In 1906, the journalist W.T. Stead warned in A Plea for the Revival of Reading that Britain faced a reading crisis. People, he complained, no longer read books. Instead, they skimmed newspapers on trains, forgot what they had read by lunchtime and increasingly preferred distraction to sustained attention. His proposed solution? A national revival of reading.

One hundred and twenty years later, 2026 is the UK’s National Year of Reading. After years of concern about declining rates of reading for pleasure, the headlines are dramatic. The Times recently warned: “If humans stop reading, barbarians will live among us again”. Screens, smartphones and short-form video social media platforms like TikTok are regularly presented as the culprits.

So, reading Stead’s pamphlet (1906) today is an uncanny experience. While researching Stead’s journalism for my book The Americanisation of W.T. Stead (2026), I found that many of the arguments we assume belong to the digital age were already being made in Victorian Britain.

Stead begins with a distinction that still lies at the heart of debates about reading: “Millions have never yet found out that books were interesting,” he writes. “They can read, but they do not care for reading”.

This observation chimes with our contemporary moment. The problem is not literacy alone, but reading identity. Someone may possess the technical ability to read without ever coming to think of themselves as a reader. Current reading research makes a similar distinction. There is now broad agreement that developing a love of reading depends not simply on decoding words but on motivation, confidence and finding books that feel relevant.

Stead also rejected the idea that this love of reading could simply be imposed: “The love for the reading of books is an acquired taste,” he argued. Children might have to be compelled to learn to read, but learning to love reading required something quite different, “instead of coercion there is needed a good deal of coaxing”.

Again, this sounds very familiar today. Modern initiatives promoting shared reading, reading for pleasure and child-led book choice all rest on the principle: readers are made through encouragement rather than compulsion.

Stead’s advice began with children. He believed that one of the most effective ways of creating readers was simply reading aloud. Good oral reading, he claimed, was “the surest, simplest, and speediest way of awakening a love of reading”.

More than a century later, spoken language is once again moving up the educational agenda. The government’s proposed oracy framework, expected to be introduced by 2028, reflects a renewed recognition that speaking, listening and reading are closely connected – even if the framework’s primary focus extends beyond literacy alone.

It is in Stead’s discussion of attention, however, that the similarities with today’s debates become most apparent.

The attention debate

Stead worried that newspapers had fundamentally altered reading habits. Circulation libraries, newspapers and magazines encouraged “a habit of skimming rather than reading”. Newspapers, he complained, had become “mere rag bags of shreds and patches”. Readers looked through them “as we look into kaleidoscopes”, producing only “an evanescent effect upon our minds”.

Replace “newspapers” with “social media feeds” and the argument would sound entirely contemporary.

“Memory, judgement, the critical faculty are unexercised”, Stead lamented. It is difficult not to hear echoes of today’s debates about social media and, increasingly, concerns about generative-AI technologies. Critics now ask whether the use of AI assistants to process information and endless scrolling on screens fragments attention, weakens memory and encourages rapid emotional reactions rather than sustained reflection. While the technologies are radically different, the underlying concern is remarkably familiar: the way we consume information shapes how we think.

Where Stead relied on cultural observation, researchers today investigate these questions empirically. There is growing evidence that sustained, immersive reading supports concentration, reflection and aspects of mental wellbeing, while regular reading has also been associated with lower stress levels and, over the longer term, healthier cognitive ageing.

At the same time, experts caution against simplistic comparisons between books and screens. Different media support different kinds of reading, and much depends on what people are reading and how they engage with it.

Stead quotes the Liberal MP and editor John Morley, who argued that people needed to make time in each day – half an hour ideally, but even a quarter of an hour, if pushed – for what he called “good and disinterested reading”. The value of this practice, he suggested, lay not simply in acquiring knowledge but in cultivating “happiness, fortitude, wisdom and calm”. To translate those words into modern terms, we might say reading supports our mental health, emotional resilience and everyday wellbeing. The language has changed, but the aspiration is the same.

Although Stead worried that newspapers encouraged superficial reading, he also recognised that books would have to adapt. “Books”, he wrote, “must struggle for existence by the use of the same weapons as those which have secured the ascendency of the newspaper”.

This is perhaps the most surprising insight in the pamphlet. Rather than defending books against modern media, Stead argued that they should borrow modern media’s strengths. Books should become cheaper, shorter, regularly issued and more accessible. Far from resisting new communication technologies, he believed reading could flourish by adapting to them. Today’s equivalent might be publishers embracing audiobooks, podcasts, readings apps and BookTok. The principle is the same: meet readers where they already are.

