Northern Ireland: William and Kate arrived in Belfast for a visit focused on efforts to prevent homelessness and support young people into work. Separately, campaigners renewed calls for a public inquiry into cervical screening failures, while the Justice Department opened a consultation on character references at sentencing. Environment: Yorkshire was declared in drought after a notably dry spring and summer, despite recent rain. Wales also faces mounting scrutiny over sewage pollution, with more than 800,000 hours of spills reported last year. Public Safety: Up to 50 Police Scotland officers have been suspended over alleged violence against women and girls. Hate crime in England and Wales rose 7%, with racial and religious offences at a record high. Banknotes: The Bank of England’s next notes will feature native wildlife, including the hedgehog, puffin, barn owl and bumblebee, replacing historical figures. Household Finances: UK credit-card defaults rose, with lenders expecting more missed payments this autumn. Lidl’s Northern Ireland sales hit a record £604.4m, but higher costs drove profits down for a second year.