Politics
21 Of The Best Sex Toys For Couples, From Clit Vibrators To Butt Plugs
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In the grand old year of 2026, we’re finally on track to be able to publicly name the issues we can have in our sex lives.
And while there are a plethora of personal issues you might bring into sex with you, if there’s one shared one that unites every couple, it’s how to keep your sex life alive in a long-term relationship.
Ladies, gents, and enbies, I have the answer: sex toys. Some couples might flirt with the idea of a threesome, but I think there’s nothing better than a pleasure pal to bring into the bedroom when you’re stuck for inspo.
And you’re in luck, because there has never been a more fruitful time for bedmates than today.
Whether you want a sex toy to help with longer erections, or to make sure you’re always having a clitoral orgasm, or simply want something fun and new to explore with your loved one, there is something for everyone.
Keep reading for our round up of the best, and an expert’s advice into how to find the best couples’ sex toy for you, how to use them, and everything else you might need to know.
Best couples’ sex toys at a glance:
What are the benefits of using sex toys with a partner?
If you’re not convinced about forming a trio with tech, there are actually plenty of benefits that could come from using a sex toy with your partner, Eichhorn explains. These include:
- Bringing new sensations into shared play;
- Close the pleasure gap many heterosexual couples experience (around eight in 10 people with vulvas require clitoral stimulation to orgasm, and straight men are unfortunately still coming more frequently than straight women);
- Allowing for simultaneous stimulation of multiple erogenous zones – because your partner can only do so much at one time;
- Freeing up hands for touch and connection;
- Opening the door to honest conversations about needs and desires (there’s pleasure in the debrief)
- Building greater intimacy and connection between partners.
What are the different types of sex toys for couples?
If you’re completely new to the world of couples’ sex toys, you might not be sure what your options are.
Although there are sex toys specifically designed for couples, the most important thing to consider when buying a couples’ sex toy is what works for you, according to head of sex education at Satisfyer, Melanie Eichhorn.
“Choosing a toy for two is less about finding ‘the best one’ and more about finding the right fit for your bodies and your dynamic as a couple,” she says.
“Whatever your combination of anatomy, there’s an incredible variety of couples’ toys out there – designed with straight, gay and lesbian couples equally in mind – so there’s no single ‘right’ choice, only the one that suits you.”
However, there are a variety of sex toys you might want to turn to for inspiration, Eichhorn notes, including:
- C-shaped vibrators: “One end is inserted into the vagina while the other rests against the clitoris, so both partners feel the vibration during penetrative sex,” Eichhorn says.
- Vibrating penis rings: “Worn at the base of the penis, they restrict blood flow just enough to support firmer, longer-lasting erections. Vibrating versions can also stimulate the vulva at the same time.”
- Strap-on harnesses with dildos: “Any dildo with a flared base pairs with most harnesses, opening up penetration without a penis and leaving hands free.”
- Wand massagers: “Brilliant for full-body massage as well as focused vulva and clitoral stimulation.”
- Double dildos: “Smooth on both ends so partners can use it together at the same time.”
- Butt plugs or anal beads: Can be worn inside the anus during penetration or oral sex – or by itself – to stimulate your prostate or G-spot (which can be felt from your asshole, FYI).
But this is by no means a comprehensive list. “Really, any toy can become a couple’s toy,” Eichhorn notes. “A classic air-pulse vibrator or a solo masturbator can just as easily be explored together, used during penetration, or enjoyed side by side during mutual masturbation.”
21 of the best couples’ sex toys to shop in 2026
Best vibrating egg
If you’re not familiar with Coco de Mer, you need to get on your A game. Everything the London-based brand makes screams absolute luxury, and that’s no different for this vibrating egg vibrator.
Not only does it come in the sleekest vegan leather storage case you’ve ever seen, but the remote control doubles as a clit or nipple vibrator, so you can have the egg against your G-spot while your partner uses the remote however they so choose.
+ The travel case elicited a gasp from me and my gf
+ Versatile as the remote doubles as a vibrator
– On the more expensive side, but worth it for what you get.
Type: Vibrating remote-control egg in a luxury vegan leather storage case
Best for: Lesbian couple, partner with a vulva
Features: 10 vibration modes in the egg and the remote
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best remote controlled prostate massager
If there’s one thing I wish people with penises would embrace more, it’s the power of the prostate. If you or your partner isn’t quite there with full-on anal penetration, toys could be a great way to start.
This one from LELO is as premium as they come, as it’s designed for prostate and perineum stimulation. Whether you’re controlling it yourself or handing over the fate of your pleasure to your partner, you can increase through its six intensities with the remote control that operates at the flick of a wrist. Chic.
+ Premium silicone
+ Covers two erogenous zones for the price of one
– Quite spenny (but worth it; promise).
Type: Remote-controlled prostate massager
Best for: Someone with a penis
Features: 6 vibration modes
Material: Silicone, ABS plastic
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best for long-distance couples
The fun doesn’t have to stop when you’re not together anymore. Thankfully, technology has evolved enough that we can have fun together, no matter where we are in the world.
Just look at this G-spot vibrator, which can be controlled via the Lovense app for endless hours of enjoyment. The app has tons of fun features, including the ability to sync other toys from Lovense with it, and you can even customise the vibration patterns to move in time with your favourite music.
+ Battery lasts for over five hours
+ Speedy charging
+ Endless vibration modes via the app
– Everyone loves the Lovense Lush 4, but I think it’s too big and prefer this one. If you like a girthier size you might prefer the OG.
Type: App-controlled G-spot vibrator
Best for: Long-distance couples, partners with a clit
Features: 10 built-in vibration modes, endless modes and interactive features via the app (truly, you’ll need months to explore all of them so you’ll never get bored)
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best for staying in tune
Remote-controlled sex toys are great, to be fair, but I often wonder if the ‘controlling’ partner really knows what’s going on for their partner.
Obviously, Lovehoney has the answers to all my questions (that’s why it has my name in it) so it’s created this C-shaped toy that comes with a haptic squeeze remote, that vibrates at the same intensity as the toy so you can tell what’s going on down there.
Meanwhile, the toy itself stimulates the G- and C-spot, so you’ll reach a blissful blended orgasm in no time.
+ Uses We-Vibe’s rumbly vibrations
+ Can be controlled from anywhere in the world via the We-Vibe app, too
– I wish the remote was better designed to also be a sex toy in its own right.
Type: Remote and app-controlled C-shaped toy for C-spot and G-spot stimulation
Best for: Long-distance relationships, or improving intimacy when you’re together
Features: 10 intensity levels, 7 vibration patterns, and 3 Fusion Wave Patterns
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best for straight couples
There are so many distractions in this world that it can be hard to find time to connect with your partner. If you’re looking for an excuse, this sex toy set will have you coming together (literally) in no time.
