Christopher Sharp

The Renault 5 was named the UK's best-selling electric car in July, with 1,805 registrations, ahead of the Kia EV3 and Jaecoo E5. Christopher Sharp's test drive at Goodwood found the Renault 5 exceptionally enjoyable, agile and practical on Britain's poor roads, ranking it above a Rolls-Royce among the 11 cars he drove despite some quirks and modest power. The result follows several major awards for the model. The wider UK new-car market grew by 11.7% in July, driven by electric-vehicle sales, while industry commentators stressed that expanding the supply and affordability of used electric cars will also be essential for continued adoption.

James Martin advises cooking roast potatoes separately from the meat so they cook properly. He recommends boiling them briefly in salted water, draining them, preparing them with lard, dripping or duck fat, freezing them if desired, and roasting them in a very hot oven once the meat has been removed. He also shares his preference for a traditional bacon sandwich made with dry-cured bacon, butter and white sliced bread.

Drought conditions across much of England are reducing agricultural yields and raising concerns about pressure on supermarket supplies. Experts say widespread shortages are unlikely because retailers can accept lower cosmetic standards, rely on imports and protect core product lines, but consumers could face fewer varieties, higher prices and temporary limits on products such as lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and strawberries. Farmers are expected to bear significant costs from lower cereal and pasture yields and increased reliance on feed. Major supermarkets have urged Andy Burnham and the government to make food security a priority and support a statutory Good Food Bill, citing declining domestic fruit and vegetable production and the growing impact of global shocks.

Health experts are warning that fans returning from the United States and other World Cup host countries could contribute to the spread of measles. The United States has recorded 2,318 cases, the highest level in 35 years, while measles transmission has also continued in Canada and Bolivia. Experts attribute the resurgence to pockets of under-vaccinated people and warn that reduced vaccination coverage could enable a large outbreak. The NHS recommends MMR or MMRV vaccination as the best protection against the highly contagious disease.

Air France Flight 4590 crashed shortly after departing Charles de Gaulle Airport on July 25, 2000, killing all 109 people aboard and four hotel workers in Gonesse. The Concorde struck a titanium strip dropped by a Continental Airlines DC-10, causing a tyre failure, fuel-tank rupture and fire. Unable to abort takeoff or reach Le Bourget, Captain Christian Marty said “Too late... No time” before the aircraft crashed. The disaster led to the grounding of Concorde fleets and contributed to the aircraft’s permanent retirement in 2003.

Auto Express named the BMW 2 Series the best coupe in the UK, highlighting its value, handling, and interior quality despite limited space and costly options. The hybrid Honda Prelude ranked second for its efficiency and chassis but lost points for weak acceleration and tyre noise. The Ford Mustang placed third, praised for its styling and V8 engine while criticised for emissions, running costs, and an outdated interior. A past review of the BMW M2 emphasised its lasting appeal and connection to classic muscle cars.

Gianni Infantino was seen asking Donald Trump a surprised question after the former US president appeared unwilling to leave the stage during Spain’s World Cup trophy lift following their win over Argentina. A professional lip reader reported Trump congratulated captain Rodri before lingering onstage, prompting Infantino’s remark. Both figures faced criticism for their proximity to the celebrations, echoing a similar incident at the previous Club World Cup. The tournament also featured political tension, including Trump’s claim that he pressured FIFA to overturn a red card for American player Folarin Balogun. Further controversy arose when Argentina’s Cristian Romero appeared to refuse to shake Trump’s hand during the medal ceremony.

Monty Don emphasizes maintaining healthy, organic-rich soil to retain moisture during hot and dry weather, advising gardeners to water soil rather than plants and to encourage deeper root growth. He highlights compost’s role in moisture retention and notes that only certain plants, such as ferns, require regular watering. The Met Office warns that increasingly extreme temperatures are becoming normal due to climate change, underscoring the broader environmental context affecting UK gardens.

Monty Don rejects the idea that he is a flawless gardener, explaining that even experienced gardeners make mistakes and learn from failures. He describes recent issues with sweetcorn germination and recounts insights from veteran gardeners who emphasized the value of failure in developing skill. He also warns about common gardening errors, including leaving clippings on wildflower meadows and mowing wet lawns, offering guidance on best practices for maintaining healthy growth.

