{"id":1104587,"date":"2026-07-22T13:09:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T13:09:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1104587\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T13:09:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T13:09:53","slug":"free-plug-in-power-banks-to-be-given-to-households-to-cut-energy-bills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1104587\/","title":{"rendered":"Free plug-in power banks to be given to households to cut energy bills"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Households are set to be given free \u201cplug-in <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/batteries?srsltid=AfmBOoqxY3F4eGIvSdnuGoUqLEJt_x9at7ZA5JdvZUAMOBUVRc_vNYOQ&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">batteries<\/a>\u201d to allow them to store power to help cut their <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/energy-bills?srsltid=AfmBOopOwD6K8JlIeAtwjF_7QP_wveIQ6n6zhlYm6lqgz6ACBfsBV-P-&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">energy bills<\/a>, The i Paper can reveal.<\/p>\n<p>About the size of a cabin suitcase, a plug-in battery acts like a power bank to store cheap electricity when demand is low and release it later when <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/energy-prices?srsltid=AfmBOorQIviB9IrWn4x9-pQU7zj7D3TYYsRUoF1GS_RSRI8gN2JCnYQK&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">energy prices<\/a> are higher.<\/p>\n<p>The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has worked up a proposal which would see the Government bulk-buy the devices and distribute them to low-income homes, The i Paper has learned.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tShorts\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to previous short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to next short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305905533.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">world analysis<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Miliband is an extremist\u2019: How Trump\u2019s White House sees Burnham\u2019s top team<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dan-e1591284250721.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_name\"><strong>Daniel Bates<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_job-title\">Commentator<\/p>\n<p>To\u00a0Andy Burnham, his Cabinet is the elite inner circle who will help him remake Britain.<\/p>\n<p>But in\u00a0Washington, they are barely known outside a small group of analysts and political nerds. And more concerningly, those who are known are already in the White House\u2019s bad books.<\/p>\n<p>What Trump says about Burnham<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote inews--shorts-card--quote-cited is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>The Prime Minister held his first call with Trump on Monday, during which he invited the US President to Manchester for next year\u2019s G20 summit.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305473718-e1784636928984.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Trump, who had been expected to be critical of \u201cextremely liberal\u201d Burnham, described the call as a \u201cvery good\u201d talk.<\/p>\n<p>How Trump sees Burnham\u2019s Cabinet<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When it\u00a0comes to the new Cabinet, there are already hurdles to surmount.<\/li>\n<li>Insiders said that Foreign Secretary\u00a0Ed Miliband\u00a0was the only figure with any name recognition in Trump\u2019s inner circle but \u201cfor all the wrong reasons\u201d, particularly opposing North\u00a0Sea oil drilling.<\/li>\n<li>Others who may find themselves in Trump\u2019s sights are the new Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. He is expected to come under US pressure to raise defence spending.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/world\/miliband-extremist-trumps-white-house-burnhams-top-team-4659347?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784725762_509_SEI_305905533.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Analysis<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">5 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">ROYAL FAMILY<\/p>\n<p>Prince George celebrates 13th birthday<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305025835.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Prince George of Wales attends day fourteen of the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang\/WireImage)\" class=\"wp-image-4661682\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 12: Prince George of Wales attends day fourteen of the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 12, 2026 in London, England.  (Photo by Karwai Tang\/WireImage)<br \/>Photographer: Karwai Tang<br \/>Provider: WireImage<br \/>Source: WireImage<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Karwai Tang<\/p>\n<p>Prince George\u00a0is marking a\u00a0new milestone as he turns 13 today. <\/p>\n<p>As the second in line to the British throne celebrates his special day, The i Paper takes a look at his life in pictures.<\/p>\n<p>His birth, christening and Trooping the Colour <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_164496862.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 23: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge depart The Lindo Wing with their newborn son at St Mary's Hospital on July 23, 2013 in London, England. The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday gave birth to a boy at 16.24 BST and weighing 8lb 6oz, with Prince William at her side. The baby, as yet unnamed, is third in line to the throne and becomes the Prince of Cambridge. (Photo by John Stillwell\/WPA-Pool\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4661657\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 23:  Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge depart The Lindo Wing with their newborn son at St Mary\u2019s Hospital on July 23, 2013 in London, England. The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday gave birth to a boy at 16.24 BST and weighing 8lb 6oz, with Prince William at her side. The baby, as yet unnamed, is third in line to the throne and becomes the Prince of Cambridge.  (Photo by John Stillwell\/WPA-Pool\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: WPA Pool<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PRI_74594483-e1784705555795.jpg\" alt=\"Duke of Cambridge holding his son Prince George, at his christening at the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, aged three months. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex???s baby son Archie is expected to be baptised in the royal christening gown. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday July 5, 2019. The replica of the intricate lace and satin gown made for Queen Victoria???s eldest daughter has been used for royal infants for the last 11 years. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4661658\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: Duke of Cambridge holding his son Prince George, at his christening at the Chapel Royal in St James\u2019s Palace, aged three months. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex???s baby son Archie is expected to be baptised in the royal christening gown. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday July 5, 2019. The replica of the intricate lace and satin gown made for Queen Victoria???s eldest daughter has been used for royal infants for the last 11 years. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell\/PA Wire<br \/>Photographer: John Stillwell<br \/>Provider: PA<br \/>Source: PA<br \/>Copyright: PA<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_124106205.jpg\" alt=\"File photo dated 13\/6\/2015 of from left, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Harry on the balcony at Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade, London. Following the death of The Queen, Charles, who was the Prince of Wales, is now King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and also King of other Commonwealth realms. Camilla is, as the wife of the King, the Queen. The Duke of Cambridge, as heir to the throne, is now the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge. And the Duchess of Cambridge is now the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Issue date: Thursday September 8, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story DEATH Queen Titles. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4661659\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: File photo dated 13\/6\/2015 of from left, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Harry on the balcony at Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade, London. Following the death of The Queen, Charles, who was the Prince of Wales, is now King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and also King of other Commonwealth realms. Camilla is, as the wife of the King, the Queen. The Duke of Cambridge, as heir to the throne, is now the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge. And the Duchess of Cambridge is now the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Issue date: Thursday September 8, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story DEATH Queen Titles. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady\/PA Wire<br \/>Photographer: Jonathan Brady<br \/>Provider: PA<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>His first school day, the Queen\u2019s funeral and King Charles\u2019s coronation<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PRI_51923345.jpg\" alt=\"Prince George arrives with the Duke of Cambridge at Thomas's Battersea in London, as he starts his first day of school. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 7, 2017. See PA story ROYAL George. Photo credit should read: Richard Pohle\/The Times\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4661667\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: Prince George arrives with the Duke of Cambridge at Thomas\u2019s Battersea in London, as he starts his first day of school. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 7, 2017. See PA story ROYAL George. Photo credit should read: Richard Pohle\/The Times\/PA Wire<br \/>Photographer: Richard Pohle\/The Times<br \/>Provider: PA<br \/>Source: PA<br \/>Copyright: TIMES NEWSPAPERS<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_138148619.jpg\" alt=\"PA REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2022 File photo dated 19\/09\/22 - Prince George, in the Ceremonial Procession following her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey, London. Issue date: Tuesday December 20, 2022. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Tim Goode\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4661670\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: PA REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2022<\/p>\n<p>File photo dated 19\/09\/22 \u2013 Prince George, in the Ceremonial Procession following her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey, London. Issue date: Tuesday December 20, 2022. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Tim Goode\/PA Wire <\/p>\n<p>Photographer: Tim Goode<br \/>Provider: PA<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"600\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_154849326.jpg\" alt=\"CORRECTION \/ TOPSHOT - Britain's Prince George of Wales (L) points next to another page, as they stand on the Buckingham Palace in London, following the coronations of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on May 6, 2023. - The set-piece coronation is the first in Britain in 70 years, and only the second in history to be televised. Charles will be the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at the central London church since King William I in 1066. Outside the UK, he is also king of 14 other Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Camilla, his second wife, will be crowned queen alongside him, and be known as Queen Camilla after the ceremony. (Photo by Leon Neal \/ POOL \/ AFP) \/ &quot;The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Leon Neal has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [points next to another page] instead of [points next to Freddy Parker Bowles ]. 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.&quot; (Photo by LEON NEAL\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4661673\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: CORRECTION \/ TOPSHOT \u2013 Britain\u2019s Prince George of Wales (L) points next to another page, as they stand on the Buckingham Palace in London, following the coronations of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on May 6, 2023. \u2013 The set-piece coronation is the first in Britain in 70 years, and only the second in history to be televised. Charles will be the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at the central London church since King William I in 1066. Outside the UK, he is also king of 14 other Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Camilla, his second wife, will be crowned queen alongside him, and be known as Queen Camilla after the ceremony. (Photo by Leon Neal \/ POOL \/ AFP) \/ \u201cThe erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Leon Neal has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [points next to another page] instead of [points next to Freddy Parker Bowles ]. 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.\u201d (Photo by LEON NEAL\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: LEON NEAL<br \/>Provider: POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<br \/>Source: AFP<\/p>\n<p>Change on the horizon<\/p>\n<p>This year marks another change for George. He is set to enrol at Eton College this autumn. The school educated his father and uncle, Prince Harry, along with other notable alumni.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/prince-george-life-turns-teenager-4646889?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784725772_538_SEI_305314462.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">5 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/william-preparing-george-king-4121667?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_278592002.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>Watch more from The i Paper<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@theipaper\/video\/7660939777981648130\" data-video-id=\"7660939777981648130\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"><p>  <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@theipaper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@theipaper?refer=embed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">@theipaper<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>OPINION | \u201cHallelujah! We seem to have reached the interval in the royal pantomime,\u201d writes Jennie Bond. \u201cTime for a cool down and an ice cream. After all the \u2018Yes he will\u2019 (stay at the Palace)\u2026 \u2018Oh no he won\u2019t\u2019; and \u2018Yes they will\u2019 (meet the King)\u2026 \u2018Oh no they won\u2019t\u2019, could it be that the royals are progressing from soap opera, through farce to an interlude of quiet, if hesitant, harmony?\u201d Read more at the link above to read why Bond believes this weekend could be a make-or-break moment for Harry and the King \u2b06\ufe0f <a title=\"princeharry\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/princeharry?refer=embed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">#PrinceHarry<\/a> <a title=\"kingcharles\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/kingcharles?refer=embed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">#KingCharles<\/a> <a title=\"meghanmarkle\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/meghanmarkle?refer=embed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">#MeghanMarkle<\/a> <a title=\"royalfamily\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/royalfamily?refer=embed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">#RoyalFamily<\/a> <a title=\"princessdiana\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/princessdiana?refer=embed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">#PrincessDiana<\/a><\/p>\n<p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\u266c original sound - The i Paper - The i Paper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-The-i-Paper-7660939806939319062?refer=embed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u266c original sound \u2013 The i Paper \u2013 The i Paper<\/a>  <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_248652933_dffce7.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of a hand of a man refusing red wine served with a bottle by a woman's hand, with car keys and a glass of water on a table at home.