The family of Madeleine McCann cheered on her younger brother Sean as he finished eighth in the final of the Commonwealth Games 400m men’s freestyle.

After a seven-hour wait in the East End of Glasgow, they returned for the biggest race of Sean’s young career after he qualified through the morning heats. 

His parents Kate and Gerry and twin sister Amelie watched proudly as they cheered on the 21-year-old and waved Saltire flags in the stands. 

Sean finished in a time of three minutes 53.47 seconds – 12 seconds slower than his morning swim. 

Kate donned a shirt emblazoned with the song title ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ – the song adopted by Scottish football fans.

Australia claimed gold, silver and bronze in the final, which Sean himself admitted he did not expect to qualify for.

But British eyes were on Sean, almost two decades on from the infamous Portugal family holiday which saw Madeleine abducted. The McCann family’s unimaginable tragedy still haunts him and Amelie, wherever they go. 

The 21-year-old had done exceptionally well to reach the final at his first major tournament 

Parents Kate and Gerry and sister Amelie in the stands cheering on Sean at today’s Commonwealth Games 400m freestyle final

The family sat with other Scottish fans in the stands and waved Saltire flags

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He is the younger brother of missing Madeleine McCann and was in the room when she was abducted from her family’s holiday villa in Portugal in 2007

But today, the family finally saw themselves talked about for a different reason as their son’s remarkable story took centre-stage.

Sean’s mother Kate has previously told how he ‘hated’ the water when he was first taken swimming – and yet he soon found his drive, attending up to nine two-hour training sessions every week, many requiring 4am starts.

Inspired by his sporting family – Kate and Gerry even went on a run on their first date – Sean’s dedication has paid off as he sets his sights on success in his first major international meet.

Sean came fourth in his heat and was cheered on today by both parents, as well as Amelie, who herself competes regularly in triathlons.

The elite distance swimmer is eligible to represent Scotland through his father, who was born in Glasgow.

This week a former member of Sean’s coaching team told the Daily Mail that the combination of a young man who was ‘really driven and never one to take the easiest route’, and parents who willed him on, had made him a powerhouse and his story an inspiration.

In his teenage years Sean’s parents would ferry him to training sessions at Braunstone Leisure Centre, a 20-minute drive from the family home in Rothley, Leicestershire, where he would clock up an impressive amount of swim sessions a week, plus two or three punishing gym workouts.

For almost two decades Kate and Gerry McCann have been known as the parents of Madeleine (bottom right), the toddler who disappeared on a family holiday to Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007 – now the family will be known for something else

Amelie, Kate and Gerry McCann applaud as they watch the programme at Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games on Saturday morning

Sean seen at the start of the final, which was dominated by his Australian competitors

Kate and Gerry ‘encouraged their children, but didn’t push them’ said the insider, who coached Sean as a youngster.

He remembered the young man being focused on the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad in 2023 and then deciding he wanted to race for Scotland and for GB in open-water events – so for swimming competitively he changed his nationality to Scottish.

‘For the Commonwealth Games, I was lucky enough to be at the trials in London when he was racing. It was great to watch him and talk to him between prep, to be a part of it and see his journey unfold,’ he said.

What a journey, too, for Sean, who is studying chemical engineering at Loughborough University – chosen for its unrivalled sports facilities.

Distance swimming is an unforgiving sport. Yet those who know Sean’s career describe a steady, determined progression, even during the Covid-19 lockdown when he would train out of the pool at home with Amelie, who is also a keen swimmer.

In the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, he reached the finals of the 400m and 1,500m freestyle, and has since qualified for the European Open Water Championships representing Great Britain.

Sean himself said this week that he was ‘very excited’ about the challenges ahead. ‘It’s the pinnacle really – of representing Scotland in the Commonwealth Games, and especially at a home games.

‘I’ve got lots of family up in Glasgow so that makes it even more special. I was there in 2014 watching as a kid, so to make it now, 12 years later, is really a full circle moment.

Amelie, Kate and Gerry McCann in the stands at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow ahead of Sean’s heat on Saturday morning 

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‘It’s my first senior games, so I’m just looking forward to be representing Scotland and doing my absolute best. I always tend to go out quite slow and build my way into a race. That’s just how I like to pace it.’

