The WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday (May 17) following an outbreak of Ebola, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reassured the public that the risk of Ebola reaching the UK remains low despite the recent outbreak, as it continues to monitor the infectious disease.

After having consulted the #DRC and #Uganda where the #Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus is known to be currently occurring, I determine that the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR.

My full… pic.twitter.com/zhYVEyxSI8

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— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 17, 2026

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a rare but serious viral disease that affects humans and some animals.

It is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or, in rare cases, infected animals such as bats or non-human primates in endemic regions.

The virus was first discovered during outbreaks in 1976 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Sudan (now South Sudan).

There were no reported human cases worldwide between 1979 and 1994.

However, outbreaks have since occurred intermittently, including the large West African outbreak from 2014 to 2016.

Ebola symptoms

Symptoms typically appear “suddenly” between two and 21 days after infection, according to the UKHSA.

It can begin with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, and headache.

As the illness progresses, patients may develop:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Bruising
• Jaundice
• Internal or external bleeding (severe cases)

Ebola is not contagious until symptoms start to show.

After having consulted the #DRC and #Uganda where the #Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus is known to be currently occurring, I determine that the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR.

My full… pic.twitter.com/zhYVEyxSI8

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 17, 2026

Is Ebola fatal?

Ebola can be fatal.

The disease has a high fatality rate, with approximately 50% of cases resulting in death, though rates have ranged from 25 to 90% in past outbreaks.

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What does the Ebola outbreak mean for the UK?

The current Ebola outbreak poses a “low” risk to the UK population, the UKHSA confirmed.

It explained: “Although the outbreak is serious, it is rare for Ebola cases to occur in returning travellers.

“In the UK, the NHS has safe procedures in place for any such cases and specialist centres where they can be looked after.”

Are you worried about Ebola making its way over to the UK? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

Charities watchdog OSCR said The Badenoch Trust, which lists Offord as a trustee

A charity run by Reform’s leader in Scotland has been accused of breaching the law and urged to comply with a regulator.

The Badenoch Trust, which has MSP Malcolm Offord as a trustee, has been advised by a watchdog to register with them “at the earliest opportunity”.

Offord, hand picked to lead Reform in Scotland by Nigel Farage, was elected to Holyrood on the West Scotland List this month.

Amid a bruising campaign, the millionaire yacht owner pledged to give his MSP salary to Badenoch Trust which started as a grant-making charity in 2007.

Under 2005 legislation passed by Holyrood, all organisations that represent themselves as charities in Scotland must register with the charities watchdog OSCR.

But the Trust is not registered as a charity north of the border.

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An OSCR spokesperson told TFN, a media outlet for the voluntary sector: “Based on the information the Badenoch Trust has provided to OSCR, it appears that the charity is managed and controlled mainly in Scotland and carries out ongoing administrative activities from premises in Scotland.

“As such, the charity meets the criteria for registration with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

“In these circumstances, we have advised the charity to apply to register with OSCR at the earliest opportunity. Further guidance on cross-border charity regulation, including how to apply, can be found on the OSCR website.”

The Badenoch Trust is currently registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales.

A Scottish Green Party spokesperson said: “These are serious findings and Lord Offord must answer for them. Charity law exists for a reason, and the public has a right to expect those in positions of power to respect it, not ignore it.

“As a party leader and parliamentarian, Lord Offord must be completely transparent about the Badenoch Trust, his role in its unlawful operations, and what this means for his pledge to donate his MSP salary.

“He should set out exactly what happened, how it will be corrected, and whether any money connected to his parliamentary salary was ever intended to go to a trust that was not properly registered in Scotland.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said “These serious reports demand urgent answers from Lord Offord.

“We need to know how and why this law-breaking occurred, what Lord Offord knew and when, and whether he is still planning to hand his MSP salary to his scandal-hit charity.

“Whether this is incompetence or something worse, it is yet more proof that Malcolm Offord can’t be trusted.

“Lord Offord and Reform can’t even get their own house in order – they have no chance of delivering for Scotland.”

Reform UK have been contacted.

