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‘Fund warfare not welfare’, says North Yorkshire MP

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'Fund warfare not welfare', says North Yorkshire MP

​Kevin Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton, has called on the Government to cut welfare spending and instead “fund warfare”. The Conservative Party chairman added that 1,120 people in his constituency were claiming unemployment benefits, which he said was “not sustainable”.

​The percentage of people aged 16-64 claiming unemployment benefits in Thirsk and Malton is two per cent, and in Scarborough and Whitby it is 3.1 per cent.

​According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of UK job vacancies fell to its lowest level for five years, while unemployment fell from 5 per cent to 4.9 per cent in the three months to April. The number of people in employment has also fallen.

​The Government has come under fire for its defence investment plan, which this month led to the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey and Defence Minister Al Carns, the latter of whom has emerged as a potential challenger to Any Burnham in a Labour Party leadership election contest.

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​Kevin Hollinrake MP said: “People in Thirsk and Malton and across the country are alarmed by the growing threats Britain faces, and they are also alarmed by the growing welfare bill that is absorbing public resources and stopping us from funding our defence.

​“The threats we face are getting more and more serious. That is why I voted to demand the Government cuts welfare and gives our Armed Forces the backing they need to keep us safe.”

Kevin Hollinrake MP.

​Mr Healey recently said that the draft spending proposals would take UK defence spending to 2.68 per cent of GDP by 2030, which he said fell “well short” of the 3 per cent target he said was necessary.

​The UK has vowed to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035 alongside Nato allies.

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​Mr Hollinrake said there was “a consensus that our military is not ready for war” and that reinstating the two-child benefit cap would create savings for increased defence spending.

​“People in Thirsk and Malton are proud of our armed forces and they know that we need to put more money in defence and bring defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP this Parliament, rather than Labour’s target of the next Parliament – potentially as late as 2034,” he said.

​The MP added: “Conservatives have set out key steps towards 3 per cent, including by reinstating the two-child benefit cap and using billions from Net Zero to create a Sovereign Defence Fund. We have explained where the money comes from, how Labour could do this, and are now restating our offer to work together in the national interest to achieve it.”

​According to the House of Commons Library, there were 1.71 million claimants for unemployment benefits in May 2026, which was 31,200 more than the month before and 12,500 more than in May 2025.

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​The claimant count is the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance plus people claiming Universal Credit who are required to seek work.

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Prince Louis makes surprise appearance alongside siblings George and Charlotte as Kate and William take the children to enjoy Commonwealth Games

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Prince Louis, eight, delighted royal fans in a rare public appearance as he watched the games alongside his siblings

Louis, George and Charlotte joined the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as the event came to a close this weekend. 

On the penultimate day of the so-called ‘Friendly Games’, the family joined spectators to watch a packed sporting schedule involving the world’s best competitors. 

Prince Louis, now eight years old, delighted royal fans in a rare public appearance as he watched the games alongside his siblings. 

The family were in the stands for the netball semi-finals earlier today, which was a visibly tense match which decided who went through to the final playoffs for a medal. 

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Louis appeared animated, biting his nails, gasping and pointing in the stands as he enjoyed the game sat in between his siblings.  

Prince George, who celebrated his 13th birthday last week, was pictured sitting next to his father, William. 

William was spotted chatting to his sons throughout the match, pointing at the players and explaining the play. 

Charlotte, meanwhile, regularly turned to speak to Kate, whispering to her mother throughout the match.  

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Prince Louis, eight, delighted royal fans in a rare public appearance as he watched the games alongside his siblings

The family looked delighted and cheered as the match came to an end

The family looked delighted and cheered as the match came to an end 

Catherine, Princess of Wales, was spotted in the stands with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during the match

Catherine, Princess of Wales, was spotted in the stands with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during the match

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The eight-year-old appeared animated as he watched the netball, gasping at one point at the game

The eight-year-old appeared animated as he watched the netball, gasping at one point at the game

At other times his head was in his hands

At other times his head was in his hands 

The family grimaced and Louis bit his nails during the tense match

The family grimaced and Louis bit his nails during the tense match 

Princess Charlotte, 11, wore her hair like her mother’s in long curls and was dressed in a polka dot navy blue and white dress. 

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Her two brothers, George and Louis, wore smart blue and white shirts while William also opted for a smart blazer. 

