Amid political upheaval and the subsequent resignation of the health secretary, the king’s speech unveiled the NHS modernisation bill – the most significant overhaul of the health service in more than a decade.

By legally abolishing NHS England and bringing operational management directly into Whitehall, ministers say they are cutting bureaucracy and returning power to the frontline.

But with public satisfaction with the NHS only just beginning to recover from a record low, and more than 7 million people still waiting for “elective” (scheduled) treatment, the central question is whether structural reform of this kind actually improves patient care and outcomes. Or, as health-policy experts at the King’s Fund have asked, will scrapping NHS England make it any easier to get a GP appointment or reduce waiting times?

History offers little reassurance. Major health system reorganisations are often costly and disruptive. The 2012 Lansley reforms – the most recent comparable reform – cost the taxpayer £1.5 billion, a figure widely considered an underestimate.

Spending on management consultants spiked to nearly £600 million a year as the system absorbed the shock, and the King’s Fund later concluded that the upheaval “contributed to widespread financial distress and failure to hit key targets for patient care”. There is little evidence that the redesign improved patient outcomes.

The NHS modernisation bill risks repeating this exact pattern. The government claims the 2026 bill will save £1 billion. Yet history and current economic analyses suggest otherwise. UK charity The Health Foundation recently warned that the supposed real-term funding increase for the NHS will be largely swallowed by the massive one-off redundancy costs – money the Treasury has so far declined to ring-fence.

Opportunity cost

The financial bill is only part of the cost. The true toll is the massive opportunity cost: the leadership time, clinical attention and organisational energy that is no longer available to fix everyday care.

In a recent survey, 95% of local health board leaders said they were concerned that the demanded cost reductions would damage their ability to deliver on national priorities.

An evaluation of a major transformation programme in the wake of the last reforms found that restructuring seriously disrupted progress in the overwhelming majority of trusts studied. Every hour a chief executive spends redrawing boundary lines is an hour not spent improving discharge planning, supporting GPs or driving down infection rates.

The distraction matters because the real drivers of ill health do not sit inside NHS organisation charts. They sit in housing, education, work and income. These are the social determinants of health that are widening inequalities and, for some groups, leading to a reversal in life expectancy improvements.

Adult social care, the system most directly responsible for keeping older and disabled people out of hospital, faces a funding gap of more than £1 billion just to stand still in the coming year, while around 2 million older people live with unmet care needs. These are the problems that need to be addressed if we want a functioning health service.

Research into the life-long consequences of childhood poverty points to the same uncomfortable truth: today’s hospital pressures are seeded years, sometimes decades, earlier, in the conditions in which we live, grow, work and age. Restructuring head offices cannot touch any of that.

The lesson from previous reorganisations is clear: rewiring NHS structures has proved “a policy lever of limited strength” compared with funding, staffing and clear priorities.

There are certainly good ideas in the bill. A properly implemented single patient record could spare patients from repeating their story at every appointment and help healthcare professionals make safer decisions. But even that is jeopardised when the same leaders being asked to deliver it are simultaneously dismantling the body that was meant to run it.

The bill also dismantles the most established independent channel for patient feedback. Healthwatch England – the statutory body created to gather and amplify patients’ experiences of care – would be abolished, with its functions absorbed into the Department of Health and Social Care and parcelled out to integrated care boards and local authorities.

The Patients Association said it is “deeply concerned” by this change, and that a patient voice sitting inside the government is not the same as one able to challenge it. At precisely the moment the NHS most needs to hear what patients are experiencing, the bill threatens to remove the independent channel built to listen.

Public satisfaction remains fragile, waiting lists remain long, and health inequalities continue to widen. The evidence suggests policymakers would achieve more by focusing on prevention, primary care and social reform, rather than another multi-billion-pound reorganisation that, if history is any guide, risks changing structures more than outcomes.

