National News

Almost three-quarters of England is in “flash drought” as a dry start to August follows the country’s driest July on record, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, shaking the South American nation and neighbouring Ecuador and prompting people to evacuate homes and buildings.

The Government has condemned the “reckless and dangerous” tactics used by people smugglers after a record 230 migrants arrived after crossing the Channel to the UK in a single boat.

Half of learner drivers are being forced to wait more than four months between booking and taking a test at dozens of locations across Britain.

The Education Secretary has vowed to answer the “clarion call” of the Neets crisis, as more than 50,000 teenagers will not be receiving results this week.

Burnham faces pressure over North Sea oil and gas as a decision on allowing new drilling moves closer.

Enzo Maresca has said Rodri is due back with Manchester City next week amid continuing speculation over the Spain midfielder’s future.

The Irish Government jet involved in the extradition of alleged gangland figure Daniel Kinahan from Dubai has landed in Ireland.

An Irish Government jet has left Dubai for Dublin, amid the extradition of alleged gangland figure Daniel Kinahan.

The UK economy is expected to have recorded another quarter of growth as businesses find ways to cope with the fallout of the Iran war, but some industries are coming under increasing pressure, economists think.

FIFA has hit out at “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the governing body and president Gianni Infantino over claims surrounding his conduct at UEFA.

Barbie has honoured the late Whitney Houston with her very own doll.

Andy Burnham will kick off a national tour this week to ask the public how the Government can improve their lives.

Wes Streeting said he has experienced more online homophobia since becoming Defence Secretary than in his entire previous career.

The case of a serial sex attacker left free to murder two women is “symptomatic of the litany of failures” in the criminal justice system, Kemi Badenoch has said.

A schoolgirl has died from her injuries after a pupil opened fire at a high school and his home outside Bangkok the day before, bringing the death toll from the attack to at least eight people

Reports in today's Daily Telegraph say counter-terror officers are looking again at an attack on the Reform leader's address in South London

Edinburgh’s festivals are sending a clear message that Scotland is an open and welcoming country, the Deputy First Minister said.

Wasted medicines thrown away in England in just one year could fill 75 swimming pools, pharmacies have said.

Andy Burnham has said it is “insane” that the UK has only hosted one World Cup, as he said Fifa and Uefa have conspired against the home nations hosting their first men’s tournament since 1966.

A serial sex attacker left free to kill due to a string of police and court blunders could face a whole life jail term after being found guilty of murdering two women and raping a third.

England footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault following an incident at a nightclub in Soho.

Scorching temperatures of 36C are expected in the UK next week, with heat health alerts in place warning that the hot weather is likely to affect the wellbeing of the population

England footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault following an incident at a nightclub in Soho.

Nurses are being “exploited” in the social care sector, leading medics have warned.

Most teenagers intend to opt out of the Government’s planned social media curfews, polling has suggested.

Three teachers and three pupils have died after another student shot several people at a high school outside Bangkok, police said.

Heatwave conditions continued to bear down on shopper footfall in July, with the high street particularly badly affected, figures suggest.

Train passengers face further travel chaos on Friday morning after a power outage ground trains to a halt across the Midlands and north-west England.

A European threat to boycott the World Cup remains in place despite FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino apologising over the handling of a private investor plan.

An electricity supply failure at a communications centre is causing major disruption to trains in the Midlands and north-west England, National Rail has said.

Disgraced former reality TV star Stephen Bear has been jailed for sixteen months at Chelmsford Crown Court for breaching a restraining order

A former butcher who dismembered his victim then hid the body in a concrete-filled barrel has been jailed for at least 35 years.

Two men have been arrested after police officers were taken to hospital during a second night of disorder in a market town which has seen anti-immigration protests.

Just 14% of England’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters are in good ecological health, a new assessment reveals.

Gianni Infantino has the “full support” of FIFA’s management board despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Heavy rain which could cause flooding in parts of Scotland is unlikely to provide the relief that is needed after exceptionally dry weather, experts have warned.

Mohamed Salah has arrived in Istanbul wearing a Trabzonspor shirt to finalise a move to the Turkish Super Lig side.

TV presenter and dog trainer Graeme Hall is the latest contestant to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing, and said: “I can’t wait to get started.”

Ryanair’s monthly passenger numbers reached an all-time high of more than 22 million in July.

The police marksman who shot Chris Kaba will not face disciplinary proceedings, a watchdog has confirmed.

