He has cited a “toxic atmosphere” within the party

Former UUP leader Doug Beattie has resigned from the party, citing “a toxic atmosphere”.

The MLA for Upper Bann has said he will continue to serve as a unionist independent and has posted a statement on social media addressed to current party leader Jon Burrows where he wrote: “It has become clear that my continued membership of the Ulster Unionist Party is no longer tenable.”

He said, following Mr Burrows’ election as leader, “MLAs were increasingly marginalised, ignored, isolated and discredited.

“Your leadership style became dismissive and overly centralised, empowering individuals to actively undermine elected representatives. In the absence of any coherent policy direction from the leadership, a toxic atmosphere has been allowed to flourish within the party.”

In the statement Mr Beattie said “an insidious campaign of rumour and gossip” was being waged against him “regarding selections, party relationships, financial matters, and employment issues.”

It said: “This came to a head last Thursday when you rang me to say that you intended to reopen a disciplinary matter against me. Something that had already been dealt with by the Party Management Board four years previously and had received considerable media attention at the time. This felt vindictive and a deliberate attempt to drive me from the party.

“As I step away from the Ulster Unionist Party, I remain committed to many of the policies I helped develop and write, particularly regarding the Northern Ireland criminal justice system and the legacy of our past. Areas of party policy shaped during my ten years as the party’s Justice spokesperson.”

A UUP spokesperson said: “The Ulster Unionist Party received Doug Beattie’s resignation today. We thank Doug for his many years of service to his country and to the party, and we wish him well.

“The party does not accept the characterisation of recent events set out in Mr Beattie’s letter.

“The Party Management Board met on Thursday evening to consider serious concerns about Mr Beattie’s conduct and judgement. The Board unanimously agreed a course of action, which was due to be communicated to Mr Beattie by the party leader on Monday. Mr Beattie’s resignation has overtaken that process.

“On Councillor Kate Evans, who Mr Beattie’s letter references, we again thank Kate for her many years of service to the party and to the people of Craigavon. The Party Leader, Jon Burrows MLA, reached out to Kate personally to wish her well and offered to meet at any time. We wish her and her family well.

“The party’s focus remains on serving the people of Northern Ireland, on delivering for them, and on the work ahead.”

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Natasha Reid was last seen in Milton, Easter Ross on Friday, May 29 and is thought to have travelled around 50 miles south to Carrbridge

A teenager missing from the Highlands is thought to have travelled around 50 miles from her home. Natasha Reid was last seen on Friday, May 29 at around 5.40pm in the Drovers Way area of Milton, Easter Ross.

She was first reported missing on Thursday, May 27 and was known to have been in Milton at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 27 before the confirmed sighting on Friday.

Police enquiries to trace Natasha are continuing and they now believe that she may have travelled to Carrbridge, around 50 miles south of Milton.

Natasha is described as being 5ft10, with long black hair and blonde highlights and a nose piercing.

When last seen, Natasha was wearing a black and leopard print top, black shorts and blue Adidas Samba shoes.

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Johnston said: “Concerns are growing for Natasha’s welfare, and we are keen to trace her to make sure she is safe.

“I’d ask that anyone with information, or who has seen someone matching Natasha’s description, get in touch with officers.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Officers are appealing for the help of the public to trace Natasha Reid, 15, who has been reported missing from North Kessock.

“From enquiries carried out so far, it is believed Natasha may have been in the Drovers Way area of Milton, Easter Ross, on Friday, 28 May, around 5.40pm. She may have since travelled to Carrbridge.

“Natasha has been described as around 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, with blue eyes and long black hair with blonde highlights. When last seen she was wearing black and leopard print top, black shorts and blue Adidas Samba shoes.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0063 of May 28.“

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The application for 10 Milverton Close, sought permission for a two-storey extension to the rear of the property and the conversion of the existing garage into a habitable room.

Planning officers concluded the development would be subordinate to the existing house, would use matching materials and would not cause undue harm to neighbouring residents or the character of the area.

A report noted the extension would project three metres from the rear of the property and span 12.3 metres, while maintaining a design in keeping with neighbouring homes.

Officers also found there would be no significant overlooking or overshadowing impacts on nearby properties.

One representation was received during the consultation period, raising concerns about access during construction.

However, officers said any disruption would be temporary and outside the scope of planning control.

The scheme was approved subject to conditions, including a requirement that external materials match the existing property.

Work must begin within three years of the permission being granted.

The property has been the subject of several previous planning applications.

Proposals for front extensions were refused by Bolton Council in 2023 and 2024, with two subsequent appeals also dismissed by planning inspectors.

However, officers noted the latest application related to a rear extension and garage conversion, which they considered acceptable.

Police chief Michael Grace has issued a ‘zero tolerance’ alert to tens of thousands of Tartan Army who are preparing to cross the Atlantic to cheer on the national side.

A top police officer in Boston has issued a warning to Scotland fans that they will be turned away if they turn up too drunk to World Cup fixtures.