The former England rugby player Mike Tindall was speaking to his mates and podcast co-hosts James Haskell and Alex Payne at the Hay Festival in Powys when he made the comment

Mike Tindall has poked fun at Prince Harry, quipping that he knew the Duke “when he was fun” in a light-hearted remark about his marriage to Harry’s cousin, Zara.

Speaking with his close friends and podcast co-hosts James Haskell and Alex Payne, former rugby star Mike expressed theatrical disbelief that his ex-teammate Haskell had managed to avoid embarrassing himself at the wedding.

“A lot of other people managed that way better than you – [like] Harry, when he was fun,” he joked. The Duke of Sussex is godfather to Tindall’s second daughter, Lena.

Mike made the comment at the Hay Festival in Powys, where he and his co-hosts exchanged numerous witty remarks about his connections to the Royal Family.

Payne noted that the former England international had considerable influence because “he’s got his own bedroom at Buckingham Palace”. Tindall fired back with a quip: “Opposite end to Andrew, though.”

He also revealed that he had been advised backstage to steer clear of any references to the former prince, saying: “Backstage, they were like, ‘It’s being recorded, maybe stay away from [the subject of] Andrew tonight?’” reports the Express.

In another quip about the Royal Family, the former rugby player said taxpayers’ money had covered the cost of his corrective rhinoplasty surgery for his broken nose in 2018. “It’s got the royal warrant if you look inside it,” he said.

Payne suggested that Mike’s royal connections could help shine a spotlight on Richmond Rugby Club, where the trio have filmed a pilot for a television series. He continued: “We’ve got some amazing ideas – Amazon Prime are interested – if we can get it going.

“The Rolling Stones used to practise when they were 16 years old in the Richmond club house, and one of my ambitions is to get Mick Jagger back, because he lives in Richmond, to do a big gig at Richmond Athletic Ground, raise money and get the club back on the map.

“Tin[dall]’s obviously got good connections… we could have Catherine meeting the team, the Princess of Wales. These are all massive pipe dreams.”

Guardiola signed an initial three-year contract with City in February 2016 to take over from Manuel Pellegrini for the start of the 2016-17 season.

Though he finished that campaign without a trophy for the first time in his career – and also went trophyless last season – his City side have dominated English football during his reign.

City are the only team to reach 100 points in a top-flight season – doing so in 2017-18, when they also set the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League campaign, with 106.

In 2022-23, City became only the second English team in history, after Manchester United in 1998-99, to complete the Treble – winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season.

Guardiola’s City later became the first team to win the English league title four seasons in a row with their triumph in 2023-24.

Overall, he won six Premier Leagues, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups and a Fifa Club World Cup.

The former Spain international signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, until the end of the 2026-27 season.

City said Guardiola has had “a transformative effect” during his tenure and, despite his exit as manager, would “continue his relationship with the City Football Group, by taking up a role as a global ambassador”.

As part of the renaming of the stand after Guardiola, City have also commissioned a statue which will be placed outside it.

“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field,” said City owner Sheikh Mansour.

“For 10 years Pep has been the personification of that ambition.

“He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the club. One that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted.”

Guardiola joined City after three seasons at Bayern Munich, where he won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and two German Cups.

He started his managerial career at Barcelona in 2008, shaping one of the best club sides ever – winning three straight La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and two Copa del Reys before taking a year’s sabbatical following the 2011-12 season.

Defensive midfielder Guardiola spent most of his playing career at Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and the 1991-92 European Cup.

He captained Spain to gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and subsequently made 47 appearances for the senior national side. He retired from professional football in 2006.

The Voice UK presenter will be the face of the BBC dancing competition with Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe

New Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis’ ITV co-star Tom Allen has provided a major update on the Cooking with The Stars future just days after she landed the huge role.

The 50-year-old was announced on Tuesday (May 19) as one of Strictly’s three new presenters, drafted in to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Joining Emma is professional dancer Johannes Radebe, 39, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43.

Emma said of the news in a statement: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.

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“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.

“I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”

Emma has lots of experience on live TV, often hosting ITV talk show This Morning and set to return to The Voice later in the year. On top of this, she hosts the Netflix reality dating series Love Is Blind with her husband Matt Willis.

