The Government’s plan for 1.5 million homes is doomed.

Governments don’t build houses. Builders do. But no one builds at a loss or for a miserable profit that doesn’t reward risk or effort.

In 1988 there were more than 12,000 small/medium registered builders.

By 2017 less than 3,000 survived because of increased costs, unrealistic demands and over regulation.

Traditional family firms in York were squeezed out when York Council hiked “affordable” targets from 25 per cent to 50 per cent while reducing the threshold from 25 to 15 dwellings; a ludicrous two dwellings in villages.

As predicted by myself and Paul Cordock planning applications dried up and outturn plummeted – despite City of York Council claiming hostel bed spaces and Lawful Use certificates as new homes.

York’s council blamed anyone but its own policies. Particularly the banks; but many builders had cash reserves and didn’t need to borrow.

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Those that did couldn’t receive funding because financiers would not take risks where “affordable” demands stripped out profits leaving no headroom for contingencies.

There is a reason why many more homes were built in the 60s and 70s and why people could afford to buy them. There wasn’t the excessive regulations and financial burdens that have since been heaped upon house builders.

Today, even big companies are struggling. They pick and choose sites to proceed and are scaling back operations. Apprenticeships are reduced and the skilled workforce declines. Many entrepreneurs have left the industry. Newcomers are rare because the incentive has largely been destroyed.

Those of us with a lifetime’s construction experience know Labour’s housing targets are unachievable.

Matthew Laverack,

Retired architect and housebuilder,

Lord Mayors Walk,

York

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The Daily Record first backed calls for Keir Starmer to resign in February. In an editorial column published after Labour was thrashed in the Gorton by-election, losing heavily to the Greens, we said the PM should do the honourable thing and walk away.

The Record View stated: “If Starmer cannot win a suburban seat in Greater Manchester where Labour previously enjoyed a thumping majority, he cannot win anywhere.

“The PM can complain all he likes about Reform and the Greens running populist campaigns which offer voters nothing but a bunch of easy answers.

“But many voters are looking for an alternative to Labour and the Tories – and both of these traditional left and right parties are in turmoil as a result.”

Read the full Record View

OBBUERGEN, Switzerland (AP) — Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran were set to engage in a second day of talks Monday to solidify a permanent end to the war between the countries, after a first day of mediation began with a rocky start.

Mediators Qatar and Pakistan hailed what they called “encouraging progress” made during the talks as Iran and the United States agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” to address the fighting in Lebanon. A senior U.S. diplomat claimed progress on multiple fronts, including the establishment of “mechanisms” to ensure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy shipments, remains open and that a ceasefire in southern Lebanon holds.

Yet the first full day of talks between the U.S. and Iran, who were accompanied by Qatari and Pakistani officials, was jolted by blistering statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who from thousands of miles away from the Swiss negotiating venue at a mountainside resort near Lake Lucerne was firing off comments that offended the Iranians.

Iranian state media said talks had paused after the “publication of an insulting message by the U.S. President.” The Iranian delegation then met with Qatari mediators and left the negotiating site, state media said. The senior U.S. diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief journalists on the ongoing talks, said late Sunday that the Iranians remained on site and the negotiations were on.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had vowed to “never back down from the right to enrich uranium,” according to state media, and Trump later told Fox News in a phone interview that Pezeshkian should watch what he says and also threatened to take over Iran, according to one of the news channel’s correspondents.

Trump also continued to issue warnings against Iran on social media, posting as negotiators worked: “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!”

The chief negotiators for the U.S. include JD Vance, the vice president; special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the president. Iran is represented by Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Araghchi wrote on X that Pakistani and Qatari mediators delivered “major progress to end the Lebanon War.” He added that the first “real test” of negotiations would be whether the mechanism succeeded in halting the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The senior U.S. diplomat said among the issues discussed was Iran’s messaging as it related to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran’s military said it closed Saturday in response to continued fighting in Lebanon. U.S. Central Command has disputed that Iran closed the strait again.

The interim deal to end the fighting in Iran, signed last week by the leaders of the U.S. and Iran, outlines a 60-day period for negotiators to settle the future of Tehran’s nuclear program amid concerns that it wants to use it for military purposes, a claim Iran denies. The fate of frozen Iranian assets, among other thorny issues, are also on the agenda.

Though the talks will encompass a vast array of complex matters, Iran first wants to focus on addressing the fighting in Lebanon.

