‘Significant exposure’: Amazon Web Services outage exposed UK state’s £1.7bn reliance on tech giant

UK inflation has surprisingly held steady at 3.8% for the third consecutive month, defying predictions of an increase. This stability is particularly significant as it marks the first slowdown in food price growth since March, providing a glimmer of hope for consumers and the economy. For Chancellor Rachel Reeves, this news is a welcome relief, suggesting that the peak of inflation may have been reached, which could pave the way for earlier interest rate cuts by the Bank of England. This development is crucial as it could ease financial pressures on households and stimulate economic growth.

Scientists at Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have successfully created pigs that are resistant to classical swine fever, a highly contagious and often fatal disease. This breakthrough is significant as it not only showcases advancements in gene editing but also addresses a major threat to pig farming worldwide, especially since outbreaks have occurred even after the virus was eradicated in the UK in 1966.

Rachel Reeves is taking a bold step by criticizing Brexit's impact on the UK economy, targeting voters who may have changed their minds, including younger voters and those considering the Green Party or Liberal Democrats. This approach comes just before a challenging budget, highlighting the ongoing divisions over Brexit. Analysts suggest that her strategy could resonate with key voter groups, potentially influencing the political landscape as the UK navigates its post-Brexit reality.

MPs are actively seeking to initiate an inquiry into Prince Andrew's long-term residence at Royal Lodge, where he has lived rent-free for over two decades. This inquiry, led by the public accounts committee, aims to scrutinize the financial arrangements surrounding his living situation. Keir Starmer has expressed willingness for MPs to question Andrew directly, highlighting the growing interest in transparency regarding royal finances. This matter is significant as it raises questions about accountability and the use of public funds in royal affairs.

The Competition and Markets Authority has indicated that Apple may need to permit rival app stores in the UK due to its dominant position in the smartphone market alongside Google. This development is significant as it could reshape the app ecosystem, potentially offering consumers more choices and fostering competition, but it also raises concerns about the implications for Apple's business model.

The inquiry into UK grooming gangs has hit another snag as Jim Gamble, a former police chief and a leading candidate for the chair position, has stepped down. This decision comes in the wake of increasing frustration among survivors regarding how the government is managing the inquiry. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and the need for a transparent process, making it crucial for the voices of survivors to be heard and respected.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has made a significant move by ordering troop deployments to Türkiye and the UK to support naval operations. This decision highlights Ukraine's commitment to strengthening its military alliances and enhancing security cooperation with these nations. It underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing regional security challenges.

As Black History Month unfolds in the UK, there's a growing call to rethink its purpose and impact. Originally intended to celebrate and reflect on the rich history and culture of Black communities, the month now faces challenges in addressing systemic and institutional racism. Advocates argue that the focus should not only be on remembrance but also on creating space for meaningful discussions and actions that can lead to real change. This re-evaluation is crucial as it highlights the ongoing struggles against racism and the need for a more inclusive society.

The ongoing blame game between the Labour and Conservative parties intensifies as the number of small boat arrivals in the UK for 2025 has already surpassed the total for 2024. Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticized the previous government for leaving the borders in disarray, while her Tory counterpart accused the current administration of inaction. This political tug-of-war highlights the urgent need for effective immigration policies and raises concerns about border security, making it a critical issue for voters as the next election approaches.

In a thrilling match at the Women's Cricket World Cup, Australia is set to chase down a target of 245 runs against England. Both teams are unbeaten, making this encounter particularly significant as it could impact their standings in the tournament. The match, taking place in Indore, showcases the competitive spirit of women's cricket and highlights the growing popularity of the sport globally.

Sweden and Ukraine have signed a significant cooperation deal that will allow Sweden to purchase fighter jets from its domestic company Saab and subsequently export them to Ukraine. This agreement highlights the growing commitment among European nations to strengthen Ukraine's defenses amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. By enhancing military support, this partnership not only bolsters Ukraine's capabilities but also reinforces the solidarity of European countries in addressing security challenges in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described Donald Trump's proposal to freeze the Ukraine conflict at its current frontlines as a 'good compromise.' This statement comes amid ongoing tensions, including a suspension of a planned US-Russian summit and recent attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv. Zelenskyy's endorsement of Trump's idea highlights a potential path towards de-escalation in a conflict that has caused significant humanitarian crises and geopolitical instability, making it a crucial moment for international diplomacy.

In a recent discussion, Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor in chief of The Economist, sheds light on the complexities of the U.S. economy, addressing how factors like changing tariffs, the AI boom, and immigration policies are influencing employment and stock market uncertainties. This matters because understanding these dynamics can help individuals and businesses navigate the economic landscape more effectively.

Burcu Yesilyurt has been fined £150 for pouring coffee down a drain, which she argues is an excessive penalty. Richmond Council maintains that the fine aligns with their environmental policies aimed at preventing pollution. This incident highlights the ongoing debate about local regulations and their impact on residents, raising questions about the balance between environmental protection and reasonable enforcement.