Kate and William – who are known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, when visiting the country – also met Team Wales athletes and their families on Saturday. 

Kate, 44, was named last week by Tatler magazine as the ‘Best Dressed in Britain’ for 2026. 

Today, she wore a smart green blazer over a cream and navy striped top with elegant pearl drop earrings and a pleated white skirt.  

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The games where medals are up for grabs today include the men’s and women’s boxing, para athlete and sprint cycling events at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, judo, athletics and netball. 

Perhaps the most hotly-anticipated event of the whole tournament – the Men’s Mile – is also being raced on Saturday night. 

The event, starting at 8.55pm, will see Scotsman Josh Kerr return to the track after his recent world record run at London Stadium for the fastest mile in history. 

Kerr broke the previous record set by Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999 with a time of 3 minutes 42.66 seconds. 

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The middle-distance runner will have another chance to make athletics history tonight under the lights at Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium. 

He will be competing against fellow Scotsman Jake Wightman and young buck Cameron Myers, the Australian who broke the world record for the fastest mile by a 16-year-old in 2023. 

Princess Kate beamed as she took a seat alongside spectators 

She laughed with a member of staff before the game began

She laughed with a member of staff before the game began 

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Kate spoke animatedly with other members of the crowd

Kate spoke animatedly with other members of the crowd 

The family tensely watched the netball semi-finals at The Hydro venue on Saturday afternoon

The family tensely watched the netball semi-finals at The Hydro venue on Saturday afternoon

Kate put her arm around Charlotte at one point

Kate put her arm around Charlotte at one point 

Princess Kate appeared to enjoy the match as she watched it unfold

Princess Kate appeared to enjoy the match as she watched it unfold 

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William was seen chatting to his sons throughout the game, as Louis appeared to eagerly listen to his father

William was seen chatting to his sons throughout the game, as Louis appeared to eagerly listen to his father

Meanwhile, Charlotte turned to whisper to her mother at one point

Meanwhile, Charlotte turned to whisper to her mother at one point

The siblings exchanged animated conversation in their public outing this weekend

The siblings exchanged animated conversation in their public outing this weekend 

Before the games began, William chatted to five Team Wales athletes – lawn and indoor bowler Ross Owen, blind para bowler Julie Thomas and her guide John Wilson, and weightlifters Madaline Connelly and Catrin Haf Jones – when he visited the London Welsh School in Hanwell, west London. 

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On Saturday morning, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh and the vice patron of Commonwealth Sport, the body which delivers the games, visited athletes alongside his wife Sophie. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh wore a Commonwealth Sport navy quarter-zip fleece as she visited the Team England house at The Social Hub in Glasgow on day nine of the games. 

The couple spoke to staff and athletes at the trendy hybrid hospitality venue located in the Merchant City district.  

On Thursday, Edward’s sister, Princess Anne, joined him and Sophie and enjoyed a day out at the Commonwealth Games watching the hurdles, triple jump and the decathlon. 

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Stylish Sophie opted for a summery linen blazer worn over a white top with khaki trousers, while the Duke was casual in a navy zip-up and polo.

Anne also later visited the Commonwealth offices – showing off a second, lighter denim jacket and blue scarf, shaking hands with staff. 

The Firm members looked to be in good spirits as they enjoyed a sporty day out, often laughing and excitedly pointing at the action at the stadium. 

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, also visited Team England at The Social Hub on Saturday

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, also visited Team England at The Social Hub on Saturday 

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Edward and Sophie appeared animated as they spoke to fans and staff ahead of day nine of the games

Edward and Sophie appeared animated as they spoke to fans and staff ahead of day nine of the games 

Sophie wore a navy quarter-zip fleece with the logo of Commonwealth Sport, the charity which delivers the games and of which her husband is vice patron

Sophie wore a navy quarter-zip fleece with the logo of Commonwealth Sport, the charity which delivers the games and of which her husband is vice patron 

Maddy Gordon and Georgia Heffernan of Team New Zealand celebrate victory after the Semi-Final match between Team New Zealand and Team England on Saturday

Maddy Gordon and Georgia Heffernan of Team New Zealand celebrate victory after the Semi-Final match between Team New Zealand and Team England on Saturday

