Saudi government official and boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has abandoned his proposed takeover of Derby County.

Derby were in discussions with Alalshikh’s Lion Sport over the purchase of controlling interest in the Championship outfit, but talks will no longer proceed with the club now “off the market”.

The acquisition process had been sanctioned by both the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and the EFL, notification of which Derby received last week.

But in a stark change of course, Derby confirmed on Monday: “Today the club received notice that Lion Sport no longer wanted to continue with the purchase.

“For the benefit of any doubt, the club is now off the market and will continue to operate under the loyal, committed and unwavering support of Clowes Developments.”

Alalshikh cited the length of time for his takeover to get ratified by the IFR as one of the primary reasons he chose to pull out of a deal, which left him with “no time” to make preparations for the upcoming season.

“We understood that the IFR process takes time and fully respect the importance of that,” he posted on X.

“But unfortunately with the season already started, it would leave us with no time to prepare the team or the club for the season ahead.

“After careful consideration, we don’t feel it is right to proceed at this time without the necessary preparation in place, but we will remain in conversation with the club and see what is possible in the future.”

Alalshikh, who is the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is at the heart of boxing and is the co-founder of promotion Zuffa alongside UFC president Dana White.

Derby begin their league campaign at Charlton on Saturday.

Additional reporting from PA

By DAVID WILCOCK, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

Published: 16:22 BST, 10 August 2026 | Updated: 17:51 BST, 10 August 2026

Labour will seek closer ties with Brussels under Andy Burnham, according to the senior minister appointed to lead reset talks with the EU.

In comments that have enraged Brexiteers, Hamish Falconer has said he wants Britain to have a ‘deeper’ and ‘more ambitious’ relationship with the bloc.

The European Relations minister was promoted by Mr Burnham to lead talks with the EU and said that while Labour had ‘red lines’, he was open to bending them as far as he could.

It will raise questions over whether Labour is prepared to backslide over freedom of movement, after Mr Falconer told The Guardian he was interested in a deal that would give Britons visa-free travel on the continent.

Advertisement

Under the current agreement British nationals can travel visa-free for only 90 days. But any renegotiation would almost certainly see Brussels ask for a quid-pro-quo for EU citizens visiting Britain.

Mr Falconer, the son of Blair-era Labour minster Charlie Falconer, referenced his past career as a diplomat in the Middle East, saying: ‘We’re committed to our manifesto red lines, but all of my experiences as a negotiator and the art of the possible is in part shaped by the nature of the relationship between two people negotiating.

‘I used to be a negotiator with the Taliban. With the EU, this is a negotiation with our friends, with whom we share our values and with whom we feel solidarity.’

Advertisement

In comments likely to enrage Brexiteers Hamish Falconer said he wanted the UK to have a ‘deeper … more ambitious relationship’ with Brussels on his watch

The former Foreign Office Minister, was promoted by Mr Burnham to lead talks with the bloc, said that while Labour had ‘red lines’ he was open to bending them as far as he could

He highlighted the service sector as an area where a closer arrangement could be made, adding: ‘There’s also a whole range of areas in relation to services where I’d really like it to be progressed. 

‘Services is obviously an area where the EU itself is less closely integrated and there’s a lot of discussion within the EU about where to take the productivity challenge for them – that’s a challenge we can recognise here in the UK as well. So, particularly on services, I’m really interested in where we can go further.’  

Advertisement

But Tory frontbencher Alex Burghart said Labour was ‘clutching at straws’.

‘To fix the economy they need to open up the North Sea (oil and gas industry), cut public spending, cut taxes and regulation, get the national debt down and build the conditions for growth. None of this needs a deal with the EU which itself has low growth.

‘Burnham and his team are going to give us a bad deal which hands control of our regulations to Brussels and doesn’t fix the problems at home.

‘While Labour remains fixated on the past, only the Conservatives, under new leadership, are focused on delivering a serious plan for Britain’s future.’

Advertisement

When running for his return to Westminster as Makerfield MP, Mr Burnham in May said he was not proposing the UK rejoin the European Union, warning against getting stuck in a ‘permanent rut’ of Brexit arguments.  

He said Brexit had been ‘damaging’ but ‘the last thing we should do right now is re-run those arguments’.

