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Twenty-year sentence for Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai is a further blow for journalists feeling the heat of Beijing’s crackdown on press freedom

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Twenty-year sentence for Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai is a further blow for journalists feeling the heat of Beijing’s crackdown on press freedom

The sentencing of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison on February 8 on charges of sedition and collusion with foreign forces prompted international outrage.

Lai founded the now shuttered pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper – and supporters of press freedom around the world pointed to the chilling effect the sentence would have on the media, in a city once vaunted as a beacon for press freedom in Asia.

The reaction was more muted in Hong Kong, where dissent has been stifled since Beijing imposed the draconian National Security Law in 2020, following months of protests in 2019. A local security law enacted in 2024 further expanded the scope of the city’s national security legislation.

Privately, some local journalists say Lai’s conviction will have limited impact on their work. They have already felt heavily constrained by the security laws and what they’re calling the “new normal” – an overarching national security apparatus and culture. Although saddened, they were not altogether surprised at the severity of Lai’s sentence.

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One journalist told me they were more shaken by the sentences of up to ten years that were meted out to six senior Apple Daily editors and writers for “just doing their jobs”.

Since the national security law, Hong Kong journalists’ jobs have involved a great deal of dancing around shifting boundaries as to what can and can’t be reported. Inevitably, this has meant exercising greater self-censorship.

In an editorial on the sentencing, the Ming Pao newspaper, which has long positioned itself as a neutral paper of record, suggested the Lai ruling has brought these boundaries into sharper focus, concluding: “Collusion with foreign forces cannot readily be dressed up as journalism.”

The newspaper said that as Hong Kong now operates within the framework of the national security legislation: “The media must operate within this legal framework while continuing to report facts and hold power to account, a balance essential to preserving the city’s pluralism and openness.”

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But it hoped “the Lai case will prove a watershed, allowing space for press freedom to widen step by step, so the media can fulfil its responsibilities more effectively”.

However, local journalists I spoke to described this position as naïve and wishful thinking, and said the red lines are no clearer now than before. Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), believes the constraints on free expression in Hong Kong go far beyond a legal framework.

“If we call it a legal framework, it’s giving the system some kind of legitimacy,” Cheng told me. “In reality, the way it operates is there is a lot of destruction of due process, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety in those working in industries of expression.”

Apart from being arrested and jailed, Cheng says journalists and their family members have been doxed, with their personal details posted online, and harassed. Both individual journalists and news outlets have been targeted by unusual tax audits.

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Tai Po tragedy

Cheng was one of several journalists I spoke to who pointed to the November 2025 fire which killed 168 people in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court Estate as a potent symbol of the current state of press freedom and freedom of speech in Hong Kong.

In the immediate aftermath, local and international journalists interviewed victims and reported extensively on suspected corruption and lack of oversight of building works on the site. But residents and other potential interviewees soon became reluctant to speak to reporters following the arrests of people who had posted comments online.

A prison van carrying Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai arrives at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court for sentencing, February 9 2026.
EPA/May James

A student who started a petition for an independent inquiry was arrested – and then recently expelled from his university just weeks from graduation, even though he hasn’t been charged.

For one veteran journalist, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of bringing trouble to their organisation, what led to the Tai Po tragedy highlights a “media failure”. The news outlets which had most doggedly pursued stories about building maintenance, bid-rigging and corruption were the investigative site Factwire and Apple Daily, so “when these outlets disappeared, a lot of the reports also petered out”.

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“In the past, you’d have lots of commentary in the media after an incident like this,” they explained. “There’d be legal scholars, experts, people from all different sectors. But now, the universities don’t allow people to comment and articles are spiked or censored, so it’s hard to raise and maintain public concern.”

Snitch culture

The journalist spoke of a system that extends beyond the legal framework of the national security law that restricts speech, through the control of public opinion and a “snitch culture” that weaponises complaints.

A Hong Kong police national security hotline was launched in November 2020; by June 2025, the city’s security chief said it had received more than 920,000 reports. Public bodies and funding organisations also regularly receive complaints about platforming of funding groups or individuals perceived to be pro-democracy or supportive of the 2019 protests.

