel Reeves has dismissed claims that she faces a £50 billion 'black hole' in the public finances. She insisted that reports about massive funding gaps were exaggerated, saying many commentators were 'talking rubbish'. Concerns rose this week as long-term government borrowing costs hit a 27-year high, sparking fears of tax hikes or spending cuts ahead of the 26 November Budget. Reeves emphasised her commitment to two borrowing rules: that day-to-day spending must be funded from tax income by 2029–30, and that debt must fall as a share of national income within this parliament. While she ruled out tax rises on VAT, National Insurance, and income tax for working people, speculation continues over possibly targeting property, banks, and other sectors. She rejected talk of an IMF bailout, and promised to strike a balance between funding public services - particularly the NHS - and encouraging growth, saying there are already 'positive signs' in the economy. See https://news.sky.com/story/interest-rates-considerably-more-doubt-over-future-cuts-bank-of-england-governor-warns-13424292

Scottish first minister John Swinney has announced a series of measures in response to the crisis in Gaza, declaring that Israel’s actions 'constitute genocide'. The Scottish government has paused new awards of public money to arms companies supplying the Israeli military; Swinney also confirmed that Palestinian flags are now flying at government buildings. He urged the UK government to recognise the state of Palestine and withdraw from its free trade agreement with Israel immediately. Scottish Conservatives called the Gaza conflict a 'blight on humanity'; Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar condemned Benjamin Netanyahu as a 'war criminal'; Greens welcomed the action but sought a broader boycott; and Liberal Democrats pressed both governments to help more injured children from Gaza receive treatment in Scotland. Swinney insisted Scotland will continue offering practical humanitarian support within its devolved powers. See https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/crown-prosecution-service-london-southwark-palestinian-cardiff-b2819723.html

New Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures reveal that despite a rise in applications and new recruits, the UK’s armed forces continue to shrink. In the 12 months to June 30, 13,520 people joined the regular forces, up 13% on the previous year, but 14,020 left, leaving the overall strength reduced by 500. While applications surged, the overall full-time strength of the army, navy, and RAF fell by 2,190 (2%), with the reserves down 1.2%. Personnel often cite poor housing conditions as a key reason for leaving, though the government has pledged investment to improve service homes. Defence leaders warn the decline threatens national security at a time of heightened global instability and looming threats from Russia. While ministers stress decisive action is being taken, critics argue that Britain’s defence capability remains dangerously undermanned.

Hundreds of workers from the Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Killingholme rallied outside Parliament this week, urging government action to save their jobs. The refinery, owned by Prax Group, went into liquidation in June after £75m of losses over three years, reducing the UK’s domestic fuel supply by at least 10%. Unite union leader Sharon Graham condemned the lack of a transition plan for oil and gas workers into green jobs, calling the situation 'a disgrace'. The Department for Energy Security acknowledged workers had been 'let down' but highlighted a proposed training guarantee to help staff move into the clean energy sector. Workers expressed deep concerns for their families, futures, and communities, warning that closure could devastate livelihoods. With 450 direct employees, 500 contractors, and thousands more in the supply chain affected, Unite argues the refinery is 'critical national infrastructure' whose future must be guaranteed. Officials confirmed that the Official Receiver has received bids for the site, but workers remain anxious for urgent decisive action.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has admitted underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove, blaming reliance on flawed legal advice. The property purchase in May was part-funded by selling her stake in a Greater Manchester family home, which had been placed in trust to support her disabled son. Fresh advice later revealed that complexities in the trust meant she should have paid the higher rate reserved for second homes. Rayner has now alerted HMRC, pledged to pay the outstanding tax, and referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser for investigation. Sir Keir Starmer defended his deputy, praising her transparency and family priorities, while critics - led by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch - argued her position was untenable. The case presents political difficulties for Labour, as Rayner previously criticised Conservative ministers over integrity issues. While some voiced sympathy for her circumstances, many continue to press for her removal. Downing Street has confirmed that an independent inquiry will now examine the matter.

On 1 September, In what authorities suspect was Russian interference, Ursula von der Leyen’s plane was subjected to GPS jamming while landing in Bulgaria,. The flight, which landed safely using paper maps, highlighted the persistent threat of disrupting aviation traffic electronically. Russia has long been accused of such tactics, particularly in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions, though the Kremlin has denied involvement. The incident occurred during von der Leyen’s tour of eastern EU states, aimed at reinforcing solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. She said that the EU must keep up their sense of urgency, adding: ‘Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence.’ The event also served as a reminder of the risks faced by European leaders when showing visible support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom.

Estonia’s president, Alar Karis, has said it is prepared to contribute troops to an international reassurance force that the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ plans to send to Ukraine as a post-ceasefire security guarantee. He said  Estonia is not overly concerned that this would weaken NATO’s eastern flank, though discussions with alliance leaders continue. Lithuania and Latvia are also willing to participate, but Poland has declined, citing the need to protect its own borders. The reassurance force would be deployed only in non-contact areas within Ukraine. NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte noted that while NATO itself will not formally participate, the alliance is quietly discussing how to ensure resources are not overstretched. About 80,000 US troops are currently in Europe, but there could be a reduction in numbers as Washington’s foreign policy pivots towards the Indo-Pacific. The 'Coalition of the Willing' will meet again on 4 September; the security guarantees it will aim to provide for Ukraine following a truce are almost ready, but confirmation of US support is now needed.