Rob Mayor

A Warwickshire farmer reports reduced milk yields during a heatwave, with cows producing significantly less due to high temperatures and arable crops also affected. He calls for greater government support and improved fairness in the supply chain, arguing that fixed milk prices leave farmers unable to offset production losses. While output has begun to recover, it remains below normal levels. DEFRA says regulations introduced last year aim to improve transparency and stability for dairy farmers, noting that supermarket contracts have maintained prices and advising farmers with concerns to contact the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator.

Sandwell Council plans to end automatic holiday meal vouchers for children on free school meals, proposing instead discretionary crisis payments of up to £50. The Reform-led authority says the new scheme will offer broader support, while Labour’s Paul Moore warns it will harm the poorest families. Eligibility will be based on financial shocks or emergencies, with applications assessed individually. Some residents express concern over losing reliable help ahead of the summer holidays.

Labour MP Sureena Brackenridge said an AI-generated image and fictional story used in a social media post should have been clearly labelled after charity Full Fact highlighted its origins. The post, depicting a fictional nurse named Maya struggling with housing, was edited once concerns were raised, and Brackenridge said staff procedures had been updated to prevent a repeat. Conservative councillor Simon Bennett criticised the lack of transparency, arguing the public must know whether political stories involve real people. Brackenridge noted the original intention was to communicate policy accessibly.