v3.26.1
Cash flow - schedule of cash flows from operating activities (Details) - GBP (£)
£ in Millions
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Jun. 30, 2025
Disclosure Of Cash Flow [Abstract]    
Profit for the period £ 3,228 £ 4,565
Taxation on ordinary activities 824 1,009
Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures (189) (1,474)
Net finance costs 403 969
Profit from operations 4,266 5,069
Adjustments for:    
– depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs 1,364 1,192
– increase in inventories (448) (696)
– increase in trade and other receivables (102) (1)
– decrease in Master Settlement Agreement payable (571) (633)
– decrease in trade and other payables (160) (565)
– decrease in retirement benefit liabilities (15) (27)
– decrease in other provisions for liabilities (70) (634)
– other non-cash items 223 12
Cash generated from operating activities 4,487 3,717
Dividends received from associates 139 168
Tax paid (1,224) (1,576)
Net cash generated from operating activities £ 3,402 £ 2,309