More areas in England declared in drought after record dry July

National Drought Group met today as 71.3% of England now in drought

Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August. 

The National Drought Group has warned all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources - with increasing impacts across agriculture, public supplies, navigation, and the environment.  

The East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Kent & East Sussex, and Solent &

UK armed forces step up monitoring of increased Russian activity in UK waters

Royal Navy warships and helicopters spent 21 days on operations monitoring Russian activity in UK waters and the North Atlantic throughout July.

• Maritime operations to monitor Russian activity up 25% across the first seven months of the year.
• Royal Navy have deployed four warships and naval helicopters to protect UK waters during 21 days of intense operations.

Royal Navy warships and helicopters spent 21 days on operations monitoring Russian

Taking medication this summer? What you need to know about sun and heat exposure

Some medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun or increase the risk of dehydration without you realising it. The MHRA is encouraging people to know the risks and stay protected this summer.

People taking certain prescription or over‑the‑counter medicines are being reminded to take extra care in warmer weather, as some treatments can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or cope with sun exposure. 

The advice is part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA)

True Summit Adventures Announces Everest Base Camp Journey with Record Breaking Sherpa, Kami Rita

Kami Rita Sherpa has the most ascents of Mount Everest (31)

Kami Rita Sherpa at Everest base camp, May 2026

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, August 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Luxury adventure travel company True Summit Adventures has announced a new Everest Base Camp journey

We call on the transitional government of South Sudan to cooperate fully with UNMISS: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

6 August 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

As we have heard today, ongoing violence continues to displace civilians and to deepen an already acute humanitarian crisis.

Women and girls continue to bear the brunt, including through conflict-related sexual violence.

First, the United Kingdom reiterates the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the political process.

We urge all parties to use this immediate period to engage in genuine and inclusive

EMY Africa Strengthens UK–Africa Relations Through Landmark London Activations at the UK Parliament and Exclusive Soirée

Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson, Daniel Kojo Soboh and Michelle McKinney Hammond dazzle at the EMY Africa London Soirée

EMY Africa steps in London amplifying African success stories, shaping the next chapter of leadership, culture, and impact across the continent & its diaspora

Through the Africa Rising Symposium and the EMY Africa London Soirée, we are creating spaces where meaningful partnerships are formed, ideas are exchanged and lasting impact begins.”

— Daniel Kojo Soboh

LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, August 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- EMY Africa, the pan-African platform celebrating leadership, achievement and cultural impact, has successfully delivered two landmark events in

Government orders that public spending must back British jobs and skills in every postcode

Government backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts.

• Government backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts.
• Organisations will now be assessed on how they help local people develop new skills and support young people into apprenticeships or work placements.
• Other areas businesses had to prove they were acting on will be scrapped, making it easier for smaller firms to bid for contracts.

Businesses bidding for government contracts - a market worth £90bn per year - will be

Martyn's Law: keeping up the momentum

Laura Gibb, the SIA's Executive Director for Martyn's Law, shares an update on progress, and new guidance on the notification requirement.

As our preparations for Martyn’s Law continue, I wanted to share some important updates, express thanks to those who have already stepped forward to support our work, and highlight some new guidance that will be of interest to those in scope of Martyn’s Law.

Thank you to our volunteers

We are grateful to everyone who has volunteered to help us develop our notification portal

UK support helps Costa Rica strengthen its fight against human trafficking

A UK-funded project with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) helps Costa Rica tackle human trafficking.

At a school in Los Chiles, close to Costa Rica’s northern border, children, teachers and community leaders came together to talk about how trafficking can be recognised, prevented and reported.

For many, the session turned a difficult and often hidden issue into something practical –

The United Kingdom remains resolute in our commitment to working with partners to combat terrorism in all its forms: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

5 August 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The United Kingdom welcomes the Secretary-General’s latest report, which outlines progress in countering global terrorist threats and underscores the importance of multilateral efforts. 

We continue our commitment to working with international partners to identify and disrupt

Patients with motor neurone disease set for fast-tracked care

Health and Social Care Secretary announces faster access to care and support for motor neurone disease patients during a visit to the Rob Burrow Centre.

Patients with motor neurone disease (MND) will get faster access to care and support, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Yvette Cooper, has set out today during a visit to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds (Wednesday 5 August 2026). The announcement comes as the government launches action to tackle delays and

Major expansion of community mental health support across England

£343m plan will open 159 NHS mental health centres in England, giving people earlier local support and specialist crisis care outside A&E.

• Up to 159 new NHS mental health centres will open across England from this autumn, bringing crucial support directly into neighbourhoods.
• New centres in communities are designed to catch problems early, so fewer people reach crisis point in the first place.
• People in crisis will get dedicated mental health emergency care rather than a long wait in a busy A&E.

People struggling with their mental health will get help earlier and closer to home, with 159