London desk

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

Health · 23 September 2026

Liverpool’s New ‘Bladder Boot Camp’ Takes Teens on a ‘Kick’ from Ketone‑Induced Ketamine

Celia Marsh, London desk

A specialist NHS clinic at Alder Hey in Liverpool is now seeing children as young as 13 for severe ketamine‑related bladder damage, offering a mix of dialysis, counselling and very cold tea.

Business · 23 September 2026

Qantas Set to Launch 18‑Hour Direct Flights to New York in 2028, Promising On‑Board Well‑Being Zones

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

In a move that will make other airlines question their route‑planning logic, Qantas announced plans for 18‑hour nonstop flights between Sydney and New York, complete with “well‑being zones” that promise to tu…

Politics · 23 September 2026

Chagos in the Rearview: Britain Reconsiders Mauritius Transfer After Trump’s ‘Terrible’ Review

Reginald Penny, London desk

In the wake of former President Donald Trump branding the UK’s Chagos Islands handover to Mauritius as ‘terrible’, the British government has announced a review of the agreement, pausing the timetable for the islan…

Environment · 23 September 2026

Navy to Deploy Anti-Satellite Flies to Keep Russian Jammers Out of Orbit

Tom Wick, London desk

Britain has announced a new military space squadron, a move described by one general as a response to regular jamming, but critics point out the unit will primarily consist of interns with a shared tablet.

Sports · 23 September 2026

Red Bull’s ‘Keep‑Calm‑and‑Hadjar‑On’ Policy Extends French Rookie’s Seat for 2027

Celia Marsh, London desk

Red Bull confirms Isack Hadjar will continue as Max Verstappen’s 2027 teammate, keeping the Frenchman in the cockpit for another year of turbo‑charged drama.

Business · 23 September 2026

Sterling Stumbles, City Briefs: OECD Says Iran War's Economic Shockwaves are Tamer Than Expected, Yet Growth Still Sluggish

Iris Quay, London desk

The OECD reports that the global economy has weathered the Iran conflict better than feared, yet growth in the UK remains modest. City brass, armed with their usual briefings, find themselves debating whether a small dip…

World · 23 September 2026

Dover Dockside Drama: Migrant Boat Arrives, Protesters Arrested, and the Home Office’s Tea Turns Lukewarm

Celia Marsh, London desk

A 51‑person vessel reaches Dover after a 36‑hour sea trek, sparking a protest that ends with six arrests, while officials scramble for a proper cuppa amidst the chaos.

Sports · 23 September 2026

On Two Wheels Under Taliban Glare: Fariba Hashimi, the Lad (Yes, Lad, They Knew it Was a Ruse)

Reginald Penny, London desk

Our intrepid Lad (Fariba Hashimi's clever disguise)

Sports · 23 September 2026

England’s ODI Triumph: Jacks’ Five‑Wicket Feast and Brook’s 67 Keep Sri Lanka Waiting

Iris Quay, London desk

In a one‑day thriller at Chester‑le‑Street, England outclassed Sri Lanka by 89 runs, with Will Jacks’ five‑wicket haul and Harry Brook’s 67 steering the hosts to victory.