On May 31, I set alight a bonfire that had been intended for the previous year’s firework night. It was extremely large, and my son and I had to stand a long way back to avoid the heat.

There is something exciting and wonderful about bonfires, but they are also sinister and dreadful. Without fire there is no cooking, no warmth in winter, no metal, no civilisation, but, as we all know, this creative power has a sinister, diabolical, destructive shadow. 

Whenever I stand by a bonfire, I find it impossible not to think of the countless thousands who were burned at the stake by righteous fanatics who sincerely believed (perhaps) that they were thereby saving a soul from burning forever in Hell.

In Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur one unexpectedly discovers that burning was the medieval punishment for unfaithful wives; Queen Guinevere has to be rescued at least twice.

I once did a tour of the Cathar towns and castles of the Languedoc in France, where thousands of ‘heretics’ were burned alive by good Christians who had been told by their commander not to be bothered by whether or not a victim was really a heretic. ‘Kill them all, God will know His own,’ declared Simon de Montfort.

I have stood tearfully in the square in Rouen where poor, naïve Joan of Arc was killed. Anyone with a strong imagination finds themselves appalled, sickened and overwhelmed by the thought of death by fire, especially if it is inflicted on purpose. I often think that such an act exposes the human race as so despicable that it scarcely seems worth preserving.

When my bonfire had burned down, I began to shovel the ash. Suddenly my foot sank into the ground, and for a second or two I thought nothing of it. Perhaps there had been a rabbit hole there. Then I felt the teeth of the most intense pain suddenly bite into me, and realised that my boot had filled with cinders.

There are different kinds of pain, and it would be hard to compile them into any kind of list in order of severity. Women know the extreme agonies of childbirth; my older sister once described it to me as ‘like s****ing a cannonball’.

In my own case, I once completely snapped a bone in my leg in a motorcycle accident, and when I tried to stand up it was like being struck with a sledgehammer, and I cried out and fell back down. In the hospital I begged them to cut my precious motorcycling boot off me, because having it pulled off was unendurable.

Another time I woke up in the morning and wondered how I had managed to break every bone in my foot while I was asleep. It was a pain so intense that even the cat brushing past made me wince; my ex took me to A&E and I was embarrassed to discover that it was only an attack of gout.

When I realised I was being burned, I shouted at the top of my voice and struggled to undo my lace, but it had turned into a granny knot, and I was in too much pain to focus. I ran to the rain barrel on my tool shed and filled my boot with water from its tap.

I am thankful that I was wearing bamboo socks. Any artificial fibre would have melted into my flesh. In the kitchen I removed the boot and the sock and sat for an eternity with my foot in a washing up bowl of cold water. With some interest, I watched the blisters bubble up and join together. Eventually my girlfriend came in and found me.

I know I should have gone to A&E, but I was in no mood to go all the way to Lowestoft in Suffolk and wait the usual three or four hours to be attended to, so I decided that I would deal with the problem myself.

I found a large gauze pad, soaked it in aloe vera gel, and bound it on. It was deliciously cooling. The next day I replaced it with a gauze soaked in antiseptic cream. That evening I actually drove to my book club, feeling perfectly well.

On the third day I decided to leave the dressing off overnight to let the wound dry out a bit, and the following day I saw that my foot and lower leg had reddened and swollen, and I began to feel a little weird.

My three worst burns were ‘debrided’, which is a nice way of saying that all the dead and infected flesh was removed. Then my own offcuts of skin were both stapled and sewn in place

So I spent my three hours in A&E anyway, and experienced the first of many agonising interventions as a young doctor tried to snip away the dead skin. Photographs were sent to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, the burns centre for my area of England, and I was duly summoned.

Fortunately I have some grubby old NHS crutches from a heap of scrap that I once found in a field when I was walking somebody else’s dog, so the next morning I went by train to Chelmsford, accompanied by my son.

