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Katie Price vows to hold conman husband Lee Andrews to account for ‘hurting other people’ after his family turned against him – as her sister brands him ‘a disrespectful d***head’ for ‘touting’ sex tape

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Katie Price has vowed to hold her conman husband Lee Andrew to account when he leaves prison after his family denounced the incarcerated 'businessman'

Katie Price has vowed to hold her conman husband Lee Andrew to account when he leaves prison after his family denounced the incarcerated ‘businessman’.

The glamour model, 48, spoke to her sister Sophie on their podcast about her husband of seven months, who is currently locked up in Dubai‘s Al Awir prison for a second time after being hit with fraud claims. 

Days after Lee was heard reportedly trying to sell a sex tape of the couple, her sister branded him ‘a disrespectful d***head’ to which Katie insisted she would ‘delve deep’ into claims about his fraudulent activities. 

Her vow comes after Lee’s family turned against him, with his sister Kelly and friends releasing a statement about his ‘incredibly painful’ behaviour. 

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In her latest podcast clip, Katie said: ‘In fact, I’m going to get Ben [the producer of Katie’s podcast] to interview him and Ben is going to delve in deep and I want to hear everything and it’s too much and I don’t like people hurting people.

Katie Price has vowed to hold her conman husband Lee Andrew to account when he leaves prison after his family denounced the incarcerated ‘businessman’

The glamour model, 47, spoke to her sister Sophie on their podcast about her husband of seven months, who is currently locked up in Dubai's Al Awir prison for a second time after being hit with fraud claims

The glamour model, 47, spoke to her sister Sophie on their podcast about her husband of seven months, who is currently locked up in Dubai’s Al Awir prison for a second time after being hit with fraud claims

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‘That’s all I’m saying on it, I’ve not put anything up online, so you’ve heard it here for the first time.’

Talk turned to the reports that emerged claiming a voice note allegedly sent by Lee to a friend captured him discussing a sex tape that ‘might go for a pretty penny’. 

In the alleged recording, Lee reportedly says he needs to ‘get cash quickly’ and suggests the tape could earn him £250,000. He reportedly backtracked when he learnt that it would be illegal, saying he had only been joking. 

When the sisters discussed the scenario, Sophie said: ‘I think that’s disgusting,’ to which Katie replied: ‘Can I just say something, number one I’ve not done a sex tape with Lee . He has said it in a voicenote which I sent to you but he was joking in it…

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‘But besides all of this, there is so much coming out about Lee and everyone saying ‘why isn’t Kate talking’. Do you know why I’m not talking, because there is so much, I’m just not commenting anymore.

‘I commented when he went missing but he’s in prison and I will be questioning him about a lot of things when he’s out. I’m just getting on doing what I’m doing. There is so much, there is no smoke without fire.’

Sophie responded: 'The fact that he's even talking about you in that context to his mates is f***ing out of order and he's a d***head'

Sophie responded: ‘The fact that he’s even talking about you in that context to his mates is f***ing out of order and he’s a d***head’

Lee is currently languishing in jail for the second time

Lee is currently languishing in jail for the second time 

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Sophie responded: ‘The fact that he’s even talking about you in that context to his mates is f***ing out of order and he’s a d***head,’ to which Katie interjected: ‘Well, it wasn’t to his mates, it was someone professional’. 

A clearly outraged Sophie replied: ‘Even worse.’

Following the sex tape scandal, Lee’s family have also spoken out. 

Lee’s family statement came from a friend on behalf of his sister. The statement read: ‘Kelly Andrews and I just want to take a moment to speak the truth. Recent information shared has brought forward evidence that has left us both shocked…

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‘We are the first to admit when we’re wrong, and now that there is proof, we feel it’s important to acknowledge that. We also want people to understand that this involves Kelly’s brother, which makes this incredibly painful for their family…

‘The Lee we knew was never like this, which makes it even harder for us, as his sister and as a friend, to get our heads around everything that’s come to light.’ 

Despite the fractious nature of the situation, Katie still seemed to be seeing the good in her husband as she took to Facebook to share an image of his widely-discussed hair growth. 

Sharing an image of Lee, she placed a message over the top reading ‘My man’, while circling the side of his hair and writing: ‘Hair growth journey. Handsome husband’. 

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Lee left fans dumbfounded when he left prison with a full head of hair – having gone in with a thinning thatch and discussion of having a hair transplant.  

