The UK government’s immigration and asylum bill puts forward a number of proposals to overhaul the asylum system. These include changes to how human rights are interpreted, and requiring refugees to pay back some of the support they receive. If passed, it will be the fifth immigration act adopted since 2022.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the aim is to establish “a firm but fair immigration system”. But will these measures have their intended effect?

Reforming asylum appeals

The legislation proposes reforming the asylum appeals system through the creation of a new Independent Immigration Appeals Authority. This will involve training members of the public to be asylum adjudicators, “much like magistrates”. This is intended to speed up the asylum appeals process, which currently has a huge backlog.

The UN refugee agency has warned that similar efforts in Australia led to significant delays and increased backlog in the asylum system. These concerns are exacerbated by the fact that many who come before the appeals body will not have legal representation, due to an acute shortage of legal aid in the immigration sector.

It would be more sensible for the Home Office to invest in improving the quality of its initial decision making, which has been heavily criticised by the chief inspector of borders and immigration, and ultimately leads to high numbers of appeals.

Reinterpreting human rights

The legislation also introduces changes to the interpretation of Article 8 of the European convention on human rights (ECHR) – the right to private and family life. It says that “family life” should only refer to cohabiting partners, parents, and children under 18, except in exceptional circumstances. It is unclear how this would differ significantly from current practice, which is to consider “family life” as excluding, relationships between parents and adult non-dependent children and adult siblings.

The bill instructs judges to factor in the extent to which the individual would be financially independent if they remain in the UK. And it clarifies that any family life established while the person was in the UK without leave should not be taken into account.

Mahmood claims this “tougher test” will prevent foreign criminals from relying on distant family relationships to prevent their deportation.

But, as experts have repeatedly argued, Article 8 is already a “qualified right”. This means it must be balanced against other factors such as public safety or national security. UK law already takes a very strict interpretation of Article 8, which states that the public interest in removing foreign offenders will almost always outweigh any Article 8 rights.

The impact assessment attached to the bill suggests that these changes will result in removal of an additional 3,600 people per year. But most people whose Article 8 claims are rejected will remain in the UK, as they are unable to be removed for more logistical reasons.

In many cases, lack of coordination and administrative errors in the Home Office cause failed removals. Complications around booking flights, arranging escorts and other practicalities have all been found to prevent deportations, as well as procedural issues such as lack of travel documents.

But continued misrepresentation in the media and political rhetoric means the ECHR has continued to be a scapegoat.

Temporary refugee status

The bill provides for the replacement of the current system of refugee protection status, which last for five years, with a more temporary “core protection status” of 30 months at a time. This was already introduced through a change to the immigration rules in March of this year.

Subjecting people to short, precarious forms of leave affects their ability to find employment, accommodation and integrate into society.

À lire aussi :
Shabana Mahmood is wrong: refugee status was never ‘permanent from day one’

The Home Office is currently failing to cope with existing asylum processing. It is not clear how the department will have the capacity to review cases this frequently. Back in March, a parliamentary committee expressed concern that “the Home Office has not fully thought through the implications of the policy”.

Separately, Mahmood has announced a new scheme to allow local communities and to sponsor refugees to settle in their area. A refugee work route is also expected to open next year. These are concessions to the valid critique that the reason refugees make irregular journeys – including via small boat – is due to the lack of legal routes available.

Community refugee sponsorship in the UK, however, has existed for some time. This approach is a welcome break from negative rhetoric on refugees. But focusing solely on private sponsorship could been seen as a measure to offload responsibility for support onto communities and the private sector, rather than the Home Office.

Repaying asylum support

The proposed changes could also require refugees who have received government accommodation and support to repay some of those costs – what some may consider a “refugee tax”. The bill is remarkably light on detail, specifying only that the home secretary “may” require someone to make repayments. There have been reports this would require refugees to pay back up to £10,000.

In practice, this will disproportionately impact those with caring responsibilities and disabilities, and discourage people from seeking support – pushing them into extreme precarity and making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Government accommodation is currently only provided to those who would otherwise be destitute. Asylum seekers are generally barred from working and have no control over the amount of time they must spend in accommodation while they await a Home Office decision.

