Wildfire Emergency Alert Backlash: Louise Haigh signed off on a major England-and-Wales emergency alert about “very high” wildfire risk, but it triggered a surge of neighbour-on-neighbour 999 calls over barbecues and other outdoor fires, with fire services urging people to keep lines free. Cost of Living & Energy Policy: Andy Burnham confirmed VAT will be cut from 5% to zero on domestic electricity bills from 1 October, saving a typical household about £45, while water firms face anger and Ofwat talks about “water scarcity” bills that critics liken to surge pricing. Transport & Daily Life: DVLA reminded drivers turning 70 in the next three months to renew licences online, and DVSA confirmed MOT photo-taking will be “optional” at first as part of a crackdown on fraud. Housing & Planning Pressure: Bellway urged an immediate stamp duty cut plus a deposit support scheme to boost first-time buyer demand, as housing affordability remains a political flashpoint. Immigration Rules: The government published clear salary thresholds and residency timelines for Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes to indefinite leave to remain. Justice & Prisons: Britain’s newest “super-prison” HMP Millsike is taking inmates but has hundreds of empty cells due to staffing limits, amid wider overcrowding and early-release tensions. Public Services: A review led by Alan Milburn calls for “turbocharging” supported internships for young people with SEND to tackle record youth joblessness. Politics & Culture: A petition demands a public inquiry into alleged media harassment around Cambridge academic Jason Arday’s death, with thousands backing the call.