Michael Grace has issued the ‘zero tolerance’ alert to tens of thousands of Tartan Army who are preparing to cross the Atlantic to cheer on the national side. The police chief said that, while the US can’t wait to welcome the famous footsoldiers to the States, those who knock back too many beers will be locked out.

Eagle-eyed cops will be on the look out for problem fans who stagger up looking worse for wear ahead of Scotland’s opener against Haiti and the Morocco clash at the Gillette Stadium. He said: “We are really looking forward to hosting a Scotland support we’ve heard so many good things about, but naturally there are some watch-outs.

“The main message is to be responsible. What we have learnt over many years hosting events at the stadium is that if you can’t handle yourself getting to the gate, you just become a problem inside. If you’re walking up and your two friends are having to carry you, you should be embarrassed. You’ve failed as an adult.

“If you are already past the point of intoxication, shame on you. We want you to have fun but don’t go beyond that line because you simply won’t get in. Boston Stadium is not public property, it is private property. So if you’re asked to leave and you fail to leave, you are subject to arrest. It’s fairly straightforward.”

The police chief went on to explain that even those who do get inside will face a no-nonsense approach from staff. He told The Sunday Times: “The venue also has a liquor licence, which makes them responsible for overserving. One of the biggest steps they take to make sure they’re not liable for overserving is not to let someone in who’s already past that point.

“Otherwise they become a liability on their licence. If you’re really intoxicated, they won’t serve you. Everybody serving food and beverages in the stadium is well trained to spot those signs. You’re not going to get away with it – so don’t risk it.”

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Grace went on to praise the footie-mad Scots who planned their adventures well in advance. He added: “The Scottish fans appear to be the most organised so far – and that’s a real compliment. There is obviously excitement around their team and the whole experience of following them.

“These fans are way ahead of the curve on where they’re staying, what they’re doing, where they want to go, how they’re going to show up at the stadium. The intel we have is that they bring energy, but they’re not here to cause a problem. They’re here to enjoy the people’s game.

“We welcome them and we’re going to open up a great experience that allows them to be those great ambassadors for their country while they are here.”

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US President Donald Trump has asked for a number of amendments to an agreement reached between US and Iranian officials

Donald Trump has sent harsher peace terms back to Iran and says he is in no hurry rush to obtain a deal. He has reportedly asked for a number of amendments so an agreement hammered out by US envoys and Iranian counterparts on Friday.

Trump met advisers on Friday but has yet to decide whether to move ahead with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery in the world’s oil supply. Iran has said the deal has not been finalised.

Now, Axios reports that in a Friday meeting in the White House situation room, Trump asked for his team to amend clauses regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, per two US officials cited as sources.

Currently, a memorandum of understanding includes a commitment from Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. There are no specific concessions beyond the memorandum.

It also says there will be a period of 60 days to negotiate on US sanctions relief and Iranian nuclear commitments. One of the major issues is how to limit further uranium enrichment and get rid of Iran’s current stockpile.

It is this part of the deal Trump hopes to amend, the news outlet reported, as well as some of the words around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

A Trump administration official said: “There will be a deal. The imminence of it, we’ll see. We’re willing to wait so the president gets what he asks for. It could be a week. It could be less. It could be more. At the turn of the week, we hope to have something.”

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“Slowly but surely, we’re getting, I think, what we want,” Trump said to Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, in Fox News interview.

“I’d like to say I’m in a hurry, because you know what, gasoline prices are going to come tumbling down, but if you’re going to be in a hurry, you’re not going to make a good deal.”

A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7. Events in the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman have shaken the global economy, with shipments of significant amounts of oil, natural gas and related supplies like fertiliser largely stranded, increasing the strain on consumers and food producers.

The US blockade seeks to limit Iran’s own shipments and further weaken its access to cash, creating more pain for its long-weakened economy.

Trump met advisers on Friday but has yet to decide whether to move ahead with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait. Iran has said the deal has not been finalised.

Commercial traffic has quietly continued to flow through the strait, despite Iran’s assertions that it must approve any transits, though at a much lower volume than before the conflict.

“Any violation of these regulations will place the security of their passage at serious risk,” Iran’s joint military command said on Saturday in a statement carried by state TV, warning that any military vessels trying to interfere with that would be targeted.

Iran has even charged tolls as high as 2 million dollars (£1.5 million), which experts have called a violation of a principle of international maritime trade: freedom of peaceful navigation.

Qatar’s deputy prime minister, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, on Saturday said the Gulf nation opposes charging fees to transit, “but for certain times when they say they are going to use it for mine clearing or some usage of the fees for a temporary time, this is something that is negotiable, and it could be something that will help the transit of the Strait of Hormuz to be back to normal stage”.

North Yorkshire Police said it happened in York Road, Barlby, near Selby, between Sunday, May 24 and Saturday, May 30.

