News 30/09/25

Most companies hit by ransomware over the past year have paid their attackers, according to an insurance specialist’s new report.

Hiscox says the outcomes are mixed, warning that businesses often don’t recover their data fully, even after handing over money. The findings come as major names like Marks and Spencer, the Co-op and Jaguar Land Rover have all faced cyber attacks in recent months. JLR has now secured a £1.5bn government loan guarantee to protect its supply chain during a month-long factory shutdown. Ministers say it’s vital support for the 200,000 jobs tied to the carmaker, but smaller firms hit by hackers rarely receive the same help.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to unveil a sweeping reform of the NHS today, pledging to launch what he calls an “online hospital” by 2027.

In his keynote speech to Labour’s conference, the prime minister will outline NHS Online, a digital service designed to cut waiting times and provide millions of extra appointments. Through the NHS app, patients would be able to access prescriptions, book scans and tests, manage appointments, and even schedule in-person procedures at hospitals, surgical hubs or diagnostic centres. Labour says the service could deliver up to 8.5 million extra appointments within its first three years.

Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia is “prevailing” in Ukraine, as Kyiv waits for a decision from President Trump on whether it can deploy long-range missiles capable of striking Moscow.

In a video message, Putin praised his forces for advancing on the frontline, insisting the entire country is united in what he described as a righteous battle. The remarks come as Russia claims to have seized two more settlements in the Donetsk region.

Thousands of British military personnel are suing over faulty ear protection they say caused lifelong hearing damage.

The lightweight combat earplugs, supplied to the Ministry of Defence by US giant 3M, were used in Afghanistan and other operations. The same product led to a $6bn settlement for American servicemen and women last year, though 3M denied liability, saying the plugs worked when used correctly. The company has vowed to contest the UK claims.