Saturday’s renewed ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to be holding, and Israel’s military said it would lift movement restrictions for residents near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday morning. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the U.S.-Iran deal.

There was cautious calm Monday in Lebanon, with no Israeli strikes reported overnight after a day of quiet Sunday. Hezbollah likewise has not announced any attacks on Israeli forces since Saturday.

The lull in fighting in Lebanon is the longest since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war on March 2.

___

Kim reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Abby Sewell in Beirut, David Rising in Bangkok and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this story.

The series stars Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis fans are comparing the forensic crime drama to a long-running hit.

Enthusiasts of detective dramas are encouraging others to discover a crime series adapted from a book collection of the same title.

The eight-part series, which has secured a second season and features an impressive ensemble cast, centres on a forensic pathologist who employs her expertise to crack criminal cases.

With Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis leading the cast, the eagerly awaited programme is now streaming on Prime Video and has drawn comparisons to established favourites such as Silent Witness.

Scarpetta is the series attracting attention, with Kidman portraying Kay Scarpetta, a gifted forensic pathologist who utilises cutting-edge forensic techniques to solve mysteries.

The programme draws from Patricia Cornwell’s novels, with the protagonist modelled on former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner, Marcella Farinelli Fierro.

Viewers have flocked to IMDb to express their views, with one describing it as an “excellent” interpretation of the books.

They continued: “Being a long-time fan of the UK’s Silent Witness, I see this as a US series in a similar vein. I read a couple of Patricia Cornwell novels some years ago.

“I recall thinking they were tough going and stopped reading any more. So imagine my surprise at being blown away by such a great show.

“The acting, the plotting, the switching between the past and present iterations of the main characters, all were extremely well done and entertaining.

“Everyone involved is at the top of their game in my opinion.”

Another viewer enthused: “This series absolutely captures the novels which are so much more than murders. The characters are very complex and rich.

“Show writers got it. Even the soundtrack of the show honours the books. It’s GREAT! Casting is fantastic. Like perfect- all the naysayers are just irritated it didn’t fit the mould they created visually in their mind.

“Watch it. You like mysteries and well-developed characters? Then you’ll enjoy the ride.”

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A further fan added: “Omg such a fun, twisty mystery! Love the performances – could watch Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis fight all day!”

Production on the second series got under way in March 2026, with Jamie Lee Curtis taking to Instagram to announce: “We are in the middle of it, we are having such a good time. Thanks so much for your loving support.”

Scarpetta is streaming on Prime Video.

Delivered by North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Partnership Team, the project was shaped through engagement with local residents to ensure the space reflects what families wanted to see in the area.

Children and families in the Jerviston area of Motherwell have been enjoying the opening of a brand-new play area designed with the local community at its heart.

The new facility was officially opened on 16 June by Councillor Geraldine Woods alongside Our Lady & St Francis Primary School pupil, Wiktoria, whose winning entry in the local “Design-a-Sign” competition now welcomes visitors at the entrance to the park.

Delivered by North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Partnership Team, the project was shaped through engagement with local residents to ensure the space reflects what families wanted to see in the area.

The new play area offers something for all ages, with a multi-play unit, accessible roundabout and trampoline, climbing equipment, cableway and a range of swings including a basket swing. Picnic benches have also been added to create a welcoming space for parents, carers and families to spend time together.

Located beside the existing MUGA facility, it provides even more opportunities for children and young people to play, be active and enjoy time outdoors.

Councillor Geraldine Woods, NLC’s Convener of Communities, said: “It’s fantastic to see this new play area open and already being enjoyed by local children and families. What makes it even more special is that local young people helped shape it from the beginning.

“Spaces like this do much more than provide somewhere to play. They help bring communities together, encourage healthier lifestyles and create places where children can make memories, build confidence and simply enjoy being outdoors. We’re proud to support projects that make a real difference locally.”

Funded through £100,000 from the Local Development Programme and the Scottish Government, the investment forms part of ongoing work to improve local spaces and create places where communities can thrive.

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The widespread adoption of weight loss medications could fundamentally alter consumer shopping habits and influence retailers’ product offerings, according to new research.

GLP-1s, the scientific term for these drugs, are already impacting spending patterns across the UK.

However, the recent approval of the first oral pill in this category is expected to accelerate this shift significantly, a study by PwC Strategy& has found.