Laura Davies and James Campbell have taken over the former Black A Moor Inn and given the former coaching in a complete make-over, as well as a re-brand.

The couple aim to offer the best gastropub food, something they gained an outstanding reputation for when they ran the Malt Shovel at Brearton, north of Harrogate.

The former Black-A-Moor at Bridge Hewick, close to Ripon Race Course, closed at the end of April for the refurbishment, but a ‘soft launch party’ is planned tomorrow from 6pm with live music, drinks and canapes.

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Black A Moor Inn near Ripon to become the Furlong and Furrow

Laura says she is excited about the re-opening, offering thanks to people and firms who have helped along the way.

The pub has had a major refurb (Image: Furlong and Furrow)

She told the Press: “Everyone we’ve worked with have been incredible! We feel so welcomed to the community and are so excited to meet you all soon. 

“We’ve work still to carry out and the property is a work in progress, but one thing at a time. The main thing is getting those doors open so you can all enjoy exceptional hospitality as soon as possible. 

“Thanks a million Ripon and beyond for welcoming us and cheers to a bright future.”

The refurbished pub interior (Image: Furlong and Furrow)

Laura added: “It’s a gamble to take on a hospitality venue in today’s climate, but we are going against the crowd, risk takers- yikes. But we are confident with your support we can create a truly magical Venue for Ripon to be proud of!”

The pub’s booking system has also gone live on https://thefurlongandfurrow.co.uk/.

Wales looks set for a very sunny and warm bank holiday and half-term and the warm weather is also likely to go into next week

Parts of Wales could see a heatwave over bank holiday Monday and into the start of the spring half-term. A warm spell hitting the UK in the coming days could see some of the highest temperatures recorded in May in over a decade.

A heatwave is officially defined as three consecutive days at or above a set temperature. The deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, Greg Wolverson, said it’s likely this will be reached in parts of the UK from Sunday.

For the majority of Wales, temperatures need to be above 25°C for three consecutive days for heatwave threshold to be reached. In parts of south east Wales, this is slightly higher at 26°C.

If the forecast is to be believed, some areas will meet this threshold comfortably. This includes Cardiff, which is expected to see temperatures above 26°C from bank holiday Monday.

It comes as BBC weatherman Derek Brockway said it is possible that Wales could see highs of 30°C.

Here are the Met Office weather maps which show how how it is set to get over the next week.

Friday, May 22

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After some wet weather on Thursday, Friday is where the warm weather really starts to settle. The Met Office forecast says: “Low cloud in the west will lift through the morning, leaving a dry and bright day for most, with warm hazy sunshine. Temperatures continue to rise above the May average. Maximum temperature 23 °C.”

Saturday, May 23

Forecasters at the Met Office say it will be “very warm” throughout the bank holiday weekend. As well as the above average temperatures there is also expected to be plenty of sunshine.

Sunday, May 24

It really starts to hot up on Sunday, with temperatures above 25°C forecast in some parts.

Monday, May 25

Bank holiday Monday will be even warmer. Highs of 26°C have been forecast for Cardiff. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

Tuesday, May 26

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The warm weather is set to continue through the half-term, before it cools down at the end of the week. Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day, with highs of 27°C forecast in multiple areas.

Wednesday, May 27

There is no sign of the heat diseappearing on Wednesday. Cardiff is set to see temperatures of 26°C and if so, the heatwave threshold will have been met over last three days.

Thursday, May 28

Temperatures will begin to cool on Thursday, but thanks to an area of high pressure settling of the UK, conditions should remain fine and bright. The Met Office say: “High pressure is expected to remain in place for much of the UK, meaning fine weather likely to continue for most places.”

Friday, May 29

Temperatures will have dropped back down to the low 20s by Friday, May 29.

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Roads and markets have emptied during afternoons and some farmers have switched to nighttime work to avoid scorching temperatures as a heatwave grips large parts of India.

The India Meteorological Department forecast maximum temperatures Thursday of around 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in the capital, Delhi, where authorities have opened temporary “cooling zones” to help people cope.

