Storm Boelo has passed, but it left deaths, power cuts and cleanup work behind it. Today’s other stories cover London’s international rail ambitions, a payment towards energy bills, and the state of the UK’s aid budget.
Storm Boelo kills two and leaves 90,000 properties without power
Two men have died after being hit by falling trees as Storm Boelo swept across the UK. The storm left 90,000 properties without electricity, and the amber wind warning has now expired. If you are still without power, or plan to travel today, check your network operator and transport provider before you set off, because disruption may continue after the warning has ended.
Source: BBC News
London’s mayor wants trains to Europe from Stratford
In London, the mayor is pushing for trains to Europe to run from Stratford International. The station has never had an international passenger service, despite its name. A service there would give people in east London a second way to reach the continent by rail.
Source: BBC London
£150 electricity payment for 505,000 people on DWP benefits
About 505,000 people who claim one of four Department for Work and Pensions benefits will get a £150 payment towards their electricity bills. The money goes to eligible households only. If you receive DWP support, the full list of qualifying benefits is in the source article.
Source: BirminghamLive
UK set to miss its reduced aid target
The UK is on course to miss its target of spending 0.3% of national income on international aid by about £400m by the end of 2027. The Center for Global Development calculates that aid spending next year is likely to be £410m less than expected. The 0.3% figure is already a lower target, so the shortfall adds to the pressure over how the government sets its spending priorities.
Source: The Guardian
A new mother’s rare diagnosis prompts a call to get checked
Heather Hackney, 38, went to her doctor expecting a routine follow-up after giving birth and was given a rare diagnosis. She is now urging people to get checked. If something feels wrong, booking a GP appointment is worth the time.
Source: Manchester Evening News
Kevin Sinfield receives knighthood at Windsor Castle
Motor neurone disease campaigner Sir Kevin Sinfield received his knighthood at a recent ceremony at Windsor Castle. The Prince of Wales said the honour should have come “years ago”.
Source: Evening Standard
UK Today is a curated digest: we summarise and link, the reporting belongs to the publications named. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.
Sources
- BBC London: Mayor's bid to bring Europe trains to Stratford, accessed 26 October 2026
- Manchester Evening News: New mum, 38, who went to doctors expecting 'routine' follow-up left in complete shock by rare diagnosis, accessed 26 October 2026
- BirminghamLive: 505,000 people on 4 DWP benefits being handed £150 boost – full list, accessed 26 October 2026
- BBC News: Two men killed by falling trees as Storm Boelo leaves 90,000 properties without power, accessed 26 October 2026
- The Guardian: UK poised to miss reduced aid spending target of 0.3% of national income, accessed 26 October 2026
- Evening Standard: Sir Kevin Sinfield should have been knighted ‘years ago’, William says, accessed 26 October 2026
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