Summit meetings on the fringes of funerals, diplomacy after death as the British political scientist Geoff Berridge put it, have a long and useful tradition. Not only can such working funerals force a meeting at a time that would not otherwise have happened, but they can remind those assembled of the transience of life, physical as well as political, and the urgency of now.

And so it was with the funeral of Senator Lyndsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral. The marking of his death provided the background to carefully choreographed visits to the White House for Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Each visitor, ostensibly in Washington for Graham’s memorial service, was granted 90 minutes in sequential closed-door meetings with Trump and his advisers. All sides later conveyed that the meetings were, in the words of White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, “positive and productive”.

Tale of two meetings

First up was Zelensky. For the Ukrainian president, this is not the first instance of funeral diplomacy with his US counterpart. The two presidents’ meeting at the Vatican in April 2025 for the funeral of Pope Francis provided the opportunity to put their relationship on to a more constructive footing just two months after their infamous clash at the White House.

Far from not having “the cards”, as Trump exclaimed in February 2025, Zelensky arrived at the White House this week in a much stronger position. Ukraine has demonstrated its capacity to strike deep into the Russian heartland causing substantial economic and military damage to the Kremlin’s war machine.

Ukraine is also an increasingly a high value tech partner in drone technology to the US and its allies in the Gulf and Europe.

Zelensky also stressed Ukraine’s usefulness as an intelligence partner to Washington. He reported he had supplied evidence to suggest that Russia has provided Iran with targeting information on US bases in the Middle East. While Trump himself tends to dismiss such allegations, posting recently on his TruthSocial platform that he doesn’t believe either Russia or China are assisting Iran, they almost certainly helped Zelensky in his subsequent meetings on Capitol Hill.

In a rare demonstration of bipartisan consensus, the Senate – in an 86-12 procedural vote – moved forward a sanctions package against countries who continue to trade with Russia and Iran. This was billed as a tribute to Graham, who – together with his Democrat senate colleague Richard Blumenthal – had conducted long and protracted negotiations to obtain approval from the White House.

Trump’s support for the sanctions package is another indication that his calculations on the Russian war against Ukraine are beginning to shift. The US president also repeated his commitments to allowing the manufacture of Patriot missiles in Ukraine and to advocating for the resurrection of the stalled peace talks between the US and Russia.

While Zelensky’s star is, for now at least, clearly on the rise in Washington, Netanyahu arrived for his meeting with Trump in a more precarious position. With Israel heading into crucial parliamentary elections in October, Netanyahu has most to gain domestically from being seen close to Trump.

Their meeting covered several issues where the two leaders’ views differ – from how to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon to US sales of F35 fighter jets to Turkey. No details emerged of any tangible agreements. Netanyahu was nonetheless full of praise, characterising the meeting as: “It was one of the best conversations I’ve had with our friend, US President Trump.”

While mainly aimed at his electorate back home, these hyperbolic statements from the Israeli prime minister were also designed to signal to Iran that Netanyahu still has influence in the White House and that the Iranian nuclear issue has not been abandoned in the new focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

How much influence, however, is debatable. Trump seems undecided, and above all unsure, on how to moved forward on Iran – oscillating between escalation and diplomacy.

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Is Netanyahu’s star waning in Washington? His latest meeting with Trump suggests it may be

US impotence

As the two wars in Iran and Ukraine are becoming more and more connected, the capacity of the White House to manage them is limited at best.

Critical weapons shortages due to US commitments in the war against Iran are putting Ukraine’s air defences at risk. Russia is emerging as an enabler of Iranian strikes against US bases in the Middle East. Ukrainian strikes on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea target a vital supply chain between Moscow and Tehran.

And these are just some of the links between two conflict theatres that are individually growing in complexity. Yet, Trump still uses the same over-extended and under-qualified duo of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to lead US mediation efforts in both.

