Thailand’s government will immediately stop issuing gun permits after a shooting incident last week in which a 14-year-old killed eight people and himself.

Existing gun owners are already banned from carrying their weapons in public.

The South East Asian country has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in the region, with around 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession, and high levels of gun crime.

In response to the recent shooting, the prime minister has promised to speed up tough new gun control laws with severe penalties.

Last Friday, a pupil at Debsirin Nonthaburi School outside Bangkok shot his grandparents using a handgun owned by his grandfather, before opening fire at teachers and students at school, authorities say.

Both grandparents, five staff members at the school and one 12-year-old girl died.

Police believe the shooter may have taught himself to use a gun via social media.

They say there is evidence that the boy watched violent content online, and that he showed a strong interest in learning how to handle guns.

His consumption of this content as well as anxiety over studies and family issues might have also fuelled his actions, they add.

The remarkably warm and sunny summer has led to drought being declared in more than two-thirds of England and all of Wales.

A total of 45 million people are now living in a drought area in England, with more than 27 million facing water use restrictions.

There is no rain in the forecast through most of this week across England and Wales.

Forecasts for Sunday suggest there are some signs of rain coming into the UK from the Atlantic.

Low pressure bringing rain-bearing weather fronts will move in across Wales and southern England and could bring a spell of rain for some.

While this does not currently look to be particularly heavy or persistent, there could be the first bit of proper rain for many in nearly two months.

A Syrian court has sentenced ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia, after convicting him of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country’s civil war.

It is the first conviction against Assad, who fled from Damascus to the Russian capital, Moscow, with his family after his regime was overthrown in December 2024, ending his family’s five-decade grip on power.

Assad’s cousin and the former head of political security in southern Syria’s Deraa province, Atef Najib, was also sentenced to death. He appeared wearing a striped prison uniform inside a cage in the courtroom as the judge read out his sentence.

Deraa is widely seen as the birthplace of the uprising against Assad’s rule.

In March 2011, the detention and alleged torture of a group of teenagers accused of writing anti-government graffiti sparked protests in the city, which were met with a violent crackdown by security forces.

That response helped ignite nationwide demonstrations that escalated into civil war in which hundreds of thousands of people were killed.

Syria’s interim government began trying officials associated with the Assad regime, which ruled the country for more than 50 years, earlier this year.

Najib is one of the highest-ranking officials to be put on trial.

He was convicted of crimes including murder, “the intentional killing of children under 15” and “torture leading to death”.

The court also sentenced six former military and security officials in absentia to death, including Bashar al-Assad’s younger brother, Maher. He ran the army’s elite Fourth Division and also fled to Moscow when the regime fell.

The others convicted include former defence minister Fahd al-Freij.

The OK! Beauty Box has sold out for three years in a row and for 2026 they’re once again teaming up with make-up artist to the stars and royals, Hannah Martin

There’s plenty to get excited about when it comes to the festive season; Christmas markets, gift shopping, parties and, of course, that all-important beauty advent calendar.

In recent years, there’s one box that’s risen to get its own cult following. In fact, the OK! Beauty Box Advent Calendar has sold out for three years in a row, thanks to its coveted offering including full-size products and cult hero brands from Bobbi Brown to Rodial.

This year it’s set to be bigger, better and more glamorous than ever as the brand once again teams up with make-up artist to the stars Hannah Martin.

The Beauty Advent Calendar by Hannah Martin has become a firm favourite with beauty addicts – last year’s preorder sold out in under five hours!

Hannah has over 20 years of experience as a make-up artist, so it’s no surprise that her recommendations are such a hit. Every product in the calendar has been handpicked by Hannah, as she draws on the products she recommends, brands she loves, and expertise she’s built over her career.

“Creating this year’s calendar has been such a joy,” said Hannah. “As a make-up artist, I’m always discovering incredible products and brands, and I wanted this to feel like a personal gift from my dressing table to yours. Inside are gorgeous treats and a few insider secrets I’m so excited to share. I hope opening each day feels like a moment of indulgence just for you.”

What’s included?

The Beauty Advent Calendar by Hannah Martin features 25 products – 22 of which are full-size. It’s worth over £605 and pakced with make-up, skincare, fragrance, haircare, nail care, wellbeing, and beauty tools.

