The Know Daily - Thursday 25 June 2026

_{Read in 4m 08s ∙ Listening to Megan Moroney ∙}

A startup has developed a battery powered by bacteria in the soil, generating a constant trickle of electricity using naturally occurring microbes. The idea is that, one day, gardens could help power homes alongside renewables like solar panels – even when the sun isn’t shining. We’re not saying your flowerbeds are about to start paying the bills tomorrow… but it’s a fun glimpse at what the future could look like 🪴

🇪🇺 Brexit: 10 years on

Ten years ago today, the UK voted to leave the European Union. The referendum result – 52% to 48% – triggered one of the biggest political and economic changes in modern British history. A decade later, Brexit is still shaping everything from trade and travel to politics and the economy.

A quick reminder…
Brexit refers to the UK's decision to leave the European Union following the referendum in June 2016. Although the vote took place then, the UK didn’t formally leave the EU until January 2020, with new trading arrangements coming into force at the start of 2021. Supporters argued it would give Britain greater control over its laws, borders and trade policy, while opponents warned it would make trade more difficult and slow economic growth.

So what has actually changed?
For most people, the biggest changes have been around travel, immigration and trade. British citizens no longer have automatic freedom of movement across EU countries, while businesses exporting goods to Europe now face additional paperwork and border checks. At the same time, the UK has been able to negotiate its own trade deals, including agreements with countries such as India and membership of the Asia-Pacific CPTPP trading bloc.

What has the economic impact been?
This remains one of the most debated parts of Brexit, but most economists now agree the UK economy is smaller than it would likely have been if the country had remained in the EU. According to the BBC, estimates vary, but many studies suggest Brexit has reduced UK economic output by somewhere between 3% and 8% compared with where it might otherwise have been. Trade with the EU has become more difficult, particularly for smaller exporters, and business investment has grown more slowly than expected. However, some sectors – particularly services – have continued to perform strongly, and supporters point to the UK's ability to strike independent trade deals and set its own regulations.

Has public opinion changed?
The short answer is: yes. According to Full Fact, a majority of respondents in some recent surveys say they would support rejoining the EU in principle, although the result depends heavily on what rejoining would involve. Whilst in 2016, 52% of the British electorate voted to leave, only 32% said they would do so now. However, support for rejoining remains more complicated, with many people favouring closer ties with Europe without necessarily reversing Brexit altogether.

So what's next?
The debate has shifted from whether Brexit should have happened to how Britain should manage its relationship with Europe going forward. The current government has ruled out rejoining the EU, single market or customs union, but has pursued closer cooperation on trade, defence and security. Ten years on, Brexit is no longer a future political project – it's a reality the UK is still adapting to, and one that continues to influence major decisions about the country's economy, global relationships and place in the world.

We put so much heart into making The Know a space that brightens your day and keeps you in the loop. If our little daily check-in means something to you, we’d be so grateful for any support you can spare 🫶 It will help us to keep showing up for you in 2026.

🐋 Different dialects have been detected by researchers amongst sperm whales on separate sides of the Mediterranean.

• The bigger story: Scientists found that sperm whales in the eastern and western Mediterranean use slightly different patterns of clicks, known as "codas", which they use to communicate and form social groups. The discovery is particularly significant because whale groups typically only associate with others that share the same dialect. Researchers say the findings offer a rare glimpse into how new dialects emerge over time, with one population gradually developing its own variation after becoming partially separated from another – just like humans.

🤝 Two independent Australian MPs have come together to launch a new centrist political party in response to an increasingly divisive landscape and two-party politics. 

🚶🏼‍♀️ Taking “movement snacks" – a five minute leg stretch – every hour at work is the best way to boost wellbeing without losing efficiency, a new study has found.

📈 A new 22% levy on interest earned from cash held within stocks and shares ISAs is set to be introduced in the UK.

🌠 An interstellar comet that flew past the sun last year could be nearly three times older than our solar system, scientists say.

🎥 Major video-sharing platforms (like TikTok and YouTube) will be told to carry public service content under new legislation being drawn up by the UK government.

🧘‍♀️ A European island nation has been crowned the world’s most peaceful country, according to the Global Peace Index.

⭐ Donate to The Know. Only 0.9% of our readers donate (we see you and we love you 🥹). So if you have a couple of pounds to spare and want to ensure we keep bringing you thoughtful and informative news every day, we’d be so grateful.

⭐ Get clicking - this tells our partners that readers are interested in The Know. Let’s get started with this one!

⭐ Add us to your contacts or primary inbox - this makes sure we reach your inbox (and everyone else’s) each morning.

The Know is on a mission to help everyone start their day feeling informed and hopeful. We only recommend things we genuinely love but sometimes we make money from the links and content we share. This directly supports keeping our journalism free for all.

Trivia answer: C) Netflix’s latest adaptation of one of Coben’s novels has had the biggest premiere week for any new Netflix series in 2026 (so far!).

How did you find today’s email?
😍 Loved it! | 😕 Could be better…

Need fewer emails? Click here to hear from us once a week.