Rising to fame on MTV in the early 2000s, Emma has worked on other hit series such as I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! NOW, Channel 4’s The Circle and Big Brother. Emma has already dealt with filling in big shoes, with her Channel 5 Big Brother era seeing her replace Brian Dowling.

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Already spinning lots of plates at once, Emma can also be found on Cooking with the Stars with comedian Tom Allen. Launched in 2021, the series sees celebrities paired with a professional chef who becomes their mentor as they take part in a series of cooking battles.

The series has been won by the likes of McFly’s Harry Judd, ITV star Dr. Ranj Singh and Coronation Street actress Samia Longchambon. Last airing in 2025, the most recent winner of the series was Natalie Cassidy, who played Sonia Fowler on EastEnders.

On Friday (May 22), Tom appeared on ITV talk show This Morning to speak about his debut novel Common Decency. Speaking to Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, Tom was quizzed on not only how he felt about Emma’s big news, but if they’ll continue working together.

“We have been filming that [Cooking with the Stars] with Strictly Come Dancing’s Emma Willis. She didn’t tell me, you know. I was subtly asking her ‘do you like dancing’. I realised that everyone was asking her. She was obviously sworn to secrecy about it.

“If you have a secret, tell Emma Willis about it because she will not break. I was asking Emma and she was going ‘I don’t know’,” he told Dermot and Alison.

The temporary tax reduction will slash VAT from 20% to 5% on a huge range of attractions and activities across the UK during the school holidays.

The move comes as millions of households brace for another energy bill surge linked to the escalating Iran conflict.

Under the plans, cheaper prices are expected on tickets for theme parks, fairs, zoos, museums, cinemas, concerts, theatres and soft play centres.

Children’s meals in restaurants and cafes will also qualify for the lower VAT rate.

The changes will apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from June 25 until September 1.

The Government says it expects businesses to pass the savings directly on to customers – potentially cutting the cost of family days out at one of the most expensive times of year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said many families had started feeling simple treats and summer outings were becoming “out of reach”.

He said the package would give households “a bit of breathing room” during a difficult period.

Starmer added: “This summer, we are making it easier and more affordable for families to get out, spend time together, and make memories they will cherish for life.”

The VAT cut forms part of Reeves’ wider “Great British Summer Savings” plan, which also includes free bus travel for children aged five to 15 throughout August in England.

The Treasury estimates the summer support package will cost around £300 million.

But the announcement comes against a backdrop of mounting fears over rising household costs later this year.

Energy analysts at Cornwall Insight predict the household energy price cap could jump by £209 a year from July after global oil and gas prices soared following disruption in the Middle East.

Reeves admitted ministers were closely monitoring the situation but stopped short of announcing immediate help with energy bills.

She told MPs the Government “stands ready to act if market conditions worsen significantly later this year”.

The Chancellor also announced cheaper food imports, a rise in tax-free mileage rates and support for key British industries as part of the wider package.

VAT on soft play cut to 5% this Summer!https://t.co/JGbT9nlx9i

👏 Association of Indoor Play who lobbied for change & @TomHayesBmouth, Chair @APPGonPlay who secured this with the Chancellor

Play is a right, not a luxury. Children’s play should not be taxed. Make it permanent!

— Play England (@PlayEngland) May 21, 2026

British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions chief executive Paul Kelly called it “a very welcome and timely boost” for the attractions sector.

Meanwhile UKHospitality chairwoman Kate Nicholls said lower VAT was “the quickest and simplest way to lower prices and boost consumer confidence”.

Hangloose Adventure operates thrill attractions including England’s longest and fastest zipwires, Europe’s biggest swing and the UK’s only outdoor indoor skydive machine, with sites at the Eden Project and Bluewater Shopping Centre.

Their managing director Brian Phelps said: “For families, this isn’t just about saving money – it’s about making it easier to spend meaningful time together and create lasting memories.”

