Ewan Somerville

Travis Frain, who was injured in the 2017 Westminster Bridge terror attack, helped campaign for the UK's first national day honoring terrorism victims and survivors. The event will include a two-minute silence and survivor readings, with future observances planned across the country. Survivors welcome the recognition but say more must be done, particularly to reform the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and provide practical and psychological support. The memorial date coincides with the UN's International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

Travis Frain, who was injured in the 2017 Westminster Bridge terror attack, helped campaign for the UK's first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism. The event, held on 21 August to coincide with the UN remembrance day, will include a two-minute silence and survivor testimonies. Campaigners welcome the recognition but say more must be done, particularly to reform the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and provide practical and psychological support. The government says £180m was paid last year through the scheme for victims of violent crime, including terrorism.

A nationwide emergency phone alert warning of a very high wildfire risk across England and Wales may have exposed domestic abuse survivors who rely on concealed second phones to abusers. Women's Aid and Hourglass criticised the lack of meaningful advance warning and targeted safety guidance, while survivor Padua Eaton called for measures such as silent notifications. The government said the alert followed a request from fire and rescue services responding to dozens of wildfires and major incidents, but critics also questioned whether the alert threshold had been met and urged clearer criteria and consultation with safeguarding organisations.

A UK emergency phone alert warning of very high wildfire risk across England and Wales exposed domestic abuse survivors who rely on hidden second phones to seek help or escape abuse. Women's Aid, Hourglass and survivor advocate Padua Eaton criticised the lack of meaningful advance warning and called for better safeguarding, consultation and potentially silent notifications. The government said the alert was requested by fire and rescue services amid 43 wildfires and 11 major incidents, while critics questioned whether the threshold for a nationwide severe alert had been met.

Nearly 10,000 seats were empty at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium during Monday's European Athletics Championships session, with attendance reaching about 59% of capacity. Fans, former athletes and BBC commentator Steve Cram criticized ticket prices, costly food and limited transport links, while some spectators said the event was unaffordable for families and weekday sessions were poorly priced. Birmingham 2026 organizers said sales had far exceeded targets and that several evening sessions were close to selling out. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also defended the affordability of many tickets and predicted attendance would increase for later headline events.

Nearly 10,000 seats were empty at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium during Monday evening’s European Athletics Championships session, with attendance reaching 13,623 in a venue holding 23,000. Fans, athletes and BBC commentator Steve Cram blamed high ticket and food prices, while also citing transport and parking difficulties and competition from the Commonwealth Games. Organisers said sales had exceeded targets and that several later sessions were nearing capacity, while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy predicted attendance would rise as prominent events approached. Critics argued that affordability was essential to attract families, support British athletes and build lasting interest in athletics.

Wildfires in south-west France and central Spain have displaced more than 220,000 people, forcing tourists and residents to flee campsites, homes and holiday areas. Tourists described emergency alerts, evacuation drives close to towering flames, smoke-filled towns and shelters crowded with evacuees. French authorities and the military are coordinating evacuations while firefighters battle fires intensified by heat and wind. Officials continue to advise travelers to monitor local conditions rather than cancel all trips, although some tourists have relocated or reconsidered future holidays in wildfire-prone areas.

Wildfires in south-west France and central Spain have displaced more than 220,000 people, forcing tourists and residents into hurried evacuations, emergency shelters and alternative holiday destinations. British visitors described overnight alerts, roads blocked by flames, beaches crowded with people carrying suitcases and fires reaching within hundreds of metres of their vehicles. French military and emergency services are assisting evacuation efforts, while Spain has declared a national emergency as heat, wind and merging fire fronts intensify the danger. Despite the disruption, France's minister for international partnerships and the UK Foreign Office are not advising against travel across the two countries, urging visitors to monitor local conditions.

Debate intensifies over whether the London Diamond League should remain at London Stadium or return to a redeveloped Crystal Palace. Supporters of Crystal Palace argue it is more accessible, cheaper to operate and historically significant, while London Stadium faces rising taxpayer costs and logistical issues linked to its football tenancy. Redevelopment plans for Crystal Palace await council approval and funding, with advocates claiming it could revive a major athletics venue and provide long-term savings. London Stadium’s backers highlight its capacity and iconic Olympic legacy, and organisers maintain it remains the preferred site as discussions continue over its future viability for major events.

An internal investigation by Pizza Express found no evidence confirming or denying Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s claim that he visited its Woking branch on the night Virginia Giuffre alleges she was forced to have sex with him. Efforts by BBC Newsnight to locate witnesses or records of his presence produced no results. The Metropolitan Police declined to confirm whether royal protection officers accompanied him that night, prompting criticism from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested earlier this year and has lost his royal titles, continues to deny wrongdoing, while Giuffre, whose allegations are central to the case, died in 2025.

Ticket prices for the London Diamond League are significantly higher than those in other host cities, with many seats costing £95 compared with under £10 in Rome and lower prices elsewhere. Fans and club athletes say the costs make the event unaffordable, despite strong demand and more than 50,000 tickets sold. Organisers argue prices reflect UK market conditions and operating costs, while comparisons with other cities overlook local differences. The stadium’s layout, historic financial issues at UK Athletics, and high seat-movement costs funded by taxpayers form part of the broader debate, although these are not drivers of current ticket pricing. Some athletics supporters say they may opt to travel abroad for cheaper events in future.

Ticket prices for the London Diamond League are significantly higher than in other host cities, with many seats costing £95, prompting complaints from families and athletics fans who say they are being priced out. Comparisons show similar seating costs under £10 in Rome and substantially less in Monaco, Eugene and Brussels. Organisers cite higher operating costs and local market conditions, while UK Athletics recently returned to profit after years of financial trouble. Some fans argue the pricing undermines athletics’ accessibility, and several say attending events abroad is now cheaper than going to London.