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NewsBeat

Wimbledon 2026 draw LIVE: Serena Williams to discover first-round opponent for tennis comeback

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Wimbledon 2026 draw LIVE: Serena Williams to discover first-round opponent for tennis comeback

Wimbledon draw: Three British men through from qualifying

Max Basing will go from losing in pre-qualifying to making his Wimbledon debut on Monday after the world No 331 sealed his place in a grand slam main draw for the first time.

Basing was joined in the Wimbledon draw by Oliver Tarvet and Billy Harris, who also won their final-round qualifying matches in Roehampton on Thursday.

  • Max Basing (GBR)
  • Billy Harris (GBR)
  • Oliver Tarvet (GBR)
  • Tristan Boyer
  • Jaime Faria
  • Hugo Gaston
  • Vilius Gaubas
  • Kyrian Jacquet
  • Kwon Soon-woo
  • Mackenzie McDonald
  • Nicolas Mejía
  • Shintaro Mochizuki
  • Roman Safiullin
  • Dane Sweeny
  • Otto Virtanen
  • Michael Zheng

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 09:28

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Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper lead British men in the draw

So often the last Brit standing at grand slams, Cameron Norrie retired from his first-round match at the French Open, for just the second time in his professional career, while suffering with a rib injury, but returned to Queen’s and is set to be fit for Wimbledon. A former semi-finalist at SW19, Norrie, 30, returns as a seed after almost falling outside of the top-100 last year, finding form late in the season as he beat No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

Jack Draper, meanwhile, Was seeded fourth at Wimbledon 12 months ago after winning the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells but returns after a year of injury hell ranked outside the top 100. Struggles with an arm injury were followed by a knee injury, meaning the 24-year-old has barely played since last year’s second-round exit to Marin Cilic. But Draper is back with a legend in his corner: new coach Andy Murray.

As well as German-born Jan Choinski, an additional six British men have received wildcards into the men’s draw. They are: Jacob Fearnley, Arthur Fery, Felix Gill, Jack Pinnington Jones, Toby Samuel, Harry Wendelken.

Jack Draper is enjoying his comeback at Eastbourne (PA Wire)

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 09:13

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Novak Djokovic’s best chance to win a 25th grand slam?

Novak Djokovic’s last three Wimbledon defeats have come to either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, which makes Alcaraz’s absence due to a wrist injury all the more important for the 39-year-old. Djokovic lost in the third round of the French Open to rising star Joao Fonseca, so he is rested ahead of Wimbledon. And he also knows how to play on grass better than anyone, even if defending champion Sinner remains the player to beat.

As always, much depends on the draw. As seventh seed, Djokovic will be handed a collision course with one of the top four ahead of the quarter-finals. And whether that play is Sinner or French Open, rather than Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ben Shelton, could be decisive. Djokovic would also be wary of being drawn with a young gun early on, whether that’s Fonseca again or someone like Jakub Mensik.

(PA)

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 08:58

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Wimbledon men’s draw: What to watch for

As always, where Novak Djokovic lands in the draw will be fascinating. As seventh seed, he could be drawn to face defending champion Jannik Sinner as early as the quarter-finals. After excellent performances at the French Open, all eyes will be on rising stars Rafael Jodar and Joao Fonseca as they enter seeded 23rd and 24th respectively. Former world No 4 Jack Draper could be a dangerous floater as the popular Briton returns alongside new coach Andy Murray, while former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is also unseeded.

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 08:43

Wimbledon women’s draw: What to watch for

Everyone will be desperate to see who Serena Williams plays in her first singles match in four years. She could play anyone, from world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka down to a fellow wildcard like Britain’s Katie Swan.

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Defending champion Iga Swiatek will hope for a good draw when she opens play on Centre Court on Tuesday – perhaps she will land in the same quarter as last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova, who Swiatek defeated 6-0 6-0.

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 08:30

Women’s draw: The qualifiers

Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, was one of the 16 players to battle into the Wimbledon draw via qualifying on Thursday.