One part is a stretchy cock ring, and the other is a clit vibrator, which intensifies in speed the closer the cock ring gets to it. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can change the setting so that the vibrator intensifies as the cock ring moves faster, or even make it responsive to sound. We’ll leave you to figure that one out for yourself.
+ A fun way to improve intimacy
+ Can buy a harness or finger clutch so you don’t have to hold the clit vibrator
+ Charge lasts up to 5 hours
+ App-controllable
– Takes a while to figure out the different modes.
Type: App-controlled cock ring and clit vibrator set
Best for: Couples who need a little helping hand in the bedroom department
Features: Vibrates more intensely when the cock ring moves closer to the clit vibe, or when the cock ring moves faster, or responds to sound. App-controllable.
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best strap-on kit
Who would’ve thunk strap ons aren’t just for lesbians? Honestly, they’re for anyone who doesn’t have a dong, or anyone who does, but if you’re interested in penetrating your partner for the first time, a strap on kit will be your giver guide.
This one from Ann Summers come set with everyone you could ever need: an adjustable harness, and your choice of two dildos, depending on whether you’re penetrating vaginally or anally.
Plus, it also comes with three O-rings, so you can switch them out for your favourite one at home, or even buy a new one when you get more confident.
+ Vibrates thanks to the rechargeable bullet
+ Easy to change dildos
+ Can choose between a curved dildo for G-spot stimulation or a straight one if that’s not your thing
– Takes a little adjusting to the sensation of thrusting.
Type: Strap on harness with two dildos, vibrating bullet, and three O-rings
Best for: Pegging or vaginal penetration
Features: Harness fits from XS to XL, 10 vibration modes in the bullet, one 4.5 inch G-spot dildo and one 5 inch straight dildo
Material: Silicone dildos; nylon harness
Power: Rechargeable bullet
Waterproof: Yes.
Best vibrating cock ring overall
Trying to level up your man’s member? No offence to your man, but this cock ring will turn it into a vibrator.
It’s super stretchy, so it’ll fit a variety of girths, and has a selection of 12 vibration modes to choose from so you’re guaranteed to reach O town in no time.
+ Rumbly vibrations, rather than buzzy
+ Plenty stretchy, so it won’t leave their penis numb
– We suspect the clit owner in your relationship will have a hard time lasting with this one.
Type: Vibrating cock ring
Best for: Partner with a penis
Features: 5 vibration speeds and 7 patterns
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best for new parents
With a little one at home, it can be tricky to find your way back to intimacy with your partner (or even with yourself). Not only do you have a new human to think about, but your body is likely going to feel different for a while (the fourth trimester lasts for two years!).
For a gentle ease back into pleasure, this lipstick-shaped bullet vibrator is whisper-quiet, so as to not disturb anyone, and it also delivers fives modes of gentle vibrations to your C-spot and nipples, which is great if you’re worried about painful postpartum sex.
+ The shape makes for an interesting range of sensations
+ Silicone is super smooth and buttery
– Not the most powerful, which might not be enough as you build up.
Type: Silent bullet vibrator
Best for: Partner with a vulva, birthing parent
Features: 3 vibration speeds and 2 patterns
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best male masturbator
Sex toys aren’t just for people with vulvas! This toy from Hot Octopuss wraps around your schlong to make every sensation heightened.
Use it while you’re penetrating your partner (thanks to its handy curved base) or for some solo play, and that wrist-shaped remote will give your lover total operation over your Os so you can go totally hands-free.
+ Doesn’t have an end, so you can stroke it or leave it in one place
+ Fits any size penis
– It’s a little bulky, but that’s the price of a good time.
Type: Remote-controlled vibrating male masturbator
Best for: Couples with someone with a penis
Features: 7 vibration modes, 3 speeds
Material: Silicone, ABS plastic
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best remote-controlled panty vibrator
Exhibitionists, listen up! You didn’t hear this from me, but you can actually get your thrills secretly when you’re on a date – all you need is a remote control vibrator like the Dame Lay, and a partner who’s up for some fun.
Created by a sexologist and an engineer, Dame toys are all designed with women’s pleasure in mind. And they’ve got it down: this panty vibrator is loaded with 10 different vibration modes, which is just enough to take your daily walking from boring to O-ing.
+ Super soft silicone
+ Remote controls up to 26 feet away
+ Can also wear it around your house – cleaning, for example, can be much more fun than it seems.
– Just try not to get caught!
Type: Remote-controlled panty vibrator
Best for: Partner with a vulva
Features: 5 intensity levels and 5 patterns
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best rabbit cock ring
Not convinced by the vibrating nub on other cock rings? To maximise the likelihood the vibrations meet your C-spot, this cock ring comes crowned with rabbit ears, so you can turn your partner’s peen into your favourite rabbit vibrator.
There are 10 vibration modes to choose from, and your C-spot will be so tickled you’ll want to come back to it O-ver and over again. Sweet.
+ The rabbit ears are long to make sure it meets your C-spot
+ Strong vibrations
– Not as stretchy as other options.
Type: Vibrating cock ring
Best for: Extra long erections for him; multiple orgasms for her
Features: 3 vibration speeds and 7 patterns
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Diameter: 1.25-2inches
Waterproof: Yes.
Best double ended dildo
Whether you want to be face to face or end to end (because who wants to look at each other all the time?) LELO’s Boomerang toy opens up a whole new world of pleasure possibilities.
As well as being one of the most beautiful double-ended dildos I’ve ever seen, it’s ultra bendy, and has endless vibration combinations that can be controlled separately for each end via the app.
+ Plenty of ways to play, so each partner gets what they want
+ Bendy so you can get it in just the right spot
+ Charge lasts up to 2 hours
– You’ve gotta figure out the right positioning for this one.
Type: Double-ended G-spot dildo
Best for: Lesbian couples, or a straight couple with a vulva and a prostate (end to end)
Features: 8 vibration patterns, 2 extra via the app, with 16 intensities each
Material: Silicone, ABS plastic
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Most versatile couples’ toy
Toys are supposed to be fun, so you want something that’s going to bring out your creativity! Well, this toy from Satisfyer is just the thing, because there are 29 different ways to play with it.
Whether you’re going for vaginal or anal penetration, or even enjoying a spot of oral, you can use this however you feel like. Think: double penetration, as a cock ring, clit stimulator, nipple toy, or even a G-spot wand. Your move, player.
+ Looks like a DIY tool, so no one will ever suspect what it really does
+ You decide how you want to play
– Not as straightforward as, say, a bullet vibe.
Type: Penis stimulator
Best for: Double penetration, penis vibrations, clit stimulation (the options are endless!)
Features: 10 vibration speeds in both ends, for 100 possible combinations
Material: Silicone, ABS plastic
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes
Best clit vibrator kit
Some days you want internal penetration; others you want external. You shouldn’t have to choose! Luckily for you, this kit comes with two options: a vibrating egg toy, which can sit inside you while you’re getting head, and a panty vibrator for clit vibration on the go.