While Hannah is currently remaining tight-lipped about exactly what’s included, you can expect the likes of Bobbi Brown, bareMinerals, Kosas and Weleda, as well as everything from a travel brush set to a luxury eye cream worth over £145.

You can already sign up on the OK! Beauty Box website to be first in line for the Hannah Martin Beauty Advent Calendar when preorders open on Tuesday 1, September.

Not only will you get priority access, but there are plenty more perks exclusively for Priority List members including an exclusive £20 off, a £10 e-gift card, and exclusive early previews of what’s inside the advent calendar.

Join the Priority List today.

Braking heats tube carriages up by more than you think

What can we do to make the tube cooler?

This summer is set to be the UK’s hottest since records began, the Met Office have said.

Only average conditions are needed for the remainder of August to surpass the record which was only set last year.

It follows news that July was the busiest month on record for wildfires, statistics have revealed, with firefighters attending to 458 incidents within the month.

In the first 10 days of August, crews have been called out to 185 wildfires, including a large blaze in the New Forest which has been ongoing for three days.

Meanwhile, a rare amber warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office as a fifth heatwave looms with the risk of temperatures reaching 38C.

The forecaster warned there was a risk of travel delays, adverse health effects and potential power cuts. The warning covers large parts of England from 9am to midnight on Thursday.

Amber heat health alerts are already in place across large parts of England and Wales. Highs of 29C in Cardiff, 28C in Manchester and 25C in London are forecast for Tuesday.

Some 45 million people have been plunged into drought conditions as dry and hot weather continues. The National Drought Group has declared 71.3 per cent of England is now suffering a “flash” drought.

Summer 2026 on course to be UK’s hottest on record, says Met Office

The UK is on course to record its warmest summer on record, with only average conditions needed for the remainder of August to surpass the record set only last year.

Provisional Met Office statistics show that the UK’s mean temperature for meteorological summer so far (1 June to 10 August) currently stands at 16.48°C, which is 1.88°C above the 1991-2020 average.

To equal the current UK summer mean temperature record of 16.12°C set in 2025, the remainder of August would only need to average 0.21°C below the 1991-2020 long-term average.

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Any warmer than this would establish a new UK record, with records starting in 1884.

Met Office senior scientist Mike Kendon said: “Another record-breaking summer now looks increasingly likely for the UK, following the second-warmest June, and second-warmest July on record and yet another heatwave imminent.

“We’ve seen temperatures hit 38°C in June, 35°C in early and late July, and this threshold is looking to be reached again in the next few days.

“It’s worth remembering we also reached 35°C in late May and easily exceeded both the May and June previous all-time temperature records this year. These statistics are a clear reminder – if one were needed – of the stark changes that we are seeing in the UK’s climate.”

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Holly Evans11 August 2026 15:21

In pictures: Parks and fields turn brown due to drought

Holly Evans11 August 2026 15:03

How to stay safe in the heat?

The Met Office has warned that the expected high temperatures will cause a likely increased demand on health and social services.

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Elderly people are likely to be particularly vulnerable, with people warned to avoid the sun during the peak of day.

William Spencer, climate and first aid expert at the British Red Cross, said: “While periods of hot weather have become more familiar in recent years, they can still pose serious risks to health. In fact, after prolonged dry and warm conditions, it is more important than ever to follow heat safety advice.

“Simple steps such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day and taking regular breaks from the sun can help protect you and those around you.

“It’s also important to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among people who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.”

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Holly Evans11 August 2026 14:40

July busiest month on record for wildfires

July was the busiest month on record for wildfires, statistics have revealed as people living close to a blaze in the New Forest were told to limit their use of water amid fears there could be disruptions to supply.

The National Fire Chiefs Council said on Tuesday its services had responded to 966 wildfires this year, just shy of the 1,017 they attended during a record-breaking year in 2025.

In July alone, firefighters attended 458 wildfires, whilst in the first 10 days of August crews have been called out to 185 wildfires.

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Phil Garrigan, chairman of the council, said: “The combination of drought conditions and another heatwave means the risk of fires remains high, and these incidents can place huge demands on firefighters and specialist resources.

“Many wildfires are preventable so we’re asking people to be vigilant and take extra care outdoors while these conditions continue.”