The weather department warned conditions will likely persist across several northern regions in the coming days, with temperatures staying well above seasonal averages. Authorities urged people to stay indoors during the hottest hours and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

India declares a heat wave whenever temperatures are above 40C (104F) in the plains and 30C (86F) or more in its hilly regions.

The extreme heat has disrupted daily life across several northern states.

In some parts of Uttar Pradesh state, India’s most populous, roads and markets have closed in the afternoons as people stayed indoors while some traders shifted work to early mornings. Farmers began working at night because daytime conditions became unbearable.

The heat also disrupted schools, with authorities in several areas announcing early summer vacations and suspending classes as the maximum temperature shot up to 48.2C (118.8 F) on Tuesday in the city of Banda.

Health authorities urged people to avoid going outdoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as dizziness or high fever.

In Delhi, residents and tourists sought relief from the heat inside cooling shelters set up across the capital. The shaded space provides air coolers, fans, drinking water and oral rehydration solutions to help people deal with the extreme heat.

Inside one tent on Wednesday, people rested beside air coolers as officials distributed cups of water mixed with rehydration salts.

“We had come here for outing. But it is too hot here. The cooling system here is good for us,” said Basharat Ahmad Malla, a 25-year-old tourist.

Climate experts say India’s rising temperatures are part of a broader global pattern linked to climate change.

India has faced more frequent and intense heat waves in recent years, with all of its warmest years on record occurring in the last decade.

“India has warmed considerably as a result of anthropogenic (human-made) climate change in the last decade compared to previous years. Northwestern India has warmed much faster than many other parts of the country,” said Anjal Prakash, author of several United Nations climate reports and professor of public policy at Pune-based Flame University.

Mr Prakash said India is accustomed to summer heat but “climate change is loading the dice towards extreme and pervasive episodes like those we see now”.

Studies by public health experts found that up to 1,116 people have died every year between 2008 and 2019 due to heat. Public health experts say the true number of heat-related deaths is likely in the thousands, but because heat is often not listed on death certificates, many deaths are not counted in official figures.

Due to rising costs of fuel and passenger numbers being low, the railway has launched a fundraiser

A popular Cambridgeshire railway is raising money to “secure its future” – amid passenger numbers being low and cost of coal rising. Nene Valley Railway in Wansford, near Peterborough, has been a family-favourite destination for nearly 50 years.

As well as being home to Thomas the Tank Engine, the heritage railway has a number of trains that people enjoy taking journeys on. But just like any charity, the heritage railway is continually looking for funding to secure it for the future.

With passenger numbers decreasing, as well as the cost of coal increasing, Nene Valley has launched its resilience fund. Communications manager Chris O’Regan said it has been launched to “ensure the railway is here for generations to come”.

Chris added: “Money is tight and passenger numbers have been down across the tourism industry. We have been seeing lower visitor numbers for the last year and the same going into this year.

“People are feeling the pinch. But as a heritage way, we have lots to cover. There is a lot of ongoing maintenance, whether it be track repairs that could cost up to £400,000 for a mile of track, or maintenance on locomotives. There are essential things that need to be done.”

To run water for a steam engine in one day costs £50, while one tonne of coal for one round trip costs £375. If the railway had to replace metal rails on one mile of track, it would cost around £240,000. Chris said the charity is being “cautious” with its money.

He added: “There’s also investments we want to make to improve the experience. So, we’re looking for money now. But, the resilience fund is also about building for the future.”

Nene Valley Railway holds a number of events all-year round, including its popular Christmas journeys. While tickets sold are a large part of income earned for the railway, the sales are “not enough to cover ongoing costs”, said Chris. He added: “They [ticket sales] have never been and they almost certainly never will be.

“So, we rely on donations. In a nutshell, that is what the resilience fund is about. It’s helping us now, but it’s also setting us up for future generations.”

Nene Valley has brought joy to many generations, and Chris hopes it can continue to do that. “It’s really important we retain that – to educate people, build memories to last a lifetime and bring joy to families and individuals,” said Chris.

He added: “One of the things I love the most is when somebody comes up to me and says my grandparents used to bring me here, but now I’m bringing my grandchildren.”