It’s quite the change from what Sean has been known for by many until now, solely for his close proximity to Madeleine’s disappearance.

He was, after all, in the same room when she was abducted from the family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in 2007 when he was just two.

Although he might not remember the international fallout, both siblings have grown up in the shadow of the mystery surrounding their older sister, who would now be 23.

The McCann parents have repeatedly spoken of their determination to ensure that Sean and Amelie could grow up with the most normal childhood possible.

‘Our worry is for our children,’ Kate said in 2017. ‘I think we’ve tried to educate them a little bit as well because obviously it’s not just us that has fallen victim to the downside of social media.

‘At some point you’ve got to realise that time is not frozen and I think both of us realise that we owed it to the twins to make sure that their life is as fulfilling as they deserve, and we have certainly tried our best to achieve that.’

Gerry also spoke about developing their independence. ‘I am certainly more protective than I was, but you can’t mollycoddle them,’ he said. ‘They have to be independent. There is increased anxiety but we can’t let that impact on them having a normal upbringing. Sean and Amelie are doing really really well; obviously they are not immune to the media, they hear things, they go to school, they hear the radio.’

For Sean, and by extension his whole family, this is his opportunity to step into the light of something new. The young swimmer is only just getting started – he has the 800m and 1,500m freestyle to follow. 

Now the onus is firmly on Joshua to match that performance with an emphatic statement of his own as he fights for the first time since suffering minor injuries as a passenger in a serious car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members in Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. That tragic accident came just 10 days after Joshua had knocked out Jake Paul in Miami, while it is almost two years now since his last proper competitive bout – a brutal loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

After a ticket frenzy that saw both nights snapped up, the GRAMMY-nominated star brought his Yorkshire coast double-header to a rousing close on Thursday, with another packed-out crowd singing along under the summer sky.

Teddy Swims at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Thursday, July 23, 2026 – his second of two sell-out shows. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

For those who went to the coastal venue, you can relive the magic again through our photo gallery ‘Teddy Swims’ Scarborough sell-out in 16 photos’.

Fans at Scarborough Open Air Theatre for Teddy Swims, on July 23, 2026. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

And if you didn’t make it, hopefully these pictures from the second night give a taste in case you’re tempted next time.

Fans at Scarborough Open Air Theatre for Teddy Swims, on July 23, 2026. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Backed by his band Freak Freely, Teddy delivered a powerhouse set brimming with fan favourites, from The Door and Bad Dreams to the emotional punch of Funeral.

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From the very first note, his trademark soulful vocals and easy charm had Scarborough firmly in the palm of his hand.

Fans at Scarborough Open Air Theatre for Teddy Swims, on July 23, 2026. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Clearly loving every minute of his return, he told the crowd: “I love you so much, Scarborough. I’m having the time of my life up here!”

There was also a huge reaction for his brand-new single Breakup In Reverse, before the night built to a goosebump-inducing finale. Multi-platinum hit Lose Control sparked a mass singalong, bringing an unforgettable two-night stay to a close.

Jordan Rakei supports Teddy Swims at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Opening the show was acclaimed New Zealand-Australian artist Jordan Rakei, setting the tone for an evening packed with atmosphere and energy.

Teddy’s back-to-back sell-outs are just the latest highlight in a big summer for TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre. The 2026 season continues with a sold-out show from James Taylor – and has already seen a string of major names draw huge crowds to the coast.

We hope you enjoy looking through our photo gallery capturing all the standout moments from Teddy Swims’ spectacular Scarborough shows – you might even spot yourself in the crowd!

Were you in the crowd? What was your highlight? Share in the comments below.

Manchester United secured an emphatic 5-0 victory against Rosenborg in their second game of pre-season and Mason Mount has been left thrilled after being assigned a new job

Mason Mount says he ‘loves’ being entrusted as a leader at Manchester United, having been handed the captain’s armband against Rosenborg. The midfielder was given the role by Michael Carrick against the Norwegian side in their second pre-season friendly after Harry Maguire was taken off.

And it turned out to be a very productive outing for the Red Devils as they chalked up a 5-0 victory – Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkzee, Justin Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams all finding the net.

Mount was one of the most experienced players on the pitch throughout the evening and has said he is comfortable taking on more responsibility. He said: “You have different types of leaders.

