News 27/10/26

Retailers have reported a sharp rise in sales of essential goods after the government urged the public to prepare for potential emergencies such as cyber attacks or extreme weather.

Data obtained by Newsnight shows supermarket chain Iceland recorded a forty percent increase in tinned food sales over the weekend. Meanwhile, electronic retailer Maplin saw radio sales jump by ninety-two percent, torch sales leap by two hundred and eighty-four percent, and power bank purchases double. Home store Robert Dyas also reported a one hundred and sixty percent rise in radio sales. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said it was encouraging that people were taking practical steps to build household resilience.

British and European officials are set to begin discussions on future options for the UK’s relationship with the European Union ahead of a summit on 20th November.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that talks will explore various possibilities, including free movement, though he stressed no assumptions have been made about the eventual outcome. However, Downing Street insists the government’s current priority remains securing specific agreements covering food standards and youth mobility schemes during the upcoming negotiations.

Two British men have been charged with national security offences following an incident at RAF Fairford last month.

Mohmed Abdulkarim, twenty-four, has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service, allegedly Iran, while Nouman Essghir, also twenty-four, faces charges of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.

Emergency services have confirmed a woman in her fifties has died after being recovered from the sea off the Isle of Wight, as the search for a man swept into Scottish waters by large waves remains suspended.

The future of discount retailer Poundland hangs in the balance as three directors appointed to manage its emergency sale prepare to resign.

The trio’s expected departure follows a disagreement with majority owner Gordon Brothers over its rejection of a solvent rescue offer from Martin Property Group. Sources warn the dispute significantly increases the risk of Poundland entering insolvency proceedings and being broken up, putting thousands of high street jobs at risk.

Younger workers are expected to receive smaller minimum wage increases than in recent years, despite planned rises to overall rates.

Chancellor John Healey will unveil the new figures during Wednesday’s Budget, with pay for eighteen to twenty-year-olds set to rise in line with older employees. The move marks a shift from previous years when larger increases were introduced to phase out age-based wage bands. Mr Healey is also set to announce wider measures intended to ease living costs for families.

Council leaders across the Thames Valley have formally submitted proposals for a major local devolution deal.

Authorities in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon met Monday’s deadline to request dedicated funding for a new regional authority ahead of the Budget. They claim the plan, two years in development, could secure billions in investment and grant the Thames Valley powers comparable to mayors in London and Greater Manchester.

John Healey is removing import taxes on marmalade, gherkins, and more than one hundred products ahead of the Budget in a move aimed at giving families breathing space with the cost of living.

The measures also include ending the cliff-edge for carer’s allowance payments and making higher tax-free mileage rates permanent. However, the Conservatives called the offer of cheaper gherkins an insult to families hammered by tax rises.