The best that the US president, therefore, could have hoped for as a result of his back-to-back meetings with Zelensky and Netanyahu was reminding them and everyone else of how the pivotal role of his administration in both wars continues to be. What Trump achieved instead was to highlight that the White House remains unable to bring either, let alone both, wars to a satisfactory conclusion on terms acceptable to Washington and its allies.

Under Trump, it seems, that funeral diplomacy is less about diplomacy after death than the death of diplomacy.

It is alleged that a teenage boy was assaulted in a park

A teenage boy has been sexually assaulted in a park. Lincolnshire Police were called to the Snowden Pavilion Park area, near Six Acre Lane in Crowland, near Peterborough, at around 12.51pm on Tuesday, July 28.

It is alleged that a teenage boy was seriously sexually assaulted by a man. The suspect is described as “being of slim build, believed to be of mixed race, and wearing a grey tracksuit consisting of a hooded top and jogging bottoms, a black cap, a black face covering over his mouth and nose, and black gloves”.

The incident is believed to have taken place between 12.15pm and 12.45pm. The teenage boy is being looked after by specialist trained officers.

Detectives are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the facts of the incident and the identity of the suspect.

Detective Chief Inspector Marc Horsewood, who is leading this investigation said: “We have been working around the clock to identify the person responsible. Multiple lines of inquiry are well underway, and we are now asking for the public’s help.

“If you were in the area at the time, no matter how insignificant you think the information may be, please get in touch. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured images, dashcam footage, doorbell camera footage, or any other recordings that could assist our inquiries.

“We understand this incident will cause great concern within the community. Please be reassured that this investigation is being treated with the utmost seriousness and significant resources are being dedicated to identify, locate and arrest the suspect.

“Members of the public will see an increased police presence while the investigation continues.”

Anyone with information should call Lincolnshire Police on 101 or report it online and quote incident 254 of July 28.

Manchester United have already been busy in the summer transfer window and have been linked with a move for Newcastle’s Lewis Hall

Manchester United are on the hunt for new recruits to bolster their squad ahead of an important campaign for Michael Carrick’s side. The club are set to return to Champions League football while hoping to mount a Premier League title challenge.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have been the team’s most prominent signings so far as United look to reshape their midfield options. The Reds spent a combined £85million on the pair but have been linked with a third midfield recruit.

Despite the emphasis on midfield, Carrick will be aware of the necessity to address other positions within his squad. The club hold an interest in Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, who is reportedly open to joining United.

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Meanwhile, United have confirmed the departure of an academy prospect and have been linked with further exits. Here, MEN Sport examines some of the most significant stories surrounding the club.

Lewis Hall transfer update

United are reportedly mulling over a move for Newcastle full-back Hall. The development follows Thursday morning’s news that Eddie Howe had left Newcastle, bringing the manager’s almost five-year tenure at St James’ Park to a close.

The Sun reports that United are “weighing up” a move for Hall, given the uncertainty surrounding the Magpies. However, it is claimed that the England international could yet be persuaded to remain, depending on who succeeds Howe.

From United’s perspective, the former Chelsea academy product is seen as a long-term replacement for left-back Luke Shaw. However, Newcastle may be unwilling to part with another star player after losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, while Bruno Guimaraes has also drawn attention.

Hall featured 46 times for Newcastle across all competitions last season. The 21-year-old is tied down until 2029, having joined the club in a £35m deal from Chelsea in 2023.

Man United defender completes transfer

United have announced that young defender Tyler Fredricson has finalised a permanent switch to Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport. The 21-year-old centre-back made four senior appearances for United after progressing through the club’s academy system. Upon leaving United, Fredricson posted on his Instagram story: “Once a red, always a red.”

A club statement read: “Tyler Fredricson has agreed a permanent transfer to Lausanne-Sport, subject to registration. A lifelong Red from south Manchester, he worked diligently while proudly rising through the ranks of our world-famous youth system.”

The statement continued: “Joining the club at Under-9 level, Tyler has been a model professional throughout his time with the club and a popular member of our Academy squads. His place in United’s history books is also secured as a recipient of the prestigious Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award in 2025.