Restricting modern slavery protections

Finally, the bill introduces several changes to the UK’s modern slavery framework. It limits protection for those who make “late” claims that they have been victims of trafficking, to address “those vexatiously seeking to block their legitimate removal from the UK”. This is despite evidence that it is normal for people who have suffered highly traumatising experiences to delay disclosure.

Far from safeguarding victims of trafficking or making the system more fair, the bill’s proposals are likely to make many asylum seekers and refugees more vulnerable. It is these kinds of measures that have led to criticisms of the bill, such as the words of Lord Alf Dubs, as “performative cruelty”.

Mars in Gemini aligns with Pluto in Aquarius, bringing flexible mindsets and adaptability. If there’s something you’ve been stuck on, now’s the time to resolve it.

Sagittarius, Scorpio and Libra, be ready to leave your comfort zone today. Newness is good, and you’re ready to spice things up.

Keep things balanced today, and results will shine. Enjoy the process of rediscovering.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday July 5, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Get ready for powerful conversations, and some might be gamechangers in a big way. If you need help to accomplish something, you’ll tap into a level of power and ability that could take your plans several leaps forward. Some discussions could get quite passionate, and when others see how serious you are, they’ll want to contribute and perhaps team up with you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Momentum around money and career ambitions is increasing, and you may want to take a powerful step forward, boosting your chances of a promotion, a new job, or more business. You’ll be far more persuasive than usual, especially when discussing experiences, negotiating finances, or making a bold professional move. It’s time to let others know your true worth.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

As Mars in your sign aligns with Pluto in Aquarius, prepare to change beliefs to ones that allow you to live a larger life. You’ll realise how certain ideas have limited your plans, and now you’re ready to seize new opportunities that will take you out of your comfort zone. Discussions could be transformative, especially with people from different backgrounds.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Strong emotions are at work deep within you. You’ll sense them but find it harder to put a label on them. They’ll shape your decisions from the inside, and you may not realise it’s happening. A strong compulsion or surprising obsession can be a major clue. Give some conscious thought to what a subconscious choice could otherwise be. You won’t regret it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

It looks like a day of progress as discussions can lead to positive change. Surprise encounters or planned meetings could shift important dynamics now, and you’ll be thrilled at how quickly things come together. It’s a great time to pursue ambitious goals and network. You’ll also find certain connections become much more significant than they first appear.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Today’s Mars-Pluto tie-up suggests you’ll be very determined and ambitious when it comes to your work and daily routines. And if you’re keen to get fit, this urge may well intensify. You’ll want to drop unhealthy habits and could be ruthless about it. Don’t set yourself goals that are too demanding, though. Rest and relaxation are good habits to nurture, Virgo.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

You’ll be ready to exit your comfort zone big time, as today’s potent line-up inspires you to seek out new adventures and challenges. Travel could be part of it and might involve a trip with a romantic partner, whether current or new. The experience might change you both in profound ways, and whatever the status of your relationship, it might deepen your bond.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

An intense blend of energies could mean you’re far less likely to tolerate draining situations or people who tell half-truths. The Mars-Pluto tie fires up your sense of justice and your desire for change, especially as it relates to those you care for. If something needs to shift, you’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen. But getting a wider perspective is helpful too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Conversations can be catalysts for real change, and you may be the one to initiate them and get things moving. This isn’t a day for superficial chatting, but more for discussions that shift the beat and tempo of key bonds. Planning and collaborating on ideas can help make them a reality, and team projects will get moving if given attention.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You’ll be ready to streamline your routines and be quite focused on how you go about them. As Mars links with Pluto, you’ll also be eager to manage your time and resources so that you get the most out of any work you do. Waste of any kind may seem unnecessary, and you’ll aim for maximum efficiency today. Still, it’s just as well not to have everything too perfect.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

You may have a strong urge to express yourself as you are and won’t want to edit anything for anyone else’s comfort levels. Mars in Gemini and Pluto in your sign mean your creative energy has the power to alter others’ perspectives and help them see life in a new way. And romance can bring the biggest shift, as a budding relationship may become more passionate.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

There’s a powerful emotional undercurrent showing, as a potent aspect can bring issues to the surface that appear to have been slumbering. Someone may say something innocently, and suddenly the conversation could become loaded, or feelings could burst into the open. Clearing the air is like a refreshing storm and can be very cathartic, bringing gentle healing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of July here.