\" class=\"wp-image-3658383\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Weight loss jabs may also help people cut down on booze (Photo: Henri Leduc\/ Getty Images\/ Moment RF)<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">HEALTH<\/p>\n<p>Weight-loss drugs could cut alcohol-related hospital admissions<\/p>\n<p>Weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro could reduce alcohol consumption and <strong>alcohol-related hospital admissions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Although the drugs are primarily used to treat diabetes and obesity by mimicking hormones to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, they may also be used to <strong>help those dependent on alcohol<\/strong>, a study suggests. <\/p>\n<p>What the study found<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Experts analysed alcohol-related hospital admissions for 40,703 people who had started either semaglutide or tirzepatide, which includes Ozempic and Mounjaro, between 2018 and 2024.<\/li>\n<li>The drugs cut the risk of alcohol-related hospital admission by 26 per cent compared with other diabetes medicines.<\/li>\n<li>They lowered the risk by more than 60 per cent  among type 2 diabetics and obese people with alcohol problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/weight-loss-pills-now-sale-nhs-patients-may-wait-until-2028-4621646?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784725775_587_SEI_302811632.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>The expert view<\/p>\n<p>Researchers said the findings, published in the journal BMJ Open, \u201cmay suggest a potential role\u201d for the medications for treating alcohol use disorder, although further research is needed.<\/p>\n<p>Colin Angus, professor of alcohol policy at Sheffield University Addictions Research Group, said: \u201cThis looks like a reasonable study that adds to a growing body of evidence that GLP-1s may reduce alcohol-related harm.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/opinion\/weight-loss-drug-why-never-take-4644873?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305432898.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">OPINION<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/weight-loss-jab-strength-training-official-guidance-4635293?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784725776_587_GettyImages-2235011214.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Exclusive<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>Young obese women are driving an increase in type 2 diabetes <\/p>\n<p>A new study found a rise in the number of young adults with type 2 diabetes, and they tend to be more overweight at the point of diagnosis than older people.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2148794378.jpg\" alt=\"Weekly injections of GLP-1 receptor agonist for improved glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes - stock photo\" class=\"wp-image-4279558\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Weekly injections of GLP-1 receptor agonist for improved glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p>A closer look at the study<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The research, published in Lancet Regional Health Europe, showed that incidence of type 2 diabetes is falling in older adults, although they still make up most new cases.<\/li>\n<li>It is rising rapidly in people younger than 40, particularly women.<\/li>\n<li>The increase was particularly noticeable in white, Asian and Black women aged 20 to 29, and in white women aged 30 to 39.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/three-simple-changes-improve-health-today-according-gp-4467214?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_302069794.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>What do the figures show? <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--statistic\">69%<\/p>\n<p>The rise in age-standardised incidence of type 2 diabetes in women aged 20 to 29.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list inews--shorts-card--list--tick-neutral\">\n<li>It also rose 43 per cent for men aged 20 to 29.<\/li>\n<li>This contrasts to a decline in incidence of 7 per cent in men and 4 per cent in women aged 60 to 79. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\nBody weight is impacting the rise\n<\/p>\n<p>The study showed the increase in body mass index (BMI) over time among younger people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was around double that seen in older adults.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"512\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1716601044.jpg\" alt=\"Diabetologist doctor waiting for result from glucose testing in diabetes clinic. - stock photo\" class=\"wp-image-4325487\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>Diabetologist doctor waiting for result from glucose testing in diabetes clinic. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"513\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_279914319.jpg\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 2330 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7 Picture posed by a model. File photo dated 03\/03\/14 of someone using a set of weighing scales. People on fat loss jabs need ongoing support, researchers have said, after a major study found they put all the weight back on much faster than traditional dieters. Researchers from the University of Oxford discovered that people on drugs including semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lose weight during treatment but, on average, regain it within 20 months of stopping the jabs. Issue date: Wednesday January 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Chris Radburn\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4388073\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover;width:195px\"  \/>Caption: EMBARGOED TO 2330 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7<\/p>\n<p>Picture posed by a model. File photo dated 03\/03\/14 of someone using a set of weighing scales. People on fat loss jabs need ongoing support, researchers have said, after a major study found they put all