US Embassy issues UK security alert over suspected RAF Fairford terror plot

The United States Embassy in Britain has issued a security alert for American citizens in the UK, after a suspected terror plot on RAF Fairford. The base has been used by the US to strike Iranian missile sites. In a statement, the embassy said “US-associated facilities, gatherings, and organisations may be at heightened risk”, and listed a number of actions to take. These include being “aware” of surroundings and “monitoring local media for updates”.

The typical household bill is set to jump by £276 in January, according to an industry forecaster, with others warning of a “second energy crisis” on the horizon.

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Bills are set to go up tomorrow by 4 per cent in line with the energy regulator Ofgem’s price cap increase. Energy consultancy firm, Cornwall Insights, has warned the next price cap increase in January could be even more, bringing a typical annual bill to £1,999.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC this morning that rising energy costs were “very difficult indeed”, and the Government would be looking at “any measure that can give people breathing space”.

This came as the CEO of energy supplier EDF, Simone Rossi, warned the UK is “walking into a second energy crisis”.

The economy has grown by slightly more than initially expected, as figures for growth from April to June this year increased from 0.4 per cent to 0.5 per cent by the Office for National Statistics.

Growth for 2025 as a whole was a little lower than previously estimated.

Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics, explained that the figures initially given for last year were too high.

Growth for 2025 was revised from 1.3 per cent to 1.2 per cent.

The average UK household’s disposable income increased by 1 per cent, contributing to economic growth overall.

The rise was down to increased income from benefits, which at £5.3bn outstripped the increase in salaries at £2.8bn. The annual increase of state pensions and working age benefits in April contributed to this jump.

The Prime Minister has announced that the triple lock – which ensure that the state pension rises by either inflation, wages or 2.5 per cent – will end after the next election. The Labour manifesto at the 2024 general election pledged to keep the triple lock for the duration of this Parliament, which Burnham said he will “honour”. During his speech at Labour Party conference, Burnham added “in April 2030, we will adjust it. The state pension will continue to rise every year, at least by prices or 2.5 percent, and it will hold its value relative to earnings over time”.

The unfolding security situation at RAF Fairford and the wider geopolitical tensions involving the Middle East remain under close observation by authorities. Officials have not yet announced any changes to the alert level, and updates will be issued as further details become available from security services and diplomatic missions.