“Lausanne finished ninth in the Swiss Super League last season, and they hope to progress this term following July’s appointment of new head coach Luka Elsner. Everybody at United thanks Tyler for all his efforts during his time with the club and we wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.”

Countdown to Kickoff: The Ultimate 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

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Coastal villages Groomsport and Donaghadee will be focal points for the celebrations

Ards and North Down Council has revealed more details of the ongoing USA 250 celebrations in the borough.

While American Independence Day, the Fourth of July, has passed, from September to November 2026 Ards and North Down Council is highlighting a programme of commemorative activity continuing to mark the Semiquincentennial. This year the USA marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence when the US became an independent nation, overthrowing British rule.

The council says the programme will reflect the borough’s historic connections with the United States and align with existing borough events.

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Groomsport, beside Bangor on the North Down coast, will be the focal point for two of the council’s anniversary events. It is the oldest port on the North Down coast and the scene of the Eagle Wing’s attempted emigration to America in September 1636.

The Eagle Wing was the first emigrant vessel to attempt a voyage from Ulster to North America, carrying 140 passengers seeking religious freedom, primarily Ulster-Scots Presbyterians fleeing persecution. Bad weather conditions off the coast of Newfoundland forced the 150-ton wooden sailing ship to return to Belfast Lough.

On Saturday August 16, at Donaghadee Harbour, there will be two dramas marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the declaration, delivered by local drama provider Valhalla Street Theatre. The dramas have been planned by the Donaghadee Community Development Association.

On Saturday September 5, at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport, there will be a themed heritage event by the council focusing on Ulster American migration and shared history, which the council says will be “delivered in a family-friendly and engaging format.” That weekend will also see the Eagle Wing Festival in the village, delivered by Discover Groomsport.

On Wednesday September 9, there will be a commemorative tree planting at Donaghadee by the council. A civic ceremony will mark the USA 250 anniversary, featuring the planting of five trees “symbolising enduring links between Ards and North Down and the United States, providing a lasting and visible legacy.”

In November the council’s existing Leid AND Lairn festival, which celebrates Ulster-Scots language, culture and history, will have a special focus on USA 250 commemorations.

The council states: “The programme will provide opportunities to explore Ulster-Scots traditions through music, storytelling and related experiences, highlighting language, folklore and cultural heritage. It will also consider the historic influence of Ulster-Scots communities locally. Events will take place across the borough, offering accessible opportunities for residents, schools and visitors to engage with shared heritage through learning, participation and cultural celebration.”

The council says it has also explored links with local author Philip Johnston and the possibility of a literary event aimed at children, based on his current book, “The Story of Charles Thomson and the Declaration of Independence.” A copy of the book was presented to the congress-approved America 250 Commission, when they recently visited the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland in Belfast.

The council states it has also had discussions with Trevor Marshall, creator of the “On Eagle’s Wing” musical, about the possibility of staging an event. The council says the proposed events at this point will be incorporated into existing council programmes and will not require additional funding.

Two local tourism providers, Sustainable Journeys and NI Silver, have secured funding from Stormont to develop “immersive experiences for North American and domestic markets.” A blog has been created on the visitardsndnorthdown.com website, setting out the borough’s links with the USA.

In April elected representatives at the council agreed to a motion by DUP Councillor Carl McClean to commit to “mark and celebrate” the United States semiquincentennial. He said it would “require a significant financial contribution.”

The motion stated that the Ards and North Down Borough is “mindful of our close connections to the United States and our role in their history” and would “consider options for events of different scales, including the theming of an existing event in the calendar, as well as exploring options to collaborate on an event of an appropriate level that complements the proposals of other councils.”

At the Ards and North Down Council full council meeting held this week (July 29) Councillor McClean said: “I want to stress how understated and unknown, but how critical and crucial the story of the Ulster Scots people is, to the foundation of the United States, with which we have one of our most important and enduring relationships.