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  • Bianca Andreescu
  • Mariam Bolkvadze
  • Kayla Day
  • Anastasia Gasanova
  • Lina Gjorcheska
  • Tyra Caterina Grant
  • Léolia Jeanjean
  • Alina Korneeva
  • Teodora Kostović
  • Ashlyn Krueger
  • Polina Kudermetova
  • Claire Liu
  • Robin Montgomery
  • Mananchaya Sawangkaew
  • Iryna Shymanovich
  • Maria Timofeeva

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 08:18

Emma Raducanu seeded ahead of Wimbledon draw

Despite a difficult season, Emma Raducanu found some form after returning to grass and reached just her third career final at Queen’s Club. While the British No 1 lost in straight sets to Donna Vekic, Raducanu’s run was enough to enter the draw as the 30th seed. That means she won’t play another seed until the third round, but could play one of the world’s top eight if they both get through their first two matches. Last year, Raducanu lost to world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thriller on Centre Court.

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 07:55

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Emma Raducanu misses training as Wimbledon participation thrown into doubt

Emma Raducanu’s participation at Wimbledon has been thrown into doubt after the British No 1 was reportedly spotted at the All England Club wearing an orthopaedic boot.

Clay reported that the British No 1 left Aorangi Park, the Wimbledon practice complex, on Wednesday evening wearing a boot on her right leg, while she did not train there when she had been scheduled to at midday on Thursday.

Thomas Houchin, one of her representatives, told Clay: “Emma is absolutely fine. She will play tomorrow”, but her use of the boot just five days before her home grand slam begins has sparked concern.

Flo Clifford26 June 2026 07:39

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Six British women in Wimbledon draw as wildcards

Among the six British women to receive wildcards includes the 2024 US Open girls’ champion Mika Stojsavljevic and the highly-rated Hannah Klugman, who became the first British woman to win the prestigious Orange Bowl title as a 14-year-old a few years ago. Both return to Wimbledon at the age of 17 ahead of their second appearance in the main draw.

  • Harriet Dart (GBR)
  • Alicia Dudeney (GBR)
  • Hannah Klugman (GBR)
  • Mika Stojsavljevic (GBR)
  • Katie Swan (GBR)
  • Mimi Xu (GBR)

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 07:28

Serena Williams takes wildcard alongside French Open finalist

The French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska is in the very rare position of being both a wildcard and seed in the Wimbledon draw.

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The Polish player reached the Roland Garros final as a qualifier, despite being ranked outside of the world’s top 100.

That meant she did not make the cut-off to enter Wimbledon directly when the lists were confirmed a few weeks ago.

However, the All England Club opted to reward Chwalinska with a wildcard spot, but she’s the 20th seed as well.

(PA)

Jamie Braidwood26 June 2026 07:10

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DWP issues new update for state pensioners on ‘automatic deduction’ claims

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Daily Mirror

People receiving the full State Pension have been advised some other changes will go ahead

The DWP has released a statement regarding a significant change in how the state pension is taxed. State pension payments rise each April thanks to the triple lock policy, which delivered a 4.8 per cent increase to payments this past April.

Under existing rules, state pension payments land in your bank account without any deductions, though they do count as taxable income, much like other earnings such as wages or any private pension income you receive. Should you be required to pay tax on your payments, HMRC can collect this through several methods. These include adjusting your tax code if you have a private pension or are employed, via self assessment if you complete one, or through simple assessment.

However, a report by City AM suggested the Treasury was considering changing this, and was “drawing up plans” to automatically deduct income tax from state pension payments before they are paid out. The report claimed that the Treasury was collaborating with the DWP on proposals to deduct tax at source, similar to how employers deduct work-related taxes from staff wages before transferring them into employee bank accounts.

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DWP statement

The DWP was asked what work is being carried out on such a proposal. A Government spokesperson said: “There has been no change to the tax treatment of the state pension.

State Pensioners to face major tax change

“The Government routinely undertakes research to better understand pensioners’ experiences with the tax system.” However, tax officials are pressing ahead with a significant reform to state pension taxation, which is set to take effect shortly.

Tax changes coming soon

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed at the Autumn Budget 2025 that a new policy would be introduced, ensuring that those whose sole income is the state pension without any additional increments would be exempt from paying income tax. This tax relief measure is necessary as the full new state pension is edging ever closer to the threshold at which income tax becomes payable.

The full new rate currently stands at £241.30 per week, or roughly £12,550 annually, falling just short of the £12,570 personal allowance — the standard maximum amount you can earn each tax year before income tax kicks in.

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State pension payments rise every April, in accordance with the triple lock policy, which increases payments by whichever is highest out of 2.5 per cent, the rate of inflation, or the growth in average earnings. This means the full new state pension will definitely incur a tax bill next year under the current rules.

