Stormont Reform Debate: Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows says Stormont is failing on tough fiscal choices, pointing to “rampant waste” and weak procurement, and argues London should link extra funding to reforms. Cost Pressures for Drivers: The AA says petrol and diesel drivers are ditching cars for EVs as pump prices rise amid renewed US-Iran tensions; HMRC also confirmed higher Approved Mileage Allowance Payments from 6 April 2026 (55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles). Business Tax & Red Tape: Azets warns HMRC allowances and the wider tax system are “crushing” entrepreneurs and discouraging founders from starting, scaling and selling. Pub and Restaurant Closures: Beefeater will shut all 106 UK restaurants on 10 September, with Whitbread restructuring expected to affect about 3,800 jobs. Trade & Jobs Outlook: India–UK’s free trade deal is expected to nearly double trade to $115bn by 2030 and create up to 10 lakh jobs, with engineering and other sectors set to benefit. AI Regulation Push: The FCA’s “supercharged sandbox” adds Anthropic to help firms test AI for areas like fraud detection and safer payments. Energy, Safety and Industry: A fertiliser explosion in Essex injured 20 firefighters and destroyed multiple fire engines; meanwhile, water-safety campaigns highlight preventable drowning risks as deaths are reported. Fintech Expansion: UK fintech VALT has launched in Bangladesh to bring digital payments to the hospitality sector. Local Economy Moments: Comic Con Wales and Warhammer’s first Wales event at ICC Wales are expected to draw thousands and add £10m+ to the local economy since 2022.