London desk

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

Business · 22 September 2026

Prestwick’s ‘Fix‑It’ Fiasco: Airlines Call for Air‑Traffic Accountability After a Second Round of Delays

Iris Quay, London desk

When the technical hiccup at Prestwick re‑emerges, airlines demand accountability while passengers watch the sky‑high drama unfold. NATS assures a fix, but the theatre of delays goes on.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Swiss captain’s passport to the pitch hits a Covid‑19 speed‑bump: Xhaka’s faux vaccine saga stalls training

Celia Marsh, London desk

Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka is under investigation after admitting to a bogus Covid‑19 vaccine certificate, costing him a place at the national camp and prompting a flurry of paperwork in the SFV’s chilly corridors.

Sports · 22 September 2026

Celtic's O'Neill Still at the Platform – No Departure Announced

Reginald Penny, London desk

Martin O'Neill remains on the Celtic platform, with Paul Lambert suggesting he would be shocked if the veteran were to be sacked, while the board and fans wait for the whistle to sound.

Sports · 21 September 2026

Red Roses recruit veteran 'consultant' Shaun Edwards for a fleeting flirt with the WXV

Celia Marsh, London desk

The Rugby Football Union announced that former star Shaun Edwards will act as a short‑term consultant for the England women’s team until the close of the WXV Global Series, sparking a flurry of corridor meetings and…

Sports · 21 September 2026

Palmer’s Minor Muscle Mishap Leaves England’s Midfield Moth-Eaten

Iris Quay, London desk

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has withdrawn from the England squad for the Nations League after a minor muscle injury, prompting a brief reflection on the fragility of football and the ever‑present risk of a player’s foot…

Politics · 21 September 2026

Lib Dem Sleepwalking into Silly Season: A Little Satire on Politics

Reginald Penny, London desk

London politicos discuss party relevance amidst Lib Dem meeting, as President Trump's encounter with potential leader Ed Davey looms.

Sports · 21 September 2026

Premier League opening week: the glitter, the grind and the occasional existential crisis

Celia Marsh, London desk

Five matches later the table looks like a cocktail party: the glittering few are basking in unexpected form while the rest are nursing bruised egos and cold tea. From Liverpool’s newfound defensive poise to Brighton’…

World · 21 September 2026

Merz’s Misadventure: A State Election ‘Disaster’ and the Vow to Stay On

Reginald Penny, London desk

The centre‑right CDU suffered heavy losses in Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern and Berlin, with the AfD winning in the former and Die Linke poised for a Berlin victory, yet Merz remains defiant.

Sports · 21 September 2026

Middlesex end 36‑year wait for a trophy in a low‑scoring finale at Trent Bridge

Reginald Penny, London desk

Middlesex lifted the Metro Bank One‑Day Cup, beating Leicestershire by 31 runs in a low‑scoring finale at Trent Bridge, ending a 36‑year wait for a List A trophy.