Both can be controlled via the We-Vibe app, so you can hand over control of your pleasure to your willing partner, or if you’re a lesbian couple, you can take control of each others’ for double the fun.
+ Ideal if you both have vulvas
+ Can wear the panty vibrator out and about as it’s not too loud
– The egg is quite big, so probably not for everyone.
Type: Kit with an app-controlled vibrating love egg and a wearable knicker vibrator
Best for: Lesbian couples or a vulva owner who wants options
Features: 10 vibration modes in each toy
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Submersible.
Best for backdoor beginners
Everyone wants to try anal these days, but did you know you can’t just jump into it out of nowhere? In fact, it can take four to six weeks to stretch your anal muscle out for healthy and safe anal penetration.
When you’ve experimented with sticking a finger or two up there, it might be time to graduate on to a slimline butt plug like this one from Smile Makers Collection, which is small enough for beginners and has a flared base, which means you’ll avoid any awkward trips to the hospital.
+ Small and sweet, so it’s not intimidating for beginners
+ Gentle buzzy vibrations, so it doesn’t get numb up there
– Might not be strong enough for anal aficionados.
Type: Vibrating butt plug
Best for: Couples new to anal sex
Features: 3 vibration speeds and 2 pulsation modes
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best for longer lasting erections
In recent years, there’s been an explosion in the number of people with penises who experience erectile dysfunction. Not only can that be frustrating for you, but also for your partner.
But there’s no shame in acknowledging it, and MYHIXEL has even created a device that’s scientifically proven to enhance your erection over time. So shaped to trap blood flow to your penis, it’s ergonomically designed to prolong your erection so you can keep having a good time, for longer.
+ Won’t damage your urethra over time
+ Comes in a pack of three so you can choose the firmness you need
– Not the most exciting toy on the list, but maybe the most necessary.
Type: Medical cock ring
Best for: People with penises
Features: Different intensities so you can train your erection and experience better orgasms
Material: Silicone
Power: None
Waterproof: Not clear but I don’t see why not.
Best strapless strap-on
I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of toys that only serve one person. If you’re playing with two vulvas, there’s no reason you can’t both have fun at the same time.
With a strapless strap on like this one from Happy Rabbit that can happen, as the wearer and receiver will both get the benefits of its vibration modes – and the wearer will even get clit stimulation, too.
+ Everyone gets in on the action
+ Easy to wear, unlike a harness, which can be fiddly
– The wearer will need to do some kegels, as things can get quite slippery.
Type: Strapless strap-on
Best for: Lesbian lovers
Features: 12 vibration modes in the shaft, 3 in the clit ‘ear’s and 3 in the pony
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Submersible.
Best sex pillow
Remember a few years ago when the speed bump position went viral? This pillow would’ve come in real handy if you realised that was a one way ticket to laundry city.
This wedge is designed specifically for sex and, while it’s admittedly quite bulky to store when it’s not (ahem) in use, it does mean you can get deeper into positions than if you’re just lying flat on the bed. Plus, you can remove the cover to wash it.
+ Machine washable cover
+ Great for those with tight hips or mobility issues
– Quite big and tricky to store
Type: Sex pillow
Best for: Oral, doggy, missionary (any position!)
Features: Adds some height to your position so you can penetrate deeper
Material: Polyester / Microfiber Velvet / High Density PU Foam
Power: N/A
Waterproof: Moisture-resistant.
Best finger vibrator
When you’re trying to get intimate with your lover, you don’t always want to have a huge sex toy in the way. For clit stimulation without the intrusion, finger vibrators can deliver just as much power in a small, but mighty, package.
This one from Svakom not only comes with 10 built-in settings to choose from (as well as 11 more via the app) but also heats up to 38 degrees to introduce a new kind of stimulation into the mix.
+ Easy to hold, thanks to those handy finger straps
+ Doesn’t get in the way
– Heating technology might not be for everyone.
Type: Heated finger vibrator
Best for: Clit stimulation during penetration
Features: 5 vibration patterns and 5 intensities; 11 extra via the Svakom app, heats to 38 degrees
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Yes.
Best butt plug for rimming
Sometimes you want to introduce a new sensation into sex, and if you’ve already conquered anal, there’s not much more you can do.
At least, not until you try this rimming buttplug, which contains rotating beads along the base so it’ll feel exactly like your partner is tossing your salad, all without them having to do it.
+ Vibrates and rotates, for extra sensations during sex
+ Remote works up to 30 feet away
+ Quiet and discreet because it comes in a travel case
– Might be too big and intense for beginners.
Type: Rotating and vibrating butt plug
Best for: Trying new things
Features: 7 rotation and vibration patterns with 6 intensity levels
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Waterproof: Splashproof.
What to consider when buying a couples’ sex toy
Now that I’ve thrown tons of info at you about couples’ sex toys, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Bear in mind, these are the toys I’ve tried and tested, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be right for you!
In fact, I encourage you to go off piste and find a toy you think you and your partner will enjoy.
There are various factors to consider if you’re going to do that, Eichhorn notes, such as:
- Communication: “Check in with your partner first,” she suggests. Ask what you want from a toy, and if you want to use it together or separately.
- Materials and body-safe: “Look for body-safe, non-porous materials like medical-grade silicone or stainless steel, and check they’re free from phthalates,” says Eichhorn. “This matters even more for toys used internally or shared between partners.”
- Intensity: “Couples don’t always want the same thing at the same time, so toys with multiple vibration or Air Pulse Technology settings let both partners find their ideal intensity, rather than compromising on one fixed level.”
- Price: “Higher price doesn’t always mean better performance, but very cheap toys often cut corners on materials or motor quality,” Eichhorn notes.
- Added features: “It’s worth considering waterproof designs for shower play, app or remote connectivity for long-distance couples, and easy-to-clean surfaces all make a toy easier to fit into everyday intimacy.”
What are the current couples’ sex toy trends?
There is so much going on in the sex tech industry, which is set to double by 2050. If you’ve tried all the basic couples’ sex toys, and want to try something new and zeitgeisty, there are a few trends to pay attention to.
Eichhorn points to app-controlled toys as one of the main and ongoing sex toy trends, while wearable sex toys are also popular. This could include panty vibrators, or finger vibrators.
There are also more toys focused on both partners’ pleasure, she says. “Rather than treating couples’ toys as an add-on to penetrative sex, newer designs focus on stimulating both partners at once – C-shaped vibrators that reach the clitoris, G-spot and penis together, or Air Pulse Technology built directly into couples’ vibrators, so neither partner has to wait their turn to feel good.”
How do you use couples’ sex toys?
Now that you’ve got your new sexy assistant, you might be wondering how to actually use it. Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
No pressure
While it’s a good idea to have fun with it and experiment, there are a few things to keep in mind when bringing a sex toy into the bedroom.
