Flash floods in Nepal and Tibet have killed more than 750 people, with thousands missing and rescue efforts hampered by rising rivers and rain.

The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Nepal and Tibet has risen above 750, with thousands of people still unaccounted for and rescue operations increasingly hampered by rising river levels and continued rainfall. Nepal's disaster agency confirmed 734 deaths in the country, while Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths on the Tibetan side of the border. More than 2,500 people are listed as missing in Nepal alone, and hundreds more are unaccounted for in Tibet.

Rescue teams have been working in extremely difficult conditions, with deep mud, destroyed roads, and broken bridges slowing their progress. In the Nuwakot district, drone footage showed entire villages near rivers swept away by torrents of rock, ice, and mud. Nearly 500 people have been rescued so far, many airlifted to military camps. One young girl was pulled alive from a collapsed building after rescuers heard her crying beneath the rubble, days after the initial disaster.

A major focus of the rescue effort is a hydroelectric power plant in Nepal, where dozens of workers are believed to be trapped in tunnels. Rescuers have drilled into one tunnel and inserted a pipe to supply air, but the search for entry points continues. The plant, along with other hydropower projects in the region, was severely damaged by the floodwaters.

The scale of the human tragedy is becoming clearer as bodies wash up far downstream. In Bharatpur, more than 100 miles from the worst-hit area, makeshift morgues are overwhelmed. Forensic teams are taking DNA samples from the dead before temporary burials, as bodies decompose rapidly. Families are gathering at screening centres, watching images of victims in the hope of identifying loved ones. So far, only a handful have been formally identified.

The disaster has also affected foreign nationals. The number of British people missing has risen to 48, after China released figures showing 15 missing in Tibet and 33 unaccounted for in Nepal. The British government is liaising with local authorities.

Rescue operations have been repeatedly suspended due to the threat of further flooding. The Narayani River and other waterways have risen sharply, forcing residents and rescue workers to move to higher ground. Authorities in China have identified a new lake formed by a landslide in the last 24 hours, adding to the risk. Nearly 100,000 people are thought to have been affected by the disaster, the worst to hit Nepal in a decade.

Humanitarian organisations are warning of urgent needs beyond immediate rescue. Many families have lost their homes and are sheltering in temporary camps. There are concerns about safe drinking water, disease outbreaks, and the particular vulnerability of women, children, and disabled people. Pregnant and lactating mothers need special support. Aid agencies are delivering emergency packages, but access remains a major challenge, with more than 42 kilometres of roads destroyed or impassable.

As the search continues, the chances of finding more survivors are fading. The focus is shifting to recovery and the long task of identifying the dead and supporting the living.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 8m 50s (Sky News Today With Matt Barbet)
• BBC News: 8m 15s (BBC News)
• ITV: 2m 9s (ITV News)
• BBC One: 2m 44s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• The number of missing people in Nepal was reported as 2,400-3,000. — BBC News, Sky News
• 48 British nationals were reported missing in Nepal and Tibet. — ITV, Sky News
• Bodies were reported washing up downstream, with more than 200 victims found in Bharatpur. — Sky News
• China reported 16 deaths and more than 500 missing in Tibet. — BBC News
• Rescuers were reported to have saved nearly 500 people in Nepal. — BBC News

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The Prime Minister has expanded the prison early release exclusions to include manslaughter and other offences, following pressure from victims' families.

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has expanded the list of offences excluded from the government's early release scheme, meaning hundreds more prisoners will remain behind bars. The changes, announced in an interview with the BBC, mean anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including all forms of manslaughter, will no longer be eligible for early release. Also added to the exclusion list are indecent assault, death by dangerous driving, causing or allowing the death of a child, and historical child sex offences.

The move follows intense pressure from victims' families and a petition signed by more than a million people calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to stay in jail. PC Harper was killed in 2019 while investigating the theft of a quad bike. Two of his killers, Jesse Cole and Albert Bowers, had been due for early release under the scheme, which was introduced to ease prison overcrowding. Prisons in England and Wales are currently about 98% full.

In his interview, Mr Burnham said he had spent the summer "turning over every single stone" and that the new proposal would keep "hundreds" of offenders in prison. He said he had already acted quickly to exclude rapists, groomers and the most serious child sex offenders, but always wanted to go further.

To make room for the additional prisoners, the government plans to deport more foreign criminals, create more cells in existing prisons, and end the controversial indefinite sentences known as imprisonment for public protection (IPP). Mr Burnham acknowledged that ending IPP was not an easy choice, but said he had applied common sense.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, said she was grateful for the outcome but not joyful, adding that it had taken her family back to where they began. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, warned that victims would still be forced to take measures to protect themselves from dangerous abusers, and called for a significant increase in funding for victim services.

The Conservative Party accused Mr Burnham of changing his position on the scheme and called for more scrutiny by MPs. The Liberal Democrats said the uncertainty and distress caused by the scheme was unforgivable. The Howard League for Penal Reform welcomed the commitment to end IPP sentences but said the capacity crisis remained.

The full details of the changes are expected to be announced when Parliament returns on Tuesday. The early release scheme is due to begin in October.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 21m 49s (Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, Sky News Today With Matt Barbet)
• BBC News: 10m 24s (BBC News)
• BBC One: 3m 31s (BBC News)
• ITV: 1m 51s (ITV News)

Key Claims

• The Prime Minister expanded the list of offences excluded from the early release scheme to include indecent assault, death by dangerous driving, and all types of manslaughter. — BBC News, BBC One, ITV, Sky News
• The early release scheme was intended to alleviate severe prison overcrowding. — Sky News
• The killers of PC Andrew Harper are excluded from the early release programme. — Sky News
• Prison capacity is nearly at 98%. — Sky News
• The Domestic Abuse Commissioner said victims will still have to take measures to protect themselves. — Sky News

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Notting Hill Carnival is marking its 60th anniversary with around two million expected in West London.

The Notting Hill Carnival is underway in West London, marking its 60th anniversary with a weekend of music, costume, and celebration. Around two million people are expected to attend Europe's largest street festival, which runs across Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Sunday is traditionally Children's Day, with many younger participants competing for the title of best costume. The carnival will wind down around 8pm and resume the next day.

The event has deep roots in Caribbean culture and the Windrush generation. It began in 1966 as a response to racial tensions and riots in the 1950s and 1960s. The first carnival was organised by Caribbean communities to ease tensions and celebrate their heritage. Over the decades it has grown from a small street gathering into a massive cultural spectacle, with steelpan music, sound systems, and elaborate costumes.

This year's anniversary has brought extra jubilation, but also a significant security operation. The Metropolitan Police have deployed thousands of officers, with more than 7,000 on duty. They have also banned over 330 people from attending as part of bail conditions. Last year, more than 500 arrests were made during the carnival period, mainly for drug offences, possession of offensive weapons, and sexual assault. Police say they are targeting a small minority who come to cause harm, and have been running pre-emptive operations to disrupt potential criminals.

The carnival's economic and cultural impact is considerable. Estimates suggest it generates around £90 million for London's economy. Organisers and participants stress its importance as a celebration of Caribbean culture and a continuation of the emancipation of slavery. Allison Williams, an ambassador for the carnival and an MBE recipient, said it is "imperative" for the Caribbean community, honouring the slaves who "forged the path".

However, the event is not without controversy. Some residents and commentators have called for it to be banned, citing crime, disruption, and the cost of policing. Others argue that banning it would be disproportionate and would displace problems elsewhere. The debate reflects broader questions about how to balance cultural celebration with public safety and community impact.

Despite the challenges, the carnival remains a vibrant and resilient tradition. As one participant put it, "It's just a celebration of both Caribbean culture and inclusive of people who would like to be involved in the Caribbean culture. That's food, that's music, that's dancing and it's just a really joyous occasion." Organisers hope it will continue for decades to come.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 5m 7s (Mornings, Sky News Today with Jayne Secker)
• ITV: 2m 38s (ITV Evening News)
• Channel 4: 4m 46s (Channel 4 News)
• GB News: 13m 33s (New: The Saturday Five Extra)
• BBC One: 1m 4s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• Around two million people were expected to attend the carnival. — BBC One, Channel 4, ITV, Sky News
• More than 500 arrests were made during the previous year's carnival. — GB News, Sky News
• Notting Hill Carnival is marking its 60th anniversary this year. — ITV
• The first Notting Hill Carnival was held in 1966 after race riots in the 1960s. — ITV
• Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled three times: in 1970, and during the Covid restrictions. — Channel 4

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One person has died and five were injured in a shooting at a rave party in Aarau, Switzerland; police have set up a 30km perimeter as they search for the suspect.

Police in Switzerland are searching for a suspect after a shooting at a rave party in the northern city of Aarau left one person dead and five others wounded. The attack happened in the early hours of the morning, and authorities have admitted they know little about the circumstances or the identity of the gunman.

According to a police statement, four men and one woman, aged between 24 and 27, are being treated in hospital for injuries ranging from minor to severe. The shooting took place at an outdoor rave held at a race course in Aarau, which is north of the capital Bern. Around 3,500 people were expected at the event, which began at 3pm yesterday and was due to finish at 2am this morning.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots in the outdoor arena as the night reached its peak. Videos posted online appear to capture the sound of gunfire, and some attendees took shelter in a nearby gymnasium. Police have set up a 30-kilometre perimeter around the area, with helicopters overhead, as they try to track down those responsible.

Officers have cordoned off the race course, a playing field and a swimming pool. They have not yet established a motive, nor do they know how many people were involved or where they are now. Among the five injured, many are said to be in a serious condition. The investigation is ongoing, and local reports suggest the rave was a large, organised event that had been running for several hours before the violence broke out.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 2m 2s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• A shooting at a rave in Aarau left one person dead. — BBC News
• Five people were wounded in the shooting, four men and one woman aged 24 to 27. — BBC News
• Police set up a 30km perimeter and used helicopters in the search. — BBC News

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NASA is set to launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will survey over a billion galaxies and study dark energy and exoplanets.

NASA is preparing to launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a new observatory that will give astronomers a much wider view of the universe than ever before. The telescope, named after NASA's first chief astronomer, is scheduled to lift off at 7.26am local time, which is 12.26pm in the UK. Once in position a million miles from Earth, it will unfold its solar wings, raise its sunshade, and turn its dish back towards our planet.

The telescope carries a mirror the same size as the one on the Hubble Space Telescope, so its pictures will be just as sharp. But its field of view is much wider, allowing it to scan 100 times more of the sky. Over its five-year mission, it is expected to survey more than a billion galaxies, making it ideal for studying dark energy, the invisible force that is pulling galaxies apart.

The telescope's speed of data collection is remarkable. According to those involved, in just two weeks it will amass more data than Hubble has gathered in 36 years. That makes it a game changer across almost all areas of modern astrophysics.

The mission is named after Nancy Grace Roman, who faced discouragement as a young woman when teachers told her physics was not for girls. She ignored that advice and went on to become NASA's first chief astronomer, playing a key role in securing funding for the Hubble Space Telescope.

The telescope itself is an engineering marvel, weighing eight tonnes and built from glass, silver, and ultra-precision components. Every part was assembled by hand in a clean room that is even cleaner than an operating theatre. Its sunshade folds flat for launch and then opens in space to block stray sunlight.

The first images from the telescope are expected early next year. Its mission will map more than a billion galaxies and uncover around 100,000 new worlds, including distant exoplanets. Scientists say the data will transform our understanding of the cosmos.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 2m 2s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• The telescope will survey more than a billion galaxies. — BBC News
• The telescope will scan 100 times more of the sky than Hubble. — BBC News
• The first images are expected next year. — BBC News

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Israeli forces have cleared the Jenin refugee camp, displaced thousands of Palestinians, and are building a permanent military base in the West Bank.

The Israeli military has cleared the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, forcing out thousands of Palestinian residents and leaving the area a ghost town. The camp, which once housed 13,000 people, is now empty apart from wild dogs, with checkpoints and barbed wire sealing off the perimeter.

Israel says the camp was a crucible for terrorism and crime, and began tearing it apart 18 months ago. Now, on a ridge above the cleared area, the military is building its first permanent base in Palestinian-controlled West Bank territory since the 1990s. Residents who remain, like Othman, say their homes have been wrecked by military tractors and set on fire. He believes the army is here to stay.

The camp was originally a refugee camp for people displaced in 1948, but had grown into a permanent cityscape of homes, shops and businesses. Families who fled are now living in displacement centres a few miles away, often in a single room. Randa, who ran a large supermarket and owned a comfortable house, now has nothing; her home and business were reduced to rubble and used to build a road.