Despite the fractious nature of the situation, Katie still seemed to be seeing the good in her husband as she took to Facebook to share an image of his widely-discussed hair growth

Despite the fractious nature of the situation, Katie still seemed to be seeing the good in her husband as she took to Facebook to share an image of his widely-discussed hair growth

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Do you know what happened this week? Test your knowledge

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Do you know what happened this week? Test your knowledge

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits University of Utah to discuss Utah's new fluoride ban and food additives legislation, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)

2026-07-24T09:00:00Z

It was a busy week in the news cycle. Test your knowledge of the biggest stories and see what you might have missed in The Associated Press’ weekly news quiz.

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Stranded tourists flee for their lives by boat as ‘apocalyptic mega-fire’ triggers total evacuation of ‘French Hamptons’

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Flames fanned by scorching temperatures have been sweeping through parts of western France. Pictured: A wildfire advances through Lege-Cap-Ferret in Gironde

Thousands of tourists have been forced to flee a top French holiday hotspot, with many evacuated by boat to escape a raging wildfire. 

The area of Lege-Cap Ferret in southwestern France – an upmarket tourist destination known as the French Hamptons – is in the middle of a total evacuation with thousands of hectares of forest burning and villas going up in smoke. 

French President Emmanuel Macron has already requested help from the European Union as the country’s growing battle against wildfires intensifies. 

Images showed scores of residents boarding boats this morning as they evacuated the area while a French television report was interrupted by a fireball blast when a gas canister exploded. 

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Residents have described the inferno as ‘mega-fire’ and apocalyptic, with few means of escape from the thin peninsula.  

‘France has requested the activation of the European Union’s civil protection mechanism. We will soon be able to count on reinforcements from two Croatian Canadair aircraft, two Portuguese Air Tractor planes, as well as two heavy Black Hawk helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia,’ wrote Macron on X on Friday. 

Sophie Brocas, the prefect for the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, said on Friday that evacuees from the Lege-Cap Ferret peninsula could leave from piers in four villages in the area between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time. 

All those still present in those villages must leave either on the boats or by the only road linking the area with the mainland, she added.

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Flames fanned by scorching temperatures have been sweeping through parts of western France. Pictured: A wildfire advances through Lege-Cap-Ferret in Gironde

Holidaymakers from Lege-Cap-Ferret disembark from a boat upon their arrival in Arcachon during an evacuation operation of the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula, in southwestern France, on July 24, 2026 whilst a wildfire is spreading across the area

Holidaymakers from Lege-Cap-Ferret disembark from a boat upon their arrival in Arcachon during an evacuation operation of the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula, in southwestern France, on July 24, 2026 whilst a wildfire is spreading across the area

The blaze in south-western France has been described as a 'mega-fire' and 'apocalyptic' in French social media posts

The blaze in south-western France has been described as a ‘mega-fire’ and ‘apocalyptic’ in French social media posts

Patrick Martineau, a 69-year-old resident of Le Porge, south of Bordeaux, said, ‘The gendarmes came and knocked on every door, the fire was about 500 metres away – we grabbed some things and left.’

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Footage taken in the south-western town of Biscarrosse captured scenes of chaos, showing several cars rushing down roads to get away from nearing flames. 

A separate video showed horses frantically running down a street as a huge black cloud of smoke engulfed the town. 

Minister of the Interior Laurent Nuñez said on Friday that the fire in Biscarrosse is ‘difficult to control’, adding that around 100 homes had been burned or damaged by the flames. 

France’s southeast was also being hard hit, with dozens of fires flaring up and being fanned by the Mistral wind around the historic village of Cotignac – officials saying around 25 houses had been destroyed since Tuesday. 

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Two firefighters died on Tuesday tackling another blaze near Bordeaux airport.

Skies over Le Porge turned orange as smoke rose from charred and crackling pine trees, while helicopters made repeated runs over deserted neighbourhoods.

Fires in 2022 damaged a massive area of the same forest, forcing around 50,000 people to flee.

The authorities said the fire had been contained on its northerly flank but was not yet totally under control further south.

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EU crisis management commissioner Hadja Lahbib said Thursday that the bloc was providing three water-bombing planes to France.

 In Spain, the government declared a state of emergency in the Madrid region, where more than 10,000 people have been evacuated in recent days.

