I switched on the radio and, almost immediately, they were talking about the triple lock. It seems to be everywhere at the moment, and lately the argument has sharpened. It is no longer just: can we afford this? It is: wouldn’t that money be better spent on younger people who are struggling to find work?
I am one of the people they were talking about. My state pension has suddenly become money that might instead help somebody decades younger than me get a foothold in life.
My first instinct was slightly defensive. I have worked since I was 16 and paid national insurance for decades. I do not think older people should be made to feel as though we are taking money from the young simply by receiving the pension we were told would be there.
‘Penises and nuns’ – The Bayeux Tapestry’s curious history
The legendary woven record of the Norman Conquest has been unveiled to the public in the UK for the first time. As it goes on display at the British Museum, here’s what we know about its extraordinary history.
What you need to know
Back in Britain
The tapestry recording the Norman Conquest of 1066 is back in the UK for the .
Deal with France
It is as part of a special deal between the UK, France and the British Museum.
Medieval wonder
Considered one of the wonders of the medieval world, it offers insight into 11th-century England.
Watch more from The i Paper
Tapestry’s curious history
- It is believed to have been commissioned by the half-brother of William the Conqueror.
- The consensus now is that it was made not in France but by nuns near Canterbury.
- The soldier with the arrow through his eye might not be King Harold, but historians are uncertain.
- The may be random comic irrelevances or commentary on the story.
5 min read
How to get tickets
- The tapestry is on show at the British Museum from 10 September until 11 July 2027.
- Tickets are sold out until a release on 21 October, with details on the museum’s website.
2 min read
The new illnesses pharmacists can treat under NHS scheme
Pharmacists will be able to treat people with migraines, acne and several other conditions as the NHS’ “Pharmacy First” scheme is expanded this autumn.
What you need to know
Pharmacy scheme
The NHS scheme allows people to receive care for common illnesses from pharmacists without seeing a GP.
New conditions
From autumn, people can get help for acne, migraines, scabies, certain ear infections and allergic rhinitis.
Expanded offering
It adds to the seven conditions pharmacies can already treat.
The changes in full
- Pharmacies can already treat seven conditions under the Pharmacy First scheme.
- They are impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, earache, sore throat and .
- Once fully rolled out, the scheme’s expansion means pharmacies will now be able to treat 12 conditions.
What the NHS says
The NHS expects between two and three million consultations for the new list of five conditions that can be held in pharmacies. It is hoped this will take pressure off the NHS.
Dr Amanda Doyle of NHS England said people can get treatment “quickly and conveniently on local high streets”.
2 min read
Burnham’s thoughts
People are fed up with the scramble for routine appointments
The Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Treating people closer to home means catching problems earlier, easing pressure on GPs and A&E and giving people back precious time.”
Hospital waiting lists spike
It comes as the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has risen to its highest level for nine months. An estimated 7.33 million treatments were waiting to be carried out at the end of July, relating to 6.21 million patients, according to NHS figures. The numbers are the highest since October 2025, when the list stood at 7.40 million treatments and 6.24 million patients.
3 min read
3 min read
August was world’s joint hottest month on
August was the joint hottest month ever recorded, with global temperatures soaring 1.65C above pre-industrial times.
Scientists say it is another “warning siren” for climate change. Here’s what you need to know.
What you need to know
Record temps
August 2026 tied July 2023 for the planet’s hottest month on record, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Fossil fuels impact
Last month was 1.65°C above the average for the period 1850-1900, before humans burned fossil fuels at scale.
Warmer seas
Sea surface temperatures hit 21.07C, a joint high mark with March 2024.
The impact of record heat
Heatwaves in August continued a run of extreme heat that began in May, with severe drought hitting the UK, France, Hungary and Serbia. Major rivers from the Rhine to the Danube saw exceptionally low flows.
Under 2015’s Paris Agreement, countries agreed to limit global warming to “well below” 2C above pre-industrial levels.
3 min read
What the scientists say
Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at ECMWF, said the latest temperature data shows how “climate change is driving extremes across both the atmosphere and the oceans”.
Gareth Redmond-King, of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said a “warning siren” was sounding two months before the COP 31 summit.
![CORRECTION / A beachgoer walks in Lake Lacanau, also called Etang de Lacanau (Lacanau Pond) from the beach of Moutchic in Lacanau, southwestern France on July 24, 2026, as clouds of smoke rise into the sky from a wildfire. The fire raging in the northern part of the Arcachon Basin in Gironde, southwest France, has swept through more than 3,400 hectares, according to the latest figures released by the prefecture. More than 20,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated from this part already devastated by flames in 2022. Scientists have long warned that climate change caused by human use of fossil fuels will make periods of drought more intense and longer-lasting, creating the ideal conditions for wildfires. (Photo by Maximilien LAMY / AFP via Getty Images) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Maximilien LAMY has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Lake Lacanau] instead of [the ocean]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require."](https://inews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SEI_306296016.jpg?w=1200&h=675&crop=1)
GO DEEPER ON THIS TOPIC
How El Niño could impact UK weather
The United Nations says the world is in a “danger zone of extreme weather”, with warnings that aeroplane turbulence and food shortages could affect Britons.
How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps
The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.
NHS GP dR RADHA
The science
Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.
- The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.
- This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a regular habit.
- We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps lower anxiety.
- Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.
How can we build gratitude?
Change your words
Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it.
Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.
Express it
This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.
How can we build gratitude?