I was admitted immediately and put on an antibiotic drip, because they could not perform skin grafts on infected flesh. A few days later I was wheeled to theatre. A rectangle of skin was removed from my thigh, and my three worst burns were ‘debrided’, which is a nice way of saying that all the dead and infected flesh was removed. Then my own offcuts of skin were both stapled and sewn in place.

A few days later I was out, and was returning to the hospital by train every few days. I have experienced many kinds of pain; a whole day of twinges and spasms, days of a burning sensation, strange stingings and stabbings, the feeling of having a golf ball embedded in the sole of my foot.

Every time I go, my unwrapped foot looks a tiny bit less gross, but to me it still resembles the decomposing flesh of a corpse.

My visits are becoming less frequent at the time of writing. Half the time I am allowed to change the dressing at home. I can almost walk without crutches, but the donor site is healing quite slowly, and no one knows why.

The strangest thing about all this is that I have enjoyed almost all of it. Hospitals are noisy and bustling places even at night, and I would have hated it if I had not been too sick to be bothered, but it felt like being a working part in a huge healing machine.

I can certify that hospital doctors and surgeons are from an alien species of superior, highly intelligent, interesting and tender souls.

I have read that when Joan of Arc began to burn, she burst out into one heart-rending and interminable scream of ‘J-e-s-u-s!’

The nurses have their own strong opinions about the best way to clean and dress wounds. They are all charming, efficient, energetic and positive, despite the exhaustion of their long hours and unsociable shifts.

The cleaners, the people who bring the food trolleys, the ones who take your blood pressure for no apparent reason in the middle of the night, can be quirky and entertaining.

Among the patients there is constant banter. I was next to an explosives expert who had had his hand inexplicably shredded by his own sniffer dog. In outside life, our paths would never have crossed. The dog was being sent to Iraq, as if to be punished by hard labour in exile.

Opposite me was a man who had become a vocal expert on his own diabetes, who propped his toeless feet up for general display, as if they were a trophy. ‘Oh, there they aren’t,’ I said.

The most striking thing about an NHS hospital is that the staff come from all over the world, all with their own story of how and why they left home.

One of my doctors was Burmese, my surgeon was Egyptian, and there were nurses from all over Africa and Asia.

Some of the more humble workers speak very little English; one day I listened to an African talking to an Asian, and realised that they had evolved a simple patois that they spoke to each other. It made me reflect anew about multiculturalism.

I think we all know that in civil society, multiculturalism really does not work at all well, because people naturally tend to mix only with their own kind. In an NHS hospital, however, it works perfectly well, because every single person there has a common purpose: to heal and console the sick.

Between the insulated parallel worlds of civil society outside, there is no common purpose whatsoever, and in some cities Society with a capital S hardly exists at all.

When I became a father I discovered that looking after others made me happier. My girlfriend Bridget, who has looked after me so well, says that this has brought her a deep satisfaction, and vanquished her squeamishness.

The experience of my affliction has made one thing quite clear to me, which is that many people seize an opportunity to be kind.

When I was half-way up the stairs at Chelmsford station, a young woman ran up to tell me that there was a lift I could use. On the train once, the trolley lady told the people who were occupying the disabled seats to move on, and then fetched me a glass of water and a cup of coffee, without charge.

I got on the bus and someone offered me their seat by the door, moving away to find another one. People open doors for me, offer to carry things, tell me to go and sit down, ‘I’ll bring your coffee’.

Others stop, as if a little shocked, look at my crutches and bandages, and say, ‘What happened to you?’

They genuinely want to hear the story, and I seem to go everywhere caressed by the sympathy and consolation of complete strangers.

I would go so far as to say that most people think of an unexpected opportunity to be kind as a gift, a privilege, as something for which to be grateful, especially when it has not been demanded of them.

I am grateful for all the mercies and acts of compassion that have come my way in the last month, particularly those received from the burns department at Broomfield Hospital.

It may seem perverse, but I am also grateful for the tiny insight into what it would have been like to have experienced martyrdom by fire. It was an agony beyond description or comprehension. I have read that when Joan of Arc began to burn, she burst out into one heart-rending and interminable scream of ‘J-e-s-u-s!’.