Mr Burnham has previously said he would like to see the UK back in the EU within his lifetime.

At a fringe event at the Labour conference in September 2025 he said his ‘long-term’ goal would be to seek to return to the EU.

Advertisement

‘People prosper more when they’re part of unions,’ he told the audience.

Tributes have been paid to a ‘beautiful’ 16-year-old cheerleading coach who died in a ‘terrible’ boat accident while on a family holiday in the Dominican Republic.

Abbie Lainton, from Swindon, Wiltshire, died after a vessel burst into flames off the coast of the Caribbean island.

Two of her siblings were among more than 20 tourists ‘badly injured’ after the catamaran exploded into a fireball off Soana island on July 27 as it made its way back to Bayahibe.

Devastating images from the scene show the doomed vessel which was carrying 35 people become engulfed in flames and thick smoke.

Abbie reportedly suffered 60 per cent burns in the blast on the packed boat and although she was rushed to hospital, she sadly died three days later. 

The three children were understood to have been on the boat without their parents Gary and Rebecca Lainton.

The teenager coached athletes at the Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club and was a former pupil at Tanwood School for Performing Arts, a youth musical theatre group.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said it is providing consular support to Abbie’s family and assisting other British nationals and their families affected by the incident.

It is in contact with the local authorities.

According to a fundraising page set up to raise money for Abbie’s family, the schoolgirl died on July 30 in a ‘terrible accident’.

She had been enjoying the summer with her friends and was looking forward to receiving her GCSE results, the page reads.

Abigail’s cheerleading club Swindon Lightning paid tribute to ‘her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading’

The tourist boat was returning from the Saona Island when a ‘pop’ was heard before it accelerated and then burst into flames

Those who live nearby to Abbie’s family in Swindon said they have lived there for ‘quite some time’ and have told of their shock at the news. 

One neighbour told the Mail: ‘I heard the two girls and the lad were on the boat and must have been near where it exploded.

‘It’s terrible. The young girl’s not too bad, she’s got a broken leg and her brother’s got some burns but he’s not too bad now. They’re all back in the UK now.

‘I’ve known them for a long time. It’s heartbreaking.’

Reports said at the time that 24 people were injured and taken to local hospitals, with many of them suffering burns.

An eyewitness said empty boats in the sea had dashed to rescue those on the damaged vessel.

One news anchor stated on TV: ‘This type of case is not the first time it’s happened in our country. There have been several. Every vessel on beaches in tourist areas must have a valid permit and authorisation.

‘But what worries me most is the necessary maintenance given to those vessels to transport tourists.’How often are they supervised by the authorities?’

One neighbour said: ‘It’s unbelievable. We heard about it from a friend of a friend. It’s extremely, extremely upsetting. They’ve not been out the house much.

‘We were just aware that something wasn’t right. They’re a nice family, very nice family.’

Gisell Segovia was on the boat with her 35-year-old husband Navin Torres and told The Sun Abbie ‘did not go out without a fight’.

The tourist boat was returning from the Saona Island when a ‘pop’ was heard before it accelerated and then burst into flames. 

Gisell described people being thrown from their seats with broken pieces of the boat ‘flying everywhere’. 

She said she remembered Abbie because of her ‘beautiful eyes’. 

The blast left some people with broken bones and spinal injuries with an official in the Dominican Republic adding ‘we will offer every assistance that we can during this sorrowful time. Our prayers are with the family’.

Writing on Facebook, Tanwood School for Performing Arts shared the news of Abbie’s death and posted photos of her as a young child dressed in various dance costumes.

The school said: ‘Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together.

‘She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet! Abbie took her dance training and joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club where she once again excelled and competed all over the world.

Abigail, pictured with her parents Becky and Gary and siblings Carley and Bradley, was involved in a fatal incident on July 30

‘Abbie’s family have been part of the Tanwood family for years, and have always offered unwavering support.

‘We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts.’

Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club paid tribute to the ‘beautiful athlete and coach’ in a post on Instagram.

It said: ‘There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family.

‘Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years. She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.’

Also among those to pay tribute was cheerleading champion, and star of the Netflix docuseries Cheer, Dillon Brandt.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘Abbie was an amazing athlete and coach, a part of Swindon Lightning. This beautiful and talented person has passed away, the dedication to be a dedicated and loving person in the world did not go unnoticed.

