The ‘Don’t Spark Disaster’ campaign is being delivered by the North York Moors National Park Authority in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Forestry England and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. North Yorkshire Council funded the campaign, which is also being supported by the authority’s destination marketing and management service, Visit North Yorkshire.

The campaign comes as organisations continue to deal with the long-term impacts of last year’s devastating wildfire on Fylingdales Moor, which became the largest wildfire in the history of the North York Moors National Park.

Running throughout the summer months, Don’t Spark Disaster will deliver clear and impactful messages to residents and visitors about the simple actions that can help prevent wildfires. Campaign activity includes targeted social media advertising, e-newsletters, outdoor advertising and digital communications across North Yorkshire and beyond.

The campaign highlights how seemingly small actions – such as discarding cigarettes and leaving glass bottles behind, alongside behaviours such as lighting barbecues and campfires – can have devastating consequences for wildlife, landscapes, local communities and the emergency services. However, visitors are still encouraged to get outdoors and make the most of all that North Yorkshire has to offer. There are plenty of tasty local picnic options that don’t require on-site cooking, helping people to enjoy a safe day out while reducing the risk of wildfires.

As well as raising public awareness, the campaign is calling on businesses, community organisations and local groups to help spread the message by displaying campaign materials in their premises, on websites and across social media channels.

A free toolkit containing posters, digital graphics and social media assets is available to download, making it easy for organisations to support the campaign and reach residents and visitors alike.

Jim Bailey, Chair of the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “Most wildfires are preventable. That’s the simple but crucial message at the heart of this campaign.

“The fire may have happened a year ago, but we continue to deal with the aftermath on a daily basis. Farmers and graziers have been unable to return sheep to parts of Fylingdales Moor, while the landscape remains visibly scarred by both the fire and the large earth trenches that were dug to stop it spreading further.

“We urge everyone to think carefully about their actions when enjoying the countryside this summer. A moment’s carelessness can have consequences that last for generations, but a few simple precautions can help prevent another devastating wildfire from happening in the first place.”

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said:

“We welcome visitors here in North Yorkshire and our stunning landscapes attract millions of people every year, but we need everyone to understand the risks and take care of the environment.

“A barbecue in the sunshine or a carelessly discarded glass bottle or cigarette can have serious impacts for people and places for years to come, as we saw last year.

“This campaign is vital to making sure that we do not see a repeat of the biggest wildfire we have ever witnessed in North Yorkshire.

“Our message is clear – please come and enjoy all that North Yorkshire has to offer but be aware that careless actions can cause a catastrophic impact on our communities and the natural environment.”

Lizzie Bushby, Deputy Chair and Member Champion for Recreation Management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:

“We are proud to support this campaign after witnessing the devastation caused by the Fylingdales Moor wildfire in the North York Moors. Moorland habitat is becoming more vulnerable as our climate changes. Once it burns, we lose essential habitats, wildlife and peatland that has taken hundreds of years to form. These fires are often the result of human actions, so it’s vital that everyone who visits our National Parks takes simple steps to help protect these precious landscapes.”

For campaign resources and further information, visit the Don’t Spark Disaster campaign page at northyorkmoors.org.uk/dontsparkdisaster.

A former health secretary warned the decision to axe a £2.1 billion plan to build a new hospital in North Lanarkshire was a “hammer blow to one of the poorest communities in Scotland”.

The SNP Government has been accused of “utter betrayal” after ministers axed plans to build a long-awaited replacement for the crumbling Monklands hospital in Lanarkshire.

Alex Neil, a former health secretary, said the decision to reject an NHS plan to construct a new £2.1 billion health campus in Airdrie was a “hammer blow to one of the poorest communities in Scotland”.

An SNP spokesperson claimed in April – just days before the recent Holyrood election – that it was “not true” to suggest the project would be scaled back or delayed.

The party’s 2026 manifesto also stated “work is already well underway” to build a new hospital for Airdrie and Coatbridge – despite there being no start date for when construction will begin.

The Monklands replacement is politically sensitive as the current hospital, which is plagued by maintenance issues, falls in the Airdrie constituency of SNP minister Neil Gray – who was until last month Health Secretary.

Former Labour MSP Neil Findlay today asked: “Was Neil Gray shuffled out of the health job so he didn’t have to bin the Monklands hospital project that would affect his constituents?”

Alex Neil, a former MSP for Airdrie, called on Gray to resign from Government over the decision.

He said: “The SNP government originally planned to have a new Monklands hospital built by 2016. Then it was delayed until 2032. Now it appears to have been delayed indefinitely.

“Not only is this unacceptable, it is a hammer blow to one of the poorest communities in Scotland.

“During the election campaign, when it became public knowledge that the Scottish Government had not approved the business plan for the new hospital presented to it by NHS Lanarkshire, I stated publicly that this was a clear sign that this project was now in doubt.

“The SNP issued a statement suggesting that this was not the case. Clearly that was a lie. They engaged in deception of the worst kind.

“As a former Health Secretary I am absolutely sure that the Scottish Government would have been aware of the estimated costs of the hospital long before 2026 so why did they not redesign the business plan for the hospital to allow it to be delivered by the promised timeframe of 2032?