A volunteer gives indication to holidaymakers from Lege-Cap-Ferret upon their arrival in Arcachon by boat during an evacuation operation of the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula

A volunteer gives indication to holidaymakers from Lege-Cap-Ferret upon their arrival in Arcachon by boat during an evacuation operation of the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula

A firefighter uses a hose to spray water on a burning building of a residential area during a wildfire near Lege Cap Ferret

A firefighter uses a hose to spray water on a burning building of a residential area during a wildfire near Lege Cap Ferret

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Video grab shows an aerial view of the out-of-control fire spreading through the Lege-Cap-Ferret

Video grab shows an aerial view of the out-of-control fire spreading through the Lege-Cap-Ferret 

The order for a total evacuation of the area of Lege-Cap Ferret underlined the severity of the fire that has been burning since Wednesday

The order for a total evacuation of the area of Lege-Cap Ferret underlined the severity of the fire that has been burning since Wednesday

A couple carries a few belongings while evacuating a residential area during a wildfire near Lege-Cap-Ferret, southwestern France, on July 23, 2026

A couple carries a few belongings while evacuating a residential area during a wildfire near Lege-Cap-Ferret, southwestern France, on July 23, 2026

Screen grab of video showing several cars rushing down roads to get away from nearing flames

Screen grab of video showing several cars rushing down roads to get away from nearing flames

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People watch smoke from the beach in Andernos-Les Bains during a fire in Lege Cap-Ferret forest

People watch smoke from the beach in Andernos-Les Bains during a fire in Lege Cap-Ferret forest

People in Lege Cap-Ferret watch as flames tear through a forest

People in Lege Cap-Ferret watch as flames tear through a forest 

One video on social media showed the moment horses ran away from incoming flames

One video on social media showed the moment horses ran away from incoming flames 

Emergency services said alert messages had been sent to people in Aldea de Fresno, a town west of Madrid, ordering them to leave.

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Eighteen firefighting units with specialist troops were working to contain the blaze near the city of Toledo, close to another wildfire that forced the evacuation of several villages on Wednesday.

Firefighters battled through the night, and most residents were allowed to return Thursday.

Hundreds of firefighters and troops were still struggling to contain a much larger wildfire in Guadalajara province, north of Madrid.

‘Climate change is what kills, what destroys our villages and our natural and cultural heritage,’ civil protection chief Virginia Barcones told Spanish radio.

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She warned some fires become so intense that, despite the deployment of aircraft and ground crews, firefighters stand ‘no chance’.

Barcones said conditions at the Guadalajara blaze were improving but that strong winds and extreme heat remained a danger.

Thousands of emergency workers in Italy battled scores of fires in Sicily and in the Calabria region, where a local official said arsonists had started fires by tying rags soaked in flammable liquid to the tails of stray cats to spread the flames.

Along with the stray cats, investigators found candles and delayed ignition devices

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Domenico Costarella, of Calabria’s civil protection agency, said: ‘These animals were released into the fields, running around and spreading the fire.’

French President Emmanuel Macron has already requested help from the European Union as the country's growing battle against wildfires intensifies

French President Emmanuel Macron has already requested help from the European Union as the country’s growing battle against wildfires intensifies

A firefighter douses a burned house at a residential area during a wildfire near Lege-Cap-Ferret, southwestern France, on July 23, 2026

A firefighter douses a burned house at a residential area during a wildfire near Lege-Cap-Ferret, southwestern France, on July 23, 2026

A firefighter sprays water on a burning forest close to a residential area during a wildfire near Lege-Cap-Ferret

A firefighter sprays water on a burning forest close to a residential area during a wildfire near Lege-Cap-Ferret

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Residents in the department of Gironde watch as a massive cloud of smoke billows in the distance

Residents in the department of Gironde watch as a massive cloud of smoke billows in the distance

Firefighters respond to a wildfire in Lege-Cap-Ferret in the Gironde department amid worsening drought conditions

Firefighters respond to a wildfire in Lege-Cap-Ferret in the Gironde department amid worsening drought conditions

Firefighters drive around a burning forest while monitoring a wildfire close to a residential area near Lege-Cap-Ferret

Firefighters drive around a burning forest while monitoring a wildfire close to a residential area near Lege-Cap-Ferret

Across Europe, three heatwaves in succession this season have intensified drought, strained water supplies, and left vegetation tinder-dry, helping wildfires scorch more land

Across Europe, three heatwaves in succession this season have intensified drought, strained water supplies, and left vegetation tinder-dry, helping wildfires scorch more land

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The heat has also been blamed for thousands of deaths. 

France has been particularly hard hit, with the intense heat pressuring its capacity to handle the situation. 

‘Our security forces are engaged in a genuine battle against the wildfires,’ Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Thursday evening. 

‘The nation stands with you.’ The pressure on fire departments in southwestern France has been increased by another wildfire that began on Thursday afternoon near Biscarosse, just 25 miles south of Cap Ferret. 

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That fire, which is still not under control, has devastated 2,500 hectares, the prefect for the Landes area, Gilles Clavreul, said in a statement. 

He added that fighting arson would take a ‘shift in mindset… These are inhumane acts. Sadly, men are their own worst enemies’.

One firefighter died after falling ill while battling the flames in Sicily, the interior minister said.

