A major incident has been declared in North Wales, where homes have been evacuated as firefighters battle a large blaze.

Huge parts of the UK face an “exceptional” risk of wildfires as the record-breaking heatwave continues, experts have warned.

Areas in the South East, London and the Midlands are highlighted as being at highest risk, according to Natural England.

Its fire severity index shows by the middle of the week large parts of the country will be at an “exceptional” risk of wildfires, while most of the rest of England and Wales is deemed to be of “very high” risk over the coming days, as the country swelters in the third heatwave of the year.

Emergency services have been fighting a wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain since Sunday morning and have asked members of the public to avoid the area.

Jami Jennings, the service delivery manager of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment.

“Due to the size and complexity of the incident, operations are expected to continue for some time.”

Natural England uses information such as wind speed, temperature, time of year and rainfall to produce a fire severity assessment, with maps showing the risk increasing throughout the week.

The Met Office has said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are due to last into the coming week, with most areas expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot – all which increase the risk of wildfires.

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions “significantly increase wildfire risk”.

“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he added.

“Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”

The warnings come after Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to two moorland wildfires in recent days and London Fire Brigade dealt with a blaze involving shrubbery at Stratford Station on Friday evening, which caused rail line closures.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called out to a “large fire in the open” on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday while teams also tackled a blaze at Devil’s Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex.

It comes as hundreds of firefighters have also battled one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, which has killed at least 12 people in Almeria province in the south of the country.

Four of the dead are believed to be British, according to regional authorities.

The Met Office has warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday in parts of southern England but overall another very dry week is expected.

Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency will remain in place across large parts of England until 9pm Wednesday.

The Met Office has revealed that record-breaking temperatures have led to 2026 becoming the first year to record 35C on six separate days.

This broke the previous records set in 1976 and 2020 when five days were recorded with temperatures over 35C.

This year has also become the first to see temperatures of 35C or higher in three calendar months – and broke the record for most temperatures of 34C or higher, with nine so far this summer.

The hot weather in recent days has led to a number of water-related deaths, with Derbyshire Constabulary announcing that the body of an 18-year-old man had been recovered from the water near the weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex after two teenagers got into difficulty.

Greater Manchester Police said an 18-year-old male died at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, on Friday.

The Met Office warned people planning to enjoy the water to be careful and check the water temperature to avoid cold water shocks.

The hot, dry weather has also led water firms to announce hosepipe bans for the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and areas of Kent.

By GETHIN HICKS, REPORTER and RIATH AL-SAMARRAI, CHIEF SPORTS FEATURE WRITER and MATTHEW LAMBWELL, TENNIS REPORTER

Updated: 16:29 BST, 12 July 2026

Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage as Jannik Sinner takes on Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon men’s final. 

Key Updates

• Jannik Sinner 3-2 Alexander Zverev

• Jannik Sinner 1-0 Alexander Zverev

• And we’re underway!

• WATCH: Kate and Will arrive

View more

Jannik Sinner 3-2 Alexander Zverev

Zverev misses a huge opportunity to break Sinner.

The German is 30-0 up and loses four consecutive points to hand the Italian the game.

Did you know that Zverev has only had 10 break points in his last six matches against today’s opponent? Oh, and he’s lost their last nine clashes.

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Talk about having that edge over someone…

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Zverev’s impressive forehand

Zverev is already throwing in 137mph serves but it’s the power on his forehand that is most surprising. It’s always a weapon but he’s holding nothing back at all. Clearly looking to make a quick mark on the match but I’d be amazed if he can sustain the accuracy

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Jannik Sinner 2-2 Alexander Zverev

It’s been a really even affair so far with both players dominating their own service games. And Zverev, once again, has done just that.

The German is absolutely crunching his first serves and, when they’re accurate, Sinner has got little to no chance of returning.

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Jannik Sinner 2-1 Alexander Zverev

Zverev was wayward from the baseline there, and it hands Sinner an easy win of his second service game.

The Italian held serve with a delightful dink down the line after Zverev advanced to the net.

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Jannik Sinner 1-1 Alexander Zverev

You can’t help but feel like the first break of the match could be enough to win the opening set.

This pair are arguably the two best servers in the world, so it’s going to take one hell of an effort to overcome that.

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Shock, Zverev holds serve to win his opening game- and the German clocked his quickest serve of the Championships too.

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Jannik Sinner 1-0 Alexander Zverev

Having been down 30-15, Sinner responds with three impressive serves to win the day’s opening game.

Now for that serve of Zverev’s which, I have to say, is something to behold. Some of them were flying over poor old Arthur Fery’s head on Friday!

