People across the UK have been issued the urgent message

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a warning on its website, advising dog owners to take precautions next week. This follows a Met Office forecast predicting temperatures of up to 32C on Sunday (May 24) and Monday, with warm conditions expected across London and rising temperatures also set for cities including Glasgow, Manchester, Aberdeen, Liverpool, Belfast and Brighton.

With the Spring Bank Holiday falling on May 25 for people across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, experts are urging pet owners to be cautious over the long weekend. They recommend walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, and avoiding the hottest part of the day to reduce the risk of serious or potentially life-threatening heat-related illness.

Urging people to take action and walk them when it’s safe, it warns: “Each summer, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving dogs who require treatment for heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, with some dogs sadly unable to be saved as a result.

“Unlike people, dogs struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions because they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can be fatal.

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“Panting is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. That is why flat-faced breeds such as English bulldogs and pugs, are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult. Overweight, old and densely coated animals are also at increased risk.”

BVA president Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “While many of us will be looking forward to finally enjoying a bit of sunny weather this Bank Holiday weekend and in the coming week, our pets will need extra care to be safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

“Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, it’s important not to take them out during the heat of the day – stick to early morning or late evening walks only, and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while.

“It helps to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pet’s life. In dogs, signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.

“If you suspect heatstroke, take your dog to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cold water to drink if possible, and pour cold water over the body to cool it down, before contacting your vet.”

BVA’s top tips to keep dogs safe in hot weather

• Use the five-second tarmac test before walks: place your palm on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
• Never leave dogs inside vehicles. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 immediately.
• Be alert for signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and poor coordination.
• If heatstroke is suspected, move the dog to a cool, well-ventilated area, offer small amounts of cold water, and cool them with cold water. Contact a vet immediately for urgent advice.
• Always ensure pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation, and shade from direct sunlight. Indoors, provide cooling aids such as a fan or cooling mat.
• Avoid exercising dogs during the hottest part of the day. This is especially important for older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds, and dogs with heart or lung conditions. Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening instead.

See more of their top tips for keeping animals safe in hot weather.

The speed limits will be in place on sections of a motorway and dual carriageway in Cambridgeshire

Motorists will face reduced speed limits on a major motorway and dual carriageway in Cambridgeshire for more than a year. Reduced speed limits of 40mph and 50mph will be in ofrce on different sections of the M11 and A14 whilst reconstruction works are carried out.

Daily speed limits have already been put in place at different points of the A14 and M11 whilst safety works to the central barrier are taking place. Repairs to the embankment are due to begin soon with the work expected to be carried out from July 2026 until the end of 2027, according to National Highways.

Roadworks near the Girton Interchange will mean lower speed limits are applied to the A14 westbound, the M11 southbound, and the road connecting the two at Junction 14. This means that up until the end of 2027, restrictions on the southbound will be in place.

The 40mph section on the A14 westbound begins at about 400 metres east of the Girton Road Overbridge and lasts for around 800 metres, according to a traffic order. The M11 and A14 southbound carriageways will be restricted to 40mph.

The A14 westbound 50mph speed limit starts further east of the Girton Road Overbridge and stretches for about 800 metres. A traffic order notice, for the embankment reconstruction works, said that a 50mph speed limit will be in place on the “southbound carriageway of the M11 from a point 1115 metres north of Girton Interchange Underbridge, for a distance of 700m”.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “We will be carrying out repairs to the embankment along a small section of the southbound M11 around junction 14 to keep it safe.

“The work will be carried out using narrow lanes and reduced speed limits to minimise disruption from July 2026, and we expect this to be completed by the end of 2027.”

According to an order notice, the road that links the A14 westbound to the M11 southbound at Junction 14 will be closed overnight between the hours of 8pm and 6am or for some consecutive 24-hour periods.

Traffic would be diverted via the A14 westbound carriageway to Junction 25 at Bar Hill and return via the A14 eastbound carriageway to join the M11 at Junction 14 and continue their journey. The speed limits and closure will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.

Named The Lost Feather, the arena sits within Kynren – The Storied Lands, a new daytime attraction in Bishop Auckland being developed alongside the internationally acclaimed night show Kynren.

The venue will seat 2,500 people and is part of the UK’s first live action historical theme park, which opens on July 18.

The arena’s eagle nest-inspired roof, made from thousands of interwoven timber poles, is designed to mimic a vast bird’s nest and will serve as a key visual feature of the site.

Anna Warnecke, chief executive of Kynren, said: “Today was an important moment for everybody involved in bringing Kynren – The Storied Lands to life.

Anna Warnecke CEO shows us The Lost Feather arena at Kynren, Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Seeing the final signed timber lifted into place marked the culmination of an enormous amount of creativity, craftsmanship and teamwork.

“The Lost Feather arena is unlike anything else in the UK and really captures the ambition and imagination of this project.

