Rayner admits underpaying tax on Hove flat, but PM backs her
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.
Bulgaria: von der Leyen’s plane subjected to electronic jamming
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.
Ukraine: Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia all willing to contribute troops for security guarantees
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.
Lisbon: funicular railway crash ‘due partly to overtourism’
A tragic derailment of Lisbon’s historic Glória funicular railway has left 16 dead and 21 injured, after a carriage broke free and crashed into a hotel. The popular railway, dating back to 1885 and carrying around three million passengers annually, has been at the center of debate about overtourism. Residents say it has shifted from serving locals to functioning primarily as a tourist attraction, placing heavy strain on the system. Investigators believe a snapped haulage cable caused the accident, though union leaders had previously raised concerns about braking difficulties. Maintenance protocols were reportedly in place, but questions are mounting as the outsourced maintenance contract had expired just days before the crash. The incident prompted national mourning, suspension of other funiculars in the city, and renewed scrutiny over balancing heritage preservation, safety, and the pressures of mass tourism in Portugal’s capital.
Afghanistan: hundreds dead after powerful earthquake
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake has devastated Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, killing 1,400 and injuring at least 3,000. Striking late at night near Jalalabad, the quake was felt as far away as Kabul and neighbouring Pakistan. Entire villages collapsed under the force, with fragile mud and timber homes burying families beneath rubble. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by landslides, blocked roads, and the region’s mountainous terrain, leaving many unreachable for hours. Helicopters are being used to transport survivors, while international aid organisations and neighbouring countries have offered assistance. The timing of the disaster compounds Afghanistan’s hardships, already strained by recent flash floods, ongoing humanitarian needs, and a collapsed healthcare system under Taliban rule. Hospitals near the epicentre, especially in Jalalabad, are overwhelmed. With infrastructure destroyed and communications cut, the death toll is expected to rise further. Rebuilding will take years.
Haiti: kidnapped missionary is freed
Irish lay missionary Gena Heraty, who has served in Haiti for three decades, has been freed after nearly a month of captivity. She and several others, including a three-year-old child with a disability, were kidnapped during an armed gang attack on an orphanage outside Port-au-Prince. The NGO with which Heraty works, expressed profound gratitude for the release, saying the hostages are safe, receiving medical and psychological care, and reunited with their families. Heraty’s family issued a heartfelt statement thanking everyone, locally and internationally, who helped secure her freedom, and they requested privacy as she recovers. The case underscores Haiti’s worsening security crisis, with gangs now controlling an estimated 85% of the capital. Kidnappings remain rampant, with the UN reporting nearly 350 abductions in just the first half of 2025.