Global Scans · UK · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Achieving Brexit will dominate the UK's agenda up to and beyond 2020 with uncertainty rife until clear decisions are made on the form of Great Britain's future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world.

• [New] In England and Wales, temperatures will rise into the mid to high twenties Celsius and widely across east Wales, central, eastern and southern England in excess of 30 C. BBC Weather
• [New] South-east England will be even hotter where temperatures will rise to over 30 C and possibly as high as 33 C. BBC Weather
• [New] Several areas of England could enter drought status as public water supplies remain under increasing pressure with continued dry weather and high demand. BBC Weather
• [New] Economists predict an increase in GDP of 0.4%, slower than the start of the year but still a robust pace. / UK financialpost
• [New] Someone aged 60 in the UK will live, on average, to 84 and have a 33% chance of living to 90. The Guardian
• [New] At present, there is a higher risk of thick cloud and rain in Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the clearest skies are likely to be towards the south and the east of the UK. The Guardian
• [New] In 2026, people in the UK and Ireland will see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon for the first time since 1999 - and it's their last chance until 2081. The Guardian
• [New] Harsh weather unleashed by the meteorological phenomenon will pose an inflationary threat in 2027 and cause food prices to rise by between five and nine per cent across the UK and Europe. City AM
• [New] UK food and drink manufacturers have already been grappling with rising costs as a result of the war in Iran, so the impact of extreme weather and reduced crops here and around the world will be an additional concern. City AM
• [New] Nearly three-quarters of businesses surveyed in the UK, France, and Germany fear Washington could abruptly cut their access to the US tech platforms on which they depend. theregister
• [New] Heatwave development will depend on the position and strength of high pressure, the source of the air moving across the UK, and whether any Atlantic or thundery interruptions break down the warmer pattern. Met Office
• [New] The Bank of England has kept UK interest rates on hold as it warned that a further escalation in the Iran war could drive inflation above 4% in 2027, adding to cost of living pressures on households. The Guardian
• [New] European security will be strengthened by a new UK-Estonia defence roadmap that will deepen military cooperation, strengthen NATO's eastern flank and modernise the UK's Forward Land Forces presence in Estonia for the challenges of modern warfare. GOV.UK
• [New] Nearly half of UK employees expect AI to become a permanent workplace partner, yet only 28% have received AI training from their employer. theHRDIRECTOR
• [New] For much of southern England, dry conditions are expected to remain the dominant feature, with temperatures recovering quickly next week and the potential for very warm or locally hot weather to return. The Guardian
• [New] Two ageing nuclear power stations will stay operational until 2030 to help keep Britain's lights on. Electricity Info
• [New] EIT Food is funding a single delivery partner to help oilseed rape farmers across the United Kingdom shift toward regenerative agriculture between 2026 and 2029. Impact Funding
• [New] AI is being adopted across the UK justice system faster than its impact on the public can be independently evaluated, a new report has warned. UKAuthority
• [New] The contract extension, awarded to BAE Systems, will support more than 4,500 workers across the UK in developing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced software, and augmented reality. UKAuthority
• [New] Electric aircraft and hydrogen-powered planes could become a common sight in UK skies, after 8 companies were awarded funding. Innovation News Network
• [New] The CCC listed a number of immediate concerns, including: - Over a third of railway and road kilometers are currently at flood risk, predicted to rise to around half by 2050. / UK Friends of the Earth
• [New] After a recent spell of hot weather for some, many will be asking whether the UK is likely to see any more heatwaves before the end of August. Met Office
• [New] Under devolution plans announced last week, by early 2028 regional mayors across England will be able to keep a share of income tax generated in their area. The Guardian

Last updated: 11 August 2026