The UK Government is facing pressure to widen access to its proposed “top tier” sickness benefits, following concerns that people with fluctuating conditions such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis (MS) may be unfairly excluded. Under current Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) proposals, only those whose symptoms “constantly” prevent work would qualify for enhanced universal credit and be exempt from regular medical reassessments. Labour MP Graeme Downie has tabled an amendment to expand eligibility to those with “evolving” or fluctuating conditions. He argues that the cost of living with conditions like Parkinson’s - where even simple daily tasks may require expensive alternatives - requires consistent financial support. Parkinson’s UK and other campaigners support the change, warning that current criteria fail to reflect the live realities of such illnesses. While ministers have agreed to remove similar restrictive clauses from the personal independence payment (PIP) system, the universal credit health element still raises concern. With cross-party backing, the amendment seeks to ensure compassion and fairness for those whose disabilities vary in severity from hour to hour.

Police are investigating an alleged assault at St Pancras International station in London after video footage surfaced showing right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, near a man lying motionless on the floor. The incident occurred on Monday evening around 8:40 p.m. A man was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. British Transport Police confirmed they are seeking to question a 42-year-old man from Bedfordshire who reportedly left the country on a flight early Tuesday morning. The video, circulating widely online, does not show the alleged moment of assault, but captures Robinson pacing near the injured man and shouting to onlookers that he acted in self-defence. Robinson has since reposted a tweet asserting that he was attacked first. Police continue to review the footage and work to locate the suspect. The incident has sparked renewed public debate over Robinson’s controversial public presence and past criminal record. Authorities urge anyone with additional information or footage to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

A year after the tragic attack that claimed the lives of Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9) during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, the nation paused for a three-minute silence to remember the victims. On July 29, 2024, the girls were fatally attacked by 17-year-old Axel Rudakuban. The attack also injured ten others and left deep psychological scars on many. Rather than floral tributes at the site, residents were invited to place flowers in Southport Town Hall Gardens and support charitable causes created in the girls’ honour. Charities like Elsie’s Story, Bebe’s Hive, and Alice’s Wonderdance now serve as living legacies. Families and school staff have spoken of both immense grief and the outpouring of kindness that has followed. The Council and community leaders have provided safe, respectful spaces for mourning, reflection, and healing. Across Sefton and the wider region, flags were lowered as a mark of respect. Amid devastating loss, hope and love continue to shine through such acts of remembrance and compassion.

U.S. President Donald Trump has shortened his previously declared 50-day ultimatum for Russia to reach a peace deal in Ukraine, now stating that Vladimir Putin has “10 or 12 days” to agree or face severe economic sanctions. Speaking during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, Trump expressed frustration with ongoing Russian aggression, especially recent missile strikes on civilian areas, including care homes in Kyiv. Trump claimed he had come close to brokering a ceasefire with Putin five times but said a final agreement remains elusive. The initial 50-day delay had sparked criticism, with some arguing it gave Moscow undue leniency amid intensified summer offensives. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy welcomed the decision to send more Patriot air defence systems and emphasised the need for increased protection from relentless Russian attacks. Ukraine’s frontlines remain under pressure, though no collapse is anticipated. Trump’s growing urgency reflects a strategic shift as the war enters its fourth year, with heightened expectations for swift action and greater Western coordination to defend Ukrainian sovereignty. See

Greece has suspended the right to seek asylum for at least three months amid a sharp rise in migrants arriving via the Libya–Crete route. The controversial policy, described by Migration Minister Thanos Plevris as necessary to avoid a national emergency, has been criticised by human rights advocates for violating EU and international law. Over 7,000 migrants reached Crete between January and June 2025, with overcrowded detention centres now housing refugees in harsh conditions. Many, like Mustafa from war-torn Sudan, are detained without legal recourse or access to proper shelter and care. Critics argue that even in times of crisis, the right to claim asylum must be protected. The government maintains the move is temporary and driven by national security and tourism concerns, while EU officials say they are reviewing the legality of Greece’s actions. As desperation grows among detainees, the situation raises urgent ethical and legal questions about how Europe handles asylum in the face of rising migration, public fear, and political pressure.

