Clare Walsh

Meghan Markle is reportedly in very early, unconfirmed talks to appear in a future season of Netflix's The Gentlemen, directed by Guy Ritchie. No contract is in place, the third season has not been officially announced, and representatives for the Sussexes and Netflix have declined to comment. The report links the potential role to Harry and Meghan's alleged plan to move back to the UK with their children, although their security arrangements and status as private, non-taxpayer-funded individuals remain unresolved.

Skywatchers across the UK and Europe gathered to observe a rare solar eclipse, with most of the UK experiencing more than 90 per cent solar coverage and parts of Spain witnessing totality. Viewing events and eclipse glasses sold out, while large crowds gathered at landmarks, national parks and sporting venues. The event prompted safety warnings, creative protective headgear and enthusiastic eyewitness reactions. The next comparable eclipse visible from the UK is expected in 2081, while a total eclipse will cross southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East on 2 August 2027.

Ukraine is intensifying attacks on Russian oil refineries, military-industrial sites and shadow-fleet vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Ukrainian forces claim to have struck 218 shadow vessels, including 12 in the past week, while attacks on refineries have contributed to fuel shortages and threaten revenue supporting Russia's war effort. The escalation has raised concerns that Russia could test NATO's resolve through provocations, cyberattacks or attacks near alliance borders. Moscow has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, including an attack on a facility linked to production of the Flamingo cruise missile, signaling a new phase in which both sides are targeting critical infrastructure far behind the front line.

Gianni Infantino's plan to sell private investors stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, triggered condemnation from UEFA, CONCACAF and other football bodies before he abandoned it. The controversy has damaged confidence in his leadership, prompted senior resignations and opened possible routes to remove him through a FIFA Council meeting or extraordinary congress. Morocco and Qatar continue to support him, but CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is reportedly considering a challenge in the 2027 FIFA presidential election, while Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is another possible contender.

Paul Kemp, 59, left his job and gave up much of his financial security and social life to care full-time for his wife, Sandy, after her early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. He says the health and social care system offered little guidance, judged her initially ineligible for state-funded care, and left the couple facing mortgage arrears and inadequate financial support from the £87-a-week Carer's Allowance. Although carers now visit three times a day, Kemp says the emotional and practical burden remains overwhelming. He is doubtful that Andy Burnham's promised reforms, including a possible National Care Service, will be delivered, while his experience highlights the isolation and financial hardship faced by unpaid family carers.

Donald Trump says his Board of Peace has brokered an agreement for Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza to disarm, with Israel expected to withdraw and Gaza to move toward new Palestinian administration, reconstruction and improved security. The proposal reportedly follows Trump’s earlier 20-point plan and allows 14 days for disarmament arrangements, but Israel and Hamas disagree over sequencing and conditions: Israel wants complete demilitarisation first, while Hamas says it will not disarm before an Israeli withdrawal. Experts describe the announcement as a potentially positive but highly fragile tactical development, noting Hamas’s weakened position, Israel’s political constraints and the risk that disagreements over weapons, tunnels, security guarantees and control of Gaza could cause the deal to collapse. Qatar, Egypt and Turkey are said to be mediating, while a US-backed Palestinian technocratic committee says it is prepared to take over administration and lead recovery efforts.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating whether two £250,000 donations made to Reform UK by Britain Means Business, a company controlled by deputy leader Richard Tice, breached restrictions on political donations. The payments followed £500,000 in direct donations to Reform from Fiona Cottrell and came after her family reportedly transferred £1 million to Tice’s company, half of which was passed to the party. The investigation, referred by the Electoral Commission, concerns possible offences under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; two people have been interviewed under caution and no arrests have been made. Reform, Tice and Nigel Farage deny wrongdoing. The probe forms part of wider scrutiny of Farage’s financial affairs, including alleged undeclared support from George Cottrell and an unregistered £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne.

Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks against targets deep inside Russia, including Wildberries logistics centres, oil refineries, military facilities and Black Sea shipping. Analysts say Russia lacks sufficient air-defence capacity to protect its economic and military infrastructure, while the strikes have disrupted Wildberries’ logistics network and contributed to fuel shortages. The attacks are presented as evidence that Ukraine is shifting toward a counter-offensive and that the Kremlin is increasingly under economic and political pressure, potentially strengthening the case for additional US support.

Andy Burnham plans to allow drilling at the North Sea’s Jackdaw and Rosebank fields to improve energy security and support the economy without breaching Labour’s pledge on new licences. Experts warn that increased UK gas production will not lower household bills due to global pricing, though it could boost tax revenue, jobs and emissions performance compared with imports. Burnham is preparing additional policies to cut energy costs, including changes to gas charges, removing levies from bills, and reducing VAT on electricity, potentially saving households about £130 a year. These measures may require funding provisions in the upcoming Autumn budget.