More than 200,000 trade unionists and their supporters from across Britain and around the world will gather in Durham for the 140th Durham Miners’ Gala – the Big Meeting.

For 140 years the Gala has been far more than a parade or a festival.

It is a living reminder of where working people have come from, what they have endured and what they have achieved when they stand together.

When the first Gala was held in 1871, miners came together to demonstrate the strength that comes from collective action and to celebrate a shared struggle for dignity, fair pay, and decent working conditions.

(Image: DMA)

They understood a simple truth that remains as powerful today as it was then.

Alone, working people can be ignored but together they can change society.

That is why the Big Meeting continues to matter.

It has grown into one of the largest celebrations of working-class solidarity anywhere in the world.

It is a chance to honour those who came before us – the miners, trade unionists, and campaigners who fought for rights many now take for granted.

But it is also about the future and what kind of country we want to build.

(Image: STUART BOLTON)

This has been a landmark year for the trade union movement.

Labour’s Employment Rights Act – fought for and won through years of union campaigning – represents the biggest strengthening of workers’ rights in a generation.

It is already improving lives.

Millions of workers now have access to sick pay from day one.

The injustice of fire and rehire has been outlawed.

Exploitative zero-hours contracts are being tackled through a new right to a contract that reflects the hours employees regularly work.

These are not abstract policy reforms.

They are real changes that mean more security for families, more dignity at work, and greater confidence about the future.

They mean fewer workers having to choose between their health and their pay packet and fewer people living with constant uncertainty about how much they will earn from one week to the next.

After more than a decade of stagnant wages, insecure work, and falling living standards, these changes are long overdue.

Because Britain needs an economy that works for working people – not one that serves only those at the top.

Yet we must also recognise that many people still feel frustrated, anxious, and left behind.

Across the country, communities have seen industries disappear, public services come under strain, and opportunities become harder to find.

(Image: STUART BOLTON)

People understandably feel the system – and politics – has stopped working for them.

In that environment, it is no surprise that opportunists seek to exploit people’s anger.

Figures on the far right present themselves as champions of ordinary workers while enjoying the backing of wealthy donors and powerful interests.

They offer easy targets and simple slogans – but they have no answers to the real challenges facing working people.

The trade union movement offers a different path.

Where others seek to divide, we bring people together.

Where others encourage resentment, we build solidarity.

We know that the interests workers share are far greater than the differences between them.

And we know that every major advance in living standards, rights, and protections has come not from division – but from collective action.

The Gala’s main focus this year is the celebration of working-class unity.

It could not be more fitting.

As a former TUC Regional Secretary for the North East, I saw first-hand the generosity, resilience, and decency that define this region.

I saw people supporting one another in their workplaces and communities.

I saw solidarity not as a slogan, but as a way of life.

At a time when our country feels increasingly polarised, that spirit matters more than ever.

The challenges facing Britain are real.

But if the history of the Durham Miners’ Gala teaches us anything, it is that progress has never come from people standing apart.

It comes from people standing together.

That was true in 1871.

It remains true today.

So to everyone gathering in Durham this weekend: celebrate proudly, remember those who came before us, and enjoy a fantastic Big Meeting.

Most of all, remember this: unity works.

It always has.

And it always will.

The women, who were each diagnosed with brain tumours after taking the birth control, are demanding a change to side effect guidelines as the known victim toll in Scotland soars to 150.

Women left mutilated by a contraceptive jab have demanded that NHS Scotland urgently updates side-effect guidance after they suffered horrific side effects..

Victims with brain tumours, bulging eyes and sight loss after taking Depo-Provera are calling for an immediate change to wording that states there is a “small chance” of developing a meningioma tumour with frequent use.

But a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024 found that women who used the jag were five times more likely to be diagnosed with meningiomas than women who have never used the birth control.

It comes as 150 Scottish women are currently being represented by Thompsons Solicitors in their fight to seek damages against drug manufacturer Pfizer after the Daily Record highlighted their cases.