Across Europe, three heatwaves in succession this season have intensified drought, strained water supplies, and left vegetation tinder-dry, helping wildfires scorch more land than the annual average over the past two decades. 

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This screen grab from a video posted on the X account of Spain's Military Emergencies Unit UME (@UMEgob) on July 23, 2026, shows UME personnel fighting a wildfire in San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Madrid

This screen grab from a video posted on the X account of Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit UME (@UMEgob) on July 23, 2026, shows UME personnel fighting a wildfire in San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Madrid

The Spanish government declared a state of emergency in the Madrid region, where more than 10,000 people have been evacuated in recent days

The Spanish government declared a state of emergency in the Madrid region, where more than 10,000 people have been evacuated in recent days

Hundreds of firefighters and troops were still struggling to contain a much larger wildfire in Guadalajara province, north of Madrid

Hundreds of firefighters and troops were still struggling to contain a much larger wildfire in Guadalajara province, north of Madrid

‘Winds are blowing, and the situation remains highly dynamic and unfavourable,’ he said. 

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More than 23,000 people were evacuated from the Biscarosse district, mainly in campsites and homes, and a children’s summer camp and a residential care home for the elderly were also evacuated. 

He asked farmers to contribute with water tanks.

European droughts are now more severe, climatologists from the World Weather Attribution group said in a study published on Thursday.

The total area of land burnt so far this year in EU countries is the second largest on record, according to satellite data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). 

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Martin Lewis explains how homeowners could save money on energy bills after VAT announcement

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Wales Online

Latest energy bill predictions could mean that households do not see any savings from the VAT cut

Money Saving expert Martin Lewis has explained how households will be impacted by the new energy tax reduction announced by Andy Burnham this week. The Prime Minister has confirmed that electricity bills will be exempt from VAT from October 1, that initially predicted a cut of £45 from a typical household’s annual bill.

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However since updated predictions for the Energy Price Cap have been published indicating that a Price Cap rise of 5.1% could be seen in October that “will wipe out any household savings from the VAT cut”, says the expert.

The announcement comes amid predictions that energy prices will remain raised throughout the coming winter, following a £221 rise to the price cap which came into effect on July 1, pushing it to £1,862 per year. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here

Andy Burnham said: “I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister. We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.”

The energy price cap has been projected for October.

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Martin Lewis spoke of the projections saying: “I’ve just got the latest energy bill predictions. The average of three sources show the Price Cap rising 5.1% on 1 October – as the last week has seen very high wholesale rates. An annualised rise of £93 on a typical bill.

“If this happens, it will wipe out any household savings from the VAT cut during that Price Cap period (those on fixes will still see a 4.8% reduction).”

The Money Saving Expert founder contacted major UK energy suppliers to ask if they’ll pass on the reduction to all customers from October. Ten firms confirmed they will including:

  • 100 Green
  • British Gas
  • EDF
  • E.on Next
  • Fuse
  • Good Energy
  • Octopus
  • So Energy
  • Utilita
  • Utility Warehouse

Martin Lewis detailed how the the move will work in more detail as he explained that it will see VAT on electricity bills cut from 5% to zero between October 1 2026 and March 31 2027.

He also explained that the cut will only apply to electricity bills meaning those with dual fuel bills for gas and electricity will only see the reduction on the electricity they use.

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It will be funded in part by scrapping Sir Keir Starmer’s, digital ID project that had been estimated to cost around £600 million-a-year over three years. Funding for the ID scheme was due to have come from savings within existing departmental budgets, which will now be reprioritised to fund the VAT cut.

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Southpaw announce early 2000s dance rave in Sunderland

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Southpaw announce early 2000s dance rave in Sunderland

The nostalgic DJ event, Hay Day, is coming to Sunderland on Saturday, August 1, at Southpaw Studio in Sheepfolds Stables.

The event promises an energetic throwback to the era of dance anthems, with doors opening at 3pm and closing by 7pm.

Robby Graham, artistic director of Southpaw Company, said: “Hay Day will be full of energy and atmosphere and take away the hassle that often comes with a late night out.

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“Whether you’re coming to dance with friends, celebrate a special occasion, or simply relive the soundtrack of your youth, Hay Day will be an afternoon to remember.”

UK-based DJ and producer, Aaron Swales, will be spinning the tunes, a mixture of dance club anthems and feel-good favourites from back in the day.

The early finish means guests can enjoy a night out without the after-effects of a typical late-night rave.

Tickets are selling fast with plans already underfoot to hold the event regularly.

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Southpaw Company was established in 2013 under the artistic direction of Robby Graham and blends innovative choreography with compelling storytelling rooted in the lived experiences of working class and marginalised communities.

