automotive industry said. Some 157,000 new cars were registered last month compared with 164,000
during July 2018, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. This was the fifth
consecutive month of decline. The SMMT said consumer and business confidence continues to be affected
by confusion over government policy towards different fuel types, as well as political and economic
uncertainty. PA
Ceremony of the Keys coin to celebrate centuries-old ritual
A coin celebrating a centuries-old ritual that takes place at the Tower of London every evening has been
launched by the Royal Mint. The Ceremony of the Keys coin is part of the Mint’s Tower of London
collection. The ceremony is part of the traditional “locking up” of the Tower of London, which houses the
Crown Jewels among other objects. The ritual has taken place since 1340, during Edward III’s reign. PA
Holidaymakers ‘fear running out of spending money’
More than a third of holidaymakers travelling this summer are worried about running out of spending
money while they are away, a survey has found. Some 37 per cent are concerned about running out of
holiday cash. Sterling recently fell to a two-year low against the US dollar amid speculation over a potential
no-deal Brexit – meaning travellers heading from the UK may find their spending power does not go as far
as they had hoped. PA
Artificial ‘tongue’ can help tackle fake whisky trade
An artificial “tongue” which can taste subtle differences between drams of whisky could help tackle the
counterfeit alcohol trade, scientists say. Engineers have built a tiny taster which exploits the properties of
gold and aluminium to test differences between the spirits. The technology is capable of picking up on the
subtler distinctions between the same brand aged in different barrels, with more than 99 per cent accuracy
and able to tell the difference between those aged for 12, 15 and 18 years. PA