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When we first started to highlight the issue back in February this year, we were only aware of two victims.

That number has risen rapidly as we continued to unearth the scandal.

Tammy Croston, 47, runs an online community support group for women who have taken Depo-Provera and suspect their tumours are linked to the drug.

She says there are currently 400 members with numbers “tenfolding”.

The mum-of two, from Cupar in Fife, was left without the use of one of her eyes after surgery to remove one of her four meningiomas went wrong.

Tammy told the Record: “This guidance needs to be changed immediately. There are 150 known victims in Scotland but across the UK, support groups are being formed with hundreds, if not thousands, of women who are scared about the life-altering side effects of Depo-Provera.

“The correlation was made by professionals two years ago, but women are only managing to make the link now because of the exposure this story is getting in the Daily Record.

“It is irresponsible for the NHS to continue to keep this guidance when women are popping up everywhere with tumours after taking Depo for years.

“Our numbers are tenfolding.

“When going for contraception, women deserve to know the full facts about this jab before they make a decision and right now, they’re not getting that.

“No woman should be given this drug without a full warning of the risks.”

Trish Saunders, from Aberdeen, began using Depo-Provera in 1999.

The 45-year-old was prescribed the jab for heavy periods and used it consistently until 2016.

She was diagnosed with a 5mm meningioma after her eye became swollen in 2013. Surgery to remove the mass left her with a half-paralysed face.

She said: “There is no ‘small chance’, the chance of developing a tumour after taking Depo-Provera is extremely likely. We are living proof of that and our numbers are amassing.

“To suggest that it is rare to develop a tumour just isn’t true.

“We have undergone invasive operations and therapies and have been left with life-changing injuries.

“Women deserve to know the truth when they go to their doctor for contraception.

“The current advice is irresponsible.”

Kirsty McCord, 52, from Biggar in South Lanarkshire, was 18-years-old when she began taking Depo Provera.

She was diagnosed with a meningioma roughly the size of a tangerine after she suffered a seizure last year.

She said: “This wording needs to be changed to remove ‘small risk’ – I am living proof that that’s not the case.

“This guideline must be changed so GPs can conduct best practice to allow women to be fully informed.

“It’s reckless to suggest there is a small risk of developing a meningioma from Depo.

“Hundreds of women are coming forward across the country to speak up about their fears.

“It’s time the NHS acknowledged that this is as serious as it gets.”

Kirsty Moore, from Dundee, had to undergo invasive brain surgery and several gruelling rounds of radiotherapy to shrink a tumour she developed after taking the injection for over 20 years.

The 37-year-old only came off the drug earlier this year after learning of its deadly links to meningiomas.

Meanwhile, she has been left with a bulging eye due to the location of the mass inside her skull.

She said: “The wording needs to be changed immediately.

“There are loads of young girls out there who will be taking Depo because of how easy and convenient it is.

” In years to come, some of them may develop meningiomas when they aren’t aware of the full facts.

“The NHS has a duty of care and it must make women aware that there are serious implications of taking Depo.”

In 2024, when the scientific link was made between Depo-Provera and meningiomas, the first major lawsuits were filed against Pfizer in the US.

Women alleged the drug caused their brain tumours and that the company failed to warn them.

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News of their cases then spread to the UK before women began sharing their stories with the Record earlier this year.

Last month, women took their cases to Holyrood to demand politicians to push for a public inquiry into the use of the injection in the UK.

The monumental sit-down was secured just days after Pfizer agreed to settle over 5,000 lawsuits in America.

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Thompsons Solicitor Emma Bruce, who is representing the women in Scotland, said: “No woman should be prescribed Depo‑Provera without first being fully informed of the increased risk of developing a meningioma associated with its use, thereby enabling her to make an informed decision about her treatment.