In a sign of the changing power dynamic, Israeli flags have appeared in the city, put up in the past 24 hours after a settlement was reopened. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he called the criminal actions of a handful of rioters following weeks of settler violence in the West Bank, but the military operation in Jenin continues.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 5m 38s (Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, Sky News Today With Matt Barbet)

Key Claims

• Israeli military evacuated 13,000 people from Jenin camp and set up checkpoints and barbed wire around its perimeter. — Sky News
• Israel is building its first permanent military base in Palestinian-controlled West Bank territory since the 1990s. — Sky News
• Some displaced residents from Jenin have been housed in temporary displacement centers a few miles away. — Sky News
• Netanyahu condemned settler violence in the West Bank. — Sky News

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England are 177 for 7, leading Pakistan by 357, after Dan Lawrence's fifty on a rain-hit day three at Lord's.

England moved to the brink of a series win over Pakistan on day three of the second Test at Lord's, despite rain repeatedly interrupting play. At the close, England were 177 for 7 in their second innings, a lead of 357 runs, with Dan Lawrence unbeaten on 50.

The day began with the weather still dictating terms. Emilio Gay was trapped by an unplayable delivery almost immediately, but Pakistan's hopes of building momentum were thwarted as the umbrellas reappeared. In between downpours, Lawrence steadily extended England's advantage. The lead passed 300 when Harry Brook edged behind, but Lawrence continued to take risks, cutting loose and making good use of the time available. Others were less productive: Jamie Smith was caught off a loose shot, and Gus Atkinson lasted little longer before being ordered back to the pavilion.

With rain always a threat, Lawrence kept things moving forward, reaching an impressive 50 before the heavens opened again, this time decisively. "It was a tricky day, sort of coming on for half an hour, 40 minute intervals, but yeah, overall decent day and the lead looks pretty big now," he said. "It's been a great atmosphere this week and won the last week as well. The boys are really enjoying it and yeah, hopefully we can cap off tomorrow with a nice win."

England had earlier bowled Pakistan out for 110 in their first innings, and with three wickets in hand, they have the chance to extend their lead further on day four. They won the first Test comfortably and are now strong favourites to complete a series victory.

The match has taken place against a backdrop of off-field turmoil for England. New captain Joe Root and new coach Stephen Fleming have had to deal with questions over a drinking culture, with Brydon Carse the latest player to be caught outside a nightclub, though he was later de-arrested. Root has been angered by the incidents, but on the field his side have responded with discipline and control.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC One: 1m 52s (BBC News)
• Sky News: 4m 37s (Sky News Today With Matt Barbet)

Key Claims

• England reached 177 for 7 with an overall lead of 357 runs. — BBC One, Sky News
• Dan Lawrence scored a half century. — BBC One
• Rain interrupted play throughout the day. — BBC One
• Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in their first innings. — Sky News
• Brydon Carse was caught outside a nightclub and seen in handcuffs. — Sky News

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Iceland's referendum on resuming EU membership talks looks set to reject the move, with No on 52.5%.

Icelanders have voted in a referendum on whether to resume European Union membership negotiations, 13 years after talks were broken off. With most votes counted, the No camp is heading for a narrow victory, with 52.5% of voters against restarting talks with the EU. The result is not yet final, but the trend appears clear.

The vote was not on membership itself, which would require a further referendum. Those opposed to EU membership fear the loss of political control to Brussels, particularly over the country's critical fishing industry, which would be opened up to other EU nations. Those in favour say membership would ease high interest rates and offer greater security in an unsettled world.

After casting her vote, Iceland's Prime Minister said whatever the result, the country would come out stronger. "This is a great day. We have been waiting for this and many people for years to be able to have a vote on whether we continue these accession negotiations," she said. "So whatever comes out of this, I'm going to be happy with the result."

Political analysts said the outcome was in line with opinion polls, which had shown a slight lead for the No side. Professor Erika Bergman of Bifröst University said the No campaign had been more skilful in tapping into Iceland's political national identity, emphasising formal independence from Denmark. The Yes side, she said, ran an overly technical campaign that failed to explain the purpose or passion behind joining the EU. Geopolitical upheaval, she added, never really filtered into the debate, which remained firmly domestic.

Results are expected early local time on Sunday.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 4m 42s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• The vote is on resuming talks rather than on membership itself. — BBC News
• A Friday poll indicated a narrow majority opposed to reopening talks. — BBC News
• Opponents of the talks fear losing political control over the fishing industry. — BBC News
• Results are expected early local time on Sunday. — BBC News

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Norway's new monarch King Haakon VIII has given his first address, paying tribute to his late father King Harald V, as the nation continues to mourn.

King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, ending a 35-year reign that made him Europe's oldest living monarch. He was succeeded by his son, who has taken the throne as King Haakon VIII. The new king gave his first address from the Royal Palace in Oslo, paying an emotional tribute to his father and promising to preserve his legacy. He adopted the historic family motto 'All for Norway', the same used by his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital after being admitted for treatment for a rare blood condition. His death was announced by the Royal Palace, triggering a period of national mourning. Thousands of Norwegians gathered outside the palace to lay flowers and pay their respects, with many describing him as 'the whole country's grandfather'. He was remembered as a modernising monarch who broke tradition by marrying a commoner, Queen Sonja, and who helped unite the nation after the 2011 terror attack that killed 77 people.

Tributes came from across Europe, including from King Charles, who described him as a 'towering figure' and a 'much loved kinsman'. Sweden's King Carl Gustaf also offered condolences. The new king, Haakon VIII, faces significant challenges. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, has faced scrutiny over her past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, and his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of rape. His sister, Princess Märtha Louise, has also attracted attention for marrying an American self-styled shaman. Despite these controversies, the new king has promised to serve the nation, saying 'May God save our nation' in his first address.

Services have been held across Norway, and the date of the funeral has not yet been announced.

Broadcaster Coverage

• ITV: 10m 42s (ITV Lunchtime News, ITV Evening News, ITV News at Ten, ITV News)
• BBC News: 15m 4s (BBC News Now, Verified Live, BBC News)
• Channel 5: 22s (5 News at Lunchtime)
• BBC One: 5m 47s (BBC News at One including..., BBC News)
• Channel 4: 4m 4s (Channel 4 News)

Key Claims

• Kusama was the best-selling living female artist before her death. — ITV
• King Harald of Norway died at age 89 after being hospitalized; he had reigned for 35 years. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, Channel 4, ITV
• Ingrid Alexandra, daughter of Haakon, became Crown Princess of Norway. — BBC News, BBC One
• King Harald was moved to tears at a memorial for the 2011 massacre victims. — BBC News, BBC One
• Marius Borg Høiby was convicted of rape and is appealing. — BBC News, BBC One, Channel 4

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A glacial collapse triggered flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 750 people and leaving around 3,000 missing, including dozens of British nationals.

On Wednesday morning, a massive glacial collapse in the Himalayas triggered a catastrophic flash flood that tore through valleys along the Nepal-Tibet border, killing hundreds and leaving thousands missing. The collapse, initially mistaken for an earthquake, sent a wall of water, mud, and rock down the Trishuli River, destroying entire villages, bridges, roads, and hydropower plants. The death toll has risen steadily, reaching at least 750 by the latest reports, with around 3,000 people still unaccounted for, including dozens of British nationals.

Rescue operations have been hampered by the remote terrain, heavy rain, and the threat of further flooding from newly formed barrier lakes. Nepalese and Chinese authorities have deployed thousands of troops and helicopters, but many areas remain inaccessible. The Red Cross estimates that more than 90,000 people have been directly affected. International aid has begun to arrive, with the UK pledging £5 million and sending a rapid response team, while the US has announced $3.6 million in humanitarian assistance.

Families in the UK and around the world are desperately waiting for news of loved ones. Among the missing are pilgrims, trekkers, and workers at hydroelectric projects. The disaster has also raised concerns about climate change, as scientists point to melting glaciers and unstable permafrost as contributing factors. The Nepalese government has appealed for specialised technical assistance, including help to reach people trapped in tunnels and to manage the risk of secondary floods.

The full scale of the disaster is still emerging, with bodies being recovered far downstream and mortuaries overwhelmed. The event is one of the worst natural disasters to hit Nepal since the 2015 earthquake, and the road to recovery is expected to be long and costly.

Broadcaster Coverage

• ITV: 1h 23m 24s (ITV Evening News, ITV Lunchtime News, ITV News at Ten, ITV News)
• Channel 5: 15m 23s (5 News at Lunchtime, 5 News with Dan Walker, 5 News Weekend)
• BBC News: 2h 55m 35s (BBC News Now, Signed: BBC News at Six, BBC News, Verified Live, The Context)
• BBC One: 1h 4m 40s (BBC News at One including..., BBC News, BBC News and Weather)
• Sky News: 2h 47m 38s (Sky News Today with Jayne Secker, The Wrap With Anna Botting, Mornings, Sky News Today with Gareth Barlow, Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, Sky News Today, The Wrap With Gillian Joseph)
• Channel 4: 1h 5m 11s (Channel 4 News)
• GB News: 10m 6s (New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late...)

Key Claims

• The reported death toll from the floods ranged from 8 to 17. — BBC News, BBC One, ITV
• Hundreds of foreign nationals were reported missing, with one figure citing 384 travellers including 291 foreign nationals. — BBC News, ITV
• Nepal's foreign minister suggested the floods, triggered by an avalanche of ice and rock, may have been caused by an earthquake. — Channel 5, BBC One, Channel 4, ITV
• Dry ground was expected to cause disruption as it struggles to absorb heavy rain. — ITV
• At least 12 British nationals were reported missing. — BBC One, Sky News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

Andy Burnham's social media strategy is reaching over half of 18-24 year olds, outpacing rival leaders.

Andy Burnham is winning the battle for attention online, with new figures showing his social media content is reaching more than half of 18 to 24-year-olds. The same data puts Nigel Farage at 23% and Zak Polanski at 16% for the same age group, suggesting Burnham's approach is cutting through where others are not.

The strategy is a deliberate one. Burnham has been appearing on podcasts with the word 'fail' in the title, comparing pub snacks with John Healey, calling a bread roll a barm, and teaming up with content creators. The aim is to engage young people on platforms they already use, rather than expecting them to come to traditional political broadcasts.

Behind the rise is Abby Tomlinson, who as a 17-year-old student created the 'Millie Fandom' around Ed Miliband in 2015. That movement, led by teenage girls who treated Miliband like a pop star, was a precursor to what is happening now. Tomlinson is now helping to propel Burnham's popularity online, with young Labour Party members producing content that gets significant traction. One video has received over 100,000 likes.

Supporters argue that Burnham is meeting people on their level, not as an aloof, bureaucratic prime minister, but as someone who genuinely talks to people and understands what they are going through. One person who met him said he is exactly the same in real life.

But the approach carries risks. Zak Polanski, the Green Party leader, was criticised after sharing an Instagram post that included an image of a man wearing a t-shirt showing a guillotine alongside the words 'we're only making plans for Nigel'. Polanski said he shared a selection of images without realising the content and has since removed it. Polling suggests the public think he should have apologised more fully and quickly.

Experts say the high risk, high reward nature of the strategy means errors need to be corrected fast. Part of putting out lots of content is that some of it will not land, and that is fine if there is one 'banger' for every five duds. There is space for experimentation, and other parties will have to learn from Burnham's approach.

The real test will come at the next election, when it will become clear whether online engagement can turn into actual votes.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 4m 41s (Mornings with Jones and Melbourne)

Key Claims

• More than half of 18 to 24-year-olds see Andy Burnham's social media content, compared to 23% for Nigel Farage and 16% for Zak Polanski. — Sky News
• Abby Tomlinson, who created the Millie Fandom for Ed Miliband in 2015, is now helping to boost Andy Burnham's online popularity. — Sky News
• Zak Polanski was criticised for sharing an Instagram post with a guillotine image and has since removed it. — Sky News

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Niger's military government says it has regained control after a coup attempt by rebel soldiers.

Niger's military government has said its forces have regained control of the capital after an attempted coup by rebel soldiers. The uprising began overnight into Saturday, with hours of intense gunfire and explosions reported near a key air base, the international airport, and around the presidential palace.

The defence minister confirmed that rogue troops took several high-ranking officers hostage before being pushed back by the loyalist presidential guard. A BBC reporter spoke to residents who said they woke up to the sound of gunfire across different parts of the capital. The airport and parts of the city had come under attack.