Of course, Stead did not get everything right. Like many of his contemporaries and forebears, he worried about the dangers of “habitual novel reading”. He discussed proposals from America that would have restricted children’s access to popular fiction in a similar way to how tobacco sales were regulated. Today, those fears seem excessive. Yet they offer a useful reminder that every generation identifies certain forms of reading as uniquely dangerous.

The recent resurgence of book challenges and bans reminds us that debates about reading have always been as much about what people read as whether they read at all. Whether such restrictions are justified or not, history suggests these debates often reveal broader anxieties about childhood, attention and morality as much as the medium itself. Each generation, it seems, has its preferred media villain.

That is not to say current concerns should be dismissed. Reading for pleasure has genuinely declined among children, and many adults struggle to sustain the time and concentration that long-form reading demands. These are important educational and cultural questions, but they are best understood as part of a much longer story. Every major communications revolution has prompted fears that serious reading was disappearing. Yet reading has repeatedly adapted rather than vanished.

Stead understood something that remains true today. The challenge is not merely persuading people that books matter. It is, as he put it in 1906, helping people who “can read” become people who “care for reading”.

Our readers sent in their best pictures of the solar eclipse tonight as they watched the once-in-a-generation event across the nation. 

From beloved pets wearing protective eyewear to children using homemade viewing devices to glimpse the spectacular illusion in the skies on Wednesday evening, our readers embraced eclipse fever in full force. 

The partial eclipse began shortly after 6pm in parts of the UK, with maximum coverage occurring at roughly 7.05pm to 7.13pm depending on location. 

The Moon gradually moved away from the sun and the spectacle ended shortly after 8pm, with huge crowds at prime viewing spots at Primrose Hill in London and Calton Hill in Edinburgh dispersing. 

Readers sent pictures from their homes and on holiday to share their view of the rare event, which had people staring in thrall at the heavens. 

A happy spaniel accompanied its owner in a field to watch the eclipse and carefully wore protective glasses to gaze at the solar display. 

In Leyton, east London, five-year-old Sonny pointed at the eclipse in awe through a special card, while Michael, 14, and Lottie, nine, watching the eclipse in Bexleyheath, London. 

Elsewhere in the capital, one man used a colander to watch the eclipse through the metal holes in a London park. 

Sonny, five, enjoyed the eclipse in Leyton, east London

One Daily Mail reader was on board the P&O Iona in the Bay of Biscay to watch the eclipse

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Michael, 14, and Lottie, nine, watched the eclipse using homemade lenses in Bexleyheath, London

This incredible pic was snapped at a rooftop in Salou, Spain

A pigeon in Blandford Forum, Dorset, was photographed with a perfect crescent above its head as the Moon passed over the Sun 

Maya and Maya, aged nine and six, watched the solar eclipse together through a pair of glasses in Bedfordshire

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One Daily Mail reader holidaying in Menorca snapped the eclipse alongside crowds on the seafront

The eclipse from a garden in Billingham, Durham 

Everyone was ready in Salou, Spain 

The sight of the kitchen utensil was not uncommon, with many others also deciding to opt for a colander or a sieve to view the eclipse through, although it is unlikely this offered much eye protection. 

On London Bridge, crowds lined the river to watch the eclipse over London’s skyline, with a beautiful shot taken at sunset over the Thames. 

A Daily Mail reader on board the P&O Iona in the Bay of Biscay watched the eclipse with 6,000 other passengers. 

A pigeon in Blandford Forum, Dorset, was photographed with the Sun peeking out from the Moon above its head in a perfect crescent. 

Friends Maya and Maya, aged nine and six, watched the solar eclipse together through a pair of glasses in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. 

Lindsay Clancy pleaded for her trial to stop as a medical examiner shared the horrific details of her slain children’s injuries. 

The former nurse, 36, is accused of murdering Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan, at her home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in January 2023.

Clancy’s suicide attempt after the three killings failed but left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair for life.

She has pleaded not guilty to murder charges and claimed she is not responsible for her actions because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis after being prescribed a powerful cocktail of drugs to cope with depression.

The jury and courtroom had to be cleared twice on Wednesday as Clancy grew so overcome with emotion hearing the injuries she had inflicted on her own children.

‘I can’t do this,’ Clancy cried out as she sat through the graphic testimony inside Plymouth County Superior Court.

Dr Barbara Olson described the neck trauma and injuries to Cora’s arms and legs, and said that Dawson died of asphyxia after Clancy strangled the children with exercise bands. Clancy put her head down on the defense table and sobbed. 

The mom-of-three’s tears came even before the graphic photos from Cora and Dawson’s autopsies were shown to the jury.