“The devastating consequences suffered by our clients following their diagnosis of a meningioma must not only be fully acknowledged, but also given serious weight when acted upon.

“The risks associated with this medication must not be minimised, downplayed or dismissed.

Anything short of this undermines a woman’s right to informed consent and personal autonomy.”

It is equally important that lessons are learnt from our clients’ experiences to ensure that future generations of women are afforded the information necessary to make informed choices about their healthcare and are not exposed to the same preventable harm.”

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “I have the utmost sympathy for women who may have been harmed by Depo Provera. I met with some of the women to hear first-hand of their experiences and I have agreed a series of actions with them that we will take forward, including issuing a letter directly to healthcare professionals in Scotland.

“The regulation of medicines is reserved to the UK Government, meaning any further investigation into Depo Provera would be a matter for it the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to consider.”

A spokesperson for Pfizer said: “Patient safety is our top priority. We conduct rigorous and continuous monitoring of all our medicines, including assessments of reported adverse events, in collaboration with health authorities around the globe. Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) has been approved in more than 60 countries over the last 30 years, has a well-established efficacy and safety profile and has been a treatment option for millions of patients during that time.

“People should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any concerns or experience any side effects.”

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Arthur Fery is relishing the next stage of his career following his breakthrough run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, which forced him to cancel a planned holiday to Greece.

Fery arrived at the All England Club as the world No 114 on a wild card, but quickly became one of the feel-good stories of the summer in a Championship which saw 15 British hopefuls wiped out in the first round.

The 23-year-old has wowed fans over the last two weeks with his impeccable focus, eye-catching athleticism and never-say-die attitude – ingredients which will see him become the new British No 1 on Monday, despite his semi-final defeat by Alexander Zverev.

“It’s going to change things, for sure,” said Fery, who will jump up the rankings to No 36 and take home £900,000 following his remarkable run. “I’m going to be able to play tour events at least for a full year, hopefully for more. It’s going to be interesting to see how I deal with that change and everything that that brings in terms of expectations from myself, from the public, from everyone. I’m already looking forward to that. It’s going to be a challenge to deal with all of that, but I’m conscious of it already and that’s the first step.”

Fery had hardly anticipated his dizzying run – he was supposed to be holidaying in Greece at the sharp end of the tournament – but was forced to cancel the trip. “I was meant to be coming back from holiday today,” he said, smiling. “That’s obviously going to change. I definitely need some time off to process everything that’s happened these past two weeks, [and] have some time off tennis.

“It’s been a good grass season but a long one, mentally challenging. I’m glad that I kept going, kept going in this tournament. Every match was a new challenge. But yeah, I’m going to take some time off now and rest before heading to the US.”

En route to his semi-final Fery lost the first set in each of his first three matches and trailed Grigor Dimitrov by two sets to one in the fourth round. Despite being well beaten by last month’s French Open champion on Friday, he vowed to hold his head high.

“I’m most proud of how I handled the progression of the tournament and how I kept going in every match,” he said. “It would have been easy to let Zizou Bergs [in the third round] run away with his two breaks in the fourth and, as you say, go on holiday and come back.

“I just kept fighting, came back to the match court every time and gave my best. Was mentally locked in. I lacked a bit of that today. It might have been just a step too far. The opponent was a step up again. Yeah, that’s what I was most proud of, never letting go and really pushing myself to the limit.”

Former MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday morning. Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with her death.

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A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe, following a large-scale manhunt for a white male.

Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation into the death of Miss Widdecombe, who was discovered deceased at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, near Newton Abbot in Devon at 11:40am on Thursday (July 9).

At an afternoon press conference, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that Miss Widdecombe’s death is not being treated as terror-related. Officers confirmed the suspect is British, reports the Daily Star.

Miss Widdecombe, who had appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday (July 8), was found to have sustained “serious injuries”. Police also confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for a white male believed to be responsible for her death.

Speaking at the press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Longman said: “A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue.”