Treasury statement

The Government was recently asked to provide an update regarding the implementation of this new policy. An HM Treasury spokesperson said: “Anyone whose only income is the full new or basic state pension without any increments will not pay income tax, and we are committed to that over this Parliament.

“By keeping the triple lock, 12 million pensioners will see their income rise by up to £470 this year, and they continue to benefit from the highest personal allowance in the G7.”

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HMRC officials previously said that new legislation would need to be introduced to implement the change. They told the Treasury Committee in January that this could potentially be included in the 2026 autumn finance bill.

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Popeyes to open new location at Co Antrim shopping centre

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Belfast Live

New signage suggests the popular US chicken chain will be joining the food and drink offering at the centre

A popular US chicken chain is preparing to open a new location in Northern Ireland.

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Popeyes, founded in New Orleans in 1972, is known for serving up American Southern-style chicken dishes, seafood and sides.

It currently has two locations in Northern Ireland, one at Forestside Shopping Centre in Belfast and the other at The Junction in Antrim.

New signage at Lesley Abbeycentre in Newtownabbey has teased the opening of a new Popeyes store as construction of the centre’s expansion gets underway.

Although no dates have been confirmed, the sign suggests that the fast food store is “coming soon”.

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It comes after Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor, owned by The Herbert Group who own Forestside and Abbeycentre, confirmed they also would be opening a Popeyes location next year.

Popeyes has also submitted plans to Belfast City Council to open a store in the heart of the city centre, hoping open its doors in the former GAME store on Castle Place.

Customers can expect chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot wings, wraps and more when they open the doors of their new locations.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter here

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Body found in lake search for missing teenage boy

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Cambridgeshire Live

A teenage boy entered Meynell Lake on Thursday

A body has tragically been found after reports a teenage boy entered a lake. The incident happened yesterday (June 25) in Leicestershire when police were called just after 1.30pm to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way, Syston.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene. Leicestershire Police confirm specialist dive teams recovered a person from the water today (June 26).

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In a statement posted today police confirm the body was that of the teenager known to have entered the lake. There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for a coroner, according to LeicestershireLive.

The statement read: “Specialist police dive teams searching for a teenage boy following reports he entered a lake in Syston yesterday afternoon (Thursday 25 June) have recovered a person from the water. We can confirm it is the teenager known to have entered the lake and his family are being supported specialist officers.

“Police were called just after 1.30pm to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way. Officers attended along with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service.

“Initial searches were carried out and police divers were called in. There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.

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“Naming will be a matter for the coroner.”

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M4 crash live updates as motorway brought to a standstill

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Wales Online

A crash has brought the M4 to a standstill on Friday morning leaving drivers in standstill traffic.

Drivers travelling westbound on the motorway have been put at a standstill J42 Earlswood and J43 Llandarcy as emergency services work at the scene.

A spokesperson for Traffic Wales said: “M4 between J42 Earlswood and J43 Llandarcy travelling Westbound.

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“Traffic is currently on stop. There are long delays in the area.

“Allow extra time for your journey.”

For live traffic updates, you can follow our blog below.

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Armed Forces charity fun day at Calderglen Country Park this Sunday

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Daily Record

Who Dares Cares is back with its wide range of community stalls, Armed Forces and emergency service organisations, historical military displays, children’s activities, inflatables, music and entertainment.

Get along to Calderglen Country Park this weekend for a family fun day hosted by an Armed Forces charity.

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Who Dares Cares is inviting families, veterans, serving personnel, emergency service workers and the wider community to attend its Armed Forces and Emergency Services Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 28.

The event will take place at Calderglen Country Park, from noon until 4pm, bringing together the Armed Forces community, blue light services, families, local organisations and supporters for an afternoon of entertainment, awareness and community spirit.

Entry is free, with donations welcome on the day to support the ongoing work of Who Dares Cares. Wristbands will also be available for children’s inflatables.

The family fun day will include a wide range of community stalls, Armed Forces and emergency service organisations, historical military displays, children’s activities, inflatables, music, entertainment and opportunities for the public to learn more about the support available to veterans, emergency service personnel and their families.

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Who Dares Cares is a charity which supports the Armed Forces, veterans, blue light services and their families who may be affected by PTSD, trauma, isolation, bereavement or other challenges linked to service life.