Notice more
Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?
The basics
By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.
What to do
Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
- Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.
- Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.
- Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.
Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.
Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery
Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.
The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars.
4 min read
A champion of EV efficiency
It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.
It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger.
Priced from £37,400
2 min read
It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.
The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.
The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.
With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.
It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.
All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.
- While good value (prices start at £17,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.
- It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps.
- There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.
- Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.
2 min read
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Victorinox paring knife
It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.
ProCook cast iron pan
For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.
Tesco chopping board
Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Pyrex jug
It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.
Salter scales
“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”
Microplane grater
It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match.
Braun hand-held blender
It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.
Bodum cafetiere
As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.
5 min read
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Oxo peeler
What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.
Falcon pie dish
Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.
The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship
Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book , explains why we behave the way we do in love.
Golden rules for happy relationships
Start with your own behaviours
The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.
Express your needs
People need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, ‘You hurt my feelings by never replying to me’, it’s more ‘this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure’.
Golden rules for happy relationships
The appendix ‘inflammation’ rule
If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.
Lean on community
You don’t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong.
Stop blaming childhood
Humans are much more complicated than: ‘this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious’.
Reach for a
secure script
When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one.
If you’re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: ‘this is the beginning of the end’. If you’re avoidant, your brain may say: ‘this person wants too much from me, I need to get away’. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: ‘What would a secure person do here?’
Loneliness elsewhere
When people talk about loneliness, they often assume it means you don’t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.
What to do
- Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection.
- You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle.
- Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how you are experiencing them.
- Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I’m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable? That’s the only way that you can start to become more secure.
Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
But then another thought followed. At 69, I receive the state pension and would struggle without it. But I also have an occupational pension, savings and freelance income. I also own my home outright. When the state pension rises, I notice it and I am glad of it, but I cannot honestly say an extra few pounds a week changes my life in the way it might for someone living almost entirely on that income.
That is where the awkwardness sits. Not in having planned and saved for decades, but in being offered exactly the same protection as somebody for whom every additional pound is the difference between managing and not.
My mother is 93 and receives the old-style state pension, along with a small pension from my father’s employment that has not increased in more than 20 years. She worries about rising prices, and for her the value of the state pension really matters. We are both, officially, pensioners. Our lives could hardly be less alike.
A friend of mine who is approaching retirement made the same point from another direction. She has no substantial occupational pension. She brought up children, worked part-time for periods and never had the sort of career that came with a generous final-salary scheme. When I mentioned the debate, her reaction was immediate: how would she manage if the protections around the state pension were weakened?
I need to hear that because it is easy to assume everyone has private pensions, savings or some other safety net. They do not.
At the other end of the spectrum, I know people who had highly paid careers, excellent final-salary pension schemes and substantial other forms of income. For them, the state pension is almost incidental. The annual increase might mean a nicer holiday or a few extra meals out. It is not the difference between managing and not managing.
That is why I struggle with the way we talk about pensioners as though we are one homogeneous group. It includes people in their late sixties who are still working and earning, people caring for partners or grandchildren, people with serious health problems, people renting in later life, people who own their homes outright and people like my mother in their nineties.
The triple lock was introduced because the state pension had fallen behind earnings. A measure designed to rebuild its value has gradually become something we treat almost as permanent – even though today it applies across a pensioner population whose circumstances could hardly be more varied.
I can see why some younger people look at the triple lock and wonder where their equivalent protection is. They may be paying enormous rents or mortgages, childcare costs and energy bills while working in careers that feel far less secure than those many of my generation entered. Some do not expect there to be a meaningful state pension by the time they reach retirement.
It’s hard to dismiss the fact that younger workers are being asked to fund a guarantee they themselves may never enjoy. If you are 30, paying high rent or a huge mortgage, dealing with stagnant wages and insecure work, I can understand why watching my pension rise automatically each year might feel unfair.
When I read that one proposal is to use savings from ending the triple lock to reduce the cost of employing under-25s, the argument becomes much more concrete. The British Chambers of Commerce estimates that moving to inflation-only increases could save around £3.3bn over two years. The trade-off becomes clearer: an extra uplift for someone like me, or a young person getting their first foothold in work.
If money genuinely could help a young person stuck outside work get a start, I find it hard to argue that I need every last increment of triple-lock protection more than they need that opportunity. That does not mean I do not need my state pension. I do. The pension itself matters to me, but the annual triple-lock uplift is welcome rather than essential.
I do not feel guilty for receiving my pension. What I feel is more like unease. I resist the idea that this should become a morality tale in which pensioners are the villains and young people the victims. Many older people genuinely need the protection of the triple lock. Some have no occupational pension, little in savings and no realistic way of increasing their income through work. Some are in poor health, caring for a partner or still paying rent.
Equally, not every younger person is struggling and not every pensioner is comfortable. That is why I do not think the answer is simply to scrap the triple lock and declare the problem solved. But nor do I think we should pretend the current arrangement is perfectly fair simply because it is universal.
The real divide is not young against old. It is people with financial security against people without it, and there are plenty of both in every generation.
A state pension that keeps its value matters enormously to some people my age and barely registers for others. Any honest conversation about the triple lock has to start there, not with a headline about pensioners versus the young, but with the less comfortable admission that we were never really one group to begin with.
Dr Denise Taylor is a chartered psychologist and author who writes about later life and exploring meaning beyond full-time work. Her latest book, ThriveSpan: Walking Gently Into What Matters Now, is out now.