Great Britain

More than half of the renewable energy projects required to meet the government’s clean power targets by 2030 have been offered grid connection dates by the National Energy System Operator (Neso). Over 700 projects, including wind, solar, battery storage, gas, and hydro plans, were granted connections after a two-year effort to resolve delays.

Nearly 500 people were seriously injured in e-scooter collisions in Great Britain in 2026, with 10 fatalities, compared to six deaths in 2024. The Department for Transport reported 1,484 casualties involving electric scooters in 2026, up from 1,390 in 2024.

The energy price cap in Great Britain will increase by 13% from July to September, raising the average annual gas and electricity bill to £1,862. The rise is attributed to higher global energy market prices linked to the war on Iran.

Households in Great Britain face rising energy costs under the government's price cap, with typical bills expected to increase by £209 annually. This surge has sparked calls for ministers to address utility bill 'anxiety' as families struggle with rising essentials prices.

Retail sales in Great Britain declined by 1.3% in April, marking the worst monthly performance in a year. The drop was primarily driven by motorists reducing petrol and fuel purchases at the fastest rate since the Covid pandemic, amid uncertainty over Iran tensions. The decline significantly exceeded forecasts of -0.6%.

Households in Great Britain may see their energy bills increase by over £200 a year to almost £1,900 from July, according to Cornwall Insight's analysis. This rise is due to an increase in the price cap of nearly 13% as gas costs are pushed up by the Iran war. A typical gas and electricity bill is now forecast to reach £1,850 a year.

A survey by King's College London found that one in three university students believe AI job losses will cause social unrest, with students being heavy users of AI, using it at least a few times a month. The poll also found that almost half of the public would prefer to avoid AI. University students are among the most frequent users of AI.

A survey by King's College London found that one in three university students in Great Britain think AI job losses will cause social unrest. The poll also revealed that students are among the heaviest users of AI, with 77% using it at least a few times a month. Almost half of the public would prefer to avoid AI.

British Gas customers will receive up to £112m in compensation and debt write-offs due to a scandal involving forced prepayment meter installations. The energy regulator found that British Gas had force-fitted meters in homes of vulnerable customers during the Russian gas crisis. Thousands of customers will benefit from the redress, which includes a £20m penalty and £70m of debt write-offs.

Polls have closed in England, Scotland, and Wales for local, mayoral, and parliamentary elections, with over 30 million people voting. The results could transform Great Britain's political landscape and have repercussions for the prime minister. The elections are seen as a significant test for Keir Starmer since the 2024 general election.

Polls have opened in England, Scotland, and Wales for local, mayoral, and parliamentary contests, posing a significant test for Labour and Keir Starmer. The elections could alter the political landscape across Great Britain. Millions are voting on Thursday, with results expected to impact national and local authorities.

King Charles III addressed a joint meeting of Congress, emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic relationship between the United States and Great Britain.

Retail sales in Great Britain increased by 0.7% in March, driven by a surge in fuel purchases and favorable weather. The rise was partly attributed to motorists buying fuel amid escalating prices linked to the Iran war.

The UK government plans to shift older wind and solar farms to fixed-price contracts to shield households and businesses from gas price volatility. This move aims to decouple electricity costs from gas prices, with clean energy generation surpassing global demand in 2025.

Private rents in Great Britain have stopped rising for the first time since 2017, with more landlords cutting prices to attract tenants. Rightmove data shows the average advertised rent outside London remained flat at £1,370 per calendar month in early 2026.

The number of remote working tribunal cases in Great Britain fell by 13% in 2025 compared to 2024, with 54 cases decided across England, Scotland, and Wales. Experts suggest the decline may be linked to rising unemployment, improved flexible working rights, and a tighter labor market discouraging employees from leaving roles despite return-to-office mandates.

A record number of homes in Great Britain are adopting green energy solutions like solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicles due to soaring fuel prices linked to the Iran crisis. Energy bills are projected to rise 18% in July as households prepare for higher costs following the next energy price cap.