“Be patient, and don’t put pressure on yourselves,” says Eichhorn. “Pressure is the number one lust killer. Expecting an instant orgasm the moment you introduce a new toy tends to backfire, making an orgasm less likely rather than more – arousal thrives on relaxation, not performance goals.”
Exploration is king
That means you don’t need to turn your vibrator up to the highest setting from the get go, start low and slow and see where it takes you. There’s no rush!
Talking to your partner about your expectations is also a good idea – consent is key, after all.
Talk it out
“However much we wish otherwise, our partners can’t read our minds,” Eichhorn explains. “Open communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings, especially around intimacy – let your partner know what you’d like to try, and why it excites you.
“It also helps to check in during and after: what felt good, what didn’t, and what you’d like to explore next time. This kind of ongoing feedback turns a single try into an evolving, shared experience rather than a one-off experiment.”
Iran is “playing Donald Trump like a fiddle” as the US president struggles to strike a peace deal with the Tehran regime, Andrew Neil has said.
In a brutal takedown, the veteran broadcaster said there are now “no good options” for America, despite the US president’s repeated claims to have won the war.
His comments on Times Radio came after Iran denied it was planning to hold peace talks with America to end the conflict, which began when the US and Israel launched attacks at the end of February.
That came after Trump claimed to have called off “massive” strikes on Iran so that negotiations could resume.
Neil said Iran was stringing Trump along until the US midterm elections in November, when his Republican Party is expected to suffer a heavy defeat.
He said: “The truth is there are no good options [for Trump].
“You escalate this war, as he has threatened to do many times, Iran will escalate right back and create a mess among the Gulf states.
“You don’t do that, basically Iran has the upper hand and in the end you have to scuttle away.
“There is no deal in the offing. Iran is playing Trump like a fiddle on this. This is a very evil regime in Tehran, but it’s not a stupid regime.
“They know what’s happening in America. They follow the midterms as closely as we do. They know this is a deeply unpopular war.
“The impact on the American economy has been very unpopular, his handling of the economy now has an approval rating of 30% [and] 78% of Americans want the war to end now.
“They are just going to drag this out through the summer months, until Trump gets a kicking in the midterm elections.”
He added: “It’s a terrible time for America with no good options, and none of this rhetoric coming from Trump – we waste our time even analysing it because it’s either meaningless or he U-turns on it within 24 hours.”
Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.
The cyber-criminal group ExfilSquad has leaked the names and contact details of more than 100,000 police staff on the dark web.
The news follows threats from the same group last week to leak more data unless public institutions met their demands for payment. ExfilSquad posted on X:
Check your emails! We warned most of you before posting these public warnings!!
Once your company’s data is posted here, it’s NEVER leaving the public eye and it will be passed around the internet FOREVER.
The payment we request of you is simply a rounding error compared to the litigation costs of your data leaking. Be smart and just pay.
Hackers put multiple organisations under threat
Last week, the Canary reported that the same hackers had posted data stolen from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Police National Legal Database (PNLD). A source explained that a majority of the 145,550 full-time police officers employed in England and Wales have used the PNLD as part of their daily work.
Whilst ExfilSquad stated that they targeted 14 institutions in total, the identities of the others were not public knowledge. However, the most recent reporting from the Telegraph has revealed that the wide-scale hack targeted the Crown Prosecution Service, Home Office, Ministry of Defence and the National Crime Agency.
Likewise, the cyber criminals also breached Newcastle University — the only non-state body named so far. ExfilSquad reportedly stole data including the names, addresses and phone numbers of both staff and students.
The university has already begun an investigation into the exact nature of the attack and the vulnerability of its systems.
Cybersecurity adviser Jake Moore, of European infosec giant Eset, explained:
The information put on the dark web should not be underestimated. More experienced threat actors see it as highly valuable because it enables them to personalise follow-up attacks, such as phishing or social engineering, which puts even more data at risk.
***
These attacks are becoming more common as criminals increasingly automate their tactics with ease and exploit the development using AI. The knock-on effect means organisations are facing a far higher volume of attacks, often with far less effort required from the attacker.
‘Officers at serious risk’
The Times reported that a government spokesperson declined to comment on the security breach, stating:
We have dedicated capabilities to respond to cyber incidents, and it would be inappropriate to comment on a live investigation.
However, a staff member from one of the targeted law enforcement organisations said:
I have worked in serious organised crime and put high-level criminals behind bars. For private information to be leaked about me is very disconcerting and puts officers at serious risk.
In the past I have been forced to move into safe houses and sell cars due to my job. Now I will have to keep my wits about me online and look out for anyone trying to get more serious information. It is not a good look.
Featured image via Ethan Wilkinson/ Unsplash
By Grace
Politics
UKLFI’s desperate efforts to control anti-Israel narrative succeed after vegan fest cancelled
A new four‑day vegan festival in London, billed as being “built on principles of love and kindness for all sentient beings” has been cancelled after complaints from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).
The Scout Association cancelled the Great Vegan Festival’s venue booking just weeks before the event was to take place at their Gilwell Park Activity Centre in Chingford.
The association pulled the plug after UKLFI wrote to management warning them that several acts on the line‑up were “antisemitic”.
A statement from the Great Vegan Gathering read:
After pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel, Gilwell Park decided to cancel our venue hire contract just weeks before the event. As vegans, we oppose oppression in any context and therefore stand resolutely against Israel’s genocide of Palestinian humans and animals in Gaza.
It is deeply regrettable that an event seeking to raise funds for rescued animals at sanctuaries was attacked by UKLFI, an anti-Palestinian group that has repeatedly targeted cultural events and organisations.
The Scout Association has cancelled a venue booking by a vegan music festival after @UKLFI warned that bands on its line-up had promoted material alleged to be antisemitic and supportive of violence against Israelis. Read more: https://t.co/66wGB1NVa6
— UK Lawyers For Israel (@UKLFI) July 30, 2026
UKLFI accuses musicians of ‘endorsing violence’
UKLFI claimed the musicians had published or performed material that “endorsed violence, vilified Israel and Israelis, and risked stirring up racial hatred”.
The bands HAWXX, Active Slaughter, and Millie Manders and the Shutup were specifically mentioned by UKLFI. They had previously spoken up against ‘Israel’s’ genocide, colonialism and fascism, and the criminal IOF.
UKLFI highlighted several of their songs, to justify its actions.
One of these was Active Slaughter’s song, It’s Not Anti-Semitic to Hate Fascists, which UKLFI claimed “accuses Israeli forces of killing ‘for fun’ and planting knives beside injured Palestinian teenagers”. But this is true, as this film about Palestinian human rights defenders in Hebron clearly shows.
Israeli forces have filmed knives being planted beside Palestinian youths on more than one occasion.
UKLFI also claimed that if the festival went ahead in its proposed form, it could expose the Scout Association, as the venue operator, to legal, safeguarding and reputational risks.
Andrew Thorp, deputy public relations lead for the Scout Association, told us:
A decision has been made to cancel the hire of our venue for The Great Vegan Gathering at Gilwell Park.