Leigh Hoffman of Team Australia celebrates after setting a Commonwealth Games Record during the Men's Sprint Qualifying in the Track Cycling on Saturday morning

Leigh Hoffman of Team Australia celebrates after setting a Commonwealth Games Record during the Men’s Sprint Qualifying in the Track Cycling on Saturday morning 

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Nathan Maguire of England celebrate winning gold in the Men's 1500m T54 final at the Scotstoun Stadium during day nine of the 2026 Commonwealth Games

Nathan Maguire of England celebrate winning gold in the Men’s 1500m T54 final at the Scotstoun Stadium during day nine of the 2026 Commonwealth Games

The King and Queen had earlier arrived at the games by emerging from a Tardis at the Hydro arena in Glasgow during the opening ceremony, in scenes reminiscent of London 2012 when Queen Elizabeth II appeared to skydive into the Olympic Stadium alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

The opening ceremony in Glasgow was the first to be held indoors as part of a radical restructuring of the games’ finances after Australian state Victoria withdrew as host of the event in 2023, citing spiralling costs. 

The future of the event, which originated as the British Empire Games in 1930, was in doubt until Glasgow was convinced to step in and reprise its hosting role from 2014, albeit with significant alterations.

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William and Kate will also spend time with athletes competing at the games whose careers have been empowered by the charity SportsAid. 

Kate has supported the organisation as its patron since 2013, and will meet emerging talent taking part in the Team England Futures project on Saturday. 

Sporting stars whose early promise was boosted by SportsAid include Sir Chris Hoy, Ellie Simmonds, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Tom Daley. 

Team England Futures has given talented young athletes and aspiring support staff the opportunity to attend the Glasgow games to gain behind-the-scenes experience in preparation for potential medal-winning performances as Team England, Team GB or Paralympics GB debutants. 

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The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, overcame disappointment at the start when nine top British athletes pulled out, saying they were prioritising the European Championships in Birmingham next month. 

Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and sprint star Dina Asher-Smith were the two leading lights to withdraw and they were joined by fellow Olympic medallists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Daryll Neita as well as 400m runner Amber Anning.

Hammer thrower Anna Purchase, middle distance runner Elliot Giles and sprinter Jona Efoloko also pulled out alongside steeplechaser Zac Seddon. 

Thousands of fans have still attended the games this year – despite another earlier blow from the BBC, who did not cover the games for the first time in 72 years. 

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TNT Sports has the live UK broadcast rights, after owner Warner Bros Discovery paid a reported £5million, meaning the televised English–language coverage will only be accessible via an HBO subscription. 

TalkSPORT also took over as the radio broadcast partner of the event, so there will be no such coverage on the BBC either. 

The corporation reportedly tried to extend its broadcast partnership, which has lasted since 1954, but was outbid. It has made no secret about prioritising other events. 

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Man charged after homeless tents ‘urinated on’ and Glasgow charity staff ‘attacked’

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Daily Record

Police were called in following the alleged ordeal on Glassford Street in the city centre at 3.55am on Saturday, August 1.

A man has been arrested and charged after a homeless shelter reported tents being “urinated on” in Glasgow with charity staff “assaulted”.

Police were called in following the alleged ordeal on Glassford Street in the city centre at 3.55am on Saturday, August 1. Homeless Project Scotland claims two men urinated on street tents provided to the city’s homeless before attacking charity staff who tried to intervene.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged. He will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

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Inquiries remain ongoing.

A spokesperson for Homeless Project Scotland said: “This behavior is disgraceful and will not be tolerated.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson told our sister title Glasgow Live: “Around 3.55am on Saturday, 1 August, 2026, we were called to a report of a disturbance in the Glassford Street area of Glasgow. A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

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Arsenal reach full agreement with Newcastle over Bruno Guimaraes transfer | Football

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Arsenal reach full agreement with Newcastle over Bruno Guimaraes transfer | Football


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A great 12-mile walk from Masham to Middleham in the Dales

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A great 12-mile walk from Masham to Middleham in the Dales

A 12 mile walk which starts with a bus ride. Start with a visit to Middleham Castle, follow initially the River Cover, then the Ure which serenely meanders past Jervaulx Abbey through a quintessentially English countryside

Park in Masham and take the bus from Masham to Middleham and return back to Masham. The no 159 leaves Masham market place at 10.15 (at present every day bar Sunday) and takes 20 minutes. Middleham is a very attractive Dales village, one of the best. The traditional castle (home amongst others of Richard 111) is worthy of closer inspection and overlooks the village, find it via a series of cobbled streets from the market place. To start the walk, take the main road heading east for ¼ of a mile from the end of the village to a farm lane heading south. Continue down the lane for ¾ a mile to the River Cover. The lane becomes a footpath as it approaches the river. Turn left and follow the river for half a mile to Cover Bridge.