Clancy strangled her children – Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan – back in January 2023, then attempted to kill herself

Renee Stonebridge, who works at the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, had first testified about the injuries to the children’s eyes and brains.

Clancy appeared to be hyperventilating as Stonebridge spoke, and made quiet gulping sounds while her back and shoulders shuddered.

Her attorney, Kevin Reddington, leaned forward and clutched her hand in his.

As the judge called a break, Reddington stood over Clancy with his arm around her shoulder. She leaned her body into his as she appeared to be desperately trying to muffle her sobs.

When the jury left the room, she broke down into loud cries.

The court returned around 15 minutes later, with several jurors stealing glances over in Clancy’s direction.

The judge reminded them that the evidence can give emotional reactions – but, as jurors, they must separate emotion from the evidence.

‘Your verdict in this case is going to have to be based solely on the evidence. It cannot be based on sympathy or anger or passion or prejudice,’ he said. 

When the grueling testimony continued, Clancy broke down even more uncontrollably, wailing those four words to the court: ‘I can’t do this.’

Her tearful outburst prompted the judge to quickly clear the room for the second time – something that appeared to rattle the prosecution.

Prosecutors Jennifer Sprague and Shanan Buckingham turned to each other and pulled faces – seemingly annoyed – as Clancy was comforted and taken out of the room by her nurses.

When jurors returned once again, they were faced with the graphic images of Cora and Dawson.

The former nurse, 36, is accused of murdering her three children. Her suicide attempt after the killings failed but left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair for life

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Renee Stonebridge, who works at the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, testified about the injuries to the children’s eyes and brains

While the little children’s bodies were shown on screens, one female juror grew increasingly upset.

She wiped away tears with a tissue before closing her eyes for a moment. The woman then pursed her lips and swallowed, as though trying to stop the tears flowing.

Another juror also briefly dabbed a tissue to her face. Clancy put her head in her arms on the defense table and cried loudly.

Reddington objected to the witnesses before they were brought to the stand.

‘It’s not contested, it’s not necessary,’ Reddington said.

Last week, Clancy, who does not deny killing her children, agreed to a stipulation of facts in regard to several pieces of evidence and to help alleviate the government from having to call dozens of witnesses.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org. 

More than 90 per cent of the sun was obscured by the moon, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.

Crowds of people could be seen at viewing spots in different locations including in Bootham Park in York and Beetle Bank Farm.

READ MORE: North Yorkshire sites named in top spots in UK for eclipse

The Moon passes in between the Earth and the Sun (Image: Aaron Chown/PA)

People could be seen with special glasses, and homemade viewers made from cereal boxes and colanders.

Others brought their own chairs, while photographers could be seen with cameras.

Physicists gathered at the Ron Cooke Hub at the University of York to view the eclipse through five telescopes which had been set up in advance in order to see the sun in a safe manner.

Grooms Jamie Bone, 25, (left) and Jerry Bone, 30. (Image: Jordan Pettitt)

Following the eclipse, there was a 650 per cent increase in the number of people searching “sore eyes” on Google in the UK, compared to the same time on Tuesday.

It came after experts warned people only to view the spectacle with ISO 12312-2 solar eclipse glasses for the safest eye protection, as sunglasses would be insufficient.

Dhara Patel, who is a space expert at the National Space Centre, said some people may have become emotional while watching the eclipse.

People sat in the evening sunshine in Bootham Park before the solar eclipse. (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking at the UK’s largest space attraction, she said it was “incredible” to be able to witness this eclipse, adding: “We’ve had solar eclipses over the last couple of years, about 30 per cent coverage.

“They’ve been good, but this is definitely a different scale.

“And what’s really nice is it’s a way for lots of people to come together and connect with nature – looking up at the sky at objects that we typically tend to take for granted.”

The Royal Greenwich Observatory said it had sold approximately 15,000 pairs of eclipse glasses, a sellout, in the last month.

Crowds gather in Bootham Park in York for the solar eclipse. (Image: Newsquest)

John Lewis said colander sales increased nearly 40 per cent compared to last year, with Nasa recommending the kitchen item as a way to watch an eclipse by viewing the shadows it casts on the ground.

Only special solar eclipse glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified for the safest eye protection were recommended to be used, and sunglasses are not sufficient, experts said.

Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported around 70 cases of people experiencing vision problems after watching the eclipse.

Around 40 per cent had looked at it for less than a minute.

Bootham Park in York just before the solar eclipse. (Image: Newsquest)

In an added bonus for stargazers, the annual Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on the night of August 12-13, hours after the eclipse.

The shower is produced as Earth ploughs through a stream of dust left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle.

