Rebecca Robinson

Russian television and radio presenter Vladimir Solovyov called for strikes on British factories producing drones supplied to Ukraine, arguing that the UK should face consequences for attacks on Russian territory. The article identifies Swindon as a major UK drone-production hub and names companies and facilities across England, Scotland and Suffolk, including Ukrspecsystems’ planned £200 million site. The Russian Embassy has previously warned that British support for Ukraine, including drones and Storm Shadow missiles, would have consequences, while UK figures continue to back Ukraine.

An 11-month-old girl, Aisha Camara, has been identified as one of four people killed when a red Hyundai left the A38 near Toyota Island in Derby and collided with a tree. Her parents, Abubacarr Camara and Isa Jaiteh, and an unnamed 18-year-old woman also died. The 33-year-old driver remains in hospital with serious injuries after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail. Derbyshire Police are seeking witnesses and dash-cam footage, while Gambian community organisations and the country’s UK High Commission have offered condolences and support.

A wildfire on France’s Cap Ferret peninsula spread across about 8,700 hectares, prompting hundreds of holidaymakers and residents to evacuate by boat or via roads toward Bordeaux. More than 400 people were transported from the peninsula, while two firefighters were killed fighting the blaze near Bordeaux Airport. Officials warned that high temperatures and shifting winds could worsen conditions. President Emmanuel Macron called for vigilance and requested European Union assistance, with aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Slovakia expected to support French firefighting efforts.

British researchers using seismic data from NASA’s InSight lander identified evidence of vast ancient magmatic systems beneath Mars, suggesting molten rock once spread across thousands of miles under the crust. The findings indicate the planet could have developed a complex, chemically diverse crust without plate tectonics, raising the possibility that Mars once sustained conditions suitable for life. The study also points to potential mineral resources and expands the range of planets that may be considered habitable.

A woman known as the Black Widow, Pamela Gwinnett, who defrauded 89‑year‑old Joan Green of nearly £300,000 while posing as her carer, has been located and detained in Tenerife after fleeing the UK in 2025. Gwinnett isolated the victim, used her financial authority to take her savings, and was later convicted in absentia and sentenced to six years in prison. Greater Manchester Police, working with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities, have begun extradition proceedings so she can serve her sentence, bringing closure for the victim’s family.