This is the third attack in Niger this year. The first, in January, was claimed by Islamic State, and another in June was claimed by a group linked to al-Qaeda. It is not yet clear who is behind this latest incident, and fighting was reported to be continuing.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 1m 24s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• Niger's military government regained control of the capital after a coup attempt by rogue troops who took officers hostage; it was the third such attack this year, with previous ones claimed by Islamic State and an al-Qaeda-linked group. — BBC News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

The US Iran war continues into its seventh month, with economic sanctions and a military stalemate, while analysts warn both sides are losing.

The conflict between the United States and Iran has now entered its seventh month, with no sign of a breakthrough. Washington continues to apply economic pressure on Tehran, while the military confrontation has settled into a stalemate. Iranian leaders remain defiant, and the country's Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for a fifth of the world's oil and gas. White House officials say American forces have loosened Iran's grip, but tanker traffic remains far below pre-war levels, keeping markets volatile and pushing up prices globally.

In one of the latest developments, one of Egypt's largest banks said it will take action after the US Treasury moved to cut off its branches in the United Arab Emirates from dollar transactions over its dealings with Iran. This is one of the first publicly announced measures in Washington's effort to further isolate the Iranian economy. The Iranian government has said it will stand firm against what it called unjust sanctions and conspiracies, while suggesting that a path forward through diplomacy exists, even as it vows to defend its interests militarily.

Analysts see no clear winner. Ravi Agrawal, editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy Magazine, said both sides have suffered, along with the region and the global economy. He noted that the United States has run through many of its key munitions, including Patriot interceptors, which are down by about 60% since the start of the war. This, he argued, leaves the US less able to project power and deter adversaries. He also pointed out that Iran was already heavily sanctioned, so the question is how much more pressure can be exerted, and who else gets roped in. If China, which buys the bulk of Iranian oil, is restricted, it could respond by limiting critical minerals and rare earths exports to the US, potentially triggering a wider global economic war.

The human cost is severe. The Iranian people have suffered from aerial attacks, devastated infrastructure, and soaring food and water prices. Their own government, which brutally repressed mass protests at the start of the year, appears focused on staying in power at any cost. The new supreme leader, Mostafa Khamenei, has not been seen in public since the war began. Agrawal said it is hard to imagine the regime changing course, and the rest of the world must ask how to move beyond the stalemate, with diplomacy as the ultimate answer.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 5m 38s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it controls the Strait of Hormuz. — BBC News
• US Patriot interceptors are down by about 60% since the start of the war. — BBC News
• One of Egypt's largest banks will take action after the US Treasury cut off its UAE branches from dollar transactions over Iran dealings. — BBC News

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A Russian drone attack on a weapons warehouse near homes killed 37 and injured over 40, prompting Zelensky to order an investigation into the munitions' placement.

At least 37 people have been killed and more than 40 injured after a Russian drone attack hit a warehouse where weapons were being stored close to residential buildings in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered an investigation into why the munitions were kept near a populated area, describing it as horrific negligence.

The attack is one of the deadliest in terms of civilian lives lost during the conflict. The warehouse, used to store ammunition, was situated close to apartment blocks, raising questions about the safety of such placements. Zelensky's decision to launch an inquiry reflects growing public concern over the government's handling of military supplies in civilian areas.

Steven Peiffer, former US ambassador to Ukraine, said the attack was clearly a mistake. He noted that the Russians have shown little regard for civilian casualties throughout the war, regularly striking apartment buildings and shopping centres. "The fact that this warehouse was close to apartment buildings was not going to have any impact on the Russian decision to hit it," he said.

Peiffer also highlighted the broader challenge Ukraine faces in dispersing weapons and ammunition to avoid detection and attack. He acknowledged that Ukrainian forces had largely succeeded in keeping supplies safe over the past four years, but this incident exposed a serious lapse. He added that Russian attacks often appear to target civilian structures directly, or use inaccurate weapons that should be directed away from populated areas.

The attack has also raised questions about trust in the government's ability to protect civilians during the war. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, and the investigation will be closely watched by Ukrainians seeking accountability.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 2m 50s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• A drone strike in the Kiev region killed 37 people and injured 42. — BBC News
• Zelensky ordered an investigation into how ammunition came to be stored in a residential area. — BBC News
• The former US ambassador said the attack was one of the deadliest in terms of civilian lives lost. — BBC News

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Paramedics in Kanazawa have issued a public appeal urging people not to stop to tidy shoes during emergencies, as it can delay evacuation and endanger lives.

Japanese paramedics have issued a public appeal urging people not to tidy up the shoes taken off by emergency crews when they enter a home. The warning comes from officials in the city of Kanazawa, who say that such tidying can hamper their ability to move quickly, particularly when carrying someone on a stretcher. The appeal was made in an Instagram video that has attracted more than half a million views.

The request touches on a deeply ingrained Japanese custom. Visitors are expected to remove their footwear when entering someone's home, and hosts will often turn guest shoes to face the door ready for an easy exit. This practice, known as omoyari, reflects a sensitivity to others, according to Mary White, a professor of anthropology at Boston University who specialises in Japanese studies. She told the BBC that the custom is not about rigid etiquette but about making things work and be comfortable for others.

However, White acknowledged that the practice can get in the way of the specific needs of paramedics, who need the shoes to be in the right place so they can leave expeditiously with the patient. She also noted that the genkan, the front hall, is a liminal space between private and public, and that the custom of removing shoes is rational, as shoes can ruin tatami matting.

The appeal highlights a potential conflict between cultural politeness and emergency efficiency. While the warning is specific to Kanazawa, it has resonated widely, sparking discussion about the balance between tradition and practicality in emergencies.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 4m 38s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• Paramedics in Kanazawa urged people not to tidy shoes left by emergency crews, saying it could slow them down. — BBC News
• An Instagram video about the plea has attracted more than half a million views. — BBC News

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The former Duchess of York is expected to return to the UK shortly after leaving Royal Lodge, with her whereabouts unconfirmed since losing her title.

Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is expected to return to the UK shortly, according to BBC News. Her exact whereabouts have not been confirmed since she and her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, were told to leave their home at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

Ferguson was last seen publicly in September at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent. In October, she and Andrew lost their titles as the Duke and Duchess of York. They were also told they would lose the property they had shared despite being divorced since 1996. Andrew has since moved to a property on the Sandringham estate, but Ferguson's location has remained unclear.

The context to the move includes the release of the so-called Epstein files, in which both Ferguson and Andrew were repeatedly mentioned. Mention in the files does not imply wrongdoing, but it raised questions about their relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The timing of Ferguson's expected return coincides with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, also returning to the UK after six years in the US. A source told the BBC that Ferguson is a private citizen and that matters such as where she will live cannot be commented on.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 6m 22s (BBC News)
• BBC One: 1m 24s (BBC News)
• Channel 5: 8s (5 News Weekend)

Key Claims

• Sarah Ferguson is expected to return to the UK shortly. — BBC News, BBC One
• Sarah Ferguson's location was not confirmed after she and Prince Andrew were forced to leave their Windsor home, and she was thought to be living abroad. — BBC One
• Sarah Ferguson lost her title as Duchess of York in October, Prince Andrew also lost his title, and they were told they would lose their home in Windsor Great Park. — BBC News, BBC One
• Andrew Mountbatten Windsor moved to a property on the Sandringham estate. — BBC News, BBC One

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President Trump says the US has struck a deal for majority control of Venezuelan oil fields, but details are scarce and experts doubt short-term impact.

President Donald Trump has announced what he called the biggest oil deal in world history, giving the United States majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves. The announcement, made on his Truth Social platform, comes about eight months after American forces captured Venezuela's then president, Nicolas Maduro, and flew him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

According to a US official, the deal would involve a partnership with an as yet unnamed private operator to develop Venezuela's vast oil fields. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed the agreement in a statement on Friday, saying it would allow for a significant increase in oil production through the development of 17 oil fields and contribute to the country's wider economic recovery. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the deal would bring $100 billion in private investment and support thousands of high-paying jobs in Venezuela.

Trump claimed the arrangement would substantially reduce gas prices for Americans, a message that comes two months before US midterm elections. However, his assertion that it would double American oil reserves has been met with scepticism. Experts point out that Venezuela's oil infrastructure is in a poor state, with ports, pipelines and electricity supplies damaged, and that any meaningful increase in production is unlikely for years. Rachel Ziemba, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for New American Security, said the deal was unlikely to have any material impact on global oil supplies in the next few months or even the next year.

The legal basis of the deal is also unclear. Venezuela's constitution requires the national oil company to be part of any oil agreement, and the deal may face legal challenges in court or be challenged by any future Venezuelan government. On the streets of Caracas, reactions were mixed. One resident said that if the money goes to the people, it would be excellent, but if it stays with the state, it would be unwelcome. The announcement follows months of Trump touting the potential of American involvement in Venezuela, which holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, estimated at 303 billion barrels. But with few details released, the true nature and impact of the deal remain uncertain.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 12m 8s (BBC News)
• Channel 4: 3m 22s (Channel 4 News)

Key Claims

• US President Trump announced a deal for US majority control of Venezuelan oil fields via a private partnership. — BBC News, Channel 4
• Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez stated the deal would increase oil production via 17 fields and aid economic recovery. — BBC News
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the deal would bring $100 billion in private investment and support thousands of high-paying jobs in Venezuela. — Channel 4
• Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, estimated at 303 billion barrels. — Channel 4
• The deal involves a partnership with an as yet unnamed private operator. — BBC News

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A Russian drone strike on a warehouse in the Kiev region killed 37 people, prompting an investigation into why ammunition was stored near homes.

A Russian drone strike on a warehouse in the Kiev region has killed at least 37 people, according to Ukrainian officials. The warehouse, which was storing ammunition, exploded in the village of Myla, west of Kyiv, causing widespread damage and forcing hundreds to evacuate.

The attack happened overnight, with a series of explosions that continued for hours. President Zelensky said the warehouse contained shells, drones and other munitions. He ordered an investigation into why explosives were stored in a residential area, calling it 'horrific negligence'. The interior ministry said a criminal case had been opened on charges of official negligence.

The strike is the latest in a series of Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. It comes days after a separate attack on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih killed 16 people. In that attack, a double-tap strike hit the building twice, the second as emergency workers were on the scene. President Zelensky described that attack as cynical and despicable.

Ukraine has also been striking Russian oil facilities, causing fuel shortages in Moscow. President Putin warned that Ukraine's attacks on Russian infrastructure had opened a 'Pandora's box' and that Russia would continue its bombardment. France has announced it will send additional interceptor missiles to Ukraine to help defend against Russian ballistic missiles.

The investigation into the Myla attack is focusing on why ammunition was stored so close to homes. Residents said they had no idea of the danger. One woman, Lyubov, said her home of more than 30 years was destroyed. The president said those responsible would be held to account.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Channel 4: 3m 59s (Channel 4 News)
• BBC One: 15m 9s (BBC News and Weather, BBC News)
• BBC News: 41m 41s (BBC News)
• Sky News: 1m 6s (Sky News Today with Sam Washington)

Key Claims

• A Russian attack on a shopping centre in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih killed at least 14 people and injured more than 120, including 11 children. — BBC News, BBC One, Channel 4, Sky News
• Four people were killed in Mykolaiv, three of them children. — BBC One
• Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil facilities have led to fuel shortages and petrol queues in Moscow. — BBC News, BBC One
• Russia launched more than 200 drones overnight. — BBC News, BBC One, Sky News
• Ukraine said it would respond to the attack. — BBC News

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Fans react to 26-minute GTA VI preview on Netflix, with the game launching in November.

The first extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI has been shown to fans in a world-first collaboration with Netflix, drawing strong reactions ahead of the game's November release. The 26-minute preview, which also appeared on YouTube, gave players their first detailed view of the sixth main instalment of the series, which has been in development for more than 13 years since the last game.

The game is set in a fictionalised version of Miami called Vice City, and follows a couple, Jason and Lucia, as they work their way up the criminal underworld. It is the first game in the series to feature a major female lead character, a point that has been welcomed by many fans. One critic, who was given an early look at the game, said Lucia "caters to the female gaze" and is "an everyday woman".

The preview has also reignited debate about the game's content. Critics have long accused the franchise of glorifying violence and drugs, and the new instalment appears to be no different. However, supporters argue that the portrayal of violence is no different from that found in films or literature. The game's creators have also confirmed that no artificial intelligence was used in its making, with all characters and environments hand-crafted by animators.