Following the initial confirmation of the booking, we conducted a review into some actions taken by the event organisers. The review concluded that these actions were not consistent with Scout values or our venue hire policies.
As a result, we have informed the organisers that the event will not proceed at Gilwell Park.
We remain committed to ensuring that all activity taking place at our venues reflects our values and supports an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for everyone.”
The Canary asked Thorp for more details, but he did not respond further.
Repeat targeting of cultural organisations and events
Anyone cancelling the use of their venue based on this should be absolutely ashamed, and consulting their lawyers @scoutadventures
All solidarity with the Great Vegan Gathering.@MiddleEastEye pic.twitter.com/JT49cZky0O
— Stop genocide. End apartheid. Free Palestine
(@JonWooders) July 30, 2026
JJ Maguire, a singer in Active Slaughter, told Middle East Eye:
My Jewish granddad escaped persecution in Nazi Germany, but many of his family members were murdered…It’s with him in mind that I founded a band which, in keeping with punk traditions, refuses far right politics wherever it rears its head.
***
I was absolutely appalled to learn that UK Lawyers for Israel had mounted an attack on our pro-Palestine free speech.
Millie Manders, from the band, Millie Manders and the Shutup, said:
My band and I are proud to support justice for all animals and humans. This includes opposing Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, a position shared by millions of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists – people from every background.
Manders added:
We will never stop advocating for what’s right.
Attempted erasure of Palestine
UKLFI uses tactics of “legal intimidation” to silence pro-Palestine, or anti-‘Israel’ speech and activism. It sends letters, suggesting the possibility of legal action, while events are told they raise legal or equality concerns. The institution on the receiving end then risks legal action, costs and reputational damage.
By doing this the organisation erodes democratic rights as it aims to erase Palestine from public life. It has taken matters upon itself to police our speech and actions. Academic institutions, the internet, sports, public institutions, charities, councils, companies and individuals have all come under fire.
In 2026, its actions led to the cancellation of academic events and the banning of Palestine Solidarity symbols worn by various railway, airport and hospital staff. It has also influenced guidance on investment of council pension funds.
Worryingly, two encyclopedias were told by UKLFI that their referencing to Palestine was incorrect. In addition, academic institutions have changed the description and wording of courses to remove the word ‘Palestine’.
Of course, UKLFI is lying when it states its concerns are “rooted in historical accuracy and educational responsibility”.
The Scouts have been repeatedly targeted. In January, UKLFI wrote to a north London Scout group after an adult leader wore a keffiyeh, arguing the conduct may amount to harassment under the Equality Act.
In February, UKLFI wrote again after staff were seen wearing symbols of support for Palestine.
..@UklfiT has written to a North London Scout group after being informed that an adult leader at a Beavers meeting for children aged six to eight wore a keffiyeh, a garment with widely recognised political significance connected to the Palestinian cause. https://t.co/OBaLqtrVy1
— UK Lawyers For Israel (@UKLFI) January 17, 2026
UKLFI’s role in shutting down Palestine discourse
In August 2025, UKLFI complained to Hertfordshire Scouts about Camp Wilayah, an annual Islamic children’s summer camp on its land. UKLFI alleged breaches of the Public Order Act, the Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act and the Children Act. The Scouts cancelled the booking, even though the camp had taken place for more than 13 years with no complaints.
The European Legal Support Centre (ELSC) and Forensic Architecture labelled UKLFI a “major actor” in the repression of pro‑Palestinian activism in the UK.
It exploits the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which equates criticism of ‘Israel’ with antisemitism. It also exploits terror legislation to create a chilling effect on pro-Palestine discourse.
Various organisations are taking action against UKLFI’s threatening behaviour and weaponisation of the law.
The Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) and ELSC have filed a 114‑page complaint with the Solicitors Regulation Authority. They claim UKLFI is using legal threats as a form of strategic intimidation to shut down public debate on Palestine. As such, they are calling for UKLFI to be regulated as an unregistered law firm.
The Charity Commission is also investigating UKLFI’s charitable wing after a complaint by CAGE. CAGE accused it of “engaging in vexatious and malicious complaints” against pro-Palestinian activism, while “masquerading as a charity.”
Senior barristers linked to the group also face a separate complaint over their role as patrons.
$730m hasbara budget making no difference
Pressure from UKLFI is part of a much larger, state‑backed effort to manage the occupation’s global image. In 2026, the ‘Israeli’ government approved a public diplomacy budget of roughly $730m.
Foreign minister Gideon Saar argues that managing ‘Israel’s’ image should be treated like “investing in jets, bombs, and missile interceptors”.
More than $50m is going into digital ad buys, around $40m into flying in delegations, and tens of millions more into influencer networks, AI‑driven content tools and targeted campaigns aimed at US universities and young Americans, where support for ‘Israel’ has plummeted.
Despite this unprecedented propaganda budget, unfavourable views continue to rise. No amount of money or digital campaigns can buy back the truth. The official story, framing ‘Israel’ as a democracy under threat, which treats all criticism as antisemitism and refers Palestinian resistance as terrorism, is starting to fall apart.
Featured image via Vegan FTA
By Charlie Jaay
So-called ‘Israel’ continued to livestream the extermination of an entire people over the weekend, with a massive string of atrocities across Gaza.
On Saturday 1 August, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) targeted warehouses used for storing medicines at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. According to Drop Site News, the buildings contained “critical supplies and equipment for kidney dialysis”.
Referencing Zionist policies that severely restrict aid to Gaza, hospital director, Raed Hussein, said “supplies have never been fully provided” over the past three years of genocide. He said any that do get in arrive “in a limited and reduced manner”.
Now, Zionist terrorists have destroyed even that small quantity of medical equipment.
The blast left an enormous crater and destroyed large numbers of tents people had been using as makeshift shelter, alongside their belongings. Fatima Sharab was one of those left bereft.
She told Drop Site:
The mattresses, blankets we’d managed to gather after losing them 15 times, they’re gone again. What is left after this?
‘Israel’wants to spread disease throughout Gaza
In response to the attack, Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Palestinian Ministry of Health – Gaza, said:
When the occupation fights people by destroying medicines and preventing medicine from entering, it turns medicine and illness itself into a tool of war.
Spreading epidemics as a means of mass murder is stated as an ‘Israeli’ policy. Giora Eiland, a retired major-general and still a key figure in the apartheid entity’s security establishment, said:
The international community warns us of a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and of severe epidemics. We must not shy away from this, as difficult as that may be. After all, severe epidemics in the south of the Gaza Strip will bring victory closer and reduce casualties among IDF soldiers.
In response, Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, commented:
I agree with every word.
On the same day as the medical warehouse war crime, the IOF murdered “at least seven Palestinians”, the Palestinian Wafa news agency told media. In one atrocity:
An Israeli drone attack killed two people in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood…
The IOF killed another Palestinian in a Deir el-Balah drone strike and slaughtered another person “.in a strike on a tent near a school in al-Mawasi, north of Khan Younis”, Al Jazeera reported.
