v3.25.4
Statement of cash flows - Schedule of reconciliation of net debt (Detail) - GBP (£)
£ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement      
Net debt at start of year £ (6,563) £ (6,446) £ (6,604)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 15 (32) (169)
Increase in short-term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper (232) (461)  
Issuance of term debt (1,125) (711)  
Repayment of term debt 621 1,017  
Repayment of leases 38 61  
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows (683) (126)  
Borrowings in disposed businesses   8  
Borrowings in acquired businesses (2)    
Remeasurement and derecognition of leases (1) (4)  
Inception of leases (35) (32)  
Fair value and other adjustments to debt and related derivatives (12) (9)  
Exchange translation differences 95 46  
Net debt at end of year (7,201) (6,563) (6,446)
Cash and cash equivalents      
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement      
Net debt at start of year 119 155  
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 15 (32)  
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows 15 (32)  
Exchange translation differences (3) (4)  
Net debt at end of year 131 119 155
Debt      
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement      
Net debt at start of year (6,544) (6,497)  
Increase in short-term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper (232) (461)  
Issuance of term debt (1,125) (711)  
Repayment of term debt 621 1,017  
Repayment of leases 40 63  
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows (696) (92)  
Borrowings in disposed businesses   8  
Borrowings in acquired businesses (2)    
Remeasurement and derecognition of leases (1) (4)  
Inception of leases (35) (32)  
Fair value and other adjustments to debt and related derivatives (77) 19  
Exchange translation differences 88 54  
Net debt at end of year (7,267) (6,544) (6,497)
Derivative financial instruments in fair value hedging relationships      
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement      
Net debt at start of year (140) (108)  
Fair value and other adjustments to debt and related derivatives 70 (28)  
Exchange translation differences 10 (4)  
Net debt at end of year (60) (140) (108)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps not designated as hedges      
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement      
Fair value and other adjustments to debt and related derivatives (5)    
Net debt at end of year (5)    
Finance lease receivable      
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement      
Net debt at start of year 2 4  
Repayment of leases (2) (2)  
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows £ (2) (2)  
Net debt at end of year   £ 2 £ 4