Southpaw Studio is located in the heart of Sunderland’s Sheepfolds district, a fully-equipped creative space designed to host performances, rehearsals and community activities.

From creating intimate touring pieces to large-scale outdoor spectacles, the company blends innovative choreography with compelling storytelling rooted in the lived experiences of working class and marginalised communities.

Southpaw’s mission is to craft performances that are reflective of the communities it engages with, driven by authentic collaboration and co-creation.

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Whether working with local residents on mass-movement pieces, such as RUSH and RISE, or touring narrative-rich productions like Speakeasy, it believes in the transformative power of the arts to spark dialogue, promote empathy and celebrate the diverse cultural voices across the UK.

In addition to its artistic output, Southpaw runs three, free engagement programmes:

  • AMPLIFY – A community performance company
  • ORIGINS – Breaking barriers and empowering young dancers (aged eight to 18) through breaking and hip-hop styles
  • IGNITE – A high level training class for professional working class dancers and advanced students

Erimus, created for the re-opening of Middlesbrough Town Hall, won the Journal Culture Arts Council England Award and National Campaign for the Arts Award for the Best Local Authority Arts Project Encouraging Community Cohesion.

Tickets are available via the Southpaw website at southpaw.org.uk/events.

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Northern Ireland weather for the weekend ahead as scattered showers forecast

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Belfast Live

“We will begin to see a modest change as a weak weather front pushes south across the UK on Saturday bringing some much-needed rain”

Light rain and scattered showers have been forecast for Northern Ireland this weekend after a long dry and sunny spell.

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For Friday, July 24, the Met Office say it’s set to turn increasingly cloudy this evening with a chance of a few spots of light rain.

The rest of the night is expected to be mainly dry with clear spells, freshening winds, and a minimum temperature of 14C.

On Saturday, July 25, it’s set to be a cloudy morning with patchy light rain spreading southeast. It’s expected to turn drier and brighter for a time into the afternoon, with a maximum temperature of 19C.

And for the weather outlook for Sunday, July 26, to Tuesday, July 28, the Met Office said: “Bright spells and scattered showers on Sunday.

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“Fairly unsettled and changeable Monday and Tuesday with the risk of further showers or spells of rain.”

Ahead of the “modest change of weather type” on the horizon for the UK, Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington stated: “The high pressure has been a key feature of the UK’s weather forecast over the last few weeks, bringing above-average temperatures and extremely dry conditions for many.

“However, we will begin to see a modest change as a weak weather front pushes south across the UK on Saturday bringing some much-needed rain, albeit it light and mainly concentrated in the north and west. Behind the front a showery air mass will bring potentially heavy showers some of which may be thundery.”

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

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FBI chief returns looted Papuan artefacts to Indonesia

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FBI chief returns looted Papuan artefacts to Indonesia

FBI director Kash Patel handed over a collection of looted Indonesian artefacts to president Prabowo Subianto in what Jakarta described as an important step in restoring the nation’s cultural sovereignty.

Indonesian culture minister Fadli Zon said the return of the artefacts from the Papua region was part of ongoing cooperation between his ministry and the FBI to recover cultural objects that had been illegally smuggled into the US.

The recovered items include stone axes and ceremonial objects linked to the Dani, Asmat, and Sentani tribes of Papua.

The ministry said that traditional stone axes from Papua were valued far beyond their practical use as communities in the highlands, including the Dani, regarded them as markers of social status and wealth, used them in marriages and other ceremonial exchanges, and passed them down generations as prized heirlooms.

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Mr Zon said the artefacts would be displayed at the National Museum. “Patel brought Indonesian cultural artefacts as part of cooperation between the Indonesian government, through the culture ministry, and the FBI to return cultural objects that had been illegally smuggled into the United States,” he said. “These are very valuable objects because this repatriation process is part of our effort to restore our cultural sovereignty.”

Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto, right, walks with FBI director Kash Patel in Jakarta
Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto, right, walks with FBI director Kash Patel in Jakarta (AP)

The US previously returned a pair of bronze sculptures depicting the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The 8th-century Buddhist sculptures had been taken from Indonesian archaeological sites and then sold to an American collector through the late antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford.

They were among 34 Southeast Asian artefacts voluntarily surrendered by the collector in 2021 after investigations found that the items had been looted.

The Indonesian government has stepped up efforts in recent years to recover cultural artefacts held overseas, many of which were removed during the colonial period, stolen, or acquired through illegal trafficking networks.

In January last year, Indonesia displayed over 800 artefacts returned by the Netherlands after years of negotiations. The Netherlands ruled Indonesia as a colonial power for almost four centuries.

