Thames Policing Incident: New footage shows a Metropolitan Police boat crash into Westminster Bridge, injuring five officers, with four seriously hurt but not life-threatening. Cost of Living & Transport: The Burnham government confirms free bus travel for 5–15-year-olds in England from 1–31 August, alongside a VAT cut on domestic electricity bills from 1 October. Housing Policy Fight: Renters’ rights groups warn Burnham can’t claim cost-of-living help while ruling out rent controls; councils also warn a proposed “mansion tax” could leave them out of pocket. Devolution & Scotland: Burnham tells John Swinney “independence is off limits,” while Swinney backs “case by case” North Sea licensing and calls climate assessments a “sham.” Parliament & Oversight: MPs face renewed pressure over the NEET paper leak deadlock, and the DWP responds to concerns about Universal Credit “tapered” payments. Local Communities: An MP visits Derbyshire Community Bank, highlighting a leadership programme supporting fair access to finance for SMEs. Party Politics: Reform UK councillors are reportedly instructed to call a Met donations probe a “hit job” and “smear,” as Farage rejects taking Tory reject Grant Shapps. International/Parliament Link: The House of Lords hosts the Next Economy Forum 2026 on innovation and sustainability.