Terrorist forces killed three more people through the use of drones and air strikes later in the day.
Sunday 2 August was even more horrific as butchers serving the land theft project killed at least 19 people. Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Mosab Abu Toha, who documents much of the daily crimes the IOF carries out, said the killing started when:
Israel carried out a strike on an apartment in Gaza City at 1:13 a.m. local time. Two parents and their child were burnt to death. A few minutes before that, Israel bombed a house in Der el-Balah in Central Gaza, killing two people.
Footage shows child casualties of Zionist crimes
Abu Toha shared graphic footage of what appears to be the child victim of that attack. Drop Site News provided similarly harrowing evidence of other innocent children horribly wounded by yet another illegal strike “on a residential apartment in the al-Mawasi area, northwest of Khan Younis, early Sunday”.
Three Palestinians, including a child, were killed in the strike on the Hamza family’s apartment, according to Shehab News Agency.
Drop Site provided a list of the atrocities Zionists carried out during the 24-hour period, detailing at least 10 separate attacks during what Western media still absurdly calls a “ceasefire”. Since the supposed cessation of hostilities began in October 2025, apartheid land thieves have murdered “1,233 Palestinians, including 266 children“.
This is far more than the number of ‘Israeli’ civilians killed on 7 October. In response to that, Western mainstream media reacted with horror and proceeded to cheer on the Gaza holocaust. However, daily IOF atrocities contributing to that continuing extermination campaign are largely ignored.
It was therefore left to Mosab Abu Toha to call Western complicity to account in the wake of the latest wave of barbarism.
He wrote:
While you are enjoying time with your families this summer, traveling to water parks, hiking through the woods, picking blueberries, and photographing mushrooms and rocks, Gazan families continue to be slaughtered in their tents, burned alive, and torn apart by Israeli attacks.
Children continue to be targeted. Those who survive are often left as the sole survivors of their families or are permanently disabled.
None of this would be possible without the political, military, and financial support provided by the United States and many European governments.
Israel must be held accountable and punished for its heinous and live-streamed war crimes. This video you are seeing is from this early morning in Gaza. Do these kids not look like yours? Do you really appreciate kids and family?
Featured image via Mahmoud Issa/ Reuters
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has been broadly praised by critics. The record-breaking movie has a whopping 94% on review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes (that jumps up to 97% for the audience-generated Popcornmeter score).
Still, the adaptation has received its fair share of criticism, too. Nolan’s version of the millennia-old story was partly inspired by classical studies professor Emily Wilson’s translation of the poem.
But Wilson, it seemed, wasn’t such a fan. While she was “humbled” the director had cited her work, the classics expert said she would “be ashamed to have written any part of” the script.
Writer Joyce Carol Oates has since defended the director’s interpretation. And now, Nolan himself has chimed in on the discourse.
Speaking with translator, lecturer and podcaster Zhong Shu, Nolan talked about “a fundamental flaw of film criticism”.
When asked about how his version of the Greek classic portrays Odysseus (played by Matt Damon) in a more contemporary way, the director said: “The criticism that’s often levelled at movies in general is, ‘Oh, the character has to be made sympathetic, so the character is manipulated in different ways or changed in different ways’.”
“And that’s a fundamental flaw of film criticism in a way, or storytelling criticism. Because to be able to identify the mechanism does not invalidate the mechanism. And that’s a real problem in criticism today.”
The Oppenheimer auteur continued, “I’m thinking more of amateur criticism, because they feel they’ve identified the mechanism, they feel that it invalidates it. That can be true of certain elements, and film grammar, film language evolves with that.
“So when a trope becomes too familiar to an audience, then it has to be changed. But we do, as filmmakers, avail ourselves of that common language. We build on that understanding. Our audience has seen many films and they understand that language.”
You can watch Zhong Shu’s podcast here.
Politics
The House | “She dared to be a Daniel, she dared to stand alone”: Tributes to Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe: 4 October 1947 – c. 8 July 2026 | Image by: Colin McPherson / Alamy
11 min read
Fearless, honest and articulate, Ann Widdecombe was a warm and generous friend. A conviction politician whose principles were underpinned by her faith and patriotism, she was always true to her herself. Words by Lord Alton, Baroness Hoey and Baroness Browning
Ann Widdecombe was a fearless and faithful friend, writes Lord Alton
In 1979 we nearly became election opponents when she and Frank Field chased the Conservative and Labour nominations in the by-election at Liverpool Edge Hill.
Nine years later, now MP for Maidstone, Ann joined the Standing Committee on my Private Members’ Bill to reduce the 28 weeks upper time limit for abortion. At meetings all over the UK we spoke at public meetings explaining why, despite other political differences, we were united by our belief in the right to life.
Ann had been deeply shocked by the Carlisle baby case – a baby aborted at 21 weeks gestation – and she later asked the Commons, “how can one accept, when a child has been breathing without the aid of artificial equipment, has a pulse rate and has survived for three hours, that that was not a live birth? Under what circumstances do we call a person an unperson?”
She never hesitated to ask difficult questions.
She loathed eugenics, human cloning and experiments on human embryos and feared assisted suicide would endanger people with disabilities.
With CS Lewis she also believed that if you are cruel to other species, it wouldn’t be long before you are cruel to human beings too.
Her love of animals led her to accept the presidency of societies caring for donkeys and hedgehogs, and to her rescuing stray cats: Pugwash and Carruthers being two of the most notable.
One night, driving her to a meeting in the north of England, I was told to “stop the car”: She had seen a stranded hedgehog. It was rescued and taken to safety.
She passionately opposed fox hunting – unlike some of her local party who tabled a hostile motion at an AGM.
I secured a supportive statement for her from a retired general who wrote to her party members: “I fought the Mau Mau and she’s exactly the person I would have wanted standing alongside me.” She successfully saw off the motion.
As I got to know Ann, I rapidly realised that behind the sometimes-gruff exterior was a principled, extraordinarily articulate, intelligent woman – not easily deterred. Her formidable debating skills, developed as a student in the Oxford Union, were deployed to great effect for all her causes – political, social, and charitable.
She was also intensely kind – to family, friends, and strangers.
In her mother’s final years, Ann brought Rita to live with her in London – telling me that, just as her mother had cared for her when she came into the world, she would care for her beloved mother as she left this world for the next. She did just that.
After one combative session on a Home Office bill, she told me, ‘you are still my favourite bleeding-heart liberal’. I took it as a compliment
As a godmother to one of my children she unfailingly always asked after him, travelling miles to be with him for his baptism and first communion.
I saw that kindness in terrible tragedy too.
We shared Sir David Amess as a good friend.
Following David’s appalling murder, and totally in character, Ann remained close to Julia, David’s widow, showing practical and continuing care, celebrating David’s life when we attended the unveiling of his statue in Southend.