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The collection, which was exhibited at the National Museum in Jakarta, included stone Buddha statues, jewellery, royal objects, paintings and weapons.

The artefacts, returned under a 2022 repatriation agreement, were looted during conflicts, taken by colonial-era scientists and missionaries, or smuggled by mercenaries during colonial rule.

The famous “Java Man” fossil, one of the earliest and most important discoveries of Homo erectus, was also returned to Indonesia last year from the Netherlands, more than 130 years after it was discovered in East Java.

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Ex-Top Gear star James May, 63, opposes UK ‘wealth tax’ as Gary Lineker leads millionaires calling on Burnham to increase taxes on the super-rich

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Former Top Gear presenter James May has insisted he 'already pays loads of tax'

James May has said he disagrees with 120 UK-based millionaires including Gary Lineker who have urged Andy Burnham to impose higher taxes on their wealth.

The group have claimed extra money raised from higher taxes on wealth could be used to reduce inequality, support public infrastructure and back small businesses.

A letter to the Prime Minister from the Patriotic Millionaires UK campaign group, says a 2 per cent tax on wealth over £10million could raise £24billion a year for the UK.

But former Top Gear presenter May has insisted he ‘already pays loads of tax’ and encouraged the wealthy to instead donate the extra 2 per cent to good causes.

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When asked on LBC radio whether he agrees with the former Match of the Day host’s stance released in the ‘Proud to Pay’ letter yesterday, 63-year-old May said ‘No.’

Presenter Tom Swarbrick asked him why, and May responded: ‘I already pay loads of tax. Am I supposed to volunteer to pay some more?’ Swarbrick then pressed May, saying: ‘Well, you can do, of course. You can pay whatever you like to HMRC.’

And May told him: ‘You absolutely can. You could pay your whole income to HMRC if you like. And those people who say, I’d gladly, gladly pay an extra 2 per cent tax if it went to the homeless or military veterans or the disabled or whatever. There are plenty of people who will take that extra 2 per cent from you if you wish to donate it.’

Swarbrick asked him: ‘So you don’t feel that there is a patriotic argument for millionaires to pay more in tax, however that is defined or alighted upon? 

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Former Top Gear presenter James May has insisted he ‘already pays loads of tax’

Gary Lineker is among 120 millionaires calling on Andy Burnham to impose higher taxes

Gary Lineker is among 120 millionaires calling on Andy Burnham to impose higher taxes

And May replied: ‘I mean, wealthier people already pay more tax. The rate increases and it’s a greater absolute amount as well if you have more income. ‘

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It comes as a Treasury minister declined to say whether Mr Burnham’s Government will heed the call for the higher tax.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds welcomed the offer, but said any announcement on tax policy would be made in the budget.

In full: ‘Proud to Pay’ letter from Patriotic Millionaires UK to Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Dear Prime Minister,

As our country takes its first step on a new road with you, we hold onto hope and promise: not just for millionaires like us, but with hope in every heart for a better life for everyone. We know our country – its regions, cities, towns, and villages – deserve a better hand than what they’ve been dealt for these last four decades.

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As millionaires we have a clear message for you, our new Prime Minister: tax us. We are proud to pay and here to stay.

We know that wealth and power has been concentrated in a small group for too long, at the cost of our country, its people, our democracy and our environment. For a better Britain this has to change; we need to embrace a new kind of devolution of wealth and power, from the very richest in order to reinvest back into our greatest asset in every region—our people.

It is not just us. We represent the majority of UK millionaires. 75 percent of millionaires polled support higher taxes on themselves to defend what they are proud of in this country; and 88 percent are proud to live here. Millionaires are a patriotic bunch – we love this country and we want it to succeed. But success requires investment and a primary source of untouched capital investment is sitting with us, in untaxed potential.

We want you to tax us. We can afford it. We’re not talking about higher taxes on those who get up and go to work for their income every day, but on the very richest whose income is derived from the wealth they hold.

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As you decentralise political power, you should also disperse economic power. Extreme wealth sitting idle in the hands of a few can be put to work: reducing inequality, investing in sustainable jobs, strengthening hospitals, schools and social care, supporting entrepreneurs with the skills and infrastructure they need, and giving small businesses access to affordable finance. Our wealth is our country’s secret weapon – let’s get serious about using it.

There are a few people left with outdated economic thinking and few others desperate to hold onto every penny they can. But they are a minority. Those that can’t see past the end of their own self interest have no place in designing a Britain for the future.

As we embrace this new road – please consider taxing us properly as our contribution to it. We love this country. It’s time for a better Britain; it’s time for everyone here to feel Great Britain. It’s time to tax us, the super rich.