The number of people in the UK using GLP-1s is projected to rise from approximately three million to seven million by 2027.

Earlier this month, the UK’s medicines regulator approved the Wegovy tablet, manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Chemist4U reported that over 10,000 people have already joined a waiting list for a consultation ahead of the pill’s anticipated launch, with many expressing interest having never previously used GLP-1 injections.

These medications function by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, thereby reducing food cravings and promoting a feeling of fullness.

PwC found that the oral pill could accelerate a shift in habits that was already under way, with spending being reallocated across categories including food, nutrition, fitness and wellness.

Some 70 per cent of GLP-1 users are spending less in appetite-led categories such as snacks, confectionary and crisps, while 60 per cent are spending more on fresh food, the study showed.

A total of 40 per cent are spending more on products that support nutrition, fitness and confidence such as vitamins and supplements, the study showed.

More than 80 per cent of those who had stopped treatment said they had maintained at least some of the dietary and grocery changes they adopted while taking medication.

Supermarkets, food chains and brands have already been introducing new products to cater to the growing number of people with reduced appetites, with Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Greggs among those introducing nutrient-rich meals.

GLP-1 users represent a mix of genders, ages and incomes, PwC’s study found, which it said suggested that the medication was becoming mainstream.

Women account for 60 per cent of current users, and 80 per cent are aged between 25 and 54.

About 70 per cent of users are accessing the medication privately, rather than being prescribed it through the NHS, according to the research.

The accountancy giant’s strategy consulting unit surveyed 2,300 UK adults for the report.

Jacqueline Windsor, head of retail at PwC UK, said: “GLP-1 is the most consumerised medication today.

“Users express renewed confidence and energy that are shaping their demand for nutritious food, fitness routine and wardrobe refresh – which represent a basket reallocation rather than reduction of spend.”

She added that consumer businesses were likely to “reshape their portfolios” and “innovate to capture changing preferences”.

The email was sent out to customers on Saturday, two days after the three-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire

Wowcher has apologised “unreservedly” for what it described as “unacceptable” wording in a marketing email that appeared to make light of a crocodile attack on a three-year-old boy at a zoo.

The youngster remains in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge following Thursday’s incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon. It is understood he was attacked by at least one crocodile after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure.

On Saturday, customers of the Wowcher e-commerce platform received an email promoting “special deals” on getaways and activities, bearing the subject line: “Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid.”

Public outrage quickly mounted as screenshots of the email were widely circulated across social media platforms and bulletin boards.

Norwich Norfolk UK Community Notice Board posted: “Why do wowcher think its ok to use this as a heading on their emails??”

One customer described themselves as “now unsubscribed”, while another condemned it as “disgusting”, adding “if that’s real someone needs to be fired”.

A further customer wrote: “Emailed them back but no answer. Won’t be using them again for sure, even if its a poor effort at a joke somehow.”

A Wowcher spokesperson said: “We are extremely sorry for an email subject line sent by Wowcher yesterday. The wording was unacceptable. It should never have been written. It was never approved for use.

“The responsibility sits with us and we are urgently reviewing how our processes failed. We recognise the hurt and distress it has caused, particularly for the young child’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“We are reviewing all scheduled marketing content while we urgently strengthen our creative, approval and sign-off safeguards. There is no excuse for this. We apologise unreservedly and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again.”

A 30-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the boy ended up in the enclosure, reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with a carer.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that the arrested man, from Norfolk, was “assessed as not being fit for interview”. He has since been released on bail until September 18.

Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday by the ambulance service, following reports that the boy, who was not known to the man, had suffered serious injuries.

Cambridgeshire Police stated the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.

Tracey Johnson, wife of the zoo owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

Police confirmed the boy “received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital”.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann previously said: “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

LNER has introduced temporary ticket flexibility for some passengers to help them travel at cooler times.

Passengers travelling from Durham or Darlington on Monday, June 22, or Friday, June 26, should use their booked train as normal.

Darlington Train Station (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Those booked to travel on Tuesday, June 23, can use an earlier LNER train on the same day.

LNER is advising people to travel before midday if they can.

Tickets for June 23 can also be used on any LNER train on Monday, June 22.

Passengers booked for Wednesday, June 24, can also travel earlier on the same day, preferably before midday.

Their tickets can also be used on any LNER train on Monday, June 22, or Friday, June 26.

