The Harry Potter author backed For Women Scotland, whose emphatic legal victories should mean safe spaces for women should be immediately accured

After a long and often divisive debate one clear winner has emerged in the struggle between trans rights and those of biological women. And it has to be Harry Potter author JK Rowling – who has funded, argued and won battle after battle to protect women’s safety and dignity in the face of a virtual onslaught by the Scottish Government.

Rowling had no need for a magic wand like the heroes of her books. Her formidable voice, most often on social media platform X, has undoubtedly been the most powerful and consistent one in the debate that led to two thumping court victories for her close associates, the For Women Scotland group.

The author’s position has remained rock solid, despite death threats and concerted global moves to “cancel” her, amid mass book burnings and thousands of vitriolic direct messages decrying her as a traitor, a TERF, and a transphobe.

Rowling refused to be bowed and her financial support of FWS – a group of equally resolute Scottish women – led to the UK’s Supreme Court last April enshrining in law that biology defines a woman. The group’s second big legal victory, just last week, means it is now, categorically, illegal for trans women to be held in women’s jails in Scotland.

And this week the multi-millionaire author has doubled down on her promise to put her money where her mouth is. She has invited any woman who might have been subject to unlawful treatment by the Scottish Government or Scottish Prison Service to join a class action, in which she’ll foot the hefty legal costs.

The J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund (JKRWF), according to the author, “stands ready to fund such an action” – and several women who have served time in Scottish prisons are already thought to be on board, arguing that they were put in danger by the presence of men.

Rowling’s focus now seems to be making sure that the legal victories she has been a big part of do not get shoved to the side – and that quick changes must be seen in the way women’s safe spaces are assured.

To understand how far we have moved, we need to remember that in 2022 the then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared simply that ‘trans women and women’ and her followers were keen on the phrase “no debate”.

The big change was perhaps the case of Isla Bryson, who was known as Adam Graham when he raped two vulnerable women in 2016 and 2019. In January 2023, Bryson was set to serve an extended sentence of 11 years in a women’s jail.

But an outcry erupted after he turned up at court in a blonde wig and tight pink leggings, revealing his full male biology. That picture told a thousand words.

Prior to that, disturbed Tiffany Scott was another who was earmarked for a women’s jail, despite his crimes including stalking a 13-year-old girl. Scott, previously Andrew Burns, died in HMP Grampian in February 2024 after a long history of self harming.

The presence of Sophie Eastwood in a women’s jail also caused alarm, given the fact the lifer had strangled a cellmate, Paul Algie, to death with shoelaces in 2004, for little apparent reason. Eastwood was another to be quietly re-assigned to the male estate but has spent a substantial time in hospital.

The biggest recent focal point for campaigners has been the case of murderer Alexandria Stewart – formerly Alan Baker – who was able to conduct a relationship with child killer Nyomi Fee inside HMP Greenock for several years.

Stewart was recently charged with an alleged sexual crime against a woman in the jail – but is still being held in the women’s wing, in segregation.

Despite the legal success of the “gender critical” lobby, that includes Rowling, the SPS is pausing to consider its position, meaning there are still biological men held among women in the female estate.

That means the organisation is still holding a position that Ms Sturgeon defended to the hilt, prior to mentally unravelling when she was asked to simply state what defined a woman in 2022. Recent history shows that anyone caught in the sights of Rowling over a moral – or legal – issue she has committed to would have a right to feel uneasy.

The SPS and Scottish Government would do well to wave the white flag on this one – and immediately move all biological men to the male estate, where they legally belong.

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening World Cup game, with Thomas Tuchel’s half-time team talk proving to be a catalyst for the second-half display – but Roy Keane says the reaction has been overblown

Manchester United legend Roy Keane reckons there’s been an exaggerated response to Thomas Tuchel’s half-time team talk during the Croatia match. England emerged 4-2 victors against their Group L opponents, delivering a strong opening statement.

The Three Lions produced an outstanding second-half performance, with Jude Bellingham and Manchester United star, Marcus Rashford getting on the scoresheet to secure three points in the group’s opening fixture. A double from Harry Kane had been pegged back by Martin Baturina and Petar Musa’s excellent first-half strikes.