“You have ones that are very vocal, but I see myself as one who leads by example and never stops working. I’ve been captain previously, years ago, so I love the role.

“Especially with a lot of younger players on the pitch, and off it as well, being able to speak to them and make them feel comfortable, it’s something I really like.”

Another sight that United fans got to see against Rosenborg was a midfield duo of Mount and summer signing Andrey Santos. The Brazilian joined United in a £50m switch from Chelsea earlier this summer.

“I’ve known Andrey for a while,” Mount said about his new team-mate. “I’ve watched him from afar since he broke into the first-team at Chelsea.

“He’s a really good player and reads the game very well. He’s a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more and work off him.

“Defensively as well, we’re both players that want to get around it, put tackles in, win the ball back and be aggressive.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s a position I’ve played for many years from a young age. It’s a position that I love, and I see myself in.”

Mount, Santos and their Man United teammates will be back in action next week as the Red Devils continue their preparations for the new campaign. Their next assignment comes next weekend against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid before showdowns with Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan. Carrick’s side commence their competitive campaign against newly-promoted Hull City away from home.

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In 1976, a Playboy model turned feminist sex-researcher called Shere Hite did hundreds of television and radio appearances promoting her book, The Hite Report: A Nationwide Study of Female Sexuality. She went on Good Night America dressed in a high-necked Victorian white silk blouse, huge faux-pearl earrings and matching necklace, her face framed by a cloud of apricot curls.

The host, Geraldo Rivera, grinning under his 1970s handlebar moustache, asked her to summarise her book’s findings. “Don’t get hung up, turned off or turned on by the explicit language,” he warned the audience. Hite outlined the great provocation of the work: “Intercourse doesn’t lead to orgasm for most women.”

Using a survey methodology, Hite found women required clitoral stimulation to orgasm. And while they knew about the clitoris because they masturbated, they rarely asked for it in straight sex. Instead, they gritted their teeth or faked it, the loudest way to be silent about sexual dissatisfaction.

To understand why, Hite held sex up to feminism, and found it was shot through with power and inequality. Society insisted that women – like men – should find their greatest pleasure in penetrative sex: the man penetrating, the woman penetrated. Hite declared: “Sex is sexist … Women’s sex lives clearly reflect their second-class position in society.”

The book exploded across the US. It was translated widely, became a bestseller in Japan, was banned in Brazil and smuggled into East Germany. To date 50 million copies have been sold, making it the 30th bestselling book of all time.

For a time Hite was everywhere, and everyone loved the book. Erica Jong, author of the sex-forward 1973 novel Fear of Flying wrote in the New York Review of Books: “Read The Hite Report if you want to know how sex really is right now.” The National Observer described it as a “bombshell”. Even Playboy praised her redefinition of orgasm from something that men “give” to women, to “something she works toward herself”.

As I found in my archival research for my recent book, The Book That Taught the World to Orgasm and then Disappeared: Shere Hite and the Hite Report, she received thousands of letters from readers.

Women wrote to her from the suburbs, praising her for the way the book made them feel normal. Men working in factories, on oil rigs, and in prison wrote to her too. This was often the first book about feminism they had ever read.

Anti-feminist backlash

Partly inspired by the plentiful fan mail, she began The Hite Report on Male Sexuality, which was published in 1981, but by this time, anti-feminist storm clouds were gathering on the horizon. Critic Philip Nobile argued in New York Magazine that she “whipped herself up into an antipatriarchal frenzy” and “totally neglects biology”. Men, Nobile claimed, were “naturally promiscuous”.

This biological explanation for social inequality was one from the New Right, a grassroots coalition of right-wing figures including televangelist Jerry Falwell and mega-church minister and bestselling apocalyptic sci-fi writer, Tim LaHaye who entangled biblical and scientific explanations to fight the forces of feminism.

Right-wing women too pushed biological explanations. Conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly and founder of conservative anti-feminist group Eagle Forum argued that “the man is orgasm oriented” while the “woman is engulfed in romanticism”.

The New Right also engaged in the politics of grievance, arguing that ordinary Americans had been left behind by civil rights and feminism. Any gains for feminists such as women working, especially in traditionally male professions, or improved laws and services around rape and domestic violence, were necessarily a loss for them.