“It was fantastic to share a first glimpse of the experience this morning with invited media and partners ahead of opening this summer.”

A cherry picker was used during the topping-out ceremony this morning (May 21), to lift the final log, etched with the signatures of key members of the project and construction teams into position above the arena.

The Lost Feather arena at Kynren Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Attendees included senior figures from Kynren, project teams, creatives, and specialist animal handlers.

The event also featured a preview of The Lost Feather’s live show, including bird flying demonstrations.

A pair of Parakeet’s who will be performing at The Lost Feather at Kynren Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Pictures from the event show European black kites soaring above the arena, macaws sweeping overhead and a Verreaux’s eagle owl flying in to meet one of the attraction’s costumed Bird Guardians.

A pair of Parakeet’s who will be performing at The Lost Feather at Kynren Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

FOR LIVING MAGAZINE Jimmy Robinson Curator of Birds & Conservation at The Lost Feather arena at Kynren, he is pictured with a Grey African Crowned Cranes Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

FOR LIVING MAGAZINE Jimmy Robinson Curator of Birds & Conservation at The Lost Feather arena at Kynren, he is pictured with a Grey African Crowned Cranes Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Lost Feather is expected to be one of the flagship attractions at Kynren – The Storied Lands, combining live performance, large scale set pieces, birds in free flight, storytelling and immersive theming.

The arena is set within a landscape featuring waterfalls, lagoons and extensive planting.

The Lost Feather arena at Kynren, pictured with a Grey African Crowned Crane Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The show will also carry a wider message around conservation and humanity’s connection with the natural world.

The topping-out ceremony offered behind the scenes insight into the scale of ongoing work taking place across the wider site.

Further details can be found at www.kynren.com.

What do you think of this new attraction? Let us know in the comments.

Janine Kane tells councillors: “This is really to add to the music scene in Belfast.”

A popular Belfast spot is to become a late-night music bar, the owner has announced at City Hall.

Janine Kane, who owns Muriel’s and the Spaniard in the city centre, as well as the Jeggy Nettle in South Belfast, this week told elected representatives and officials at Belfast City Council of her plans for Muriel’s, as a committee granted her a licence for entertainment to 3 am every morning.

At the May meeting of the council’s Licensing Committee, councillors approved an application from JK Pubs Limited for a variation of the seven-day annual entertainments licence “to provide music, singing, dancing or any other entertainment of a like kind,” for Muriel’s, 12-14 Church Lane, Belfast, BT1.

None of the statutory partners made any objections to the application. No noise complaints were received by the council regarding the business in the past 12 months.

Muriel’s old licence covered Monday to Saturday 11:30 am to 2 am and Sunday 12:30 pm to 2 am. The areas licensed to provide entertainment are the ground-floor bar, with a maximum capacity of 60 persons, and the first-floor bar, again with a maximum capacity of 60. At present, entertainment is provided in the form of DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Building works are currently ongoing at the premises to increase the area of the public bar on both the ground floor and first floor. This will increase the capacity by around 60, bringing up the maximum occupancy at Muriel’s to 180.

The council Licensing report states: “The licensee has stated that they would like the variation to extend the permitted hours until 3 am as they feel the premises is an integral part of Belfast’s nightlife and that an increase in operating hours will allow them to compete within the sector, which is essential for the commercial success of the business.”

The move follows the acquisition of a 3 am licence for the Spaniard in November 2025.

At the Licensing Committee meeting on Wednesday (May 20), TUV Councillor Ron McDowell asked Janine Kane “The premises is really close to a Church of Ireland out the back, literally beside it. If you are going to 3 am with entertainment on a Sunday morning, what time will the last orders be, and what time do you envisage the bar being cleared and people being on their way home?”

Ms Kane replied: “I’ve been in that location for the last eight years. (In relation to Pablo’s) And unfortunately, due to the nature of business and costs, food operations are particularly difficult to manage, so we are doing what I would call an aesthetic refit to put in a music bar.

“In relation to (the Church of Ireland), the pastor there is a good customer at times. We have a really good working relationship with him, and we haven’t had any issues in the past.

“We will hopefully be serving alcohol until 1.30 am, and there will be music after that until we clear. I am very conscious of the legalities, I am conscious of how we should get people home safely, and noise pollution.”

She added: “This is really to add to the music scene in Belfast.”

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

President of the Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego Abdullah Tahiri, though, said he cannot say he is surprised, even while he is horrified. He blamed the bloodshed on a heated political climate that has “tolerated, normalised, federalised, institutionalised, routinised, and actively weaponised” anti-Muslim sentiment for years.

The event, running from May 21 to 25, promises festival-style decorations, entertainment, and chilled Magners cider at participating pubs.

A spokesman for Pub Fest said: “Forget the queues and muddy fields, the real festival atmosphere will be found right on your doorstep.

“Pub Fest promises to bring a taste of festival season to locals.”

