Ceremonial and metropolitan county in North West England
Police have charged eight men in connection with a long-running investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales. The defendants, aged 54 to 73, face multiple rape and associated offences dating from 1985 to 1996. They are due before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
The administration has narrowed the definition of harm under the Endangered Species Act, allowing oil, gas drilling and other development on wildlife habitats so long as animals are not killed or injured. Environmentalists warn this could hasten extinctions, while supporters say it restores the act to its original intent following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
England has secured a five-try win over Argentina in Santiago del Estero, despite disciplinary bans and a late scare. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Marcus Smith lead the charge, with Ben Earl scoring twice in a high-tempo test that featured multiple sin-binnings and a review by the TMO.
Scotland is rolling out the Aeos 3D robotic exoscope at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to assist complex brain surgeries. Toby Peart, 13, is among the first patients to benefit, with early signs of improved precision and recovery. The technology promises clearer views, better depth perception and safer procedures for young patients.
The Range Rover Sport Electric has been shown in prototype form at Goodwood. It follows the full-size Range Rover Electric, with deliveries due in 2027. The Sport aims for more dynamic driving while preserving Range Rover comfort and off-road ability.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% business rates reduction for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, a package the government says will save a typical pub about £1,100 a year and cost roughly £100m. Ministers are proposing to fund it by reviewing reliefs for vape shops and cracking down on online tax non-compliance.
Carole Gould and Julie Devey, friends united by the murder of their daughters by a former partner, have mobilised a campaign to change laws governing domestic violence and murder investigations. The BBC West series captured their fight after Ellie Gould’s death in Wiltshire in 2019, sparking calls for justice and policy reform.
Four separate fatalities have claimed lives in the UK: a car crash in Huyton, a pedestrian collision in Lancashire, and two condolence-focused tributes in Wirral and Huyton. Investigations are underway as families honour loved ones and communities rally.
Jaguar Land Rover plans to cut fewer than 300 UK jobs as it continues its recovery from a cyber attack that halted production last year and amid tariff pressures. The company says affected staff may be redeployed or offered voluntary exit, with locations and roles undisclosed.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a pygmy hippo calf born on July 31 to Gloria and Otto. The gender is pending health checks; the calf is bonding with its mother in private, away from public view, while keepers monitor its early development.
Nathan Owen has been jailed for four years and three months after fabricating a car-acceleration emergency to avoid a finance agreement. Police pursued the Jaguar I-Pace across multiple motorways, but investigations showed the car was functioning and speeds reached up to 86mph before it was stopped.
Two US restaurant groups say labor management software is reducing payroll waste, streamlining onboarding, and improving scheduling by consolidating multiple systems. The change aims to cut errors, boost profitability, and free managers to focus on staff and customers.
England and Wales face ongoing drought conditions as reservoir levels stay low despite a wetter winter. Officials warn that continuing heat and low rainfall threaten water supplies, with hosepipe bans in effect and calls for infrastructure action.
Multiple road-traffic deaths have led to court proceedings across Britain. In Wakefield, a driver was sentenced after stuffed toys obscured visibility in the fatal crash of John Nottingham. In Weston-super-Mare, a driver has been jailed for dangerous driving that killed Emily Jordan. In North Tyneside, Linda Hall pleaded guilty to causing Rita Grimshaw’s death in a busy car park. A separate case in Aberdeen involves Samantha Lee after a claw hammer attack.
Jaguar Land Rover’s revenues have fallen by 9.6% to £6 billion for the quarter to June 30, as production disruptions and a pivot from petrol/diesel to electric models weigh on sales. The group is pushing four new electric models while navigating a fire-related disruption and a wind-down of several Jaguar variants.
UK fire services report a continued surge in wildfires amid prolonged heatwaves drought and water restrictions. The Stourbridge blaze has destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others while conditions persist across the country with major incidents declared in several regions.