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Trafford Centre confirms opening of two new stores this weekend

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Manchester Evening News

Frozen yoghurt has arrived just in time for the sweltering weather, while a giant new sportswear and trainer store will be opening this weekend too.

The Trafford Centre is welcoming two new stores to its line-up that shoppers can see for the first time this weekend. Sportswear giant Footasylum will finally open its new megastore at the shopping mall on Saturday, following months of work on the prime new site.

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Meanwhile, just in time to give shoppers a cool break amid the heatwave, frozen yoghurt firm Frurt has opened its new store in The Orient. It’s the first time the fro-yo brand will be available at the Trafford Centre, much to the delight of fans.

The huge new Footasylum store marks the latest milestone in the sportwear company’s ambitious UK retail expansion. It follows hot on the heels of a new store recently opening in the Manchester Arndale Centre and also at Trinity in Leeds.

Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter

The new 17,178 sq ft store has created 14 new jobs at the Trafford Centre, with owners saying it is “building on the commercial momentum already demonstrated at Manchester Arndale, and affirming Manchester and the North of England as a strategically important market for the business.”

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The store on Peel Avenue has been hidden behind hoardings since last year. But now, shoppers will get to see inside for the first time what’s inside from Footasylum’s extensive brands, which includes renowned third-party brands like Nike, adidas Originals, ASICS, Saucony and Berghaus, alongside Footasylum-exclusive labels such as Monterrain and Forena.

To celebrate the opening, the first 200 customers through the doors on Saturday, June 27, will receive exclusive goody bags featuring Crep Protect and New Era Caps. Within the bags, customers will also get the chance to win standout prizes including a PS5, festival tickets, a year’s supply of trainers and a full year’s gym membership.

Over the opening weekend there will also be surprise appearances from Footasylum influencers and a live set from a locally renowned DJ with the promise of a “launch to remember”.

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On the opening, Shannon Osman, Retail Director at Footasylum, said: “The launch of our newly upgraded Trafford Centre store is another landmark moment for Footasylum in our UK expansion plan, as we continue to invest in high-impact, high-performing locations.

“As a company defined by setting trends and offering our customers the best experiences, we are thrilled to be offering customers another glimpse into what the future holds for Footasylum.

“This is an innovative retail destination that will allow us to deepen our connection with our already highly engaged Manchester audience, while also welcoming new customers who travel from far and wide to experience everything the Trafford Centre has to offer.”

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Meanwhile over at The Orient, Frurt is making itself at home at its quirky new location inside the former bandstand on the upper floor of the food court area. It’s the first shopping centre location from the Manchester-born brand which also has sites in Manchester city centre, Bramhall, Bolton and Prestwich.

It has brought its self-serve concept to the new site, where you can load up your own toppings on your chosen flavour of the frozen treat. They regularly change their flavours, and you can add toppings like Biscoff, Nutella and sugary treats.

They opened on Thursday evening with a big giveaway, and expect queues of shoppers across the weekend, particularly if this hot weather continunes.

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GTA 6 to use social media in a big way as store listings reveal new features

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GTA 6 to use social media in a big way as store listings reveal new features
A sunny send-up (Rockstar)

New GTA 6 details have emerged via retailer descriptions, including how the dynamic will work between Jason and Lucia. 

After months of silence, Rockstar opened pre-orders for GTA 6 this week and confirmed a bunch of new details, namely the price, the existence of an ultimate edition, and the fact there won’t be any physical disc when it launches on November 19, 2026. 

Despite these announcements, we still don’t know much about the game itself. We know it’s set in the open world of Leonida, based on Florida, which will include a new version of Vice City, and that it will centre around two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, but that’s about it. 

If you’ve played any prior GTA game, you can probably fill in most of the blanks gameplay-wise (stealing cars, heists, mowing down civilians, etc.), but some Brazilian retailers appear to have outed some new details. 

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According to the GTA 6 listing on Amazon Brazil, the sequel will see players ‘switch between Jason and Lucia during the story and participate in missions as a duo’. GTA 5 operates similarly, with its three different characters, so this isn’t too surprising. 

It also promises ‘NPCs [non-player characters] with their own routines’ and ‘random events’, which suggests the world itself will be even more dynamic than Rockstar’s last game, Red Dead Redemption 2.

