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Reform UK burqa ban Scotland motion debated at Holyrood
A Holyrood debate on a face covering ban in Scotland has no legal force, but it raises questions about police powers, rights and Denmark's rules. Here is what the motion says.
Crisp maker Glens of Antrim enters administration
Glens of Antrim, whose crisps were sold in Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda, has entered administration, and most of its 95 staff have been made redundant, Wales Online reports.
Awaab’s Law private landlords 2026: NRLA responds to consultation
The NRLA has responded to the government's consultation on extending Awaab's Law to private rentals in England. The consultation closes on 18 December 2026.
UK Germany cyber defence partnership targets sabotage
Britain and Germany will share information and coordinate action against cyber attacks and sabotage. The UK government says the aim is a stronger European cyber defence for infrastructure.
Clocks go back 25 October: darker drives and what UK drivers need to know
The clocks go back one hour on Sunday 25 October, bringing darker evening drives. No new driving law takes effect that day, but safety checks matter now.
UK rental market demand surge: tenant demand up third month
RICS surveyors report tenant demand growing for a third straight month while landlord instructions stay weak. Official figures show UK rental prices rising 3.5% a year.
Grenfell Tower community update October 2026: what it covers
The government's October 2026 update sets out how Grenfell Tower is being taken down and includes dust, noise and vibration monitoring. The published summary does not mention rehousing or compensation.
Raleigh owner Accell UK files to appoint administrators
Raleigh's owner has filed to appoint administrators, and flooring firm Ceco has closed, but the two cases are separate.
New driving rules: Northern Ireland Graduated Driver Licensing starts 1 October 2026
Graduated Driver Licensing starts in Northern Ireland on 1 October 2026, with a six-month minimum learning period and a two-year R-plate period. Great Britain has no confirmed changes; the Department for Transport is still consulting.
EV charging cable pavement rules in conservation areas
No new ban on pavement cables has been announced, but electric vehicle charging in conservation areas faces extra planning checks, and a government consultation could change the process.
Ofgem consults on Universal Service Obligation exemption
Ofgem wants smaller electricity suppliers with fewer than 50,000 domestic customers exempted from the Universal Service Obligation. The consultation on the licence wording closes on 5 November 2026.
MSPs back principle of compensating Scottish fishermen for wind farm losses
MSPs have backed the principle of compensating fishermen for losses caused by offshore wind, a result welcomed by the fishing industry. The vote is not binding and the detail is still to be worked out.
Online sales tax plan could cut high street business rates
A think tank says a 2% levy on large retailers' remote sales could raise £1.5bn to cut business rates for shops, pubs and restaurants. Ministers have not backed it.
Unfit to drive endorsements surge to 669 in 2025, DVLA data shows
DVLA figures show endorsements for medical unfitness to drive rose from 198 in 2022 to 669 in 2025, with most cases involving driving after licence revocation. These unfit to drive UK statistics do not cover drink or drug cases.
E.ON completes Ovo takeover after CMA clearance
E.ON Next completed its takeover of Ovo Energy on 8 October 2026 after CMA clearance, leaving three suppliers with almost three-quarters of homes, the Guardian reported.
One Login UK government single sign-on ‘probable’ within 18 months
GDS says One Login is 'probable' to cover every central government service within 18 months. Here is what that means for tax, identity checks and your driving licence.
CMA could clear Brink’s NCR Atleos cash machine deal
The CMA is considering Brink's offer to sell NoteMachine and TestLink UK, a key condition of any Brink's NCR Atleos merger approval, to protect competition in UK cash machines.
Airport strikes October 2026: flights at Brussels cancelled
European airport strikes in October 2026 are cancelling flights to and from Brussels on Friday 9 October. Here is what UK travellers should check before they go.
Holborn and St Pancras by-election 2026 polls latest: Labour wins
Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali won Holborn and St Pancras with 12,292 votes to Zack Polanski's 8,928, as bookmakers had forecast. Sir Keir Starmer took 18,884 in 2024.
Harvey Nichols stores in Bristol and Leeds set to become Flannels
Frasers Group is understood to be turning both stores into Flannels, while Harvey Nichols keeps Knightsbridge, Edinburgh and Manchester.