The Japanese macaque Luka has fled his Highland Wildlife Park home near Kingussie overnight, triggering a search with thermal-imaging drones. Public are urged not to approach; sightings should be reported to the listed number. A 2024 escape by a monkey from the same park is recalled in background.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to Merseyside as a Real Madrid player, acknowledging abuse online and fans’ anger about his Liverpool exit. He says he remains connected to Liverpool and England, while noting the difference between in-person interactions and online hostility.
A band of thunderstorms and heavy rain has prompted yellow weather warnings across much of England and Wales. The Met Office warns of disruption to transport and potential flooding, with 81 areas under warning and multiple flood alerts. Homeowners in Perry Barr have already seen flooding, as forecasters anticipate further downpours over the bank holiday weekend.
Thameslink trains will receive upgraded seat cushions, backrests and tables over two years from 2027 as part of the post-nationalisation rail improvements. The move follows Govia Thameslink Railwayalling under public ownership earlier this year.
Big changes to England and Wales’ criminal justice system are moving forward as overcrowding drives policy decisions. Government plans to accelerate prison construction and expand early release schemes have been revised after public backlash and safety concerns. Officials are also deporting foreign prisoners and reviewing IPP sentences to free up space, with new measures to monitor released prisoners.
A former England international denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch after an incident in Huyton. His trial has been adjourned to March 2027, keeping him in custody while the investigation continues. Lynch suffered serious eye injuries; Barton previously played for Manchester City, QPR and other clubs.
The UK and France have stepped up operations to stop small-boat crossings, with more officers deployed and a record 230 migrants aboard a single vessel reported this summer. Ministers say co-operation is bearing fruit, but authorities warn smugglers continue to adapt as arrivals fall overall.
Liverpool city region has begun bringing bus services back under public control, starting in St Helens. Fares stay capped at £2, and the network aims to increase frequency, improve evening and weekend services, and better connect hospitals and rail links.
Atletico Madrid has lost 3-0 to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and faces a challenging Champions League opener at Liverpool. Simeone cites a mixture of injuries, late arrivals and Alvarez transfer speculation as hampering preparations, while Jonathan David has joined on loan. The team seeks a sharp response in a challenging week.
A 19-year-old man has been jailed for life for the murder of Mark Carroll in Camden in 2024, with the attack prompting family-led fundraising for a gravestone and raising concerns about how a supported-living facility handled prior arrests. The story also notes criticisms from the victim’s family and calls for systemic review of care housing policies.
The Thirlwall Inquiry into the Countess of Chester Hospital has published findings on how safeguarding failures on the neonatal unit occurred and what reforms are proposed, with ongoing attention from the Criminal Cases Review Commission. The report does not reopen Lucy Letby’s convictions but signals potential changes in hospital safeguarding and oversight.
A wave of illegal e-bikes and dockless bikes is prompting authorities to intensify enforcement and licensing rules across London and other cities. Seizures have risen, and officials say safety and pavement access are at the heart of the crackdown. Meanwhile, operators face tighter regulation and potential penalties.
Bristol City Council has updated its advertising policy to ban ads for fossil fuels, non‑electric cars and fast fashion across council‑owned spaces such as bus stops, billboards and digital screens. The move follows a broader review of promoting polluting products and aims to shift public advertising toward sustainable alternatives.
Public bodies are investigating unauthorised access to court files related to the July 2024 Southport dance-class attack. The Information Commissioner’s Office is involved, and the Lord Chancellor is overseeing urgent inquiries. Families affected demand accountability and transparency.
A fire in a semi‑detached house in Bootle has killed four people inside and another two were injured, as investigations indicate an electrical event related to lithium‑ion batteries used in e‑bikes/e‑scooters. Authorities urge safe battery use and adherence to manufacturer guidance.
BBC reports that Northern Ireland’s thrombectomy service has expanded to 24/7 operation following £5m PfG funding, enabling rapid treatment for brain-stem stroke patients. Gemma O’Hara credits the change with a major recovery after a stroke that previously carried time-of-day limits. A cardiology and stroke context underscores lifesaving impact.