Retail sales edge higher ahead of crucial Christmas trading season
Office for National Statistics figures show a slight rise in sales volumes on high streets and online, but retailers remain cautious as cost-of-living pressures persist.
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Twelve universities omit higher earners from student loan repayment examples
A daily-coffee comparison has been removed as MPs press for clearer illustrations of how rising earnings increase monthly deductions
Met chief says more people may come forward after Brand rape conviction
Sir Mark Rowley confirms two further rape investigations and backs mandatory jury directions on rape myths
Burnham says he did not know full extent of Brand’s conduct
The prime minister was questioned about his 2014 support for the comedian, who remains in custody before sentencing on Monday
EU AI rules to cover Northern Ireland devices, not standalone online tools
Smart speakers and AI-linked watches fall within the Windsor Framework arrangements, while standalone business tools remain outside their scope
CoreWeave’s share slide exposes debt risks behind the AI computing boom
Long-term customer contracts support billions in borrowing, but analysts disagree over whether strong computing demand can outweigh the financial risks
New guidance reserves same-day baby care hearings for immediate safety risks
Applicants must justify urgent hearings with evidence, while a newborn protocol seeks earlier family support and fairer participation for parents
Cocaine deaths overtake heroin in England and Wales
The overall drug death rate fell for the first time since 2012, but regional inequalities widened and ketamine-linked fatalities reached a record
Palestine Action ban has weakened trust in terror laws, Supreme Court hears
Ammori’s lawyers argue criminal powers were sufficient, while Jewish communal groups say escalating attacks threatened their institutions
Parliament’s known asbestos total rises despite removal of 700 items
Further survey discoveries intensify pressure for a restoration vote as MPs warn that each year of delay costs taxpayers £420m
Welsh tram-trains costing over £200m remain mostly unused three years after first delivery
Only 16 of 36 vehicles have passed statutory testing, as passengers face a five-year delay to promised service increases
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