There is a traditional Dales pub at Cover Bridge situated on a fine pack horse bridge. It sits on the River Cover, just 150 metres from the confluence with the River Ure. The next mile of this ever changing walk is a real pleasure. The path sticks close to the river (Cover soon becoming the Ure) as it passes serenely through the landscape of the area. As well as walkers it is popular with fishermen…do watch out for the legendary ‘kelpie’ fish which allegedly leaps out to devour its victims. The path follows a mix of woodland and open walking till it arrives at the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey. Jervaulx Abbey was a Cistercian Abbey, the ruins today creating only a part impression of the size and power of the abbeys past.

Middleham Castle ruins (Image: Supplied)

Explore the remains of the abbey, set amongst the wild flowers, trees and shrubs which have been allowed to grow up within its walls. Then take the main track/road which crosses through the grounds of Jervaulx Abbey, a well preserved park full of sheep and deer (although I have never seen the deer!). After passing the gate house on the edge of the estate turn left at the road and follow this down to Kilgram Bridge. Although it was the monks who originally built this fine bridge if you lean over the side and look carefully in to the running water you will be able to see the foundations of an old Roman road, part of a ford for their legions on their way north. 

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More walks:


Return a few metres along the road to Kilgram Grange to a track heading south east and parallel to the river. Keep the river in view as the well signposted path winds its way for two miles (sometimes difficult to see on the ground) until it leaves the river a little and arrives in the attractive village of Low Ellington. Head south east alongside some higher ground on a path past a small plantation and bend left back towards the river bank. The path then heads south to some marshy/wet ground before arriving at the wetlands reserve of Marland. Follow the marked paths through the reserve. You exit the wetlands at its southern end just a few hundred metres from the outskirts of Masham. The reserve makes an interesting end to this walk full of contrasts.

Fact Box:

Middleham to Masham map. (Image: Supplied)

Distance: Roughly 11.5 miles.

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Height to Climb: 130m (430 feet)

Start: SE 127878. The bus drops you in the centre of Middleham.

Difficulty: Medium. Like all riverside walks the paths can be muddy and wet in places.  

Refreshments: There is plenty of pubs and cafes in Masham. Aside from the pub at Cover Bridge early in the walk there is no pubs or cafes enroute.

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Be Prepared:

The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL30 & 302) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

Jonathan runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales:

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  • He has written 4 books on walking in the Dales; ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’, ‘Walks without Stiles, ‘The Dales 30’ mountains a guide to ‘The Bracken Way. Please visit Where2walk where you can buy the books.
  • Jonathan runs Navigation Training Courses from Long Preston and Reeth. The next ‘Introduction to Navigation’ course is at Reeth on the 5th September.
  • You can buy Dales 30 Guide Book, T Shirts and branded caps from the new Dales 30 website. Start the challenge today.

Where2walk.co.uk features 100s of walks with descriptions across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs. Visit the website for details of all these walks, guiding days and navigation.

 

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Andy Burnham urged to bring in supporters ownership model amid FIFA controversy

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Daily Mirror

EXCLUSIVE: The Co-operative Party – Labour’s sister Party – is calling for a new organisation, a Supporters Direct 2.0, to back supporter and community ownership across sport

Andy Burnham has been urged to help fight back against a “fundamentally broken” sports ownership model with a new organisation to hand power back to supporters.

The Co-operative Party – Labour’s sister Party – is calling for a new body, a Supporters Direct 2.0, to back supporter and community ownership across sport.

In a new report, they say this would help clubs across all sports with legal, governance and development support, reducing the power of private finance.

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It comes amid a row over FIFA proposals to sell a stake in the World Cup. The governing body had launched a consultation over setting up a separate $20billion (£14.9billion) company to run its competitions, only to U-turn after a furious backlash.