My burns only amount to a piffling 2 per cent, but now I know why she cried out as she did.

Long was arrested in April 2018 and in December 2018 jailed for eight months for contempt of court when he failed to provide information to help track down his clients’ missing money.

At a High Court hearing he claimed he had little more than the clothes on his back and a push bike.

He was later charged with two counts of fraud by abuse of trust after he had caused 115 victims financial losses totalling £11,577,762.

Long pleaded guilty to the offences in March at Southwark Crown Court and on Friday was jailed for eight years and fours months.

His business associate, Raymond Simpson, who is believed to be in Portugal, was also jailed for five and a half years after being tried and convicted in his absence of two counts of fraud, one between 1 January 2014 and 23 April 2018 and the other between 1 May 2015 and 23 April 2018.

During the sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Gregory Perrins considered 37 victim impact statements, excerpts of which were read by the prosecution.

The court heard how Long had left some of them with feelings of “guilt and shame” while others said they hoped their late relatives would forgive them.

When jailing Long, Judge Perrins said: “Your offending has taken a very heavy toll on the lives of so many and you should feel deeply ashamed.”

He added that he had “abused the trust” of particularly vulnerable people “to keep your business running and so you and your family could enjoy all the trappings of wealth”.

Judge Perrins said Simpson had assisted Long by using money taken from trust accounts to “invest in a series of increasingly reckless investments”.

Here are the eight roads in and around the town you should know about this weekend (July 18-19):

Edinburgh Drive

Temporary traffic lights are in effect on Edinburgh Drive due to gas main work.

Restrictions are set to remain in place until 5pm on September 9.

The work affects both directions between A67 Coniscliffe Road and Teesdale Avenue, and drivers should expect delays.

Exeter Drive

Traffic is taking turns on Exeter Drive due to electricity work.

The restrictions are scheduled to remain in place until midnight on July 20.

This affects both directions at Winchester Way, so motorists should plan for possible hold-ups.

Ely Close

Ely Close is also experiencing traffic taking turns due to electricity work.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place until midnight on August 28.

This affects both directions at Exeter Drive, and drivers should be cautious.

Gordon Close

Traffic is taking turns on Gordon Close due to electricity work, with restrictions set to remain until midnight on July 20.

The work affects both directions at Rossway, causing potential delays for drivers.

West Powlett Street

West Powlett Street is facing traffic taking turns due to telecoms work.

The restrictions are scheduled to remain in place until 5pm on July 23.

This affects both directions at Powlett Street, so plan accordingly.

A67 Coniscliffe Road

Temporary traffic lights are in place on A67 Coniscliffe Road due to gas main work.

Restrictions are set to remain until 5pm on August 26.

This affects both directions between Coniscliffe Mews and Edinburgh Drive, leading to expected delays.

Brinkburn Road

Brinkburn Road is under temporary traffic lights due to roadworks.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place until midnight on July 30.

This affects both directions between Auckland Avenue and Pierremont Road, so drivers should be prepared for delays.

Faverdale

Faverdale is experiencing temporary traffic lights due to roadworks.

Restrictions are set to remain in place until midnight on September 7.

This affects both directions after A68 West Auckland Road, leading to potential delays for motorists.

Barr was accused of attending two meetings of the IRA Executive/Army Council where “very serious matters of great concern” were discussed.

A Derry man facing terrorist charges arising from an undercover surveillance operation had his bail conditions varied today (Friday) to allow him to attend a family holiday in Donegal.

Whilst Joseph Patrick Barr was not granted permission to stay overnight in Donegal, his bail was varied to allow him to travel from Derry to Donegal every day then return home.

From Cecilias Walk, the 38-year old is one of a number of defendants facing trial following a covert surveillance operation conducted by the PSNI and MI5.

The investigation centred on two meetings allegedly held by the New IRA in two properties Co Tyrone in February and July 2020 which were bugged as part of ‘Operation Arbacia.’