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First set: Jannik Sinner 0-0 Alexander Zverev

Tremendous play from Zverev to earn his first point of the match.

The big German appears to miscue a backhand and it gives Sinner an advantage, but Zverev manages to find a foothold once more.

He bounds forward from the baseline to the net and, low down his right, volleys across to Sinner to win the point.

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A real show of quality.

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And we’re underway!

Let all the talk finish because, at last, we are underway in Wimbledon.

Jannik Sinner wins the opening point of this final after an unforced error from Alexander Zverev with his second serve.

15-0.

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Tough conditions on Centre Court

On more tennis-y matters, it’s quite breezy on Centre Court so I wonder if that will be a factor today. Would naturally make Sinner the favourite based on his head-to-head record (nine straight wins over Zverez, the past seven in straight sets) but hard to warm to either man. On the latter, we’ll leave it at that but I would expect to go into greater detail in the report later.

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Prince William causes a fuss

One of those Wimbledon quirks is the proximity of well-known or significant faces. A moment ago, there was a minor disruption in one of the walkways adjacent to Centre Court, causing a bemused spectator to ask the guy next to him the reason for the fuss. ‘Prince William is meant to be coming over that bridge and everyone is getting daft about it.’ A very civil kind of unrest etc.  

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Fery was supposed to be in Greece!

Just a brief aside from Sinner and Zverev because, after all, we all loved that Arthur Fery run, right?

Well, the Brit admitted yesterday that he was actually supposed to be holidaying in Greece on the day of his semi-final. The story just keeps getting better and better.

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Read more from Fery’s interview in this piece from the Daily Mail’s tennis reporter, Matthew Lambwell.

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WATCH: Kate and Will arrive

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An out-of-control blaze has sparked a major incident in North Wales as parts of the UK face an ‘exceptional’ wildfire risk amid soaring temperatures. 

Firefighters have been battling the blaze near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain on Sunday as nearby residents are evacuated from their homes. 

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have declared a major incident in the area.

Penmaenmawr Town Council has urged those living in parts of Capelulo, around the Fairy Glen public house, to evacuate the area due to thick smoke. 

Residents in nearby communities have also been told to keep their windows and doors closed, with the Gladstone Inn deemed a place of safety for evacuees. 

Service Delivery Manager Jami Jennings, of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said efforts would continue for ‘some time’ due to the size and complexity of the fire. 

‘Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment.

‘The incident involves a co-ordinated response from multiple fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies.

Large swathes of England and Wales are at ‘very high’ risk of wildfires while parts of the south Midlands and southern England are at ‘exceptional’ risk, according to Natural England

‘We would ask members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.’

It comes amid warnings large swathes of England and Wales are at ‘very high’ risk of wildfires, while parts of the south Midlands and southern England are at the highest ‘exceptional’ risk.

Natural England has warned that three successive heatwaves and a prolonged lack of rain have left large parts of the country facing an elevated wildfire risk.

Amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency from 9am on Sunday to 9pm on Wednesday.

An amber alert is in place for the West Midlands and South West England, with officials warning of significant impacts on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths among people aged over 65 and those with existing health conditions.

A yellow alert has been issued for the North West, the East Midlands, the East of England, London and the South East. The UKHSA said similar impacts were possible in these areas, including a potential increase in water-related incidents.

The increased fire risk prompted the London Fire Brigade to urge people not to use disposable barbecues over the weekend.

High temperatures and strong winds have prompted the brigade to raise London’s fire risk from ‘elevated’ to ‘extreme’ between Saturday and Monday.

Visitors are given umbrellas to sheile from the scorching sun outside Sir John Soane’s Museum

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The Met Office has confirmed parts of England and Wales will continue to exceed 30C on Sunday and over the next few days (pictured, riders and their horses cool off in Dorset)

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions ‘significantly increase wildfire risk’.

‘But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,’ he added.

‘Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

‘Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

‘As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.’

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has been called out to two moorland wildfires in recent days while London Fire Brigade dealt with a blaze involving shrubbery at Stratford Station on Friday evening, which caused rail line closures.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called out to a ‘large fire in the open’ on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday while teams also tackled a blaze at Devil’s Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex.

It comes as hundreds of firefighters have battled one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, which has killed at least 12 people in Almeria province in the south of the country.

Four of the dead are believed to be British, according to regional authorities.

People flocked to the seaside resort of Lyme Regis as temperatures soared on Saturday

The warnings come as the Met Office forecasts temperatures will continue to exceed 30C across parts of England and Wales over the coming days.

While a risk of thunderstorms could develop in parts of the south from Monday, most areas are expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter said central and southern England and Wales are set for several consecutive days with temperatures above 30C.

