A ceremonial county in South East England
South East Water has designated John Halsall as chief executive designate, with regulatory approval still required. The move follows the resignation of David Hinton amid MPs’ criticism of outages and rising questions about leadership. Halsall vows short-term fixes and a £2.1bn investment plan to boost reliability and resilience in the South East. The appointment comes as the company grapples with repeated water supply failures and a looming fine from Ofwat.
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted to multiple rapes and sexual offences involving his wife over years, while several co-defendants face charges including conspiracy to rape and administering substances. The case proceeds at Manchester Crown Court.
Coughlans Bakery has ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation after rising business rates, employer national insurance contributions, and fuel costs added to a challenging financial climate. Romesh Ranganathan, a co-owner since 2024, has shared in the heartbreak as staff and suppliers face the impact.
A string of Portugal’s Fishermen’s Trail coastal sections is drawing hikers to remote beaches and cliff-top scenery along the Algarve and the Atlantic coast. From Lagos to Sagres, walkers are finding serene coves, rugged paths and local seafood, while towns like Salema and Sagres offer base camps for weekend treks.
Gutweed blooms along Charmouth’s river mouth hint at nutrient levels and summer coastal activity. The sea remains safe for bathing, but runoff boosts seaweed growth near the river, while Bar Ledges show a richer ecosystem and geological memory.
Four adults have died after being swept away while trying to board a small "taxi-boat" off Équihen-Plage near Calais; French authorities have rescued 38 others and a dinghy has continued to the UK carrying dozens. Britain has charged 27-year-old Alnour Mohamed Ali with endangering life under new maritime border legislation; he has pleaded not guilty.
Four migrants have died after attempting to board a water taxi off the coast of Calais. A 27-year-old man has been detained in Manston on suspicion of endangering others during a sea journey to the UK. Authorities say 38 were returned to France while 74 migrants pressed on to Britain.
Since mid-April, Scottish dealmaking has shown signs of recovery with high-profile transactions like NatWest's acquisition of Evelyn Partners and AG Barr's acquisitions. However, deal completion remains challenging due to longer processes, deeper due diligence, and cautious buyers, especially outside top-tier assets. Market activity is more selective and competitive.
A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in Reading, Berkshire, linked to a wider social network associated with two deaths in Kent. The pupil at Westwood Farm Junior School is recovering; three cases in Reading and Henley College have prompted precautionary antibiotics for close contacts. Public risk to the wider community remains low.
The UK’s South East Water is facing high demand as reservoirs run low during a spell of extreme May heat. Around 18,000 customers in Kent have experienced intermittent supply, with authorities urging essential use while bottled water is distributed to vulnerable households. Authorities warn the hot weather will continue to strain supplies.
South East Water faces ongoing outages amid a heatwave, with thousands without water across Kent and Sussex. Regulators warn of pressure on resilience and investment plans, while councils pledge new scrutiny and partnerships to improve reliability. Pennon and Ofwat are central to the evolving response.
A series of cryptosporidium outbreaks linked to water companies has resulted in fines and prosecutions, underscoring ongoing failures in water safety. The Guardian, Independent reports show South West Water was fined for supplying unfit water after cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in Devon (Brixham) in 2024, with hundreds ill and thousands under boil notices. MPs and regulators criticize governance and communication as residents report long-term health impacts and enduring mistrust in tap water.
Brooke George, a 23-year-old from Gravesend, Kent, has been charged with murder in Dubai after meeting a man online and traveling there. Advocacy group Detained in Dubai says she acted in self‑defence during an alleged violent assault by her partner. She faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.