Morning Briefing: Thursday 2 July 2026
- Forced Adoptions: The state will formally apologise today for the forced adoption of an estimated 185,000 babies between 1949 and 1976 — if you or your family were affected, watch for the records-access and support arrangements expected alongside the apology.
- Petrol & Energy: Oil is trading near $71 a barrel as US-Iran technical talks progress — sustained lower crude typically reaches forecourt prices within weeks, partially offsetting the 13% energy price cap rise that took effect yesterday.
- Family Travel: Children aged eight and nine can use airport eGates from Wednesday 8 July when travelling with an adult — families flying for the summer holidays should clear the border faster.
Russian Missile and Drone Barrage on Kyiv Kills at Least 13
Russia launched its largest attack on the Ukrainian capital in weeks overnight, sending waves of ballistic missiles and drones into residential districts and setting a hotel in the city centre alight. At least 13 people were killed and doz…
US-Iran Doha Round Ends Centred on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Two days of technical talks between American and Iranian delegations concluded in Doha on Wednesday evening, with negotiators focused on restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is pressing Tehran to abandon plan…
Germany Charges Ukrainian Over 2022 Nord Stream Pipeline Blasts
Germany’s federal prosecutor has indicted a Ukrainian national over the explosions that crippled the Nord Stream gas pipelines beneath the Baltic Sea in September 2022. The pipelines, built to carry Russian gas directly to Germany, were de…
US Blocks Renewal of North American Trade Pact
The United States has declined to approve a 16-year extension of the USMCA trade agreement with Canada and Mexico at the pact’s scheduled joint review, instead triggering annual rolling reviews while it seeks changes. The decision stops sh…
Toddler Pulled Alive From Rubble Six Days After Venezuela Quakes
A two-year-old boy was rescued from a collapsed building on Wednesday, six days after the twin earthquakes that killed at least 589 people in Venezuela — a rare moment of relief in a recovery effort grinding towards its close. Young surviv…
Starmer to Deliver State Apology for Forced Adoptions Today
The Prime Minister will today apologise on behalf of the state to survivors of forced adoption, acknowledging the harm done when an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976. Wome…
England Records Its Hottest June as New Heat Alert Issued
Last month was provisionally England’s hottest June on record, with daily temperatures passing the previous June peak of 35.6C on three consecutive days last week. A yellow heat-health alert now covers southern and eastern England from Sat…
Prosecutors to Decide on Charges Against Suspended MP Dan Norris
Police investigating the suspended Labour MP Dan Norris have passed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which will now decide whether to bring charges. The investigation concerns allegations of rape, sexual assault, voyeur…
Boy of 16 Critically Hurt in Shooting Near Birmingham Mosque
A 16-year-old boy suffered potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds in a shooting near a mosque in the Alum Rock area of Birmingham on Wednesday evening. Police were called to Bowyer Road shortly before 5.30pm; the boy was taken to hosp…
Airport eGates Open to Eight and Nine-Year-Olds Next Week
Children aged eight and nine will be able to use eGates at UK airports and border ports from next Wednesday, 8 July, provided they are travelling with an adult. The change, confirmed by the Home Office, lowers the minimum age from ten and…