Barr has been charged with seven offences, including directing a terrorist organisation and conspiring to direct terrorism, which he denies.

Last month, he was acquitted of two charges arising from the riot in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019, which claimed the life of Lyra McKee.

The application to vary Barr’s bail was made at Belfast Crown Court by his solicitor Gavin Booth and was objected to by the Crown due to concerns of risk of flight and further re-offending.

Telling Judge Laura Ievers KC the variation was to allow Barr to stay overnight in Donegal from July 19 to 22, Mr Booth addressed the concerns of flight and pointed out that both Barr’s passport and driving licence have been surrendered to the PSNI.

Mr Booth said that at all times Barr would be in the company of his family who are “people of good character” and there was “no way” Barr would risk breaching his bail.

The solicitor also told Judge Ievers that a total of £85,000 cash sureties have been lodged on Barr’s behalf

Mr Booth said Barr has been on bail since July 2022 and in those four years there have been no breaches.

Regarding the long-running trial centring on Ms McKee’s murder, Mr Booth said Barr attended the hearing “every single day” and has demonstrated “time and time again that he will abide by conditions and turn up to court.”

Objecting to the variation, Crown barrister Michael McAleer KC said that in 2000 Barr was alleged to have been “an active member of a Republican terrorist organisation, otherwise self-styled as the New IRA.”

Mr McAleer said Barr was accused of attending two meetings of the IRA Executive/Army Council where “very serious matters of great concern” were discussed.

The prosecutor added that the ‘Operation Arbacia’ case was “complex” and that as an “alternative” to remanding Barr and his co-accused “very strict bail conditions were imposed.”

Saying there were no police objections to Barr travelling to Donegal, Mr McAleer said “they do wish him to attend back at his home in the evening where his bail conditions required that he should reside.”

Mr McAleer said that if convicted, Barr faced a “lengthy prison sentence” meaning police would be “concerned about flight” and also expressed concerns about re-offending given Barr was viewed as a “senior member of the IRA” in 2000.

Mr McAleer also pointed out some similar applications made by Barr’s co-accused to leave the jurisdiction overnight have been refused in the Crown Court.

Reacting to the Crown’s objections, Mr Booth rejected suggestions that the case against Barr was strong and said it was the defence’s view that the meetings were a “set up” by a state agent.

A detective constable was then called to the witness box and was asked by Judge Ievers if there was any issue with flexibility which would allow Barr to spend time with his family in Donegal then return home to Derry each night.

Confirming opposition to Barr being allowed overnight stays, the officer said the curfew could be varied and police would be “agreeable to daily travel.”

Following this, Mr Booth again asked for Barr to be granted overnight stays as he said his client having to travel over four hours every day of the holiday would “take away from family time.”

After listening to all oral submissions, Judge Ievers said she was not allowing Barr to stay overnight in Donegal.

She did, however, amend his bail to allow him to cross the border each day.

In addition, Barr’s current curfew of 9pm to 6am was varied and will be from 6am to midnight between July 19 to 22 to allow him to travel to Donegal and return home each evening.

This, Judge Ievers said, would allow for “extensive family contact”.

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By LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 00:09 BST, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 05:51 BST, 18 July 2026

United States President Donald Trump has chimed in on England‘s World Cup elimination, tearing into Thomas Tuchel for his ‘unusual’ tactics.

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Trump has taken centre stage on more than one occasion this World Cup, none more famously than when he intervened to have Folarin Balogun’s red card suspended via a chat with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

He had also spoken about playing a round of golf with England captain Harry Kane, and went on to analyse the forward’s positioning against Argentina in the Three Lions’ semi-final defeat.

Trump said, speaking on Friday at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower: ‘You have a great player in England, who I played golf with – Harry, who’s been fantastic. I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.

‘What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him in defence.’ At that point, Infantino, who was laughing along by Trump’s side, sarcastically clapped.

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The President continued: ‘We have got to be a little offensive, right? But what do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually.’ 