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Organised by Woodland Trust volunteers, the guided route introduced walkers to woodland, moorland and panoramic views, while highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature.

The walk took participants from Walker Fold Car Park along riverside paths.

The group is learning more about the Smithills Estate (Image: NQ)

They crossed the “tramway” route, which isn’t actually a tramway, up one of the estate’s steep climbs before looping back around Burnt Edge.

Many of those taking part said they wanted to enjoy nature, exercise and discover more of the countryside on their doorstep.

Volunteer Pete Hargreaves said: “Everybody should know about it, it’s good for their exercise and mental welfare.

Pete Hargreaves (Image: NQ)

“It’s a fabulous place. I do it because I love it. I just love the place, always have done.

“We’ve got a good gang working together.”

The route gave walkers the chance to experience woodland, open moorland and panoramic views while learning more about the estate from the volunteers who help care for it.

Several people taking part said they had either never visited before or had previously passed through without realising the area’s history or network of footpaths.

(Image: NQ)

Terry Gilligan, who joined the walk with his wife, Tonya, said: “We wanted to get out, have a walk round and experience a walk.

“I think it’s really important because you hear a lot about the town centre area and you forget about all the nature on our doorstep.

“I think it’s really important we get out and enjoy nature as much as we can and get out there.”

Andy Welch (Image: NQ)

Andy Welch, also walking, said: “I came because one of my friends came on it a couple of months ago.

“I’ve been round before with my wife, but you pass lots of history that’s really nice.”

It was a fun day had by all.

Volunteer Lawrence Marsh, who previously volunteered with Bolton Council‘s ranger service before helping establish the current volunteer group with the Woodland Trust, said many people were unaware they could explore the estate.

He said: “Bringing people out who haven’t been out before, and it’s on the doorstep.

“They don’t know it’s on the doorstep.

“I’ve asked people, ‘Where have you come from?’ They say, ‘I live in Edgworth, I live in Harwood, I live in Deane,’ and they’ve never been here.

“As soon as they walk up that hill, they can see down that valley, they think, ‘I didn’t know this was here,’ or ‘I didn’t know we could go here, we’ll come here again.’”

Lawrence Marsh (Image: NQ)

Mr Marsh said the estate had become increasingly popular with families since improved access and footpaths encouraged more people to visit.

He added: “You get a lot of families coming up here in the evenings, bringing picnics on these benches.

“A lot of little kids as well, which is good to see, instead of being on the screens. They’re out here.

“You know, parents come out and say, ‘What’s that bird?’ and you can see the kids are really interested.”

Glenys Jones (Image: NQ)

Glenys Jones said: “The walks are fantastic, it gets people out in the countryside, it enhances wellbeing especially mental health.

“I like trees, the wildlife, and just getting out and walking.

“I do it all the time, but I would definitely encourage members of the public to get out.”

The narrow street is also described as a ‘charming’ place to visit

Cambridge is full of many unique streets. Each street is seeping with history, with Cambridge being such a historic city due to its famous university.

One street in Cambridge, while narrow, is known to be “charming”. Green Street runs between St John’s Street and Trinity Street, as well as Sidney Street on the eastern end.

It’s close to Trinity College and Sidney Sussex College. The street is most famous for its independent shops. The CB Travel Guide said this street is “often missed”.

The CB Travel Guide added: “Green Street has always been one of our favourites, and through the efforts of Gonville & Caius, it has become a street full of indie shops. Small bespoke and quirky shops.”

It’s the place to buy bespoke jewellery, as well as enjoy a Cornish monkfish. The street was named after Dr Oliver Green from Caius College.

Some of the must visit places along Green Street include 40 Green Street, which boasts “one of the prettiest window displays in the city”, according to Love Cambridge.

Love Cambridge also recommends Bill’s, which is the “ultimate feel-good eatery”. One of the most famous shops along Green Street is Mercado Central.

This is inspired by Spain’s historic markets and restaurants, and offers seasonal cooked food inspired by the Spanish country. Green Street is also home to the Cambridge Gin Laboratory.