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The biggest new nugget of information is the emphasis on ‘integrated social networks’, which will allow you to ‘watch viral videos, follow influencers, and discover world events through your in-game mobile phone’. 

GTA 6 screenshot of Lucia and Jason
Pre-orders opened this week (Rockstar Games)

In prior GTA games, you use a phone to call characters and instigate missions. GTA 5 also had a social media parody called Lifeinvader but it was more window dressing than an integral mechanic. However, this description implies social media will play a bigger role in GTA 6. 

This emphasis on in-game networking is also a key focus on another Brazilian listing. According to Kabum (translated via Reddit), your mobile phone in GTA 6 will ‘consume viral videos in real-time, allowing you to follow Vice City influencers and discover secret side missions’. 

The same description similarly emphasises the push for ‘organic random events across the map’, and states Jason and Lucia will possess ‘unique abilities that directly influence the criminal ecosystem and the tactical intelligence of the missions’.

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Other details mentioned include ‘advanced lighting, dynamic climate, more natural animations and high level of detail in the environments’, with ‘storms and time changes that change physics and gameplay’.

It’s unclear whether these descriptions are legitimate or not (the Amazon UK listing doesn’t have any of these details), but there is a lot of shared information between them and they are pretty specific – so it certainly sounds like they’re real.

If these descriptions are being sent to retailers though, this raises the question of whether another trailer could be imminent, to confirm the gameplay mechanics. With pre-orders now locked in, a trailer wouldn’t be a bad idea to cap off all the buzz from this week (or distract from the negativity around the lack of physical discs). 

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GTA 6 looks set to be the biggest game of the year, but there’s some concern among retailers that there will not be enough PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles to meet the demand when it does launch.

As reported by The Game Business, an anonymous senior games buyer said due to the component crisis, their store wouldn’t be ‘getting the units we want ahead of GTA’, adding: ‘Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year end period.’

Beyond the demand for consoles, another issue is whether people will be able to afford them. Microsoft recently raised the price of the Xbox Series X/S once again, due to the memory shortage, after Sony raised the PlayStation 5’s price earlier this year. 

GTA 6 artwork of the two main characters
It takes two to heist (Rockstar Games)

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Dissident republican group attack Victorian postbox in West Belfast with angle grinder

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Belfast Live

Earlier this year, the group targeted a statue of the former monarch in a paint attack

Victorian Postbox Vandalised – Waterville Street, Belfast.

A dissident republican group has attacked an historic Victorian-era Royal Mail postbox in West Belfast.

The postbox, which is built into the wall of Clonard Monastery at Waterville Street, was attacked with an angle grinder before its iconic red paint was replaced with green.

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A video of the incident was shared online by the group, where an activist can be seen taking the angle grinder to it, causing significant damage to the postbox.

In a Facebook post accompanying the video, the group said: “The symbols of imperialism and an occupying power litter Irish streets.

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“In a Socialist Republic, all these symbols, street names, monuments, statues and more will be taken down, destroyed or replaced. All state institutions will be repurposed and handed over to the Irish people for the betterment of all.

“We will not share Ireland with imperialists, fascists, capitalists, royalty or the systems that maintain their power.

“There will be no ‘agreed’ or ‘shared’ Ireland – only a Socialist Republic.”

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The PSNI confirmed to Belfast Live that they had not received any reports relating to the incident.

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

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Nursery chain served with safeguarding notice by Ofsted

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Cambridgeshire Live

The nursery chain runs more than 200 settings across England, including eight in Cambridgeshire

Ofsted has has told a nursery chain that runs 247 settings across England, including some in Cambridgeshire, that it is not meeting safeguarding and welfare requirements.

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Ofsted served Bright Horizons with a Welfare Requirements Notice (WRN) on Monday, June 22 after checks between October 2025 and June 2026 found “significant weaknesses in organisational safeguarding leadership, governance, oversight and practice”.

The checks happened because of “concerns following a serious safeguarding incident” last September. Ofsted then carried out inspections, site visits and direct engagement with senior leaders at 172 of Bright Horizons nurseries, and identified breaches of requirements in 69 settings. The findings of each were published in individual nursery reports, as is standard practice.

