Ella Kipling

Prince Harry and six other public figures must make an initial £9.54m payment toward Associated Newspapers Limited’s legal costs after their failed High Court privacy case. The publisher may seek up to £34.5m in total, potentially leaving the claimants with an £18m shortfall beyond their insurance cover. Mr Justice Nicklin criticized the claimants for advancing serious allegations without withdrawing them when they lacked an evidential basis, but also described ANL’s claimed costs as exceptionally high and subject to detailed assessment. The claimants have until 2 October to seek permission to appeal, while complex costs hearings continue.

Drought has been declared across 71.3% of England after the country experienced its driest July since records began in 1836. Forty-five million people live in affected areas, and more than 27 million face water-use restrictions. Continued heat and a lack of rainfall are reducing river and reservoir levels, harming farms and increasing wildfire and health risks. Farmers report sharply reduced crop yields and pressure on livestock feed, while officials warn that conditions will worsen without significant sustained rainfall. The prolonged dry weather is also being linked to climate change, which increases the likelihood and intensity of heat and drought.

Drought officials have declared 71.3% of England to be in drought after the country experienced its driest July since records began, leaving 45 million people in affected areas and more than 27 million facing water restrictions. Hot, dry conditions are worsening pressure on farms, rivers and reservoirs, increasing wildfire risks and prompting amber health alerts. Farmers report poor harvests and livestock feed shortages, while officials warn that significant rainfall is needed to restore water supplies. Climate experts say the UK is poorly prepared for increasingly hot and dry summers, with climate change intensifying heat and evaporation and a developing El Niño adding to global temperatures.

The luteal phase, the second half of the menstrual cycle, can involve falling estrogen and rising progesterone levels, contributing to bloating, acne, breast tenderness, fatigue, cognitive difficulties and mood changes. Women interviewed describe effects on confidence, work, relationships and social life, while experts Louise Newson and Helen O’Neill argue that these symptoms are often dismissed as ordinary premenstrual syndrome or excessive emotionality. Greater menstrual-health education, hydration, reduced salt, alcohol and processed foods, and staying active may help, but women with severe or persistent symptoms are encouraged to seek medical support and advocate for themselves.

Hormonal changes during the luteal phase can cause skin changes, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, sleep disruption, reduced concentration and significant mood symptoms, leading many women to feel unattractive or emotionally distressed before menstruation. Women interviewed describe effects on work, relationships, confidence and daily life, while medical experts argue that these symptoms should not be dismissed as oversensitivity or something women must simply endure. Education about the menstrual cycle, hydration, reducing salt and alcohol, avoiding highly processed foods, and maintaining regular exercise may help; severe or persistent symptoms warrant professional medical support.

The luteal phase, the second half of the menstrual cycle before menstruation, can bring changes such as acne, dry or dull skin, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, low mood and cognitive difficulties. Experts Louise Newson and Helen O'Neill attribute these symptoms to changing oestrogen and progesterone levels and say they should not be dismissed as ordinary premenstrual discomfort. Personal accounts describe significant effects on work, relationships, confidence and daily functioning. Better education is needed, while hydration, nutritious food, reduced salt and alcohol, continued movement and professional medical support may help manage symptoms.

Women report temporary changes in skin, bloating, breast tenderness, mood, concentration, energy and social behaviour during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Experts explain that falling oestrogen and rising progesterone can contribute to these effects, while stressing that severe symptoms should not be dismissed as ordinary PMS. Hydration, nutritious food, reduced salt and alcohol, regular movement and professional medical support may help, alongside better education about menstrual health.

Omar Heidari, 34, and Manas Yuk, 18, were jailed at Canterbury Crown Court for piloting overcrowded small boats across the Channel. Heidari received two years after steering 95 people to the UK, while Yuk was sentenced to 18 months in youth detention after piloting a boat carrying 81 people, including 13 children. Both pleaded guilty to endangerment. Their convictions bring to 10 the number of people sentenced under legislation introduced in January to punish those who risk others’ safety by piloting small boats. The cases came after four migrants died attempting to cross from France, while 752 arrivals were recorded on the busiest crossing day of the year so far.

Omar Heidari was sentenced to two years in prison and Manas Yuk to 18 months in youth detention after pleading guilty to endangering people while piloting overcrowded small boats across the English Channel. Heidari’s boat carried 95 people, while Yuk’s carried 81, including 13 children; many passengers lacked life jackets. The convictions bring to 10 the number of people sentenced under a law introduced in January to target dangerous small-boat pilots. The cases followed four migrant deaths off the French coast and a record daily total of 752 Channel arrivals for the year, although provisional arrivals remained 42% below the same point in 2025.

A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape after two women reported sexual assaults in Broadfield Park and Milnrow Memorial Park in Rochdale. The women, who did not know the suspect, gave similar descriptions, and police identified CCTV footage of a matching man leaving Ko-Ko Lounge at about 05:00 BST. Both women are receiving specialist support while Greater Manchester Police continue questioning the suspect and investigating.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to give speeches on adult social care, youth unemployment and devolution as Downing Street seeks to demonstrate early action on issues it says have been neglected. Burnham has long supported a universal social care system and is seeking cross-party cooperation, with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey offering to work together. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake questioned how the initiatives will be funded. Burnham's first-week commitments also include ending rough sleeping in England, cutting VAT on domestic electricity, reducing the bus-fare cap outside London and lowering business rates for pubs, clubs and live-music venues.