Yet Tuchel and assistant coach Anthony Barry were dissatisfied with the opening 45 minutes. Players including Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham have all publicly commended the head coach for his interval remarks, which sparked the improved second-half showing.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Keane, though, isn’t buying into the hype. Speaking to ITV, the United legend said: “Is it a bit of an overreaction to his half-time team talk? What’s he supposed to do?”.

“That is his job isn’t it? That’s the manager’s job to give them the information and they go out and produce.

“That’s what any top manager will do, you get them at half-time and you remind them what they’re supposed to be doing. It’s a bit over the top.”

England appeared threatening in attack against Croatia, but seemed vulnerable defensively before Tuchel’s interval intervention, with Kane applauding the manager after the final whistle.

The Three Lions striker said: “I thought it was a game of two halves. I thought first half we were OK but really disappointed to concede the way we did, the way we dropped off.

“Credit to the manager. The manager gave us a speech at half-time, just to say if we lose we lose, but we lose in our way.

“You saw that the way we came out in the second half, we came out full gas. They couldn’t live with it and that’s the level we have to set every game.

“Credit to everyone. The first game of the tournament. A great result against a tough side.”

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

Seat Unique

Buy official packages at Seat Unique

Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.

Rice was also among those to commend Tuchel, with the Arsenal midfielder saying: “All round I think it was a great performance. He [Tuchel] was top at half-time. The words he used, what he said, settled everyone.

“I can’t say too much, but it was just one of those moments where you’re like, wow, what a top manager. I think we went out in the second half, and everyone was relaxed, and we just went for it.

“In the end, obviously, we could have scored a lot more than what we did. Their goalkeeper played unbelievably well. But to get a win and to have different goal scorers was brilliant.”

Almost nine in ten coffee shops in the area – more specifically 87.5% – are run and owned by local firms, data from Manchester-based digital marketing agency Dark Horse has revealed.

Middlesbrough comes a close second in the region with 87.1% being independently run, followed by Northumberland’s 87.0%.

The analysis, based on food hygiene rating data, looked at how many coffee shops in each authority are independents and chains, and how densely they feature in the wider food scene.

In Redcar and Cleveland, 56 of 761 food-service premises are coffee shops – 7.4% of the total – with only a handful run by major brands. 

Across the North East, more than three-quarters of coffee shops, or 78.1%, are independently owned, exceeding the UK average of 77.1%.

Even in areas with the highest concentration of chains, such as Newcastle and Stockton, independent cafés still dominate the local coffee landscape.

Libby Mayfield, head of marketing at Dark Horse, said: “There’s something incredibly comforting about these findings; it feels like a real celebration of the UK’s love of a local café.

“The numbers prove we’re choosing cosy corners, familiar faces and a flat white from a barista who agrees that syrups are for wimps. 

“It really goes to show that while convenience has its place, nothing quite beats the warmth of a passionately run local spot.”

The isle is famous for its fascinating history and spectacular beaches.

An amazing opportunity to work on one of Scotland’s most beautiful small islands has come up with a job that is “both fun and unique”. The island is considered to be the birthplace of Celtic Christianity in Scotland, while it is also known for its stunning white sandy beaches.

Iona Abbey on the tiny Isle of Iona is currently seeking a Visitor Experience Assistant from April to end September each year, with the role involving 35 hours of work per week at a starting salary of £27,740 pro-rata. The abbey was established in the year 563 and is one of the oldest Christian religious centres in Western Europe.

As reported by the Daily Record, Iona has previously been described as looking “just like the Caribbean” by a popular content creator. Chris Lawlor praised the small island for its “turquoise waters” and local eatery Ailidh’s that specialises in local seafood and Neapolitan pizzas.

Among the benefits of the Visitor Experience Assistant role are enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme with 28 per cent employer contribution, 25 days annual leave—increasing to 30 days after three years— and 11.5 public holidays. Other perks include reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions and support for further education and personal development.

Additionally, the successful applicant will benefit from study leave for work related courses and flexible working hours where appropriate. They will also get free entry to all of Historic Environment Scotland’s properties with up to three guests, as well as English and Welsh heritage properties.