Mr Garrigan’s warning comes as people living close to a blaze, that at one point covered an area equivalent to 140 football pitches, were told to reduce their use of water to ensure there are not disruptions to supply.

Bournemouth Water, which supplies Ringwood and the New Forest, has asked residents to reduce water usage.

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Holly Evans11 August 2026 14:05

In pictures: Blaze in the New Forest destroys heathland

Holly Evans11 August 2026 13:57

Heatwaves set to drive prices higher, food producers warn

Soaring temperatures and droughts across the UK and Europe are set to drive prices higher, food and drink producers have warned.

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The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said “fruit, vegetable and grain supply” are being hit by recent heatwaves, with these crop shortages then set to feed into supermarket prices.

Economists from the trade group suggested that this will put upward pressure on food inflation going into 2027.

It is understood that the supply of a number of UK-grown fruit and vegetables has already come under pressure, such as broccoli and cherries.

Meanwhile, poor grain harvests are driving the cost of animal feed higher, with predictions that this could lead to more expensive meat as farmers are forced to reduce herd sizes.

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It comes ahead of a fresh heatwave in the UK, with the Met Office warning that temperatures will soar to the mid-30s in some areas on Thursday.

Holly Evans11 August 2026 13:34

Invest in climate defence rather than heed Trump on military spend – Polanski

The UK should be investing money in defending the country against the climate crisis rather than listening to Donald Trump on security spending, Zack Polanski has said.

The Green Party leader on Saturday reiterated his view that the climate crisis is “the biggest threat to our national security since the Second World War”.

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Appearing at Iain Dale All Talk at the Edinburgh Fringe, he was asked by an audience member whether he and his party agree with increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP when there are “so many competing environmental needs.”

Mr Polanski said that if defence spending includes money for climate adaptation such as dealing with floods and wildfires then we “clearly need to up our spending”.

He suggested that was more important than listening to US President Donald Trump, who has called for Nato allies to shoulder more of the burden of European defence.

Mr Polanski said: “If we’re talking about spending 3.5 per cent of our GDP on military spending to please Donald Trump, then I think there’s an absolute incoherency in that.

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“We’re already, I think, one of the fifth biggest spenders on military capacity, and actually, I think we need to look at defence as a much more holistic issue.

“I said this week, and I really believe, that the climate crisis is the biggest threat to our national security since the Second World War.

“It’s not some distant threat – it’s right here, right now. We’ve had wildfires not far away from here, where we’re talking in Edinburgh, and we know that what’s happening right now is not the new normal.

“This is the beginning of what will be the least extreme temperatures and least extreme weather in our lifetimes.

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“It is going to get worse and worse and worse. And in many ways, it’s a grim message.

“We can’t stop some of that breakdown, what we can do, though, and it’s important that people hear this, is we can stop total breakdown, and that feels beyond important to do, and that’s where we should be investing right now, not on listening to what Donald Trump says or creating arbitrary numbers of GDP.”

Joe Middleton11 August 2026 12:45

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Historic gardens, parks and cemeteries under threat from climate change

The UK’s treasured historic green spaces are under increasing threat from climate extremes, a report warns.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England warn that historic parks, gardens and cemeteries across the country are vulnerable to damage from harsher, more widespread drought, intense rainfall, more severe storms and pests which can thrive in warmer conditions.

These impacts, driven by climate change – which is mostly caused by burning fossil fuels for power plants, cars, heating and industry – are affecting all aspects of these heritage landscapes, from trees and plant collections to paths, terraces and lakes.

The report says historic parks and gardens, including Chiswick House and Gardens, Kew and the Royal Parks, in London, and Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, employ more than 32,000 people and contribute £2.9 billion to the UK economy each year from international visitors alone.

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But they are already being hit by increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change, with paths and drainage systems not fit for current conditions, trees lost to drought and high winds, and potential loss of entire groups of plants to diseases affecting box, ash, sweet chestnut and oak.

Joe Middleton11 August 2026 12:30

Pictured: Dry fields surrounding Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm

Joe Middleton11 August 2026 12:20

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BREAKING: Huge fire breaks out next to M25 as section of motorway shut

A large fire has broken out next to the M25, forcing a section of the motorway to close as firefighters tackle the blaze.