The release of GTA VI is expected to be the biggest entertainment launch of the year. The previous instalment sold 230 million copies and generated around £7 billion for its developer, Rockstar Games. The new game is estimated to have cost £1.5 billion to make, reflecting an industry now worth more than music and films combined.

But the road to release has not been smooth. A hacker targeted Rockstar and leaked unreleased material, and the game will be digital-only, meaning players will not have a physical disc. Some fans have expressed concerns that this gives the developer too much control, with one saying: "We have no physical copy of it, so they can change the game. They could just delete the game, and there's nothing we can do about it."

Despite the controversies, anticipation remains high. As one fan put it: "It's arguably the biggest game of all time, so even if you're not aware of the game, you're gonna hear about it. Your kid is gonna talk about it. If you're an employer, your workers are gonna call in sick."

Broadcaster Coverage

• ITV: 2m 37s (ITV Lunchtime News)
• BBC News: 5m 32s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• A 26-minute GTA VI preview was a world-first collaboration with Netflix. — ITV
• The previous GTA installment sold 230 million copies and earned Rockstar around £7 billion. — ITV
• GTA VI cost an estimated 1.5 billion pounds to make. — ITV
• GTA VI is the first game in the series to feature a major female lead character. — BBC News
• The game's creators confirmed that no AI was used in making the game. — BBC News

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A rescue operation is under way after a vessel with five people got into distress in the English Channel, the UK Coast Guard said.

A rescue operation is under way in the English Channel after a vessel with five people on board got into distress, the UK Coast Guard has said.

The Coast Guard said it received a call at about 6pm about a vessel in distress. The location was given as south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse, off the coast of Plymouth. It is not yet known what kind of boat was involved, or the condition of those on board.

RNLI lifeboats and a Coast Guard helicopter have been sent to the scene. The Coast Guard has not confirmed whether the vessel was British or French, and there is no immediate word on the nationality of the people on board. While the Channel has seen migrant crossings in recent years, this is not a normal route for such boats.

A correspondent said there was little detail available and that the situation was still developing. The rescue effort is ongoing.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC One: 1m 11s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• At about 6pm, the Coast Guard received a distress call about a vessel south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse, and RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter were sent to investigate. — BBC One

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A 41-year-old man died and six others were injured when a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex; the rest of the event was cancelled.

One man has died and six other people were injured after a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex. The incident happened on Friday afternoon at Wiston Park near Steyning, where the event was being held. Police were called at around 3.30pm and confirmed that a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

The sign, which was advertising the worship tent area, was positioned high above a main walkway. An eyewitness told the BBC that it appeared to blow over in the wind. The Met Office had issued a warning for high gusts in the area, with winds reaching up to 27mph, though investigators have not yet confirmed the cause.

Six other people were treated by paramedics. Four were taken to hospital, two with significant injuries and two with less serious injuries. The festival, which was due to run until Sunday, was cancelled. Organisers said they were heartbroken and asked all attendees to leave the site by midday on Saturday.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for anyone with information or video footage to come forward, quoting Operation Igloo. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh described the incident as tragic and said the force was working with partners to establish exactly what happened.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said she was praying for the family of the man who died, as well as the injured and the medical staff treating them. Local churches have also offered support to those affected. The Big Church Festival is described as the UK's largest Christian festival, bringing together thousands of people for music, worship and prayer.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 5m 29s (The Context, BBC News)
• Sky News: 4m 58s (Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, Sky News Today with Sam Washington)
• BBC One: 4m 55s (BBC News)
• Channel 5: 15s (5 News Weekend)

Key Claims

• Six people were injured when a sign fell at a festival. — Channel 5, BBC News, Sky News
• The festival event was closed after the sign fell. — Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, Sky News
• Wind was a possible factor; a Met Office warning for gusts up to 27 mph was issued. — BBC News, BBC One
• A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died in the incident. — Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, Sky News
• Police asked witnesses to call 101 quoting Operation Igloo. — Sky News

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Andy Burnham has asked for a plan to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers, reversing earlier statements that it was impossible.

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has said he is increasingly confident that two of the men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper will not be released early from prison. The case has become the focus of a public outcry over the government's early release scheme, which was introduced to ease chronic overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales.

Albert Bowers and Jesse Cole were passengers in a car that dragged PC Harper to his death in 2019. They were each sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter. Under the current early release scheme, they would have been freed in January after serving half their sentences. The driver, Henry Long, is serving a life sentence and is not eligible.

Last week, the government announced that rapists, child sex offenders and those convicted of grooming offences would be excluded from the scheme. But the two killers remained eligible, prompting a petition that has now gathered more than a million signatures. PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, said she was "more angry than ever" and challenged the Prime Minister to meet her.

Initially, Downing Street said it was not possible to exempt one or two individuals convicted of manslaughter, because that would require exempting the whole category. But the Prime Minister later said he had asked the Justice Secretary to present a plan in early September to keep a greater number of serious offenders in prison, including PC Harper's killers. He said: "I have not accepted that it is impossible to do more."

The change came after 50 police chiefs wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to use every lawful option to prevent the early release. The letter said there was "a profound strength of feeling across policing" about the case. The Prime Minister is also considering other measures to free up prison space, such as deporting foreign offenders, using the female prison estate for male offenders, and reviewing indefinite sentences.

But the case has also raised wider questions about the early release scheme. Other families, such as that of Frankie Jules-Hough, who was killed by a dangerous driver, have said they are concerned that their loved ones' killers could also be released early. The government says the scheme is necessary to prevent the prison system from collapsing.

Broadcaster Coverage

• ITV: 25m 20s (ITV News, ITV Evening News, ITV News at Ten, ITV Lunchtime News)
• Sky News: 12m 32s (Sky News Today with Gareth Barlow, Sky News Today with Jayne Secker)
• BBC One: 17m 2s (BBC News at One including..., BBC News and Weather, BBC News)
• BBC News: 7m 8s (Signed: BBC News Now, BBC News)
• GB News: 31m 13s (New: GBN Tonight, New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late...)
• BBC Two: 13m 13s (Newsnight, followed by Weather)
• Channel 5: 9m 28s (5 News at Lunchtime, 5 News with Dan Walker)
• Channel 4: 21m 57s (Channel 4 News)

Key Claims

• The government said without decisive action prisons will run out of space, leaving nowhere for serious offenders. — Sky News
• Albert Bowers and Jesse Cole, convicted of manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper, were eligible for early release under the government's prison overcrowding scheme. — Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, BBC Two, Channel 4, GB News, ITV, Sky News
• PC Harper's mother called the potential early release an insult. — GB News, ITV
• The Prime Minister ordered a pause to the early release scheme. — Channel 5
• Rapists will be banned from early prison release under a new scheme. — Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, Channel 4, ITV, Sky News

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More than 30 bereaved families have written to the Justice Secretary calling for all forms of manslaughter to be excluded from the early prison release scheme, citing public safety and justice.

More than 30 bereaved families have written to the Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, demanding that anyone convicted of any form of manslaughter be barred from the government's early prison release scheme. The letter, signed by families including Emma Webber, whose son Barnaby was killed in the Nottingham attacks in 2023, and Carolyn O'Connor, whose son Luke was stabbed to death in 2021, argues that victims should not bear the consequences of the prison overcrowding crisis.

The early release scheme, introduced to ease pressure on prisons in England and Wales, currently excludes murderers, rapists and serious child sex offenders, but not those convicted of manslaughter. The controversy intensified after it emerged that the killers of PC Andrew Harper, who were convicted of unlawful act manslaughter, would be eligible for early release. Following a public outcry, the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, ordered a review and the Justice Secretary is expected to set out plans on Tuesday to keep PC Harper's killers behind bars.

The families argue that the distinction between murder and manslaughter is irrelevant to them. Emma Webber said: "If somebody has been killed, they have been killed, a life has been lost. And there has been a perpetrator, whether that's voluntary manslaughter or murder, it's actually irrelevant." Carolyn O'Connor described receiving a letter warning that her son's killer could be released after just three years of a 15-year sentence as being "thrown back right to that trial three years ago".

There are concerns that the government may only exclude involuntary manslaughter, which would cover PC Harper's killers, leaving voluntary manslaughter, which includes diminished responsibility, still eligible. Support charities have warned against a "carve-out" for PC Harper's killers, saying all bereaved families of homicide suffer in the same way.

The government says it inherited a prison system on the brink of collapse and is fast-tracking ways to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars, while also building 14,000 new prison places. But the families insist that creating space should not come at their expense. The Conservatives have said the scheme should be stopped entirely.

Emma Webber, who has also written to Alex Norris twice without a response, criticised the government's proposal as "morally bankrupt" and highlighted wider flaws in the system, including the fact that many offenders with mental health conditions are discharged from hospital orders after a decade. She said: "The stark reality is that 90% of people like Calocane who have committed the most heinous acts and are criminals, but they've managed to end up in the hospital system, nine out of ten are out within ten years."

The Justice Secretary is due to report back to Parliament this week, and the families say they will not stop campaigning until all forms of manslaughter are excluded from early release.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 10m 34s (Sky News Today with Sam Washington, The Wrap With Gillian Joseph)
• BBC One: 1m 30s (BBC News)
• ITV: 4m 30s (ITV Evening News, ITV News)
• Channel 5: 6s (5 News Weekend)
• GB News: 10m 11s (New: The Saturday Five Extra)

Key Claims

• Thirty families signed a letter to the Justice Secretary demanding all manslaughter convictions be excluded from the early release scheme. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC One, GB News, ITV, Sky News
• The government is considering excluding unlawful act manslaughter from the early release scheme. — Sky News
• The early release scheme allows release after a third of a sentence is served. — BBC One
• The government said it was confident it could keep PC Harper's killers and other serious offenders in prison. — BBC One
• Calocane is serving a hospital order after being convicted of manslaughter by diminished responsibility. — ITV

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Tributes paid to two Cleveland police officers killed in A66 crash; five others also died.

Tributes have been paid to two Cleveland police officers who died in a road accident last Saturday. PCs Matthew Blades and Tom Clough were killed in a two-vehicle crash on the A66 in Middlesbrough, which also claimed the lives of five other people. The collision happened during a police chase.

Before this afternoon's match between Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium, supporters from both teams joined in a round of applause for the two officers. Middlesbrough Football Club had asked fans to take a moment to pay their respects.

Later, the officers were remembered at Seaton Carew Football Club, where the team faced FC Hartlepool. PC Blades had links to both clubs. Two coaches from the club paid tribute, describing him as a 'brilliant bloke, brilliant dad, brilliant coach' who 'cared for everybody'. One coach said: 'The way that he died and being on duty, I think, has almost matched what he, you know, given himself to something else again, I think, and that, for me, is who he was.' Another added: 'I know part of his job in the police is always going to be some risk, but it should never come to the point where a family's lost a husband, a dad. It's just so unfair, just shouldn't happen.'

The deaths have highlighted the risks that police officers take in the course of their duty. The families of the two officers are among those left to bear the consequences of their sacrifice.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Channel 5: 14s (5 News Weekend)
• ITV: 27s (ITV News)
• Sky News: 4m 20s (The Wrap With Gillian Joseph)

Key Claims

• Football players and fans paid tribute to two police officers who died in a road accident in Cleveland. — Channel 5, ITV, Sky News
• The officers were identified as Matthew Blades and Tom Clough. — ITV
• Seven people died in the collision, including the two officers. — ITV
• A crash occurred on the A66 in Middlesbrough last weekend. — Sky News
• PC Blades had links to both Middlesbrough and Seaton Carew football clubs. — Sky News

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Campaigners warn that every UK river is polluted, posing health risks to swimmers, and call for stronger regulation and testing.

Campaigners have warned that all of Britain's rivers are polluted, posing health risks to swimmers, and are calling on the Environment Agency to do more. The warning comes at the end of an unusually hot summer when many people have been swimming in rivers and lakes to cool off.

One mother, Claire, described how her seven-year-old son was hospitalised after a family kayaking trip to Lake Windermere in Cumbria. He developed an E. coli infection which then became more serious, leading to haemolytic uraemic syndrome. He had to be transferred to Leeds to start dialysis and have operations to save his kidneys. Claire said she had checked the Environment Agency website before the trip, which gave the lake an excellent rating, giving her confidence to go.