This zero-sum explanation was particularly appealing at a time of economic downturn and unemployment which was caused by global oil crises, though as journalist Susan Faludi wrote in her now classic text Backlash, feminism got the blame.

Ronald Reagan upheld this view, remarking in a 1982 address on the state of the economy: “Part of the unemployment is not as much recession as it is the great increase in the people going into the job market and, ladies, I’m not picking on anyone, but because of the increase in women who are working today…”

Right wing forces of the 1980s resemble the right today; the loops and echoes are striking. The misogynists of the manosphere today misuse evolutionary psychology to argue that domination is men’s nature and deception and promiscuity are women’s. They also suggest that men’s natural instincts are curbed by a world beholden to feminist interests.

Trad wives – communities of right-wing,
“traditional wife” women who advocate through social media for hierarchical gender roles – also suggest that women are not biologically built for casual sex or paid work, but monogamy, baby-making and submission. Both right-wing women of the 1980s and trad wives now tend towards the conspiratorial. These right-wing women painted feminists as elites who had taken over the government by devious means.

They, contrarily, were “a little flock pitted against … the president, the federal bureaucracy, the mushrooming feminist organisations”, as Rosemary Thompson, director of Schlafley’s Eagle Forum put it.

Today trad wives sometimes incorporate an anticapitalist edge into their conspiracy theories. As one influencer claimed, feminism is a “lie corporations created to get more workers and more money”. In the 1980s as now, we see how ideas that began on the fringes of the political right became mainstream.

By 1987, when Hite published the third book in her trilogy, Women and Love, media vilification intensified. From the London Review of Books and the Washington Post to the New York Post and Penthouse, all reviewed her negatively. The tempest against feminism was in full swing.

Republican strategists had learned a lot from right-wing women and began to centre anti-feminism, gender and sexuality in their electoral platform alongside economic conservatism and national defence. Ronald Reagan’s victories owed a lot to these women and by 1987 he’d been in office for seven years, pushing anti-feminist politics widely.

Politics leaked into culture too. One of the bestselling books of the year was Donald Trump’s The Art of the Deal and one of the most popular films was Fatal Attraction, where the feminist career woman “psycho” is literally killed off by the stay-at-home mom.

With Fox TV camped outside her house and the media becoming increasingly harassing, Hite fled from the US, settling in Europe until her death in 2020. Her work largely disappeared from public memory.

The story of Hite and The Hite Report helps us understand how one woman lived the backlash and how she came undone. This shows us that backlashes are not inevitable, but political, that there is often period of real progress, followed by a clampdown by those who want to maintain their power. Shere Hite’s story helps us all to see what they are up against.

This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org; if you click on one of the links and go on to buy something, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

By BOBBY MANZI, FOOTBALL REPORTER

Published: 19:03 BST, 25 July 2026 | Updated: 19:23 BST, 25 July 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has shamelessly praised Argentina’s ‘professionalism’ in a tone-deaf letter to the nation’s FA – despite launching an investigation into their behaviour after losing the World Cup final against Spain.

While congratulatory letters are customary after the World Cup, with all three medal-winning nations receiving one from Infantino, his choice of words is questionable.

In the letter – first leaked by the Argentine media and since verified by Daily Mail Sport – sent to the President of the Argentine FA, Claudio Tapia, Infantino thanked Argentina for their impact on a successful World Cup and applauded their professionalism.

‘Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain,’ Infantino said.

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‘I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.

‘The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.

Gianni Infantino handed Lionel Messi his silver medal alongside President Trump

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Infantino watched the World Cup semi-final alongside Argentine FA Claudio Tapia

The Argentina squad turned their back as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy

 ‘The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.

‘Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.

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‘These victories are always the fruit of constant work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport. All this augurs a very promising future and, without a doubt, will pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.

‘I wish you, dear Mr. President, all the best for the next competitions and I hope to see you again very soon. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.’

Argentina, who lost in extra-time in the final, frustrated opponents throughout the tournament with their anti-football style of play.

The 2022 winners failed to register a single shot on target in the final and following the defeat, they turned their backs as Luis de la Fuente’s side lifted the trophy.

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Leonardo Paredes attacked Eric Garcia in a post-match fracas that also appeared to involve Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala – an incident FIFA are investigating.