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Phelps said outdoor attractions can have “a genuinely positive impact on both mental and physical health”, particularly for children during the summer holidays.

“For the attractions industry, this reduction in VAT will not only allow us to lower prices, but will ultimately hopefully drive trade and allow for more employment and investment back into the industry,” he added.

He described the announcement as “a huge win for everyone and something that, quite frankly, I can’t quite believe”.

Guardiola is leaving Manchester City but will not be saying goodbye to the City Football Group (CFG). As he steps down as manager at the Etihad, the Catalan has agreed to be a global ambassador for the network of teams across the globe controlled by City’s owners. Guardiola will be able to give technical advice to clubs such as Palermo, Lommel, and Troyes and will be “working on specific projects and collaborations” with the group. The legendary coach has previously spoken of wanting to experience international management and there are major tournaments coming up in England in 2028 and Spain in 2030 that could appeal, but his first job after leaving City will be to remain with CFG.

“We have been privileged to work alongside Pep Guardiola for ten years. We have witnessed his greatness and dedication, but also enjoyed his companionship, his friendship and humanity,” said CEO Ferran Soriano. “What a privilege it has been for so many of us at Manchester City.”

Read more here>>>

Karen Henthorn, who played Julie Bates on the BBC soap, first appeared in Walford nearly 30 years ago, returned to Albert Square last year as part of a storyline exploring dementia.

She made her original debut between September 1997 and April 1998.

Julie’s exit aired in the Thursday episode, with her character deciding to leave for a new life in India just weeks after the death of her husband, Nigel.

After reading a letter from Nigel, Julie discovered he had left her his pension, allowing her to fulfil her dream of travelling abroad.

Ms Henthorn marked her departure with a farewell video shared on EastEnders’ official social media accounts.

Karen Henthorn said: “It’s my last day and I’ve had the best time – the best 10 and a half months.

“Whatever you do in life, it’s always about people and kindness.

“Thanks for your love, your support and your commitment and dedication to the programme, which you love as much as I love.

“And I’m going to really miss you.

“So thanks everyone, take care of each other, loads and loads of love.”

The video included part of her final scene, followed by a behind-the-scenes moment where she was given flowers and applauded by crew and cast, including Steve McFadden.

Executive Producer Ben Wadey also paid tribute.

Mr Wadey said: “Your constant waterworks, your endless tears, but your performance has really been amazing.

“Thank you for everything, you’ve been amazing.”

EastEnders captioned the Facebook farewell: “Tonight we say goodbye to the outstanding Karen Henthorn and Julie Bates.

“You’ve been an absolute delight and we will miss you dearly!”

Fans also shared messages of support under the video.

One viewer wrote: “Great actress and amazing portrayal of such an awful disease.

“I hoped you might end up with Phil, it’s the most he’s smiled since you arrived.”

Another said: “I’m heartbroken, she was my favourite character.”

Who is your favourite EastEnders character? Let us know in the comments

Reformed fraudster Alex Wood was a musical prodigy, but a wrist injury ended his violin-playing career and he turned to crime – now he shares his phone fraud warning signs to help you avoid being scammed

As a gifted musical talent, violinist Alex Wood travelled the globe, performing at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle alongside prestigious international concert venues. However, it was an entirely different type of fiddle that would come to define Alex’s life as an adult.

Alex’s musical journey ground to an unexpected halt at the age of 24. “I developed a bit of strain injury in my early twenties in my right wrist, ” he told us, “and it led to a very sudden sort of stop in my career.”

From his mid-twenties, he transformed into a prolific fraudster, occasionally pocketing as much as a million pounds through a single 40-minute telephone scam. “I certainly had a capacity for committing fraud, and I was very good at it,” he said. “I committed every sort of fraud you could possibly imagine for about 25 years.”

Today, following an extensive criminal history that resulted in three prison sentences, Alex has turned from poacher to gamekeeper, educating the public on protecting themselves from fraudsters. He is part of the BBC’s Scam Secrets team and has written a new book, Facing the Music: From Her Majesty’s Palaces to Her Majesty’s Prisons, which reveals the profitable realm of fraud.