Here, people get the chance to take part in cocktail making sessions. It’s described as a “haven for enthusiasts to celebrate the art and science of gin”, according to Love Cambridge.

Anyone who loves to explore new places and discover new tastes, Green Street is worth a visit on a day out to Cambridge.

By KATIE HIND, CONSULTANT EDITOR SHOWBUSINESS

Published: 23:05 BST, 4 July 2026 | Updated: 00:06 BST, 5 July 2026

When Harper Beckham turns 15 on Friday, her parents will inevitably lavish her with gifts and celebrations to mark her special day.

But underneath the joy, Sir David and Lady Beckham fear that their only daughter’s birthday will be marred because they can’t give her the one thing she must be hoping for – to be reunited with her eldest brother, Brooklyn.

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Last year, amid a vicious family feud, he did not send his sister best wishes privately. Instead, there was a public and performative Instagram post.

In fact, since his fall-out with his parents, Brooklyn, 27, hasn’t spoken to Harper, to whom he was once so close.

‘Harper is heartbroken and devastated at her brother’s decision not to speak to her and now her birthday is just days away it becomes a difficult scenario once again,’ says a source.

‘They were so close. Now he won’t speak to her and she can’t understand why. There is nothing worse for Harper than him ignoring her on her birthday.

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‘All she wants is to have a relationship with her big brother. It is so horrifying and awful for David and Victoria to see.

‘Of course, everyone else in the family shows Harper so much love. But for the second year running it’s likely there will be nothing from Brooklyn. It’s not her fault that he is estranged. They’ve never had a cross word.’

Harper Beckham will turn 15 on Friday – but her wish to be reunited with older brother Brooklyn does not seem on the cards

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Last year, Brooklyn and Nicola both posted on Instagram wishing Harper a happy birthday

Since his fall-out with his parents, Brooklyn, hasn’t spoken to Harper, to whom he was once so close

Last year both Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, 31, posted on Instagram, using the same photograph of the three of them. 

But it is understood that they haven’t spoken to her since before the feud erupted on April 25 last year in the run up to David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

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Brooklyn and Nicola snubbed all of the celebrations.

It has been suggested that Brooklyn doesn’t want to speak to his sister as he believes it will put her in a difficult situation. But friends of Posh and Becks debunk that as a ‘stupid and insulting excuse’.

Last month, Harper turned up at Brooklyn and Nicola’s house in Beverly Hills alone after her father David received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star just five miles away. Neither was home and she had to leave a letter instead.

Harper was photographed by American paparazzi, prompting Brooklyn to later accuse his parents of ‘setting up’ the picture opportunity, something they profusely deny.

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Their names are Kate and Megan. 

One is a modest, pitch-perfect stickler for the rules, perennially at her husband’s side and never putting a foot wrong. The other has a cheeky, naughty side and adores a designer frock and an expensive holiday almost as much as she does having a camera there to capture every moment.

No, I’m not talking about those two, but a couple of namesakes who are playing out parallel story at the World Cup: Kate Kane, wife of captain Harry, and Megan Pickford, other half of goalkeeper Jordan.

They are the longest-serving England partners, veterans of three World Cups, and indisputably the WAG queen bees. But their tactics are very different.

‘Kate is the first lady of the WAGs,’ says my snitch in the gang. ‘She takes the role very seriously. She’s a big support to the others and is able to show how the role is done. She doesn’t put her head above the parapet for the sake of it.

‘Megan, on the other hand, is loving the limelight. She’s a right laugh, a lot less serious and does the WAG thing her way. 

‘She’s out there for all to see and loves to enjoy herself. She’s been at the forefront of the girls-on-tour gang who have been loving their time cheering on their partners.’

Sources tell me that while many of them, including Megan, Olly Watkins’ wife Ellie, Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro and Tolami Benson, Buyako Saka’s partner, have been immersing themselves in the WAG lifestyle in the US, Kate, 32, prefers to stay at home at the family’s £30 million mansion in Germany, where her husband has just completed his third season with Bayern Munich.