Campaigners say huge amounts of sewage have been illegally pumped into the lake over the years, and that if taken in, the bacteria in the water can be dangerous. The Environment Agency tests 464 designated swimming sites in England for contamination. The testing process involves taking samples 30 centimetres below the surface and sending them to a laboratory in Exeter, where microbiologists test for E. coli and intestinal enterococci, the bacteria specified in regulations as showing a risk to public health.

Between April 2025 and April 2026, there were almost 100 criminal investigations launched by the Environment Agency into water companies for alleged rule-breaking. According to campaign group River Action, all of the UK's rivers are polluted. Water companies have been fined millions of pounds for polluting rivers over the past few years amid a growing public outcry. Some campaigners are urging harsher action, with some calling for private water companies to be nationalised.

The Environment Agency has had its funding and resources cut over recent decades. Campaigners are calling for the Clean Water Bill, expected under the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, to give those resources back so that polluters can be monitored and the law enforced. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says it is increasing funding for the Environment Agency. A spokesperson said they are taking steps to recover enforcement costs from polluters, significantly boost inspections, and issue penalties more quickly. They also said they will work with partners to find the source of pollution, whether from agricultural runoff, surface water runoff, or storm overflows, and minimise that risk in the future.

Swimmers are being urged to check the status of their favourite spots before getting into the water. Meanwhile, testing of Britain's polluted waters will continue, as will the debate on how best to clean them up.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 10m 57s (Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, The Wrap With Gillian Joseph)

Key Claims

• A child was hospitalised with E. coli and haemolytic uraemic syndrome after kayaking in Lake Windermere, which had been rated 'excellent' by the Environment Agency. — Sky News
• River Action stated that all rivers in the UK are polluted. — Sky News
• The Environment Agency launched nearly 100 criminal investigations into water companies between April 2025 and April 2026. — Sky News

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Tottenham Hotspur suffered a second straight Premier League defeat, losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur's new season has started with back-to-back defeats after they lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United. Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, the club spent hundreds of millions on new players over the summer in what was seen as a reset. But after two matches they have no points and no goals, and the same problems are showing.

Newcastle, themselves in transition, were efficient in north London. Anthony Iolanga scored the opening goal, and Yoane Wissa, who had scored for DR Congo at the World Cup, added a classy second to seal the win. Spurs, meanwhile, struggled to create clear chances and barely tested the Newcastle goal.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi now faces growing pressure as fans who have seen this before grow restless. The defeat means Tottenham have lost both opening league games, a worrying start to a season that was supposed to bring a fresh beginning. Newcastle, in contrast, will take confidence from a disciplined away performance that earned them three valuable points.

Broadcaster Coverage

• ITV: 1m 17s (ITV News)

Key Claims

• Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-0 to Newcastle United at home, with goals from Anthony Iolanga and Yoane Wissa. — Channel 4, ITV
• Tottenham have lost their first two Premier League matches and have not scored any goals. — ITV
• Tottenham spent hundreds of millions on new players over the summer. — ITV

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Dolly Parton has died in Nashville at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, triggering tributes from music legends and flags at half-mast across the US.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 in Nashville, her family confirmed. Her publicist said she died after a short battle with cancer. The announcement came through a video message from her nephew, who said on behalf of the family: "Sadness lies with us not with Dolly... Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others."

The family asked for privacy as they processed the loss and said a small, private funeral would be held. Her family also shared her final wish: "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."

Parton's career spanned more than six decades. She wrote more than 3,000 songs, sold more than 100 million records worldwide and won 11 Grammy Awards. Her best-known hits include Jolene, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5, along with duets such as Islands in the Stream with Kenny Rogers. She was born into poverty in rural Tennessee, one of 12 children living in a one-room cabin with no running water or electricity. An uncle encouraged her to sing, and she moved to Nashville at 18, the day after graduating from high school, to chase her dream.

She met her future husband, Carl Dean, outside a laundrette on her first day in Nashville. They were married for 59 years. Dean died in 2025, and Parton later said that nursing him in his final months had led her to neglect her own health. She cancelled her Las Vegas residency in May, joking that it was "time for my 100,000 mile checkup" but making clear she could not rehearse the show she wanted fans to see.

Her songs crossed boundaries of class, sex, religion and politics. 9 to 5, written for the 1980 film about workplace inequality, became an anthem for working women and was later turned into a stage musical. She wrote Jolene and I Will Always Love You in the same period. She famously declined Elvis Presley's request to record I Will Always Love You because it would have cost her the publishing rights. Whitney Houston's version later earned her an estimated $10 million in royalties, which she put into community projects in Nashville, including a predominantly black neighbourhood.

Parton's philanthropy was as celebrated as her music. Her Imagination Library gave more than 300 million free books to children around the world, inspired by her father, who could not read or write. She donated $1 million toward the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, created jobs in one of the poorest areas of the state and became one of America's most popular tourist attractions. She also supported wildfire relief, childhood cancer research and, most recently, helped fund a homeless shelter in Nashville in the name of her late husband.

In the United States, President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast for a week, describing her death as "a true loss for millions of people" and saying "there has never been anyone like her." The Empire State Building in New York was lit up in pink at 9.25 in the evening, a nod to her hit 9 to 5. In London, the band of the Coldstream Guards performed 9 to 5 during the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Fans laid flowers at her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles and gathered outside the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, where a seven-year-old boy played Coat of Many Colours on his violin.

Tributes came from the biggest names in music. Sir Paul McCartney said her songwriting, singing and philanthropy were unrivalled in country music and that it was "hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly." Beyonce called her "the barometer, the North Star." Taylor Swift said "a world without Dolly doesn't feel possible, real or right," adding that her legacy would be everlasting. Elton John called her "a giant of an artist, unique and irreplaceable with the kindest heart." Miley Cyrus, her goddaughter, said: "I have an angel by my side. I always have." Mick Jagger, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Sabrina Carpenter and Oprah Winfrey also paid tribute. Even Eminem, who rarely comments publicly on such moments, posted a letter Parton had written him when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Parton was a shrewd businesswoman who kept control of her publishing rights, and an apolitical public figure who appealed across the American political divide, never revealing how she voted. She was held up as an icon by the LGBTQ+ community for her message of acceptance. "I do not believe that we should criticize and judge other people," she once said. "I think we should be accepting and loving. We are all God's children." Her Christianity, she said, was the root of that acceptance.

Her final public appearance was in June, at the naming of a truck stop outside Nashville. A song she recorded before her death is locked away in a chestnut box at Dollywood, with instructions not to release it until what would have been her 100th birthday in January 2046. As one Nashville fan put it: "Dolly was always somebody for me. It's more than music, it's all the great things she's done. It's all the people she's helped."

Broadcaster Coverage

• Channel 5: 13m 29s (5 News at Lunchtime, 5 News with Dan Walker)
• BBC News: 49m 45s (BBC News Now, Signed: BBC News at Six, BBC News)
• BBC One: 37m 35s (BBC News at One including..., BBC News, BBC News and Weather)
• ITV: 45m 26s (ITV Lunchtime News, ITV Evening News, ITV News at Ten)
• Channel 4: 11m 4s (Channel 4 News)
• GB News: 1h 44m 12s (New: GBN Tonight, New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., New: The Saturday Five Extra)
• Sky News: 59m 30s (The Wrap With Anna Botting, Mornings, Sky News Today with Gareth Barlow, Sky News Today with Jayne Secker)
• BBC Two: 11m 55s (Newsnight, followed by Weather)

Key Claims

• Hayden Panettiere died at age 36. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC News, ITV
• Hayden Panettiere's father Skip issued a statement describing her as an incredible light and a force of nature. — Channel 5, Channel 5, ITV
• The cause of Hayden Panettiere's death has not been revealed. — Channel 5, Channel 5, ITV
• Hayden Panettiere's representatives described her in glowing terms. — BBC News
• She wrote a memoir. — Channel 5, BBC News, ITV

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

Nashville's airport is set to be renamed in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton.

The planned renaming of Nashville's airport after Dolly Parton has not been updated in the latest broadcast coverage. The most recent transcripts, from a weekend news programme, contain no mention of the airport renaming story. Instead, the broadcast covered a cancelled festival, a minute's applause for two police officers killed in a road accident, and the impending return of Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, to the UK. None of these segments reference Dolly Parton or developments regarding the Nashville airport. As a result, the status of the proposed Dolly Parton Airport remains unchanged from earlier reports.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Channel 5: 14s (5 News Weekend)

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A man died at a church festival in West Sussex, police officers were remembered, and Sarah Ferguson is reportedly moving back to the UK.

A man has died after an incident at a church festival in West Sussex. Police were called to the event yesterday afternoon. The man died at the scene. Six other people were taken to hospital for treatment. The rest of the festival has been cancelled.

In a separate development, football players and fans paid tribute to two police officers who were killed in a road accident in Cleveland last Saturday. A minute's applause was held before the Middlesbrough West Brom match to remember PCs Matthew Blades and Tom Clough. The officers died when their car collided with another vehicle carrying five young men, who also lost their lives.

Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson is reportedly moving back to the UK shortly. The former Duchess of York is said to be returning, though no further details were given.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Channel 5: 9s (5 News Weekend)

Key Claims

• A man died at a church festival in West Sussex. — Channel 5
• Six other people were taken to hospital for treatment. — Channel 5
• A minute's applause was held to remember two police officers killed in a road accident. — Channel 5

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

A new documentary shot entirely on Super 8 film explores personal connections with nature and climate fears, as director Ed Saye promotes it on a low-carbon bike tour.

A new documentary called Supernature is making its way to UK cinemas, offering a deliberately low-tech counterpoint to the high-definition nature films that dominate the genre. Shot entirely on antique Super 8 cameras by 40 different people, from Tasmania to the UK, the film is described as a poem to the natural world, capturing private connections with nature and the fears people hold about a changing climate.

The project began during lockdown, when filmmaker Ed Saye asked fellow Super 8 enthusiasts to film whatever they wanted about their own relationship with the natural world, and to record their anxieties about increasingly chaotic weather. The result is a sumptuous collage of analogue images, which Saye says carry a particular magic. Looking through an old camera without a monitor, with limited film, forces you to study the scene and decide when to shoot. The footage may be out of focus, but as Saye puts it, that imperfection makes the brain work harder, turning viewing into a kind of playtime or puzzle.

Saye has just begun a low-carbon bike-packing tour around the UK to promote the film, and his journey has brought him face to face with the very climate fears the documentary explores. Riding between Liverpool and Sheffield on the Trans Pennine Trail, he saw reservoirs reduced to a fraction of their normal levels, with contour lines of mud exposed and water pooled only at the bottom. He described the sight as shocking, and said he half expected to see a Spitfire or a hunger stone emerge from the dried earth. Near Dunwich, recent wildfires had destabilised a World War II bomb test site, leaving signs warning of danger from heat trapped in tree roots.

Despite these unsettling sights, the message Saye has taken from his fellow filmmakers is one of care. The resounding theme, he says, is our capacity to really care about our home, and the reminder that we have only one planet. Supernature goes on general release this Friday.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Channel 4: 4m 59s (Channel 4 News)

Key Claims

• A documentary was shot by 40 different people from Tasmania to the UK. — Channel 4
• The director promoted the film via a low-carbon bike tour around the UK. — Channel 4
• The film captures people's fears about climate chaos. — Channel 4

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

Liverpool came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Nottingham Forest, with Victor Munoz scoring a late equaliser.

Liverpool and Nottingham Forest played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at Anfield, with both teams still searching for their first Premier League win of the season. The match was preceded by a tribute to former Liverpool manager Kevin Keegan, who passed away last month. Nottingham Forest took the lead through a fine finish from Dan Ndo, but Liverpool thought they had equalised through Florian Wirtz, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Alisson then made a spectacular save to keep the score at 1-0.

After the break, Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the season to level, but Forest regained the lead through a Morgan Gibbs-White penalty after Alisson was judged to have given one away. With time running out, new signing Victor Munoz, on his first start, scored an unstoppable strike to rescue a point. Both managers, Anthony Iraola and Oliver Glasner, are new in their roles, and the result leaves both clubs winless after two matches.

