News 14/07/25

MasterChef presenter John Torode has confirmed that a racial language allegation against him was upheld in a recent report into the behaviour of former co-host Gregg Wallace.

The review, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found 45 out of 83 claims against Wallace were substantiated. But the investigation also uncovered two standalone allegations involving other individuals.

Torode, who addressed the matter on Instagram, admitted he was one of those named. He said he had no recollection of the incident and did not believe it had taken place.

Brentford Football Club is set for new investment that values the Premier League side at over £400 million.

Owner Matthew Benham is expected to sell part of his stake to businessman Gary Lubner, who formerly ran Autoglass-owner Belron.

Reports also suggest that film director Matthew Vaughn, whose credits include Layer Cake and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, will also be involved.

An official announcement could come as early as Tuesday, with insiders suggesting the overall club valuation could reach up to £450 million.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that junior doctors’ strikes are playing into the hands of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Speaking at a meeting of Labour MPs, Streeting said the ongoing industrial action could weaken the NHS and give Farage an opening to push for a privatised, insurance-based health model.

He described the dispute with the British Medical Association as a battle for the survival of the health service.

Streeting is set to meet with the union this week, where he’s expected to urge doctors to call off their strikes.

Travellers have set up an unauthorised camp in the village of Burnham in Buckinghamshire.

Around 20 caravans and campervans arrived at Burnham Park on Monday, close to the Berkshire border.

Footage posted on social media by local Reform councillor Cole Caeser shows the vehicles arranged with a clear open space left in the middle of the field.

Thames Valley Police confirmed they’ve been made aware of the situation, and one patrol car has already attended the scene.

The Russian stock market has climbed 2.7% following comments from Donald Trump on the war in Ukraine.

Speaking over the weekend, the US president warned he would impose “very severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days.

The rouble also recovered against the dollar and gained value against China’s yuan, now the most traded foreign currency in Russia.

Analyst Artyom Nikolayev told Reuters that Trump’s comments gave the Kremlin “time to extend the negotiation track” without triggering immediate panic.

Three people have been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing in London’s Knightsbridge area.

Blue Stevens, 24, died on Wednesday close to a luxury hotel.

Detectives say two men were arrested on Saturday at an address in Hounslow. One is suspected of conspiracy to murder and remains in custody. The other, held on suspicion of murder, has been released on bail.

Police have since searched two properties in Chiswick, where significant evidence was recovered.

Ben Stokes led England to a gripping 22-run victory over India on a tense final day of the third Test at Lord’s.

India were chasing 193 and looked down and out at 112 for 8, until a gritty stand from Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah gave them hope.

The pair frustrated England for nearly 22 overs before Stokes, bowling tirelessly, finally dismissed Bumrah with a short ball caught at mid-on.

India were all out for 170, sealing the win for England.

A Dutch pilot and co-pilot have been confirmed among the four people killed in a plane crash at London Southend Airport.

The Beech B200 Super King Air came down shortly after take-off on Sunday, sparking a major fireball.

Dutch authorities say they are in contact with the families of the two crew members and are offering consular support.

The airport remains closed while the investigation continues.

Donald Trump says a deal has been reached for the US to sell weapons to NATO, which will then supply them to Ukraine.

The US president told reporters the agreement means top-of-the-line weapons will be delivered to the alliance, with NATO members covering the cost.

Trump said American taxpayers will not pay, stressing the financial burden will be on European partners.

Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon have been found guilty of killing their newborn baby.

Marten, 38, from a wealthy family, and Gordon, 51, went on the run with their daughter Victoria to avoid social services after their four other children were taken into care.

The baby’s body was discovered inside a Lidl shopping bag in a disused shed on an allotment in Brighton in March last year.

The couple were convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence. They showed no response and refused to stand as the verdict was read.

Many people diagnosed with cancer should feel hopeful, as it’s no longer a guaranteed death sentence.

That’s according to the outgoing medical director of NHS England, Professor Sir Stephen Powis. In a final interview before stepping down, he told The Times that advances in cancer genetics and targeted treatments are “revolutionising” care. Sir Stephen, who has led the NHS through the COVID pandemic, says we are on the cusp of a “golden era” in cancer treatment, with growing options now available for many types of the disease.

A hosepipe ban is being introduced by Thames Water across parts of southern England.

From Tuesday 22 July, households in Swindon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire will no longer be allowed to use hosepipes for domestic use. The ban follows the driest spring in over a century and what’s been confirmed as the hottest June on record. The Environment Agency has placed the Thames area in its Prolonged Dry Weather category, prompting the Temporary Use Ban in postcodes starting OX, GL, SN, and some RG areas.

TV presenter Gregg Wallace will not return to MasterChef after an investigation found more than half the misconduct allegations against him were true.

Independent investigators found claims of “unwanted physical contact” and other inappropriate behaviour were substantiated. The inquiry, launched by MasterChef production company Banijay UK, followed historic complaints from multiple individuals. The final report described Wallace’s position as “untenable”. Last week it emerged he had been removed from the programme, with more than 50 new allegations now reportedly under review.

London Southend Airport will remain closed after a small plane crashed on Sunday, causing what witnesses described as a fireball.

The crash, involving a 12-metre aircraft, happened shortly before 4pm. Emergency services responded to the scene, where thick black smoke was seen rising into the air. All of Monday’s flights have now been rerouted. There is still no official word on casualties.

Over £33,000 has been raised for Thames Hospice through its annual open water swim challenge.

More than 130 swimmers took part in the event. The charity praised the dedication and spirit of those involved, calling the fundraiser a huge success. Organisers say the money will go towards providing care and support for patients and families.

The US Federal Aviation Administration says fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft are safe, following reports they may have played a role in a deadly Air India crash last month.

A preliminary investigation into the crash that killed 260 people revealed fuel to both engines was cut moments after take-off from Ahmedabad airport.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 7 8 7 dash 8 Dreamliner heading to London.

While previous FAA reports had flagged the switches for inspection, the agency now says they meet safety standards. The crash is one of the most serious aviation disasters in nearly a decade.

The Bank of England is ready to make bigger interest rate cuts if the job market starts to weaken, according to its governor.

Andrew Bailey told the Times he believes rates are “on a downward path,” signalling possible changes ahead.

Interest rates currently sit at 4.25% and will be reviewed again at the Bank’s next meeting on 7 August.

Any decision would impact mortgage payments, credit card costs and savings rates for millions across the UK.

The Met Office says Britain’s climate is changing rapidly, with weather extremes becoming more common and records being broken more often.

In a new assessment, forecasters warn that heatwaves, floods and droughts are not only becoming more frequent, but also more intense.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has called the findings “a stark warning,” urging immediate action on climate and nature.

He said: “Our British way of life is under threat.”

The dates for Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK have been confirmed. The US president will be welcomed by the King from the 17th to the 19th of September.

Buckingham Palace says President Trump and First Lady Melania will be hosted at Windsor Castle, not London, due to ongoing renovation work.

The visit had been widely expected after Mr Trump previously suggested his second “fest” would take place in September.

Windsor was also tipped as the likely location, following comments made by the president about a personal letter he received from the King.