He offers several straightforward tips for anyone receiving a call from someone purporting to represent a bank or other financial organisation.

How the scam worked

Alex’s most ambitious and – ultimately – final criminal venture resulted in a seven-year prison sentence. While Alex has since left his unlawful activities behind, similar scams continue to be perpetrated on a smaller scale virtually daily, with innumerable calls targeting ordinary consumers.

Describing how the operation functioned, Alex revealed: “The last case was a multi-million pound, cyber-authorised push payment fraud, which involved me phoning up companies pretending to be the bank and getting them to transfer tens of thousands of pounds.”

Alongside an accomplice he’d encountered while incarcerated, Alex successfully swindled 12 businesses throughout the UK. Losses across three firms totalled nearly £1.8 million, with a single company losing close to £1.3 million.

For Alex, the process was as straightforward as placing a telephone call. He said: “We were targeting medium-sized businesses, and I knew that in the UK, a medium-sized business either banks with Barclays or NatWest – they have about 85% of the market.

“So I phone up as Barclays and if somebody said ‘No idea what you’re talking about, mate, we don’t bank with Barclays.’ I’d just remember that number and phone back the week later and say I’m from NatWest.”

Alex deployed a persuasive approach that convinced victims to authorise what they believed were “test” transactions, while actually transferring substantial sums to accounts controlled by his accomplice.

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How to avoid becoming the next victim

Alex highlights that fraud represents roughly 45% of all reported crime, yet receives merely one to two per cent of police funding. Numerous cases go unreported entirely for various reasons, he notes.

Consequently, Alex advises: “You can’t never trust anyone ever. Apply zero-trust principles to any unexpected request for a payment – even if it’s your kids phoning you up and saying, ‘Hi Dad, I need your help.’

“If it’s at work and you’re expecting to pay an invoice at the end of the month and they’re rushing you to pay it early or whatever, anything like that has a smell about it.”

Remain vigilant whenever you receive an unanticipated payment request, or sense someone attempting to rush you. Alex added: “Fraudsters would always try to rush their victims into making a mistake.”

Alex’s principal recommendation is that when somebody attempts to pressure you into transferring money rapidly, “that’s when it’s important to step back, take five, and just check”.

Should the bank contact you, they won’t object if you disconnect and ring back using a different number. They want you to remain secure, so there’s no need to fret about ending the call and causing offence.

He added: “If you think something’s up, then you can flag it with Report Fraud, which recently replaced Action Fraud as the National Reporting Service.”

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A life of crime

Alex had already dabbled in criminal behaviour prior to his injury, while still attending the prestigious Purcell School for Young Musicians: “I was 16 and I got a summer job in Burton’s menswear. And I used to steal the gift vouchers because there were these old books of gift vouchers back in the days before vouchers were digitally recorded on the till system.”

These gift vouchers, he elaborates, were printed in books potentially worth around £5,000 in total. The teenage Alex would simply spend a small portion of each voucher’s value in high street retailers such as Top Shop or Top Man, pocketing the remaining change in cash.

However, following the loss of his musical career, Alex’s crimes “sort of graduated in seriousness,” he reveals. When he was implicated in a fraudulent share scheme, he was subsequently arrested and imprisoned. Yet his initial spell behind bars became, in essence, a masterclass in criminality, he admits.

During the opening week or so, prison proved “terrifying,” though inmates are swiftly divided into categories. He went on: “The officers very quickly vet you, and if you’re in for a low-level white-collar offence, you know, where you’re not interested in gang culture, you’re not smoking drugs all day, you’re not trying to attack prison officers, you’re seen as low risk and you’re literally shipped out to the countryside, and so I ended up in Hollesley Bay, which is an open prison.”

There, Alex explains that he learned from more seasoned offenders how to execute increasingly sophisticated frauds. He continued: “When in prison, I met people who were much better at crime than me … I formed a much deeper and darker conspiracy in prison.”