Pubs taking part include: 

• Alma Inn, Bolton
• Beeley’s Bar, Bolton
• Gilnow Arms, Bolton
• Keg & Thread, Bolton
• Lamb Hotel, Bolton
• Lord Raglan, Bolton
• Royal Hotel, Bolton
• Victoria, Bolton, BL5

EXCLUSIVE: Linda Clarke, a member of Scottish Labour’s governing body, has hit out at Sarwar and his deputy Jackie Baillie.

A Scottish Labour official has accused Anas Sarwar of admitting “zero” mistakes after a “dire” Holyrood election result.

Linda Clarke also questioned if the party leadership is capable of any “insightful analysis or change” after the crushing defeat.

Her criticisms come as Scottish Labour agreed a review of their defeat to John Swinney’s SNP.

Labour went down to their worst ever Holyrood election result on May 7th, falling to 17 MSPs.

Senior party figures blame Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the defeat, but they also admit failings with the Scottish Labour campaign.

Insiders feel Sarwar tried to win too many constituencies and produced a manifesto lacking in ambition.

READ MORE: Scottish Labour official blasts “toxic” and “authoritarian” party after election humbling

OPINION

Paul Hutcheon

A frank exchange of views took place at Labour’s governing Scottish Executive Committee (SEC) on Saturday.

In a message to an internal Scottish Labour Facebook forum, leaked to the Record, SEC member Linda Clarke hit out at Sarwar and his deputy Jackie Baillie.

She wrote: [The] meeting did not vote to support the SLP top leadership – or give it any seal of approval.

“Nor did it vote to censure or replace it. However there was a very very frank discussion.

“Unfortunately IMO, the top leadership is committed to ZERO change and admitted to ZERO mistakes in policy or strategy.

“I don’t see any evidence that Sarwar or Bailie are capable of any insightful analysis or change.

“There is clearly still a lot of work to be done within the SLP to learn and act from these dire results.”

Clarke represents the Scottish Labour Women’s Committee on the SEC.

A party source rejected Clarke’s claims and said she held a “minority view” on the governing body, adding that Sarwar was willing to take responsibility for the campaign.

The insider also said the SEC agreed a review that would involve interviews with members, staff and candidates.

They also said there is a general acceptance that the Scottish Labour hierarchy could have motivated party members better in relation to the campaign.

Clarke’s criticisms came after another SEC member, Alison Ann-Dowling, also blasted the state of the party.

In a message posted in a feminist WhatsApp group, also leaked to the Record, she wrote:

“I’m afraid I don’t share the view that categorising any challenge to the scottish labour leadership about their performance and the outcome of the election is in fighting or disruptive.

“The way the Scottish Party has been run has been problematic for years, long before Starmer and Reform.”

She claimed the party is too centralised around Sarwar and his deputy Jackie Baillie, and criticised the Holyrood campaign:

“I also think it’s wrong and counter productive to give individuals in positions of leadership full control over the Party, but decouple that from any personal accountability for their actions.

“We had no list strategy. The 38 constituency strategy was wildly optimistic and failed to read the public mood. We failed to communicate a coherent manifesto election offer that we could sell as an elevator pitch on the doorsteps.

“The entire party has been centralised to a toxic level of control held by a small group of people, to an extent I’ve never seen before. I could go on.”

Sarwar has promised to stay on as leader to provide opposition to the SNP Government.

Fellow Labour MSPs Michael Marra and Paul Sweeney have been tipped as potential successors if he stands down.

Scottish Labour has been contacted.

Stephen Colbert has delivered the final monologue of his tenure on The Late Show, thanking viewers for being along for the ride.

Colbert, 62, began the final broadcast of the long-running CBS show by speaking directly to viewers.

“This show, I want you to know, has been a joy for us to do for you. In fact, we call this show ‘The Joy Machine,’” Colbert said. “We call it ‘The Joy Machine,’ because to do this many shows it has to be a machine. But the thing is, if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn’t hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears.

“I cannot adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other, and how much we mean to each other,” he continued.

“Now, I’ll say to you what I’ve said to every audience for the last 11 years, and I’ve met it every time. Have a good show. Thanks for being here. And let’s do it, y’all.”

Colbert then dove into his monologue about the news of the day, which featured cameos from Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston and Ant-Man’s Paul Rudd.

CBS’s long-running Late Show franchise will come to an end Thursday after 33 years on air. It originated in 1993 with David Letterman, who later passed the torch to Colbert in 2015. The network has promised an “extended” send-off beyond the show’s typical one-hour time slot.

The network announced its cancellation last July, just days after Colbert criticized the network’s parent company, Paramount, for reaching a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over accusations that its newsmagazine series 60 Minutes deceptively edited a 2024 interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

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CBS staffers told The Independent it was a continuation of the “Trump shakedown” that began with the settlement.

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