Kate, who is apparently a ‘little stricter’ than the other WAGs, is pictured celebrating while watching England vs DR Congo on July 1

Jordan Pickford’s glamorous wife Megan, is allegedly ‘loving the limelight’ of the World Cup

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While she jetted to Dallas to watch Harry score twice in England’s 4-2 win against Croatia in their opening game, she left the children – Ivy, nine, Vivienne, eight, Louis, six, and two-year-old Henry – at home, as she didn’t want the older children to miss school or for Henry to miss his bedtime.

Nor were any flashy outfits on show during the 24 hours she was in town. She was seen in a classy, but plain, dark denim dress with an understated black £2,000 Chanel crossbody phone case bag.

She also flew in for the game against Panama last Saturday – again without the children. 

But Kate couldn’t resist breaking the school-night rules on Monday, when all four were there to watch their heroic dad score twice to take England through the first knockout round against DR Congo.

Her presence in the stands was again muted, in a silver/grey co-ord set by label Totem – a snip, by WAG standards, at £1,000. Harry melted hearts as he was reunited with his children after three weeks and joyfully lifted Henry into the air for a kiss, watched over by an adoring Kate.

‘Kate is on the stricter side of things,’ says a source. ‘She has young children who needed to be at school so she decided to fly in and out for the individual matches. She didn’t want to join the circus. The kids had to watch at home.

‘She knows she’s not cool, she isn’t a party animal. Like Harry, she’s a pro.’

Back in Germany, where the family have been since Harry’s move from Tottenham at the end of 2023, I’m told that Kate’s approach to WAG life is similarly low-key.

Kate and Harry (pictured) are childhood sweethearts and grew up together in Chingford in Essex 

The Kanes were spotted in traditional outfits enjoying Oktoberfest last year, and she is popular on the school-mum circuit. 

Kate has posted on Instagram: ‘Since moving to Munich we’ve loved being part of the culture and traditions of the club and Bavaria, made us feel so at home.’

Harry and Kate are childhood sweethearts, having grown up just streets apart in Chingford, in Essex, and attended school together. 

They even visited David Beckham’s now defunct football academy in Stratford, East London, in 2005 as star-struck 12-year-olds.

Living in a hilltop mansion in Grünwald – ‘the Beverly Hills of Bavaria’ – the children are learning German, which is ‘very important’ to Kate, I’m told. She and Harry are also giving it a go, though are not as fluent as their offspring.

They also enjoy regular skiing trips and golfing holidays – while the children love football as much as their father.

Things are different for Megan and Jordan’s three children, Arlo, seven, Ostara, two, and one-year-old Misty. Arlo has been the envy of all his classmates back in Cheshire, as he accompanied his mother on their tour of the US.

They flew out in June, long before schools break up, but only after Megan had enjoyed a day shopping at Selfridges to ensure her wardrobe was perfect.

Megan is undoubtedly the archetypal WAG, writes Katie Hind 

Megan and Everton goalkeeper Jordan married in June 2022 and share three children together

She entrusted a personal shopper to curate a collection of designer clothes and bags, determined to recreate the iconic WAG culture that woke up the sleepy German town of Baden Baden 20 years ago. 

However, she was dealt a huge blow when her suitcase was lost on route to Dallas.

Arlo has enjoyed a holiday of a lifetime. Staying in a £3,000-a-night suite at the Ritz-Carlton, New York, the children have been treated to trips to the Jellycat Diner, Barbie shop and the Build-A-Bear Workshop. 

Last week, his mother took him to see Harry Potter And The Cursed Child on Broadway, while there was also time for some important learning, with a visit to the 9/11 Museum.

‘Megan likes to go big,’ says a source. ‘She and Jordan didn’t have a lot growing up, so they take the view that they are going to take every opportunity to have a great time and treat their kids to what they didn’t have.’

We have also seen Megan’s colourful style at the matches. While she opted for a replica England shirt for the DR Congo game, to cheer Jordan on against Ghana she wore a £125 Club L white mini dress teamed with a £6,000 Hermes mini Kelly bag, which adhered to the US stadium’s strict bag size policy, and a vintage 1980s brooch.

Megan has also been seen with a £2,500 Lady Dior handbag. ‘Megan has made no secret of wanting to recreate Baden Baden,’ says an insider. ‘She’s doing her best.’