Ann’s convictions were underpinned by the twin pillars of her faith and patriotism, insisting that we must use our lives to the full: “We get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal.”
Her faith manifested itself in her causes, through support for charities for the persecuted, the vulnerable, the poor – through the work of Right to Life, the Leprosy Mission, the St Vincent de Paul Society. It expressed itself in her devotion to Mother Teresa – whom she met at Westminster – and whom she later defended against Christopher Hitchens and in a 2016 BBC Songs of Praise programme exploring the characteristics of a saint.
In 2013, in recognition of Ann’s work, Pope Benedict named her a Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great.
Ann’s patriotism had its roots in her upbringing – partly in Singapore, where the father she adored had worked as a civil servant in the Ministry of Defence. In June, in our last conversation together – in Kennington over a favourite tandoori masala – we shared our concerns about the UK’s lack of preparedness as we face the “deadly quartet” of dictatorships threatening our freedoms.
Whether you agreed with Ann, or not, her forthright views were always trenchantly, intelligently, and honestly expressed and never with malice. In a toxic climate of inflammatory hate speech, that respect for difference must be the key to learning to live together.
Even when Ann and I were on opposite sides of political arguments, we agreed to disagree and never fell out. After one combative session on a Home Office bill, she told me, “you are still my favourite bleeding-heart liberal”. I took it as a compliment.
In 1993 to mark her decision to become a Catholic she chose the hymns at the weekly mass in the Westminster chapel of St Mary Undercroft.
The last of those hymns was Faith of Our Fathers. Its final verse has a particularly poignant resonance:
…we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!”
Ann was always true to herself.
May she now rest in peace.
Lord Alton of Liverpool is a crossbench peer
Above all, Ann Widdecombe was a public servant and politician of conviction and high moral principles, writes Baroness Hoey
“Well Kate, at least we are both still around!” Those were the last words spoken to me by Ann Widdecombe just a couple of weeks before her murder. We were at a reception in Westminster chatting about the ups and downs of getting older whilst also remarking on how well we both felt.
Waking up to news of her death, I remembered that night and the friendship and camaraderie we enjoyed. Also issues on which we found ourselves in profound disagreement, such as hunting, where we campaigned on opposing sides, yet without rancour. In fact the reverse; we shared for one another that respect and affection which comes from recognition of a kindred spirit even if, at times, political opponents.
When she was a Conservative member, Ann sometimes found herself out of step with many of her fellow members, and indeed with party policy, as did I in mine. In doing so, she became far more widely known and recognised – both liked and loathed – than many of her contemporaries in parliament. She dared to be a Daniel, she dared to stand alone.
Ann could cope equally well with congratulation or confrontation, returning heckles with humour
Above all, Ann was a public servant and politician of conviction and high moral principles and of deep religious conviction guiding her every thought and action. This faith enabled her – indeed demanded of her, with true Christian love of her neighbour – to overcome the divisions that arise in public and political life between those of sincere yet differing opinions and goals. Such generosity of spirit was a far cry from the shockingly spiteful comments made by self-regarding commentators when she died.
Two years ago, as a Reform UK party spokesperson, Ann addressed a pro-union meeting at Dromore Orange Hall in County Down. Speaking against the post-Brexit
Northern Ireland Protocol, she declared to a rousing reception from the audience: “I’m Ann Widdecombe, I’m a Roman Catholic and I’m in an Orange hall.” The audience rose to their feet as one. Earlier we had toured the Titanic exhibition and talked about her dedication to Reform UK and her respect and indeed love for Nigel Farage.
Ann could cope equally well with congratulation or confrontation, returning heckles with humour. She was steely yet kind, warmed by wit and a roustabout spirit. That is why so many of the public loved her and now mourn her, as will those of us privileged to have known her more closely. Our sense of loss is magnified by the terrible cruelty of her murder.
Sadly Ann is now no longer around but millions who admired her and shared her values will carry forward her battle for the nation she loved.
Baroness Hoey is a non-affiliated peer
Ann Widdecombe and I did not always agree – but I recall fondly that we laughed a lot, writes Baroness Browning
In June 1983 Ann Widdecombe made her second unsuccessful attempt to win a seat in a general election, this time in Plymouth Devonport fighting against David Owen of the SDP Alliance.
Keen to support a woman candidate, this was where I first met Ann. As soon as the election was over Ann returned to London where her doctor confirmed that she had been campaigning while suffering from pneumonia.
We became friends. Ann was ahead of me in the quest to become an MP. She had done battle in both Burnley and Plymouth Devonport, I was looking to fight my first seat.
There were no training courses or mentors for candidates in those days and we agreed to work together: Ann now determined to find a ‘safe’ seat and me wanting a first attempt.
We also found we had things in common. Ann was a speaker for Women for Defence. I was a speaker for Peace Through Nato. Both organisations debated with CND and others opposed to nuclear deterrence. We debated around the country and on one occasion in Ireland, at the Tipperary Peace Festival, Monsignor Bruce Kent challenged us to debate back home. We hired the Drum Theatre in Plymouth for a public debate, which we won.
There were no training courses or mentors for candidates in those days and we agreed to work together… I learned a lot from Ann
I learned a lot from Ann who encouraged me to produce press releases and press conferences in the days before the internet.
We did not always agree; Ann held strong views on most subjects but I recall fondly that we laughed a lot. Ann had a good sense of humour. After one debate in Exeter a lady I knew from the Conservative Party asked me if we would come and give a talk in Budleigh Salterton. She said she would consult her committee. I heard nothing but seeing her some weeks later she said, “Oh my dear, I did consult the committee but I am afraid they thought you and Ann are ‘too fast’ for Budleigh Salterton.” An expression I had always considered to have certain connotations. We roared with laughter.
As we approached the 1987 election we started applying for constituencies, sometimes being interviewed for the same seat.
All was well. Ann won her Maidstone seat in 1987 and took her seat in Parliament. I unsuccessfully fought Crewe and Nantwich, later joining Ann in Parliament in 1992 representing my home seat of Tiverton.
We served together in the John Major government as ministers and in William Hague’s shadow cabinet.
They were great times: it is how I will remember Ann.
Baroness Browning is a Conservative peer
Rupert Lowe has accused Nigel Farage of “outright lying” about their private conversations.
The Restore Britain leader publicly offered to form an alliance with Reform UK on Sunday in a bid to unite the right.
Farage insisted he has responded to the offer “with an open mind”, telling reporters at a press conference on Monday: “I did actually reach out back yesterday to him. I did say ‘look should we have a call’.
“I haven’t heard back yet so I don’t know what the sincerity of this is.”
He claimed: “It seemed to me that he was sort of more than anything putting out this gesture saying ‘look I am the good guy – Nigel’s the bad guy’. Well that is not the case.”
But Lowe hit back on social media with a screenshot of what appears to be their message exchange.
