Dave Clark

Medal ceremonies at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham were postponed after West Midlands Police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of fraud. Championship transport was temporarily suspended while security measures were completed, leaving spectators in long queues for shuttle buses and with little information. Organisers said transport returned to normal early Sunday and promised further details about the rescheduled ceremonies.

England’s World Cup preparations in Mexico City were supported by extensive security measures to prevent fan disruption, including road closures and a large police presence. Thomas Tuchel highlighted the need to overcome altitude, weather risks, and a strong Mexican home record, while Harry Kane encouraged fans to stay up for the late-night kickoff and enjoy extended pub hours approved by the UK government. Officials advised supporters to follow safety guidance, and fans expressed mixed expectations about England’s chances in the high-altitude venue.

A £2 million, year-long government pilot will allow trained health visitors to offer childhood vaccinations in families’ homes across 12 schemes, including in the Midlands. The programme is intended to reach children whose families face barriers such as travel costs, childcare, language difficulties or lack of GP registration, while GP surgeries remain the main vaccination provider. It follows continued declines in childhood immunisation, with no major vaccine in England reaching the 95% coverage target in 2024/25 and particularly low uptake for the second MMR dose and the four-in-one pre-school booster. The trial will be evaluated before a possible nationwide rollout from 2027.