News 03/07/26

FIFA is in ongoing talks over an earlier kick-off time for England’s World Cup match against Mexico on Sunday due to the risk of severe weather disruption.

The Football Association is discussing the potential change with the world governing body, though there is no clear outcome yet. The round-of-sixteen clash at the Azteca Stadium was scheduled for six o’clock local time, meaning one in the morning in England. Special licensing provisions had already been introduced to allow pubs across England to remain open until five in the morning as a result.

Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election if he becomes prime minister later this month.

Taking part in an online Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, the sole candidate in the running to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader stated he would not call a vote. The newly elected MP for Makerfield, who could become prime minister on the twentieth of July, replied that he will work to the 2024 manifesto.

Sir Keir Starmer has warned that his likely successor Andy Burnham will have to spend just as much time dealing with global turmoil as he did during his time in Downing Street.

In a candid interview, the outgoing prime minister described the decision to accept that his political career was over as intensely personal and really tough. Sir Keir insisted he had saved the Labour Party, promising to keep his mouth shut under his successor.

The man who murdered student Henry Nowak is seeking to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

Vickrum Digwa was jailed for life with a minimum of twenty-one years in June after fatally stabbing the eighteen-year-old in Southampton last December. The sentence has already been referred to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient by the Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves, but the court has now confirmed Digwa is launching his own legal challenge.

Government officials are in talks with Pakistan over the potential deportation of Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed.

Ahmed was released from prison this week after a 2012 conviction for multiple rapes and sexual offences against girls. Although he was stripped of his British passport, victims were told a fifty-five-year-old law prevents his removal.

A Greek man has been found guilty of murdering a Scottish woman in Crete seventeen years ago.

Jean Hanlon’s body was discovered off Heraklion in March 2009. Following a trial, a fifty-four-year-old suspect was sentenced to ten years. The court recognised his diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions, meaning he will not enter prison until his appeal is heard.

Interpol has named a Ukrainian woman wanted over a Monaco bombing that reportedly targeted a tycoon with Russian links.

Suspect Anastasiia Berezovska, who is thirty-nine and has a large tattoo on her right arm, is the subject of an international arrest call. A local prosecutor stated she was disguised as a man, and a source reports she has since been spotted in Germany.

Police have criticised the government’s late announcement allowing pubs in England and Wales to stay open until five in the morning for Monday’s World Cup match against Mexico.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council warned the decision forces officers to work longer hours. While ministers claimed previous law changes did not cover this late fixture, police urged fans to drink within sensible limits.

A man who admitted a racially aggravated assault against an Orthodox Jewish man in Slough is due to be sentenced next week.

Forty-eight-year-old Shafiq Rahman previously pleaded guilty to racially aggravated common assault, criminal damage and fear or provocation of violence at Reading Magistrates’ Court. The victim was working on Elliman Avenue in April when Rahman cycled past shouting abuse.

The NHS is to start rewarding people for exercising for the first time, as part of a new health initiative.

Early next year, NHS England will launch a marathon a month challenge, asking people to walk for around thirty minutes every day. Those who complete the daily task will cover roughly twenty-six miles a month. Users can log walks online, or via a phone or smartwatch, to become eligible for various incentives and discounts.