Following his release, Alex carried out some of his most notorious offences. Masquerading as the 13th Duke of Marlborough, he reserved rooms at prestigious London hotels, directing staff to forward the frequently substantial bills to Blenheim Palace. During one visit to Claridge’s in Mayfair, he ran up costs of nearly £1,800 across just three days.

Even after being arrested in relation to a fraudulent reservation at London’s Great Northern Hotel, Alex couldn’t resist the lure of living the extravagant lifestyle of an aristocrat and accumulated additional bills approaching £8,000 at hotels in Mayfair, Canary Wharf and South Kensington while on bail.

He received a second prison sentence in 2015. However, his most significant crime – the push payment fraud – was still to come.

Alex Wood is appearing at The Hunter and the Hunted event at Cheltenham Science Festival on Tuesday June 2. www.cheltenhamfestivals.org

The health body say one popular activity often enjoyed on a sunny day poses a serious risk during the upcoming heatwave

Public Health Wales has issued a warning to the public ahead of a heatwave set to hit Wales over the bank holiday weekend. Forecasters at the Met Office say “exceptional” temperatures are expected in the coming days, with highs above 30C possible.

It’s likely the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken during the “notable heatwave”. Many parts of Wales will be hotter than popular European holiday destinations in the coming days, including Mykonos, Ibiza and Marbella. You can see where the heatwave will hit in Wales on our forecast here.

Public Health Wales (PHW) has issued a warning ahead of the heatwave and said it is particularly concerned about the danger posed by one activity many people enjoy during warm spells.

There are fears that people could get into danger in water due to temperatures being well above average as while air temperatures may be very warm, the water is likely to remain cold due to the time of year. This poses a significant risk of cold water shock. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter

According to the Met Office, cold water shock is a sudden and involuntary response that occurs when the body is unexpectedly immersed in water below 15C. It’s a physiological response that can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness, or swimming ability, the weather agency say.

PHW is therefore encouraging people to be cautious even though open water may look inviting over the bank holiday and half-term week.

The health body is also reminding people to be careful in the sun – by wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated and taking advantage of spots in the shade.

The advice comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for parts of the England as temperatures are expected to soar over the bank holiday weekend.

The alerts, which mean significant impacts are likely across health and care services, cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the south east.

They are in place from 2pm on Friday until 5pm on Wednesday. According to the UKHSA website an amber heat health alert means there is likely to be “a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions” and increased demand on all health and social care services.

Wales does not have a formal heat-health alert system equivalent to that used in England, with PHW issuing guidance when necessary instead.

Professor Sarah Jones, Consultant in Environmental Public Health for Public Health Wales, said: “While the current unusually warm and sunny weather in parts of Wales gives many people a much-needed boost to their mental wellbeing, it is important that we all look after each other and enjoy it safely.

“Hot weather is often more difficult for older people and babies, so look after your friends and check in on neighbours and family members to make sure that they are drinking plenty of water.

“When you’re outside, take advantage of the shade, cover up with light, loose clothing, wear sunscreen and take water with you so you can keep hydrated.

“While open water such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs can look inviting, at this time of the year it will be extremely cold. Please don’t be tempted to think that they will be good to cool off in. Cold water shock is very dangerous. If we all look after each other, everyone can have a good long weekend.”

What to do if you fall into cold water:

The Met Office and RNLI recommend the following advice. If you unexpectedly find yourself in cold water, the most important thing is not to panic. Instead, follow these steps:

• Lean back and try to float, keeping your head above water.
• Extend your arms and legs to help you stay afloat.
• Control your breathing, this is key to surviving the initial shock.
• Once you’ve calmed your breathing, call for help or look for something to hold onto.
• If possible, swim to safety only once you’ve recovered from the initial effects.

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Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were found dead in the waters off Brighton in May, as police investigations remain ongoing

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The bereaved family members of three sisters found dead in the sea off Brighton have disclosed a further devastating detail — the women’s mother also lost her life by drowning several years ago.

