v3.25.4
Statement of cash flows - Schedule of reconciliation of profit before tax to cash generated from operation (Detail) - GBP (£)
£ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of cash flow          
Operating profit £ 3,027 £ 2,861 £ 2,682 £ 2,323 £ 1,884
Share of results of joint ventures and associates (44) (43) (46)    
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 248 258 279    
Amortisation of internally developed intangible assets 352 364 330    
Amortisation of pre-publication cost 89 77 76    
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 26 34 43    
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 37 50 65    
Share based remuneration 63 66 56    
Total non-cash items 815 849 849    
Increase in inventories and pre-publication costs (101) (83) (90)    
(Increase)/decrease in receivables 14 (173) (24)    
(Decrease)/increase in payables 24 110 (1)    
Increase in working capital (63) (146) (115)    
Cash generated from operations £ 3,735 £ 3,521 £ 3,370 £ 3,061 £ 2,476