The MP for Great Yarmouth said: “I do not want to make private conversations public, but Farage has just done so at a national press conference. He just stated he said to me yesterday ‘Shall we have a call?’.
“Sadly, that is just a lie. Yesterday at 10.30 Nigel messaged me, saying the following three words. ‘Will call later’. The evidence is below. I have received no call. Senior Reform figures then went public to rubbish my offer.”
“The offer remains open to Nigel and Reform. Although outright lying about our private conversations does not help that,” Lowe said.
He continued: “For Restore Britain, it will always be country before party – ahead of any personal differences or past disagreements we have. Every single time. The country is more important, and I will always put it ahead of my own interests.”
Lowe was elected as a Reform MP back in 2024 before falling out with Farage and being kicked out of the party.
He then set up his far-right splinter group, Restore Britain, which split support for Reform in both the Makerfield by-election and the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.
His offer to work together came after Reform lost its lead in the opinion polls for the first time in over a year.
Farage also triggered a by-election in his own constituency of Clacton last month amid heightened scrutiny over his finances.
A probe into a £5 million donation Farage failed to declare to parliament when he won a seat in the 2024 general election is on pause right now but will resume if he wins his seat back.
All major parties have refused to field a candidate in the Clacton contest, calling it a political stunt, meaning the Reform leader’s main opponent is comedy candidate Count Binface.
Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.
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I have an awful affliction – and I know I’m not alone. My thigh chafe has gotten out of control.
As much as I love frolicking around in dresses and skirts in summer, the constant pain between my legs is an unfortunate drawback.
Nobody wants to have to spend hours each evening moisturising their thighs – so a few years ago I finally had enough, and went a little out of left field.
As a shopping writer, I have a lot of lube lying around (seriously – enough to start my own slip ’n slide park) so I looked at it one fateful day and thought: what the hell, sure.
Carefully choosing a silicone lube that I knew didn’t stain, I rubbed it between my legs and it was complete bliss. No, not in the way you’re thinking.
Instead, it completely stopped my thigh chafe. Even on the hottest of days, silicone lube is still my hack for not ending the day looking like someone’s tried to set fire to my loins.
Thanks to the fact a silicone lube doesn’t dry out by itself, it can withstand plenty of sweating and, crucially, rubbing.
Only once you’ve washed it off with plenty of soap and water will it disappear, and that’s perfect for me because it lasts the whole day long.
The key to a good silicone lube for heat rash is finding a non-greasy one, as you won’t want to stain your gorgeous summer clothes.
So you don’t have any sudden needs to run to the dry cleaners, I’ve done the leg work for you (literally).
It goes without saying that once you have a silicone lube you really like, you can also use it for other things, too…
Just don’t use it with a silicone sex toy as that will degrade the surface and make it less safe to use over time. Enjoyyy.
First came the news that Netflix is working on a The Inbetweeners reunion movie.
And the happy updates keep coming – the streamer will also add 371 episodes of zombie thriller The Walking Dead, and a range of spin-offs, to its UK site in 2027.
That’s part of a new deal between Netflix and AMC Global Media that’ll last for five years (though it could be renewed). Netflix has been the home of The Walking Dead since 2011.
But this arrangement will see them add the original show and its related titles to their UK, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand catalogues, too (it’ll be released co-exclusively with AMC+).
They’ll come out at different dates according to location, based on where each region’s current streaming deals expire.
Alongside The Walking Dead, Netflix will also add the following offshoots:
- Fear the Walking Dead,
- The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,
- The Walking Dead: Dead City,
- The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,
- The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and
- Tales of The Walking Dead.
In all, this amounts to 371 bingeable episodes.
Lori Conkling, Vice President of Licensing at Netflix, said: “Audiences have discovered and loved The Walking Dead on Netflix for nearly 15 years and the show continues to attract new fans. We’re excited to partner with AMC Global Media to continue to expand that access to more audiences around the world and bring the entirety of The Walking Dead Universe to Netflix.”
And Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Global Media, added: “We are thrilled to expand our long-time partnership with Netflix around The Walking Dead.
“This deal creates a global destination for this universe – all shows, all episodes – making the franchise more accessible than ever to fans around the world… Netflix has been an important partner in making The Walking Dead one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment. This agreement is a fantastic result for our companies, for the fans and for this timeless IP.”
Here’s looking forward to a massive binge-watch…
One thing about me is I have an irresistible penchant for listening to albums on repeat.
Call it obsessive, but every few months I’ll discover (or often, rediscover) an album that I love, and listen to it over and over until I get bored of it.
When Olivia Rodrigo dropped her third album You Look Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love earlier this summer, that quickly became my go-to album.
No matter what I’m doing – at the gym, in the office, and while I’m cooking – I can’t stop listening to it.
So, naturally, when I heard LEGO had collabed with Olivia herself to create an Editions collection, I knew I had to have it.
Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my evening than listening to the album and being the first person to get their hands messy putting together the matching LEGO set.
Because yes, I might be 26, but I’ve never stopped being a fan – and I’m not ashamed.
The collection is made up of five pieces: the Dual Guitar, Secret Storage, Concert Moon, Vinyl, and Flower Bouquet.
If life was fair, I would have got all of them. Unfortunately, my flat isn’t big enough to accommodate five different Olivia Rodrigo LEGO sets – nor are my flatmates accepting enough – so I went for the guitar.
Made up of 1,228 pieces, the set comes with two Olivia figurines that sit inside a guitar that is also home to her dressing room and a stage.
The entire thing comes in Olivia’s signature purple and black, with one half making an electric guitar and the other an acoustic, and is anointed with butterflies, stars, and sparkles.
Reader, I must admit I had a great time building this set. It took me around seven hours (or 11 album listens) to complete over the course of several evenings.
The set truly comes with everything a fan could hope for, which makes it the perfect birthday (or, dare I mention Christmas?) gift for a teenage girl or boy.
As well as making a literal guitar set with strings (that were extremely fiddly to assemble) it has all the makings of incredible merch.
Inside the dressing room ‘trust your Guts’ is written in lipstick on the mirror that sits behind a lipstick, chair, and ice cream Olivia is in the middle of eating.
The front of the guitar has a LEGO brick with Olivia’s signature on it, while the stage is surrounded by photos and Easter eggs for what the artist has coming next.
If you’re worried you won’t be able to build it, don’t worry, because you can follow along with the LEGO® Builder app that has digital instructions and a 3D digital model to make sure you’re getting it right.
Overall, it was a fairly relaxing process putting this together. There were a couple of tricky parts – including assembling the two halves of the guitar and getting the strings clicked into place (top tip: make sure they’re all pointing in the same direction).
But considering it’s a collection item you’ll want to keep on display forever (or should I say u+me=<3?) the effort is totally worth it; I can’t stop looking at all the cute details on the outside.
Not to mention it comes in at £109, which for a 50cm LEGO set is extremely reasonable – and we have high expectations!
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