Jane Clinton

Wildfires in Spain and France showed signs of containment but remained vulnerable to renewed spread as a heatwave pushed temperatures toward 40°C and strong winds threatened to reignite blazes. Spain warned of three especially difficult days, while a fire near Madrid was described as technically stabilised. Fires also affected Greece, where two firefighters died on Crete, as well as Turkey. Hundreds of thousands of people have faced evacuation or confinement, and smoke caused very poor air quality. European officials called for continued cross-border assistance and greater long-term prevention through early-warning systems, forest management, grazing and wetland restoration.

Wildfires in southwestern France and parts of Spain continued to threaten communities as a new heatwave and stronger winds complicated firefighting efforts. France reported that the Gironde blaze had stabilised but remained active, while evacuations continued near Bordeaux; Spain lifted orders in 13 municipalities, although tens of thousands remained displaced. European Union aircraft, helicopters and ground teams were deployed alongside national forces, while the Red Cross provided shelter, food, water and medical and psychological support. The UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned that climate-driven disasters were reaching national emergency levels, and Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez said the fires underscored the need for urgent planning for a worsening climate emergency. Residents and farmers described extensive losses, while scientists warned that wildfire smoke and the psychological, health and economic effects of major fires can persist for years.

Wildfires in France and Spain have forced about 375,000 people, including residents and tourists, to evacuate. Tourists in and around France’s Gironde region describe darkened skies, intense smoke, falling ash, cancelled transport and emergency evacuations, while authorities work to contain the fires. Another heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C, threatens to worsen conditions. The disruption has emptied holiday resorts and raised concerns about the future of tourism and the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires linked to climate change.

Around 400 Guardian readers outlined what they want from Andy Burnham after he became prime minister. The most common demands were honesty, integrity, courage, effective communication and compassionate government. Key policy priorities included tackling the climate crisis, reducing living and energy costs, investing in housing and public services, improving the NHS and social care, reducing inequality, supporting young people, reforming elections and rebuilding relations with the EU. Respondents also called for a firmer response to the Gaza crisis, greater defence funding and a more pragmatic approach to immigration, while warning that Burnham will need visible improvements in living standards before the next election.

The UK government plans to encourage 16- and 17-year-olds to avoid certain social-media apps between midnight and 6am, with restrictions enabled by default but easily disabled through account settings. It also proposes limiting features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling and introducing age verification. Teenagers interviewed largely oppose applying the curfew to their age group, arguing that the opt-out design makes it ineffective and that older adolescents should have more independence. Some support restrictions on addictive features or believe a curfew would be more appropriate for under-16s, while others raise concerns about privacy, data breaches and legitimate late-night study or social use.

Fans around the world described the emotional intensity of watching England’s dramatic World Cup win over Mexico, sharing sleepless nights, anxious late‑night viewing and celebrations across Mexico City, the UK, Tokyo, Argentina, Sweden and Germany. Supporters recounted chaotic viewing setups, shifting allegiances within families, and the sense of global connection surrounding the match, highlighting standout performances by England players and the charged atmosphere in Mexico.

Readers describe vivid memories of the 1976 UK heatwave, recalling drought conditions, water shortages, extreme heat during exams and military training, and unusual environmental events such as mass ladybird swarms. Personal stories highlight coping strategies ranging from water rationing and makeshift systems to reliance on natural springs or proximity to water. Many compare the past heatwave with the present 2026 conditions, noting higher humidity, stronger sun exposure, and concerns over climate change, with several expressing that long-term environmental warnings went unheeded.

Readers express a wide range of views on Andy Burnham’s proposal to establish a No 10 North in Manchester, with many welcoming the idea as a step toward rebalancing power away from Westminster and boosting investment in northern regions. Supporters believe it could improve regional representation, strengthen devolution and address transport, housing and economic disparities. Others question the choice of Manchester over more deprived areas, warn of high operational and security costs, and doubt whether a second government centre would bring meaningful change. Opinions diverge on whether the initiative would deliver benefits across the UK or primarily serve political symbolism.

A powerful pair of earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, particularly La Guaira and nearby Catia La Mar and Caraballeda, destroying hundreds of buildings and killing at least 920 people while injuring thousands. Survivors and relatives described frantic, largely volunteer-led searches for missing family members and appealed for international assistance, saying official rescue teams were slow to arrive. Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez pledged to save as many people as possible and said international teams were beginning to arrive, while engineers warned of aftershocks and called for an investigation into why the region suffered such severe structural damage.

At least 188 people were killed and more than 1,500 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s north coast, with 157 people reported missing. La Guaira suffered the worst damage, including more than 100 collapsed buildings, while Caracas and several other states were also affected. Rescue teams are searching the rubble amid fears the toll could rise, and a state of emergency has been declared. The US pledged $150m in aid, while Mexico, Canada, the UN, Oxfam and other international actors offered support. The US Geological Survey identified the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude shocks as an unusual earthquake doublet, and aid groups warned that the disaster would deepen Venezuela’s pre-existing humanitarian crisis.