Megan is undoubtedly the archetypal WAG. After meeting Jordan at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Sunderland when she was 14 and he 15, they moved to Cheshire in 2019 when he signed for Everton. 

They bought a modern five-bedroom mansion with a home cinema and bar close to the footballers’ wives capital, Alderley Edge. She hangs around with Jack Grealish’s fiancee Sasha Attwood and Harry Maguire’s wife Fern.

‘Megan has WAG written all over her,’ says a source. ‘The absolute antithesis to Kate.’

She adores a good holiday, and she and Jordan were pictured on eight in 2018, when they visited Portugal, Barbados, Milan and Ibiza twice, as well as Dubai and the Bahamas. In Barbados, Megan was pictured necking champagne at the exclusive Sandy Lane resort, while a romantic break to the Bahamas in July 2017 set them back £2,500 a night.

They also chartered a private jet for a weekend in London for the Anthony Joshua fight in April that year, costing at least £10,000. And her hen do in 2022 was at the Nikki Beach Resort in Dubai, where villas cost up to £7,700 a night.

There is, however, one vital difference between this Kate and Megan and their royal counterparts: Mrs Kane and Mrs Pickford absolutely adore each other.

‘They recognise they are very different from one another,’ says a source. ‘There is a bond there, they have both watched their husbands go through so much.

‘Kate might not want to party like Megan does but she enjoys watching it all… from a distance.’

Rangers romped to victory in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly

Rangers demolished Raith Rovers 5-1 in a private friendly match as manager Derek McInnes intensified his squad’s preparations ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The new Ibrox boss assessed his players during Saturday’s practice fixture, which saw recent acquisitions Ross McCrorie and Dan Neil both take part.

However, £6million goalkeeper Ivor Pandur was absent, as he won’t return until later this month following Croatia’s World Cup elimination by Portugal on Friday.

Scottish internationals Liam Kelly, John Souttar, Findlay Curtis and Lawrence Shankland were also missing from the match-day squad.

Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin and Norway international Thelo Aasgaard continue their World Cup commitments as their nations battle through the knockout stages.

McInnes plans to relocate his squad to Spain for a warm-weather training camp, having cancelled the Austrian trip that had been organised by previous boss Danny Rohl.

Rangers’ players seized another opportunity to showcase their abilities on Saturday, securing a comprehensive win against the Championship side, according to reports from the Rangers Review.

The Gers established a commanding two-goal advantage by half-time through efforts from Lyall Cameron and Tuur Rommens.

McCrorie celebrated his comeback with a goal following the interval, while Nedim Bajrami and Ryan Naderi also scored before Raith secured a late penalty consolation.

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Vladimir Putin has finally acknowledged that Ukraine’s relentless drone attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure are having an effect.

Speaking to the ruling United Russia party on June 28, the Russian president confirmed that his country is facing “a certain shortage” of fuel and that “strikes on our infrastructure sites are creating problems”.

In fact, the situation is far worse that Putin admits.

Russia has hit back hard at Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine, launching massive strikes over night on July 1 with a combination of drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, killing at least 17 people and injuring dozens more.

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, had warned that the Kremlin was planning another massive attack in retaliation after a month in which a Ukrainian air offensive has put considerable pressure on Russian defences and morale.

Throughout June, Ukraine stepped up its strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure deep in the heart of European Russia, far from the front lines of the war in eastern Ukraine. Oil refineries in Moscow itself have been hit. All regions of Russia now report fuel shortages and knock-on effects are emerging with delays in the delivery of food and other goods.

Russian-occupied Crimea has been a particular target, with regional authorities declaring a state of emergency on June 26 amid power outages, food shortages and fuel rationing that includes banning the sale of petrol to civilians.

Crimea has been a focal point for Ukraine’s strategy in part because it has played a vital role in Russia’s war effort. It has been an important route for military equipment and supplies heading to the combat zone in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Control of the port of Sevastopol provides Russia with a foothold in the Black Sea, even though around 30% of the vessels in Russia’s Black Sea fleet have been damaged or destroyed by Ukraine since 2022 and large parts of the fleet were relocated further east in 2023 under pressure from Ukrainian strikes.

Even the remaining command and control units are now believed to be planning to pack up and move to Russia.