The final itself was packed with controversy. Lionel Messi attempted to con referee Slavko Vincic into sending Marc Cucurella off after the Spain defender covered his mouth while speaking to the official. Argentina had attempted a similar tactic on Jude Bellingham during their semi-final against England.

In that semi-final victory, Argentina were also guilty of frequent simulation and gamesmanship in a provocative display.

They also drew complaints from British dignitaries after celebrating with a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which translates as ‘The Falklands are Argentine’.

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Newcastle fans have paid tribute to Kevin Keegan with an extraordinary sea of flowers outside St James’ Park. 

The grounds outside the stadium are awash with floral bouquets, Newcastle shirts and a huge banner celebrating ‘The Messiah’. 

The legendary football player and manager died this week aged 75 following a stage four cancer battle. 

His diagnosis was first revealed in January but his family announced with ‘immense sadness’ that he passed away on Monday. 

Newcastle fans paid hundreds of tributes to the club’s former manager at St James’ Park on Saturday as the Magpies drew 1-1 away against Gateshead this afternoon in their first fixture since his death.

Before the match, the team held a minute’s silence to honour the man nicknamed ‘Mighty Mouse’.

Dozens of fans were pictured laying flowers alongside Newcastle shirts and scarves around the outside of the ground.

Newcastle bosses are reportedly in discussions with Liverpool, their first opponents of the new season, to ensure Keegan’s ‘memory is marked fittingly before the game’. 

The football icon died on Monday following a short battle with stage four stomach cancer, for which he had begun treatment in Janaury 

One fan left a heartfelt message along with a vintage Magpies shirt and a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale 

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Kevin Keegan attends a team warm up before the Premier League match at St James’ Park against Middlesbrough in 2008

Keegan made 230 appearances and scored 68 goals for Liverpool during his six-year stint at the club between 1971 and 1977. 

On Wednesday, as the Magpies head down south to play away against Bristol City, Keegan’s image will be shown on screens around the stadium during the seventh minute in a nod to the number he wore during his playing career. 

Fans have been encouraged to give him applause during this time. 

And next month, on August 15 and 16, when Newcastle men’s team will face Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg and the women’s side will play Inter Milan, Keegan’s image will again be shown during the seventh minute. 

It comes amid growing calls for a statue honouring Keegan to be erected outside Newcastle’s stadium.

Meanwhile others have said the East Stand at St James’ Park should be renamed after him.  

The former forward and two-time Ballon d’Or winner made 63 appearances for England during his playing career, while spending his club career Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United. 

One of the most famous moments of his managerial career came in 1996 when he infamously stated he would ‘love it if we beat’ Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. 

Keegan at the first day at the Boodles May Festival City Day at Chester Racecourse, in Cheshire

‘There’s only one Kevin Keegan,’ read one fan’s tribute on an England shirt left outside St James’ Park 

Flowers, shirts, scarfs and a huge banner honouring The Messiah were left outside the grounds on Saturday

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One supporter also left a copy of Keegan’s autobiography My Life In Football on the steps to the stadium

Alan Shearer led the tributes to Keegan after he passed away following a short battle with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with abdominal problems.

In a statement, his family said: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. 

‘The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

‘Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. 

‘The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.’

And following the tragic news, figures from across the footballing world were quick to pay their respects to Keegan, who represented Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle and later managed the Magpies (twice), Fulham, England and Manchester City.

Newcastle legend Shearer said: ‘My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.’

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: ‘RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.

Keegan is pictured here with former England and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer in 1999

One fan left a number seven ballon in reference to Keegan’s kit number during his playing career

Another supporter left framed artwork picturing the Mighty Mouse during his playing days 

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‘One of the most important men in making @LFC what it is today.’

Prince William, the official patron of The FA, said: ‘Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.

‘A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.

‘Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. W.’ 

Trevor Brooking said: ‘I am so very sad to hear the devastating news today about my friend and former team-mate Kevin Keegan.

‘My friendship with Kevin goes back many decades, to our playing days for England. We were lucky enough to develop a real understanding on the field of play and know what each other was thinking.

‘Kevin liked to run and find space on the pitch and I’d try to time my passes to give him the best chance to use his world-class skills to score

‘We roomed together on England duty and Kevin, with his bubbly character, was never shy of making jokes, often at my expense!

‘I recently met up for lunch with Kevin and Jean when they were visiting London. Although it had been a while since we’d last seen each other, we picked up our conversation as if it had been yesterday.

