Surprise inflation jump complicates interest rate decision
The UK’s economic outlook has been shaken by a surprise rise in inflation, complicating plans for an anticipated interest rate cut in August. Despite a strong start to the year, recent data shows inflation quickening unexpectedly, particularly in food prices, adding to the burden on households already grappling with prolonged cost-of-living pressures. While markets had largely assumed a rate cut from the current 4.25% was imminent, the spike in inflation has introduced renewed caution. Former Bank of England policymaker Andrew Sentance called any cut next month 'irresponsible’. The Bank must now weigh current inflation against forecasts that predict a return to its 2% target by 2026. Complicating the picture further is the weakening jobs market, with unemployment expected to rise to 4.9%. While other major economies, like the eurozone, maintain stable inflation, the UK remains vulnerable to wage and tax-related price pressures. However, energy prices are expected to fall in the autumn, which may ease inflation, and there are signs of sectoral recovery and no current risk of recession.
All Co-op members’ data accessed in cyberattack
All 6.5 million members of the Co-op had their personal data stolen in a major cyberattack in April, the retailer's chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq has confirmed. While no financial or transaction data were taken, names, addresses, and contact information were accessed. The breach prompted the shutdown of IT systems, disrupting supply chains and payments. Khoury-Haq expressed deep sorrow, especially recalling the distress of IT staff working to repel the attackers. The attack was one of three targeting major UK retailers this spring, alongside Marks & Spencer and Harrods. Four suspects, aged 17 to 20, have been arrested under suspicion of offences including blackmail, money laundering, and cybercrime. Devices were seized from their homes. In response, the Co-op has partnered with The Hacking Games to help young people with cyber skills pursue careers in cybersecurity instead of crime. The breach underscores the growing vulnerability of digital infrastructure and the emotional toll such attacks take on staff and customers alike.
Scotland: trans changing room row nurse cleared of misconduct
NHS nurse Sandie Peggie has been cleared of gross misconduct after raising concerns about sharing a changing room with a transgender doctor, Dr Beth Upton. Peggie was suspended in January 2024 following an incident at a hospital in Kirkcaldy, where she reported feeling 'embarrassed and intimidated' when Dr Upton began undressing in front of her. The disciplinary case was part of a wider employment tribunal, with Peggie claiming discrimination under the Equality Act. NHS Fife argued it followed national guidance, but admitted it lacked a formal policy on trans facilities at the time. The tribunal also heard arguments over the rights of women with religious beliefs or trauma histories who might not wish to share changing spaces with trans-identifying males. The incident was logged as a 'hate incident’, yet the internal panel found no evidence of misconduct, recommending reflective dialogue instead. Peggie has since urged NHS Fife to respond to the UK supreme court ruling which reasserted the legal definition of 'woman' as biological. This complex case highlights the ongoing tensions between transgender rights and women's privacy in public services.
Courier fraud victims lose £22m
Courier fraud has led to nearly £22 million in losses across the UK from April 2024 to March 2025, with the Thames Valley region suffering over £2 million in victim losses - the second highest after London. New figures show an average loss of £16,000 per victim, with 135 reports made to Thames Valley Police alone. The scam typically involves fraudsters posing as police or bank officials who convince victims they must urgently withdraw cash or purchase high-value items for a fictitious investigation. The victims then hand over money or goods to a courier, never to see them again. Detective inspector Duncan Wynn has urged the public to treat unsolicited calls with suspicion and reminded them that neither police nor banks will request cash withdrawals, computer access, or item pickups. Police commissioner Matthew Barber warned that criminals exploit public trust in institutions, using high-pressure tactics to deceive, particularly targeting the elderly. Authorities have said they will crack down on this predatory crime, and are calling for heightened public vigilance.
Welby accused of 'undermining biblical ethics' over sexuality
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has drawn criticism for remarks suggesting he was 'thick' to have opposed same-sex relationships, prompting concerns that he is undermining biblical ethics. His comments come during a sensitive period for the Church of England, which is still navigating the divisive Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process on human sexuality. Rev Jonathan Ford, a former General Synod member, warned that Welby’s words could further fracture the Church and diminish confidence in biblical morality. Ford noted that biblical ethics have historically shaped Western civilisation, and rejecting them leaves a moral vacuum. He said that many Anglicans globally hold conservative views, questioning where the Church of England stands amid growing liberal influence. At the General Synod’s meeting in York, LLF remained unresolved due to internal divisions and the absence of unified episcopal leadership. Ford also called for a 'year of national repentance’, urging the Church to recommit to Scripture, acknowledge past failings, and prioritise Christ-like living over institutional self-preservation.