The report brands English football a “global commercial success story”, but that it has created an imbalance where “supporters provide the loyalty, culture and community identity which give clubs their value”, but ownership and decision-making remains concentrated in the hands of a “small number of private interests”.

It highlights that most Premier League clubs are privately-owned by international owners, such as hedge funds and private equity firms, and argues for more community ownership instead.

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The Co-op Party says the attempts at selling off World Cup shares should be a warning about the state of sport ownership and the need for change

There have also been a series of issues in Rugby Union, with London Irish falling into administration in 2023, following Worcester and Wasps also folding. Speaking at the time, RFU chairman Tom llube blamed “unsustainable business models” for the clubs failing, adding that all three “have had fragile business models for many years”.

In Rugby league this year, six teams have faced financial issues, with Keighley, Salford Red Devils, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers and North Wales Crusaders all going bust.

In cricket, Yorkshire’s chief executive Sanjay Patel is trying to end 163 years of being a members-run club, and claiming failing to do so could see them miss out on test matches.

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General Secretary of the Co-operative Party Joe Fortune said: “The World Cup fiasco of the past week is an extreme version of what already exists: private ownership across sport which comes at the expense of fans.

“The Co-op Party says private ownership dominates across sport – with several rugby league clubs in administration and efforts to demutualise Yorkshire Cricket.

“We want to see a shift in power to the people who are at the heart of sport. A new Supporters Direct would allow supporters and communities to take control of the clubs they love.”

The first Labour and Co-operative Prime Minister in history, Mr Burnham was previously chairman of Supporters Direct – an organisation set up to increase supporter voice and ownership in football.

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Speaking in the 2000s on the issue, he said: “I have always believed that football clubs belong more to their supporters than their shareholders. Some people have bits of paper to say they own a clubs’ assets – stadium, training ground, brand – but the heart and soul of every club is the property of its fans.”

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Cardiff City vs Roma LIVE: Kick-off time, team news and how to watch

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Wales Online

Cardiff City round off their pre-season preparations this afternoon with the glamour visit of Italian giants Roma to the Cardiff City Stadium.

After an encouraging summer under Brian Barry-Murphy, the Bluebirds face by far their toughest test yet as they take on one of Serie A’s biggest clubs just over a fortnight before the Championship season gets under way. Their first competitive game is against Swindon Town next weekend in the Carabao Cup.

Roma, who secured Champions League qualification with a third-place finish in Italy last season, arrive in the Welsh capital boasting a squad packed with international talent and led by highly-respected boss Gian Piero Gasperini. It promises to be a valuable examination of where Cardiff are ahead of next weekend’s league opener.

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For Cardiff supporters, there will also be plenty of interest in Barry-Murphy’s team selection, with fans hoping to get another look at the club’s summer recruits and see how the manager shapes his side before competitive football returns.

The match kicks off at 3pm and you will be able to watch it via Cardiff City TV with a £5 match pass.

We’ll have all the build-up, confirmed team news, live updates, analysis and reaction throughout the afternoon, so stay with us as Cardiff City take on Roma.

Scroll down for live updates…

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Shocking moment car flips and rolls over in middle of the M25 | News UK

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Shocking moment car flips and rolls over in middle of the M25 | News UK

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Dramatic dashcam footage caught the moment a car flipped and rolled across the M25.

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The black hatchback overturned between junctions 12 and 13 near Staines, Surrey, on July 5.

After moving into the middle lane it can be seen clipping the vehicle in front and rolling over across the tarmac.

A man inside the car recording it all can be heard gasping ‘s**t’, while a woman shouts: ‘F**k.’

Traffic on the motorway quickly came to a halt and several motorists abandoned their own cars to try and help those inside the overturned hatchback.

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Police said they were called to the scene at around 5.40pm on Sunday, July 5, following reports of a crash involving two vehicles.

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Grab from dashcam footage of a car flipping over on the M25 near Staines (Picture: ACN/UB1UB2)

Ambulance crews, firefighters and National Highways officers also attended.

The two occupants of the overturned car were treated there by paramedics.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service said both patients were then taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey for further checks.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Derek McInnes’ Rangers era off to shaky start after disappointing draw

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Belfast Live

Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw by Dundee United in Derek McInnes’ first game in charge of the Ibrox club, with the Light Blues failing to win on the opening day for the third year in a row

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

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What was meant to mark a fresh chapter for Rangers under Derek McInnes, complete with a raft of new arrivals, instead delivered a all-too-familiar feeling of déjà vu for the weary Ibrox faithful.