But Ukraine has also focused its attention on Crimea as a target because of its symbolic significance as the “jewel in the crown” of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. Ever since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the peninsula has been used by Moscow as a symbol of the success – and indeed the righteousness – of its efforts to claim Ukrainian territory as its own. The fact that Russia has been unable to protect Crimea from Ukrainian strikes is therefore particularly humiliating for Moscow.

‘Crimea is ours’

The 2014 operation to seize control of Crimea was carried out very efficiently by Russian troops who swiftly occupied key strategic points. Ukrainian and western media labelled the soldiers “little green men” and initially Putin claimed they were “local self-defence units.”

It was later revealed they were Russian troops – and among pro-Russia residents of Crimea they were seen as heroes. Their professional appearance and disciplined behaviour gave Russians a reason to be proud of their armed forces, which had a reputation for brutality and incompetence. Locals flocked to take selfies with them.

The annexation sparked a surge of nationalist sentiment in Russia. The phrase “Crimea is ours” became a social media meme and was was printed on consumer goods.

The Russian film industry was enlisted to reinforce the message. The 2017 blockbuster “Crimea” – made with funding from Russia’s defence ministry – presented the annexation as a demonstration of the country’s status as a great power. The following year, a feel-good romantic comedy Crimean Bridge – Made with Love! was released. Written by Margarita Simonyan, the head of the Russian news outlet RT and a close ally of Putin, it depicted life in the peninsula as a sun-drenched adventure.

While popular culture painted an attractive picture of Crimea, Moscow encouraged Russians not only to spend their holidays there but to take up residence to ensure another, more permanent, form of occupation. As many as 200,000 Russians are believed to have relocated to the peninsula, lured by the warmer climate and the promise of jobs and generous welfare benefits.

Russia struggling to adapt

Moscow’s failure to shield Russian society from the impact of war exposes the myth of Putin’s repeated claims that the war is proceeding according to plan. Even the US president, Donald Trump, who famously told Zelensky in early 2025 that Kyiv did not hold any cards in this conflict, has reportedly acknowledged that Ukraine is “doing pretty well”.

This raises the question of what Russia might do to try to regain the momentum. The mass invasion stage of Russia’s war in Ukraine since 2022 has revealed some clear patterns. Whereas Ukraine has been good at innovating in weapons development and in strategy and tactics, Russia has been slow to adapt to change.

In the short term, Moscow responds to setbacks by intensifying its attacks on civilians in Ukraine, as we have seen with the massive overnight strikes on July 1.

In the medium term, Russia adapts its tactics. For example, responding to Ukraine’s ability to strike large formations of troops on the front lines by dispatching a handful of soldiers at a time, sometimes on horseback, to continue Russia’s advance.

This suggests that we are likely to see continuity rather than radical change in Russia’s approach to this war – for example, putting more emphasis on anti-drone and anti-missile measures. But there are real doubts about whether Russia’s thinly-stretched defences can provide effective protection for the wide range of locations that Ukraine targets.

It is too soon to say whether the tide of the war has turned in Ukraine’s favour. But unless Russia finds a more robust response to the challenges it faces from Ukraine, we may look back on June 2026 as a decisive point in this conflict.

No-one was seriously injured in the crash

A British Transport Police vehicle collided with another car in Harpurhey yesterday evening (July 3) while taking a man into custody for assault, the force has said.

Photos from the scene showed a large cordon in place at the junctions of Queens Road and Rochdale Road in Harpurhey, with vehicles from the North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in attendance.

A blue Kia Picanto and a police van appear to have been badly damaged in the collision, with the former wrapped around a lamp-post, and the latter appearing to have collided with railings in the middle of the road, its front bumper completely hanging off.

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Now, the British Transport Police have confided that it was one of their vehicles damaged in the incident and that they had been taking a 28-year-old man to custody after had had been arrested on suspicion of assault.

The M.E.N understands that he was later charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of assault, and had since been bailed.

A spokesperson said: “A BTP vehicle was involved in a collision with another car on Rochdale Road in Harpurhey, Greater Manchester, at around 8.45pm on Friday 3 July.

“It occurred while officers were transporting a 28-year-old man to custody who had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting three people.

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