‘Please take the time to pray for her family, friends, and Swindon Lightning family during this time.’

Paul McMinigal died following an incident in Parkhead on Friday, July 24.

A suspect has appeared in court accused of murdering another man outside a block of flats in Glasgow. Paul McMinigal was found seriously injured within the Burgher Street flats in Parkhead last month.

Emergency crews were called to the scene in the east end of the city after the alarm was raised at around 3pm on Friday, July 24. The 44-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Scotland previously said they were treating the death as murder and launched a major investigation. Last week, the force confirmed a 25-year-old man had been arrested and charged in connection with the death.

Kyle Potter, 25, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday. He made no plea during the short, private hearing, was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

He will appear in court again in the next eight days. A police presence remained in the area for a number of days following the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen McGrath initially urged locals to come forward with any information they may have had. He said in part: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Paul McMinigal who died at what is an extremely difficult time for them.

“They continue to be supported by specially trained officers. We understand that this incident will be concerning for the local community and a police presence will remain in the area while the investigation continues.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Around 250 engineers threatened to strike

Engineers from Marshalls Aerospace have called off strike action. In July, the Unite union announced that around 250 employees from Marshall Aerospace, based at Cambridge Airport, were balloting for strike action in a dispute over pay.

The workers included engineers who maintain the C-130 Hercules aircraft and manufacture auxiliary fuel tanks for the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. A pay rise of 5.75 per cent for base pay and allowances has been agreed, therefore calling off strike action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “A huge well done to the workers at Marshall Aerospace who stood their ground, voted for strike action and won a much-improved pay offer.

“Once again, Unite’s complete dedication to achieving better jobs, pay and conditions is putting money in workers’ pockets.”

The company initially put forward a 4.5 per cent increase for pay. However, workers rejected this offer and voted for industrial action in July.

Unite regional officer Neil Moore added: “This is a fantastic result for our members and one they should be proud of. It demonstrates the power of collective bargaining when it is backed by an organised, united and determined membership.

“Every member who voted, supported the campaign and was prepared to stand together contributed to this result. Their collective strength delivered this deal.”

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

The Ireland star could move for a Championship record transfer fee, but the Hammers face plenty of competition for Troy Parrott.

Troy Parrott has been hailed as “the centre-forward we have been craving” by a West Ham goalscoring legend.

Tony Cottee is fifth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts with 146 goals across two spells with the Hammers, while he also lined out for Everton and Leicester City in the Premier League.

He reckons Parrott would be the perfect fit as his former side bids to return to the top-flight at the first attempt, after last season’s relegation to the Championship.

West Ham have reportedly submitted their first bid for the Ireland star – a €17.5 million offer that falls well short of the €25m his club AZ Alkmaar are after.

Cottee hopes the two clubs can come to an agreement.

“I think he could be the perfect fit (for West Ham),” said the Hammers legend, speaking to BelfastLive via NetBet Casino Ireland.

“A six-foot-one centre-forward, scores goals, he’s exactly what the club needs. He’s an Irish lad who has been at Spurs, knows the English league, so I think potentially it could be a fantastic signing for the club.

“I think his profile is exactly what West Ham need – a young centre-forward who can hopefully lead the line and above all else he scores goals.”

Cottee reckons Parrott has the ability to do for the Hammers what Harry Kane did for years at London rivals Tottenham.

He said: “We’ve been crying out for a centre-forward for many years; someone that can consistently score the goals.

“I’m not talking about having a glory spell and then you don’t do anything for two or three seasons. I’m talking about someone who does it season in, season out, like what Harry Kane has done.

“The best thing about Harry is, it’s every season. It isn’t 50 goals in one season and then five in the next.

“Consistency is the thing that all players are striving for.

“If Troy can arrive at West Ham and take that number nine shirt and say to everyone, I’m the main man here and I’m the one that’s going to score the goals, then great.

“You can play Taty (Castellanos) with him or just behind him because he’s a good player, and he can link up with him. Then you’ve got two players that can score goals.

“You’ve got Bowen on the right and whoever is going to play on the left, so you are looking at a West Ham team with a real attacking threat and you need that to get out of the Championship, you need to score goals.”

