London desk

Filed from the London desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Business · 18 October 2026

Bangkok Boardroom: Rogue French Fridges Join Cyber‑Attack Talk Among World Finance Leaders

Iris Quay, London desk

At a Bangkok gathering of central bankers and economists, the threat of cyber‑fraud was discussed alongside the unexpected topic of rogue French refrigerators, underscoring the challenges of global cooperation on digit…

Science · 18 October 2026

Japan Sets Course for Phobos: First Mission to Bring Back Moon‑Bite Samples

Tom Wick, London desk

Japan is preparing a five‑year, world‑first mission to collect and return samples from Phobos, one of Mars’s two tiny, potato‑shaped moons.

Business · 18 October 2026

£3,500 Roofers' Riddle: A Loose Tile Turns into a Full‑House Price Tag

Iris Quay, London desk

Citizens Advice warns that the “loose‑tile” pitch is the No 1 roof‑related fraud, leaving homeowners with an untouched roof and a £3,500 loss.

Business · 18 October 2026

Condé Nast’s UK Arm Takes a Tumble, but the Crown Stays Put

Iris Quay, London desk

Condé Nast’s UK division saw profits tumble by more than a third last year. The owners have ruled out selling Vogue, point to a restructuring bill and say the UK business will stay profitable for at least another ye…

Business · 18 October 2026

Heathrow’s Third Runway: Growth Engine or Political Hangar?

Iris Quay, London desk

Transport Secretary (Healey) says a third runway at Heathrow would drive growth, while the Prime Minister has refused to say whether he backs the expansion. The mixed signals leave businesses and commentators waiting for…

Business · 18 October 2026

Herne Hill Bike Shop’s ‘Fresh Air’ Nightmare: Thames Water Sewer Stench Threatens Cyclists

Iris Quay, London desk

A bike shop in Herne Hill has been overwhelmed by an ‘unbearable’ odour from a Thames Water sewer, prompting the owner and mechanics to worry about their health and the shop’s future, with no repair date set.

Sports · 18 October 2026

England’s World Cup Dream Derailed by Tonga’s Surging Surf – 30‑12 Blowout at HBF Park

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

Tonga overwhelmed England 30‑12 in their Rugby League World Cup opener at HBF Park, turning a hopeful English start into a surf‑sized upset.

Finance · 18 October 2026

Bailey’s Bangkok Walkout: BoE Governor Leaves IMF Session in Protest

Iris Quay, London desk

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey left the IMF gathering in Bangkok after the Russian finance minister spoke, joining several other finance leaders in a walkout to signal protest.

Business · 18 October 2026

Bangkok’s ‘Defying Gravity’ Summit: 100 Nations Weigh How Long the Global Economy Can Stay Afloat

Iris Quay, London desk

Policymakers from more than a hundred nations met at the Queen Sirikit conference centre in Bangkok to debate how long the world’s economy can resist soaring oil prices and geopolitical turbulence, all while keeping a…