France: prime minister proposes axing two public holidays
There has been widespread criticism after prime minister François Bayrou proposed eliminating two public holidays - Easter Monday and 8 May (Victory in Europe day) - to help reduce the national budget deficit. He argues that France’s debt is a critical threat, increasing by €5,000 every second, and that cutting holidays is part of a necessary strategy to recover €43.8 billion in savings. The proposal comes alongside other austerity measures, including freezing public spending, ending tax breaks for the wealthy, and reducing the civil service, while also increasing defence spending by €3.5 billion in 2026. His plan faces fierce opposition from the far-right and left-wing parties, with threats of a no-confidence vote which could topple the government, as happened to Bayrou’s predecessor. Critics have decried the holiday cuts as attacks on French heritage and workers' rights. Despite the political risks and deep parliamentary divisions, Bayrou insists the reforms are essential to preserve national stability. President Macron, although deeply unpopular, has consistently resisted suggestions that he should step down before the end of his second term, in 2027.
Türkiye: Kurdish fighters disarm, engage in peace process
On 11 July thirty Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters publicly disarmed in Sulaimaniyah, northern Iraq, marking the start of a renewed peace process with Türkiye aimed at ending a forty-year conflict that has claimed around 40,000 lives. Following a call in February by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to end armed struggle, senior PKK leaders agreed to political engagement in April. The process may lead to amnesty for fighters and the restoration of political and cultural rights for Kurds within Türkiye. However, analysts warn that the Turkish government’s secrecy around the process raises questions about public support and long-term success. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq has so far remained neutral, though local parties may use the peace process for political gain. Meanwhile, the PKK has incentives to disarm, because it is militarily weaker than it was and is more marginalised. However, if the process fails, violence could return to Iraq’s Qandil Mountains, further destabilising the region and risking renewed conflict between the PKK and Turkish forces.
Israel bombs Syrian forces attacking a Druze area, then Damascus
Deadly violence has erupted in Suweida between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, resulting in at least two hundred deaths, including children and civilians. The fighting, which began after the abduction of a Druze merchant, quickly escalated, prompting Syria's interim government to send troops into the previously autonomous Druze region. Israel launched airstrikes against these troops, claiming they were targeting the Druze, with whom Israel shares strong ties. The strikes drew international criticism and further inflamed tensions. Despite a ceasefire declared by Syria’s defence minister, reports emerged of government forces bombing Suweida, executing Druze civilians and looting homes. A Druze spiritual leader initially called for cooperation with authorities, but later urged resistance. Syria accused Israel of full responsibility for the violence, while the USA urged Israel to halt its strikes. The Israeli military has already carried out hundreds of strikes across Syria to destroy the country's military assets since the fall of the Assad regime. Breaking news: Israel has now bombed Damascus, targeting the presidential palace and the ministry of defence building. See
Cuba: minister resigns after saying there are no beggars in the country
Labour and social security minister Marta Feito Cabrera has resigned following widespread backlash over her comments denying the existence of poverty and homelessness in Cuba. Speaking in the National Assembly, Feito claimed that those seen begging were merely ‘disguised’ and that street workers and recyclers lived ‘easy’ lives funded by untaxed income. Her remarks provoked outrage from citizens and leaders alike, including the president, who criticized the lack of empathy and said that the revolution should not leave anyone behind. Amid Cuba’s worsening economic crisis, due partly to the longstanding and widely criticised US sanctions (recently tightened by Donald Trump) but also to fuel shortages and inflation, many are struggling to access basic needs. Feito’s resignation was accepted after she ‘acknowledged her errors’. The incident has sparked renewed debate on the government's handling of poverty, inequality, and transparency.
Nigeria: ‘We live in fear’: five Christians killed during Bible study
Five Christians were killed and three others injured during a Bible study on Friday in Kaduna State by armed Fulani extremists. The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), had gathered peacefully when the attackers struck. The killings are part of a continuing pattern of violent persecution targeting Christian farming communities in the Middle Belt region, where believers live in constant fear. The area has seen 110 kidnappings in the past six months, with many communities unable to sleep safely or work their land. Despite persistent attacks, the Nigerian government is widely criticised for its inaction. International voices have called for Nigeria to be redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern. While this designation was made under the Trump administration in 2020, it was removed by the Biden administration in 2021 without explanation, a move condemned by religious freedom advocates. Nigeria remains the deadliest country for Christians globally, with 90% of Christian martyrs in 2022 killed there.