007 First Light – you know his name (IO Interactive)
The creators of Hitman bring James Bond back to the world of video games, with a wholly original story starring a younger version of the world’s most famous superspy.
At time of writing there’s still no real clue as to who is going to be the new cinematic James Bond. Dune director Denis Villeneuve will helm the next film but we’re worried that he’s not the right man for the job. He’s an exceptionally skilled director but there are many facets to Bond and we’re not sure there’s a single joke in any of Villeneuve’s films – unless you count unironically paraphrasing Life of Brian in Dune: Part Two.
There have been so many clones and parodies over the years it’s easy to lose track of what makes the Bond film series work, with Hollywood increasingly pushing it into being a straight action franchise. But developer IO Interactive, best known for the Hitman series, clearly know exactly what makes Bond tick, with 007 First Light proving to be considerably more entertaining and authentic than many of the recent movies.
It’s pointless to say that Patrick Gibson, who portrays Bond in the game, should also be the new movie version of the character, because he’s too young, but his performance, and that of the rest of the cast, is superb and the centrepiece of what is one of the best licensed video games of all time.
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The premise of First Light is that it’s not in continuity with the movie series, but it does take considerable influence from it, and to a lesser degree the original novels, including the music, the traditional intro sequence, and the relationship between Bond, M, Q, and Moneypenny. Although the latter is actually Bond’s superior, since he starts the game as a twentysomething naval recruit, before fate brings him to the attention of MI6.
As has been clear since the game was first unveiled, this has nothing whatsoever in common with the classic GoldenEye 007, but shares quite a bit of DNA with Hitman. It’s a third person action game where the majority of levels take place in small open world areas, where you have an objective but are rarely given any specific instructions on how to achieve it. Although there’re also shorter, linear action sequences and some that are a mixture of the two, where you’re spoon-fed instructions in a more Red Dead Redemption 2 style fashion or engage in some Uncharted style platforming.
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As an example of a more open-ended section, at one point you’re trying to get into the VIP room at a club, which has several solutions, including sneaking around in the vents, picking up an unattended tray of drinks and pretending you’re a waiter, or eavesdropping on a conversation that gives you a clue as to how to bluff your way in. Sometimes you can just punch or shoot your way through but not usually, and certainly not in this case.
There are no side quests as such but you can find and do other things not directly connected to your mission, which can open up new dialogue options or, for example, an extra way to sneak up on enemies when a fight breaks out.
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The game makes a clear distinction between areas where you’re free to do whatever you want and those that are restricted, and you’ll get thrown out if you’re discovered or attacked if it’s somewhere you really shouldn’t be. In most cases you don’t have authority to use your gun unless the enemy opens fire first, so while there are plenty of more linear action sequences a lot of the time you’re relying on your wits and not your Walther PPK (which is never referred to as such, despite a lot of licensing for other products, including a pleasing variety of classic British cars).
Surprisingly, you can’t move bodies, but otherwise the stealth is slick and enjoyable, as you use a Q-watch to hack machinery and CCTV cameras, as well as temporarily disorientate people or laser open padlocks. There’re a few other gadgets too, but you can only bring a set number with you at a time, and there’s generally less reliance on them than you might think.
Despite being a relatively minor part of the game, the melee combat and gunplay are very good, with the former based on a simple colour-coded system of dodging and countering incoming attacks. It feels very physical and all the levels are impressively destructible, as you electrocute goons by slamming them into servers or smash them into mirrors and see the picture frame next to it sway in sympathy.
First Light is surprisingly sexy (IO Interactive)
One shoot-out in a museum gallery, dominated by blood red lighting and the shadows of ancient statues, is so visually impressive it’d be a shame if they didn’t copy it for a future movie. While a later boss fight, where you’re trapped in a shed filled with fireworks, is also visually clever in a very cinematic way.
We didn’t expect much from the car sections, since that’s one thing IO has no experience in at all, but they’re actually good fun – especially when you commandeer a bin lorry and smash it through the heart of Kensington, Blues Brothers style. There’s a wide variety of different vehicles too, including an escalation of the bin lorry concept later in the game that comes with a wonderful musical moment.
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It’s relatively uncommon, but you’ll also get into full-blown gun battles and over-the-top Bond set pieces, filled with explosions and implausible plans, like chasing a cargo plane in an airport ladder truck. That’s a chase that ends up with you climbing aboard and fighting on the wings… before you use your watch to hack the aircraft controls, allowing you to bank it left and right – crushing enemies beneath boxes – while you’re still fighting.
Despite how well everything works this is not a pure action title. Instead, it’s a game that takes its time with everything, leaving you plenty of opportunity to experiment with level solutions, but also to talk to other characters and soak in the ambience. Gibson’s performance is praiseworthy on several levels, not least because his Bond walks around with a permanent smirk on his face. He’s a cocky, overconfident smartass (just as Bond always is) and yet you still like him and actually feel sympathy for him.
The game keeps the background lore of him being an orphan but it’s vague when it comes to exactly how posh he’s meant to be – although his irresistibility to women is as strong as ever and while the game isn’t sexually explicit it doesn’t shy away from Bond’s womanising. He goes through a lot in the story and it’s impressive that IO takes the time to show his reaction to things like his first kill and how he’s affected by the deaths of his allies (including a line about preferring to repress his emotions rather than cry, which clearly isn’t just a joke).
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Bond feels more like a real person than he does in most films and it’s encouraging that the game understands that it’s the dialogue and character interactions that are the most important element in a movie, even an action orientated one. However, at times it does feel like it’s going a bit too far and the pacing can be very languid. Video game Bond already does a lot more actual spy work than his movie counterpart but there’s a surprising amount of casually wandering around and solving puzzles, even at very late points in the story.
First Light is absolutely not a reskinned Hitman and one of its many qualities is how unpredictable and varied it is. One level involves almost Zelda-esque puzzle-solving, while one-off set pieces and action scenes can come out of nowhere at any moment. It’s all done so impressively cinematically too, with a fantastically well-coordinated training sequence that may count as the best training level ever seen in a video game, as it builds up the characters as well as your understanding of the game mechanics.
The game in general is very good at slowly building up the tension, as missions segue from banter and observation to increasingly tense exploration and infiltration, before inevitably ending in violence. Although it is surprising that there’s no sort of score or rating after completing a level, as there would be in Hitman, so while there are achievements for things like not being spotted, the game doesn’t judge you for cheesing it through a level or being a terrible spy.
The main bad guy is enjoyable unpleasant (IO Interactive)
On a technical level the facial animation is very good and while we did experience two crashes there were no graphical bugs at all, just a few questionable actions from patrolling enemies. Instead, the only real technical problem is the mammoth load times after you die, which feels like you’re back in the PS1 era, reading the data off a CD.
We don’t want to spoil too much of the story, but while you perhaps don’t see quite enough of the main villain he is good. The game is also agreeably unflinching in its criticism of AI, which becomes a major plot point. On a pedantic note, we were also pleased to see the game avoided too many Americanisms, although we’re not quite sure how IO (who are Danish) managed to use the word trainers instead of sneakers but couldn’t stop themselves from labelling a toilet as a ‘restroom’ – in a building purposefully filled with jingoistic British iconography.
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Overall, the script is good, although trying to give Bond a one-liner for almost every situation means the hit rate is predictably low. There are some good one though, such as when he’s asked over his earpiece for his status and he replies ‘Happily single.’ There’s also some clever playing around with the classic ‘Bond. James Bond’ quote. The music throughout is excellent too, keenly aware of the expectations of the franchise but sensibly holding back on both the theme tune and the title song by Lana Del Rey, until just the right moment.
If you’re a Bond fan then this is a dream come true, with endless subtle references to the movies and lore, but it’s significant for more than just being a good licensed game. It’s one of the most ambitious and cinematic action adventures of the generation; one that manages to combine dialogue, exploration, and action seamlessly and with only minimal cut scenes (which is a purposeful dig at Metal Gear, because in some ways First Light is reminiscent of a less pretentious Hideo Kojima production).
All of a sudden, it feels like IO Interactive may have been selling themselves short for only focusing on Hitman in the last few decades, because 007 First Light is an exceptional piece of interactive entertainment, that deserves to have a significant influence on the industry at large.
007 First Light review summary
In Short: Not only an extremely authentic Bond adaptation but a masterful action adventure in its own right, that manages an impressive balance of storytelling and cinematic spectacle.
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Pros: Excellent core mechanics, with solid combat, driving, and an impressively open-ended exploration system. Great storytelling that manages to balance the tropes of the franchise with proper character development.
Cons: The pacing is surprisingly languid at times, even when it feels like it should be the opposite. Peculiarly long load times when you die.
Score: 9/10
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Formats: PC (previewed), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC Price: £59.99 Publisher: IO Interactive Developer: IO Interactive Release Date: 26th May 2026 (Q3 2006 for Switch 2) Age Rating: 16
Cars are not the only thing you drive (IO Interactive)
Council leaders have supported new planning guidance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which requires owners to apply for planning permission when converting properties.
A HMO is defined as a property occupied by at least three people who are not from a single household but share facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen. Currently, properties for between three and six occupants can be converted without planning permission.
The new powers, known as an Article Four direction, will come into force on July 28.
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Darlington Borough Council admitted it does not have an accurate database of where all the current HMOs are located, as many have not previously required planning permission or a licence.
The new powers will provide the local authority with greater oversight of the scale of the issue across the borough after repeated complaints from residents, whose lives have been impacted by shared housing schemes on their doorsteps.
Concerns previously raised include anti-social behaviour, noise and nuisance, living conditions and property standards, impact on parking, and poorly maintained properties.
Councillor Hilary Allen, Liberal Democrat member for North Road ward, said: “In the poorer areas of Darlington, the ones that are more densely populated, we are getting more requests for HMOs. I hope the council will take notice of that so that we don’t end up with a ghetto-type situation further down the road.”
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As part of the council’s work on tackling HMOs, a supplementary planning document has been created to assist property owners, planning applicants, planning officers and elected councillors in preparing, commenting on and determining future planning applications.
Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said: “The council recognises that HMOs provide an important element of meeting the borough’s housing needs, particularly for people on low incomes, young professionals, students and the growing number of one-person households.
“But at the same time, high concentrations of HMOs can present a challenge to creating mixed, balanced and sustainable communities and have an impact on residential character and amenity.”
“I was let out, last night, from the critical unit because it’s better for us as cancer patients to be at home,” the Maxine Peacock actress began the lengthy clip.
“The microbiologists are super geeking over this germ, infection… They’re not quite sure what it is so they’re just blasting it with some really strong antibiotics. I’m full of drip at the moment. I’ll go back in today to have my second one.”
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“Basically I’ve just been sleeping. I’m in safe hands, thank you to the NHS, thank you to all the nurses, thank you to my oncologist team,” she said. “They are very hot on anything to do with infection when we’re going through chemotherapy because it’s quite critical. It’s just a fact, I’m not making a drama out of this.”
“So they’ve taken more bloods, checked my heart and taken more scans. A thorough body check, basically. I’m in safe hands, it isn’t pleasant – of course it isn’t pleasant,” she continued, pointing out some of the red marks on her skin.
“Although they can’t pinpoint what this is. It looks part of the pox family. I have had chickenpox, I’ve had measles, maybe this means this is circulating in the area, and I’m just low and susceptible to catching it.
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“Let’s hope that the germ they found will do some good to help somebody else be able to have the medicine to recover from it which would be wonderful. Peace and love to you all.”
“Infection in the blood. Cancer research UK. Without scientists, micro biologists , we wouldn’t learn about cancers,” she wrote alongside the upload. “THANKYOU NHS. All the staff at the Royal Berkshire hospital. My oncologist team. Couple more days of treatment, I’m in very safe hands.”
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Fans were quick to offer Tracy their support and well wishes in the comments below. An Instagram user wrote: “Good morning lovely. You’ve been in my prayers last night and this morning. Sending you so much love sweetheart. Will ne thinking of you having that second drip. You’re so right. You’re in safe hands [sic].”
“On top of it all u still smiling sheer strength right there. Sending love [sic],” an Instagram user wrote, as another agreed: “Your strength and positivity is something else Tracy. Sending you love and support, you’ve got this!! X.”
Tracy went public with her diagnosis in April and shared at the time that she would have to undergo “five months” of chemo.
Following the update, she recently became emotional as she reflected on what the future holds, telling fans in a candid clip last month: “Each morning I wake up and know that I have to go into hospital and receive more news, which has been going on for a long time, that unknown…I just think, ‘I can’t go through with this anymore,’ but I’ve not even started my journey.
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“I’ve had a good cry. I’ll go in later today and I’ll meet some other ladies who will start the treatment with me – chemo. And I’ll find out the date. 50% of me wants to get going. I want to know that it’s being shrunk and the cancer is being dealt with.”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found atBreast Cancer Support.
Many of the stars named in the odds have remained tight-lipped at the possibility of taking over the role.
Turner has now also dodged questions, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do.”
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When asked if he was interested in taking the role if he was offered, he “laughed and looked down at his sneakers”, according to the publication.
He added: “I am not going to comment on that.”
But he went on to share: “I will tell you what’s so funny about the Bond thing: Even your best friends ask you, people text you that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years – and you know nothing!
“It is such a weird thing of something happening and nothing happening at all. I genuinely know nothing. I just find it quite amusing.”
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Dua Lipa-Callum Turner (2026 Invision)
In the profile piece on the actor Hollywood star George Clooney – who directed him in the 2023 drama film The Boys In The Boat – also weighed in and said: “I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond.
“He is tall and handsome and charming and British, so he is the perfect guy to do it.”
Ian Fleming’s beloved spy was previously played by English actor Craig, who took on the role in 2006’s Casino Royale and starred in five films until he left the franchise with 2021’s No Time To Die.
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Since then, there has been significant speculation surrounding who will play James Bond next, which comes after Amazon MGM Studios also took creative control of the franchise.
It was announced in August last year that the next film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, while it will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.
Other actors rumoured to be in the running for the role also include Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi.
Callum Turner is one of the rumoured frontrunners to play 007 after Daniel Craig stepped down (AFP/Getty)
Turner, who married singer Dua Lipa last week, rose to fame in the Fantastic Beasts films, and went on to appear in the TV series Masters Of The Air and romantic comedy film Eternity.
The Luther star has been rumoured to be in the running for Bond for more than a decade but said it was “never legit”.
The 53-year-old said the character was “written how he was written for a reason” and that not all audiences “will go” for a black Bond because it is “not what they like in their culture”.
Speaking to British GQ, Sir Idris said: “It was never legit. It was always just a rumour. I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing.
“Bond is big all over the world and (audiences) won’t (all) go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”
A fire at the site in April 2025 destroyed several caravans and caused damage to others
Caravans must be cleared from a site in Cambridge after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal by the landowners. The Laurels, part of the Fen Road Gypsy and Traveller site in Chesterton, must be cleared by November 2026.
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A fire at The Laurels in April 2025 involved several caravans, outbuildings, vehicles, and a stable block. South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) then served an enforcement notice on the site, since caravans there did not have planning permission.
Planning permission was granted in 2014 for land at The Laurels to be used as seven caravan plots for Travellers. Five caravans were destroyed across two plots in the fire, while four caravans on an additional plot were removed or ceased being used.
The Planning Inspectorate notice from February 2026 states that use of the land as a caravan site must end, and all caravans and residential paraphernalia must be removed. All hardstanding must be removed, as must all materials and waste associated with removing the caravans and other materials.
SCDC investigations found that some people living in caravans were not Gypsies or Travellers, which is a requirement of the planning permissions. Four additional enforcement notices have been served on several parts of the Fen Road site and are currently progressing through the legal process.
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It followed a coordinated visit to the site by SCDC staff in October last year, which aimed to ensure the site was meeting planning regulations. A council spokesperson said that staff spoke with residents living in around 100 caravans to understand who was at the site.
Dr David Cox is a neuroscientist and health journalist who has discussed how diets can impact ageing while also naming the one ‘superfood’ he consumes every day
A neuroscientist and health journalist has shared the single ‘superfood’ he consumes daily to help slow the ageing process.
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Dr David Cox, author of The Age Code, discussed this during an appearance on Tonight on ITV. The programme examined whether selecting the right diet can enhance our quality of life as we grow older, particularly given that the number of UK centenarians has doubled over the last two decades.
Addressing whether it’s ever too late to make meaningful dietary adjustments, Dr Cox explained: “Subtle tweaks to diet, whether you’re 20 or whether you’re 90, can still make a big difference and give you many more years of healthy life to come.”
While more people are reaching 100, healthy life expectancy – the period during which we remain in good health – has actually declined to 61 years for both men and women.
When questioned about the foods he prioritises in his own diet, Dr Cox highlighted one particular group.
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He said: “I mean, 100% the berries. That’s now become a really key component of my diet. Blueberries for example.
“Strawberries as well. They contain these natural chemicals called salicylates which actually help disable zombie cells and make it easier for your immune system to get rid of them. Berries are real, real superfoods.”
For those unfamiliar with the term “zombie cells”, Dr Cox clarified that our cells contain batteries which convert the energy from food into the energy our bodies require to function.
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However, he went on to explain: “But the problem is at the same time they also produce exhaust fumes. They are called zombie cells. Basically, as you age your body becomes more full of these damaged cells which just refuse to die off.”
He continued: “The zombies basically take over and your short term risk of disease and death goes up.”
Dr Cox’s latest book examines the relationship between diet and cellular ageing.
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He suggests that insufficient fibre intake is a significant factor behind the rising cancer rates amongst those under 50, a topic he addressed during an appearance on The Pat Kenny Show in Ireland.
Speaking on the programme, the expert explained: “Things we’re not even doing or things we’re eating which are not good for us in our diet, are basically stressing our bodies, which is accelerating ageing in different ways.
“Many of us are eating too much. From the moment we wake to the moment we sleep. We’re eating in some way, whether that’s meals or snacking.
“It basically puts what I call metabolic stress on our bodies because our bodies are not getting a chance to kind of recover.”
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Beyond inadequate fibre consumption, he warned that excessive processed food intake, coupled with insufficient whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, is contributing to the problem.
While most pizza ovens cost anywhere between £200 and £1,000, this Dunelm buy comes in at just £89. Barbecues may be the staple of a British summer, but any pizza lover knows there is always room for a wood-fired feast when the sun comes out.
Compact and easy to move around the garden, this pizza oven is designed to sit neatly on a tabletop and features foldable legs for easy storage once summer is over. Measuring 83.2cm long, 36cm wide and 66.5cm high, it’s smaller than many rival models, making it ideal for those who don’t need to cater for a big group, while still offering enough space to cook pizzas up to 14in.
It comes complete with a ceramic pizza stone for crisp, evenly cooked bases and a pizza peel for easy handling, which is an accessory that can cost around £40 on its own from some leading brands. The result? Bubbling cheese, lightly charred crusts and an authentic wood-fired flavour in a matter of minutes.
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The folding legs are great for winter storage, and a built-in thermometer allows you to monitor temperatures up to 400C, which match the heat levels of many of the market’s best-known pizza ovens.
The drivers continue to hold licences despite accumulating the 12 penalty points that would normally see them banned, a situation described as “very concerning” by the RAC.
New figures obtained by the RAC via a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA reveal that 4,154 individuals in the UK have been permitted to keep driving.
Some of these drivers have racked up far more than 12 points; 117 hold more than 20, while two individuals have amassed 43 and 45 points.
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7 Common Speed Camera Myths
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “It’s very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving despite amassing 12 points or more which would normally lead to them losing their licences – and for very good reason given that speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads.
“A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again.
“Our research also identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have to have these devices.
“We urge the Government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have Intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles.
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“This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads – something which completely aligns with the casualty reduction targets listed in the Road Safety Strategy.”
Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) is a technology that physically prevents a vehicle from exceeding the speed limit, except in limited emergency override scenarios, which are logged and can be reviewed.
This is different from the Advisory ISA systems now standard in most new cars.
The RAC is backing the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which calls for courts to be given powers to mandate the use of IISA devices for repeat or excessive offenders.
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Research conducted by the RAC in response to a government consultation found that 86 percent of drivers support new measures targeting excessive speeders.
A separate survey commissioned by the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign found that eight out of 10 drivers surveyed said they would support proposals for anyone caught excessively speeding, or who has been caught speeding multiple times, to have an ‘Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance’ device fitted to their car to prevent them exceeding the limit again.
While the Government’s Road Safety Strategy looks at the benefits of Advisory ISA in the context of vehicle safety technology, it makes no reference to the potential use of Intervening ISA as part of a targeted offender intervention programme for repeat or excessive speeders.
This is despite 2024 road casualty data showing excessive speed as a contributing factor in 20 percent of fatal collisions.
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A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign said: “Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of death on our roads, and the public clearly recognises the need for action.
“What our research shows is that people instinctively understand the link between tackling dangerous driving and saving lives.
“Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance is a practical, proportionate solution, targeting repeat offenders while allowing the vast majority of drivers to go about their daily lives without disruption.”
A Parliamentary event will be held later today to give MPs the chance to learn about the technology.
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Currently, drivers who reach 12 or more points face an automatic ban but can sometimes avoid disqualification if they can show a ban would cause “exceptional hardship.”
Although it’s horrible that the show’s very future is on a knife-edge and its biggest champion, Russell, is exiting stage left – I can’t help but feel relieved that the British TV legend has bowed out.
Not because I think he’s bad at his job – he’s an amazing showrunner – I think his talents are better used elsewhere.
For those who have their finger on the TV pulse, you won’t have missed Russell’s new groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Channel 4 show that aired at the end of May this year.
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It has received widespread praise, with many hailing it as a timely and urgent reckoning on the rapidly declining state of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK today.
And it’s all thanks to Russell.
It remains a startling wake-up call to the general public that we’re sleepwalking into a dark, dark world (Picture: Channel 4)
Starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey, the series follows polar opposite neighbours – Leo, an older gay man and Clive, anaggressively heterosexualhandyman – whose differences breed homophobia, bigotry, and hostility.
Although his socio-political commentary, especially when it comes to the trans community, is still a work-in-progress – it remains a startling wake-up call to the general public that we’re sleepwalking into a dark, dark world when it comes to achieving any unity in our rights.
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And I’m not surprised it’s picking up such glowing reviews.
After ending his first round as Doctor Who showrunner in 2010, the TV icon known as RTD had a run of stellar limited series over the next decade or so.
As brilliant as his time on Doctor Who was, his return to the show in 2023 had not quite reached the heights many hoped (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
His 2015 trilogy – Cucumber, Tofu and Banana – were edgy shows, which have gone down as cult classics, especially among LGBTQ+ viewers.
Then, you have his more mainstream work, still with gay and queer characters at their heart, such as A Very English Scandal starring Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw, which secured an Emmy, Golden Globe and Bafta.
That’s not mentioning his harrowing drama Years and Years – a post-Brexit reckoning with the UK’s descent into fascism, which still rings out as an eerie prophecy for the state the world is in today, with the rise of Reform and reign of Trump.
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What are your thoughts on Russell T Davies stepping down from Doctor Who?
It’s the right decision for him and the show.
I’m sad to see him go, he brought a lot to Doctor Who.
I think it’s a mixed situation, but I’m optimistic.
I’m not sure what this will mean for the future of Doctor Who.
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Rounding off this brilliant line-up was It’s A Sin, already a beloved LGBTQ+ show that will break your heart while putting it back together again. It reflected on the HIV/AIDs crisis of the 1980s – an era Russell T Davies remembers well, as a gay man growing up in Thatcher’s UK.
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As brilliant as his time on Doctor Who was, his return to the show in 2023 had not quite reached the heights many hoped. He faced a lot of criticism, ending in Ncuti’s abrupt departure and the scattered future of the show.
Where his storylines, dialogue and character-building at times fell flat in the past two seasons of Doctor Who, he doesn’t face the same extent of trouble when it comes to his limited series – which I now consider as his superior format.
He faced a lot of criticism, ending in Ncuti’s abrupt departure and the scattered future of the show (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)
This was proven when he released the Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea – and it was a standout in his Doctor Who repertoire, which tackled everything from climate change to forbidden love.
I personally loved it, and it marked a return to Russell’s brilliant writing, after finding himself in a difficult place.
Then, of course, we have Tip Toe.
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It’s veritable proof that Russell’s time is best spent working on bespoke ideas that speak to the era we’re in, rather than tying himself up with a show and a fandom that will be impossible to please.
Not only that, but he embodies the perfect example of how the TV industry can work at its very best. Russell was a bright young writer in 1999 when he made his name on Queer as Folk and was given the springboard to mainstream notoriety with Doctor Who.
He’s gone on to use the status that he gained all those years ago to pen politically urgent pieces, and for that I am grateful. Now, he can hand over the Doctor Who mantle to an up-and-coming writer, who could possibly be the next Russell T. Davies, for this generation.
I’ll always have a love and respect for Russell and all he’s done for Doctor Who up until now, but I can’t help but feel his exit is for the best, not just for the show, but for him as well.
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I am sad to see him go, but excited not just for what he will do next, but for what will happen to Doctor Who.
The McCarthy & Stone Foundation, an independent charity that provides grants to non-profit organisations improving the lives of people later in life, has awarded £7,500 in funding to a local Portsmouth community group. This donation will support those living with dementia and their carers, as well as enabling the group to continue its valuable work in the community.
Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are set to reveal the name they have settled on for their baby boy – but what will it be? Have your say here
16:21, 10 Jun 2026Updated 16:23, 10 Jun 2026
There has been much speculation about the name Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have chosen for their baby boy – but the Love Island star has warned fans they may be disappointed.
Molly-Mae and Tommy welcomed a baby boy earlier this month, a younger sibling to their first-born Bambi. There has been much discussion about what they plan to call their little one.
The couple plan to reveal all at Tommy’s boxing match this weekend. A source has claimed the couple feel like this is the perfect way to officially announce the youngster’s name.
“Now the little fella is here it’s a no-brainer – what better way to announce his name than on his dad’s boxing shorts,” a source said, “Molly is now obsessed with it – she’s hoping to be there. They’re working out the walk outs at the minute because that’s when it will be revealed, with music and blue fireworks – it will be cool.”
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Molly-Mae has also been discussing the name with fans at length – but fears they’ll be disappointed.
Speaking about the name, she said: “I think people are going to be a bit disappointed. Upon reflection, I don’t actually think it’s that crazy, but I know people are going to pronounce it wrong.”
“Because when I’ve mentioned the name to a few people, or I’ve spelt it out, a few of my friends have said it completely wrong… absolutely not how you pronounce it. Also, I think, if you know this word, or you know the name, you would just pronounce it as it is.”
Molly-Mae also insisted it wasn’t as “different” as Bambi.
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“It’s definitely not as different as Bambi, I would say,” she said, “But I’ve only ever heard one other child be called it, and it’s not someone in the public eye. It’s just someone I’m connected to through a friend.
“I just think it sounds so good with the surname Fury. That’s another reason why I love it so much.” According to reports it won’t be long until we find out what name they’ve gone for. So what name are you choosing?
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