The Signers 

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She would not be drawn into whether Mr Burnham will consider what the millionaires are asking for, telling Sky News: ‘Well, look, it’s day four of this new Government, and obviously any major tax changes would be announced at a budget.

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‘I welcome the fact that people of good means are saying that they want to pay more. They can pay more. There is a link on gov.uk, but look, we have to look at tax policy in the round, and we only make major tax announcements at budgets.’

The letter from the Patriotic Millionaires UK group reads: ‘We want you to tax us. We can afford it. We’re not talking about higher taxes on those who get up and go to work for their income every day, but on the very richest whose income is derived from the wealth they hold.’

Lineker said: ‘Paying your fair share is a basic British value, but so many ordinary people are already paying more than they can afford.

‘Our richest people can do more and most want to. Our fantastic country deserves all of us to get behind it. I’m proud to stand with people across the UK who want to live in a more equal society.

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‘To live up to our national values our new Government must raise taxes on extreme levels of wealth for a fairer, better, more hopeful Britain.’

Other signatories include crime writer Val McDermid, musician and songwriter Brian Eno, former chairman of Greggs Ian Gregg, economist and former City trader Gary Stevenson, and investor Julia Davies.

In addition to the wealth tax, Patriotic Millionaires also said reforms to capital gains tax could raise a further £12billion.

But Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said a wealth levy is not the answer to raising UK living standards.

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She told reporters after a London speech: ‘On Gary Lineker, he’s very welcome to pay more tax. He can write a cheque to the Treasury. No one’s stopping him.

‘But right now, we are seeing the people who create jobs leaving the country… If we keep taxing the people who create the jobs, who generate the growth, we’re not going to have any taxes at all.’

She added that tax rises and ‘pennies here and there’ do not increase our standard of living, and that the focus should be on ‘backing business so that they can create jobs and create growth’.

Ms Davies, a member of Patriotic Millionaires, said: ‘We millionaires are here to be taxed more and we urge our new PM to grab this opportunity with both hands and tax our wealth. This is a fresh opportunity for our country.

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‘A chance for the Prime Minister to help rebalance power, reduce the shocking levels of wealth inequality which intensifies the cost of living crisis, and raise much-needed revenue for our public services, improving life for everyone.’

Polling from the campaign group showed that 80 per cent of UK millionaires support a 2 per cent tax on wealth over £10 million.

‘As you decentralise political power, you should also disperse economic power,’ the open letter adds.

‘Extreme wealth sitting idle in the hands of a few can be put to work: reducing inequality, investing in sustainable jobs, strengthening hospitals, schools and social care, supporting entrepreneurs with the skills and infrastructure they need, and giving small businesses access to affordable finance.

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‘Our wealth is our country’s secret weapon – let’s get serious about using it.’

May presented the BBC motoring show alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond from 2003 until 2015 and was known as ‘the other bloke from Top Gear’. 

He also earned the nickname ‘Captain Slow’ for his performances in challenges.

After leaving Top Gear, the presenting trio went on to make a new motoring show for Amazon Prime Video called The Grand Tour, which ran from 2016 to 2024.

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Coastguards vote of no confidence following plans to stop volunteer payments

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Manchester Evening News

Plans to stop remuneration payments to coastguard volunteers were recently dropped

The chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) faces a formal vote of no confidence following plans to stop remuneration payments to lifesaving volunteers.

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The vote of no confidence comes following plans to stop paying volunteer coastguards were dropped.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) sought to move its coastguard rescue teams to an expenses-only volunteer model.

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Currently, coastguard rescue officers (CROs) are paid an hourly rate during callouts, but the MCA wanted to scrap those payments so it could classify them as volunteers.

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However, the Government said the plans would be dropped after fears it could see swathes of officers stop working with the service.

Transport minister Keir Mather said he had listened to the views of coastguard rescue officers (CROs) and that a move to an expenses-only model would not go ahead.

It came after a Court of Appeal verdict saw the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) say it would move to a “revised volunteer model”, after a judge ruled against it over whether coastguard members are volunteers or paid workers.

They are officially volunteers but can claim about £11 an hour for callouts or training.

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Mr Mather also refused to say he had confidence in the chief executive of the MCA, Virginia McVea, when given the opportunity to do so by shadow transport minister Jerome Mayhew. Mr Mather said he wanted to get any replacement system “right”.

Speaking in the Commons, he said: “We want to ensure that CROs are treated with dignity, with respect and they are empowered to carry out the incredible duties that they do.

“Having listened to the views and testimonies of CROs first hand, I can confirm that they move to the expenses-only volunteer model in September will not go ahead, and that current arrangements will remain in place.”