Each tiny grain strikes Earth’s atmosphere at about 60 kilometres per second, burning up in a brief flash that takes the appearance of a shooting star.

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on the streets of New York City, has requested an unexpected hearing. 

The sudden move has sparked speculation that the 28-year-old might get a plea deal over the December 2024 killing of Brian Thompson in Manhattan, NBC News reported. 

Mangione’s lawyers and prosecutors filed a joint letter requesting the hearing be held at 11am on Friday in Manhattan Federal Court, and it has been approved, according to the outlet. 

The Maryland native has been charged with two counts of stalking resulting in death in federal court. Two other counts, including murder through use of a firearm, were dismissed. 

He has also been charged in state court with second-degree murder, multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a forged instrument. 

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges.  

If he accepts a plea deal in the federal case, his state criminal charges could possibly be thrown out because of New York’s double jeopardy rules. 

Federal and state governments can prosecute for the same conduct because they are considered independent of each other, but under New York state law, double jeopardy can come into play when a prior prosecution for the same conduct ends in a conviction by guilty plea or a resolution at trial. 

The fatal shooting was captured on camera as Brian Thompson made his way to a hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024

One potential reason for the surprise hearing is that Mangione has agreed to a plea deal with federal prosecutors so he could get a lower sentence than if he went on trial, a legal expert told the Daily Mail.

Former federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein said that such an outcome would be a ‘victory’ for Mangione, who was staring at the death penalty or the rest of his life after his arrest.

He has also been charged in state court with second-degree murder over the killing of Thompson (pictured)

‘Any time they’re going to get a penalty that’s anything better than Mangione spending the rest of his life in jail, that’s a victory’, Weinstein said.

If he accepts the possible deal, Mangione could be handed a far lower potential sentence in his federal case, the expert added. 

‘A plea deal allows you to negotiate a bunch of different variables which impact the sentencing range, which is at the discretion of the judge. 

‘It allows you to get points for acceptance of responsibility, if you have no prior convictions you get additional points off.

‘Then you have negotiated a sentencing range that’s lower than if you go to trial. That’s why it would be a benefit.

‘Any sentence I can get him that allows him to have a light at the end of the tunnel instead of headlights from the hearse is going to be a sentence that’s beneficial to him.’ 

Weinstein said that the double jeopardy law is also another major benefit if a plea deal is presented. 

He has gone on to attract a large fan base following Thompson’s death. On Tuesday, a judge ruled that the jury in Mangione’s trial will be anonymous because of the high-profile nature of his case

‘If they [Mangione’s legal team] craft their resolution in a way that allows the NY state law to apply then it takes care of the New York state case. 

‘If they say these are crimes that arise out of the same matter then they can’t prosecute him.

‘They will file a motion to dismiss based on double jeopardy, so there won’t be a trial on Sept 8th’.

Mangione himself appears to have understood for months the issue of double jeopardy.

During a February hearing in his state case, he could be overheard saying: ‘One plus one is two’ after the judge said he wanted to proceed to trial.

‘Double jeopardy by any common-sense definition.’ 

Mangione could serve a decades-long sentence – and emerge from behind bars before he turns 50. 

His federal case is slated to go to trial early next year. 

The news comes just months after Mangione’s legal team had unsuccessful talks with federal prosecutors about a potential plea deal for their client, per the report. 

Marc Agnifilo and Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione’s attorneys, leave his pretrial hearing on Tuesday

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At the time, Mangione’s defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said that the prosecution was trying to ‘manipulate public opinion’ against the alleged assassin. 

Around that time, Mangione’s lawyers also unveiled a new strategy ahead of his murder trial that would see them deploy a psychiatric defense.

They presented the defense at a pretrial hearing in June, according to presiding judge Gregory Carro. They said they plan to argue that he was ‘extremely emotionally disturbed’ at the time of the alleged killing.

In response, Carro has ordered the defense to produce Mangione’s psychiatric records immediately and to unseal records from a secret hearing two weeks prior. 

The latest decision to meet in court on Friday comes after Mangione appeared in court on Tuesday. 

During that hearing, the judge ruled that the jury in his trial will remain anonymous because of the high-profile nature of the case. 

Since his capture, Mangione has gone on to attract a large fan base – mainly of women – who show up to court in support of the alleged killer. 

Jurors’ names and personal information will remain a secret from the public, the judge ruled, adding that both the defense and prosecution need to come up with questions for prospective jurors. 

That questionnaire will determine how much possible jurors know about the case, their experience with the law, and more factors, NBC News reported. The judge will have the final say on what they are asked. 

