UK news + Explainers | The Guardian

First-time buyer Isa v lifetime Isa – which one should you choose?

Rupert Jones — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:00:18 GMT

Despite plans to scrap the lifetime Isa, experts still advise you open one now and not wait for the new first-time buyer account to launch

What is Burnham doing to the early prison release scheme and why?

Jamie Grierson — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:59:18 GMT

Offences including manslaughter have been excluded from changes to sentencing rules amid an overcrowding crisis

Which countries have citizens killed or missing after Nepal-Tibet flash flood?

Associated Press — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:55:11 GMT

Hundreds of foreigners were in area to work, take guided treks or make pilgrimages when disaster struck

Nepal-Tibet flash flood – latest updates

How Britain’s railways are struggling in the heat – and can they be fixed?

Natalie Wint and Alex Daniel — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:00:51 GMT

Problems including derailments have hit network during one of the hottest and driest summers on record

Why do some Labour MPs want electoral reform and will it happen?

Peter Walker Senior political correspondent — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:00:23 GMT

Despite the policy not being included in the party’s 2024 manifesto, Andy Burnham is under pressure to act

From welfare to prisons: the challenges for Burnham when MPs return to Commons

Kiran Stacey Policy editor — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 05:00:53 GMT

PM’s honeymoon period will come to an end as he makes decisions on the budget, welfare, migration and prisons

What is salmonella, how does it spread and are eggs safe to eat?

Denis Campbell Health policy editor — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:46:05 GMT

UKHSA says imported eggs eaten in restaurants are source of outbreak that has infected more than 200 people

Why is the Trump administration causing turmoil in the bond markets? | Richard Partington

Richard Partington Senior economics correspondent — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:14:59 GMT

As yields are dragged higher in the UK, Europe and Japan, the impact for consumers and businesses will be far-reaching

‘Starve the beast’? The $40tn cost of Republicans’ false promises to cut spending

Harry and Meghan: the key moments, conflicts and controversies since their US move

Guardian staff — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:52:23 GMT

Expected return to UK of Duke and Duchess of Sussex marks the latest twist in the long-running saga surrounding the couple since they left for the US in 2020

Prince Harry and Meghan ‘moving back to Britain this month’

What has Burnham promised since he became PM, and when will it happen?

Aletha Adu — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:30:05 GMT

From cutting household bills to moving power out of Westminster, how will the measures announced unfold?

What is behind Russia’s ‘consequences’ threat over UK sending drones to Ukraine?

Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:22:45 GMT

Britain has supplied more militarily significant munitions to Kyiv before but there are political reasons for Moscow’s remarks

Europe live – latest updates

How to keep babies and children safe in heatwaves

Damien Gayle Environment correspondent — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:13:10 GMT

Biological factors mean a child’s core temperature rises faster than an adult’s – and that can result in a medical emergency

How viable are plans to free up prison space in England and Wales?

Rajeev Syal Home affairs editor — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:58:23 GMT

The PM is proposing three ways of increasing jail capacity – but none offer a quick or straightforward solution

Axe stamp duty? How Andy Burnham could change property tax

Phillip Inman — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:00:01 GMT

The new PM could bring in revenue for social care or defence with a land levy or by reforming council tax

What could Andy Burnham do to block early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers?

Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondent — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:45:57 GMT

After widespread outcry, PM is confident he can adapt scheme to exclude Harper’s killers but his options are limited

Europe’s total solar eclipse: the best place to see it and how to view it safely

Nicola Davis and Oliver Holmes — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:00:06 GMT

Moon is due to pass directly between Earth and sun on Wednesday 12 August. Here’s all you need to know

Has the UK government’s strategy on small boat crossings been effective?

Diane Taylor — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:39 GMT

As the number of migrants crossing the Channel is down by 43%, have ministers cracked the problem?

Is Reform UK’s plan to use the navy to stop small boat crossings feasible?

Rajeev Syal and Dan Sabbagh — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:32:37 GMT

Nigel Farage says he would use the military in the Channel but there are questions about whether the plan would work

Social care in England: how could we pay to fix a ‘broken system’?

Patrick Butler Social policy editor — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:55:16 GMT

Many across the political spectrum agree the system needs fixing – but there is no consensus on how to fund change

White paint, trees or air con? What parents and teachers can do to cool UK’s overheating schools

Matthew Taylor — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:00:10 GMT

While longer-term action is needed, there are steps that can be taken during the holidays to help keep children safe