Having not tasted victory on the opening weekend since 2022, the Rangers supporters travelled north on the A9 desperate to witness a reversal in fortune at long last.

Yet McInnes’ side appeared plagued by the very same problems that undermined Danny Rohl’s squad throughout last season.

Lacking composure in crucial defensive moments and bereft of creativity in attack when faced with United’s backline, reports the Daily Record.

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Thelo Aasgaard did build on his promising pre-season displays by equalising after Lachlan Rose had given Jim Goodwin’s side the lead.

McInnes will stress there’s still plenty of time ahead as he attempts to guide Rangers back to the championship-winning glory he savoured as a player.

However, recent evidence suggests that when the Gers fall behind early, they rarely recover the deficit.

The ex-Hearts manager has been active in overhauling his squad with eight fresh signings, though only Ivor Pandur, Ben Godfrey, Cammy Devlin and new captain Lawrence Shankland were selected to begin the season opener.

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Goodwin went a step further by fielding five debutants, handing starts to Joshua Rawlins, Michael Forbes, Dylan Tait, Jesse Randall and Rose.

Having already contested four competitive Premier Sports Cup fixtures, it came as little shock to see the home side emerge looking like the more organised outfit. Ryan Naderi – a surprise starter ahead of Youssef Chermiti – went close for Gers with a header.

However, it was United who were applying the pressure and they struck first, seven minutes before the interval.

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Josh Rawlins played the ball out wide to Jesse Randall. With Godfrey falling for Zac Sapsford’s dummy and letting the cross go, Rangers found themselves in difficulty.

Rose had little idea about it as the ball deflected off his shins and into the bottom corner, yet he celebrated as though he had meant every bit of it.

McInnes made changes at half-time, bringing on both Chermiti and Dan Neil.

The substitutions helped lift Gers’ tempo, with Aasgaard testing Walton with an impressive long-range effort.

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He was thwarted on that occasion but found the net with his next attempt on 56 minutes.

Under pressure from Shankland, Michael Fobes inadvertently headed the ball directly into the Norwegian’s path and, with remarkable composure, he shifted past Rawlins with his right foot before firing home the equaliser with his left.

United could have reclaimed the lead with 10 minutes remaining, but Randall squandered his chance to chip Pandur after being played clean through by Daniel Bennie’s superb pass.

Del back with a whimper

This was the evening McInnes had been anticipating.

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It has been 28 years since he was compelled to leave the club he grew up supporting.

His previous visit to Tannadice representing Gers was the night Walter Smith’s side completed their nine-in-a-row achievement. Yet the challenge of reconstructing this Rangers squad could prove even more daunting than the achievement pulled off by his former boss.

McInnes was present on the sidelines after successfully appealing a three-match suspension stemming from his previous role as Hearts manager.

From his vantage point, however, it became apparent that significant work remains if this team is to mount a serious title challenge.

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With a month remaining in the transfer window, Rangers urgently need to bolster their attacking options.

Ropey Ryan

The Ibrox support had spent the entire summer eagerly anticipating watching Shankland and Chermiti tear through the Premiership.

However, many of the away fans were left stunned upon reaching Tayside to learn that Naderi would be leading the line instead of the Portuguese striker.

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Naderi had shown little during Rangers’ two pre-season friendlies to justify his selection, though McInnes maintained he was being rewarded for his performances on the training ground.

His gamble nearly paid dividends when the £5m signing from Hansa Rostock threatened with a header before the interval.

However, that proved his sole contribution during a woeful opening 45 minutes.

His withdrawal at half-time came as little shock, with Chermiti introduced for the second half.

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Rangers’ spine creeks again.

Gers’ vulnerability through the middle was laid bare last season when they crumbled as the Premiership campaign reached its climax. McInnes has prioritised strengthening his squad’s defensive core this summer, despite some supporters wanting him to concentrate on bringing in attacking creativity instead.

However, until those offensive additions arrive, the Rangers backline will remain under sustained pressure.

This became evident throughout the match as they consistently found themselves pushed back whenever United regained possession.