One of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, registering a magnitude of 8.8. Occurring in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the quake triggered tsunami warnings across Japan, Hawaii, the U.S. West Coast, and other Pacific nations, prompting evacuations of over two million people. Fortunately, no deaths were reported. Kamchatka, known for seismic activity, experienced intense tremors, causing panic and damaging buildings. Tsunami waves exceeding 5 meters struck Severo-Kurilsk, flooding ports and sweeping away boats. A volcano on Kamchatka also began erupting after the quake. In Peru, over half of Pacific ports were closed as a precaution. Videos from the region showed calm heroism in hospitals during surgeries and chaos as residents fled in fear. Though the most severe threats have passed, aftershocks are expected. Authorities have urged vigilance, and emergency services remain on high alert. This event underscores the vulnerability of nations situated on seismic fault lines and the need for preparedness and compassion in times of natural disaster.

A famine is unfolding across Gaza, according to the UN-led Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which says conditions have “worsened dramatically” in recent months. Gaza’s food consumption is now at its lowest since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, with over a third of the population going entire days without food. Malnutrition and starvation-related deaths are rising rapidly - at least 147 people have died, including 88 children. The IPC reports that famine thresholds have been breached in most of Gaza and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City. Although Israel has eased restrictions on aid entry, humanitarian groups say the volume remains critically insufficient. Aid convoys are often overwhelmed by desperate civilians, and the World Food Programme warns that unless unimpeded and large-scale aid is delivered immediately, mass starvation will intensify. Experts are calling for food, medicine, and essential supplies to be allowed in without obstruction. Despite denials from the Israeli government, evidence from UN agencies, clinics, and aid workers paints a dire picture. Without swift, unhindered intervention, Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.

At least 30 people have died and over 80,000 have been evacuated following devastating rainstorms and floods in Beijing and surrounding regions. Chinese authorities confirmed the deaths, with 21 caused by drowning - many in underground spaces that filled rapidly - and others from electrocution and building collapses. The Miyun District northeast of Beijing recorded nearly 543mm of rain. The storms have severely impacted infrastructure, cutting power to 136 villages and damaging 31 roads, complicating rescue and relief efforts. President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have urged “all-out efforts” to rescue the missing, resettle the displaced, and minimise further casualties. An orange alert - the second-highest emergency level - remains in effect as more rain is forecast. The deluge has affected several provinces including Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong. China’s National Development and Reform Commission has allocated £21 million in emergency funding to support relief operations. With fears of additional flooding and landslides, authorities are on high alert, monitoring rivers, reservoirs, and urban drainage systems to prevent further tragedy. Relief efforts continue as the region battles ongoing extreme weather.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following deadly border clashes that escalated last week. The breakthrough came during mediation talks in Malaysia, hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting leader Phumtham Wechayachai expressed gratitude for the mediation efforts of Malaysia, China, and U.S. President Trump - who reportedly made ceasefire a condition for future trade discussions with Washington. Clashes between the two nations have historical roots, including a long-standing dispute over an 11th-century temple near the border. The most recent escalation, which began after the death of a Cambodian soldier in May, displaced over 300,000 people. The ceasefire, effective from midnight local time, will be followed by a meeting between military commanders and defence attachés, coordinated under ASEAN. Both sides described the talks as constructive and expressed hope for rebuilding trust and restoring normalcy. This agreement marks a vital step toward long-term peace and stability in a region long plagued by territorial tensions and sporadic violence.

A tragic mass shooting unfolded in a Manhattan skyscraper when Shane Tamura, 27, entered the building housing the NFL headquarters and killed four people before taking his own life. Tamura, a former high school football star and casino security guard, left a note blaming the NFL for concealing the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Believing he suffered from CTE, he intended to confront the NFL but mistakenly took the wrong elevator. Among those killed were NYPD officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, Rudin Management staffer Julia Hyman, and security guard Aland Etienne. An NFL employee was also injured but survived and managed to warn colleagues. The rifle used was self-assembled and the revolver legally purchased. President Trump, local officials, and researchers have commented on the tragedy. The case has renewed concerns over gun violence, mental health, and the long-term impacts of contact sports. Investigations continue in Nevada and New York as families and communities grieve the senseless loss.