Anyone booked to travel on Thursday, June 25, can take an earlier LNER train on the same day or travel on any LNER service on Friday, June 26.

The advice applies to LNER passengers using stations including Durham and Darlington.

☀️#LNERUpdate Due to the forecasted high temperatures across the LNER route over the coming days, we will be introducing temporary travel easements to support our customers in completing their journeys more comfortably. Please check https://t.co/o0hAZZ3XYh for the latest advice.

— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) June 21, 2026

It may also affect people travelling to or from places such as Newcastle, York, Doncaster, Edinburgh and London King’s Cross.

Passengers do not need to change their ticket if they use one of the alternative LNER services allowed under the easements. However, LNER recommends booking a new seat reservation, which can be done free of charge.

People using connecting trains with another operator should check that company’s advice separately.

Customers booked to travel on June 23, 24 or 25 who decide not to travel can claim a full refund from where they bought their ticket.

LNER is advising passengers to carry water, wait in the shade or a station waiting room, and speak to staff if they feel unwell.

There are currently no planned timetable changes, but passengers should check their journey before setting off.

Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly expected to speak on the steps of Downing Street this morning and announce a timeline for his resignation.

The Prime Minister is set to agree an ‘orderly’ exit, clearing the way for Andy Burnham to replace him and become the country’s seventh leader in a decade.

Sir Keir has faced immense pressure from his MPs and broader party to step down following his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week.

He returned to Downing Street yesterday after spending the weekend with his wife Victoria at Chequers, his official country residence, where he reportedly began writing his resignation speech.

In a hint of Sir Keir’s imminent resignation minister Jacqui Smith told Smith told Times Radio this morning that she ‘would have been happy for him to continue’ in office.

It is thought that Starmer will lay out his departure from power before Burnham is sworn in as a new MP later today.

The pair have reportedly not spoken since his overwhelming victory in Makerfield last week, where he staked his claim as the clear favourite to become the next Prime Minister.

The Guardian reports that the likely timetable for the former Manchester mayor’s route to Number 10 will involve Sir Keir staying in office until the autumn.

Burnham would then reportedly take over around the party’s annual conference at the end of September.

The PM had vowed to stand in any leadership race immediately after Burnham’s by-election win on Friday morning.

He told reporters in North London : ‘If there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then yes, I will run, I will stand and I’ve said repeatedly I’m not going to walk away from that.’

If Starmer did decide to run against Burnham, it could lead to lengthy uncertainty over who will be running the country.

The Prime Minister position has weakened significantly since he defiance on Friday.

More than half a dozen of his cabinet are thought to have privately told him the game is up, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.

Others have warned against a coronation of Burnham, arguing anyone hoping to become the UK’s leader should be publicly tested.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: ‘My approach to this has always been that contests are better wherever possible.

‘That needs to be balanced with the needs of maintaining authority of a party through any processes that may unfold.’

Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned from his post in the wake of last month’s elections, has said he wants a ‘battle of ideas’ about the future direction of the party.

Burnham remains the overwhelming favourite to win any contest, after demonstrating his ability to defeat Reform in Thursday’s by-election.

The so-called ‘King of the North’ took 55% of the vote in the constituency south of Wigan, coming a full 20 points ahead of Reform candidate Rob Kenyon.

He will be sworn into Parliament later today and it is believed he would easily obtain the backing of the 81 MPs needed to begin a leadership contest.

According to the New Statesman magazine, Burnham’s team is aiming to get the backing of as many as 200 other MPs – half of the Parliamentary Labour Party – to secure his position as the natural successor.

If Keir Starmer does announce his resignation in the coming days, it would represent a staggering fall from grace for a leader who won a huge majority in Parliament less than two years ago.

Starmer’s popularity plummeted shortly after he took office, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party rose to a consistent ten-point lead in voting intention polls.

Nerves from Labour figures after two disastrous sets of English local elections and a collapse in party support in Wales last month led to questions over whether a new leader could be required to avoid oblivion.

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The transfer window is open for business, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all pushing hard to get some big signings over the line. Arsenal are reportedly set to hijack Manchester United’s move for Crysencio Summerville, while they have new hope in their quest to land Morgan Rogers. The Gunners are also battling for Bradley Barcola, having opened talks over Christos Tzolis as they also look to the future with Andria Bartishvili and Jeremy Monga.