The game was the first home fixture of the season for Liverpool, and the atmosphere was charged with emotion as fans paid their respects to Keegan. Nottingham Forest, who had won at Anfield in the previous two seasons, looked dangerous throughout and will feel they should have taken all three points. Liverpool, meanwhile, showed resilience but also continued defensive frailties that have carried over from last season.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC One: 1m 20s (BBC News)
• ITV: 1m 22s (ITV Evening News)
• Channel 4: 1m 46s (Channel 4 News)

Key Claims

• Liverpool drew 2-2, coming from behind twice and needing a late equaliser. — BBC One, Channel 4, ITV
• Anfield paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, who died last month. — BBC One
• Victor Munoz cost £35 million. — ITV
• Both teams are still without a win this season. — BBC One, Channel 4
• Alisson gave away a penalty. — ITV

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Doctors agree on a universal heart attack definition with sex-specific blood test thresholds to reduce missed cases in women.

Leading doctors have agreed on the world's first universal definition of a heart attack, a move designed to tackle long-standing gender inequalities in diagnosis. The new approach includes sex-specific blood test thresholds, meaning women who have heart attacks at lower levels will no longer be missed.

The change replaces the old numbered system for categorising heart attacks and encourages doctors to use X-rays more often. Until now, the same blood test threshold was applied to both men and women, even though women can experience heart attacks at much lower levels. The new definition places the types of attacks more common in women into the most severe category.

Faith Harrison from Shrewsbury had a heart attack at just 23. She said the change could have meant she was seen sooner and taken more seriously. She spent seven hours with every classic symptom listed by the NHS, but because she was young, physically fit and healthy, she was told she was having a panic attack or a stomach bug. She welcomed the new definition but added: "We need to listen to women actually long enough to get to that point of diagnosis."

The professor who led the international group behind the change said the definition is "particularly important for women" and that using sex-specific thresholds will reduce the risk of under-diagnosis, which has been happening for many years. He described the move as "transformational" and said it will change care.

Every 16 minutes, a woman in the UK is admitted to hospital with a heart attack. The hope is that with the new definition, those admissions will be met with faster and more accurate action.

Broadcaster Coverage

• ITV: 2m 13s (ITV Evening News)

Key Claims

• Doctors agreed on a universal definition of a heart attack with sex-specific thresholds. — ITV
• Every 16 minutes, a woman in the UK is admitted to hospital with a heart attack. — ITV

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

James Cleverly has resigned from the shadow cabinet to run for the Conservative candidacy for London Mayor, with the election due in 2028.

James Cleverly has resigned with immediate effect from the shadow cabinet to pursue the Conservative nomination for London Mayor. The former Home and Foreign Secretary announced his decision on social media, saying London needs a champion, not just an administrator.

Cleverly had been serving as Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government. His resignation ends months of speculation about his ambitions for the capital's top job. The next mayoral election is not until 2028, giving him time to build a campaign.

In his statement, Cleverly said: "London needs more than an administrator, it needs a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future. That's why I'm running to be the Conservative candidate for London Mayor."

His move comes as the Conservative Party prepares to select a candidate to challenge the current Labour mayor, Sadiq Khan, who has held the post since 2016. Cleverly's experience in high-profile national roles could give him an edge in the contest, though he will face competition from other hopefuls.

The resignation takes effect immediately, meaning a reshuffle of the shadow cabinet will be required. Cleverly's departure is seen as a significant step in his political career, as he seeks to return to frontline politics in a different arena.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 50s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• Cleverly resigned from the shadow cabinet with immediate effect. — BBC News
• Cleverly is running to be the Conservative candidate for London Mayor. — BBC News
• The next London mayoral election is in 2028. — BBC News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

British heavyweight Moses Itauma, 21, faces Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena with a win making him the second youngest heavyweight champion in history.

Moses Itauma, the 21-year-old British heavyweight, faces Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night with the IBF title on the line. A win would make him the second youngest heavyweight champion in history, behind only Mike Tyson.

Itauma has won all 14 of his professional fights, with 10 knockouts. His most recent victory came against a man who took Anthony Joshua the distance, underlining his rapid rise. He says he will also become the quickest British boxer to win a heavyweight title, pointing out that Anthony Joshua needed 15 fights, while this will be his 14th.

His opponent, Hrgovic, is a 34-year-old Olympic bronze medallist who has lost only once in nine years. The Croatian dismissed Itauma's credentials, saying the younger man is not mature enough and promising to "smash the kid". Tempers flared at the final face-off.

Opinion is split on whether the fight has come too soon for Itauma, who has never gone the 12-round distance, or whether it marks the start of a new era in the heavyweight division. Prominent figures in the sport have praised his speed and talent, with some suggesting Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would be reluctant to face him.

The fight is scheduled for tonight, with Itauma carrying the hopes of his hometown.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC One: 1m 42s (BBC News)
• BBC News: 2m 19s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• Moses Itauma has 14 consecutive wins, with the last 10 by knockout. — BBC News, BBC One
• Moses Itauma could become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history if he beats Filip Hrgović. — BBC News, BBC One
• Moses Itauma has never fought the 12-round distance. — BBC News, BBC One
• Hrgovic is a 34-year-old Olympic bronze medallist who has lost only once in nine years. — BBC News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

Five years after US withdrawal, Taliban policies are erasing women from public life and driving a health crisis, with bans on female education and medical work.

Five years after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban's return to power has brought a systematic erasure of women from public life and a deepening health crisis, according to rare access gained by journalists inside the country.

In northern Afghanistan, a Taliban governor, Abdullah Sarhadi, a former Guantanamo Bay inmate, was seen dispensing decrees in a local court. One case involved an 18-year-old woman seeking divorce from an abusive husband. Under Sharia law, a woman initiating divorce often needs her husband's consent and may have to repay the dowry. The husband demanded four times the amount, and the governor ruled she should not seek divorce, only warning the husband against further abuse.

A woman who protested in the week the Taliban came to power now meets in secret. She said: "I think the Taliban are scared. They are scared of educated women. They know educated women won't give birth to ignorant beings such as the Taliban. They restrict women so they won't be able to raise wise men because that would be the end of the Taliban."

The Taliban promised to respect human rights and allow women to work and study, but five years on, the country is run by men for men. The BBC's reporter asked a Taliban official why they failed to keep that promise, but received no clear answer.

Sky News focused on the health crisis. In Afghanistan's largest pediatric hospital, doctors struggle to save children like Suleiman, a 10-month-old who later died. Both his older siblings had already died of hunger. The hospital sees multiple baby deaths a day, with shortages of medicines and infectious diseases rampant.

Women face severe restrictions: they cannot leave home without a male guardian, making it hard to seek medical help. The country has stopped training female health workers, leading to a serious shortage of female doctors and midwives. A gynecologist, Dr Roshan and Wardak, warned: "If there is no doctor, no nurse, no midwife, who will help them? The men? Their family will not allow the ladies to go and deliver their babies with a man. A man doctor. So what do you expect will happen? Catastrophe."

The Taliban have issued more than 800 edicts in five years, at least 100 focused on women. They have shut down shelters for abused women, banned girls from education beyond age 12, and excluded women from public spaces. Some women have set up home-based sewing businesses, and one former human rights lawyer now manages a shop, having sold her jewellery to survive.

A female student studying online to become a radiologist acknowledged some security improvements but said: "The other is not good. Like, don't permission to the girls to go to outside, to work, to continue their education. This is the bad point of the Taliban."

The UN calls it gender apartheid. The Taliban's pariah status and cuts in international aid have hit the most vulnerable hardest. As an insurgency, the Taliban proved it could survive; the question now is whether it can govern a country in crisis and for how long.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 11m 51s (BBC News)
• BBC One: 12m 9s (BBC News at One including..., BBC News, BBC News and Weather)
• Sky News: 13m 5s (Sky News Today)

Key Claims

• The Taliban governor in northern Afghanistan is a former Guantanamo Bay detainee. — BBC News, BBC One
• The governor advised an 18-year-old woman not to proceed with a divorce. — BBC News, BBC One
• A woman who protested the Taliban takeover now lives in secret and believes they fear educated women. — BBC News, BBC One
• Taliban policies today are similar to the hardline interpretation of Sharia they imposed in the 1990s. — BBC News, BBC One
• The woman's family refused to pay the $30,000 demanded by her husband. — BBC One

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

Andy Burnham wants elected mayors across England, but Cornwall's Labour MP and locals reject the idea, preferring self-governance without a mayor.

Andy Burnham's plan to extend devolution across England by electing regional mayors has run into resistance in Cornwall, where many locals and the county's Labour MP reject the idea of a single mayor for the Duchy.

The new Prime Minister wants to finish what Keir Starmer started and elect mayors across the country to give local areas more control over priorities like housing, transport and jobs. But half of England is still not represented by a mayor, and Cornwall is proving a difficult case.

Cornwall is almost 300 miles from Westminster, and many residents feel decisions should be made closer to home. In Redruth, locals complain of a lack of investment, with one saying the North is "so much better looked after" and that the town has been left with "hairdressers and tattoo parlours". In Falmouth, a young woman called Ruth says she will have to move away after college because there are few jobs and transport is poor. Second homes and holiday lets have also helped create a housing crisis.

The area has a rich mining history, and some businesses are working to bring mining back, partly to reduce reliance on imports of critical minerals from China. Burnham sees this as the kind of potential devolution can unlock.

But the political obstacle is the mayor. Perran Moon, the Labour MP for Cornwall, has set a red line: no mayor for Cornwall. He says it would be "politically and economically inappropriate" to have one mayor sitting alongside the council, and that he will not support it. He argues the Cornish people should not be penalised or deprived of devolution because of their identity.

Other MPs are more cautious. The MP for Truro and Falmouth says it is her duty to be pragmatic and wants the best for her constituents. She acknowledges Cornwall's national minority status and its distinct identity, but hopes ideology does not get in the way of improving the area.

The River Tamar separates Cornwall from the rest of England, and many locals are strongly opposed to any devolution deal that merges Cornwall with Devon. One resident said merging with Devon would "take back all the progress we've made over the last 20 years". Another said Cornwall does not need a mayor, though town mayors might be acceptable.

Burnham, once known as the King of the North, now faces the challenge of bringing his Manchester model to a place that is deeply sceptical of it. The question is whether he can deliver enough to change minds before the next election.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 5m 59s (Sky News Today)

Key Claims

• Half of England is not represented by a mayor. — Sky News
• Perran Moon, Labour MP for Cornwall, refuses to support a mayor for Cornwall. — Sky News
• Cornwall has national minority status and a distinct identity. — Sky News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

Prince Harry and Meghan have returned to the UK with their children, planning to live in the Cotswolds, with security arrangements still unresolved.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived back in the UK with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, after six years living in California. The family landed at Birmingham Airport on a private jet around midday, beginning what is described as an extended period of residence in Britain. They are expected to base themselves in the Cotswolds, an area they know well from their time living in Oxfordshire in 2018.

The move has been driven largely by the children's schooling. Archie and Lilibet have been enrolled in British schools, with the new term due to start next week. The family will have around a week to settle in before the children begin their new school year. The couple will remain non-working royals, and there has been no official comment from Buckingham Palace, though the King is said to be happy to see his son and grandchildren more often.

Security remains a significant unresolved issue. The family arrived without police protection and left the airport without an escort. Prince Harry has previously said he could not guarantee his children's safety in the UK without formal security arrangements. A review of his security status, conducted by the government's RAVEC committee, has been ongoing, but no decision has been announced. The question of whether the family should receive taxpayer-funded police protection has sparked debate, with some arguing that as a private citizen Harry should pay for his own security, while others point to the real threats he faces.

Relations with the wider royal family are still strained. The King and Prince Harry met last month at Highgrove, which was seen as a positive step, but there has been no rapprochement with Prince William. The couple's return is being carefully managed, with a focus on privacy for the children. Meghan is reportedly considering a return to acting, with speculation about a role in a Netflix series, while also expanding her lifestyle brand. Harry is expected to continue his charity work, including the WellChild Awards and Invictus Games.

Public opinion is divided. Polls suggest a majority of Britons are indifferent to the couple's return, and their approval ratings are negative, particularly among older generations. However, younger people are more positive. Branding experts say the couple face a long task to rebuild their public image after the acrimonious split from royal duties. The challenge, as one commentator put it, is turning a dramatic exit into a credible comeback.