Donald Trump (left) has criticised Thomas Tuchel’s ‘unusual tactics’ in England’s defeat by Argentina this week

Trump questioned why Tuchel (centre) had ‘put him (Kane) in defence’ in the closing stages

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Kane confirmed last week that he played golf with Trump, describing the experience as ‘pretty surreal’.

Trump has revealed that the pair had previously played a round together, telling reporters: ‘I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer too. He’s really great.’

England’s star player, who said that the round happened 18 months ago in Florida, admitted he is envious of Trump’s impressive golf game at the age of 80.

‘I played alright to be honest, but 18 months ago he invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach,’ Kane, 32, said ahead of England’s win over Norway.

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‘So when the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.

‘His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure. A unique experience, but I was just grateful that he invited me to play.’

Trump waxed lyrical about the England captain after he played a pivotal role in the Three Lions’ historic 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16, scoring what proved to be the winner from the penalty spot.

Hours before the US President flattered him in the Oval Office, he posted on social media: ‘Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!’

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Kane confirmed last week that he went for a round of golf with the President 18 months ago

But he didn’t seem too impressed by the defensive attitude England had against Argentina after going ahead.

Thomas Tuchel has received backlash for his approach and substitutions after Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring, later blaming the result on England’s ‘DNA’.

Kane, though often drops deeper when England are in possession, found himself with plenty of defending to do in the closing stages – something the President didn’t seem to agree with. 

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After a long day exploring the area, you might be looking for somewhere to enjoy some food and a quick drink.

The Cod and Lobster is known for having one of the best beer gardens in Yorkshire, as it overlooks Staithes harbour.

Whether you fancy having a meal there or just want a pint while soaking up some sun, the Cod and Lobster is a “lovely” spot.

@the.yorkshireman The perfect, proper boozer on the Yorkshire coast 🙌🌊 Cod & Lobster, Staithes 📍 #staithes #yorkshirecoast #yorkshire #yorkshirefood ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer

What is the Cod and Lobster in Staithes like?

The Cod and Lobster is a “long-established favourite of the village” and offers visitors a great place to sit and watch the sea in the summer and a cosy spot to shield from the rain during the winter.

Popular TikTok content creator The Yorkshireman visited the pub and said: “Guests can tuck into huge portions of fish and chips with a view and watch the tide come in during the afternoon.

“On a hot day, this place gets super busy and it’s easy to see why.”

The pub’s menu is hugely varied, with sandwiches and paninis for lunch as well as freshly prepared salads served with new potatoes.

For a traditional seaside experience, you might want to get the fish and chips served with mushy peas or any other fish dish from the seafood menu that includes mussels, scampi, and monkfish.

Even if you don’t like fish, the Cod and Lobster has lots of alternatives such as vegetarian dishes as well as lasagne, pie and mash, and battered halloumi.

To finish off your meal, you might like one of the desserts available, from sticky toffee pudding and chocolate cake to apple pie.

What do customers think of the Cod and Lobster?

On Tripadvisor , one reviewer said: “The food was delicious and the portions very generous.

“The staff are very efficient and friendly.

“The place is run like a well-oiled machine.

“No hesitation in giving this gem 5 stars.”

Another reviewer said: “Lovely food, lovely service and lovely view!

“My husband and I decided to have a starter and a light bite each, to be able to taste more dishes.

“I had the fish chowder to start with – it was EXCELLENT, filled with salmon, mussels, prawns and clams.

“My husband had the creamy prawns which were very tasty and tender.

“For our light bites, I had fish and chips, and my husband chose the scampi.

“We had half of each and swapped over! Lush.

“Looking forward to our next visit.”

What is your favourite pub in Staithes? Let us know in the comments.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke choking US cities.

‘We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests and brush,’ the President wrote on Truth Social Friday.

The US is being ‘invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable,’ Trump added.

He vowed to call Prime Minister Mark Carney to demand answers, claiming that the ‘cost is incalculable.’

‘This is willful negligence, and becoming a yearly occurrence, costing the United States billions of dollars, which cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the tariffs Canada is currently paying,’ Trump said.