‘That afternoon, reminiscing about our footballing days, is one I will always treasure.’ 

Former England captain David Beckham posted: ‘Such a sad day to hear the passing of Kevin Keegan.

‘A man that was very kind to me and my family xx. Sending lots of love and thoughts to his family and friends.’

Several of Keegan’s former clubs also shared their own tribute, including Newcastle.

Taking to social media, they said: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.

‘Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.’

Liverpool shared their own heartfelt post which read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss.

‘His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin. 1951-2026.’

Neil Gray said that decisions on how best to tackle the fire were taken on an “evidence basis” and the government “takes its lead from the emergency services in terms of our response.”

He said: “We’ve been very clear that all resources that could possibly be committed are being committed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Gray added that the government had also approached the military to ask for additional helicopters having “exhausted all commercially available helicopters” but had not yet had a response.

The cabinet secretary continued that two helicopters were available on Saturay, and further helicopters would be available on Sunday.

He said these were coming from the commercial sector, and were covered by a contract that was led by the government body NatureScot.

The fire broke out near the village of Glenmore on Wednesday last week, and led to residents and campsites being evacuated.

It covered about six square kilometres of heather and small trees at its height, with more than 500 firefighters tackling it.

“More!?!” bellows the incredulous, pompous Mr Bumble, and a chase ensures through the dining room, Oliver running along the wooden trestle tables and scrabbling among the legs beneath them. “Catch him, snatch him, pick him up and bounce him…”

Mr Bumble, the workhouse master, marches Oliver through the dining room after he asked for more

It is a scene that could have played out in the dining room of the Ripon Workhouse Museum which reopened this week after a £2.8m redevelopment.

Dining room, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

With “God is Good” shouting down from the Ripon walls, there are wooden tables on the echoey flagstone floor, and separate doors through which the different classes of paupers entered – old male paupers, young male paupers, old women paupers, young women paupers.

Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

While they shuffled gratefully in from their doors on the side walls, in the middle of the longest wall is the most important door: the one with “master” and “matron” marked on it. You can imagine Harry Secombe regally entering through it, cane in hand, and looking down on the poor, the sick, the widowed, the orphaned, the elderly and the poverty-stricken on the tables before him.

Dining room, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

A plate in the museum’s display tells what an old woman (that’s over 60 years of age) would have tucked into: one pint of tea and four ounces of bread for breakfast; one pint of soup and six ounces of bread for dinner, and one pint of porridge and four ounces of bread for supper.

“We want people to go round and imagine what it would be like to live here,” said community curator Dr Laura Allan.

“The stories of the real people who lived through extraordinary hardship challenge us to think about fairness, dignity and opportunity, both in Victorian Britain and today,” said Alexa Vernon, director of Ripon Museums Trust. “This was the Victorian solution for poverty: you worked 10 hours a day for no pay and were separated from your family in the hope that you would prefer to live a fine upstanding life outside.

“This is one of the most complete surviving workhouses in the country, and it is not just a local story: there were workhouses up and down the country.”

The gatehouse, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

From the late 16th Century, parishes were given the responsibility of looking after the poor, and Ripon’s first workhouse was built on the Allhallowgate site in 1776, with room for 30 people.

In 1834, the New Poor Law encouraged parishes to band together to create “union workhouses”, but Ripon refused to have anything to do with the new ideas from London until some extraordinary events in May 1852. In drink, John Adams, the master of the workhouse assaulted his wife, Jane Mary, the matron, and threatened to kill her.

Ripon Workhouse Museum

He was locked up in the House of Correction and she was ordered to leave their home in the workhouse grounds. She refused, and resisted when two Overseers of the Poor and the parish constable tried to evict her.

According to several Yorkshire newspapers, there were “disgraceful” scenes as her supporters gathered outside the workhouse gates. After 90 minutes, Jane Mary was physically thrown out but as she suffered injuries to her arm and neck, she prosecuted the three officials for assault. After a lengthy hearing, magistrates let the three men off but also dismissed the charges of violence against two of her supporters.

With the workhouse in chaos, Ripon had to adopt the new model of workhouses and built the institution that is now the museum – “erected AD1854” shouts the brickwork on the gatehouse at the visitor as they arrive.

