-
South Sudanese teenager denies piloting ‘mega dinghy’ with 167 people on board across the Channel
A South Sudanese teenager has denied piloting a so-called “mega dinghy” carrying 167 people across the English Channel, according to a court case reported by the Daily Mail. The case forms part of the ongoing legal response to small boat crossings, in which those accused of steering overcrowded vessels face prosecution under people-smuggling laws, reflecting…
-
Private equity finds soft takeover targets in London – yet again | Nils Pratley
The Dublin-based energy group DCC has agreed to a £5.75bn takeover by private equity firms KKR and Energy Capital Partners (a Bridgepoint unit), despite vocal opposition from some shareholders who believe the offer undervalues the business. This makes DCC the fifth FTSE 100 company to be acquired or agree to be acquired so far this…
-
‘Born out of quality’: Webb vows to increase match officials from minority groups
Howard Webb, England’s chief refereeing officer, has pledged to keep expanding the pool of match officials from under-represented communities, defending the approach against a wider backlash against diversity initiatives. Speaking at a conference held by Bamref, an advocacy group for Black, Asian and mixed-heritage officials, Webb insisted the drive is “born out of quality” and…
-
The 2026 World Cup is over, but the onslaught of soccer relentlessly rolls on | Leander Schaerlaeckens
Now that the 2026 World Cup has finished, football’s calendar has snapped straight back into its usual non-stop rhythm, with domestic leagues and cup competitions across Europe and beyond already under way or about to start. Guardian writer Leander Schaerlaeckens argues this constant churn undermines the sport’s own appeal, since the World Cup’s rarity and…
-
Almost 100 humanitarian groups call on Burnham to commit to climate action
Almost 100 humanitarian and aid organisations, including Oxfam GB, WaterAid and ActionAid UK, have urged prime minister Andy Burnham to tackle global inequality and poverty after his government decided to redirect international climate aid to help fund a cut in UK bus fares. The charities warned that turning climate finance grants into repayable loans could…
-
Scotland’s Lynn surprises himself to join Ward on pommel podium
Scotland’s Cammy Lynn claimed an unexpected bronze medal on the pommel horse at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, joining team-mate Reuben Ward, who took silver, in a result that delighted both gymnasts and the home crowd. The achievement came a day after Ward made history by becoming Scotland’s first-ever men’s all-around Commonwealth champion, with Lynn…
-
Andy Burnham wants to cut the benefits bill – these are his main options
Andy Burnham has signalled that his Labour government will revisit welfare reform, confirming he wants to cut the benefits bill by “changing the nature of the support” available and making more awards conditional on claimants accepting opportunities offered to them. Any concrete changes are likely to wait until two government-commissioned reviews, into youth unemployment and…
-
Wales’ Pawlett out of Commonwealth heptathlon
Welsh athlete Abi Pawlett has withdrawn from the heptathlon at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the second high-profile withdrawal from the event after Katarina Johnson-Thompson also pulled out. The 22-year-old is still recovering from an Achilles injury that forced her out of the World Indoor Championships in March, and the demands of competing across…
-
SWFC make Bolton Carabao Cup ticket announcement – suggests good crowd expected – thestar.co.uk
Sheffield Wednesday have announced ticket arrangements for their Carabao Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. The club’s decision appears to reflect expectations of a strong attendance, underlining supporter interest in the fixture and the competition. The available material does not include the full article or its specific ticket prices, allocation details, sale dates or match information.…
-
‘They can’t afford to…’ – Chris Waddle makes SWFC claim ahead of League One season – thestar.co.uk
Chris Waddle has warned Sheffield Wednesday that they cannot afford to become stuck in League One as they prepare for the new season. The former Wednesday player’s claim underlines the financial and sporting pressure on the club to mount a strong promotion challenge quickly. The comments come ahead of a campaign in England’s third tier,…