Broadcaster Coverage

• GB News: 3m (New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late...)
• ITV: 7m 11s (ITV Lunchtime News, ITV Evening News, ITV News at Ten)
• BBC One: 7m 24s (BBC News at One including..., BBC News, BBC News and Weather)
• BBC News: 6m 49s (Signed: BBC News at Six, BBC News)
• Channel 5: 4m 52s (5 News with Dan Walker)
• Sky News: 14m 54s (The Wrap With Anna Botting, Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, Sky News Today)

Key Claims

• Security arrangements remain unresolved. — Channel 5, BBC News
• A judge ordered Prince Harry and six others to pay an initial £9.5 million in legal costs, and ruled that the Mail can claim costs on an indemnity basis because the claims were unreasonable to a high degree. — GB News
• RAVED conducted a complete reassessment of Prince Harry's security a month ago. — GB News
• Emily Thornberry said Prince Harry absolutely deserves police protection. — GB News
• Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children returned to the UK, landing at Birmingham Airport without police protection. — Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, ITV

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

The fatal A66 crash that killed two police officers and five young men has led to a widening organised crime investigation, multiple arrests and extra officers in Teesside.

Seven people died in the early hours of Saturday when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough hit a marked police car head-on. The dead included two Cleveland Police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, and the five occupants of the Passat: Jacob Matuszak, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Ray, 17, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17. All seven were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the crash happened at about 3.39am on the dual carriageway at South Bank. The Passat had been seen earlier and a police pursuit began. Doorbell footage from Lime Road in Middlesbrough, filmed about three minutes before the crash, showed a car being followed by police vehicles. The Independent Office for Police Conduct later said the pursuit lasted just under seven minutes and was abandoned when the Passat turned onto the A66 against the flow of traffic. The collision with the armed response vehicle, which was not part of the pursuit, came about ten seconds later.

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the dead officers as brave, saying they did not return home to their families at the end of their shift. Flags were lowered at Cleveland Police headquarters and flowers were left at the scene. PC Blades was a father of two and a football coach; PC Clough was a former soldier. His family called him 'our hero'. A fundraising page set up by the Cleveland Police Federation passed £800,000 within days.

Four of the five young men who died had previous criminal convictions, including assaulting police officers and motoring offences. A video posted a year earlier on a TikTok account believed to belong to one of them appeared to show a police pursuit. Cleveland Police said there was no evidence that the fatal drive was being filmed for social media. The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, called the glorification of dangerous driving 'truly reprehensible'. Social media companies were urged to remove content celebrating dangerous driving.

The IOPC investigation is examining the pursuit and the decisions made before the crash. The case has widened into an investigation of serious and organised crime. Police arrested a number of people, with the total reaching at least 17 at one stage, and later said further men had been arrested. Investigators also examined reports that a property linked to the father of one of the victims was rammed shortly before the crash. More than 200 extra officers were brought in to support Cleveland Police after a week of tension. In a separate development, a house fire killed a woman and a seven-year-old girl; police were reported to have said they were not linking it to the crash, though one report said the link had not been ruled out.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC One: 1h 15m 8s (BBC News, BBC News and Weather, BBC News at One including...)
• BBC News: 51m 42s (Signed: BBC News at Six, BBC News, BBC News Now)
• ITV: 51m 39s (ITV Evening News, ITV News at Ten, ITV Lunchtime News, ITV News)
• Channel 5: 16m 44s (5 News with Dan Walker, 5 News at Lunchtime, 5 News Weekend)
• Sky News: 1h 19m 45s (Sky News Today with Gareth Barlow, Sky News Today with Jayne Secker, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, The Wrap With Gillian Joseph, Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, Sky News Today With Matt Barbet, The Wrap With Anna Botting, Mornings)
• Channel 4: 17m 41s (Channel 4 News)
• BBC Two: 11m 38s (Newsnight, followed by Weather)

Key Claims

• The call for help to the coastguard was made at around 2.45pm. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One
• The emergency response involved police, coastguard, RNLI, ambulance crews and two air ambulances. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, ITV, Sky News
• Four people, two adults and two children, got into difficulty in the water at Shoreham. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, ITV, Sky News
• Sea conditions around Shoreham were rough due to strong winds. — BBC News, BBC One, ITV
• Eyewitnesses said the parents went into the water to save the girls. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC News, BBC One, ITV, Sky News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

The US-Israel war with Iran has reached six months with no end in sight, the strait partially blocked, causing economic pain worldwide and political fallout.

Six months after the United States and Israel launched a wave of military strikes against Iran on 28 February 2026, the war shows no sign of ending. President Donald Trump, who initially predicted the conflict would be over in weeks, now says the fighting will continue for as long as necessary. At the heart of the impasse remains the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas flows. Iran's ability to target shipping there has crippled global supply chains.

The US military claims it has cleared Iranian mines from the strait and that tanker traffic is gradually recovering, but commercial shipping is still running at roughly half of pre-war levels. The White House says the American fleet has subdued Iran's grip on the waterway, yet experts and analysts dispute that assessment. Iran retains enough drone and missile capability to continue targeting vessels, and the mere threat of attack is enough to keep many tankers away. The economic consequences have been severe: the world has effectively lost nearly a billion barrels of oil from its supply, economists warn, and prices have surged in countries as far apart as Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and the Philippines. Fuel shortages are widespread.

In the United States, the war has driven down President Trump's approval rating to a record low of 33%, according to a Reuters poll, with many voters blaming rising inflation and higher costs at the pump. The annual US inflation rate has climbed from 2.7% to 3.4% since the end of 2025. The Pentagon lists 18 American soldiers killed in the conflict. Republicans are growing uneasy ahead of the midterm elections in November, as the domestic agenda takes a back seat to a war that shows no clear exit strategy.

Inside Iran, the regime has hardened rather than collapsed. After the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war, his successor, Mostafa Khamenei, has not appeared in public. The new leadership has reshuffled the top security team, bringing back Hassan Taib, a notorious figure known for crushing dissent, to head the Basij militia. Hardliners within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have consolidated power. Inflation in Iran has risen by around 80%, with food prices up by 120% in some cases, pushing millions deeper into poverty. Despite the economic strain, Tehran remains defiant, insisting it will not negotiate under pressure.

The war has also reshaped regional dynamics. A recent poll in Israel found that 92% of Israelis believe Iran has emerged as the winner. Gulf states, which once stood apart from regional conflicts, have been drawn in as US bases on their soil became targets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who advocated for military action against Iran, now faces a potential political backlash at home. Talks between the US and Iran have stalled after a ceasefire plan failed, and no fresh negotiations are planned. Both sides appear locked in a fragile equilibrium of no war and no peace, with no end in sight.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 37m 25s (BBC News, BBC News Now, Verified Live)

Key Claims

• The closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted the global supply chain. — BBC News
• Prices rose in several African countries including Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. — BBC News
• Nearly a billion barrels of oil were taken out of the world's supply even if the situation is resolved immediately. — BBC News
• US claims of subduing Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz were reported as inaccurate, with Iran retaining the ability to target shipping. — BBC News
• Tanker traffic and oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz were reported at roughly half of pre-war levels. — BBC News

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US funding for Kurdish Peshmerga forces expires on September 30th and the Pentagon is not planning to renew it, raising concerns about Iran's influence.

The Pentagon is reviewing but not planning to renew a memorandum of understanding that provides security assistance to Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Iraq, according to multiple sources. The funding, which has helped Kurdish forces fight ISIS alongside coalition troops, expires on September 30th, the same day the US and other coalition forces are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq's anti-ISIS campaign.

Kurdish officials have expressed nervousness about the potential funding cut and the troop withdrawal, warning that it will embolden Iran. Iran has already attacked the Kurdistan region of Iraq with more than 100 missile and drone attacks in recent months. The implications extend beyond Iraq to the wider region amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Last month, Iraq's prime minister visited the White House and met with President Trump, where the troop withdrawal was touted as a major milestone. However, Kurdish leaders are concerned about their security future once coalition forces depart.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 1m (BBC News)

Key Claims

• US funding for Kurdish Peshmerga forces is set to expire on September 30th. — BBC News
• The Pentagon does not plan to renew security assistance for Kurdish Peshmerga forces. — BBC News
• Iran has launched over 100 missile and drone attacks on the Kurdistan region in recent months. — BBC News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →

The Pentagon has told Iraqi and Kurdish leaders it will not renew a security assistance deal with Kurdish Peshmerga forces, expiring September 30th.

The United States is planning to end security assistance to Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Iraq, according to an exclusive report from BBC News. Multiple officials and sources with direct knowledge of the matter have said the Pentagon has informed Iraqi and Kurdish leaders that it will not renew a memorandum of understanding that has provided military support to the Peshmerga for a decade.

The Peshmerga, the official Kurdish security forces, have been a key US ally in the fight against ISIS, serving on the front line alongside coalition troops in Iraq and parts of Syria. The funding under the current agreement expires on September 30th, the same day that US and other coalition forces are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq as part of the end of the ISIS campaign.

Iran has recently launched attacks against the Kurdish region, and US officials and other sources warn that cutting off assistance could have major consequences for the Iraqi Kurds and the wider region. The Peshmerga have relied on US support for equipment, training, and salaries, and the loss of this aid could weaken their ability to defend Kurdish areas and maintain stability.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC News: 1m 25s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• The Pentagon told Iraqi and Kurdish leaders it will not renew the security assistance memorandum for the Peshmerga, with funding expiring on September 30th, the same day as US withdrawal from Iraq. — BBC News

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President Trump says a new deal gives the US direct ownership stakes in 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil.

President Trump has announced a deal that he claims will give the United States majority control of several Venezuelan oil fields through a partnership with private business. The announcement comes roughly eight months after the US captured former president Nicolas Maduro, and follows a period of close cooperation between Venezuela's interim government and the Trump administration.

Trump stated that the new arrangement will grant the US direct ownership stakes in 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil. However, it remains unclear how the logistics of such a deal would work, given the deteriorated state of Venezuela's energy industry, which once held vast reserves but has suffered years of underinvestment and mismanagement.

The development marks a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations, shifting from military action and sanctions toward direct economic control over the country's most valuable resource. No further details on the partnership's structure or the private businesses involved have been released.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Channel 5: 21s (5 News at Lunchtime)
• BBC News: 38s (BBC News)

Key Claims

• Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. — Channel 5
• Canada is not obliged to comply with the renaming of the lake. — Channel 5
• Trump claimed a deal gives the US majority control of several Venezuelan oil fields, including direct ownership stakes in 65 billion barrels of oil. — BBC News
• The US captured former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro about eight months prior. — BBC News
• Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America and imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian goods, but he cannot force Canada to adopt the name change. — Channel 5

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A GB News presenter argues the Prime Minister should not avoid taking a stance on assisted dying, citing lack of proper debate and need for palliative care reforms.

During a recent broadcast, a prominent TV commentator criticised the Prime Minister for failing to take a clear stance on the assisted dying debate. The presenter argued that politicians should engage in trying to change people's minds and that the current Prime Minister appears to be 'washing his hands' of the issue.

The commentator expressed concern that the assisted dying legislation has not been given proper scrutiny. He recalled that previous attempts to pass a member's bill died in the House of Lords, with both sides of the debate producing 'nonsense'. He argued that before restarting the debate, the government should first improve palliative care and establish a national care service.

He also warned that in the current state of healthcare, there is a risk of exploitation of assisted dying laws. The presenter emphasised that the Prime Minister, as a senior figure, should be willing to make his case to the country rather than staying silent.

Broadcaster Coverage

• GB News: 2m 40s (New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late...)

Key Claims

• The Prime Minister's position on assisted dying was reported as unclear. — GB News
• The assisted dying debate was reported as not being properly conducted. — GB News
• Improvements to palliative care were reported as necessary before revisiting assisted dying legislation. — GB News

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GB News reports that US could withdraw backing for British sovereignty over Falklands if UK fails to hit NATO defence targets

A report claims the United States has warned it may withdraw support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands if the United Kingdom does not increase its defence spending to meet NATO targets. The story, carried by GB News, suggests the US is pressuring the UK to commit to spending three percent of GDP on defence by 2030, a target the current government has not fully endorsed.

The potential fallout has raised concerns among analysts and commentators. One panellist argued that withdrawing support for British sovereignty would be strategically nonsensical, calling the Falkland Islands an "unsinkable warship" vital for global security. They highlighted that Argentina, the only other country with a claim to the islands, is not a NATO member, making any shift in US policy potentially damaging to alliance cohesion.

The discussion also touched on the domestic political turmoil surrounding UK defence spending. Defence Secretary John Healey resigned after the government failed to commit to the 3% GDP target by 2030, later becoming Chancellor. Commentators suggested the resignation may have been driven more by political ambition than genuine concern for the armed forces, with one panelist calling it "a grubby deal done very much with the intention of bringing down the Prime Minister".

