Morning Briefing: Thursday 13 August 2026
- Your wages and jobs: The economy grew 0.4 per cent between April and June, but momentum slowed from the start of the year and the pound dipped on the figures. A resilient but cooling economy shapes the outlook for pay, jobs and the autumn budget.
- Heat and water: Temperatures could reach 38C today, possibly the hottest day of the year, with an amber heat warning in force and wildfires at record levels. Expect health alerts, spreading hosepipe bans and pressure on food prices.
- Energy: Oil is holding near $89 a barrel with the Strait of Hormuz still shut, and ministers face a decision on new North Sea oil fields — both will feed into future energy bills and petrol prices.
Colombia Quake Toll Passes 260 as Rescue Nears Final Phase
The death toll from Monday’s earthquake in western Colombia has passed 260, with authorities putting the confirmed dead at around 265 and describing the rescue as entering its final phase. The number of people still missing has been revise…
Trump Switched Planes Over Alleged Iran Plot That US Doubts
President Trump was moved off his usual aircraft during a visit to Turkey after Israeli intelligence warned of an alleged Iranian plot to shoot it down, reports said. But United States and Turkish officials cast doubt on the warning, with…
WHO Warns Congo Ebola Could Become Deadliest on Record
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Putin Threatens to Seize European Vessels in Retaliation
President Putin warned that Russia would seize European commercial ships “wherever necessary” in retaliation for Western captures of tankers carrying Russian oil. The threat raised the risk of confrontation at sea as European states step u…
Houthi "Double-Tap" Strike Kills Six on Red Sea Ship
Six people were killed when the Egyptian-owned cargo ship Tihamah was struck in the Red Sea and a second strike hit rescuers responding to the first, in an attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthis. The dead included four crew and two rescuers, am…
UK Economy Grows 0.4 Per Cent as Momentum Slows
The UK economy grew by 0.4 per cent between April and June, official figures showed, with output rising an unexpected 0.3 per cent in June alone. The Office for National Statistics said growth was driven by the services sector, though it s…
Heatwave Peaks at 38C as Wildfires Hit Record Levels
England faces the peak of its heatwave today, with temperatures forecast to reach 38C and an amber extreme-heat warning in force, potentially the hottest day of the year. Wildfires have reached record levels for the year, with fire service…
Burnham Faces Climate Test Over North Sea Oil Fields
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces an imminent decision on whether to approve the contested Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in the North Sea, in what is being called his first big climate test. The move follows a Scottish court ruli…
Cooper Says Labour "Did Not Do Government Well" Under Starmer
The cabinet minister Yvette Cooper has said Labour “did not do government very well” during Sir Keir Starmer’s time as prime minister, a candid reflection on the party’s record from within the current cabinet. Sir Keir resigned in June aft…
Live Facial Recognition Cameras to Scan Oxford Street
Live facial recognition cameras are to be deployed on Oxford Street, the busiest shopping street in the country, in an expansion of the technology by police. Supporters say it helps catch wanted criminals and missing people, while civil-li…