the weight back on much faster than traditional dieters. Researchers from the University of Oxford discovered that people on drugs including semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lose weight during treatment but, on average, regain it within 20 months of stopping the jabs. Issue date: Wednesday January 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Chris Radburn\/PA Wire<br \/>Photographer: Chris Radburn<br \/>Provider: Chris Radburn\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA Wire<\/p>\n<p>This suggests that successive generations of younger adults are developing type 2 diabetes at increasingly severe levels of obesity. <\/p>\n<p>Risks to lives <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>The rise in type 2 diabetes among younger adults is deeply concerning. Any diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is serious, but it can be more aggressive in younger people, increasing the risk of devastating complications and cutting lives short. <\/p>\n<p>helen kirrane, head of policy, campaigns and mobilisation at diabetes uk<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_186543808.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor measuring teen patient's blood pressure. Examining hypertension in diabetic teenage girl. Girl visiting paediatrician for annual preventive examination, check-up.\" class=\"wp-image-2844913\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: Doctor measuring teen patient\u2019s blood pressure. Examining hypertension in diabetic teenage girl. Girl visiting paediatrician for annual preventive examination, check-up.<br \/>Photographer: Halfpoint Images<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">environment<\/p>\n<p>Puffling sighting gives hope to Dorset\u2019s colony<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305940319.jpg\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY 22 JULY Undated handout photo issued by the National Trust of a rare glimpse of a young puffin emerging from its nest at Dancing Ledge. For the first time in 30 years, volunteers monitoring the puffin colony in Purbeck have a confirmed sighting of a puffin fledgling - known as a puffling - on the cliffs near the National Trust's Dancing Ledge. The puffling was peeping out from a deep crevice on the sheer cliff, where the last breeding colony of puffins on mainland England's south coast is clinging to survival. The sighting followed more than 15 weeks of monitoring by the volunteers as they watched the adult puffins courting, mating, carrying nesting material and, since late-May, repeatedly delivering fish to the nests hidden deep within the crevice and has given conservationists fresh hope for the future of Dorset's dwindling puffin population. Issue date: Wednesday July 22, 2026. PA Photo. See PA story ENVIRONMENT Puffling. Photo credit should read: National Trust\/Martin Shaw\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4660525\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY 22 JULY<br \/>Undated handout photo issued by the National Trust of a rare glimpse of a young puffin emerging from its nest at Dancing Ledge. For the first time in 30 years, volunteers monitoring the puffin colony in Purbeck have a confirmed sighting of a puffin fledgling \u2013 known as a puffling \u2013 on the cliffs near the National Trust\u2019s Dancing Ledge. The puffling was peeping out from a deep crevice on the sheer cliff, where the last breeding colony of puffins on mainland England\u2019s south coast is clinging to survival.<br \/>The sighting followed more than 15 weeks of monitoring by the volunteers as they watched the adult puffins courting, mating, carrying nesting material and, since late-May, repeatedly delivering fish to the nests hidden deep within the crevice and has given conservationists fresh hope for the future of Dorset\u2019s dwindling puffin population. Issue date: Wednesday July 22, 2026. PA Photo. See PA story ENVIRONMENT  Puffling. Photo credit should read: National Trust\/Martin Shaw\/PA Wire <\/p>\n<p>NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.<br \/>Photographer: National Trust\/Martin Shaw<br \/>Provider: National Trust\/Martin Shaw\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>A rare view of a young puffin coming out of its nest has filled conservationists with new hope about the future of Dorset\u2019s declining puffin population. <\/p>\n<p>A long wait <\/p>\n<p>For the first time in 30 years, volunteers monitoring the puffin colony in Perbeck have a confirmed sighting of a puffling \u2013 a puffin fledgling \u2013 on the cliffs near to the National Trust\u2019s Dancing Ledge.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The puffling was looking out from a crevice in the cliff.<\/li>\n<li>This is where the last breeding colony of puffins on mainland England\u2019s south coast is holding onto survival.<\/li>\n<li>The sighting comes after over 15 weeks of monitoring by the volunteers, who watched the adult puffins courting, mating, carrying nesting material, and delivering fish to the nests. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Fresh hope<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote inews--shorts-card--quote-cited is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>With only three breeding pairs remaining, every chick matters. One puffling alone won\u2019t save this colony, but one is a whole lot better news than none.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Dr Richard Caldow, an expert in seabird ecology, led the monitoring project and was supported by volunteers from the Purbeck Natural History Forum. The puffling is estimated to be between 38 and 40 days old.