Police Accountability: Police Scotland says 40 to 50 officers are suspended over alleged violence against women and girls, as the force reviews vetting after a serial rapist passed checks. Hate Crime: Police recorded 146,825 hate crimes in England and Wales in the year to March, up 7%; race and religious offences hit record highs, with anti-Muslim crimes up 15% and antisemitic offences up 10%. Environment: Surfers Against Sewage says English water companies failed to report more than 50,000 sewage spills on time in the first half of 2026; one supplier has challenged the charity’s methods. Public Finances: Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey urged governments to make credible plans to rein in debt as rising oil prices pushed UK bond yields to their highest in decades. Northern Ireland: Newry firm Re-Gen will help deliver the UK-wide 20p deposit scheme for drinks containers, due to launch in October 2027. Ministers have also approved proposals to restrict third-party puppy and kitten sales. Sport: Manchester will host the Netball World Cup in 2031, the fourth time England has staged the tournament.