The time that Parrott spent in London while trying to break into a Spurs side that was spearheaded by Kane would stand to him if a move to West Ham was to materialise, according to Cottee.

He said: “It’s not like he’s a Geordie or a Scouser or from the Midlands, I know he’s an Irish boy but he has lived in the area.

“Tottenham and West Ham aren’t that far away from each other, so he knows what it’s all about. In terms of settling down, it shouldn’t be a problem at all for him.

“Everything is pointing to it being a great move for the club, I just hope they can get it over the line now.

“If you pay £20 million or whatever it is they are talking about for a young lad who goes on and becomes a goalscoring legend at the club, it’s going to be money well invested.

“For me, as an ex-striker, I’m excited about it because I think there’s a real chance we might at last be signing the centre-forward we have been craving.”

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories.

Planned overnight closures in Bishopthorpe Road have been moved forward after the council announced that improvement works are progressing ahead of schedule.

They will now take place from 8pm till 6am on Thursday (August 13) and Friday (August 14), instead of previously published dates on August 24 to 25.

RECOMMENDED READING:

A council spokesperson said: “The project is currently progressing ahead of schedule, meaning the planned resurfacing works can now be completed earlier than anticipated, helping us keep the project moving and minimising disruption in the area.”

Businesses will be open as usual during this work, and signposted diversions will be in place for motorists and cyclists via Nunnery Lane, Blossom Street and Scarcroft Road.

Bus services 11, 15 and 21 will be affected by the closures and diverted.

Bishopthorpe Road shop bus stop will be suspended for the duration of the work, and a temporary bus stop will be provided in Scarcroft Road, outside St Clement’s Church.

Residents of Ebor Street will be allowed access during these periods but will be requested to park elsewhere if possible.

Speaking about this, Cllr Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport at City of York Council, said: “We’re pleased that works on Bishopthorpe Road are progressing well ahead of schedule.

“Thanks to favourable weather and good progress made on traffic signal and drainage improvements, we’ve been able to bring forward planned road resurfacing works.

“To minimise any disruption, we want to ensure residents, businesses and anyone travelling through the area is aware of these changes, to help them plan ahead.

“Record investment this year to improve York’s roads means smoother journeys for all and we’re grateful for everyone’s patience as we get this important work done.”

For more information, please visit here.

https://www.york.gov.uk/BishopthorpeRoadJunctionImprovements

Law enforcement agencies on both sides of the Atlantic believe he is a leading figure in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group.

The gang began as a street drug dealing operation in Dublin in the 1980s. From there, it became an international player in organised crime.

It has been linked to drug trafficking, money laundering, and murder.

The former deputy director of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Roy McComb, said the group had grown globally because it had the “ambition and drive” to do so.

McComb told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the Kinahan group had created links with other organisations from South America, Eastern Europe, Pakistan and Afghanistan, who were involved in the “wholesale distribution” of drugs.

He said the cartel became “the go-to organised crime group to move large quantities of narcotics around Europe”.

McComb explained they were “seen to be a threat to the stability of the US dollar”, because they were trading in the currency.

In 2022, the US offered a reward of $5m (€4.3m; £3.7m) for information about Kinahan, his father Christopher Senior and brother Christopher Junior.

The organisation had previously come to more widespread global media attention in 2016, as the result of a vicious feud with another Irish gang known as the Hutch organisation.

During that year, Kinahan was targeted by gunmen at a boxing weigh-in at a hotel in north Dublin.

Mobile phone footage of the shooting captured the chaos and brutality of the violence.

One man was murdered in that incident. During months of gangland violence, 18 people were killed.

Kinahan left Ireland shortly after the attempt on his life.

August is actually the best time to feed robins as a lot of their natural food sources have dried out

Many gardeners tend to put away their bird feeders once the warmer months arrive, yet right now, in August, robins are in particular need of all the help they can get. While robins predominantly forage for insects on the ground, this summer’s prolonged dry spell has forced worms to burrow deeper into the soil in search of moisture.

This makes it virtually impossible for robins to reach them, while other natural food sources, such as berries, are likely to wither and become increasingly scarce due to the lack of rainfall. Late summer represents a critical period for robins — not only must they consume more food to build up reserves ahead of the autumn chill, but they also typically raise several broods throughout their breeding season.