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"457\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_301937481-e1781795517483.jpg\" alt=\"Three puffins\" class=\"wp-image-4487913\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Puffins are my favourite birds (Photo:: Gunnar Orn Arnason\/Getty Images\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s next for the puffling?<\/p>\n<p>The puffling is expected to leave the ledge and its parents during the night and spend the several years alone at sea. <\/p>\n<p>If it survives, it may return to Purbeck at around two years old, although puffins do not usually breed until around age four. In April, six adult puffins were recorded at the colony.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305940321.jpg\" alt=\"EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY 22 JULY Undated handout photo issued by the National Trust of a rare glimpse of a young puffin emerging from its nest at Dancing Ledge. For the first time in 30 years, volunteers monitoring the puffin colony in Purbeck have a confirmed sighting of a puffin fledgling - known as a puffling - on the cliffs near the National Trust's Dancing Ledge. The puffling was peeping out from a deep crevice on the sheer cliff, where the last breeding colony of puffins on mainland England's south coast is clinging to survival. The sighting followed more than 15 weeks of monitoring by the volunteers as they watched the adult puffins courting, mating, carrying nesting material and, since late-May, repeatedly delivering fish to the nests hidden deep within the crevice and has given conservationists fresh hope for the future of Dorset's dwindling puffin population. Issue date: Wednesday July 22, 2026. PA Photo. See PA story ENVIRONMENT Puffling. Photo credit should read: National Trust\/Martin Shaw\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4660524\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY 22 JULY<br \/>Undated handout photo issued by the National Trust of a rare glimpse of a young puffin emerging from its nest at Dancing Ledge. For the first time in 30 years, volunteers monitoring the puffin colony in Purbeck have a confirmed sighting of a puffin fledgling \u2013 known as a puffling \u2013 on the cliffs near the National Trust\u2019s Dancing Ledge. The puffling was peeping out from a deep crevice on the sheer cliff, where the last breeding colony of puffins on mainland England\u2019s south coast is clinging to survival.<br \/>The sighting followed more than 15 weeks of monitoring by the volunteers as they watched the adult puffins courting, mating, carrying nesting material and, since late-May, repeatedly delivering fish to the nests hidden deep within the crevice and has given conservationists fresh hope for the future of Dorset\u2019s dwindling puffin population. Issue date: Wednesday July 22, 2026. PA Photo. See PA story ENVIRONMENT  Puffling. Photo credit should read: National Trust\/Martin Shaw\/PA Wire <\/p>\n<p>NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.<br \/>Photographer: National Trust\/Martin Shaw<br \/>Provider: National Trust\/Martin Shaw\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/care-birds-in-garden-rspb-warns-not-feed-4347280?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_292654694.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305960361.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey arrives at 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first cabinet meeting, on July 21, 2026 in London, England. Andy Burnham appointed key members of his cabinet yesterday evening after becoming Prime Minister earlier in the day. He has pledged to decentralise power via &quot;No 10 North, provide immediate cost of living &quot;Breathing Space&quot; and to end rough sleeping across England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4660050\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 21: Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey arrives at 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister Andy Burnham\u2019s first cabinet meeting, on July 21, 2026 in London, England. Andy Burnham appointed key members of his cabinet yesterday evening after becoming Prime Minister earlier in the day. He has pledged to decentralise power via \u201cNo 10 North, provide immediate cost of living \u201cBreathing Space\u201d and to end rough sleeping across England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Dan Kitwood<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">Politics<\/p>\n<p>How Healey as the new Chancellor may impact your tax and benefits <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784725788_746_I-Paper-Bylines-Eleanor-Langford-19158-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_name\">Eleanor Langford<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_job-title\">Political Reporter<\/p>\n<p>Andy Burnham has appointed John Healey as Chancellor \u2013 a surprise decision after Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband were both widely tipped for the job.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s our analysis of what this could mean for different policy areas.<\/p>\n<p>Tax<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Healey has little personal track record on tax policy, so the clearest guide to what comes next comes from Burnham himself.<\/li>\n<li>The first move has been a tax cut, with VAT removed from domestic electricity bills from October.<\/li>\n<li>After this it is less clear, although Burnham has indicated he wants to look at raising the frozen \u00a312,570 personal allowance.<\/li>\n<li>Burnham has also not ruled out a wealth tax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/money\/saving-and-banking\/raising-personal-allowance-worst-tax-cut-burnham-4659377?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305963595.