Emergency services are at the scene in St Albans after the fire started at an industrial estate in Ventura Park.

Pictures on social media and released by National Highways show thick dark smoke rising above the carriageways, with road closures in place.

Joe Middleton11 August 2026 12:10

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Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, Central South Borough Commander said: “We understand that incident will cause concern within the local community and an increased police presence will remain in the area throughout the day as our enquiries continue. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family for their tragic loss.

Fire crews are currently tackling two wildfires in Blaenavon.

This morning, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service urged residents in Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Cwmbran, Newport, and Pontypool to all keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke.

They said they were aware of the incident and had crews at the scene.

This afternoon, the fire service confirmed there was another wildfire in the area. They wrote: “There is another wildfire in Blaenavon, our crews are in attendance and working hard to bring the incident to a safe close.

“Please avoid the incident ground and do not fly personal drones as this may affect our operational activity.”

People are urged to only call 999 if they have a new emergency to report.

Polly Bibby, 26, from Cambs, said she had a patch test done and, as she suffered no reaction, went ahead with the procedure

A bride-to-be who wanted to be a ‘princess’ on her wedding day ended up ‘looking like Sloth from The Goonies’ after a horror allergic reaction to fake eyelashes. Polly Bibby decided to try classic eyelash extensions as she wanted to feel like a ‘princess’ on her big day compared to her usual minimal make-up look.

The 26-year-old said she had a patch test done and, as she suffered no reaction, went ahead with the procedure on July 5. After getting the £65 treatment done, the illustrator claims she was initially happy with her ‘dressier’ appearance.

Just a few hours after the appointment, Polly’s eyes became watery and sore but she shrugged it off as hay fever. But when her eyes started to sting and stick together with yellow discharge, Polly says alarm bells began to ring and she called 111 and was advised to go to A&E.

A shocking photo shows her eyes red raw and swollen closed, with Polly admitting she looked like Sloth from the Goonies. After being seen by a nurse on the eye unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Hinchingbrooke, Cambridge, it was confirmed she’d suffered an allergic reaction to her eyelash extensions.

She was then given a course of antibiotics, strong antihistamines, and was told to wait three days for the swelling to go down before getting them removed.

Now, Polly is sharing her experience to warn other brides about getting new treatments so close to their big day. Polly, from Sawtry, Cambridgeshire, said: “I don’t wear that much make-up.

“Getting married is the biggest day of your life so I just wanted to test out different make-up and actually feel like a princess for the day.

“This was a trial for the wedding, I’d never had my eyelashes done before. When I first had them done, I really liked them.

“With having hay fever, I thought it was that at first. My eyes were watery and sore.

“About four or five hours after the appointment, my partner looked at my eyes and thought they were a little red.

“By that evening, they had gone red raw and were stinging.

“The only way I can describe [how I looked] is the man from The Goonies with the big puffy eyes called Sloth. I just didn’t look like myself, I looked like a different person.

“They were burning and it got to the point where I was losing my vision and I couldn’t see at all.

“Every time I blinked, my eyes were sticking together as I had discharge building up on my eyes.

“It was a sticky yellow discharge pretty similar to when babies have conjunctivitis.

“They were quite taken back and shocked by it in A&E, they said it was an allergic reaction to the eyelash extensions.”

Polly said she had a patch test and a lash lift done at the same salon in May before her Italian Lake Garda hen do and suffered no allergic reaction then either.

During the removal process of her false lashes, she claims it felt like acid was being poured onto her face.

Polly said: “I was in so much pain. It was like pouring acid [on my face]. I was screaming, crying and tensing up.

“My eyes are still red, scabby and very ‘rashy’. The eyelids themselves are really swollen and I’ve still got quite blurry vision.

“I’m terrified of putting anything on my eyes [on my wedding day]. I might have to go make-up-less on my wedding day.

“I fear it’s going to look quite red on my wedding day.

“I didn’t realise that when people joke around and say things are going to go wrong [on your wedding day], I didn’t realise it would happen to me.”

Polly is now sharing her story to warn others about the potential risks of getting make-up treatments done for the first time so close to their wedding day.

Polly said: “I won’t be getting eyelash extensions for the big day.

“Going through that pain was not worth it. If I knew in hindsight, I’d just use mascara.

“I’d hate anyone else to go through this.”