He said the bulk of the heat will then ‘gradually’ shift towards western parts of the UK, bringing some much-needed reprieve to eastern coastal areas. 

Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heatwave conditions return by midweek, although a cold front is expected to keep northern Scotland cooler.

2026 has already shattered several weather records, becoming the first year in which temperatures of 35C have been recorded in the UK on six separate days.

The previous record was jointly held by 1976 and 2020, when temperatures exceeded 35C on five days. 

This year also became the first to see temperatures of 35C or higher across three calendar months, as well as temperatures of 34C or higher recorded over nine dates.

The increased fire risk saw the London Fire Brigade (LFB) ask the public to refrain from using disposable barbecues over the weekend (pictured, shrubbery on fire near Stratford Station)

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Forecasters say the heatwave is likely to begin breaking by Thursday as a change in weather pattern ends the prolonged dry spell.

The Met Office has forecast an increasing risk of showers and thunderstorms, particularly across southern parts of the UK. 

It comes after London was plunged into chaos on Friday after wildfires ripped through the shrubbery close to one of Britain’s busiest train stations.

Stratford station was evacuated and temporarily closed on Friday night as 60 firefighters and eight fire engines battled the blaze.

Last month, a huge wildfire tore through Tintwistle Moor near Glossop in Derbyshire, with firefighters battling the blaze for up to 24 hours. 

Three people have died in water-related incidents in recent days.

The body of an 18-year-old man was recovered from near a weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex, near Derby, after two teenagers got into difficulty. 

An 18-year-old man died at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, on Friday. 

Several bushfires broke out near the railway at Stratford station on Friday (pictured)

And the body of a woman was recovered from the Falls of Falloch, a popular beauty spot in Stirling, Scotland, after she got in difficulty in the water on Friday evening. 

Meanwhile, a growing number of water companies have imposed hosepipe bans across parts of eastern England, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Kent, with further restrictions due to come into force this week.

Pressure on water supplies has intensified after successive heatwaves followed the warmest spring on record for England and Wales.

Anglian Water’s restrictions affecting five million customers took effect at 1am on Saturday, while about 850,000 people in Kent are affected by a South East Water ban.

Cambridge Water has announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, which will start at 1am on Friday. 

This marks the first time in three decades it has introduced the restriction, with the company saying teams are working around the clock to maintain supplies.

Affinity Water’s hosepipe ban will affect almost four million customers across parts of London and the South East when it comes into force on Friday.

Zverev, meanwhile, ended British wildcard Arthur Fery’s fairytale run to the last four, swatting the world No114 aside in a comfortable straight-sets victory, after a sticky first set that went to a tiebreak. Now, the Italian and the German go head to head, with the world No1, Sinner, leading the pair’s record against each other. Sinner, 24, has won 10 of their 14 meetings.

They’re raising money for Cure Usher

Emmerdale stars took on an epic challenge ready to raise money for Laura Norton and Mark Jordon’s Cure Usher cause.

Over the weekend, Emmerdale stars Lawrence Robb, Jack Downham, Bradley Riches and Matthew Wolfenden took part in each completing a wing walk. This is where you stand on the wings of a small aircraft while it is in flight.

It’s all for a good cause too, as it’s to raise money on behalf of co-stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon whose children were diagnosed with Usher Syndrome.

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A message on the GoFundMe page reads: “Our good friends Mark and Laura are patrons for Cure Usher Syndrome which raises funds for research into a cure for sight loss with Usher syndrome. Usher syndrome is the leading cause of genetically inherited hearing and sight loss.

“Mark and Laura’s children Jesse and Ronnie both have usher syndrome and we are all on a quest to raise money to go into research to find a treatment for them and all others living with dual sensory loss. Every little helps and they are so close to finding a treatment. We need your help!! Thank you all. Bradley, Jack, Matthew and Lawrence.”

Usher Syndrome causes impairments to hearing and vision, and currently has no cure. Laura and Mark (Jordon) have continuously expressed their dedication to finding a cure, and work closely with the charity Cure Usher, that was founded by Jo Milne.

The actress has previously shared: “In the beginning, it was about our babies. And then you meet other families going through the same thing and it becomes about everyone else.

“It’s such a rare condition and so many people have never heard of it and this community deserves to have people fighting for them and helping raise funds.”

Mark and Laura flooded their friends and co-stars with their support as they took on the momentous challenge. As Laura branded him a “superstar”, Jack gushed: “Flew on the wing of a plane today for an amazing cause… Thank you, to @laura_norts and @markjordondad for the opportunity!!”

