British government borrowing jumped by almost a third to $18.2 billion last month compared with August 2023, taking borrowing to the highest level since treasury finances were hammered by COVID-19 in 2020-2021.

Official figures show that borrowing - the difference between spending and tax revenue - reached to £13.7bn last month. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that tax income "grew strongly" but this was outweighed by some benefits being increased such as the carer's allowance and the disability living allowance.

Government borrowing in August rose to the highest level for the month since the Covid pandemic in 2021. Official figures show that borrowing - the difference between spending and tax revenue - reached £13.

In announcing the ban, Ukraine says it's uncovered evidence that Russian agents can access private user messages on Telegram, including deleted correspondence.

Citing national security issues, Ukrainian officials on Friday said the country's government agencies, military and critical infrastructure will be restricted from using the Telegram social media app.

"I have always advocated freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not a matter of freedom of speech, it is a matter of national security," Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov,