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NewsBeat

Andy Burnham’s pledge to unite Labour branded ‘dead on arrival’ amid mounting mayhem over who will serve in his Cabinet

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Andy Burnham's pledge to unite Labour was branded 'dead on arrival' on Saturday

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Andy Burnham‘s pledge to unite Labour was branded ‘dead on arrival’ last night, amid mounting mayhem over who will serve in his Cabinet.

At the centre of the chaos is the divisive figure of Ed Miliband, whose hopes of becoming the next Chancellor appeared to have been dashed last week following briefings that Mr Burnham was planning to give the job to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

However, Ms Mahmood is now being accused by Burnham allies of trying to ‘brief herself into the job’. In his coronation speech on Friday, Mr Burnham pledged to end factionalism and the ‘insidious’ briefing culture in Westminster, saying: ‘We won’t beat Britain’s new Right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions’.

But the fierce resistance to Mr Miliband’s proposed appointment has already served to poison relations. And a source said: ‘There’s a lot of anger at Shabana and her team for the Treasury briefing. Andy and James [Purnell, the new No 10 chief of staff] were furious.

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‘It’s why he included the line about not having made any decisions in his Friday speech, with her sitting there. They felt it was a naked attempt to bounce him into appointing her.’

A second source added: ‘Shabana tried to convince Andy and James she wasn’t behind the briefings. She claimed she was in the Home Office secure room for four hours when the briefings were happening. But no one believed her. It’s well known among Home Office staff that she hates that room.’

Burnham allies also claim that the new Northern Secretary could even rank ahead of the Chancellor in the Cabinet pecking order, something the all-powerful Treasury is likely to resist.

To add further to the chaos, Sir Keir Starmer’s remaining rump of supporters in the Commons are lying in wait to ambush his successor. His allies were said to be angry at Mr Burnham’s claim on Friday that he had ‘supported all our Labour leaders in my lifetime’, and had played no role in Sir Keir’s ousting.

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Andy Burnham’s pledge to unite Labour was branded ‘dead on arrival’ on Saturday 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was accused by Burnham allies of trying to 'brief herself into the job' of Chancellor

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was accused by Burnham allies of trying to ‘brief herself into the job’ of Chancellor

One senior MP said last night that was ‘manifestly untrue and Keir’s people will be very angry with it’. He added: ‘Andy may be the King of the North and South just now but the Starmer loyalists will be lying in wait for him.

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‘His hopes of ending the infighting are dead on arrival.’

There are also nerves within Whitehall over plans to establish the new No 10 North by abolishing Liz Kendall’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), transferring officials to the new Northern department and handing its responsibilities to the Business Department.

Amid all the jostling for position, Labour sources claim that Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds has already called current Business Secretary Peter Kyle to request ‘access talks’ about his plans – because he had been promised the job.

It has led to concern about disruption to DSIT’s work on the social media ban and AI, with one source saying: ‘I know he [Burnham] wants to take Britain back to the 1970s, but trying to pretend the internet doesn’t exist is going a bit far.’

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Housing Secretary Steve Reed, an ardent loyalist of Sir Keir, is expected to leave Government along with Attorney General Lord Hermer and David Lammy, the hapless Deputy PM and Justice Secretary.

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Smoke seen for miles around as firefighters tackle huge blaze at industrial estate

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Manchester Evening News

Crews were called out at about 4.45pm

Firefighters are battling a huge blaze at an industrial estate in Salford.

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Smoke can be seen for miles around after a fire broke out in Irlam this afternoon (July 19).

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that crews were called out at about 4.45pm.

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Firefighters remain at the scene as they continue to work to contain and extinguish the blaze.

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The fire is said to have involved a ‘large number of pallets’.

Residents said they could see the smoke as far away as Wigan and Trafford.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 4:45 this afternoon (Sunday 19th July), six fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to fire on Brinell Drive, Irlam.

“Crews arrived quickly and are currently working to extinguish the fire involving a large number of pallets.

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“Firefighters remain in attendance at this time.”

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When North Korea beat Italy in the 1966 World Cup in Middlesbrough

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When North Korea beat Italy in the 1966 World Cup in Middlesbrough

“Soccer never saw such a frenzy of hugging and kissing as marked the Koreans’ victory celebrations at the final whistle,” said reporter Jack Fletcher, as, 60 years ago tomorrow, 17,800 spectators in Ayresome Park applauded.

North Korea players on the final whistle at Ayresome ParkNorth Korea players on the final whistle at Ayresome Park

Seventy countries had entered the 1966 World Cup, to be hosted by England, and Fifa determined that the 16 finalists would be made up of 10 teams from Europe, four from South America, two from North and Central America and one from Asia, Africa and Oceania.

African nations boycotted the competition, saying it was unfair, and so a mini-tournament was arranged between Australia, North Korea, South Korea and South Africa.

But South Africa were banned because of apartheid, and South Korea, who had performed badly at the 1964 Olympics, were so concerned at the potential for embarrassment at the hands of their neighbours North Korea that they found excuse to withdraw.

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This left just Australia and North Korea, and the Koreans won the two-legged play-off 9-2.

Much to the horror of the British Foreign Office, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) were on their way to Britain. It was only 13 years after the end of the Korean war, which had been, as ever, a proxy battle between the United States, who supported South Korea, and Russia and China, who backed North Korea.

The British, of course, backed the US, and after the war ended in 1953 they refused to acknowledge DPRK as a legitimate state.

The Foreign Office tried to block the Korean players’ visas but had to back down when Fifa said the tournament would be played elsewhere.

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Still, though, the British government ordered British newspapers not to refer to the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” and so the Echo called the country “North Korea” throughout, and it was fixed so that there were only national anthems at the opening and closing games meaning North Korea’s Aegukka, or “patriotic song”, was unlikely to ever be heard.

North Korea were drawn in Group 4, along with the USSR, Italy and Chile, which was based in the North East.

The 1966 World Cup provoked the updating of stadiums around the country but as Newcastle United and the city council were at loggerheads over St James’s Park, only Sunderland’s Roker Park and Middlesbrough’s Ayresome Park were ready to host matches.

The Russians stayed in Sunderland and trained on Durham university’s grounds – the Russian flag was stolen from outside the university sports centre and strangely handed in to The Northern Echo 51 years later – while the Italians stayed at Houghall and also used the university grounds.

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The Chileans stayed at a hotel in Surrey and caught the train up to games, while the Koreans opted to stay at the St George’s Hotel, next to Teesside Airport.

They tried training at various grounds, including the Clairville Stadium in Middlesbrough, until Billingham Synthonia’s Northern League ground caught there eye – not the immaculate first team pitch but two reserve pitches separated by a cricket wicket out the back.

The Koreans, not understanding the delicacies of cricket, asked that the goals on the reserve pitches be rotated through 90 degrees so they could play across the wicket – this, they said, would ensure that the sun was in the position it would be when they played at Ayresome Park.

The ICI hierarchy, which kept the Synthonia ground, was consulted and, fearing another Korean War, reluctantly agreed.

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The Teesside Star, a left wing paper, reports on North Korea's defeat by Russia at Ayresome Park in 1966. Picture: Teesside ArchivesThe Teesside Star, a left wing paper, reports on North Korea’s defeat by Russia at Ayresome Park in 1966. Picture: Teesside Archives

It seemed not to work in the Koreans’ favour, as in their first match, on July 12, they were beaten 3-0 by the USSR. “The Russian steamroller fulfilled expectations,” said Jack Fletcher’s report. “It was proof that at any level of football the good ‘uns have an edge on the good little ‘uns. Korea can have little hope of living with the giants.”

The North Korean team outside the Saint George Hotel at Teesside Airport, which was their base for the group stage of the 1966 World Cup

But the people of Teesside were falling in love with the Koreans. They loved the friendly way they went in the ICI Social Club after training and signed autographs; they admired their nimble, fearless attacking play and the way they didn’t cynically kick their opponents; they felt a natural affinity for the plucky underdog, and they loved the fact that they played in red – just like the Boro.

Three days after the Russian defeat, the Koreans were back in action at Ayresome Park, taking on Chile.

“A last minute goal from Pak Seung Jin gave the outsiders an unexpected point,” said Jack Fletcher as Korea’s penalty went in. “Ayresome Park erupted in a great gust of joy…

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“Who could have imagined such a remarkable salute for a goal by a team of unknowns from the other side of the globe whose line-up reads like the inside of a Chinese restaurant menu?

“It is a curious commentary on life that while, in the higher realms of international affairs North Korea lies beyond the pale, her footballers have gained an affection which, in this bit of England at least, is unmatched by any foreign team.”

Middlesbrough mayor Jack Boothby had the Ayresome Gardens laid out as a floral football pitch in their honour, but still everyone expected them to be going home soon.

When the USSR beat Italy 1-0 at Roker Park on July 16, it set up an intriguing final match at Ayresome Park on July 19: Italy needed a point to go through but if Korea could somehow get the two points for a win, they would qualify for the next stage and send the Italians home.

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The Italians cancelled their appearance at a Sunderland civic banquet the night before the match and all their players were tucked up in bed by 10pm.

“Italy, one of the most powerful soccer nations in Europe, will be fighting for their World Cup lives when they meet little North Korea at Middlesbrough,” said the Echo’s big-match preview. “Once strong contenders to win the Jules Rimet Trophy, they are now visibly shaken by poor performances against Chile and Russia.”

The North Koreans defending against the Italians at Ayresome Park 60 years ago

Italy started the match strongly, but Korea’s keeper, Li Chan Myung, a slender figure with his dark top tucked tightly into his dark shorts, made several outstanding saves.

But the game changed in the run-up to half-time. On 35 minutes, Giacomo Bulgarelli, perhaps the best Italian midfielder of all time, was stretchered off with a bad knee injury. As there were no substitutes, Italy were down to 10.

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Pak Doo-Ik scores past Italian keeper Enrico Albertosi at Ayresome Park 60 years ago

Then, on the 42nd minute, from just to the right of the penalty spot, Pak Doo Ik swivelled swiftly and powerfully side-footed a half volley into the far corner past Enrico Albertosi, Italy’s highly regarded goalkeeper.

In the second half, Li Chan Myung was again busy but as Italy ran out of puff, Korea began to make chances.

“Amid a great cheering chorus from all round the ground, the Koreans got on top in the second half and methodically destroyed Italy’s hopes and drained her pride,” said the Echo.

“The delighted crowd chanted ‘easy, easy’ as the Koreans, their confidence mounting, repeatedly put Italy to flight.”

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North Korea line up to face Italy in 1966.Picture courtesy of the Teesside Gazette

On the final whistle, the mighty Roman empire had crumbled. Italy, the first country to win the World Cup twice, had been humbled – by Middlesbrough’s marvellous minnows.

“It was largely due to the encouragement of the crowd that we played so well and beat Italy,” the president of the Korean Football Association told the Echo.

The coach, Myung Rye-hyun, said: “The side has improved with every game but our success is also due to the support given by the citizens of Middlesbrough and because our players fought so hard for the honour of the fatherland.”

Not expecting to progress deep into the tournament, the Koreans had not booked further accommodation. Some sources suggest they stayed at the airport; others that they took over Ushaw College, near Durham, which the Italians no longer needed and, coming from a secular Communist state, were astounded by all the religious iconography.

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They finally left the area on the eve of their quarter-final against Portugal at Everton’s Goodison Park on Merseyside. Alderman Boothy invited them for a farewell lunch, and the Korean Minister for Sport, Kim Ki Su, told the Echo: “We are reluctant to leave so many god friends for we have had joyous days with you. I have made many trips round the world but your people have shown sincerity from the bottom of their hearts.”

Up to 3,000 Teessiders travelled to Goodison Park on July 23, 1966, and watched Korea score in the first minute and roar into a shock 3-0 lead.

But Portugal legend Eusebio turned the match, scoring four and leading his side to an amazing 5-3 victory.

The Koreans were on their way home, but they had forged an unbreakable link with the steel town on the Tees.

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The seven surviving members of the North Korean team visited the Turnstile estate in Middlesbrough that was built on top of Ayresome Park, including on top of the famous Holgate End which roared them onto success

After Ayresome Park was replaced by a housing estate in 1997, the exact spot to the right of the penalty spot from which Pak Doo-Ik had scored his goal was marked – outside someone’s house – by two footprints which the seven surviving members of the team visited in 2002.

A bronze casting marking the spot where the football player Pak Doo-Ik scored the winning goal for North Korea against Italy in the 1966 World Cup. This is believed to be the only public artwork outside North Korea to be recognised by the DPRK government

Pak, who was promoted from corporal to sergeant in the army after scoring the goal and later becoming a gymnastics coach, said: “It was the day I learnt football is not all about winning. When I scored that goal, the people of Middlesbrough took us to their hearts. I learnt that playing football can improve diplomatic relations and promote peace.”

1966 World Cup Group 4
July 12 (Ayresome): USSR 3 North Korea 0
July 13 (Roker): Italy 2 Chile 0
July 15 (Ayresome): Chile 1 North Korea 1
July 16 (Roker): USSR 1 Italy 0
July 19 (Ayresome): Nork Korea 1 Italy 0
July 20 (Roker): USSR 2 Chile 1

Group 4 table
1. USSR 6pts
2. North Korea 3pts
3. Italy 2pts
4. Chile 1pt

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Mayhem at World Cup final before Trump arrives as staff misdirect fans outside stadium and tension simmers over ticket issues – but Tom Cruise has no trouble getting in!

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Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation

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World Cup final day got off to a chaotic start at MetLife Stadium with fans forced to wait for hours outside of the venue amid reports of technological glitches scanning tickets and security staff unsure of how to manage the crowds.

Organizers this week urged fans lucky enough to have a ticket to arrive up to four hours before the start of the game at the 80,000-seater stadium in New Jersey, a short drive outside of Manhattan, for Sunday’s showdown between Spain and Argentina.

The attendance of President Donald Trump means airport-style security measures are being enforced for everyone making their way inside of the venue.

But the delays were compounded amid reports of glitches in FIFA’s ticket-scanning system, meaning those who were fortunate enough to be at the front of the long lines still faced frustrating delays.

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Daily Mail also witnessed tensions simmering between fans, media members and security staff, with officials on the ground telling anyone who complained: ‘Take it up with FIFA’. 

But those members of security staff also appeared to be confused over how to manage the thousands of people arriving for the game. 

Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation

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There were reports to tech issues and security misdirecting people around the stadium

There were reports to tech issues and security misdirecting people around the stadium

Argentina fans arrive at MetLife Stadium before Sunday's hugely anticipated final vs Spain

Argentina fans arrive at MetLife Stadium before Sunday’s hugely anticipated final vs Spain 

There were multiple instances of organizers on the ground misdirecting people over where they should begin lining up to enter the stadium with over three hours to go until the start of the game.

Sky’s Rob Harris also posted on X from the stadium: ‘Fans told to get to the World Cup final stadium now 4 hours before KO – already security staff saying FIFA system glitches not scanning passes and long queues forming. With extra security. People being misdirected around the stadium with a lack of stewarding and staffing.’

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Brazilian journalist Mariana Spinelli said it took her four hours to make it in, writing on X: ‘We’ve been in line for 2 hours for the x-ray to ENTER the stadium. Everything disorganized, a total chaos. If this were in South America, they’d call us animals, third-world country. Since it’s in the US nobody says anything. A nightmare of organization, pathetic.’

Media members also faced extra checks from the secret service given the need to bring laptops and filming equipment inside of the stadium. DHS police and state police were also seen at the venue.

This all played out as other fans decided to leave it late to get to the stadium. With four hours to go utnil the game began, many supporters were still at Penn Station in Manhattan waiting to board a train into New Jersey and towards the stadium. 

The game is set to be the most expensive to attend in the history of sport – on Sunday morning, the cheapest ticket available on most resale websites was starting at around $7,000.

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FIFA encouraged fans to arrive early in order to participate in the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before the game itself kicks off. 

But it is standard procedure for fans to arrive early for additional security checks whenever Trump attends a sporting event – and he has made it to plenty in his second term as President, ranging from the Ryder Cup to the Super Bowl. 

Extra security checks were in place ahead of the attendance of President Trump for the game

Extra security checks were in place ahead of the attendance of President Trump for the game

Tom Cruise had no such issue making his way inside before his closing ceremony appearance

Tom Cruise had no such issue making his way inside before his closing ceremony appearance

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Even on the live television coverage, the stadium was bare with a little over an hour until that closing ceremony began. 

There weren’t quite as many issues for the VIP guests, though. Tom Cruise was pictured sauntering into the venue – renamed as ‘New York/New Jersey Stadium’ for the tournament – ahead of his anticipated appearance in the closing ceremony.

Soccer greats such as Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo, former England captain John Terry and former Argentina player Diego Simeone all appeared carefree as they entered the stadium in good time before the game. 

There were plenty of fans who were determined not to let the chaos ruin their day, too. Thousands of Argentina fans have made the journey to the stadium for what will likely be star man Lionel Messi’s last ever appearance in a World Cup at the age of 39.

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Argentina are narrow underdogs against Spain, the European champions, despite being the holders after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. 

Trump is expected to hand the World Cup trophy over to the winning team after the game. 

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5.5 magnitude earthquake in Peru leaves at least five dead and dozens injured

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5.5 magnitude earthquake in Peru leaves at least five dead and dozens injured

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake has rocked Peru’s Andres region, killing at least five and injuring over 20 people.

The tremor struck at 9:24 p.m. local time and has already displaced 300 residents.

The U.S. Geological Survey placed its epicenter 1.24 miles west-southwest of Sicaya, Huancayo province, at a shallow 6.21 miles.

Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute said the number of missing remains unknown.

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The quake caused widespread destruction, with buildings, including the local church and convent, collapsing or suffering severe damage.

Local media images showed the anguish of relatives in Chongo Bajo, an agricultural area among the hardest hit. Residents huddled under blankets outside damaged homes and animals were seen trapped under rubble.

A motor tricycle is stuck amid the debris of homes that collapsed after an earthquake struck Pumpuya, Peru, Sunday, July 19, 2026
A motor tricycle is stuck amid the debris of homes that collapsed after an earthquake struck Pumpuya, Peru, Sunday, July 19, 2026 (AP Photo/Jhefry Sedano)

Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, told journalists that the use of rustic adobe materials in construction in that Andean area “has contributed to the greater impact and damage.”

Earthquakes are frequent in Peru, which is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” A 7.9 magnitude quake in 2007 devastated Pisco province, killing nearly 600.

Saturday’s earthquake in Peru comes after Venezuela was hit by back-to-back earthquakes late last month.

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The death toll from the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that struck on June 24 stood at 5,069 as of late Friday.

Venezuela’s government says 856 buildings are damaged and 190 collapsed completely. Hundreds of other types of structures, such as bridges and roads, were also affected.

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World Cup 2026: Donald Trump attendance means hours of queues for final in New Jersey

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Queues outside the 2026 World Cup final stadium

There are two levels of security at the stadium, run by both the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The latter is usually responsible for security at airports in the United States, with fans and media having to go through airport security-style scanners.

One member of the media said they, having reached an entrance, were told to go to a different queue as there were no security dogs available to search bags at that gate.

BBC Sport has been told by World Cup volunteers at the ground that the number of people arriving early before the game was much more than the previous seven matches at the stadium.

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Gates opened for supporters at 11:00 local time – four hours before kick-off – with more gates being opened sporadically to ease congestion.

It is not thought there will be any delay to kick-off or any other disruption to the match at this stage.

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Cattal Bridge in North Yorkshire finally set for repair work

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Cattal Bridge in North Yorkshire finally set for repair work

North Yorkshire Council has erected signs warnings of the closure at Cattal Bridge, on Cattal Moor Lane, between Cattal and Tockwith in the Vale of York.

The five day closure begins on Monday July 19 until Friday July 24.

The £31,000 scheme to repair the 18th Century bridge was expected to begin before Christmas, but the need for listed building consent delayed the planned work until a planned April start.

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Cattal Bridge (Image: Darren Greenwood)

However, signs warning of the work and its related closure, only appeared at both sides of the bridge in recent days.

The Grade II-listed bridge over the Nidd bridge sustained costly damage eight years ago, after a large vehicle collided with the structure and left a sizeable hole.

Despite public pressure, financial and logistical problems have extended delays to the much-needed work, as previously reported by the Press.

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Locked In Games York Limited to be wound up voluntarily

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Locked In Games York Limited to be wound up voluntarily

Locked In Games York Limited, based at Club Chambers, Museum Street, in York, will be wound up voluntarily following a general meeting held at its registered office in Leeds on July 10.

According to company records published in the London Gazette, it was resolved that the firm could not continue operating due to its liabilities and would instead enter voluntary liquidation.

Michael Howorth, of Aurora Equity and Development Limited in Leeds, has been appointed as liquidator.

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Insolvency filings state that the business “cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business and that it is advisable to wind up.”

Mr Howorth will now oversee the liquidation process.

Lock In Games Limited of York was incorporated in 2017 (Image: Locked In Games Ltd)

The principal trading address listed in the notice is Club Chambers, Museum Street, York.

Enquiries about the liquidation can be directed to hello@aurorarecovery.co.uk.

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Companies House records that the private limited company was incorporated in 2017.

Locked in Games York was a highly rated business, receiving 4.9 stars out of five on the reviews website TripAdvisor, based on 745 revews. Google awarded 4.8 stars out of five, based on 201 reviews.

Locked in Games announced the closure of the York business in January, but added a sister venture in Leeds remained operational.

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Just b******s… Boris takes aim at claims from Vance and co that British civilisation is being erased by immigration, with London make-up similar to NYC

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Boris John branded claims about civilisational erasure 'b******s' during a Sky News interview

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Boris Johnson appeared to take aim at the US vice president today, branding his comments that immigrants are erasing British civilisation as ‘b******s’.

The former prime minister said: ‘The population of New York that was born abroad is virtually identical [to London].

‘I think in America, about 30 per cent of people are either first or second generation immigrants. The statistic I used to cite was that 40 per cent of our population was born abroad.

‘So all these raving about civilisational erasure, “Britain’s going down the tubes” – I think it’s b******s.’

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According to the 2021 census, around 41 per cent of London residents were born outside the UK, while the average for the rest of England was about 17 per cent.

Meanwhile, around 37 per cent of New Yorkers are foreign-born.

Mr Johnson – the former mayor of London – seemed to be referencing comments made by the Trump administration in recent months, and in particular, vice president JD Vance.

As early as last year, Mr Vance declared that Europe was teetering on ‘civilisational suicide’.

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Boris John branded claims about civilisational erasure ‘b******s’ during a Sky News interview

US vice president JD Vance has frequently criticised European immigration policies

US vice president JD Vance has frequently criticised European immigration policies

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What’s YOUR take on Johnson’s response?

Just before the US celebrated 250 years of independence on July 4, he spoke about his ‘special affection for Britain’, but added that the country was ‘very broken’.

And last month, he sparked controversy by linking the murder of Henry Nowak by Vickrum Digwa to an influx in immigration.

He said Mr Nowak’s death would not have happened ‘if the last few generations of European elites had stood their ground against the politics of self-hatred and the mass invasion of migrants, many of whom despise the West and the people who love it’.

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This drew backlash from Downing Street, which hit out at ‘people trying to interfere in our democracy and stir up division on our streets’.

The vice president has also aligned himself with Britain’s far-Right, urging anti-immigration activists who attended a protest led by Tommy Robinson in May to ‘keep on going’ and prepare for the ‘battle of Britain’.

Addressing reporters at the White House then, he claimed that ‘all over the West’ there is ‘this idea that the way to generate prosperity is to bring in millions and millions of unvetted people and drop them into your neighborhoods’.

‘And we simply reject that idea,’ he said. ‘To everybody in the UK who rejects that idea, I’d encourage them to just keep on going. It’s OK to want to defend your culture. It’s OK to want to live in a safe neighborhood.’

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It is a rhetoric he has repeated many times, including at the Munich Security Conference last year, where he spoke not about defence, but about Europe opening the ‘floodgates’ to migrants while hollowing out core democratic values.

Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News yesterday, Mr Johnson branded comparisons between the make-up of the UK and US as ‘b******s’, but said Britain had been ‘far too limp wristed in insisting people conform to our ideals’.

‘We haven’t been tough enough in insisting on basic British norms of behaviour,’ he said. ‘I think a lot of political correctness has prevented that.

‘The grooming gangs, all this sort of stuff. I think it is totally unacceptable that you should have populations of women who don’t speak English. That’s absolutely appalling.’

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Council of Europe questions integrity of World Cup in scathing letter to Fifa hours before final

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Council of Europe questions integrity of World Cup in scathing letter to Fifa hours before final

Europe’s leading human rights organisation has questioned the integrity of the World Cup, urging FIFA to establish a more robust framework for the 2030 edition which will be played mostly in Spain and Portugal.

In a scathing open letter to FIFA published hours before the final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Alain Berset, the head of the 46-nation Council of Europe, warned: “The next crisis has already begun. It has two names: money and power.”

Mr Berset, a Swiss politician who has twice served as president of FIFA’s home country, highlighted FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend a ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun.

This suspension, which allowed Balogun to play against Belgium in a quarter-final match that Belgium won 4-1, followed pressure from US President Donald Trump.

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“When the rules bend under pressure, every result is open to doubt,” Mr Berset wrote. “Political influence has also moved onto the field. The sanction suspended mid-tournament came after a head of state called the president of FIFA.”

In his letter, Alain Berset pointed to FIFA suspending a ban for United States forward Folarin Balugun while under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump
In his letter, Alain Berset pointed to FIFA suspending a ban for United States forward Folarin Balugun while under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

European football body UEFA also fiercely criticised the ruling, stating it “crossed a red line” in the sport’s rule of law, with FIFA yet to publish its reasoning.

Further concerns were raised regarding FIFA’s $150 million sponsorship deal with ADI Predictstreet, a prediction market company formed just one week before the agreement was signed in April. FIFA also holds other commercial deals with the gambling industry for this World Cup.

Mr Berset criticised prediction betting as rewarding insider trading, noting it allows wagers on “moments a single player can produce without changing the score.”

He concluded: “It is an open door to fraud. And this World Cup has opened the door wider.”

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FIFA’s disciplinary ruling on Balogun was also fiercely criticized by European soccer body UEFA, which said the decision ‘crossed a red line’ in soccer’s rule of law and transparency
FIFA’s disciplinary ruling on Balogun was also fiercely criticized by European soccer body UEFA, which said the decision ‘crossed a red line’ in soccer’s rule of law and transparency (AP Photo/Manu Fernández)

Despite a formal working agreement signed in 2018 by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who then spoke of shared values like “transparency, accountability, integrity, safety in sport and respect for human rights,” the Council of Europe aired its concerns publicly. The inter-governmental body, which created the European Convention on Human Rights, aims “to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe and beyond.”

Mr Berset also pointed to other issues, including the authority of referees being questioned, racist abuse of players – some from elected officials – and the proliferation of betting on “every pass, every card, every corner” in the first 48-team, 104-game World Cup.

The 2030 men’s World Cup will be largely staged in Europe, with Morocco co-hosting, and one match each in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to mark the centenary of the original 1930 tournament.

Concluding his letter, Mr Berset proposed: “A working dialogue that starts tonight, to build the integrity framework of the 2030 World Cup before it is played.”

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Belgian Grand Prix result: Kimi Antonelli wins to extend title lead after George Russell crashes out on first lap

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Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc right behind during the Belgian Grand Prix

Antonelli initially looked set to deliver on the pre-race expectations and dominate comfortably at the front following his impressive pole position on Saturday.

Clever driving on the first lap solved his concerns about being passed on the run up the hill to Les Combes, when he let Verstappen past him into Eau Rouge and then slipstreamed back into the lead up the following Kemmel straight.

Behind him, Russell went into Les Combes side by side with Hamilton, trying to pass the Ferrari around the outside.

Russell was ahead going into the corner, but a wobble from Hamilton caused by the airflow to his front wing being disrupted by the fighting Antonelli, Verstappen and Leclerc in front of him, meant he tagged the Mercedes, which spun into the gravel trap and into retirement.

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An emotional Russell said: “I came out of Turn One, for whatever reason I was 30-40% down on my battery. I just totally got swamped up by three cars.

“Incident with Lewis, I have not really seen it. But I thought probably a racing incident. I am not going to blame Lewis. If things were normal, I would have been battling with Lewis, battling with Kimi and Max.

“It is one thing after another, after another, after another. Not good enough on all regards so try and reset again. I’ve done it enough times this season and I’ll see what we can do.”

Antonelli measured his pace carefully in the opening stint, looking after his tyres, until being told to speed up as his pit stop loomed.

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Over the course of lap 17, he demonstrated how much pace he had in hand when he extended his lead over Verstappen from 2.3 seconds to 3.5, before pitting on the following lap.

Two laps later, though, a virtual safety car period for some debris on track gave Leclerc a cheap pit stop – it costs nearly half as much race time to stop under a safety car than under green-flag conditions – and Leclerc was able to stop for fresh tyres and rejoin still in front of Antonelli.

Norris by this point was in the lead, but Leclerc soon passed the McLaren on lap 26, and it was now a question as to how long it would take Antonelli to close the three-second gap to the Ferrari.

Antonelli was on his tail eight laps later and passed the Ferrari on the Kemmel straight on lap 34 of 44.

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Leclerc was able to stay with Antonelli, whose lead never went over two seconds, and there was extra pressure from the fact the Mercedes driver was on the cusp of a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits too many times.

But Antonelli calmly kept things under control to cross the line just under two seconds ahead and retake control of the championship.

It was his first win since Monaco in early June, after a retirement in Spain, a third in Austria and a finish out of the points at the British Grand Prix.

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