A woman has been arrested after four men were stabbed in Covent Garden in central London, police said.

A 35-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death of a nine-year-old child in Arbroath.

A body has been recovered in the search for a 13-year-old boy who got into difficulty in the sea off the East Yorkshire coast, police have said.

Paris Hilton has admitted her experience finding fame at an early age was “traumatising sometimes”.

Guidance on use of toilets and changing rooms as single-sex spaces comes into force on Wednesday, almost a year-and-a-half after the landmark Supreme Court ruling on biological sex.

A Police Federation chief has threatened to take the Government to court to stop Pc Andrew Harper’s killers being released from prison early.

Andy Burnham is not actively considering a public inquiry into the UK actions of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein despite claims the Government was “looking into” holding one, it is understood.

Academy award-winning actress Cate Blanchett has praised the Prince of Wales for being an “extraordinary” climate leader.

Boyzlife will perform a mix of Boyzone and Westlife’s classic songs and some of their own original music when they tour the UK in May 2027.

Lionel Messi has donated money to help restore an area outside Madrid that has been affected by wildfires.

Ariana Grande has said her decision to take a break from the spotlight was “not a reactive or impulsive thing” and has been planned for a long time.

Ben Stokes insisted he has “definitely” played for England for the last time but outlined ambitions to return to the dressing room in a coaching capacity in the future.

FIFA’s chief of global football development Arsene Wenger says Gianni Infantino’s decision to withdraw from a plan to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors was “absolutely necessary and beyond question”.

The development of Gatwick Airport’s second runway is set to begin after the Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling that the plans could go ahead.

The Government has apologised to the family of Pc Andrew Harper as two of his killers remain eligible for early release

The Prime Minister has said rape, serious child sex offences and grooming are to be excluded from upcoming cuts to prison sentences.

Donald Trump has said he thinks he and Andy Burnham are “going to have a very good relationship” as he again stressed the need for the UK to tackle immigration and open up North Sea oil, claiming Britain was currently “a bankrupt country”.

Jordan Henderson has joined Chelsea on a two-year deal following his departure from Brentford.

England and Wales have had their driest July in records dating back to 1836, provisional statistics from the Met Office show.

Comedian Jimmy Cricket has died aged 80 following a short illness.

Journalist and broadcaster Rod Liddle has died after a short illness at the age of 66.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested following the death of a nine-year-old girl who was found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath.

A man has been jailed after keeping his dead mother inside a freezer for nearly three years while continuing to receive more than £78,000 of her benefits.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to be “relentless” in tackling small boat crossings.

A teenage girl has died after suffering a “medical episode” at a festival headlined by Wolf Alice and Scissor Sisters.

Andy Burnham previously called for a written constitution in 2024 book Head North

The US President says any deal would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran's nuclear threat

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck has completed a move to Chelsea after signing a two-year deal.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has “lost the confidence” of UEFA over a plan to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors, the European football governing body has said.

A month of free bus travel for children in England has started.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will join spectators at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as the sporting tournament draws to a close.

FIFA “will not proceed” with plans to sell stakes in a company which would run the commercial and operational aspects of its competitions, a statement from president Gianni Infantino said.

Labour candidate Bev Craig has won the largest by-election in British history as she was voted in as Greater Manchester mayor, succeeding Andy Burnham in the job.

John Healey will deliver his first budget as Chancellor on October 28, pledging to move “money and power out of Westminster”.

Chelsea have been fined £10million and given a suspended two-window transfer ban after an appeal hearing into their sanction for breaching Football Association agents rules.

England stormed back from a six-goal deficit at the end of the first quarter to book their place in the netball semi-finals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with a 58-54 win over South Africa at the Hydro.

FIFA insists “nobody is selling football” amid criticism of its decision to launch a consultation on selling stakes in a World Cup commercial entity to private investors.

A woman with advanced ovarian cancer has become the first patient in the world to receive a pioneering new therapy.

Human-caused climate change made the devastating wildfires in France and Spain more likely, a rapid analysis by scientists has found.

Firefighters tackling a wildfire near to a nuclear power station in Suffolk will have “all the support” they need, the Prime Minister has pledged.

European nations will boycott all FIFA competitions until the global body drops plans to create a company featuring private investors to run the World Cup and other events.

Private companies have licences to take trillions of litres of water out of rivers, lakes and aquifers a year, campaigners have warned as pressure on resources grows.

Limiting sugar before the age of two is linked to a lower risk of dementia later in life, research suggests.

The Afghan data breach was a “foreseeable” failure in a system that left people who had worked with UK troops in danger for years, a parliamentary inquiry has found.

Elderly people are more likely to face long waits in A and E than younger patients, with more than a fifth waiting over 12 hours, according to data.

No further action will be taken against Green Party leader Zack Polanski after he shared an image on social media depicting a man wearing a black T-shirt with a picture of a guillotine and the words “We’re only making plans for Nigel”, the Metropolitan Police said.

A seven-year-old boy has died following an incident at a beach which left his teenage cousin and her mother dead, the police have said.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said he made an “inadvertent mistake” over a social media image but will not apologise to Nigel Farage.

The fourth heatwave of the year is set to peak on Wednesday with temperatures of up to 35C, as experts warn wildfires could be “exceptionally severe”.

UEFA insists the World Cup is not an “asset to trade” after FIFA confirmed plans to set up a private company to run its competitions which would have links to the extended family of United States President Donald Trump.

Andy Burnham will hold a cross-party meeting to discuss tackling the crisis in adult social care, as he pledged to “put everything I’ve got” into fixing the system.

A fan of TV serial killer Dexter has been found guilty of murdering two homeless men whose bodies were dismembered and hidden in woodland before he killed his cellmate while awaiting trial.

Andy Burnham insisted prisoners would not be released early in September under plans to ease overcrowding in jails as the Tories demanded emergency legislation and the possible recall of Parliament to address the issue.

Cold case detectives remain “haunted” by the unsolved disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh 40 years on, as the clock ticks down to the case being mothballed in 12 months’ time.

New technical education routes will be available to 14-year-olds as Andy Burnham drives reforms to tackle youth unemployment.

Andy Burnham will seek cross-party talks on social care reform as he faces calls to legislate for a national care service before the next election.

Heat health alerts have been upgraded to amber in some areas of England as the fourth heatwave of the year looms and parts of the country struggle with persistent dry weather.

Wildlife presenter and Goodies star Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85, his agent has said.

Luke Littler warned he can still get better after crushing Gerwyn Price 18-9 to retain his Betfred World Matchplay title in Blackpool.

Andy Burnham said UK support for Ukraine “remains unwavering” ahead of welcoming Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday as his first international visitor since becoming Prime Minister.

A man suspected of carrying out the Berlin Pride attack that left one person dead and 29 injured has been shot dead by police during a confrontation in a suburb of the city.

AJ gets up off the canvas twice on his return to the ring; planned "Battle of Britain" with Tyson Fury now a step closer

Police appeal for help in tracking down suspect after car drives into crowds at LGBT+ event

Lewis Hamilton was dealt a blow in his bid for a record eighth world championship after he was demoted to fifth on the grid for Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

More than a dozen people have been arrested after violence erupted in Glasgow between anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters.

Evacuations and smoke advisories have continued after Police Scotland declared a major incident as emergency services battle a wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.

UK high streets and shopping destinations are showing signs of recovery as more than 13 retail stores opened each week over the past year, according to new figures.

Authorities in France have evacuated some suburbs of Bordeaux as a massive wildfire shifted toward the city.

A horror injury to England’s Gabriel Langton overshadowed his team’s silver medal in the men’s team gymnastics final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

First Minister John Swinney has chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) after homes were evacuated amid a wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.

Firefighters will continue tackling a large industrial unit blaze in Essex into the weekend after a major incident was declared and residents were evacuated.

New testing kits are being rolled out by the Metropolitan Police to crack down on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, with a record number of the vehicles seized so far in 2026.

Massive forest fires forced the evacuation of some 200,000 people in south-western France and central Spain, with residents fleeing towns near Madrid and Bordeaux as the flames raged out of control.

Five police officers have been injured after a number had to be recovered from the River Thames when their boat hit Westminster Bridge, the Metropolitan Police said.

Millions of motorists are set for long journeys over the next week as summer getaways continue.

Whitehall resistance to devolution is “over for good”, the Prime Minister has said ahead of his first meeting at the new No 10 North.

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana has been transferred from prison to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed.

Consumer confidence has seen a significant six-point “Burnham bounce” – the largest increase since November 2023.

Persistent money troubles have been linked to faster brain ageing in a new study.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will “put a pause” on the plan for the early release of prisoners.

A teenage girl died trying to save her seven-year-old cousin who “got into trouble” as the tide came in on West Mersea beach, according to a family friend.

A man who planned a terror attack with his friend who went on a fatal knife rampage at a Manchester synagogue less than two months later has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years.

Business rates will be cut by 20% for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England from April next year, Downing Street has announced.

Online bullying over social media could be linked to declining school attendance rates, according to a study.

Weight loss and diabetes drugs such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy are linked to an increased risk of hair loss, researchers say.

More than three quarters of UK airports raised or introduced drop-off fees for drivers in the past year, according to new research.

Santander UK has pledged not to shut any more branches across its network and those of recently-acquired rival TSB before 2028, despite plans to cut costs further over the rest of the year.

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has paid tribute to his “dear friend” Ozzy Osbourne on the first anniversary of his death, adding: “I still can’t believe that he’s not with us.”

The former chief executive of Southern Water has been charged with conspiracy to defraud authorities over allegations he was involved in a plan to manipulate water quality tests to avoid millions of pounds in penalties

The widow of police officer Andrew Harper has said it is “deplorable” that two of his killers are being considered for early release.

Southampton’s head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by the Football Association over the ‘Spygate’ scandal.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has held talks over potentially joining a consortium which has expressed an interest in buying a minority stake in Liverpool, according to reports.

Phil Foden has committed his future to boyhood club Manchester City with a new four-year deal that includes an option for a further 12 months.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will review the early prisoner release policy amid concerns from the family of police officer Andrew Harper.

UK inflation fell to the lowest rate in 15 months in June as food and fuel prices dropped in an early boost to the cost-of-living-focused Andy Burnham.

The £2 bus fare cap has been reinstated by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, reversing a decision to increase it made by his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.

Young obese women are driving a rise in early-onset type 2 diabetes across England, research suggests.

Andy Burnham’s premiership begins at a time when four-fifths of Britons feel the country is going in the wrong direction, only half are satisfied with their living standards and confidence in the quality of the NHS has plummeted, according to polling.

The number of households unable to afford basic essentials such as food and heating is at a record high, according to new research which suggests the rise has been driven mainly by those traditionally less likely to be struggling.

The father of a 16-year-old who was murdered on a North Ayrshire beach has said losing him has “devastated our family forever”.

Andy Burnham told ministers he will lead a “cost-of-living Government” after announcing an £850 million tax cut on electricity bills.

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe.

UK Government borrowing fell by a third last month, a bigger decline than forecasters were expecting and delivering some early relief to John Healey on his first day as Chancellor, official figures show.

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban for just over 10 million customers as the exceptionally dry, hot weather drives a surge in demand.

The M27 in Hampshire has been ranked England’s worst motorway, amid concerns over roadworks and delays.

David Dimbleby has said he is “appalled” by cuts at the BBC which will result in up to 2,000 people losing their jobs.

Andy Burnham is selecting his Cabinet after replacing Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe.

John Healey has been named Chancellor in Andy Burnham’s first Government appointment, as he purged the Cabinet of loyalists of his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.

David Lammy, Rachel Reeves and Steve Reed are among the first high-profile Cabinet ministers to be shown the door by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Keegan, a star of Liverpool’s 1970s side who went on to become adored on Tyneside as player and manager of Newcastle, had been undergoing treatment for stage four cancer.

Former Newcastle and England manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his family have announced in a statement.

Andy Burnham has become the UK’s new Prime Minister after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.

Sir Keir Starmer has said “my work is done” and “I go with a smile” in his final speech as Prime Minister.

More than two million people will be subject to a hosepipe ban amid hot weather.

Andy Burnham will enter 10 Downing Street promising to give people “breathing room” against the rising cost of living.

Holidaymakers who are having beauty, hair and skincare glow-ups ahead of their summer trip are budgeting to spend more than £150 typically, a survey has found.

A Scottish charity has opened a new children’s operating theatre in Pakistan which will carry out thousands of procedures each year.

Super sub Ferran Torres fired Spain to their second men’s World Cup triumph as what looks to be Lionel Messi’s last dance ended in 10-man Argentina falling to a meek 1-0 extra-time defeat.

Super sub Ferran Torres fired Spain to their second men’s World Cup triumph as what looks to be Lionel Messi’s last dance ended in 10-man Argentina falling to a meek 1-0 extra-time defeat.

Scrapping digital ID will help Andy Burnham’s government bring a “laser focus” to tackling the cost of living, Labour’s deputy leader has said.

Thousands of people in Kent are continuing to face water supply issues, including some with a “complete lack of water”, South East Water (SEW) have said.

Andy Burnham will scrap Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship digital ID programme when he takes office on Monday.

Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber are among the star-studded lineup set to perform in the first ever World Cup final half-time show.

Shania Twain has said she “wasn’t allowed to grieve” after her parents were killed in a car crash.

A Scottish Green MSP has said being transgender has “never been the most interesting thing about my life”, as she described facing “upsetting” abuse online.

Thomas Tuchel's side eventually won 6-4

Thomas Tuchel's side beat France 6-4

Aston Villa have accepted a £117million bid for Morgan Rogers from Chelsea, the Press Association understands.

Josh Kerr backed up his bravado to set a world record in the mile at the London Diamond League.

Andy Burnham has been urged to stick to Labour’s manifesto and block further drilling in the North Sea amid reports he is considering backing new oil and gas projects.

Donald Trump joined the chorus of criticism over Thomas Tuchel’s defence-minded approach against Argentina as the United States President questioned the England manager’s “unusual” use of his golf buddy Harry Kane.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the FA and other European football bodies to leave Fifa after a World Cup marred by off-field controversy.

Resorts in Portugal, Bulgaria and Spain offer the cheapest prices for UK families embarking on European foreign holidays, according to a new report.

The mother of murderer Vickrum Digwa has been jailed for three years for removing the knife used by her son to kill Henry Nowak from the crime scene.

Oscar-winning Home Alone 2: Lost In New York and My Left Foot actress Brenda Fricker has died aged 81.

Southern Water has been fined more than £7 million after dumping sewage illegally off the Kent coast between 2019 and 2021.

Andy Burnham has vowed to give people “hope back” and “the Labour they once knew” as he officially became the party’s new leader.

England boss Thomas Tuchel says the DNA of English football needs changing if his side are to win major tournaments and insists he is “100 per cent” committed to staying in the job.

Andy Burnham will promise to be “unashamedly Labour” when he officially becomes the party’s leader on Friday before taking over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister next week.

The UK could be heading for a bumper butterfly season – and even a “painted lady summer” – conservationists say as they urge people to join a national count for the insects.

Around four out of every 100 obese people are likely to be unemployed solely because of their body weight, analysis suggests.

Workers are being exposed to higher prices, threatening a renewed cost-of-living squeeze, according to a report.

Vacancies for delivery drivers and couriers, actors, entertainers and presenters, and pest control officers showed the biggest increase in recent weeks, research suggests.

Teenagers should be offered a vaccine on the NHS to protect against deadly meningitis B (menB), Government advisers have recommended.

The UK’s support for Ukraine “will not waver” and the change in prime minister will not “change that dynamic,” Sir Keir Starmer has said on his final visit to Kyiv while in office.

Downing Street has backed calls for Fifa to investigate whether Argentina players broke rules by brandishing a banner in support of their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands at the World Cup.

Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham is set to become the Labour leader on Friday after he was backed by trade unions linked to the party.

British Steel has come under public ownership to protect “the future of steel production” in the UK, the Government has announced.

Patients have expressed concerns over the use of artificial intelligence transcription tools used during certain GP consultations.

The number of 18-year-olds in the UK who have offers for undergraduate courses has hit a record high, Ucas figures show.

England’s World Cup dreams ended in a heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina as Lionel Messi inspired a chaotic late 2-1 turnaround.

England's arch rivals will face Spain on Sunday

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to give his “wholehearted support” to prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham, as he made his final appearance at the despatch box.

Thomas Tuchel does not feel burdened by England’s 60-year wait for World Cup glory and instead sees beauty in the enormity of Wednesday’s semi-final against historic rivals Argentina

Sir Keir Starmer will face his last Cabinet and Prime Minister’s Questions while Andy Burnham nears the Labour leadership finish line as nominations close on Wednesday.

The boss of Thames Water has called for urgent clarity from prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham over his plans for the sector as he insisted the stricken utility could run out of cash within months unless a funding deal is struck.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has not ruled out changing the voluntary element of social media curfews for teenagers in the future if it is found they are turning off safety features.

The Government must “stand up” to the food industry after decades of failure to tackle obesity that is costing the country tens of billions a year, MPs have said.