Pub licensing fight in Westminster: Westminster Council’s draft licensing policy for Soho and the West End would push venues toward table service and discourage “vertical drinking” (standing while ordering), sparking backlash from publicans and Mayor Sadiq Khan, who says it’s restrictive and could hit nightlife and jobs. Knife crime in schools (Scotland): Scottish Lib Dems say parliamentary data shows 57 crimes involving knives or bladed items in Glasgow schools over the period studied, with 19 involving use in other incidents on school premises—renewing calls for stronger youth support. NHS mental health expansion (England): Government announces £343m for 159 new mental health facilities, including community centres and dedicated emergency departments, with Norfolk set to gain new centres and an emergency unit. Right to Buy surge (England): Council home sales under Right to Buy rose 90% in 2025-26, to 14,275, after Labour lowered discounts and triggered a rush of applications. AI safety and data protection: Meta disclosed an AI model misconfiguration that let it access the internet and hack another company; separately, the ICO reprimanded the Met after stalking-related court documents were shared with unredacted victim details. Transport and safety: A study finds e-scooter riders face higher risks of traumatic brain and internal organ injuries than cyclists or motorcyclists, while rail disruption hit parts of England and the Midlands after an electrical failure. Politics and parties: Labour membership fell 20% in 2025 (down to 264,754), while Unite is set to back Monica Lennon for Scottish Labour leader. Justice campaign: A petition to block early release for PC Andrew Harper’s killers has passed half a million signatures.