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Now, in a letter to Lord Simon Stevens, Chair of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Board, GMB union’s coastguard members wrote to formally express their lack of confidence in the leadership of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency under Chief Executive Virginia McVea.

The coastguards also called on the board to undertake an independent review of the concerns, including:

  • A perceived failure to adequately engage with and listen to the experiences and concerns of Coastguard Rescue Officers.
  • Insufficient transparency in decision-making processes affecting frontline personnel.
  • A culture in which legitimate concerns raised by Coastguard Rescue Officers are not addressed in a timely or meaningful manner.
  • Decisions and policies that have negatively affected morale, recruitment, retention, and confidence within Coastguard Rescue Teams.
  • Concerns regarding leadership accountability and responsiveness to issues raised by frontline operational personnel.

Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer, said: “These workers are the face of HM Coastguard in communities across the United Kingdom.

“They give their time, skills, and commitment to save lives across the country.

“But they need to feel backed to the hilt by the MCA and, under Ms McVea’s stewardship, they don’t.

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“Given the farce of the remuneration payments, coastguards feel a fresh start is the only way to reinstate that trust.”

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The Anderton Centre welcomes new North West Water Park

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The Anderton Centre welcomes new North West Water Park

The North West Aqua Park will officially open at the Anderton Centre on August 3, offering visitors an inflatable obstacle course on Lower Rivington Reservoir.

The attraction features giant inflatables, slides, climbing walls, balance challenges and splash zones, with sessions supervised by qualified lifeguards.

Jason Pendlebury, CEO of The Anderton Centre, said: “We are incredibly excited to open the North West Aqua Park and welcome our first visitors on August 3.

“This has been a project that has involved a huge amount of planning, partnership working and commitment from many people, and we’re immensely proud to see it become a reality.”

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The Aqua Park has been designed for families, friends, community groups and anyone looking for an outdoor challenge.

(Image: Public)

Every session includes a safety briefing, specialist equipment and trained staff, with organisers saying the attraction has been built to high safety standards.

Mr Pendlebury added: “We believe the Aqua Park will become one of the North West’s premier outdoor attractions, bringing new visitors to the area while encouraging people of all ages to get active, enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories with family and friends.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to experience it for themselves.”

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Bookings are now open ahead of the school summer holidays, with visitors encouraged to reserve a place in advance.

The Anderton Centre was originally set up as a charity and said income from the Aqua Park will help support its outdoor learning programmes for children, young people and community groups across the region.

The sessions last for an hour and are £20 per person. It is suitable for confident swimmers aged six and over.

The Anderton Centre offers outdoor adventures from kayaking to archery ­

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It also provides outdoor residential activities for young people.

The centre has been providing schoolchildren with residential activities for more than 20 years.

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Former Corrie star Tracy Shaw’s heartbreaking cancer update

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Former Corrie star Tracy Shaw's heartbreaking cancer update

She is best known for playing Maxine Peacock on Coronation Street, having appeared in the soap from 1995 to 2003 before being murdered by infamous serial killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron).

She has also appeared in other TV shows such as The Blue Room and Mile High, and embarked on a brief singing career in the late 1990s.

Shaw, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, shared a short video on her Instagram account telling her followers the results of her ultrasound scans.

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She said while lumps found on her right breast are cysts and not cancerous, the cancerous lesions on her left breast have not shrunk.

Unfortunately, the lesions have changed shape and have “not really shrunk in size.”

Tracy was in tears in her video, which was filmed outside after her latest appointment, as she told her followers that she knows surgeons “can’t operate until they shrink it.”

Ending the video, she remained positive and said: “I was just expecting some miraculous miracle, but maybe it’s to come.”

What is breast cancer and who can get it?

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and appears “when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way”, Cancer Research UK explains.

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While it’s mainly something that affects women, men can get breast cancer too, but it’s rare for this to happen.

In a year, about 59,400 people are given a breast cancer diagnosis (160 people a day).


When to see your GP about cancer


Tracy’s followers have sent messages of support, with one commenting: “Sending you the biggest hugs.. you can do this 💪💕🩷 xxxxx.”

Another said: “Oh dear girl I’m sorry there wasn’t the best news.

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“Take care rest when you can and look forward to better days ahead they will come ❤️❤️❤️.”

This person added: “So sorry to hear the disheartening news-I know how hard this journey is and how much you cling to the hope it is all working.

“Sending lots of love and positivity that your miracle is just waiting around the corner 🙏🤗💕.”

Another commented: “Again sending love to you Tracey.

“You’re so strong and brave to go through your journey so publicly.

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“I’m sure with all that strength you have will get you through this ❤️”.

Tracy shares regular updates on Instagram, raising awareness of the disease.

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