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">SAVING AND BANKING<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>\nThe economy\n<\/p>\n<p>Healey\u2019s early message has been one of continuity rather than change.<\/p>\n<p>Responding to ONS figures on Tuesday showing borrowing fell to \u00a316bn in June, he said: \u201cFiscal control is the first\u00a0duty of any Chancellor. It is mine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"512\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_291705199.jpg\" alt=\"Various English coins and banknotes\" class=\"wp-image-4329810\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>The Bank of England held rates at the last meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) (Photo: Sean Gladwell\/Moment RF\/Getty)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"711\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305968259.jpg\" alt=\"Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, center, attends the first cabinet meeting held by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street, London, Tuesday July 21, 2026. (Eddie Mulholland\/Pool Photo via AP)\" class=\"wp-image-4660457\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover;width:195px\"  \/>Caption: Britain\u2019s Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, center, attends the first cabinet meeting held by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street, London, Tuesday July 21, 2026. (Eddie Mulholland\/Pool Photo via AP)<br \/>Photographer: Eddie Mulholland<br \/>Provider: Eddie Mulholland\/Pool The Telegr<br \/>Source: Pool The Telegraph<br \/>Copyright: ? Eddie Mulholland<\/p>\n<p>Whether that holds is the real question hanging over his tenure, and markets have so far reacted with caution.<\/p>\n<p>\nBenefits\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list inews--shorts-card--list--square-large\">\n<li>Plans to cut billions from sickness and disability benefits caused a near-rebellion from backbench MPs last year.<\/li>\n<li>Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, previously said he is \u201cnot ruling anything out\u201d, while Burnham has said only that he would not make immediate cuts.<\/li>\n<li>There are signs Healey may be sympathetic to a slower approach. <\/li>\n<li>Responding to George Osborne\u2019s budget a decade ago, he had called a \u00a312bn round of cuts a political \u201cchoice\u201d not a necessity.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Defence<\/p>\n<p>After resigning as defence secretary last month and rejecting an offer of \u00a313.5bn to fund the Defence Investment Plan, Healey now has power over the funding gap and faces the challenge of how to pay for it. <\/p>\n<p>Burnham and Healey have signalled they are on the same page, and Healey said the pair would \u201cmeet our commitments on defence to our international allies\u201d. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_300965723_3415ca.jpg\" alt=\"ESTONIA - MAY 21: UK Defence Secretary John Healey speaks with members of the allied forces as they participate in exercise Spring Storm on May 21, 2026 near Voru, Southern Estonia. During his one-day trip to Estonia, UK Defence Secretary John Healey is meeting with his Estonian counterpart, Hanno Pevkur, before attending a briefing on Exercise Spring Storm 2026. Members of the UK Armed Forces are participating in the twentieth edition of the international exercise led by Estonian Defence Forces, which runs from May 4 to June 1. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4481692\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>John Healey speaks with members of the allied forces as they participate in exercise Spring Storm in May near Voru, southern Estonia (Photo: Leon Neal\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/what-healey-as-chancellor-could-mean-for-your-tax-and-benefits-4659238?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305960184.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Analysis<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Plug-in batteries are portable energy storage units that can be plugged into a socket without any household rewiring.<\/p>\n<p>They work by drawing electricity through the socket \u2013 typically during the off-peak period of a time-of-use tariff \u2013 and then discharging back through the same socket to offset demand at times when electricity is more expensive, cutting a household\u2019s bills.<\/p>\n<p>The batteries come in a range of sizes and costs, retailing from about \u00a3500. According to Regen, a not-for-profit company which promotes clean energy, some units can pay back within two-and-a-half-years. They are significantly cheaper than conventional batteries, where the labour costs alone can run to \u00a31,000 or more.<\/p>\n<p>Multiple sources told The i Paper that subsidised plug-in batteries were among a list of proposals worked up earlier this summer during an exercise by DESNZ and the Nesta innovation charity aimed at accelerating the delivery of then energy secretary Ed Miliband\u2019s Warm Homes plan.<\/p>\n<p>The exercise \u2013 dubbed a \u201csprint\u201d by DESNZ officials \u2013 considered a range of options for swiftly cutting energy bills. A sector source said that the process was launched as a response to the spike in energy prices from the US-Israeli war with Iran and a desire within the Government to \u201cpiggyback on the massive increase in demand there\u2019s been for things like solar panels and batteries\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The source said that Miliband \u201csaw a big opportunity\u201d in plug-in batteries. Another industry source said there was \u201chuge appetite\u201d in government for the technology.