A record-breaking heatwave swept Europe on 24 June, with temperatures reaching 35.8C in West Sussex, above 40C in parts of France, 39.3C in Bilbao and 35C in Rome. France extended its red heat alert to 72 of its 96 mainland departments, while Italy placed 16 cities under red alert and Belgium issued widespread orange warnings. The heat disrupted schools, trains, public transport and nuclear power generation, and created dangerous working conditions for delivery riders and construction workers. Residents reported rising health risks, expensive adaptations and concerns about overheated homes and hospitals. The World Health Organization warned that European temperatures are rising at roughly twice the global average and urged investment in climate-resilient health systems and faster climate action.

Ten years after the EU referendum, Remain voters describe how Brexit exposed or intensified divisions within their families and friendships. Some report lasting estrangement, political alienation and regret among relatives who voted Leave, while others managed to preserve close relationships by avoiding the subject or agreeing to disagree. The testimonies generally portray Brexit as harmful to the UK, Europe and family cohesion, while illustrating that political differences do not inevitably destroy personal relationships.

Guardian readers select their favourite television programmes of 2026 so far, praising shows including Legends, The Boroughs, Criminal Record, DTF St Louis, Tip Toe, Your Friends & Neighbors, Babies and The Pitt. The recommendations span crime, science fiction, comedy-drama and medical drama, with particular praise for strong performances, complex characters, social commentary and sensitive treatment of issues such as anti-immigrant sentiment, working-class resentment, miscarriage and the pressures of the US healthcare system.

The UK government plans to block under-16s from social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook and X from next spring, while disabling livestreaming and stranger communication by default for 16- and 17-year-olds. Teenagers interviewed offer mixed views: some support the policy’s aims of protecting children from predators, addiction and mental-health harms, while others call it rushed, patronising and ineffective. Critics argue that restrictions should target technology companies rather than young people, could drive teenagers toward less regulated online spaces, and may cut off educational resources, support networks and communities important to marginalised groups. Several respondents also doubt teenagers will be unable to circumvent the ban.

The UK government plans to block under-16s from Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook from next spring, with Keir Starmer calling the measure a line in the sand for technology companies. Parents are sharply divided: some welcome a legal shift away from social media as the default for children and believe it will improve safety, while others warn that children will bypass the restrictions, lose access to valuable social connections and move to less regulated platforms. Critics also argue that the ban targets users rather than the companies and algorithms that create harmful experiences, raising doubts about enforcement and whether the policy will meaningfully address rising concerns about children’s mental health.

Six months after Australia introduced a social media ban for under-16s, parents report mixed results. Some say it has reduced arguments, delayed younger children’s exposure and provided a useful framework for discussing online risks. Others say teenagers easily circumvent age checks, remain active on platforms or have lost access to important group chats, while parental monitoring has become harder. The experiences suggest the ban may have longer-term cultural effects but is difficult to enforce and can create unintended social and safety consequences.

Readers with experience of unemployment and early-career job seeking offer practical advice to young people struggling to find work. Their suggestions include networking widely, asking for mentoring, building visibility online, accepting interim opportunities, demonstrating value through practical work, and taking care of mental and physical wellbeing. The article highlights the scale of youth unemployment in the UK and argues that flexibility, persistence and self-belief can help jobseekers gain experience and create future opportunities.

The conflict involving Iran has renewed inflation concerns and reduced expectations of UK interest-rate cuts, leaving mortgage rates higher for longer. First-time buyers and existing homeowners report abandoned purchases, reduced borrowing offers, more expensive refinancing and repayment terms extending into retirement. Higher borrowing costs, limited housing supply and a tightening rental market are forcing households to lower their expectations or postpone buying altogether.

Britain’s unusually hot May weather, with temperatures exceeding 35C in parts of England, is causing difficulties for hospital patients, older people, families and children. Five people describe coping with overheating, including a hospital patient whose room reached 29C, residents adapting their routines and a family sleeping outdoors. The experiences highlight concerns about poorly prepared public buildings, the vulnerability of older people and babies, and the need for better cooling systems, public education and investment in infrastructure as climate change brings more extreme heat.

The Iran war and resulting fuel-price increases, fears of jet-fuel shortages and possible flight cancellations are prompting Britons to delay, cancel or redesign holidays. Interviewees describe switching from driving or flying to trains, coaches and ferries, with some choosing domestic trips instead. Rail travel is seen as a more reliable and potentially lower-cost alternative, although the disruption has caused financial anxiety, insurance concerns and disappointment for travelers with non-refundable bookings.