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Significant damage was caused inside and police said there is evidence to suggest someone may have sustained an injury whilst in the property.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We are asking local residents, dog walkers, and anyone who was in the area during this period to contact us if they saw anything suspicious or have any information that could assist our enquiries.

“If you can help, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference 12260099045.

“Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

There is now a looming court case over who inherits Virginia Giuffre’s wealth – which includes a reported £12m pay-off from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The estranged husband and daughter of tragic Virginia Giuffre have been formally added to court proceedings in the explosive legal battle for herestate. Ms Giuffre, the most high profile victim of paedophile finance Jeffery Epstein, took her own life last year She was famously pictured alongside the then Prince Andrew in the now notorious photograph which has led to his dramatic downfall and departure from the Royal family. Because of her complicated family situation there is now a looming court case over who inherits her wealth – which includes a reported £12m pay-off from Andrew. It remains unclear how much money is left and how much of the £12m pay-off went on legal costs.

Supreme Court Justice Natalie Whitby last week ordered Robert Giuffre and their daughter, who cannot be named because she is a minor, be added to the counterclaim alongside sons Christian, 19, and Noah, 18.

Registrar Danielle Davies said of her estranged husband: “It appears to me that the deceased’s husband should be joined or at the very least notified.” Ms Guiffre died without an official formal will, and her sons first applied to be appointed administrators of her estate in the Supreme Court last year.

But her barrister Karrie Louden and former carer and housekeeper Cheryl Myers quickly moved to challenge that.

They claim Ms Giuffre had written an informal will outlining her wishes prior to her death, and that they should be administrators of the estate.

A hearing in front of a registrar earlier in the year considered how Mr Giuffre and the daughter might be added to the brothers’ claim, including an independent guardian to represent the young girl’s interests, to avoid any conflict.

Judge Whitby’s orders, made last Wednesday, mean the two are now officially defendants alongside Christian and Noah Giuffre. The case will return to court in Perth on 3rd July for a case management conference.

A legal source said: “The dispute is between Giuffre’s adult sons, who initially applied to administer the estate because no formal signed will had been found, and Louden and Myers, who argue Giuffre’s informal written wishes should be recognised under Western Australia succession law

“The current case is about whether the informal document is legally valid, who should administer the estate, and ultimately how the estate should be handled.”

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Court documents filed by the sons reportedly state: “The deceased did not intend for such instructions to constitute her will.”

The counterclaim from Karrie Louden and Cheryl Myers relies on wording allegedly written by Giuffre herself: “I appoint Cheryl MYERS and Karrie Jean LOUDEN as my executors and trustees.”

She took her own life in April last year at her farm near Neergabby, 12 miles north of Perth. The exact worth of Ms Giuffre’s estate is yet to be determined after she amassed several civil settlement payments related to allegations she was sex trafficked as a teenager by Epstein, including the huge settlement from former Prince Andrew.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor accepted no liability and has always rejected her claims.

Meanwhile pressure is mounting on Buckingham Palace over a claim it received emails six years ago which showed the former Prince Andrew shared confidential information while a trade envoy.

And analysis by BBC journalists found a tranche of emails, with information about the ex-royal’s financial dealings, was handed to the Royal Household in 2020.

The BBC said it had seen a document from 2021 that appeared to show the archive was sent to Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer in the Royal Household, in May 2020 – months after MountbattenWindsor stepped down from working royal duties.

The revelation led to fresh calls for an inquiry into Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 and his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. MP Rachael Maskell said public scrutiny was essential, adding: “The web grows ever darker – the system built around the Royal Household has to be reviewed.”

Yesterday, the palace said it was not possible to comment due to the ongoing police inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

There was little to separate Zverev and De Jong in the opening set, with De Jong going toe-to-toe with the heavy-hitting German in the baseline exchanges while also showing attacking intent on the approach.

He raced into a 3-0 lead, breaking Zverev in his opening service game and giving away just two points on his own serve, and later led 3-0 in the tie-break before Zverev reeled off seven consecutive points to take the first set.

Zverev had to be patient in the second, waiting until the 10th game to convert one of only two break-point opportunities offered to him, but was far too strong for his opponent in a 24-minute third set.

Relentless on serve in the final two sets, he conceded just six points across nine service games while also showing his formidable touch at the net, winning 29 of 38 points.

A former world number two, Zverev has won 24 ATP titles in his career, including seven Masters crowns, is a two-time Tour Finals champion and won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

A Grand Slam title has so far eluded him but he has come agonisingly close, including at Roland Garros in 2024 when he led Alcaraz by two sets to one, and he is unlikely to get a better opportunity to end his wait for a first major.

He is one of only three top-10 seeds left in the draw, one of three players with experience of playing in a major final and is competing on a surface on which he has won nine of his 24 titles.

Perhaps most crucially, while many of his rivals have battled through multiple five-set matches, Zverev has won three of his four matches in straight sets and spent a little over nine hours on court.