New Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures reveal that despite a rise in applications and new recruits, the UK’s armed forces continue to shrink. In the 12 months to June 30, 13,520 people joined the regular forces, up 13% on the previous year, but 14,020 left, leaving the overall strength reduced by 500. While applications surged, the overall full-time strength of the army, navy, and RAF fell by 2,190 (2%), with the reserves down 1.2%. Personnel often cite poor housing conditions as a key reason for leaving, though the government has pledged investment to improve service homes. Defence leaders warn the decline threatens national security at a time of heightened global instability and looming threats from Russia. While ministers stress decisive action is being taken, critics argue that Britain’s defence capability remains dangerously undermanned.

Hundreds of workers from the Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Killingholme rallied outside Parliament this week, urging government action to save their jobs. The refinery, owned by Prax Group, went into liquidation in June after £75m of losses over three years, reducing the UK’s domestic fuel supply by at least 10%. Unite union leader Sharon Graham condemned the lack of a transition plan for oil and gas workers into green jobs, calling the situation 'a disgrace'. The Department for Energy Security acknowledged workers had been 'let down' but highlighted a proposed training guarantee to help staff move into the clean energy sector. Workers expressed deep concerns for their families, futures, and communities, warning that closure could devastate livelihoods. With 450 direct employees, 500 contractors, and thousands more in the supply chain affected, Unite argues the refinery is 'critical national infrastructure' whose future must be guaranteed. Officials confirmed that the Official Receiver has received bids for the site, but workers remain anxious for urgent decisive action.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has admitted underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove, blaming reliance on flawed legal advice. The property purchase in May was part-funded by selling her stake in a Greater Manchester family home, which had been placed in trust to support her disabled son. Fresh advice later revealed that complexities in the trust meant she should have paid the higher rate reserved for second homes. Rayner has now alerted HMRC, pledged to pay the outstanding tax, and referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser for investigation. Sir Keir Starmer defended his deputy, praising her transparency and family priorities, while critics - led by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch - argued her position was untenable. The case presents political difficulties for Labour, as Rayner previously criticised Conservative ministers over integrity issues. While some voiced sympathy for her circumstances, many continue to press for her removal. Downing Street has confirmed that an independent inquiry will now examine the matter.

On 1 September, In what authorities suspect was Russian interference, Ursula von der Leyen’s plane was subjected to GPS jamming while landing in Bulgaria,. The flight, which landed safely using paper maps, highlighted the persistent threat of disrupting aviation traffic electronically. Russia has long been accused of such tactics, particularly in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions, though the Kremlin has denied involvement. The incident occurred during von der Leyen’s tour of eastern EU states, aimed at reinforcing solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. She said that the EU must keep up their sense of urgency, adding: ‘Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence.’ The event also served as a reminder of the risks faced by European leaders when showing visible support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom.