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Father, 56, was killed in street brawl sparked by deadly turf war between rival biker gangs that has seen horrific violence across Britain
A father of grandfather age died after a mass street brawl in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool in south Wales, which police believe was sparked by a violent turf war between rival motorcycle gangs. Anthony “Tony” Jones, 56, was found with a serious head wound after roughly 20 people, some armed with machetes, axes and hammers, clashed…
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Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires
A freedom of information request has found that only 20 of Defra’s 6,613 staff are working on climate adaptation, despite warnings that England is poorly prepared for worsening heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires. Critics say the small team reflects a lack of government focus on protecting communities, food security and nature from the effects of…
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Andy Burnham’s dithering over early release of prisoners ‘prolonging the torture’ of victims and their families
The article reports criticism of Andy Burnham over an apparent delay in decisions about the early release of prisoners. Victims and their families are said to believe the uncertainty is extending their distress, describing it as a continuation of their ordeal. The headline does not specify which prisoners may be released, the timing of any…
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‘SNL UK’ Sets Season 2 Return on Sky
Saturday Night Live UK will return to Sky and NOW for its second season on 12 September, following a successful first run earlier this year. The renewed series will continue the British adaptation of the long-running US sketch-comedy format, with live weekly broadcasts featuring topical sketches, celebrity hosts, musical guests and a UK version of…
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Great Britain faces electricity supply shortfall during solar eclipse
Great Britain’s grid operator has warned of an anticipated electricity supply shortfall on Wednesday evening as a near-total solar eclipse sharply reduces solar generation while hot weather raises demand for cooling. The National Energy System Operator said the notice was precautionary and that customers’ electricity supplies were not at risk, but it may need to…
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Sport events in the UK affected by eclipse
Horse racing, cricket and athletics events across the UK are adapting their arrangements for Wednesday’s solar eclipse, expected to begin shortly after 18:00 BST. The eclipse will bring unusually low light levels and is the most dramatic visible from the UK since 1999, prompting organisers to alter schedules and use floodlights. Ffos Las racecourse in…
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Reservoirs ‘well below’ average but no hosepipe ban as Yorkshire moves towards drought
Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought following the driest July in 190 years
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UK puts £14B cloud framework in place with SMEs promised a bigger slice
The UK government has launched G-Cloud 15, a new public-sector cloud procurement framework estimated to handle £14 billion of spending over four years. It combines several previous cloud agreements into one marketplace for hosting, software and support, with the stated aim of simplifying purchasing and helping smaller British suppliers compete for government contracts. Around 90…
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A Candidate Named ‘Count Binface’ Is the Most Normal Part of This Pivotal UK Election
Count Binface, a satirical candidate portrayed by comedian Jon Harvey, is standing in the Clacton-on-Sea by-election against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage amid an unusually crowded and theatrical contest. The election has drawn attention because Farage resigned following allegations over undeclared financial support, which he denies, and because the main Labour and Conservative parties declined…
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Saturday Night Live UK returns for second series in September
Sky has confirmed that the second series of Saturday Night Live UK will premiere on 12 September. The show will air six episodes before pausing, then return in early 2027, extending Sky’s commitment to the British version of the US sketch-comedy format. The full first-series ensemble is returning, while guest presenters have not yet been…