Key responsibilities of the Visitor Experience Assistant include welcoming tourists and engaging proactively with customer service, processing and promoting retail and admissions transactions through the till system, and ensuring a high standard of presentation throughout the site.

The successful applicant will be expected to work as part of a team to achieve quality assurance indicators and actively support Historic Environment Scotland seminars, events, functions, and promotions. They will also deliver guided tours and talks as part of the core visitor experience.

Additionally, the Visitor Experience Assistant will proactively communicate with colleagues across the site to ensure high performance, standards, and consistency and support the Monument Manager on partnership and community engagement initiatives and projects. They will work together with the others in the monument team to achieve overall commercial performance targets.

Finally, the job will involve promoting commercial opportunities such as upcoming events and retail products where appropriate, assisting the Monument Manager to ensure accurate stock management and ensure the health and safety of staff, visitors, and contractors.

Those applying for the position must have experience delivering high standards of customer service in a fast-paced environment, strong team-working skills, and cash handling experience or willingness to undertake training. A genuine interest for working in the heritage tourism industry is also crucial.

Advertisement

Other essential attributes include IT skills and the ability to use basic online functions. Meanwhile, desirable requirements include knowledge of Iona Abbey and the surrounding area, previous experience communicating to large groups of people, and an existing first aid qualification.

When applying for the job, candidates should complete a cover letter that addresses why they are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland and how they can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria. The closing date for applications is Wednesday, June 24.

The job listing states: “Your role of Visitor Experience Assistant will be a part year permanent position from April to end September each year. Are you looking for a flexible seasonal job that is both fun and unique? You will get an insight into Scotland’s rich history and gain valuable experience in the tourism industry and help bring Scotland’s dramatic history to life for our visitors from across the world.

“Explore the fascinating stories from Scotland’s past and share your passion with international and local visitors who come to Iona during the season. Our Visitor Experience Assistant role delivers the highest standards of visitor experience at Iona Abbey and Nunnery working across all areas, including in the shop, admissions area and outside, with delivery of guided tours a core part of the role.”

More information about the job listing can be found on the Historic Environment Scotland website.

Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden in the soap, walked away from the show earlier this year and left many fans questioning whether she would be returning.

Victoria left the village after accidentally killing her brother John Sugden and being exposed by Joe Tate.

The actress was abruptly written out of the show to go on maternity leave to welcome her first child.

Will Isabel Hodgins be coming back to Emmerdale?

In Emmerdale, Victoria told her brother Robert Sugden that she would be back in the future with her son Harry.

The actress recently revealed her character’s future but said things could change while speaking on her co-star Danny Miller’s podcast with Nigel Clucas called You Don’t Know You’re Born.

She also mentioned how the show had never forced her to make a decision on whether she would be coming back.

She said: “I will need to find a way to manage that. For 20 years, work has been my priority.

“To be honest, I still don’t know when I’m going back. In my ideal world, it would be September. And then it’s all systems go. [That’s when] it really starts with the juggling and potential mum guilt, and whatever.”

“It was very much at my discretion how much [time] I wanted off.”

Who is Serena Sugden in Emmerdale?

While Victoria might not be returning until later in the year, it has been announced that Casey Al-Shaqsy will be joining the cast to play Serena Sugden.

It is not clear how she is linked to the family, but she will be making her debut in the village very soon.

The actress has already expressed how “thrilled” she is to be going Emmerdale.

She said: “Casey shared her excitement about joining the show: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining such an iconic show and playing a Sugden! Serena is a fantastic character with so much going on beneath the surface. I can’t wait for the audience to see the drama unfold.”

Will you be excited to see Victoria Sugden return to Emmerdale? Let us know in the comments below.

Erling Haaland continued his relentless goal streak at the World Cup after another double in just his second appearance in the tournament to guide Norway to a 3-2 win over Senegal and clinch a place in the knockout stage.

Haaland is propelling Norway into the status of dark horses, with his nation’s appearance in a knockout game for the first time in 28 years now secure.

While a showdown with Kylian Mbappe and France promises to be a titanic battle between two of the most lethal finishers in the game, with Group I at stake. Haaland now has four goals in the tournament, with Mbappe also on four after a double of his own to down Iraq, with the pair one behind Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot after his spectacular performance in victory over Austria.