During the hearing, the judge also acknowledged the number of people expected to be allowed in the main courtroom, and what should be done about the large crowd. 

More than 80 news outlets are set to cover the trial, including independent journalists and major news publications. 

Similar to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ blockbuster trial, there will be an overflow room for Mangione’s state trial, the judge ruled. 

Mangione did not speak during his recent hearing. 

Before news of Friday’s hearing came to light, he was next due in court on September 8 for the start of jury selection. 

All of that could change depending on what happens on Friday. 

If he doesn’t get a federal plea deal that ends his state case, Weinstein said there could be an ‘uproar’ from Thompson’s family and from Mangione’s devoted supporters. 

The Daily Mail contacted Mangione’s lawyers and prosecutors at the Southern District of New York for comment. 

Modern Funktion, a London-born brand known for its curated take on underground house, will host its first-ever Newcastle showcase at NX as part of its fifth-anniversary tour.

The event, taking place on October 16, will feature a line-up led by Irish DJ and producer Saoirse, who is widely regarded as one of the most respected selectors in contemporary electronic music.

A spokesman for NX said: “Modern Funktion has built a fantastic reputation within underground house music over the last five years and we’re delighted they’re bringing their anniversary celebration to Newcastle for the first time.

“The line-up speaks for itself, with internationally respected artists alongside some of the most exciting names on the underground circuit.

“It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking electronic event we’re passionate about bringing to NX, and we’re looking forward to introducing the Modern Funktion experience to audiences across the North East.”

Founded by Phill De Janeiro and Benji King, Modern Funktion has grown from a London-based club night into one of the UK’s most respected underground house brands.

Benji King & Phill De Janeiro (Image: Modern Funktion)

The brand is known for championing both established and emerging talent, with a focus on community, discovery, and carefully curated line-ups.

Alongside Saoirse, the Newcastle event will feature Dutch producer and DJ Boss Priester.

Boss Priester has released music on respected underground labels including X-Kalay, Dungeon Meat, Locus, and Ba Dum Tish.

Also on the lineup is Dutch DJ Job de Jong, a familiar name on the European underground circuit, recognised for his stripped-back house selections.

Additional sets will come from Jamback, along with Modern Funktion residents Mya and Izzy, who have become familiar faces at the brand’s events, helping shape its musical identity through regular appearances in London and across its expanding European programme.

The Newcastle showcase is part of Modern Funktion’s wider anniversary tour, which includes stops in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Croatia, Italy, Malta, Manchester and Ibiza.

It also continues NX Newcastle’s commitment to bringing internationally recognised club brands and artists to the city, further strengthening Newcastle’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading destinations for electronic music.

Modern Funktion has spent the past five years building a loyal following through its intimate atmosphere and commitment to pushing electronic music forward.

The event is strictly for those aged 18 and over, with valid physical photo ID required for entry.

Tickets are on sale now, priced from £17.50 plus booking fee.

Doors open at 9pm, with the event running until 4am.

The 32-year-old man complained of headaches for two months before his death

A family believes medical staff “missed opportunities” to prevent the death of a man who died after he had a cyst on his brain. Adam Cornell, who grew up in Peterborough, died on June 11, 2023, after it was discovered he had a build-up of fluid causing severe pressure on his brain.

In the months prior to his death, Adam suffered from headaches. Adam sought help from Herts Urgent Care to treat his headaches and dizziness.

An inquest into Adam’s death, held at Vantage House in Huntingdon on July 29 and 30, concluded that there were “red flag” symptoms that should have been recognised. It also heard that there were “missed opportunities” to try and help Adam.

Adam’s mum Maria Cornell said that son’s death should have “never happened” after the inquest. She said: “Adam was a kind, compassionate and extraordinary person who touched the lives of so many people. He was devoted to his family and friends, always helping others and putting their needs before his own.

“I am grateful that Adam’s case has been examined so thoroughly by the coroner. It has been extremely painful to hear the evidence about what happened in the days and hours before he died, but it was important that the circumstances of his death were properly investigated.

“What happened to Adam should never have happened. We sought help repeatedly because we could see how seriously unwell he was becoming, but there were too many missed opportunities to recognise the warning signs and provide the care he needed.”

Adam attended several medical appointments to try and find out what was wrong with him in the week before his death. These included an urgent outpatient CT scan and blood tests taken on June 6.

During this appointment, an examination of the back of Adam’s eyes, known as a fundoscopy, should have been taken. However, the coroner said that this scan was not taken.

Maria said this scan “could have helped identify how serious” Adam’s condition was. Adam’s family contacted HUC again on June 7 and wanted him to get an emergency department appointment.