“This decision is a hammer to the people of the Monklands and the rest of Lanarkshire.

“I am also sorry to say that my friend Neil Gray has no choice now but to resign from the Scottish Cabinet. Not to do so will totally undermine his position as the local MSP for Airdrie and Shotts.”

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The board of NHS Lanarkshire met in December and approved the full business case for a new hospital, which was submitted to the Scottish Government for ministerial approval. But health chiefs were then met with silence.

Angela Constance, who was handed the Health brief by John Swinney last month, chose the final day of the Holyrood term before the Parliament’s two-month summer break to announce it had rejected the business case.

She told MSPs there was now an “ambition” to redesign the plans and suggested work could begin in 2028 instead.

Constance said: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly. The case for replacing Monklands is well established. The current hospital estate is ageing, it presents ongoing operational challenges, and it constrains the delivery of modern models of care.

“Staff have worked in difficult conditions for many years, and they deserve better. Patients deserve better.”

The MSP added: “It is my responsibility to ensure that major investment decisions are affordable, deliverable, and aligned with the future direction of our health and care system.

“The proposal before us, with an estimated cost of around £2.1 billion, would represent an unprecedented concentration of capital investment in a single health project.”

The Record asked the Scottish Government for comment.

Emergency services were called to the East Avenue area of the village on Thursday (June 25) after reports of a person becoming unwell. 

The Great North Air Ambulance Service sent one of its helicopters to the scene just after 5.30pm alongside two ambulance crews from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS).

One person was taken to the Darlington Memorial Hospital by road for further treatment, the NEAS has confirmed.

Their current condition remains unknown. 

A NEAS spokesperson said: “We received a call at 5.37pm on Thursday (June 25) to reports of a person unwell in the East Avenue area of Coundon, Bishop Auckland. 

“We dispatched two ambulance crews to the scene and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). 

“One patient was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by road for further treatment.”

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The bright spot is opening in style this weekend

The team behind a popular Didsbury brunch spot have announced plans for a New York-inspired gelato and French Toast café opening this weekend.

Caramello first opened on Whitechapel Street in the south Manchester suburb ten years ago and has become known for its patisseries, waffles and gelato ever since and has been hailed as the first halal brunch spot in the city.

Now, founder Sham Sadique has unveiled details of his next site Mello, which will open on Fog Lane this Saturday (June 27). Inspired by the coffee shops in the Big Apple, the venue will serve up ‘proper’ Italian gelato and coffee, as well as overloaded French Toasts and pastries.

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“Mello has been a dream of mine since I started Caramello,” Sadique explained. “I always wanted to merge my love for New York and Italy as a coffee and dessert brand, and we’ve finally made it happen. I can’t wait for you all to try the new French Toast too.”

The bright spot has been created to bring the buzz of New York and the vibes of the city together through an uplifting design that aims to bring a ‘bit of sunshine on a grey Manchester day all year round’.

To coincide with the launch on Saturday, Mello will be giving out hundreds of prizes to celebrate the ‘start of something delicious’ – including free pots of gelato as well as tote bags, t-shirts and more.

On June 27 from 12pm to 4pm, guests will be able to spin the prize wheel to determine their welcome gift – with prizes also including French Toast and drinks. There is no purchase necessary.

The arrival of Mello comes as Didsbury experiences a period of glory for its pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes. Just this month, Irish bar Kennedy’s was named one of the best town pubs in the entire country, whilst Albert’s in Didsbury was recently named as one of the top spots for outdoor dining.

Mello will be open 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday.

Mello is on 153 Fog Lane, Manchester, United Kingdom M20 6FJ.

Callum Hanson, 22, died in hospital following a collision in Pembrokeshire

A Welsh police force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after a 22-year-old man died in a crash in Pembrokeshire. Callum Hanson died in hospital on Wednesday, June 17, after a two-vehicle collision between a motorcycle and a car on the A4075 between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston.

Tributes were paid to the “deeply caring” young man, with his family describing Mr Hanson as a “kind” and “loving” person. Dyfed-Powys Police has since made a voluntary referral to the IOPC as a police vehicle was in the vicinity at the time of the crash.

The collision involved a grey Kia Sorento and Mr Hanson’s white Yamaha motorcycle. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The driver of the Kia, a 60-year-old man, did not sustain any injuries. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old female pillion passenger of the motorcycle was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries she sustained in the collision.

Mr Hanson’s family said in a statement: “Callum’s family wish to remember him as the kind, loving person he was, who lived his life to the fullest, despite his own personal challenges.

“He was a deeply caring person and spent the last month looking after his grandad, who sadly, also recently passed away. Callum has a passion for gaming and motorbikes and was training to be a mechanic in college.

“Callum will be remembered by his mum Joanne, dad Carl, sister Kacey, nan Heather, girlfriend Emily, and his wider family and friends. The family now ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that, due to there not being any suggestion of an active pursuit or any contact between the motorbike and the police vehicle at the time of the incident, the IOPC have referred the matter back to Dyfed-Powys Police for an internal investigation by the Professional Standards Department (PSD).