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman further confirmed that Miss Widdecombe’s death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.

He added: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdicombe in this very difficult time.”

The former Conservative minister, aged 78, later served as a Brexit Party MEP before becoming a Reform UK spokeswoman, and also gained recognition beyond politics through her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. Numerous tributes were paid to her earlier today before officers confirmed their murder inquiry.

Speaking to journalists at Chequers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the news of the investigation for the first time. He said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.

“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.

“I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.

“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”

Potential future Labour Leader and next PM Andy Burnham has also paid tribute following the death of Miss Widdecombe, through a spokesperson. A spokeswoman for Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.

“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”

Miss Widdecombe’s management company Cloud 9 called on anyone with information to come forward, stating: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

The statement added: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal [MIPP] for information, images or footage to be submitted to them. You can also get in touch by phone on 101 or through their website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.

You can follow the link to the public portal here.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org..

“In the longer term, and well before any future state pension rises, we need the Government to take a joined-up approach across pensions, work, benefits, and health, to ensure that the mid-60s is not a period of heightened financial precarity for growing numbers of older people.

Good afternoon and welcome to semi-final coverage of Jannik Sinner versus Novak Djokovic on day 12 at Wimbledon.

This match-up has been billed as a heavyweight clash, as the pair meet for an 11th time. Sinner, the current world No 1, leads the head-to-head 6-5. However, in their most recent meeting, Novak Djokovic came out on top, winning in five sets in the semi-finals at this year’s Australian Open.

Before that meeting in Melbourne, Sinner had beaten Djokovic five times in a row, including last year at SW19 en route to winning the title. That was Sinner’s first grass-court victory over the seven-time champion – Sinner had lost the previous two both at Wimbledon in the semi-finals in 2023 and the quarters in 2022. Djokovic leads the head-to-head on grass 2-1.

Barring his first-round match, Sinner has enjoyed a pretty seamless run to the last four. Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic took the Italian to five sets in the first round, but Sinner cruised to straight-set victories in his four matches after.

Djokovic’s path to the semis has been less smooth. The 39-year-old Serb, chasing a record-breaking 25th grand slam, has come through three four-setters. His quarter-final against Félix Auger-Aliassime went the distance and broke the record for the longest quarter-final match in tournament history at five hours and 15 minutes – Djokovic more than earning his two days off after that epic.

Speaking ahead of the semi-final, Sinner said: “With Novak, I feel like every match is different. Even when I had this small streak with him, I felt like every match really has its own story. Especially when you play on a surface like this, if you have a bad serving day or [you’re] not feeling the ball very well, it’s going to be very, very tough.

“He has won this tournament so many times and he knows exactly how to approach it. I’m looking forward to it. In any case, I’m happy to be back in the semis. I’m happy to fight for every ball, then we’ll see.”

Djokovic, just as enthused to be in another Wimbledon semi-final, is also looking forward to the prospect of facing Sinner again. “I had a very long semis against Sinner. This is the quarters. Now I have to play Sinner in the semis. Obviously that was the first big tournament of the year for me [Australian Open final], coming fresher from several months of break and preparation. It’s a bit different now. But nevertheless, another great, historic run for me at the Grand Slams. This is what counts the most, honestly.

“I still try to prove to myself and others that I’m able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them in the biggest stage. That’s what I’ve done in Australia. It’s what I’ve done here.”

Ravensworth, around four-and-a-half miles from Richmond and about ten miles from Darlington, is a small village with a long and fascinating story.

Though home to only a few hundred people, it has Viking origins, castle ruins, listed buildings and links to one of England’s best-known cricketers.

Ravensworth and Ravensworth Castle (Image: NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES/DJ AERIAL PHOTOGRPAHY/CAMERA CLUB)

At the heart of the village is its broad green, surrounded by traditional stone properties and historic buildings.

The village’s name is thought to derive from the Old Norse name Hrafn, meaning raven, and the word “wath”, meaning ford.