Jane Adetoro, 36, along with sisters Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from Uxbridge in west London, were recovered from the water shortly before dawn on 13 May after emergency services were alerted at around 5.45am.

Relatives described the three women as introverted and extraordinarily close to one another, maintaining that they led quiet lives and steered clear of drinking, smoking and nightlife. Family members also hit out at the wave of online conspiracy theories that have spread in the wake of the tragedy.

Those close to the sisters said they had no idea the women had made their way to Brighton in the early hours of that morning. However, they suggested the trio may have travelled to the East Sussex coast in tribute to their mother, who drowned in Birmingham in 2010.

Their aunt, Ajike Adetoro, said the deaths came without warning, explaining that Jane, Christina and Rebecca had appeared “totally happy” beforehand and that what happened was “totally unexpected”, reports the Times, reports the Daily Star.

Officers investigating the case have said they are yet to establish how the sisters entered the water. Detectives confirmed there is currently no evidence pointing to criminal involvement or the presence of any other person connected to the incident. Public interest intensified after the family first released an AI-generated image depicting the three women together. A subsequent photograph, captured during the sisters’ teenage years, was later made public.

In an emotional statement issued on Wednesday, the women’s father, Joseph, spoke openly about the pain of losing all three daughters. He said in a statement: “Today, with a heart full of sorrow and love, I pay tribute to my beloved daughters – Jane, Christina, and Becky – whose lives ended so tragically far too soon.

“No words can truly describe the pain of losing three daughters in the prime of their lives. Jane, Christina, and Becky were more than daughters to me; they were my joy, my strength, and the beautiful light that filled our family with happiness and love.

“Each of you was unique and precious in your own special way. Your smiles brightened dark days, your laughter brought comfort, and your presence made life more meaningful. Though your time on earth was short, the impact you made will remain in our hearts forever.”

Joseph went on to reflect on each daughter individually, saying: “Jane, your strength and loving spirit will never be forgotten. Christina, your kindness and beautiful heart touched so many lives. Becky, your warmth and joyful soul brought happiness wherever you went. You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply missed.

“The tragedy of losing all three of you has left an emptiness that words cannot heal. There are days when the grief feels unbearable, yet I hold tightly to the memories we shared – the laughter, the conversations, the love, and the bond that death can never take away.”

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sisters’ deaths continues. Officers have spent several days examining extensive CCTV footage and conducting enquiries with residents and businesses near the seafront in a bid to piece together the women’s final movements.

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, the Divisional Commander for Brighton and Hove, has urged witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward. Detectives are particularly keen to hear from people who may have spotted the sisters near Madeira Drive between 10pm on Tuesday, May 12, and 5.30am the following morning.

Chief Superintendent Hays said: “The thoughts of everyone at Sussex Police are with the family of Jane, Christina and Rebecca following this devastating loss.

“I know this incident has had a profound impact on the local community in Brighton, and across the country and I’d like to reassure the public we will leave no stone unturned in our investigation to understand exactly what led to the tragic events of that Wednesday morning.

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“This investigation will continue in earnest, with Jane, Christina and Rebecca’s family at its centre. I would ask that they are given the privacy to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.”

One potential theory being examined by Coastguard investigators is that one or more of the sisters may have ventured into the water from the beach before getting into difficulty due to Brighton’s steeply shelving seabed.

A Coastguard source told the Daily Mail last week: “The shoreline off Brighton Beach slopes steeply into deep water, many people don’t realise the danger. You don’t have to go far out at all before there’s a big drop-off and you go from knee-high water to chest-high water.

“Swimmers can be pulled out of their depth very quickly from the backwash and with pebbles shifting underfoot it becomes difficult to maintain your balance especially when you’re trying to climb back up the slope with waves crashing against you.

“One theory that the Coastguard are looking at is that at least one of the women went into the sea for a paddle and strayed too far out and were caught out by the sudden drop.”