According to the Bright Horizons website, the chain has eight locations across Cambridgeshire including in Cambridge, Ely and Fulbourn:

  • Eddington Nursery, Cambridge
  • Wolfson Court Day Nursery and Preschool, Cambridge
  • Bright Horizons Cambridge Milton Road Day Nursery and Pre-school, Cambridge
  • Cambridge Science Park Day Nursery and Preschool, Cambridge
  • Long Road Day Nursery and Preschool, Cambridge
  • Bunnybrookes Day Nursery and Preschool, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge
  • Fulbourn Day Nursery and Preschool, Fulbourn
  • Ely Day Nursery and Preschool, Ely

According to Ofsted, the WRN “is intended to prompt urgent improvement at the highest level of the organisation to ensure higher standards for children across the group”. As the action is against the Bright Horizon group, the outcome has been published on the Ofsted report page of all 247 Bright Horizon nurseries. However, this does not reflect concerns identified at individual nurseries.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: “The outcome summary we’ve published today sets out clearly what the Bright Horizons group must do, and by when. We will be monitoring their progress closely. My message to parents is to read your nursery’s latest inspection report or update on the Ofsted website.

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“The majority of Bright Horizons nurseries are meeting requirements. We have already published reports and updates on all of the nurseries that we visited – today’s action is about identifying improvements that need to happen at a management level within the Bright Horizons group.

“The Department for Education has announced additional funding to support our work in early years – including thousands more no-notice inspections. This is great news and will strengthen our work to check that children are getting the safe, high-quality care they deserve.”

Bright Horizens, one of the UK’s largest nursery chains, has until August 1 to improve. A spokesperson for the chain said whilst it is “disappointed” with the notice against it, ” particularly as the Chief Inspector recognises that the majority of our nurseries are meeting requirements” it is “taking the matter extremely seriously”.

By August 1, Ofsted requires Bright Horizons to ensure:

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  • All senior leaders are fully familiar with, and are able to effectively apply safeguarding policies, procedures and arrangements within their oversight role.
  • Safeguarding policies, procedures and arrangements are consistently and effectively implemented across all settings.
  • Senior leaders maintain accurate and timely oversight of safeguarding concerns and risks across the organisation, so that appropriate and timely action is taken to protect children.
  • Safeguarding concerns are consistently identified, recorded, escalated and responded to appropriately across all settings, including consideration of emerging patterns and cumulative risk, in line with statutory safeguarding guidance.
  • Procedures to manage allegations against staff are consistently followed across the settings.
  • Review and strengthen current arrangements for monitoring safeguarding training, supervision and support to ensure these are effective in securing consistent staff understanding and application of safeguarding responsibilities across all settings, including recognition of child protection concerns, escalation routes and whistleblowing procedures.
  • Any weaknesses in staff knowledge or practise of safeguarding responsibilities are addressed, and that robust and effective systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the impact of training and supervision on safeguarding practice.

In a statement, Bright Horizons said: The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is always our first priority. Whilst we are disappointed that Ofsted have chosen to issue a Welfare Requirements Notice against us, particularly as Sir Martyn Oliver recognises that the majority of our nurseries are meeting requirements, we are taking the matter extremely seriously.

“On those occasions when our practice falls short of the standards we and our families rightly expect, we recognise that this is not acceptable. We are taking swift and robust action at the highest level and are working in partnership with Ofsted to fully address the concerns identified, which we are confident we will be able to do successfully.

“We continue to focus on consistently embedding our strong safeguarding culture across all our nurseries.”

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King and Queen will not live in Buckingham Palace after renovations

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King Charles and Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony wearing crowns and robes

The landmark may now also be able to open for a longer period, generating more income. It currently opens its State Rooms to visitors each summer and on selected dates throughout the rest of the year, the proceeds of which go to the Royal Collection Trust, a charity responsible for the care and conservation of royal art.

The King will continue to host a range of events at the palace, from state banquets and garden parties to receptions and audiences with the prime minister and new ambassadors.

“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” said a palace spokesperson. “It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way.”

Norman Baker, former Lib Dem Home Office minister and a critic of royal funding, told the BBC that Buckingham Palace visitor ticket sales should instead go to the Treasury.

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“They bring in millions every year, so what should happen is if they’re not living in Buckingham Palace, [they] should open it to the public and all the money from visitors 12 months of the year should go to the Treasury to help pay for refurbishment,” he said.

Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, said: “The government agreed to spend £369m on refurbishing Buckingham Palace and now Charles doesn’t want to use it.

“But he’ll keep it under lock and key for when he does. Clearly, the palace needs to be fully open to the public all year round.”

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