Fires that have been blazing in Canada’s Ontario province have caused massive plumes of smoke to blanket much of the eastern US. 

Those plumes reached major US cities like Washington, DC, and New York City on Thursday evening. 

The President likely experienced the smoky conditions in the capital and while traveling to New York City for a work dinner on Friday evening.

Thick smoke has blanketed major cities along the East Coast, including Washington, DC 

The plumes have also choked residents in New York City

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Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and other areas have all seen major dips in air quality due to pungent white smoke creeping in from the northern border.

The National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts in at least 16 states. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air is now considered ‘hazardous’ from northern Minnesota to Columbus, Ohio – the agency’s most severe air quality rating.

Trump’s ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra struck a different tone than the President in a post published earlier this week about the fires. 

‘I commend the outstanding cooperation between the United States and Canada as we confront these fires together,’ Hoekstra wrote Wednesday on X. ‘Our two governments are monitoring and sharing information in real time – coordination that reflects our partnership at its best.’

Carney called on the US to better address climate change when pressed Thursday at a press conference about complaints emanating from US officials. 

‘We need a contribution from the Americans in the fight against climate change … climate change is everyone’s responsibility, including the US,’ Carney said. 

The smoke threatens to further derail relations between the US and Canada, which were already under strain from Trump’s repeated threats to turn its northern neighbor into its 51st state and uneasy trade relations hobbled by the President’s tariff regime.

Trump departs Washington to visit New York on Friday as haze can be seen around the White House

The smoke has been so thick in some areas around New York City that a visible haze can be seen over the city

The sun peeks through the haze from wildfire smoke over the Chicago skyline and the Chicago River on July 16

Trump has repeatedly sought to put pressure on Canada using tariffs during his second term. 

Last year, the Republican imposed a 25 percent tariff on most Canadian imports, later increasing that number to 35 percent. 

Though after the Supreme Court dealt a blow to the President’s executive authority to enact tariffs, the fees were mostly rolled back, and now Canada pays roughly 10 percent on most goods imported into the US. 

Trump’s Republican backers were quick to support the President’s push for additional tariffs due to the fires. 

‘Americans will not pay the price for the negligence of Canadian leaders,’ Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno wrote on X. 

‘Four years in a row of record fires that have produced decades of environmental damage. Further proof that you don’t have to be very smart to get elected as a liberal, you just have to be woke.’

A train crew escaped safely after a wildfire surrounded their locomotive near Armstrong in Canada’s Northern Ontario, where widespread forest fires continue to disrupt transport and force evacuations

The US Capitol building surrounded by smoke from Canadian wildfires on Friday

Many people beneath the smoke plume have reported a burning plastic smell in the air, which atmospheric scientist Matthew Cappucci said is caused by longer-lasting compounds, including benzene and formaldehyde, that remain after the smoke has aged during its journey.

Both benzene and formaldehyde are classified as Group 1 human carcinogens, meaning there is sufficient evidence that they can cause cancer in humans.

‘The smoke isn’t just annoying – it’s legitimately dangerous. It’s made up of microscopic particulates known as PM2.5, or itty-bitty particles less than 2.5 micrometers in width. That’s about 30 times thinner than a human hair,’ Cappucci shared on X.

‘Breathing them in is bad – it increases [the] risk of heart attack, respiratory issues, etc. You may also notice your eyes stinging.’

The smoke has become so intense that major metropolitan areas, including Chicago, Detroit, Washington DC and New York City, ranked among the world’s most polluted cities on Friday.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, Michigan has been hit hardest by the smoke so far, with the entire state experiencing its worst air quality since modern records began in the early 2000s

Republicans are shaken after Donald Trump‘s primetime address alleging China undertook the largest election meddling scheme in US history. 

The President accused China-backed groups of infiltrating 220 million Americans with a ‘data exploitation unit,’ and he called the event ‘an unprecedented election security nightmare.’

The nationally televised update from the White House stirred controversy among major US broadcasters. Fox News carried the remarks live and noted that it could not independently verify the President’s claims, while CNN, NBC, ABC and others did not run the address.  