A spokesperson for the force said: “While PSD carry out their enquiries it would not be appropriate to comment on the matter further.

“The thoughts of Dyfed-Powys Police remain with Callum’s family and friends at this time, and we would still ask that anyone with information about the incident contacts the force.”

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When Donald Trump signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Versailles on June 17 after the G7 summit, it dominated the headlines around the world. This is no more than you’d expect. The 60-day ceasefire, which – despite a few wobbles – appears to be largely holding in both Iran and southern Lebanon, was a major breakthrough, even if US concessions to secure the deal raised more than a few eyebrows.

But the noise from Versailles effectively obscured some very significant developments at the G7. First, and most importantly, the G7 leaders’ adept handling of the US president, Donald Trump, seems to have edged him back into line with Europe over the war in Ukraine.

As we’ve come to know over Trump’s presidencies, this could easily change. But for now, the European G7 countries’ pledge to provide more military aid to support Ukraine over the winter will have come as a considerable fillip for Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. And the American president’s promise to provide “backstop” for these efforts made this all the sweeter.

These, and the success of recent strikes on targets deep inside Russia, have greatly improved the mood in Kyiv.

But the apparent unity of the G7 on Ukraine concealed some important differences of approach developing as European members work out if – and how – they might “go it alone” when it comes to their security arrangements. This has been an issue greatly exercising European leaders’ minds as the US downgrades its commitment.

Stefan Wolff, of the University of Birmingham, and Richard Whitman, of the Royal United Services Institute and the University of Kent highlight a row among EU leaders about how to present a united front to Russia as symptomatic of this disunity. And Germany’s recent decision to pull out of a showcase Franco-German collaboration to build state-of-the-art warplanes shows how two of Europe’s “big beasts”, so often at loggerheads in the past, are competing for leadership on key defence issues.

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One of the big things complicating all this is that the diplomatic world has changed significantly during the Trump years. The US president’s singular and mercurial approach to international relations – and his preference for using personal friends or business associates instead of professional diplomats has made if tricky for allies and adversaries alike to navigate complex situations.

We’re lucky to have the insights of Nicholas Westcott, a former British ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo and Niger. Westcott, professor of practice in diplomacy at SOAS, University of London, parses the US president’s unique diplomatic style, pointing out five distinct features of the US president’s approach and the way other countries’ leaders are having to adapt to cope.

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How Donald Trump has changed the way diplomacy is done

One of the issues complicating America’s diplomatic efforts is that Trump’s main envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are often pursuing parallel business opportunities, sometimes in countries where the US is playing an important role in the mediation of conflicts.

And sometimes these business interests themselves have sparked conflict. This can be seen currently in Albania, where thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest about a coastal resort being developed by companies associated with Kushner on southern Albania’s unspoiled Zvërnec coastline and surrounding wetlands.

Apart from environmental objections, there are also land ownership issues. The protests have snowballed into a broad anti‑government movement, writes Altin Gjeta, a political scientist at the University of Birmingham. Gjeta says the public anger has been exacerbated by the public perception of decades of official corruption – although there’s no suggestion this relates in any way to the Kushner-backed project.

But the unrest is causing problems for Albania’s ruling Socialist party and prime minister Edi Rama, several of whose former cabinet ministers are publicly criticising him over the issue.

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Flawed agreement

When it comes to the MoU itself, the agreement prompted a great deal of criticism from both the US and its close ally Israel. Israelis were furious, claiming that the US president had sold them out for reasons of his own, putting their long-term security in jeopardy. Many in Trump’s Republican party thought the deal was a capitulation on the president’s part.

The deal highlighted what many of us already suggested: that Iran’s ability to spark economic turmoil by closing the Strait of Hormuz gives it considerably leverage over the US. Ben Soodavar, an expert in foreign relations in the department of war studies at King’s College London, identifies a vicious cycle that presents the US with a serious quandary.

Israel has a right to defend itself against Hezbollah attacks. But when it takes action against Lebanon, Iran reacts by threatening to close the Strait. The US puts pressure on Israel to stand down and Israel resists. The ceasefire deal was largely prompted by Trump’s realisation that the US in unable to put sufficient military pressure on Tehran to break this cycle.

Soodavar fears that once all the players realise that restraint is also unlikely to solve anything, then “escalation ceases to be a choice. It may come to be the only available logic”.

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Bamo Nouri and Inderjeet Parmar, international security experts at City St George, University of London, foresee a strengthened Iran continuing to flex its muscles in the region.

Tehran, they write, will be encouraged by the clear geopolitical shifts the war has already prompted – not least the cessation of any hopes that the US might have harboured to expand the Abraham Accords and the normalisation of Arab states’ relations with Israel. So the Islamic Republic is likely to continue to compete for influence via its proxies in the region and via “grey-zone” tactics such as cyber-warfare.

Meanwhile the underlying drivers of the conflict remain intact, they write: “US-Iran-Israeli relations are therefore likely to continue oscillating between confrontation and accommodation.”

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