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Ahead of the challenge, Jack said: “Something Laura Norton said to me was, deaf people rely on their vision, and blind people rely on their hearing, and this charity is doing a lot of work towards a cure, or preventative measures, which, could change a lot of lives.

“It’s me, it’s Lawrence Robb, it’s Matthew Wolfenden and Brad Riches. We’re all taken off on a plane, on the wing, which I struggle with commercial flights, so it’s gonna be fun.”

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX and YouTube from 7am.

Parts of the UK are at “exceptional” risk of wildfires as the heatwave continues, experts have warned.

Areas in southern England and the Midlands are highlighted as being at highest risk, according to Natural England.

Its fire severity index shows the area of “exceptional” risk is set to increase and spread to the South East and east of England by the middle of the week while most of the rest of England and Wales is deemed to be of “very high” risk over the coming days.

The Met Office has said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are due to last into the coming week, with most areas expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot.

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions “significantly increase wildfire risk”.

“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he added.

“Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”

Peterborough City Council has announced plans to deliver improvements to Roman Fields estate later this month, after a long-running residents’ campaign

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Cambridgeshire Live readers have been debating a new-build estate lacking a shop, adequate services and sufficient shade. Readers noted the scheme appeared promising on paper, but everyday living proved more challenging without essential amenities nearby.

Several pointed the finger at developers. Others highlighted councils and the planning framework.

Many advocated for trees, green spaces and community gathering spots. Some observed this pattern has emerged previously in other expansion zones.

Residents living on a ‘forgotten’ Peterborough housing development have been given assurances from the council that improvement plans for their estate will be delivered later this month.

At a Full Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 1, Leader of Peterborough City Council, Dr Shabina Qayyum, directly addressed residents of the Roman Fields estate who have long campaigned for more facilities.

Cllr Qayyum began by apologising to the residents and campaigners, some of whom attended the meeting in person: “I’m really sorry that you and the residents have had to face this predicament. The current lack of facilities on the Roman Fields development is not acceptable.”

Since opening more than a decade ago, the Roman Fields estate – also known as Manor Drive – has been without shops, park benches or playing fields. A recently-launched local campaign group called ‘Forgotten Fields’ has been highlighting the fact the estate’s amenities currently comprise one playground, one post box and two bus stops.

Teachers at the estate’s school have expressed worries that the shortage of outdoor recreation spaces could undermine efforts to maintain children’s fitness and wellbeing. Cllr Qayyum characterised the situation as a “complex issue” stemming from a “combination of historical planning issues that have stemmed from the 1990s.”

She said: “The developer hasn’t been able to meet the trigger-point of 750 dwellings by which they are obliged to hand over a piece of land south of the school, which was envisaged as community land.”

One reader, 2ndincommand comments: “The usual story. Developers are just in it for a quick buck and away, and councils need to have powers to enforce facilities are provided.”

Freddly asks: “Why are there no trees or bollards preventing cars and vans from parking on the verges? The whole area seems to be treeless, and offering no shade in extremely hot weather.”

Gemmadawesfrost says: “Typical that they feel no need to satiate the residents’ needs for basic facilities. So glad I live in Swaffham Bulbeck!”

Carbonneutralfeminist feels: “These houses should be removed to make way for woodland.”

While over on our Facebook page, Neeie N asks: “Who would buy a house there in the first place?”

Karin H writes: “The builders build houses. It should be the local planners and government to approve plans that include land for sports, park space and stores. It should be up to the local government, then, to provide those things. That’s what taxes are paid for.”

Paddy B thinks: “It’s normal for builders to promise it all, written into the section agreements, and then they renege on the section agreements, so it’s left up to the council and buyers.”

Sarah G believes: “West Cambourne is the same, we still don’t have a normal bus service, shop or playground and houses just keep going up. Northstowe has been left without a shop too; it shouldn’t be allowed.”

Does the lack of facilities surprise you? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

Why might “Morton’s toe” be so present in ancient art?

Then, there’s the copycat theory

President Donald Trump has shared the final conversation he had with Senator Lindsey Graham, revealing what he claims was the veteran Republican’s last political wish before his unexpected death Saturday night at age 71. 

In a Sunday morning interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump revealed that Graham was ‘like a member of the family to him,’ and that the two had spoken over the phone on Saturday night.

Trump also revealed that Graham called him to discuss the passage of the SAVE America Act, which Graham co-sponsored in the US Senate.

‘He actually said he was tired, but he wanted to pass the SAVE America Act, and I said, ‘Well, we’re going to get it done, Lindsey. We’re going to get it done. I’ll see you, like, soon,’ Trump noted on Meet the Press.

The SAVE America Act has been passed by the US House of Representatives three times, but has not been passed by the Senate, where it needs 60 votes due to the filibuster. 