Before the speech, Republican lawmakers worried that the controversial remarks would rehash the painful period around the 2020 election in which the President’s allegations soured support among GOP voters. 

‘President Trump may have energized supporters who already agree with him, but revisiting the 2020 election is unlikely to expand the Republican coalition heading into the midterms,’ former Speaker Kevin McCarthy aide and political strategist Brittany Martinez said. 

‘American families are focused on affordability and the future, not relitigating an election that has already been extensively litigated in the courts and debated in the political arena.’

Trump critic and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie questioned why the President would criticize elections after the GOP won across the board in 2024.

“I don’t think the problem is that our elections aren’t secure because we control the House, Senate, White House, and to some degree we control the Supreme Court,’ he said on MS NOW. ‘Why are you complaining about election fraud? We won all the d*** elections!’ 

Trump was joined by many Cabinet officials as he made the address from the White House’s East Room

‘The senior team just talked and prepped him. I think they explained the way to be taken seriously is not to be crazy,’ one White House official told Politico of Trump’s election speech

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There were even concerns in Trump’s own White House about the closely-guarded speech, the contents of which were not previewed by the administration other than passing mentions that it would revolve, at least in part, around US election security.  

‘The senior team just talked and prepped him. I think they explained the way to be taken seriously is not to be crazy,’ one White House official told Politico. 

‘There was going to be a lot of crazier s*** said,’ they added. 

Democrats lashed out at the President for revisiting the 2020 election, which he still maintains that he won despite no evidence backing his allegation.  

‘Obviously, Donald Trump is a loser,’ former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted. 

A GOP strategist told NOTUS that the speech sounded like it came from ‘someone who thinks they’re going to lose in November.’

In the background of the speech was Trump’s push to have Senate Republicans pass the Save America Act, a bill that would overhaul US elections by requiring voter ID and reviews of voter rolls. 

The bill passed the House but has been held up in the Senate because Republicans do not have the 60 votes needed to pass it. 

‘US Spy agencies began learning about the compromise of voter registration files in 2020 when they discovered that tens of millions of voter data, think of that, tens of millions voters’ data in 18 states have been bought, stolen or hacked by China,’ Trump alleged. Above, Trump and Xi are shown in Beijing in May 

Trump has recommended that Senate GOP leadership find any way possible to ram the legislation through, and there are discussions ongoing on how to best do that ahead of the midterms. 

Should the bill pass before the November elections, Republicans hope their electoral chances would rise due to the bill’s election security measures. Critics say the bill puts up barriers for some qualified voters to cast their ballots. 

Senate Republican Leader John Thune noted before the address that the only elections he is thinking about are the upcoming midterms. 

‘I don’t know what Trump is going to say. But the only thing I can tell you is that we are focused on the 2026 election, at least I am, and I think most of my colleagues are.’

Referencing newly declassified files on Thursday night, Trump said that some documents reveal ‘that members of the deep state’ worked to ‘actively suppress and downplay information about the extent of China’s sinister election role.’

Despite all of his accusations lobbed against China, the President did not threaten any consequences. Xi Jinping and his wife are still scheduled to travel to Washington, DC, for a state visit in September following Trump’s trip to China in May.

Referring to another newly declassified CIA report, Trump said the Nicolas Maduro regime developed methods to digitally alter vote totals in ways that could not be detected, even with an audit, no matter how deep they went.’

The 2021 report also claims that though the ex-Venezuelan dictator may have wished to sway US public opinion against Trump in 2020, he lacked the ability to do so. 

Flying abroad for a summer holiday is not as simple as it used to be. Geopolitical uncertainty has already disrupted flight schedules and fuel prices this year.

For many, staying closer to home will seem like a sensible option. And in the UK, warmer summers could also make staycations much more appealing.

But for others, the allure of foreign holidays will always remain.