With robins currently expending considerable energy foraging for chicks, protecting their nests and growing new feathers, leaving food out in your garden could significantly improve their chances of survival.

What can you feed robins from your kitchen?

Fortunately, garden wildlife specialists at Home & Roost have revealed a straightforward way to help feed robins, as the birds can actually consume a surprisingly wide range of leftovers that might otherwise end up in your bin.

They said: “There are lots of things in your kitchen that robins will love, and adding these to your feeding routine adds variety, saves money and saves food waste.”

One particularly easy option that robins will relish is soft fruit such as apples, pears, or bananas — though these should be cut into small pieces before being left outside.

Robins have particularly small beaks and are unable to break down food in the way humans can, meaning large chunks of fruit could pose a choking hazard or prove dangerous to their young.

Advertisement

Grated cheddar cheese and chopped grapes are also suitable options, though these should only be offered as an occasional treat due to their high fat and fructose content.

What else should you know about feeding robins?

It is absolutely vital to highlight that bread, cakes and leftover baked goods should never be given to robins, despite being one of the most commonly offered scraps to garden birds.

Many people across the UK assume birds enjoy bread, largely due to its association with feeding ducks, but it fills them up while providing none of the essential nutrients they require to thrive.

Should robins become accustomed to eating bread, their bodies will struggle to accumulate sufficient fat reserves ahead of the colder months, leaving them far more vulnerable once winter sets in.

It is worth noting that while offering food scraps can be beneficial, robins currently require a high intake of protein and fat to build up their energy stores — so investing in proper bird food where possible is strongly advisable.

What bird food should you buy for robins?

Crushed peanuts are a suitable option for robins, though many supermarket varieties contain salt or added flavourings that can be harmful. Bird-friendly peanuts are always the safer choice.

Birds are unable to process salt in the same manner as humans, meaning salty snacks can prove toxic if consumed in sufficient quantities and may place considerable strain on their kidneys.

The ideal food for robins is mealworms, as these mirror their natural diet closely and deliver many of the nutrients required to build up energy reserves ahead of autumn.

They’re also partial to sunflower hearts, nyjer seeds and suet balls — all of which are rich in fat and will help their bodies get ready for the colder months to come.

That said, exercise caution with suet balls, as they have a tendency to melt rapidly in warm conditions. It’s advisable to steer clear of them during warmer periods, as the grease can soil bird feeders and coat the feathers of visiting birds.

Southern Water company has applied for permission to extend the scope of restrictions to preserve supplies for households amid the ongoing drought

Car washes could be ordered to shut and health club swimming pools closed under a potential wave of water rationing.

Southern Water has applied for permission to impose what is called a “non-essential use ban” in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The company already has a hosepipe ban in place in the two areas. A consultation closes on Tuesday and if approved by the government, it would ban businesses from activities such as washing cars and windows with hosepipes or other devices, and filling swimming pools. It would be the first time the Government has authorised such a measure since 2006.

A spokesperson for Southern Water, said: “These are precautionary measures and making an application does not mean they will be introduced. However, we must follow the regulatory process to protect water supplies and the environment if dry conditions persist.”

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were among seven English regions declared to be in drought conditions, last month. Given the the widespread use of hosepipe bans across England and Wales, it is possible other companies could also apply to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for wider restrictions.

Regulator Ofwat describes a non-essential use ban (NEUB) as a “more serious step” that water companies can take if dry conditions continue after a hosepipe ban has been introduced. While hosepipe bans mainly affect households, NEUBs specifically target businesses. Businesses use around a third of all water supplied in the UK, so restrictions on commercial water use can make a significant difference to overall demand, it says.

If a NEUB is put in place, businesses must stop using water for the likes of watering outdoor plants on commercial premises, filling or topping-up a non-domestic swimming pool,filling or maintaining a pond, operating a mechanical vehicle washer, cleaning any vehicle or boat, cleaning non-domestic premises, “suppressing dust”, or operating cisterns in unoccupied buildings.

A government spokesperson said that public swimming pools were not included in the restrictions, that generally do not trigger any right to compensation. If it were granted it would be the first time the Government has authorised such a measure since 2006.