The gatehouse also greeted the poor who, unable to cope in the outside world, threw themselves at its door in hope of relief.

“This was a place of last resort,” said Dr Allan. “To come here was utterly shameful. Only people who had no choice came here because it was the only form of government support.”

They were divided into paupers, who were local people who had fallen on hard times, and “vagrants” – the poor from elsewhere who lived their lives on the road.

The vagrants’ bathroom, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

Vagrants were given a bath (water changed every third wash) and two nights in a cell, overseen by a Tramp Major, with gruel and labour, before being turfed out to wander onto the next workhouse, possibly Northallerton.

The vagrants’ cells, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

Local paupers were admitted to the workhouse. They were held in quarantine for several days, to prevent them passing on germs, and passed through the “deinfestor”: they were washed and scrubbed, and their clothes were “stoved”, or baked, to kill off any lice.

Then they were separated into their classes, by age and gender, and sent to their wing.

Workhouses were there for the “deserving poor” – children, widows, orphans, disabled – but conditions were so tough that the “undeserving poor” – the able bodied who didn’t work for reasons including alcoholism, mental problems, learning difficulties, army veterans or “moral degeneracy” – would not want to go in.

They were overseen by a board of guardians, composed of local male bigwigs, and as the cost was borne by local ratepayers, who were largely local male bigwigs, budgets were meagre.

“They wanted to spend as little money as possible and it was about managing the problem rather than helping people escape from poverty,” said Dr Allan.

A woman’s work, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

For 10 hours a day, they did their tasks: breaking stones for road-mending, chopping wood, picking oakum – taking the strands out of old rope so they could be re-wound into new. Men worked in the garden and the piggery while women helped in the laundry and mended uniforms.

They came together at mealtimes, entering the dining room through their different doors, but even families were not allowed socialise.

The master’s house flanked by the wards and dormitories of the residents at Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

In the middle of the workhouse complex was the master and matron’s house – a comfortable middle class abode with its own garden and a piano (which museum visitors are encouraged to play). It’s rather when the contestant has lost at the end of the TV quiz show Bullseye when the curtain is pulled back to reveal the star prize that they could have won had the lottery of life dealt the cards differently – the happy notes of someone else’s piano drifting across the oakum-pickers in the day yard must have been especially galling.

An accident of history has meant that Ripon’s workhouse has survived almost intact – although £2.5m from the National Lottery and other grants have been necessary to save its fabric and interpret its stories – and also its registers survive, allowing tantalising insights into the lives of the working class people who used it.

“Workhouses are complex places, they are not all good, they are not all bad,” said Dr Allan, who hails from Spennymoor. “There are stories of hardship and poverty but there are also stories of resilience and hope.”

The classroom where children got three hours of education a day before going to work at Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

In July 1900, most newspapers, including The Northern Echo, told the story of Hannah Wade who had died aged 95 after spending 60 or so years in the workhouse.

Research suggests that she was actually born Ann Wade in 1803, and she regularly features in the registers, where she is described as an imbecile or a lunatic who costs three shillings a week to maintain.

The 1864 register describes her as “an idiot, not dangerous to herself or others, not of dirty habits, and has been of unsound mind from birth”, although the D&S Times’ obituary in 1900 is more kindly, saying “she had a retentive memory, and being bright and cheerful, was always ready to entertain visitors with old stories of Ripon”.

The workhouse archives also show how they evolved over the course of the 19th Century.

“In the 1880s, the first women were allowed to become guardians and we can see a change,” said Dr Allan. “In the 1890s, the children said they were sick of eating porridge and Mrs Lee proposed giving them bread and jam. The male guardians said no but the other female guardians voted for it.”

Ripon Union Workhouse female inmates

Workhouses faded out in the 20th Century as the first pensions were introduced and labour exchanges were set up to help people find work.

“These changes meant the only people in here were elderly and sick, especially as workhouses were seen as not the right place for young children who were sent to orphanages, and so conditions begin to soften with more leisure time and central heating,” says Dr Allan. “In 1930, the board of guardians was abolished and the workhouse became known as the ‘public assistance institution’. It becomes more like a care home, although it is still run by a master and matron until 1948 when the NHS is introduced.”

