UK PM STARMER'S SPOKESPERSON Tom Wells said the government remains committed to the pensions triple lock.

Iran parliament speaker Ghalibaf said Iran’s oil and gas production chain in the area is widely distributed, easily accessible and lacks protection, leaving U.S. oil and gas firms operating in the waters and facilities similarly exposed. He warned that attacks on Iranian assets would be met with strikes on U.S. assets, saying Iran has already demonstrated this and pointing to bases that are no longer operational.

A Bank of England–watched survey showed permanent staff recruitment rose in August for the first time since September 2022, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said. Recruiters said the pickup reflects stronger business confidence as firms win new contracts. After months of relying on temporary workers, employers reported growth in both permanent and temporary hiring in August. KPMG UK CEO Jon Holt said the dual rise suggests market confidence is starting to return.