A Sky News taste test comparing supermarket own‑brand ice creams with Magnum found Lidl’s version ranked highest, outperforming both Magnum and M&S on taste and size while remaining cheaper. Magnum’s reduced product size and chocolate content were noted as disadvantages. Additional research identified Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire as the location offering the cheapest vanilla ice cream scoops in the UK.

A former flight attendant advises passengers that reclining seats on planes is acceptable if done slowly and considerately, allowing those behind time to adjust. She also says it is acceptable to move others’ overhead‑locker items after asking nearby passengers. Another former flight attendant explains that while crews receive training for in‑flight childbirth, they rely on onboard doctors and ground medical support, using bulkhead seats or the galley for delivery depending on space, with diversion decisions based on the situation.

Clare Balding recalls her wife Alice Arnold warning her not to dance at a Neil Diamond event, admitting she couldn’t resist when Sweet Caroline played. She reflects on her mother’s fandom, her work commitments, and how these affect personal decisions, including plans to get a new dog after the loss of their terrier Archie. Balding also discusses relocating to Surrey and upcoming BBC responsibilities during the Olympics and Wimbledon coverage.

A pest control expert advises removing flying ants by turning off indoor lights and opening windows so the insects exit naturally, followed by vacuuming any that remain. He warns that nests persist for years unless destroyed. Additional advice from other sources suggests repelling flies by placing lemons studded with cloves on windowsills, as the scents disrupt how flies locate food.

Keith and Verna Naunton described how they replaced a hot tub feature created by Alan Titchmarsh’s team on Love Your Garden with a more practical seating area after their children grew up. They reflected on their experience with the show after their garden was named Garden of the Week. Alan Titchmarsh also discussed personal growth and challenges from his youth, emphasising the importance of encouragement and finding one’s passion.

Lisa Riley addressed speculation about her future on Emmerdale, saying she is signed on long‑term despite acknowledging that nothing is ever guaranteed. She commented on her character’s ongoing storyline and dismissed rumours regarding co-star Bradley Johnson’s departure, while praising colleague Chris Coghill. Her remarks followed reports about Sky acquiring part of ITV, with assurances that shows such as Emmerdale and other ITV staples will remain unaffected.

Experts explain how gut health can affect the body’s response to heat, highlighting dehydration risks and digestive sensitivity during high temperatures. Water-rich plants such as watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and berries are recommended to support hydration and gut microbes, while fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir can aid the microbiome. Lighter plant‑focused meals are advised over heavy or ultra‑processed foods, with consistent intake throughout the day suggested to maintain hydration and comfort in hot weather.

Auto Express named the Skoda Superb the best estate car in the UK, praising its spacious interior, practicality, engine range and towing capacity, recommending the 1.5‑litre SE Technology trim for value and efficiency. The Audi A5 Avant ranked second as a premium alternative with broad engine options, while Toyota’s Corolla Touring Sports also received recognition. Research from Tempcover highlighted a trend of UK households downsizing from two cars to one, reporting financial savings and lifestyle benefits.

Auto Express named the latest-generation Nissan Leaf as its 2026 Car of the Year, highlighting its range, quality, affordability and overall usability while noting minor drawbacks such as indistinct haptic controls and a transmission selector needing improvement. The Leaf also won Small Company Car of the Year and drew comparisons to the Ferrari Luce for its styling. Nissan was additionally in the news for a non-binding agreement allowing Chinese manufacturer Chery to use spare production capacity at its Sunderland plant starting in 2027, a move welcomed by Unite the Union as supportive of UK automotive jobs.

Gardeners are advised to avoid trimming hedges until after August to comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which protects active bird nests. Horticulture expert Joe Swift highlights the importance of hedges as bird habitats, urging checks for nests before cutting. A TikTok creator known as The Floral Gardener suggests water sources are more effective than food for attracting birds, especially during forecast heatwave conditions. The Met Office warns temperatures may reach 30°C in parts of England and Wales.

Russian casualties in the war with Ukraine have reached an estimated 352,000, triggering compensation payouts exceeding £47 billion. Reports cite a high mortality rate for new Russian fighters due to Ukrainian battlefield advantages, including drone warfare. Fuel shortages from Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have forced rationing in Moscow and Crimea, prompting public acknowledgment from Vladimir Putin. Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised continued Ukrainian operations targeting Russia’s war capabilities as contributing to weakening its ability to sustain the conflict.