<\/p>\n<p>A government source confirmed that DESNZ had drawn up the proposal, saying that plug-in batteries were \u201cattractive\u201d because \u201cthey\u2019re so easy to deploy\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>It is not clear yet what families would be eligible for the devices, though there has previously been an expectation under the <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/12000-solar-panel-grants-fast-tracked-households-4327891?srsltid=AfmBOop2LXI7ImSt0bLfSFY-q_ORcwEr-_UzDPmZLN0uXVtThYEFuXdn&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Warm Homes plan<\/a> that grants would be offered to households with a total income of around \u00a335,000 or less.<\/p>\n<p>Households in England with an income of less than \u00a336,000, living in eligible postcodes, or receiving means-tested benefits are already eligible for home upgrades to help cut energy bills, such as heat pumps and solar panels. There are typically further conditions such as owning your home, renting from a private landlord, or having a specific energy rating.<\/p>\n<p>The i Paper understands that DESNZ has held conversations with the Crown Commercial Agency \u2013 the government\u2019s procurement arm \u2013 about the bulk-buying idea. GB Energy \u2013 the publicly owned energy investment company \u2013 has also been discussed as a potential vehicle for rolling out the units.<\/p>\n<p>A decision about whether to press ahead with the idea will now have to be taken by the new Energy Secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh.<\/p>\n<p>However, the sector source said that it aligned with <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/taxes-could-rise-pay-burnhams-cost-of-living-boost-4656840?srsltid=AfmBOoowgCwbbexFSeGkamCJci9jxn4fyD6Vcj9a0cfL23K9MHk28Fw_&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Andy Burnham\u2019s cost of living focus<\/a>, which has already seen the Government announce the <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/shorts\/burnham-cuts-vat-on-electricity-bills-how-much-will-you-save?srsltid=AfmBOorNwpzmKqeyTeroldVsHHgAt3FvAypfHcfLHhJIm9M7XKPgR4b4&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">removal of VAT on household electricity bills<\/a> and the <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/burnham-allies-2-cap-bus-fares-4656009?srsltid=AfmBOoridfmBs8O2QEpXvb3BEQ4Qcz4PtZuYvAZWFlrWofATfhc9Nd4u&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">reinstatement of the \u00a32 cap on bus fares<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe politics does fit with the Burnham agenda,\u201d they said. \u201cIt also fits with the <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/burnham-powers-metro-mayors-4645529?srsltid=AfmBOop5iVKyPrn6JA3P4sJzvTMRub3ClNqZtITGxG6mC7nSP8dyNEgt&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">devolution stuff<\/a> quite nicely because fundamentally it would be local authorities on the hook for delivering it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, as with <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/400-plug-solar-panels-lidl-cut-energy-bills-4312651?srsltid=AfmBOooMRL7uPjyla9ufkmU21Nh9XEjLRJBii1K_co1OcXvvIqYDrI91&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">plug-in solar panels<\/a>, plug-in batteries are not currently permitted in Great Britain because existing wiring regulations were not designed for appliances to discharge power back into household circuits. <\/p>\n<p>The government source confirmed that as with plug-in solar, DESNZ would have to conduct a safety study and then update the regulations, meaning that it will be some time before the devices could be rolled out.<\/p>\n<p>The Government\u2019s immediate focus is approving plug-in solar, which as The i Paper reported earlier this month is <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/plug-in-solar-panels-approval-august-catch-4637801?srsltid=AfmBOoqhGrvOQAQL3w8RrYw0FL44KdfuiaDz7mbbfo6ojho4hFLA8vSA&amp;ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">expected to happen in August<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>DESNZ told The i Paper that batteries raised further technical and regulatory questions but confirmed that it is building the evidence base around the products.<\/p>\n<p>A DESNZ spokesperson said: \u201cWe\u2019ve cut VAT on electricity to give families breathing space. The Energy Secretary\u2019s focus is working to bring bills down for good.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd we are rolling out plug-in solar, which will be quickest to reach the market \u2013 helping to bring bills down for good.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<script async src=\"\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Households are set to be given free \u201cplug-in batteries\u201d to allow them to store power to help cut&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1104588,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[3843],"tags":[8916,11078,13626,931,728,3592,70,5374,16,15],"class_list":["post-1104587","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-environment","tag-andy-burnham","tag-batteries","tag-cost-of-living-crisis","tag-energy-bills","tag-environment","tag-politics-exclusive","tag-science","tag-solar-energy","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116963803279813233","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1104587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1104587"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1104587\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1104588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1104587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1104587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1104587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}