“Some 200,000 Ulster Scots people went over from Ulster in the 65 years before the US rebellion, as it was then, and played a critical role in that, and also the shaping of the country. I only found out today that a contemporary described the United States independence movement and rebellion as “nothing more than an Ulster Scots Presbyterian movement.”

“I think we should be placing ourselves very squarely at the heart of that story. All across the United Kingdom and the island of Ireland we should (stress) the broader contribution this island made to America. But we have drastically undersold our story.

“It is notable and pleasing that it is starting to become more understood on the other side of the Atlantic. We have given a huge chunk of American presidents through Ulster.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Welcome to How I Do It, the series in which we give you a seven-day sneak peek into the sex life of a stranger.

This week we hear from Melanie*, a 45-year-old married mother of four who has sex about once a week on average.

But, the PR executive would like her sex life to be more frequent, with parenting often getting in the way of any one-on-one time with her husband Ian*.

‘Sex is something I have a bit of a hangup about,’ Melanie explains. ‘I’m happily married but I’d like my sex life to be more numerous, because four kids means it doesn’t happen that often.’

She met Ian when they were at university together and married a few years after graduating, with children following close behind.

Without further ado, here’s how Melanie got on this week…

The following sex diary is, as you might imagine, not safe for work.

Monday

I pull myself out of bed and get the kids dressed, feed them breakfast, and ferry them off to school.

Unusually for us we arrived home late last night from a weekend abroad in Brittany where all six of us shared two rooms, which obviously meant intimacy was off the cards.

In a normal working week there is precisely no action from Monday to Friday for my husband and I.

I spend the day working from home and, as soon as the kids walk through the door, Ian and I feed them dinner and pack them off to bed so we can get an early night.

I think what makes us a strong couple is that we have the same dry sense of humour, which means we can laugh about pretty much anything, including sex droughts.

I go to sleep, knowing I love my husband and how he tries to be a better person each day, and always thinks deeply and profoundly about everything. 

Tuesday

Our daughter has finished her exams, so today she’s at home all day.

With the summer holidays in motion, it usually means a dry sex spell is coming my way. It’s manageable, but I do find that if it reaches over two weeks Ian and I start to bicker.

It doesn’t affect me so much, unless I’m in my fertile period, but I have noticed it really affects Ian’s mood.

Midweek, the only opportunity to ‘do it’ is when no children are at home, to avoid being awkwardly walked in on. With older teenagers around, intimacy is virtually impossible.

Tonight it’s the typical post-work routine and off to sleep.

Wednesday

The summer sex drought continues — but this time, it’s our fault.

Our son was working in London this week and our daughter was at her Sixth Form taster day so if we had been organised and intentional about it we could have had sex today.

But, as usual, we were working and forgot all about this opportunity that was staring us in the face.

I don’t attach meaning to it though. We’ve been married long enough to know that sometimes, these opportunities pass up by — there’ll always be another one.

Thursday

Today I’m fortunate enough to be given last minute tickets to a sporting event so I take a friend (not my husband who is not interested in sport and large crowds) and arrive home at 10:30pm.

This could be a good opportunity for physical intimacy because, by some miracle, Ian has managed to put the younger children to bed.

Bu he wants to talk about the news that some friends of ours are getting divorced.

As we talk, it’s a relief that both of our points on separation are aligned and we agree that the couple’s lack of humour, minimal connection and communication was probably the reason it ended.

It’s rare for us to have such an unusually good chat, not because we can’t communicate, but because it’s rare we have to time during the week to do so.

Plus, at weekends we often have people over and the kids’ friends over. We have to practically diarise a deep conversation.

We both go to bed happy, despite not having had sex.

Friday

Today is a busy day catching up on work. Ian and I have an argument with our daughter who is being difficult and hormonal, and by 6pm I’ve received a text from my husband saying: ‘I’m so tired I could curl up and go to bed!’

Sometimes I wonder about how frequently we have sex, especially because I have a lower libido to my partner — I don’t think the frequency of our intimacy is ideal from his point of view. 