In a separate interview with CNN on Sunday morning, Trump revealed to anchor Jake Tapper what he considered to be Graham’s finest moment in the US Senate: his defense of now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation process.

The office of Graham, who has represented South Carolina since 2002, announced in the early hours of Sunday that the senator, ‘had passed away from a brief and sudden illness.’ 

A 911 call for ‘cardiac arrest’ was placed from Graham’s residence around 8.30pm, but no official cause of death has been confirmed, according to multiple reports. 

Graham was a close political ally of Donald Trump, who last year called the senator ‘a wonderful friend.’ Graham is pictured with Trump at a 2020 rally

Trump had earlier shared a tribute to the late Senator on Truth Social shortly after the announcement was made. 

‘Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!,’ Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. 

Graham was one of Trump’s closest allies in the US Senate, consistently voting to enact the president’s agenda. 

The senator was also a staunch supporter of Ukraine and Israel, and he advised the president on foreign policy matters pertaining to Russia and Iran. 

In late March 2025, just a little more than a month after Trump took office, the president posted a lengthy endorsement of Graham, referring to the senator as ‘a wonderful friend.’

Graham has likewise called Trump a friend. He is pictured with the president during a campaign stop in 2023

Trump posted this tribute to Graham shortly after the senator’s office announced his death

‘Lindsey has been a wonderful friend to me, and has always been there when I needed him. As the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, Lindsey is fighting tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Lower Taxes, and Eliminate Government Waste,’ Trump wrote.

‘Lindsey is also relentlessly focused on helping us Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strongly Support our Great Military/Vets, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,’ the president added.

The endorsement is still pinned on Graham’s official X account. The senator had replied to it by thanking the president and likewise referring to him as a friend. 

‘On a professional level, I am proud to have been there at the beginning when President Trump — through sheer force of will —achieved the greatest political comeback in American history,’ Graham replied to the endorsement in part.

‘On a personal level, I genuinely enjoy our friendship. He’s an awesome golfing buddy, who I have yet to beat,’ the senator added. 

Graham’s death comes just days after he visited Ukraine and met with the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss the ongoing Russian invasion.

His meeting with the leader of Ukraine is understood to be the last public image of him. There were no known concerns about his health in the lead-up to his trip to the embattled nation.

Graham later announced that an agreement had been reached with Trump to advance bipartisan legislation targeting countries buying Russian energy, which would potentially clear the way for stronger pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.

Graham’s death comes just days after he visited Ukraine and met with the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The two are pictured together during that meeting

Graham had been in Ukraine to discuss the ongoing Russian invasion and announced that an agreement had been reached to advance legislation targeting countries buying Russian energy

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Earlier this year, Graham called Trump ‘an awesome golfing buddy, who I have yet to beat.’ The two are pictured golfing together in November 2025

Most recently, he served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Graham also cheered on Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites last year and had been a supporter of the latest conflict that started a few months ago.

The leaders of Israel and Ukraine publicly mourned Graham shortly after his death was announced, reflecting the senator’s avid support for both countries. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a post on X: ‘Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.

‘Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.’

Zelensky wrote on social media following Graham’s death: ‘A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia.

‘We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders. America and the world have lost a determined leader.’

Former President George Bush also released a statement saying he and his wife were ‘saddened’ by the ‘shocking news of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death.’

Graham was an avid supporter of Israel, and the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the death of the senator on social media. The two are pictured shaking hands

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a vyshyvanka, a traditional Slavic embroidered shirt, to Graham during his recent visit. Zelensky also mourned Graham online

‘He was a knowledgeable senator who understood how the world works and how important America’s international engagement is to resist tyranny. He was a kind and funny man who loved our country and loved serving it,’ Bush wrote. 

‘South Carolina was fortunate to have such a committed public servant in its corner. And I was fortunate to have known Lindsey Graham,’ the former president added. 

Before serving in the Senate, Graham was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994.

For decades, his status as a long-term bachelor who never married or had children fueled rumours about his sexuality, though he consistently and firmly denied being gay and regularly opposed pro-LGBTQ+ legislation.  

As a member of the House in the 1990s, he backed policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs.

Graham also served in the United States Air Force with a six-and-a-half-year stint on active duty as an Air Force lawyer.

He then went on to join the South Carolina Air National Guard until 1995, during which time he was called to active duty in the Gulf War.

He enlisted in the Air Force reserves, where he achieved the rank of Colonel before he retired in June 2015.

Born in July 1955 in Central, Pickens County, Graham came from humble beginnings and was the first member of his family to go to college.

He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina and was a practising Baptist.