Last October, a public venue cancelled a play written by Candace Chong, a leading playwright who was been vocal about censorship. The body that manages the Xiqu Centre, part of the West Kowloon Cultural District, said it had received complaints that the show – which depicts a love triangle between three men – defamed Hong Kong.

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There are signs the “media failure” is already affecting governance. In January, the government introduced a controversial seat belt law requiring all bus passengers to buckle up while seated, only to shelve it five days later. The bill had received little scrutiny in Hong Kong’s now opposition-free legislature.

“It’s really unthinkable for a government to push out a bill, get it rubber-stamped by the legislature, and then withdraw it because they suddenly realise people are unhappy or the legislative details haven’t been thought through,” the HKJA’s Cheng told me. “It shows how the government misjudged public sentiment. This can be attributed to how the media isn’t free any more.”

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Adventure Cinema is bringing top films to Chatelherault Country Park this summer

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Adventure Cinema’s destinations offer a full evening experience, with a variety of on-site food and drink options available.

Adventure Cinema is heading to Chatelherault Country Park this summer.

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It is visiting 57 destinations across the UK, bringing the big screen to life in some of the country’s most iconic and awe-inspiring settings.

This year’s tour will include breathtaking venues such as Chatsworth House, Althorp House (the childhood home of Princess Diana), London’s iconic Kew Gardens and The Eden Project, to name a few.

Screening everything from sing-a-long favourites and family films to cult classics, blockbuster hits and spectacular concert screenings, Adventure Cinema offers something for everyone.

With locations spanning castles, stately homes, gardens and cultural landmarks, the 2026 tour will also include stunning locations such as Wakehurst (Kew’s wild botanic garden), Castle Howard, Burghley House, Hylands House, Scone Palace, National Trust Attingham Park and Chatelherault Country Park.

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Dirty Dancing, an Encanto sing-along, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, and Jurassic Park are among the films being shown in July.

Whether guests are packing a picnic with friends, planning the ultimate family night out, or heading to an open-air disco beneath the stars, Adventure Cinema’s destinations offer a full evening experience, with a variety of on-site food and drink options available.

Tickets for Adventure Cinema start from £9.80 and are available at www.adventurecinema.co.uk

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And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: New series from Coatbridge comic book king Mark Millar is filled with local place names

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Emmerdale’s Cain hits back at Sarah after run-in with the police | Soaps

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Emmerdale's Cain hits back at Sarah after run-in with the police | Soaps
Cain Dingle’s growing annoyed (Picture: ITV)

Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) knows Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) means well in Emmerdale, but he’s getting increasingly irritated at the fact she’s not actually listening to him.

Sarah and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) are currently the only two people close to Cain who know about his prostate cancer diagnosis. Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) also knows, but there’s absolutely no chance Cain is going to remotely consider listening to the advice he keeps trying to give him.

With Liam generally quite busy, Sarah has spent the most time with Cain going to hospital appointments. She keeps telling him that he will feel better if more of the family know about his health problems, but Cain doesn’t agree.

Sarah took a different approach to helping her Granddad last week by suggesting they nick high end cars. She believed it would provide a distraction for Cain, and the money they earnt from selling the vehicles could help struggling Butler’s Farm.

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The duo happily stole Joe Tate’s (Ned Porteous) DeLorean a couple of days ago, but Cain was adamant that even if he did continue thieving, Sarah wouldn’t be a part of it.

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Cain Dingle looking serious and unhappy during a hospital consultation in Emmerdale.
Sarah, Liam and Graham are the only three people who know about Cain’s cancer (Picture: ITV)

He didn’t get a choice this week though, as Sarah turned upin the evening and went along with Cain’s latest plan. They stole a posh car and in this evening’s episode, they very nearly got caught.

Cain and Sarah were in the car chatting about the success of the theft, but had to sink further into their seats when a police car zoomed by. Sarah enjoyed the thrill that came with breaking the rules, while Cain grew annoyed that Sarah wasn’t recognising how much of a risk they were taking.

Sarah told Cain that he needs to continue stealing the cars as it’ll be an excellent way to fix all the money issues on the farm.

Sarah Sugden looking at Cain Dingle with concern during a hospital appointment in Emmerdale.
Sarah is making Cain feel smothered (Picture: ITV)

She could sense that Cain would continue thieving, but couldn’t understand why he didn’t want her help.

Sarah really loves her Granddad and does just want to be there for him, but the problem is that Cain now feels frustrated at her not listening to the many times he’s said that he’s fine.

If Sarah doesn’t back off, will Cain end up saying something to her that he regrets?

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Best screen-free family break in Cumbria Lake District stay guide

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Best screen-free family break in Cumbria Lake District stay guide

We found it at the end of a private drive just outside Ambleside, where four converted Lakeland barns sit quietly in Stock Valley, looking out across some of the most cinematic views in the Lake District.

Grove Cottages are luxurious – soft throws, polished kitchens, generous windows framing the fells – but it wasn’t the interiors that changed the rhythm of our family weekend. It was the decision to turn our phones off.

No tablets. No streaming. No “just five minutes.”

Molly and Emily were big fans of Grove Cottages (Image: Jade Wright)

We brought Molly and Emily, our ever-enthusiastic dogs, along for the adventure. And our two daughters – aged nine and three – initially less enthusiastic about the digital detox than the dogs.

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The experiment began as we passed Stockghyll Force on the way in, the waterfall thundering through ancient woodland as if to drown out any lingering resistance. Bea looked at her blank kindle screen. “So… what are we actually going to do?”

It turns out: quite a lot.

Bea and Lizzie (Image: Jade Wright)

Space to roam (for two legs and four)

Grove Farm Cottages, thoughtfully converted from traditional Lakeland barns, sit within a working hill farm that places conservation at its heart. Instead of tightly grazed fields, there’s a softness to the land – native cattle in the distance, the possibility of roe deer at dusk, birds lifting suddenly from hedgerows.

For Molly and Emily, it was instant bliss: new scents, open ground, streams to investigate.

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For our daughters, the dogs became willing accomplices in freedom. Within an hour, they were racing across grass, building dens from fallen branches, and inventing elaborate games.

Wellies were abandoned at the door. Leads were looped over hooks, only to be grabbed again minutes later. Without screens, time lengthened.

Morning coffee stretched into mid-morning while the girls sketched the valley from the cottage windows, attempting to capture the layered greens of the fells.

Afternoons meant walking – not forced hikes, but exploratory wanders towards the sound of water or the promise of a better view. Having dogs in tow set the pace perfectly: energetic bursts followed by grassy pauses. The girls learned how to read the map properly, how to look for waymarkers, how to judge distance by landscape rather than battery life.

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And always, the valley held us quietly in place.

A screen free adventure (Image: Jade Wright)

The walk that earns its cake at the café you can only reach on foot

On our second day, we set out with purpose: cake at the end of a climb.

The path wound once more past Stockghyll Force before taking us into bustling Ambleside. There are no roads here, no easy shortcuts. Just a well-trodden track, two chatty daughters, and two enthusiastic dogs pulling optimistically ahead.

Then, on our way back to the cottages, Grove Barn Cafe came into view.

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Accessible only on foot, Grove Barn Café feels like a reward rather than a convenience. The restored barn sits within a 160-acre hill farm, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.

Grove Barn Cafe (Image: Jade Wright)

Run by Anna Gervasoni – a Langdale Valley resident with years of hospitality experience – the café marries Cumbrian produce with Italian heritage.

The menu is generous and thoughtful: homemade focaccia, velvety gelato, spare ribs from a treasured family recipe, alongside classic café comforts.

Arriving on foot changes everything. The girls immediately claimed a cosy table by the logburner, cupcakes in hand. Molly and Emily collapsed contentedly under the table. We ordered coffee and sat back, looking out across the folds of the valley.

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Without screens, the moment expanded. There was no rush to document it, no distraction. Just fresh air, good food, and the simple satisfaction of having earned both.

The walk back uphill was quieter – pleasantly tired daughters, slower dogs, sunlight stretching across the hills.

Grove Barn Cafe (Image: Jade Wright)

Evenings without blue light

Back at the cottage, muddy boots lined up beside well-used dog leads. The absence of screens had stopped feeling like deprivation and started to feel like relief.

Evenings revolved around the farmhouse table. The girls played fiercely competitive board games. We joined them for Scrabble and chess.

We cooked together in the generous self-catering kitchen while Molly and Emily dozed nearby, exhausted from the day’s exploring.