My libido tends to be quite up and down depending on mood, where I am in my cycle (during my fertile periods I am much more interested) and, to be honest, if I’m a bit tipsy after a dinner party it’s much more likely to happen.

We go to bed early and sexless.

Saturday

Today is a calmer day for us. Despite having all of our children at home we find a place at the bottom of the garden to have sex. It’s hidden from the house, so I’m not that worried about anyone seeing.

I think the precursor for this is the children being inside watching a film, while I was out sunbathing in my bikini.

After a gay friend of mine recently said ‘never have sex sober’ I joked to my husband that he needs to ply me with more wine to get me in the mood.

Ian found it funny but actually agreed that setting the mood with a few drinks could help our sex life, and I feel the same.

I’ve given up drinking midweek (unless we’re on holiday) but it’s the weekend and I’ve been indulging in a bottle of wine as I tan.

In my experience men are much more visual than women, so after a week without sex, I think lying on the grass in a slinky bikini is just too tempting for Ian. We manage to do a quickie there and then, missionary style with him on top.

The sun is in my eyes and it’s fairly romantic, but quite short, as we worry about someone appearing and getting the shock of their lives.

It’s nice for sex to feel good, rather than be on a deadline and it feel like a chore.

Sunday

Today I’m up bright and early to take my older children with a friend to a sporting event.

It lasts all day so I arrive home late and tired. My husband, despite looking exhausted from looking after the younger two children, doesn’t look too downtrodden, as he’s still riding on a high from our quickie yesterday.

Then we head off to bed and get ready to do it all over again next week.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk

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Much of England is now officially in drought. Reservoir levels are being closely monitored by water companies, while farmers are reporting dry soils and poor crop conditions. Further restrictions such as grazing rules could soon come into effect.

Water is recognised as critical national infrastructure. However, drought does not only threaten our water supply. It also tests the resilience of the food system that depends on it.

For most of us, that reality becomes visible in the supermarket: standing in front of a shelf with no cucumbers, more expensive tomatoes or fewer fresh vegetables to choose from. These episodes have become increasingly familiar in recent years. We notice the empty shelves, accept the higher prices and move on.

But I keep wondering: why does this surprise so many people?

The UK carefully monitors many of the systems that underpin everyday life. We
publish inflation figures every month, NHS waiting lists every week and regularly report on water reservoir levels because these indicators tell us whether essential systems are becoming stronger or weaker. They provide an early indication that intervention may be needed before problems escalate. Food, however, is different. We tend to judge the resilience of our food system only after something has gone wrong.

That seems odd for something so fundamental. Food is every bit as essential as
healthcare, energy or water, yet we have no simple measure that tells us whether
Britain’s ability to produce and supply food is becoming more or less resilient over time.

Part of the problem is that we often confuse food security with food resilience.

Food security is about whether people have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.

Food resilience is something different. It describes the ability of the food system to continue functioning when faced with disruption, whether from extreme weather,
geopolitical instability, disease outbreaks or volatile energy markets.

In nature, resilience is often defined as the capacity of a system to absorb disturbance while maintaining its core function. It seems remarkable that we routinely apply this thinking to natural ecosystems, yet rarely to the food systems on which society depends.

A country can appear food secure while quietly becoming less resilient. Increasing
reliance on imports, ageing production infrastructure, exposure to energy price
shocks or declining domestic investment may not affect consumers immediately – but
together they make the system increasingly vulnerable when disruption occurs.

The UK illustrates this well. Overall food self-sufficiency has remained at around
60% for many years, but only around 16% of the fruit consumed in the UK is grown domestically, while just over half of our vegetables are produced here. Fresh
produce therefore depends heavily on international supply chains that are becoming
more exposed to climate extremes and geopolitical uncertainty.

Recent work published by my team shows that 70% of Britain’s commercial greenhouses are now more than 40 years old. Much of the infrastructure responsible for producing fresh fruit and vegetables was built decades ago and is approaching the end of its design life, yet investment in
renewal has lagged behind many of our international competitors.