The government maintains it is still committed to a 3.5% target by 2035, but the lack of a clear timeline for reaching 3% has caused friction with international partners and within the cabinet. The row has drawn comparisons to Labour's earlier promise not to raise taxes on working people, which many argue has been broken through new taxes that affect the same demographic.

Broadcaster Coverage

• GB News: 6m 30s (New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late...)

Key Claims

• The US threatened to withdraw support for UK sovereignty over the Falklands unless defence spending increases. — GB News
• Argentina is the only other nation claiming the Falklands and is not a NATO member. — GB News
• John Healey stepped down as Defence Secretary and subsequently became Chancellor. — GB News

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A Reform UK-led council has approved funding for town centre security guards, citing the need to protect residents from asylum seekers housed at RAF Wethersfield.

The only transcript provided for this story comes from GB News, but that broadcast did not discuss the asylum seeker situation at RAF Wethersfield or the council's decision to fund security guards. Instead, the programme focused on unrelated topics such as end-of-life care standards, capital gains tax policy, and concerns about wealth creators leaving the UK. As a result, no new factual developments or clarifications about the story are available from the supplied coverage. The original account, which stated that a Reform UK-led council approved funding for town centre security guards due to concerns over asylum seekers at RAF Wethersfield, remains the sole description of events.

Broadcaster Coverage

• GB News: 3m 20s (New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late...)

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John Healey, who resigned over the 3% defence pledge, is now chancellor under Andy Burnham and stresses fiscal discipline over spending promises.

John Healey, the new chancellor, is navigating the fallout from his own resignation as defence secretary while preparing his first budget in October. Healey quit Keir Starmer's government in June because the then-prime minister would not commit to raising defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030. But after Andy Burnham succeeded Starmer, Healey was appointed to the Treasury, a move seen as a way to bind a vocal defence advocate into the government's fiscal realities.

In his first major interview as chancellor, Healey told Sky News his "first duty" is fiscal discipline. He repeatedly declined to say when the 3% target would be met, arguing that he needs to stick to existing fiscal rules and that the government must prioritise economic stability. "If you've got a stable economy, it means that families can manage with a bit more confidence," he said. The interview was conducted at a holiday park in West Wales, where Healey was promoting a summer savings scheme for families.

The contrast between Healey's cautious tone and Burnham's ambitious agenda is stark. Burnham came to power promising a "circuit breaker" for Britain, with expensive plans for social care reform, council house building, and full defence commitments. Healey, however, sounded a note of continuity, describing the current administration as "a continuity of a Labour government with a change of leader."

When pressed on whether his principles on defence had shifted, Healey sidestepped the question. Reports suggest he will use his first budget to fund the defence investment plan he championed as defence secretary, which amounts to an extra £4.5 billion. But he has not set a timetable for reaching 3% of GDP. Analysts note that the budget on 28 October is unlikely to deliver the big spending increases many Labour MPs expected.

The political tension was captured by Sky News's Sam Coates, who noted that Healey's message of "continuity" may disappoint those who flocked to Burnham for a decisive break with the past. On The Wrap, a panel debated whether Healey's resignation had been a genuine point of principle or a career move. One panellist argued he had been "a person of principle" who is now doing the "nitty-gritty work first" to get defence spending on a sustainable path. Another said his repeated use of the word "continuity" gave the opposition ammunition.

Meanwhile, the broader defence context looms. Cyber attacks on UK infrastructure this summer and the escalation of the UK's role in the Middle East under Burnham have raised questions about the urgency of increased spending. Healey's budget will be closely watched for any concrete sign that the 3% pledge is being pursued.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 22m 2s (Mornings with Jones and Melbourne, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, The Wrap With Gillian Joseph)
• GB News: 4m 30s (New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late...)

Key Claims

• Healey said fiscal discipline is his first priority and the bedrock of economic stability. — Sky News
• Healey and Burnham are both determined to stick within fiscal rules while pursuing a longer-term vision of growth. — Sky News
• Healey said the government is evolving council tax by introducing a top band for extremely valuable properties. — Sky News
• Healey said the summer savings scheme saved families over £4 million. — Sky News
• Healey resigned as defence secretary in June, partly because the government would not commit to a date for reaching 3% of GDP on defence. — Sky News

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In a Five News interview, Andy Burnham said he is ready to cut the welfare bill and expressed willingness to find common ground with Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is ready to cut the welfare bill and is willing to find common ground with Donald Trump, in an interview with 5 News. Speaking at a Sainsbury's store, he said the country needs to get the welfare bill down and support more young people into work. He also said he would take a pragmatic approach to the US President, saying he tries to find common ground with people.

The interview came as other channels reported that Burnham has refused to rule out tax rises in the upcoming budget. The Times reported that he hinted at tax increases, and on Newsnight he did not unequivocally rule them out. Downing Street was said to be frustrated by the coverage, pointing to his commitment to honour the manifesto.

Burnham also confirmed he will abstain from the upcoming vote on legalising assisted dying, saying he does not want to unduly influence the debate. He said it will be a genuinely free vote.

The Prime Minister has also been discussing devolution, with plans to transfer responsibility for economic growth from the Treasury to Number 10 North. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said the move would empower local areas.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 1m 17s (Sky News Today with Jayne Secker)
• GB News: 13m 16s (New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., New: Lee Anderson's Real World)
• BBC Two: 17m 30s (Newsnight, followed by Weather)
• Channel 5: 4m 25s (5 News with Dan Walker)
• ITV: 21s (ITV News)

Key Claims

• Burnham will transfer responsibility for economic growth from the Treasury to Number 10 North, described by the Prime Minister as part of a huge transfer of power out of Whitehall. — Sky News
• Burnham hinted at tax increases in the budget. — BBC Two, GB News
• Burnham shelved plans to renationalise Thames Water, citing cost. — GB News
• Labour was elected on a promise not to raise income tax on working people. — GB News
• Budget speculation has hurt economic growth in recent years. — BBC Two

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Detectives have ruled out a link between the A66 crash and a house fire that killed a girl and her aunt, as arrests over suspected organised crime reach 24.

Detectives investigating a week of unrest around Middlesbrough have made seven more arrests, taking the total to 24, as hundreds of extra officers patrol the area. Cleveland Police have also said they are not linking the arson attack that killed a seven-year-old girl and her aunt to last weekend's fatal crash on the A66.

The violence followed a head-on collision in the early hours of last Saturday. A police chase ended when a car travelling the wrong way on the A66 collided with a police vehicle. Seven people died, including two police officers and five young men. Police have suggested the five men may have had links to serious and organised crime.

In the days that followed, there were reports of houses being rammed and a man being stabbed in broad daylight. A house fire in Grangetown killed seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her aunt Natalie McDonald. Detectives now say that fire is not connected to the A66 investigation, but the wider operation into suspected organised crime continues.

On Thursday night, a balloon release for one of the five young men who died turned disorderly. A vigil in County Durham saw cars set alight, flares and masked youths. Police in Durham condemned the disorder, saying it was not a proper way to mark someone's passing.

More than 200 officers from other forces have been drafted in to support Cleveland Police. The force's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey, said Cleveland is about 200 officers short of its 2010 level and that funding should be based on deprivation and crime rates, not population size. He rejected the local MP Andy McDonald's use of the word 'terrorism' for the unrest, calling it 'a bit strong'.

Residents described fear and anger. One woman said she felt frightened in her own home, and volunteers in Grangetown said gangs were a problem. There were also reports of children as young as 11 being offered new trainers to deliver drugs in areas ranked among the most deprived in England. A fundraiser for the families of the two officers who died has raised more than £1m.

The Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police said the force remains unwavering in its efforts to tackle criminals. But local leaders warn that the temporary extra officers will eventually leave, and without lasting investment the underlying problems will remain.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC One: 4m 16s (BBC News)
• ITV: 6m 38s (ITV Evening News, ITV News)
• BBC News: 4m 13s (The Context)
• GB News: 2m 30s (New: Lee Anderson's Real World)
• BBC Two: 9m (Newsnight, followed by Weather)

Key Claims

• The A66 crash killed seven people, including two police officers. — BBC News, BBC Two
• Hundreds of extra police officers were drafted into the area, with over 200 from forces across the country and the National Crime Agency involved. — BBC News, BBC One, GB News, ITV
• Vehicles were set on fire and flares were let off at a vigil for a victim of the A66 crash. — BBC News, BBC One, ITV
• Police said a house fire in Grangetown, about one mile from the A66 crash site, that killed a seven-year-old girl and her aunt was not linked to the crash. — BBC News, BBC One, ITV, Sky News
• Seven further arrests were made, bringing the total to 24. — BBC News, GB News, ITV

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Youth matches in Scotland have been called off after threats, a headbutt on an official, and alleged hate speech, with 72 red cards issued in a week.

Hundreds of children's football matches in Scotland have been cancelled this weekend after a surge in bad behaviour, including threats to players, a headbutt on an official, and police being called over possible hate speech.

The Central Scotland Football Association announced that its Fun Four games, for players aged five and six, would not go ahead. The decision follows a week in which 72 red cards were issued across youth competitions in the region. Police are now involved in one game where a threat was made.

Parents have described alarming incidents. One game involving nine-year-olds had to be abandoned after an opposing parent shouted at his child to "smash him". Another parent said they were threatened at home by a parent carrying a clawbar. In a separate case, a coach's wife was allegedly assaulted while holding her son's hand.

A youth football coach told the BBC: "We're talking about a sport that kids should be enjoying and it's ruining childhoods, in my opinion. It should be calm at the side, let the kids make mistakes and if there's poor behaviour or poor attitudes or swearing, we can reinforce that."

The widespread cancellations have left fewer games for aspiring young footballers this weekend. The incidents have prompted calls for action to protect children and restore the spirit of the game.

Broadcaster Coverage

• BBC One: 3m 21s (BBC News, BBC News and Weather)

Key Claims

• Central Scotland Football Association cancelled its fun four games for players aged five and six. — BBC One
• 72 red cards were issued across Central Scotland youth competitions in less than a week. — BBC One
• Police were called following possible hate speech at a game. — BBC One
• Hundreds of children's football matches were cancelled in Scotland over the weekend. — BBC One
• An official was head-butted in front of children. — BBC One

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Four men have admitted setting fire to four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, causing £1m damage; a fifth defendant denies assisting offenders.

Four men have pleaded guilty to destroying four ambulances owned by the Jewish volunteer ambulance service Hatzola in Golders Green, north London, in an arson attack in March. The attack caused around £1 million in damage, with gas canisters inside the vehicles exploding and damaging nearby flats and a synagogue. No one was injured.

The defendants are Hamza Iqbal, 20, from Leyton; Rehan Khan, 19, from Leyton; Judex Achachi, 18, from Dagenham; and Saif Ali, 18, from Walthamstow. All pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to destroying or damaging property by arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Three of them were directly involved in setting the fires, while the fourth waited in a getaway car.

Prosecutors described the attack as premeditated and targeted against the Jewish community. During the hearing, a question arose over whether the incident had a terrorist connection. Prosecutors indicated they want the men to be sentenced on that basis, but the defendants' lawyers strongly deny any terrorist involvement. Separately, BBC News reported that British security chiefs believe an Iranian proxy may have been connected to the attack, citing a US case against a man accused of orchestrating attacks across Europe who allegedly posted propaganda about the ambulance fire.

A fifth defendant, Subhan Ahmed, 18, from Walthamstow, pleaded not guilty to assisting an offender. He is alleged to have helped dispose of the car used in the attack. His trial is set for 27 January 2025. The four men who pleaded guilty have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced after that trial concludes, likely in the spring.

Broadcaster Coverage

• Sky News: 2m 57s (Sky News Today)
• BBC One: 2m 36s (BBC News)
• Channel 5: 1m 42s (5 News with Dan Walker)
• ITV: 2m 10s (ITV Evening News, ITV News)

Key Claims

• Four men pleaded guilty to destroying or damaging property while being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. — Channel 5, Channel 5, BBC One, ITV, Sky News
• The arson attack caused approximately £1 million in damage. — Channel 5, Channel 5, ITV, Sky News
• The attack targeted the Jewish community and had a terrorist connection. — Channel 5, Channel 5, ITV, Sky News
• The ambulances contained gas canisters that exploded during the fire. — Channel 5, ITV, Sky News
• Prosecutors alleged a terrorist connection to the attack, which defence lawyers disputed. — BBC One, Sky News

Explore the full cross-channel evidence timeline and quotes on Broadcast Prism →