While his family waited for a call back Adam’s condition deteriorated, causing him to become unresponsive. He was sent to Peterborough City Hospital and scans revealed that his condition “was not survivable”. He was placed on life support and this was withdrawn on June 11. He died later that day.

Maria said: “I hope Adam’s story helps raise awareness of the importance of severe or worsening symptoms being taken seriously and encourages people to speak up and ask whether further checks may be needed if they feel something is being missed.

“That awareness could help save lives. I hope the health professionals involved, and the wider healthcare system, take lessons from Adam’s death. Families should be listened to, warning signs must not be missed, and no other family should have to endure the pain and loss that we live with every day.”

During the inquest, Adam’s family was represented by Leigh Day solicitors. Solicitor Nadine Refaat said: “The evidence heard during this inquest showed Adam and his family sought medical help repeatedly in the days before his death as his condition deteriorated.

“The coroner’s thorough investigation and conclusion validate the family’s concerns that Adam’s worsening condition was overlooked on multiple occasions and that opportunities to diagnose and treat him were missed.”

The solicitor said that the coroner said “emergency treatment would have prevented Adam’s death at that time”. Nadine added: “Had these opportunities not been missed, Adam’s death could and should have been avoided, and he could still be enjoying life with his family and friends today.

“Maria and the rest of Adam’s family have shown remarkable courage throughout the inquest process. They remain determined that lessons are learned from Adam’s death and hope that any necessary changes are made to help prevent other families experiencing a similar tragedy in the future.”

Herts Urgent Care declined to comment.

Hometown hero Matthew Hudson-Smith lived out a childhood dream as he was crowned European 400m champion on the track that made him.

The 31-year-old blitzed the field from lane nine and held firm on the home straight to land his fifth continental gold and become the most decorated British man in the history of this competition.

He celebrated by heading straight into the stands and pointing at the stand which bears his name as he soaked up the acclaim of an adoring second city crowd.

“Words can’t describe how much that meant to me,” he said.

“My coach said to me ‘this is your home, defend it’. I knew it would take a hell of an effort for someone to get past me.

“No-one was going to beat me on this track, this is my home. I have been here since I was nine, I know this track like the back of my hand.

“I knew I was the best in the world, I knew I am faster than every single one of these guys. It was just me against the clock.”

Hudson-Smith’s semi-final the previous night saw him surge out the traps before being reeled in up the home straight.

It turned out he was just saving energy. Lining up in the outside lane, Hudson-Smith took control from the outset and built his lead as he surged down the back straight.

This time, there was no catching him and he crossed in 44.17 to land his eighth European medal in all.

“The whole point of rounds is to survive and advance,” he said.

“I was trying to conserve rounds and we were just laughing all the way through, me and my coach.

“I just followed the gameplan and went from there.”

Five European golds puts him level with Roger Black and Sir Mo Farah, while only Dina Asher-Smith has won more outdoor continental medals among British athletes.

Hudson-Smith’s triumph was followed by silver in the women’s 400m hurdles for rising star Emily Newnham.

The 22-year-old won a medal of the same colour at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and kicked on to new heights in Birmingham, clocking a lifetime best of 53.33 to trail only dominant Slovakian Emma Zapletalova.

“I’m so happy,” she said. “I told myself a medal was mine today and I just had to believe it.

“I needed to get out hard, which I am not known for, but being in lane nine that was required.

“Pressure is a privilege and I just wanted to show what I could do.”

Amy Hunt kept her bid for a remarkable European quadruple on track by easing into tonight’s 200m final in Birmingham.

The newly-crowned fastest woman on the continent over 100m was able to ease up down the home straight after a flying start and won her semi-final in 22.37.

“I knew I needed to put down a really hard turn, kill them to 150m and no-one was ever going to hang with me,” she said.

Asher-Smith joins Hunt in the showpiece after a similarly stress-free semi.

The 30-year-old, a world and European champion over this distance in the past, cruised to victory in the opening semi-final in 22.49.

“I don’t really think about what’s gone before or what lies ahead, I’m just trying to stay in the moment and execute,” she said.

British champion Success Eduan advanced as one of two fastest losers in 22.56 to ensure all three home hopefuls will be on the start line.

Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna backs the ambition of millions across the UK — from supporting British businesses and individuals’ plans, to powering British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk

Double killer Simon Levy was ordered to serve a whole life sentence today as a victim’s mother said her daughter had lost her life to save countless women from a monster.

The 40-year-old sexual predator who murdered two women, raped and almost killed a third while he was on bail for multiple sex attacks, will now die behind bars.

