Year: 2026

Whitbread is set to close 66 restaurants and pubs across its Bar + Block, Cookhouse + Pub, and Table Table chains on 3 September 2026. This follows a previous announcement regarding the imminent closure of 200 Beefeater and Brewers Fayre locations later in the month.

Nepalese authorities report that 118 people were rescued from flood debris, including one British man, as search efforts continue amidst a rising death toll.

Former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, shifting focus to international affairs, including defence and trade. His departure will necessitate a by-election, following his leadership of the Labour party and a landslide victory in 2024.

US President Donald Trump hinted at a harsher response amid escalating US-Iran hostilities, stating, “We’re going to hit them hard.” This followed Iranian missile strikes on US military sites in Jordan after the US targeted Iranian positions on Larak Island, escalating concerns of prolonged conflict in the Gulf region.

City of Vaughan councillors and staff undertook a trade mission to Italy in summer 2024, as revealed by internal documents. The details of the trip outline the activities and objectives of the mission, although specific outcomes have not been disclosed.

The Trump administration’s agreement with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) will grant the company 100-year concessions to drill in 17 Venezuelan oil fields containing approximately 65 billion barrels. The U.S. Defense Department will acquire a 35% stake, while the State Department gains rights to purchase 20% of output.

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A man has been charged with two counts of murder following a house fire in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, that resulted in the deaths of seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her aunt, Natalie McDonald, aged 34. Jaden Wright, 23, faces multiple charges and will appear in court.

A British family, including Santosh Sahu and his children, are among those still missing in Nepal following catastrophic flooding that has claimed nearly 1,000 lives.

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur has died at 97, announced by his family. Balladur, who served from 1993 to 1995, was honoured by President Emmanuel Macron and PM Sebastien Lecornu as a devoted public servant and reformist statesman, marking his significant impact on French politics.