None of these statistics alone suggest an imminent crisis. Taken together, however,
they begin to tell us something about the condition of the system. We already accept this type of thinking in other sectors.

A doctor does not diagnose a patient using a single measurement but combines blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol and other indicators to assess overall health. Likewise, the economy is not judged using GDP alone; policymakers also consider inflation, unemployment and productivity.

A new index

Complex systems require multiple indicators. This is why I believe it is time to
consider introducing a UK food resilience index.

The idea is surprisingly straightforward. We already collect much of the information needed. Government departments monitor agricultural production, trade, weather, water resources and energy. Industry understands infrastructure, investment, production capacity and grower confidence. Researchers analyse climate risks, supply chains and food systems. The challenge is not a lack of data, but that these pieces remain disconnected.

The aviation industry offers another useful comparison. Airlines do not wait for an
engine to fail before deciding whether an aircraft is safe to fly. Thousands of
measurements are taken continuously. A slight increase in vibration or fuel
consumption does not mean an aircraft is unsafe today, but it may indicate that
maintenance will soon be needed. The objective is to identify developing
weaknesses long before they become failures. Our food system deserves the same
philosophy.

A food resilience index would not rely on a single statistic. Instead, it could bring together a basket of indicators that reflect the condition of the food system. Some would measure production capacity, such as domestic fruit and vegetable output, greenhouse infrastructure renewal and land remaining in commercial production.

Others would capture external exposure, including import dependency, diversity of
trading partners and energy costs. A third group could assess future resilience,
looking at investment in new infrastructure, adoption of technology, water availability, workforce capacity and business confidence across the sector.

Each indicator could be standardised and combined into a single score, perhaps
between 0 and 100, much like composite indices already used to measure economic
performance, environmental quality or human development. More importantly, the
individual components would reveal why resilience was improving or declining.

A declining resilience score would signal an increasing risk of higher food prices, greater import dependence and more frequent supply disruptions. It would help governments target investment before problems become crises and help explain to consumers why food prices change long before shortages appear.

The current drought is a reminder that extreme weather will become more common. But droughts, heatwaves and floods are often the triggers rather than the underlying cause. Like a warning light on an aircraft dashboard, they expose weaknesses that have been developing quietly for years. Monitoring the resilience of our food system would not prevent every disruption, but it would help identify those weaknesses earlier, giving us a better chance of strengthening the system before the next drought, or any other shock, puts it to the test.

Cambridgeshire residents say they face ‘lines of HGVs’ coming past their homes when traffic is diverted

Cambridgeshire County Council is facing calls to restrict HGV traffic on rural roads as redirected lorries are reportedly “destroying the roads”.

Cllr Mark Goldsack, of Soham North and Isleham, said he was “very pleased” that repairs to the A142 Soham Road had been scheduled but they were not given enough notice.

Speaking at a county council meeting on Tuesday (July 28), the Conservative councillor said: “We were told there would be at least four weeks’ notice before we know what’s going on. That’s impossible, because there was 10 days between the actual original notice and the actual proposed start date.

“And the diversionary routes were… quite frankly, I think my eight-year-old granddaughter could have come up with better ideas.”

He said they should “totally avoid” using “peat-damaged Fenland roads” as diversions when major A roads are closed.

He said: “The local drivers know where the dips are, know where the bumps are and know where the problems are and drive accordingly. The other drivers, who are on diversionary routes, don’t.

“They go at excess speeds and they’re the ones that cause the problems and, exactly as the chairman said, where there’s water and there’s a bumpy road – the logical outcome often occurs.”

Josh Rutherford, head of asset management, said: “In an emergency situation the police would be able to divert onto the nearest possible viable route. If it was a highways diversion – then we would divert onto a road of the same class.”

Cllr Ian Gardener, of Alconbury and Kimbolton, asked if signs could be put up to divert HGVs away from rural roads that can’t handle their weight.