In a series of blunders by police and prosecutors, Levy was left free to kill Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, Sheryl Wilkins, 39, and rape a third woman last year after being repeatedly released on bail.

Levy had been preying on women for years, committing at least 13 sexual assaults between 2018 and 2025, but police, prosecutors and magistrates failed to remand him in custody even when he was under investigation for murder.

Now campaigners have called for the Metropolitan Police to be disbanded saying the case shows that the ‘criminal justice system is in a state of collapse’.

Today the mother of his final murder victim said Sheryl’s death in August last year had saved countless lives as it forced police to act.

In a victim impact statement, Mary Wilkins told the partially blind killer: ‘Simon Levy, you have completely destroyed our lives.

‘You have done this before and wouldn’t have stopped.

‘Our Sheryl has ended your chances of hurting anyone else, she lost her life to do this, but we truly believe Sheryl has saved countless women from being subjected to your disgusting and horrendous acts. 

An artist’s impression of Levy appearing at the Old Bailey, London, today

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Sheryl Wilkins was murdered by Levy on August 28, 2025. The killer left her body in the same location as an earlier rape attack, just minutes from his own home

‘I hope you never walk the streets again as you are a threat to all women.’

Sheryl’s sister Lindsey Hicks wept at the Old Bailey as she told him: ‘I hope you rot in prison for the rest of your life.’

Detectives believe Levy may have been carrying out daily attacks for years, escalating from groping women on the London Underground to rape, suffocation and eventually murder.

Although he had a shocking record for sexual violence dating back to 2018, British Transport Police (BTP), the Metropolitan Police and magistrates all failed to appreciate the danger he posed, releasing Levy on bail four times leaving him free to daily stalk the transport network claiming countless victims.

While on bail he carried out at least six sexual assaults on the tube, Levy raped and suffocated a sex worker leaving her for dead in January last year before going on to commit two murders months later.

Today the surviving rape victim described Levy as a ‘monster’ saying: ‘He took away my soul that night and he took away my dignity. He took my soul like a parasite to make him feel strong and make me feel weak.

‘That night was worse than all the hell of trafficking.’

The woman who was sex trafficked into the UK in 2012 said police had made her feel ‘like a child’ when she reported the attack, adding: ‘No one ever listened to me.’

She said: ‘This monster chooses girls he thinks won’t go to the police.’ 

Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo was found face down in a stairwell of a disused block of flats in Southwark, south east London

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John spoke outside the Old Bailey after Levy was found guilty

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Earlier, Levy, who wore sunglasses throughout the sentencing hearing, smiled as he entered the dock to be sentenced.

Judge Mark Lucraft, said the double killer had a ‘morbid fascination with sex, rape and crime’ adding: ‘You are clearly someone who ruthlessly exploits others for your own personal sexual satisfaction.’

Levy showed no emotion as he was sentenced.

One family member shouted ‘Yes’ as the judge handed Levy a whole life sentence.

The partially blind offender was first jailed for three years in 2021 for sex attacks on two women at Notting Hill Carnival and a Camden street party in 2018.

In jail he groped a prison officer in 2022.

When he was released in February 2023, Levy ventured on the tube for prey, roaming stations across London at peak times when he knew carriages would be packed.

Travelling free on the tube with an Oyster card stolen from a bus driver, Levy tied a jumper around his waist to hide his wandering hand as he grabbed the women around him.

Levy was supposed to be supervised by both probation and police.

But his chilling fascination with rape and murder went unnoticed as the pervert secretly amassed a huge collection of newspaper stories about notorious offenders he lionised like black cab rapist John Worboys, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein.

Levy was arrested in November 2024 for two sex attacks on the tube, but a BTP officer delayed doing basic ID checks for weeks, opting instead to extend his bail on January 21, 2025.

Emboldened, that night Levy rape and almost killed a prostitute, breaking her collar bone before raping her while he suffocated her with one hand squeezing her neck and another covering her face with a finger down her throat, leaving her near death.

On March 17 he killed Ms Valencia-Trujillo using the same tactic, compressing her neck and smothering her face.

A photo taken of Levy during one of his Tube attacks – he carried out at least six sexual assaults while on bail

He was arrested days later but was released him bail after the cause of the 53-year-old drug user’s death was deemed to be ‘unascertained’ in a postmortem.

Levy accelerated his offending, carrying out four further attacks on the underground.

On May 2, he was charged with five sex assaults on the tube, but he was released on bail by magistrates even though he was also suspected of murder.

Levy failed to show up at court when he was charged with a sixth sex assault charge on June 3, but officers failed to issue a warrant.

