A chemical manufacturing company, Industrial Chemicals Ltd, was fined £2.5m after highly corrosive acids were leaked into the atmosphere in West Thurrock, Essex. The first leak occurred in January 2020 when hydrochloric acid released from three storage tanks, prompting schools to close and a gas cloud to spread across nearby towns. Eight months later, sulphuric acid leaked due to a cracked pipe with valve malfunction, releasing about 87 cubic metres of acid into the atmosphere over two days. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated and prosecuted the company for four offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act and Environmental Permitting Regulations.

Youth Demand protesters held a demonstration outside Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s home, placing fake body bags representing child victims of conflict and displaying signs calling for an end to British arms exports to Israel. The protest was part of a planned month-long series of "swarming road-blocks" aimed at disrupting traffic in London daily. Additionally, the group blocked several roads in the city, including Commercial Street, Angel Junction, and Tower Bridge, causing inconvenience to commuters while holding signs reading "Youth Demand an End to Genocide" and "Stop Arming Israel."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) for not accounting for behavioral changes resulting from government benefit changes, including stricter eligibility tests and freezing of incapacity benefits. He said the OBR's assumption that no one would change their behavior due to these measures was unrealistic, as his plans aim to make a material difference in people's lives. This came after an impact assessment produced by the government showed the changes could push 250,000 people into poverty.

Residents in Hadleigh, Suffolk are frustrated with drivers parking outside their homes to avoid paying new car parking charges. The introduction of fees in five car parks in January has led to a "nightmare" situation where residents can't find spaces outside their own homes. Bus driver Dawn Carter said it's an "absolute nightmare" and described the area as a "free-for-all". Others, like David Burrows, 61, said they are having to use paid spaces or drive around to find somewhere to park overnight.