The Conservative councillor said every time the road is closed – a crash on Monday (July 27) on the A14 at Bythorn being the latest example – the huge lorries “come off the A14 and they’re on our rural roads”.

He said: “They are destroying the roads and it’s creating a much greater maintenance cost for the county council. To spend a few hundred pounds on a few signs might help the situation.

“I know drivers follow their satnavs and what have you, but if they were to see ‘not suitable for HGVs’, it might reduce some – I’m not saying it would reduce all, but I just think that might help and would alleviate the issues that I get with residents saying, ‘I’ve now got lines of HGVs coming past my house.’

“We really can’t keep on with it because it’s just destroying the roads and the rural roads never seem to get that much expenditure on them.”

Mr Rutherford said that “year-on-year” the amount spent on rural roads across the county is a “significant part of the highways maintenance budget”. He said: “I do appreciate that the rural road network is huge – there are a lot of roads out there and there is a lot that needs doing.”

He said he agreed with looking at a “more holistic approach to highway maintenance” as alternatives to just patching up potholes after the roads are already damaged.

Mr Rutherford said: “You know we’ve done that probably 50 times – the definition of insanity and everything else.”

It was unclear how many exactly had crossed the border. Spanish media estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 people entered Ceuta on Thursday, according to Reuters, but said that the Guardia Civil had not confirmed the figure.

As tensions rose, there were unconfirmed reports of clashes late on Thursday.

In Fnideq, a Moroccan town near the Ceuta border, Moroccan authorities fired water cannons at migrants in an attempt to deter them from crossing, witnesses told Reuters.

In Melilla, Spain’s second autonomous city in northern Africa, footage from local media and human rights organisations appeared to show clashes at the Beni Ansar border point.

The surge has prompted comparisons with May 2021, when around 8,000 people entered Ceuta over a matter of days, exacerbating diplomatic tensions with Morocco.

Ceuta and Melilla represent the European Union’s only land border with Africa.

Spanish authorities have increased security around the enclaves in recent years through increased surveillance, barrier reinforcement, and improved bilateral relations with Morocco, but people continue to attempt to cross.

A full day of dance classics will wrap up this year’s series of concerts, with the festival beginning at noon on Sunday.

The event will feature an array of talented performers, each ready to provide an entertaining experience.

The internationally renowned Judge Jules Live will headline the festival, bringing his signature club anthems to the audience with the extra flair of a live band.

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Before Judge Jules takes the stage, concert-goers can look forward to performances from South Tyneside favourites Phats and Small and SFA, as well as the ever-energetic Ultrabeat, known for their feel-good classics.

Sweet Female Attitude will kick-start the musical programme at 1:25pm, followed by Ultrabeat at 2.30pm, and Judge Jules at 3.40pm.

There has been a change to this year’s ticketing policy – all tickets are now paid for, meaning there is no early priority entrance.

When trying to make more sustainable clothing choices, many consumers follow a simple rule: choose natural fibres over synthetic ones. Cotton instead of polyester. Wool instead of acrylic. Linen instead of nylon.

The logic seems straightforward. Natural fibres originate from plants or animals, while synthetic fibres are largely derived from fossil fuels. If a fibre comes from nature, it must surely be the more environmentally friendly option.

But our new review of research examining textile chemistry, fibre type and environmental consequences suggests the reality is far more complicated.

What matters is not simply where a fibre comes from, but what happens to it throughout its journey from the raw material to a finished garment. Many consumers imagine a cotton T-shirt as little more than processed plant material. Yet cotton is a water-intensive crop and, in many parts of the world, relies heavily on pesticides and fertilisers. Even after harvesting, the story doesn’t end. Before reaching the shop floor, textiles often undergo extensive chemical processing.

Fibres may be bleached, dyed, softened, strengthened or waterproofed. Some are treated to make them flame retardant or resistant to creasing, staining and microbial growth. These treatments help create the products consumers have come to expect, improving appearance, durability and performance. But they also influence how textiles behave throughout their life cycle. This affects how they degrade, what they release into the environment and how easily they can be recycled.