Three weeks later he was spotted on the underground by a BTP officer and charged with breaching his bail condition by going on the tube, failing to appear at court and committing two sex attacks.

Incredibly when he appeared at court, Levy was granted bail again.

He failed to attend further hearings on July 18 and August 11, yet no warrant was sought for his arrest.

On August 28, Levy killed Ms Wilkins using the same method leaving her body in the same location as the rape attack, just minutes from his own home.

Police arrested him on September 5 after he was identified at the scene on a facial recognition camera.

In February this year Levy was convicted of carrying out 11 sexual assaults between April 2022 and May 2025.

Harriet Wistrich, CEO of the Centre for Women’s Justice said: ‘The catalogue of combined failures in this case provides terrifying evidence – if it was needed – that our criminal justice system is in a state of collapse.

‘Given the series of catastrophic failures by the Met Police on top of an appalling history of police failures including those involved in the Worboys case to the more recent scandals in relation to police perpetrators, Wayne Couzens, David Carrick and others, we must conclude that the Met Police is not fit for purpose.

‘We must have an independent inquiry.

She added: ‘It is time to disband the Met Police and restructure and repurpose policing so that it can effectively tackle male violence and some semblance of trust and confidence can be restored.’

Commissioner Mark Rowley said the force had apologised, but described the case as a ‘whole system failing’.

On a night when most of the country spent their evening looking up at the sun, it was the stars of Manchester United that belatedly sparked the entertainment in Dublin.

The eclipse was the prelude to the Croke Park friendly between United and Leeds. An event seen once in a blue moon before one seen every pre-season. This game is a money-spinner for these two clubs now and the success of the jaunt over the Irish Sea pretty much guarantees it will be in the calendar again next season.

This is a fixture laced with history and was taking place at a venue laced with history. It was 17 years since a football match had been played at Croke Park and the return of the sport to a venue that is the home of the GAA was always going to attract a big crowd.

More than 80,000 fans packed into the stadium and for a while it looked like they might see a decent game. It petered out amid a raft of substitutions and with a couple of minutes to go, some enterprising youngsters made their own entertainment. First, a couple dashed onto the pitch, snapping selfies with Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.

Two became three, and before you knew it, there was a whippersnapper making a dash for it from every angle. The officials had seen enough and blew up, sending us straight to penalties. Fernandes rolled his effort wide, but a Dermot Mee save from Harry Wilson and James Justin hitting the bar meant Noussair Mazraoui was able to win the Boyle Sports Cup for United. It will take pride of place alongside the Snapdragon Cup they won in Stockholm 10 days ago.

That was a day when United’s level of opposition rose and a day when Bryan Mbeumo really came to the party in pre-season. He has shone since moving to centre-forward and after three goals against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, he turned provider quite brilliantly here.

There were times when he tormented the Leeds defence. His movement, ability to drop deep and pressing are all traits that make him attractive to Michael Carrick as a striker, which could pose a problem to Benjamin Sesko.

The opening goal owed so much to the Cameroon international, but it stemmed from that desire to get involved. He was offering an outball on the left as United cleared their lines and used his intelligence to dash round Jaka Bijol and tear into the space. He found the pass to Joshua Zirkzee, who swept home a left-footed finish.

Mbeumo could have had a goal of his own soon after. He tried to pass to Patrick Dorgu when he should probably have had the shot, but the clearance fell back to him and his low drive required a brilliant save from James Trafford.

United were playing some slick football going forward, but on a night when youth got a go from the start, it only reinforced the need to go back into the transfer market. Harry Amass found it tough going at left-back, conceding too many free-kicks, while Tyler Fletcher was pickpocketed in possession a couple of times.

One of them proved particularly costly, with Daniel James pouncing and finding Brenden Aaronson, who was able to apply a simple finish to bring Leeds level.

Fletcher had been pressed into action early against PSG on Saturday, with Mason Mount taken off as a precaution. Mount’s extended absence at Croke Park meant a start for the 19-year-old, and when Toby Collyer joined him for the second half it felt like a reminder of the need to sign a third midfielder.

The same is true at left-back. Amass has potential and has bulked up this summer, but he was rash at times in this game and although he had a good first half of last season in the Championship, he needs more games and isn’t ready for the top end of the Premier League at this stage of his career.

After a flurry of transfer activity a month ago, Ineos have put the chequebook away since, but it’s clear this United squad needs more depth and quality if it is to sustain a challenge on four fronts this season.

There have been signs of development in pre-season. A more patient, possession-based approach has started to bed in and there is the hint of a little more control. But the squad remains a concern. With less than three weeks of the transfer window to go, the clock is ticking for United.