That points to the settlement’s early origins, with Holme Beck running through the area and the village likely developing around an ancient crossing place.

Ravensworth was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086, when it was already a sizeable settlement by the standards of the time.

But its most striking historic feature is Ravensworth Castle.

The remains of the castle, close to the village green, are Grade I listed and date largely from the late 14th century.

The castle was once the ancestral home of the FitzHugh family, one of the most powerful families in the area during the medieval period.

King John is recorded as having visited an earlier fortress at Ravensworth in 1201, while the later castle was associated with Henry, Lord FitzHugh, who enclosed land around it to create a park in the 1390s.

Although the castle was later abandoned and partly dismantled, with stone reused in buildings around the village, its gatehouse remains one of Ravensworth’s most distinctive sights.

Ravensworth and Ravensworth Castle (Image: NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES/DJ AERIAL PHOTOGRPAHY/CAMERA CLUB)

The surviving ruins are on private land, but public footpaths nearby offer views of the historic site.

Yorkshire.com notes that the castle is both a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument, despite being classed as “at risk”.

The castle is not the only reminder of Ravensworth’s past.

Several buildings around the village green are listed, many dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Despite its small size, Ravensworth still has several key village amenities.

The Bay Horse Inn remains a central part of village life and is a popular stop for visitors.

The pub describes itself as being set in the “picturesque village of Ravensworth” and says it aims to bring back a “vibrant traditional country pub” to the area.

Online reviewers have also praised the Bay Horse, with one Tripadvisor reviewer describing it as the “friendliest pub I’ve been in for years”.

Today, Ravensworth is largely a commuter village, with residents travelling to nearby towns such as Richmond, Darlington, Barnard Castle and Northallerton.

For many, Ravensworth’s name is also associated with former England cricketer Sir Ian Botham.

Botham has lived in the village for many years and, in 2020, took the title Lord Botham of Ravensworth.

That connection has brought the village national attention, though Ravensworth’s history stretches back far beyond its modern celebrity links.

Its story includes Viking settlement, medieval barons, castle ruins, farming families, quarry workers, clergy, poets and scholars.

While Ravensworth may not be as well known as Richmond, Reeth or other North Yorkshire favourites, that is part of its appeal.

Police are investigating the death of the 78-year-old , who was a former Conservative MP, Brexit Party MEP, and prisons minister. 

Ms Widdecombe was found dead at a property in Haytor, near Newton Abbott, on Thursday, July 9.

What we know so far about Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder

How did Ann Widdecombe die?

Ms Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at a property in Haytor.

Police were called to the scene at 11.40am on Thursday (July 9) and launched a murder investigation.

Who has been arrested?

A 26-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday (July 10) at an address in Newton Abbot.

What details have been shared about the suspect?

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that the suspect is a 26-year-old white British male and said the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

He said there is no indication that the crime was politically motivated.

How are police investigating?

A cordon remains in place at the property in Haytor.

A cordon remains in place around Ann Widdecombe’s home in Haytor. (Image: Matt Keeble/PA Wire)

Forensic examinations are underway, and officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, at a press conference on Friday, explained: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations.

“There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”

What have national leaders said?

The murder investigation has drawn responses from senior politicians.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the news “really shocking,” while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” by the events.

The whole country will be utterly shocked by the awful news about the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Today we come together across the political divide and I pay tribute to Ann’s dedication during her many years of public service.

My thoughts and deepest condolences… pic.twitter.com/hXps6A9s78

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— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 10, 2026

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described Ms Widdecombe’s death as “extremely distressing” and urged the public not to speculate as the investigation continues.

What support is in place for the public?

Devon and Cornwall Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal for anyone with information, images, or footage related to the case.

Members of the public can also contact police by calling 101 or through the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

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What happens next?

Police remain at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Officers are appealing for further information from the public as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police reads: “This is an extremely tragic incident.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”