Next year, Nene Valley Railway celebrates its 50th year, which Chris described as a “big deal”. He said: “I would hope in 50 years that people will probably not come up to me but somebody else and say my grandparents used to bring me here. That’s why we are here, for those next generations.”

To find out more information about Nene Valley Railway, visit the website. Anyone who would like to donate to Nene Valley’s resilience fund can do so here.

Know your legal rights when neighbours park in your designated space

Arriving back home following an exhausting day to find another car parked in ‘your’ space can prove an incredibly frustrating situation for both homeowners and tenants. However, while many motorists believe they can take immediate action, parking rights are often considerably more complicated than most individuals realise.

Citizens Advice indicates that conflicts between neighbours over parking are growing more common across the UK. The body explains that rows usually arise from residents being unsure about whether a parking bay is legally possessed, officially assigned, or merely utilised on a casual arrangement.

Legal experts highlight that public highways outside homes aren’t automatically reserved for the adjacent property owner, reports the Liverpool Echo. The RAC indicates that drivers are typically allowed to park on public thoroughfares, as long as they comply with local parking regulations and don’t illegally block entry.

The situation can, nevertheless, vary substantially regarding private driveways, allocated parking spots, and spaces specified within property documentation or rental contracts. The HomeOwners Alliance suggests that property owners examine Land Registry records or tenancy paperwork to determine exactly what parking rights relate to their home.

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According to official GOV.UK guidance, it is against the law for anyone to block access to a driveway in a way that stops vehicles from being able to pull in or out of a property. Local councils and police forces may step in where such obstruction creates difficulties accessing a property or breaches parking rules.

Specialists also warn homeowners against taking matters into their own hands by boxing vehicles in, clamping cars or causing damage to property. Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, clamping vehicles on private land without lawful authority was made illegal in England and Wales.

For those living in flats or managed developments, parking rows can occasionally draw in management companies or permit schemes. Consumer advice consistently recommends carefully reading through lease terms before taking complaints further with neighbours.

Online forums are filled with complaints from homeowners frustrated by neighbours repeatedly parking in designated bays, visitor spaces or directly outside their driveways. Many disputes appear to escalate when parking shortages worsen during evenings and at weekends.

According to Citizens Advice, residents dealing with persistent parking issues are generally encouraged to first attempt to resolve matters informally through a calm conversation. Should problems continue, homeowners may need to contact landlords, managing agents, councils or seek legal guidance depending on where the disputed parking space is located.

On Thursday, the Israeli charge d’affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which said the move reflected the UK’s “strong condemnation of his (Mr Ben-Gvir’s) conduct in taunting those involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla”.

Ashley Cole was cemented as England’s first-choice left-back for the 2010 World Cup, but who would go to South Africa as his understudy?

With Wayne Bridge making himself unavailable, the choice for boss Fabio Capello came down to either Everton’s Leighton Baines or Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock, who both made the provisional squad.

When the group returned home from their pre-tournament training camp in Austria, it was still unclear who he would take.

“We were told we’d get a phone call one way or another,” Warnock recalled. “We knew the call would come on the day the squad came out, from a certain number and before a certain time, because they would be announcing it straight afterwards. So I was at home, literally just waiting by the phone.

“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to go because in the two warm-up games we’d just played, against Mexico and Japan, I hadn’t kicked a ball.

“My England career at that point was the seven minutes I’d played against Trinidad and Tobago two years earlier, in June 2008.

“I’d gone to Austria with an ankle injury that I’d picked up in Villa’s last game of the season.

“I went on holiday but had a scan when I was away and then spoke to the physios when I came back and basically told them I am going to do everything I can to get in the World Cup squad.

“I told them to strap me up and I would limp through training for the first week. When I was in Austria I was having physio every hour of the day I could get it, and I worked on my ankle as much as possible.

“I don’t know if that was being relayed to the management, but when I didn’t play in either game, I thought that was me done, that Capello wasn’t going to take me now.

“I remember exactly where I was when I got the call.