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More than fibre type

Certifications for sustainable textiles often focus on the environmental consequences of sourcing the raw fibre itself. Cotton requires land and water. Polyester relies on fossil resources. Wool raises questions about livestock emissions and land use. These are important considerations, but they tell only part of the story.

In collaboration with colleagues at the sustainable textiles and apparel research group at the University of Manchester, we have published a systematic review that highlights how a garment’s environmental cost depends not only on the fibre itself – but also on the chemicals used throughout production and the ways in which those materials behave during use, reuse and disposal.

Our latest research shows that chemicals introduced during cultivation, fibre production, dyeing, finishing and performance enhancement can affect how textiles behave in the environment, including how they degrade, what they release and how easily they can be recycled.

For example, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are used to give textiles water- and stain-resistant properties but are highly persistent in the environment. Formaldehyde-based finishes improve crease resistance.

Other chemicals, including some phthalates (used to make some coatings and plastics more flexible), bisphenols (used in some plastic and textile coating manufacture), heavy metals and dye compounds, have also been associated with environmental or human health concerns depending on how they are used and managed throughout a product’s life cycle.

This complexity is often invisible to consumers. Two garments made from the same fibre may have very different environmental footprints depending on how they were processed and finished.

Public and policy discussions about textile pollution have largely focused on synthetic microplastics. Yet our review of the evidence suggests the picture is more complex. Natural fibres such as cotton and wool, together with regenerated cellulose fibres such as viscose and lyocell (derived from wood pulp), have also been widely detected in rivers, oceans and rain or cloud particles.

This does not mean natural fibres are necessarily more harmful than synthetic alternatives. Rather, it highlights that pollution cannot be understood simply by looking at fibre origin.

As textiles are worn, washed and eventually discarded, both fibres and the chemicals applied to them can be released into the environment. They may enter rivers and oceans through wastewater, accumulate in soils through the application of sewage sludge, or become airborne as dust and fibre fragments. Understanding how fibres and the chemicals they carry move through the environment is now an active area of research for scientists around the world and one that is reshaping how we think about the true environmental footprint of our clothes.

The challenge for recycling

Chemical complexity makes it harder to create a more circular textile system – one that aims to design out waste by keeping materials in use through reuse, repair and recycling. Complex mixtures of fibres, dyes and chemical finishes make it more difficult to sort, recycle and recover textiles into high-quality new products.

As governments and industry invest in more circular textile systems, understanding the chemical history of textiles is becoming increasingly important. A recycled cotton fibre, for example, may still carry dyes, finishes or performance treatments that affect how it can be safely reused or recycled. Yet this information is often incomplete or unavailable, making it difficult for recyclers, manufacturers and retailers to know exactly what materials they are handling.

This is one reason why policymakers are introducing measures such as digital product passports. Although textile specifc requirements are still being developed, these passports will store information about a product’s materials, repairability and environmental characteristics throughout its life cycle. Alongside greater transparency about the chemicals used in textile production, initiatives that enable greater transparency can support safer recycling, reduce waste and help create a more circular textile industry.

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Beyond natural v synthetic

Our findings do not suggest that consumers should avoid natural fibres. Nor do they suggest that synthetic fibres are the answer.

There is no perfect fibre.

Researchers in Finland have argued the need to move beyond simplistic sustainability narratives. Consumers can make more informed choices by buying fewer, higher-quality garments. They can use products for a longer time, repair and reuse clothing where possible, and support brands that are transparent about the materials and chemicals they use.

Certification schemes such as Oeko-Tex (which means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and found to be below specific levels) or bluesign (which means the textile has been manufactured using responsible chemical management and environmental practices) can also provide useful reassurance.

The most sustainable textile is not necessarily the one made from a natural fibre. It is the one designed, manufactured, used and managed responsibly throughout its entire life cycle.

To build a genuinely sustainable textile industry, we need to stop asking whether a fibre is natural or synthetic and start asking what has happened to it along the way … and where it will end up.