Back to matters in Group I, Norway would need to win the game in Boston, but Haaland showed France are poised to meet their first serious threat after a brace on a damp evening in New Jersey saw off Senegal.

The match tempo had a similar feel to Senegal’s first game, against France, with the African team competing strongly in the first half-hour frustrating their opponents and keeping Haaland off the ball.

As halftime approached, however, Senegal’s defence broke down. Norway’s first goal ​was from ⁠Marcus Pedersen, who came on as ‌a substitute for the injured Julian Ryerson. Senegal captain, 35-year-old Kalidou Koulibaly, misjudged a clearance and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was unable to stop Pedersen’s shot.

The second half had hardly begun ‌and Norway got a second, a classic assist from Martin ‌Odegaard, who had fluffed an earlier opportunity of his own, allowed Haaland to rifle a shot into the top corner. Ten minutes later, Haaland struck again, volleying home off the crossbar.

Despite a litany of defensive errors, Senegal sometimes looked dangerous `on the counter-attack, with Ismaila Sarr getting two goals back, including one in stoppage time, but it was not enough.

After France beat Iraq 3-0, Group I is the first to have two teams secure their place in the final 32. The best Senegal can hope for is to squeeze through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Norway and France will battle it out to decide who tops the group on Friday. The jubilant Norwegians ended the game by ‌taking part in a “Viking row” on the pitch, facing their fans. The stadium was ​dominated by the red jerseys of Norway, who have been entertaining New Yorkers ‌in recent days with their mass rowing. ⁠Visa restrictions have prevented most Senegalese from entering the U.S., and there were far ⁠fewer of their fans in the stands.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms during the afternoon had led to shelter-in-place warnings and made travel difficult, and led the other Group I match in Philadelphia to be temporarily suspended.

Most fans who braved the weather donned ponchos in the outdoor stadium, although the rain eased off as play commenced.

Reuters contributed to this report

The UK is set to bake in record-breaking temperatures which could soar to more than 38C as extreme heat warnings and health alerts have been issued.

According to the Met Office, the sweltering heat could last until at least Thursday, sparking weather warnings and concerns for vulnerable people.

Forecasters have said there is “growing confidence” this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned people to expect significant impacts across health and social care services along with a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

The extreme heat could also bring disruptions to rail, road and air travel, with the possibility of some tarmac melting, according to the Met Office.

It’s important to know the rules when it comes to sunbathing, especially if you plan to strip off to avoid tan lines.

Nick Ross, law lecturer at ULaw, states: “It may be surprising to find out that topless sunbathing is perfectly legal for both men and women in the UK.

“Full public nudity is also not a crime but only if the person who strips off has no intention to cause alarm or distress. There are specific offences relating to intentional exposure.”

It’s important to know the rules when it comes to sunbathing – especially if you plan to strip off to avoid tan lines (Image: Getty)

According to the law, it’s not an offence to be naked in public, but it can be an offence if you cause distress or alarm to others.

That means you’re perfectly fine to sunbathe in the nude in your own garden – as long as you don’t intend to upset your neighbours.

This is what the actual law states: “In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress (as opposed to considering the likelihood of this).”

So if you live in the countryside with no one overlooking your garden, go ahead but you might want to think again if you live near others.

It’s also recommended that people who want to sunbathe naked should inform their neighbours first.

Nick added: “For those hoping to catch some sunshine in the garden these same rules still apply.

“It’s advisable to let the neighbours know this is what you’re planning or find a part of the garden shielded from view, so you can avoid causing any unnecessary shock or a call to the police.”

A major incident was declared after two East Midlands Railway trains collided in Bedfordshire on Friday, with dozens still hospitalised

Eight individuals are battling for survival in hospital following a train collision in Bedfordshire. Over 100 casualties were admitted to hospital and a major incident was declared on Friday (June 19) after two locomotives collided near Elstow in Bedfordshire.

Emergency services were alerted shortly after 5.15pm to reports that two East Midlands Railway trains had crashed. Personnel from the British Transport Police (BTP), Bedfordshire Police, National Police Air Service alongside local firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene.