In the kitchen, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

Ripon’s workhouse was council offices until in 2017 it was bought by the Ripon Museum Trust and this week’s reopening marks its transformation into a visitor attraction. The independent trust also runs the police and prisons museum and the courthouse museum, which volunteers saved when the working lives of the Victorian buildings came to an end.

In the cellar with the carcase drop and the butchery table, Ripon Workhouse Museum, by Sarah Caldecott

This means the city has a unique triumvirate of museums that tell the story of poverty, crime and punishment which is to be found in the family tree of nearly all of us, and many of the inhabitants of the workhouse would also have been familiar with the courthouse and the prison.

“People are really interested in these stories of ordinary people,” says Dr Adams. “Dickens brought these stories to life in Oliver Twist – they are a bit grimy and dark in places but they fascinate people.”

• The museums of Ripon are open from 10am to 4pm daily. Admission to all three for a year is £19 for an adult, or to just the new workhouse is £11. Full details at riponmuseums.co.uk

By JOE ROSSITER, REPORTER

Published: 16:55 BST, 25 July 2026 | Updated: 18:56 BST, 25 July 2026

Andy Burnham was out for a jog near his northern home today as more migrants crossed the Channel two days after 165 arrived on a single boat.

Clad in a yellow Adidas Boston Marathon T-shirt from 2019, the new Prime Minister bobbed along the road near his home in Warrington, Cheshire, as pressure mounted on him to break his immigration silence.

More than 500 small-boat migrants arrived in the first week of Mr Burnham’s premiership, according to Home Office data released during the PM’s unveiling of his No10 North ‘gimmick’ 300 miles away from Westminster.

Today two men thought to be migrants arrived in the UK after rowing a tiny dinghy across the Channel.

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Pictures showed the boat arriving at the Border Security Command compound in Dover, Kent, after it was reported they were rescued by the RNLI during their attempt.

Their crossing came two days after a record 165 migrants crossed the water in a single boat, dubbed a ‘mega-dinghy’.

Estimated at around 13m (42ft) long, it was the same length as a standard bus.

Border Security Command towed the boat as it arrived in Dover on Thursday afternoon.

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Andy Burnham was out for a jog near his home in Warrington, Cheshire, on Saturday

But he faced mounting pressure to break his silence on immigration after migrants continued to flood in from the Channel during his first week in office

A dinghy used by people thought to have been migrants lay on the quayside at Border Security Command in Dover, Kent

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Some 103 people arrived on Friday after crossing in two boats on Friday, bringing the year’s total to 13,110.

Mr Burnham has been criticised for his failure to mention immigration once during his first week in No10 despite the issue topping a string of recent voter priority polls.

Instead he has focused on lowering bills and bus fares while calling the launch of his Northern Whitehall operation the ‘best day of my life’.

But Reform UK leader Nigel Farage branded the Labour leader ‘open borders Burnham’ and said he ‘will do nothing to stop the illegal and dangerous invasion of our country, he won’t even mention it’.

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Labour peer Lord Glasman called on the new Prime Minister to take a more ‘aggressive’ approach on the Channel crisis.

He said: ‘What’s happening here is absolutely outrageous. I’ve been in favour for a long time of putting the Royal Navy in the Channel and literally stopping the boats… we’ve got to have a much more aggressive policy towards the French government.’

The arrivals came after figures showed small-boat migrants accounted for just 7 per cent of deportations last year, suggesting most are not deported.

More than 500 small-boat migrants have arrived in Burnham’s first week, with one 13m-long ‘mega-dinghy’ carrying 165 people

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The number of arrivals so far this year – more than 13,000 – is over 40 per cent down on last year

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Wednesday’s tally of 172 migrants came on three boats, as did Thursday’s total of 366. That means on Thursday, a staggering average of 122 people were packed on each of the three vessels.

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But the 165 packed on to the ‘mega-dinghy’ smashed the previous single-boat record of 128.

More than 77,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since Labour’s election victory in July 2024. Since records began in 2018, arrivals total more than 200,000.

While the number of arrivals so far this year – more than 13,000 – is over 40 per cent down on last year, experts believe crossings could go up again.

Wednesday’s crossings were the first recorded since July 10, which experts said was partly because of windy weather and choppier waters.

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A Home Office spokesman said yesterday: ‘Removals of small-boat migrants are at record levels and asylum claims down by 12 per cent.’