British defence firm BAE Systems upgraded its annual earnings forecast after strong first-half results, as it continues to benefit from countries raising military spend at a time of higher geopolitical instability.

FTSE 100 futures are about flat, compared to small gains across Europe and the US, as we await another batch of earnings. The pound is also little changed for the session, trading between $1.33 and $1.34. Stay with us for everything that matters for UK markets.

The U.K.'s Online Safety Act sparks heated debate between Nigel Farage and Peter Kyle, highlighting tensions between child protection measures and freedom of speech concerns.

British defence firm BAE Systems upgraded its annual earnings forecast after strong first-half results, as it continues to benefit from countries raising military spend at a time of higher geopolitical instability.

A Backgammon club from Brighton has returned victorious after winning the National Backgammon Federation Club championships. The event, held at the University of York on Saturday, saw the Brighton team compete against 31 opposing teas from Kent, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and the North East.

The European Union is facing a higher 15% tariff rate on its goods imported to the U.S. compared to the 10% levy the U.K. has agreed to. "In theory, the UK benefits," Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec, told CNBC.