The BTP confirmed this evening that 53 individuals were still receiving hospital treatment on Monday, with eight in a critical state. Authorities acknowledge this figure is “likely to continue to change” as the situation develops.

Train driver Shaun Burton, 60, perished in the collision. Through police, his relatives expressed: “We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”

Dave Calfe, general secretary of train driver union Aslef, told the BBC: “We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton, which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues that will never be filled.”

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, from the BTP, said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at BTP are with the driver Shaun Burton’s family and colleagues, and all those injured and affected by the collision on Friday.”

Dep Ch Const Cundy went on to state that the investigation is being treated as a “priority” for the BTP, with the senior investigating officer collaborating closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to determine what occurred. He confirmed that personal belongings have been retrieved from the trains.

The officer added: “Friday evening witnessed an awful incident that presented complexities and challenges for all those who responded. I have been humbled by the actions of passengers and staff who were on the trains, and by the professionalism of our officers, the wider emergency services and partners.

“The recovery operation is now underway, and work continues this week to remove the damaged trains and carriages and allow the railway to reopen.”

Anyone affected by the incident is urged to get in touch with the BTP.

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Firefighters were called to the scene in Park Lane, Womersley, near Selby, shortly after 8.50am on Monday (June 22).

All occupants of the vehicles were out when the crew arrived, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A service spokesperson said the crew “immobilised one of the vehicles and used a hose reel jet to clear coolant from the road”.

Despite being “caught redhanded”, Lord Justice Colton held that he was still entitled to credit for admitting his crimes

A County Tyrone man jailed for smuggling “massive quantities” of high quality cannabis into Northern Ireland has won a legal battle to secure a reduced sentence.

The Court of Appeal ruled the term imposed on Barry McMoran, 50, for bringing in a consignment worth up to £1million is to be cut from 12 to 10 years.

But senior judges dismissed co-defendant Thomas Taggart’s challenge to the six-and-a-half year sentence handed down for his role in the operation.

Both men were detained after police seized 204 kilos of cannabis in Coalisland in May 2024.The illicit consignment was hidden inside two concrete blocks. The two defendants travelled to England separately to carry out the transaction, returning later on a ferry from Cairnyran.

Taggart, 39, from Sullenboy Park in Cookstown, was driving a Mitsubishi towing a trailer containing the drugs.

Days earlier he had replied to a text message from an associate asking about cannabis, telling him “you can have as much as you want when I get home”.

McMoran, from Doon Avenue in Dungannon, returned in another car following the deal.

PSNI officers arrested the men and intercepted the drugs after searching a shed in the Annaghnaboe Road area of Coalisland.

The cannabis had an estimated street value of between £700,000 and £1million, the court heard.

Both men subsequently pleaded guilty possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply, while McMoran also admitted two further offences.

Messages found on his phone indicated involvement in supplying cocaine and cannabis over a period from February until May 2024.

He was assessed as being heavily involved in the drugs trade at a high level.

Appealing against McMoran’s 12-year term, defence barrister Richard McConkey KC claimed it was manifestly excessive.

He disputed the trial judge’s process of imposing consecutive sentences for his client’s separate offences.

Prosecution counsel insisted it had been justified as both a deterrent and a reflection of McMoran’s previous activities.

“This is someone who was operating at the highest echelons of the drug trade,” he submitted.

However, the Court of Appeal ruled that the overall sentence was excessive, instead imposing a concurrent term to cover the scale of the operation and McMoran’s role in it.

Despite being “caught redhanded”, Lord Justice Colton held that he was still entitled to credit for admitting his crimes.

“Those who plead (guilty) on arraignment should be given a very significant discount because it doesn’t happen often enough in this jurisdiction,” he said.

“We allow the appeal and reduce the determinate sentence from 12 years to 10 years.”

McMoran will now serve five years behind bars and five years on licence.

Dismissing Taggart’s challenge, the court identified no basis for interfering with his sentence – also split equally between custody and supervised licence.

“He was involved in a sophisticated, well-planned and resourced criminal enterprise which involved bringing massive quantities of high-quality cannabis into this jurisdiction,” Lord Justice Colton stated.

“Leaving aside the precise nature of his role, it is clear that it was more than subordinate and he was heavily involved in this entire enterprise.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.