“I am divorced now but I was in the house with my now ex-wife and I went upstairs to my bedroom when the phone rang, because I just wanted to be on my own. I just remember walking downstairs saying ‘I’m going!’ and I was probably in a bit of shock.

“It was Franco Baldini [Capello’s assistant] who rang and I have no idea if he called everyone else to tell them – I didn’t know how it worked, and I didn’t care!

“Baldini just said, ‘listen, you’ve had a great season, we knew what you were capable of anyway and we love your attitude – we think you will be perfect around the camp for training and things like that.

“‘You know Ash is going to be difficult to budge, because he doesn’t get injured and he doesn’t not play, but we think you’re the perfect back-up to him, in terms of your professionalism and everything else’.

“I was like, “yeah 100%, that will do me”. I knew what my role would be anyway, so that was fine.”

While the good news came as a surprise to Warnock, a clue was already out there.

The previous day, England kit manufacturer Umbro had sent muralists to the hometowns of every player in the squad to paint their shirt number in a prominent place as a play on their ‘tailored by’ slogan.

For Warnock, that was a wall on the side of the O’Este restaurant at a busy crossroads in Ormskirk.

As Wales prepares for a heatwave reaching 32C, Abereiddy’s Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire offers the perfect wild swimming escape – named by The Telegraph as one of the UK’s finest spots, with turquoise waters that rival the Greek islands

A stunning blue lagoon presents the ideal opportunity to escape the heat as Britain prepares to sizzle hotter than Ibiza.

The nation is bracing for scorching temperatures, with some areas forecast to hit a sweltering 30C on Saturday, 23 May, and 32C on Sunday, with the hot spell anticipated to extend into the week ahead. Britain’s blistering conditions will surpass Ibiza’s Mediterranean warmth, which is expected to reach just 23C and 24C over the weekend, undoubtedly encouraging Britons to embrace the glorious home-grown sunshine.

The timing of the heatwave couldn’t be better, arriving just before the May half-term and bank holiday weekend, with people across the country already plotting excursions to local beaches, parks and lidos to soak up the sun.

One tranquil bathing location that could be mistaken for a slice of Greece, thanks to its striking azure waters, lies in Pembrokeshire.

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The Blue Lagoon, alternatively known as Abereiddy, is a cherished wild-swimming haven tucked within Abereiddi Bay, surrounded by striking, craggy cliffs. The protected lagoon offers perfect conditions for cooling swims throughout the summer season, while its vivid blue depths have established it as a favoured location for cliff diving from its rocky platforms.

Undoubtedly amongst Britain’s most breathtaking natural swimming spots, this lagoon has been sculpted from a former quarry, with traces of its industrial past still on display. The quarry’s slate is thought to give the lagoon its signature turquoise colour, which attracts countless visitors, and The Telegraph even ranked it amongst the nation’s best wild swimming destinations.

After a visit last September, one Tripadvisor user gushed: “What a wonder, a beach indeed a bay with breathtaking views, climbing the hill is simple and the view of the lagoon is simply spectacular. Not to be missed.”

Another traveller remarked: “A real surprise! A five-minute walk from the beautiful beach, this lagoon is different. It’s in a stunning setting with gorgeous views. Green water, deep and clear, pretty cold! Places to jump in, but you need to know what you’re doing! It’s a slate quarry mixed with water, so skin and clothing mixed means you end up pretty grubby, but it’s worth it! Memorable early evening experience.”

A third observed: “Much easier to view Blue Lagoon from Aberrieddy than walking from Porthgain unless you’re more energetic than me. When we went in May, people were jumping from the top. Nice beach at Aberrieddy and ice creams.”

Yet Pembrokeshire’s appeal extends far beyond its stunning Blue Lagoon. The county boasts extensive sweeps of golden sandy shores, striking clifftop panoramas, and vast expanses of undulating rural terrain within the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Keen walkers can tackle the 186-mile coastal path, with the flexibility to cover whatever distance suits them while absorbing the scenic beauty along the way. Nevertheless, with warm sunshine bathing the UK, a cooling plunge into its azure waters and a leisurely beach day could prove the ideal way to spend the weekend or May half-term break.