Kate and her royal 'secret weapon'
The Princess of Wales frequently turns to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, for support during her cancer treatment, according to royal experts. Celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year, Prince Edward and Sophie have become key figures in the Royal Family. Their modest 1999 wedding reflected their down-to-earth nature. Sophie’s charm and humility have helped her grow into her role without fanfare, earning her the title of the family's 'secret weapon.' She shares a sister-like bond with Kate, offering guidance and support during critical times. Her deep relationships within the family and her unassuming approach have made her one of the most loved members of the royal family; her commitment to her duties and her charitable work highlight her importance, as she balances royal responsibilities with her personal life. Her steadfast support during Kate’s health challenges exemplifies her role as a confidante and friend within the royal circle.
Protesters arrested after spraying Stonehenge and aeroplanes orange
Two Just Stop Oil protesters were arrested after spraying orange paint on Stonehenge, just before the summer solstice celebrations. The incident was widely condemned by political leaders. Rishi Sunak, calling it a 'disgraceful act of vandalism', urged condemnation from anyone associated with the group. Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey also criticised the act, calling for strict legal action. Despite the vandalism, the site remains open to the public. Just Stop Oil, which has been demanding a treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030, defended the protest as a call to action against the ecological crisis. In another incident, two more protesters were arrested after spraying several planes orange at a private airport: see
90,000 new social homes a year needed
Over fifty charities and housing bodies have urged Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer, and Sir Ed Davey to prioritise ending homelessness by committing to building 90,000 social homes annually. With rough sleeping up 27% as of autumn 2023, these groups also demand housing benefits aligned with rising private rents. Signatories like Shelter and Crisis call for cross-party collaboration and long-term service funding. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the absence of homelessness in party manifestos, questioning how 250,000 people can be homeless in a wealthy nation. Government data shows over 100,000 households in temporary accommodation, two-thirds being families with children. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Helen Morgan called the situation a national scandal, promising to end rough sleeping, increase social housing, and abolish no-fault evictions.
Home Office unlawfully axed Windrush measures
The High Court has ruled that the Home Office unlawfully dropped key recommendations from the Williams Review of the Windrush scandal. The 2020 review made thirty recommendations, all accepted by then-home secretary Priti Patel. However, in January 2023, Suella Braverman dropped three recommendations, including establishing a migrants' commissioner and increasing the powers of an independent chief inspector. Trevor Donald, a Windrush victim, challenged this decision, arguing it was discriminatory. The court agreed, calling the actions 'disproportionately prejudicial' and 'conspicuously unfair.' The Windrush scandal emerged in 2018, revealing that many Commonwealth citizens were wrongly detained or deported despite having the right to live in the UK. Many lost homes, jobs, and access to healthcare. The Home Office, which is now considering the judgement, has already paid £88.6m in compensation to affected individuals. The Government is now being urged to implement the review recommendations fully and ensure accountability.
Former Corrie star prays for safe return of missing teenager
Jay Slater, 19, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has gone missing in Tenerife after attempting an 11-hour walk back to his accommodation following a night out. On 17 June he told his friend Lucy he was lost, needed water, and had only 1% phone battery. His phone then cut off. Former Coronation Street actress Vicky Entwistle, a distant relation, urged prayers for his safe return. His mother Debbie has flown to Tenerife to aid the search efforts, joining local authorities and a specialist mountain rescue team. A Facebook group with over 142,000 members has also been set up to assist. The foreign office is supporting the family. Slater's stepfather described him as 'streetwise' but feared he got lost in the dark, while his mother believes he was disoriented by the unfamiliar area. Emergency services, including firefighters and a police helicopter, are involved in the search.
Cyprus / Israel / Lebanon: Hezbollah leader threatens wider conflict
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has warned that no place in Israel would be safe if a full-scale war erupts between the two foes, also threatening Cyprus and other Mediterranean regions. Hezbollah has released drone footage of sensitive Israeli military sites; Nasrallah says that it has a ‘bank of targets’ for precision strikes, and Israel must prepare for attacks by land, air, and sea. He also threatened Cyprus, accusing it of aiding Israel with its airports and bases for military exercises. There was no immediate response from Cypriot authorities; Cyprus has historically allowed Israel to use its airspace for drills, but not its land or bases. In another development, Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet after two of his opponents resigned from it: see
Netherlands: prime minister to become new NATO head
Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is set to become the next NATO secretary-general after Hungary lifted its veto, following a letter from Rutte to Viktor Orbán. The letter promised Orbán that, as NATO head, Rutte would not deploy Hungarian troops or use its funds to support Ukraine. The current secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, says the selection process will conclude ‘very soon’. Orbán posted the letter on social media, confirming Rutte’s commitment to the agreement. Rutte acknowledged past remarks which had caused dissatisfaction in Hungary and reassured Orbán of his respect for the deal made between Stoltenberg and Orbán in Budapest. His confirmation depends on consensus among all NATO members; with the veto lifted, he is now poised to succeed Stoltenberg.
Russia / North Korea: mutual defence agreement against ‘aggression’
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed a mutual defence agreement pledging support in case of ‘aggression’ against either country. The announcement followed Putin's visit to Pyongyang, his first since 2000, which Kim described as elevating their relationship to a ‘new, high level of alliance’. The pact raises Western concerns, potentially leading to Russian assistance for North Korea in a Korean conflict and North Korean support for Russia in Ukraine. Kim is accused of supplying Russia with weapons, while Putin is believed to be providing North Korea with space technology for its missile programme. Both leaders criticised Western sanctions and vowed to counter them. Kim expressed strong support for Russia's war in Ukraine, marking a historic moment in their alliance.
South Africa: Ramaphosa's second term, but with a coalition government
Cyril Ramaphosa has commenced his second full term as president, after his party formed a coalition government. In his inauguration speech, Ramaphosa highlighted the necessity for leaders to work together to address deep inequalities, warning that failure to do so could destabilise the nation. The ANC, governing since apartheid ended in 1994, lost its majority for the first time, securing only 40% of the vote and losing 70 seats. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which received 22%, and three smaller parties joined the coalition, having agreed a common agenda of fixing the country’s infrastructure, providing basic services such as water and power, and creating jobs. Ramaphosa has said that the country’s society remains deeply unequal and highly polarised, so he knows that there are some huge challenges ahead.
Haiti: UN sends food aid for displaced
The UN has announced the delivery of aid to Haiti, which will help hundreds of displaced families due to the ongoing violence and the upcoming hurricane season. A spokesman said, ‘Two cargo flights organised by the World Food Programme (WFP) have landed in Port au Prince, carrying 55 tonnes of medicine, shelter and hygiene materials. The WFP school meals programme has distributed some 30 million meals across the country since the start of the current school year: of these, nearly 17 million have been provided through its programme which supports local farmers. The education sector has been severely impacted by the recent violence, with more than 200,000 children and 4000 teachers affected.’ Haiti’s hurricane season, which lasts from June to November, is forecast to be severe this year. A gang-fuelled crisis has devastated the country, and the UN estimates that currently 360,000 people are displaced.