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null (Image: Jade Wright)

One night, we stepped outside as the sky turned violet above the valley. Our daughters lay back on the grass, identifying shapes in the clouds before darkness settled fully. No one reached for a camera. No one checked the time.

Sleep came easily – for humans and hounds alike. Mornings arrived softly, mist drifting between the fells, the cottage windows framing a scene that felt almost painted.

The proximity to Ambleside offers reassurance – shops, cafés, the gentle hum of a Lakeland town – yet the cottages themselves feel entirely removed. It’s a rare balance: seclusion without isolation, comfort without clutter.

The view from our room at the cottage (Image: Jade Wright)

The luxury of less

There is real luxury here: beautifully finished interiors, thoughtful touches, panoramic views from every angle. But the deeper indulgence lies elsewhere.

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It is watching your daughters negotiate stepping stones across a stream rather than swipe across glass.

It is following your dogs along a winding path instead of following notifications.

It is walking to lunch rather than driving.

It is earning your gelato.

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In a culture of constant connection, a digital detox offers something quieter and more enduring: the luxury of attention.

By the time we drove away, looping once more past Stockghyll Force towards Ambleside, the kindles flickered back to life. Our phones beeped as messages poured in.

But something had shifted.

Our daughters were already discussing their next den-building plans. They wanted to walk back to the barn café. They wanted to return in autumn to see the valley change colour.

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Molly and Emily, sprawled happily in the back of the car, seemed to agree.

For a few precious days in the lakes, the fells had proved more compelling than any feed.

And that, perhaps, is the most restorative escape of all.

Screen-Free Reward Walk

  • Distance from cottages: manageable family ramble
  • Landmark: Stockghyll Force
  • End point: Grove Barn Café
  • Must-try: Homemade focaccia, gelato, spare ribs
  • Best enjoyed: Phone on airplane mode

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Police braced for TikTok ‘school wars’ spreading across London

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Police braced for TikTok ‘school wars’ spreading across London

Boroughs of Hackney, Islington, Camden, Redbridge, Newham, Harrow, Ealing, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets and this week Croydon, Bromley and Greenwich are pitted against each other in “Red vs Blue” teams. “Havering Wars” and “Rainham Wars” posts have also begun circulating among pupils in east London.

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Iran and US compromise over nuclear stockpile – but Trump’s window for action grows smaller by the day | World News

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Jared Kushner and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff (from left) meet with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. Pic: AP

Iran has offered to never stockpile nuclear material and will reduce its current stockpile to “almost nothing”, in return for elimination of sanctions,  according to sources close to the high-stakes talks which took place indirectly with the US in Geneva on Thursday.

It is understood to be the first time, through multiple rounds of talks, that Tehran has made such an offer and they are now willing to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency to “down-blend” their stockpile either by converting it into fuel or exporting it.

Specifics, such as enrichment levels, are yet to be discussed in detail but Iran would remain “well below the 20% level that is the red zone” one person with knowledge of the talks said. However there has been no decision on what would happen to its existing nuclear facilities.

The US team of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held indirect negotiations with an Iranian delegation that included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the Swiss city; the talks were mediated by the Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

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Dominic Waghorn asks Jared Kushner about the state of talks

Following the conclusion of the talks, Albusaidi tweeted that “significant progress” had been made but offered no specifics. Araghchi tweeted that the talks were “the most intense so far” and reiterated Tehran’s demand that sanctions are lifted, although that remains a major sticking point between the sides. The White House is yet to comment.

Through conversations with people who have direct knowledge of what was discussed, Sky News understands Iran is also willing to offer the US companies access to its considerable oil and gas reserves and has suggested it could look to purchase American products, such as civilian aircraft, if sanctions were lifted.

It’s hoped this will appeal to US President Trump, who typically treats foreign policy as a business transaction and might be persuaded by the promise of economic rewards.

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The possibility of a non-aggression pact, where Iran and its proxies would formally agree not to attack first, is also being considered.

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Sky’s Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons gets a sense of the mood.

Despite the positive vibes, however, considerable gaps remain and it’s understood there is still a long way to go before the two sides are in a position to agree to a binding and realistic deal. The threat of war remains high with a massive US military build-up on standby in the region.

Hawks in Washington and Israel strongly believe Iran is just playing for time and will be urging the US president to take action.

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Iran’s drone aircraft carrier Shahid Bagheri at sea in the Persian Gulf Credit: Sepah News
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Iran’s drone aircraft carrier Shahid Bagheri at sea in the Persian Gulf Credit: Sepah News

“I will remain pessimistic until I see the military being pulled back,” a senior diplomat said, but following the Geneva talks “we are now in a good place to agree that Iran remains a non-nuclear weapon state”.

One issue that wasn’t discussed in detail was Iran’s ballistic missile programme. In recent days the US administration has claimed, without evidence, that Iran has the ability to strike mainland US. Iran’s preference is for that to be dealt with regionally, possibly through talks with the Gulf Co-operation Council first, rather than Washington.

In a further sign of progress, technical talks will be held in Vienna on Monday. They will focus on three main points: How to deal with Iran’s current stockpile and in what timeframe; how a future monitoring mechanism could work; and to understand Iran’s plans for a civil nuclear programme over the next decade or so.

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Depending on other events, the main negotiating teams are expected to meet again in around a week’s time, although exact details and a location are yet to be confirmed. It’s likely to be in the Middle East.

Read more from Sky News:
Zelenskyy tells Sky he’s ready to meet Putin
AI willing to go ‘nuclear’ with wargames

On the face of it, the Geneva talks seem to have made genuine progress and possibly averted the immediate threat of war, but Mr Trump’s position is still the big unknown and he might yet decide that regime change is preferred to what could be long and complicated nuclear discussions.

The situation remains incredibly tense and the window for action, if that is what Trump decides on, is closing with his military forces unable to remain on high alert indefinitely.

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Monty Don shares March job for anyone with garden borders

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The presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World has shared some handy tips

Monty Don, a beloved horticulturist and lead presenter of Gardeners’ World, has shared a job ideal for March. And with the beginning of the month just around the corner, it’s time to get cracking.

As part of a “monthly gardening checklist”, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine has said that now is the time to jot down your ideas. Its website urges people to “tidy up borders” and “remove established and newly-germinating weeds.”

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In a video on the same website, Monty Don shows how to remove weeds by hand. And in the step-by-step guide, he said that the March job is probably easier than you think.

He explained: “The important thing to realise is that weed is simply a plant in the wrong place.”

Looking at a weed amongst peonies, he notes that there are nettles, dandelions and chickweed all growing around it – and these are all types of weeds. To get rid of them, “you need an implement of some sort.”

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Showing a small, curved tool, he stresses: “Quite honestly, anything will do. What matters is getting in there.”

He takes the sharp tool, gently goes under the plant, and pulls out its roots. Easy.

While some weeds can take a while to appear, others can grow easily and spread quickly. On the topic of chickweed, experts at RHS note that gardeners need to remember “chickweed seeds spread easily on muddy boots and in topsoil and garden compost, so pay attention to good garden hygiene, and avoid moving soil from a patch where you have allowed chickweed to grow.”

When it comes to dandelions, the RHS suggests that gardeners with borders and beds “might want to limit their numbers if they are growing small or young plants that could be swamped or outcompeted by dandelions.”

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And touching on stinging nettles, the experts say there is actually some “good news” as people “can easily control the spread of stinging nettles by deadheading and removing seedlings.”

Monty says: “It’s very important to do it now so they don’t seed and they don’t take over. The other thing about weeds is to do it a little bit at a time.

“Do one metre properly, and that’s far better than doing 10 metres half-heartedly.”

When it comes to these pesky plants, the Gardeners’ World website also notes that you should “clear old crops and weeds from the veg plot, then dig over the soil, mixing in compost as you go.”

Another March job is to “dig over any gaps in borders, removing the roots of perennial weeds.” You can watch Monty Don’s guide to weeding here.

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Will Jacks the hero again as England fight back to win thriller

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Will Jacks the hero again as England fight back to win thriller

Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of England’s last fixture in the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan have already secured their place in the last four for the fifth tournament running and a win today would put them through as group winners, but we do not know what that would mean in terms of venue for their semi-final as that depends on whether New Zealand can run them closely enough in defeat to eliminate Pakistan, who play Sri Lanka tomorrow. Should the Kiwis defeat a team coached by their countrymen Brendon McCullum, Jeetan Patel and Tim Southee, they would go through as group winners, consigning England to a very tough semi-final against South Africa, the best team in the tournament by miles. Having said that, India and West Indies would also be formidable opponents. 

The match in Colombo is being played on the same turning pitch used for NZ’s 61-run victory over their hosts on Tuesday when Mitchell Santer used five spinners, including himself, and Rachin Ravindra took four for 27. England, presuming that they stick to the same side as they have done for the last five games, will have four spin options in Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell, plus the knowledge that they have twice beaten their opponents in this tournament when hosted on the subcontinent.

With spin so predominant it makes sense for Harry Brook to continue at No3, giving him time against the wonderful Matt Henry should Jos Buttler’s slump continue, before facing an ordeal by tweak. His hundred on Tuesday off 50 balls was perfectly paced and his partnerships with Sam Curran and in particular Will Jacks were noticeable for the way they ran the field ragged, turning singles into twos. Although alarms about Buttler’s form have overshadowed the build-up, England have shown in this tournament that they have never been less reliant on their greatest ever T20 batsman. And that has to be a good thing.  

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E-bike rider sentenced over fatal crash as judge warns of ‘frightening’ danger of illegally modified bikes in London

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E-bike rider sentenced over fatal crash as judge warns of 'frightening' danger of illegally modified bikes in London

“It’s become a common sight for all of us who travel around London on bikes, on foot or in vehicles to see these electric bikes, which have been modified, tearing around at frightening speed, causing clearly significant danger to other persons”, said the judge, in his sentencing remarks.

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Bukayo Saka injury latest ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea | Football

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Bukayo Saka injury latest ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea | Football
Bukayo Saka was forced off in Arsenal’s 4-1 win against Tottenham last weekend (Getty)

Bukayo Saka is set to be available for Arsenal’s Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday following his injury concern last weekend.

In the 4-1 win away to Tottenham last Sunday, Saka fell awkwardly on his ankle and immediately signalled to the bench.

Saka was able to walk off the pitch unaided and was replaced by Noni Madueke in the closing stages of the game.

Arsenal, who are five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, will host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

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When asked if Arsenal have any new injury concerns for the game against Liam Rosenior’s side, Arteta said on Friday: ‘No so far, we’re waiting for tomorrow, the last training session, to understand if we have one or two available from last week.

‘We are hopeful. Max [Dowman] will play some minutes tonight with under-21s, Kai [Havertz] will train tomorrow and Ben [White], let’s see.’

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Metro‘s Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week’s biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.

Sign up here, it’s an open goal.

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Chelsea, meanwhile, sit fifth in the Premier League after their 1-1 draw at home to Burnley last Saturday.

Earlier this month, Arsenal sealed a 1-0 win at home to Chelsea in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and Arteta is unsure whether Rosenior will adopt a similar approach to the game.

‘We don’t know, I mean, they’ve done different things, they can change throughout the game,’ Arteta said.

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‘They have the players and they have a manager who is very comfortable doing that, so we’re prepared, we’re going to be prepared for the possible scenarios that we can face throughout the game, and try to do better than them.’

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T20 World Cup results: Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed power England to win over New Zealand

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We have waited for England to click in this tournament. This win was not perfect but it was undoubtedly their best of the tournament so far.

Jacks is in the middle of the best form of his career – a run that gives England serious threat.

His runs, in addition to his 2-23, were match-winning and won him the player-of-the-match award for the fourth time in this competition.

But Jacks may not have been able to pull off the heist without 21-year-old Ahmed, whose six from the second ball he faced brought the chase to life in his first World Cup match.

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His second, hit off the vastly experienced Santner, effectively sealed the deal.

Ahmed, who also took a wicket with his first ball, was picked for the conditions here. Can England really leave him out next week?

The big issue that remains is the form of Jos Buttler. He was out for a two-ball duck – his fifth single-figure score in a row.

Phil Salt also nicked off in the first over while Brook made 21, Jacob Bethell 21, Tom Banton 33 and Sam Curran 24 – all contributions but not match-defining scores.

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Jacks and Ahmed ensured that will not be the focus, however. England may face India in Mumbai next week. What an occasion that would be.

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