McInnes will undoubtedly be frustrated by the lacklustre defending that allowed Rose’s opening goal, with both Aasgaard and Fernandez showing weakness in challenges during the build-up, while the towering defender was too slow getting back to prevent the cross.

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Thelo takes his chance.

Naderi wasn’t alone amongst last season’s squad players given a chance by McInnes on the opening evening.

Yet only Aasgaard can truly say he grasped his moment.

The Norwegian’s belief has evidently grown following his World Cup experience, demonstrated by his spectacular turn and finish that brought Rangers level.

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Djedi Gassama ought to have felt encouraged after being selected in the starting XI, but once more the Frenchman’s choices proved questionable and he didn’t emerge after the interval.

Mohamed Diomande was an unexpected starter ahead of former Sunderland captain Dan Neil, though he was frequently overwhelmed by United’s industrious midfielders.

Fair Dinkum, Dundee United.

Zac Sapsford served as Goodwin’s loan Antipodean ace last season. However, he has been joined by fellow countrymen Bennie, Rose and Rawlins, alongside New Zealander Randall this term.

The goal had antipodean origins, with Rawlins, Randall and Sapsford all contributing before Rose bundled the ball across the line.

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United arrived aiming to protect a seven-match undefeated home record dating back to last campaign, and it was straightforward to understand why Tannadice has proved such an intimidating venue.

Dundee United boss Goodwin has got this side fighting for everything and they will certainly be no push-overs this term.

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Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham: Richarlison wins Down Under derby for 10-man Spurs

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Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham: Richarlison wins Down Under derby for 10-man Spurs

Tottenham almost won it when Rio Kyerematen’s powerful strike crashed against the crossbar, but the decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Jamie Donley’s effort rebounded off the post and Richarlison was on hand to convert from close range, sealing victory for Spurs in their final match of the Australian tour.

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BBC TV star Matt Baker welcomes new puppy to the family

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BBC TV star Matt Baker welcomes new puppy to the family

The County Durham-born Countryfile star introduced the new arrival, named Ted, in a touching social media post showing the day his family chose him.

Matt revealed that the puppy had already been living with them for several weeks, although eagle-eared listeners to his pet podcast may have previously spotted a clue.

Alongside footage of the family meeting Ted, the 48-year-old wrote: “This happened a few weeks ago.

“The eagle-eared listeners of my pet podcast heard me say that we have a new pup at home and we’ve got baby gates everywhere.

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Matt Baker (Image: PA MEDIA)

“Here’s the day we chose him and the start of something epic.”

Ted’s arrival comes after Matt told followers in May that his dog Bob had died.

The presenter said Bob had actually passed away some time before the announcement, but he had found the loss too painful to discuss publicly.

In an emotional tribute, Matt described Bob as a “brilliant dog” and the “ultimate companion” who had supported him through some of the greatest chapters of his life.

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He wrote: “It’s with a very heavy heart that I’m letting you know our wonderful Bob is no longer with us.

“He’s been gone a while, but I haven’t been able to talk about it as I’ve been finding it so incredibly sad.”

Matt said Bob had been alongside him while he and his wife, Nicola, raised their two children and made significant changes to the family farm.

He continued: “Bob was a brilliant dog.

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“He was there for me with his gentle soul as the ultimate companion through some of the greatest chapters of my life, from raising our kids to all the changes we made on our family farm.

“It’s broken my heart, but I feel hugely grateful to have had him in our lives, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he’s taught me and brought to our family.”

Concluding the tribute, Matt said: “I’m sure all you dog lovers will agree the reason we love our dogs so much is that the only time they break our hearts is when they leave us.

“RIP Bob.”

Bob, a Border Collie, died in 2025, although Matt did not feel able to announce the news until May 2026.

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He has since spoken about the difficulty of losing an animal which had been present for so many important moments in his life.

Animals and farming have played a major part in Matt’s life since his childhood in the North East.

The former Blue Peter and The One Show presenter was born in Easington, County Durham, and grew up on his family’s farm in the Durham Dales.

His rural upbringing later became central to his television career, particularly through his work on the BBC’s Countryfile and the Channel 4 series Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales.

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The latter programme followed Matt as he returned to the Durham farm to help make it safer and more accessible for his parents, Mike and Janice.

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