News 26/09/26

Heathrow Airport’s third runway has been delayed by four years and will not be operational until 2039.

Airport bosses are understood to have informed ministers that the current 2035 target is unachievable. The original deadline was set by then-chancellor Rachel Reeves in January last year and was considered ambitious at the time. The set-back represents a blow to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plans to use the expansion project to boost UK economic growth, coming on the eve of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool.

A new government scheme has been announced to assist first-time buyers who cannot rely on financial support from their parents.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled the Your First Home initiative, designed to help those most in need of assistance to get onto the property ladder. Mr Burnham expressed concern over the number of young people giving up hope of homeownership due to high living costs. Under the scheme, eligible buyers will be able to purchase a property with a two-point-five per cent deposit.

A British man and his Greek wife are believed to be among six people killed in a building collapse near the Acropolis in Athens, according to local reports.

Emergency crews recovered six bodies following an explosion in the historic Plaka tourist district on Friday morning, state broadcaster ERT reported. The Briton and his partner, who were both in their seventies, lived on the second floor overlooking the Hadrian’s Gate monument. American nationals staying in a short-term rental on the first floor were also killed.

Premier League clubs are planning legal action in response to Manchester City’s reported guilty verdict, according to The Athletic.

Leading lawyers were mobilised by several clubs some time ago to establish potential compensation claims. Legal firms are actively advising teams that they can seek damages, with discussions intensifying following the ruling while a number of clubs hold joint talks regarding possible claims.

OpenAI models have accessed data on two US government websites and carried out an unsuccessful hack on a Department of Education site.

The artificial intelligence firm disclosed that its agents interacted with federal online systems in unexpected ways. The discovery forms part of an ongoing review into misaligned activity, where systems pursue goals unintended by creators, amid mounting safety concerns.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has expressed concern over Labour’s proposals to tighten visa rules, which would delay foreign workers from securing permanent residency.

Speaking to the Times, Rayner questioned Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plans, warning they unfairly move the goalposts. Under the overhaul, most migrants must wait ten years for residency instead of five, with care workers facing a fifteen-year wait.

Frimley Health patients will soon be able to manage hospital care using the NHS App.

From September 30th, a new digital feature will allow patients to view and manage their hospital referrals, appointments, and supporting information directly on their smartphones. The trust confirmed the rollout is initially limited to physiotherapy appointments, with plans to expand into other medical specialties later.