So the challenge for travel companies is to demonstrate that an overseas holiday is worth the risk. Our research on tourism suggests that at times like this, consumers seek reassurance and expertise. And for tour operators and travel agents, this presents an opportunity.

When travel seems straightforward, consumers may be happy to organise their own flights, hotels and transfers online. But when disruption and uncertainty are likely, trusted intermediaries become more valuable.

There is evidence this is already happening in the UK. More people are turning to trusted travel agents to steer them through the uncertainty of conflicts, economic crises and extreme weather.

For a good travel operator does more than sell flights and accommodation. They can reduce complexity and vulnerability, and offer support when things change.

This reassurance should perhaps be made more visible in marketing. Flexible booking terms, clear refund policies, Atol cover (government-backed protection for travellers) and guidance about disruption should not be buried in small print.

Our research suggests that for cautious travellers, the destination matters of course – but so does having confidence that someone will help if things go wrong.

Operators should also continue to promote deals, as price remains important. But they should aim to focus particularly on value.

For instance, all-inclusive holidays reduce uncertainty around the cost of food, drink and activities. Package holidays can simplify decisions and provide clearer protection than booking separate elements independently. Flexible payment plans can make holidays appear more manageable.

Tour operators should also appeal explicitly to the emotional value of travel, embracing the reasons that make going abroad so appealing – the sense of escape, of adventure and memory-making with loved ones.

In this way, travel abroad can be framed as an investment in experience and memories laden with emotional value.

Research also suggests that many travellers are drawn to experiences that help them express a distinctive sense of self. This gives operators another way to frame value: authentic local culture, distinctive experiences and memorable occasions that are difficult to replicate at home.

But this emotional promise needs practical backing. Travellers want evidence that their money, time and plans will be protected – which means an increasingly important aspect of any travel agent’s role is communicating the experiences of fellow travellers.

Holiday memories

A strong strategy for the industry would show why overseas holidays are still worthwhile, and explain clearly how risks will be managed. A UK government report found that travellers see tour operators as trusted messengers during times of disruption. And clear communication can reduce confusion and build trust.

Demand for overseas travel remains strong, even as booking behaviour is changing. There is evidence that plenty of people plan to travel in the next 12 months.

Travellers are not necessarily turning away from holidays abroad. But they are becoming more careful about when, where and how they book.

People do not simply stop travelling when the world feels uncertain. They adapt. Consumers substitute destinations, shorten trips, book later, travel off-peak, reduce spending or move towards providers they trust.

Tourism has repeatedly bounced back from major disruptions, including the pandemic. But each disruption make tourists more cautious, more likely to compare options, and more demanding of travel providers.

Success will depend less on offering the cheapest holidays than on building lasting customer relationships. Cautious tourists are buying more than flights, hotels and sunshine. They are buying confidence that their limited time and money will be well spent.

Durham County Council will be carrying out the canvass to ensure the electoral register is accurate and up to date for every household in the county.

For households where the council holds a registered elector’s email address, an email will be sent with instructions on how to respond.

The email will come from GOV.UK Notify and could be sent to any member of the household, so all residents are encouraged to check their inboxes regularly.

Steven Templeton, electoral services manager at Durham County Council, said: “It’s important that residents check the information we hold for their household to ensure it is accurate and current.

“This helps us maintain an up-to-date electoral register for every address in County Durham.”

If no email address is available, paper forms will be posted from Monday, July 20.

Residents are asked to follow the instructions to confirm or update their details.

Mr Templeton said: “For households where we do not have an email address on record, a paper form will be sent by post.

“Please follow the instructions provided to confirm or update your household’s details.

“You must be registered to vote to have your say in elections.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the form we send.

“The easiest way to register is online, or you can contact our electoral services team to request a paper registration form.”

The information requested relates only to electoral services, and no personal financial details will be asked for.

Residents who have recently moved and have not informed the council, or whose details are not included in the form, can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Further details about the canvass are available at www.durham.gov.uk/annual-electoral-canvass.

Anyone with questions can contact the electoral services team on 03000 261 212 or email electoralservices@durham.gov.uk.