Starmer says Sunak failed to ‘grasp nettle' on bet scandal

Sir Keir Starmer has taken aim at Rishi Sunak’s leadership ability over the election date betting scandal, accusing the prime minister of failing to grasp the nettle” and take action quickly enough.

Ex-Marine Says Only Labour Can Be Trusted On Defence

Colonel has given up successful forces career to stand as MP

Farage Accused Of 'Cuddling Up To Kremlin' Over Ukraine

Nigel Farage has come under fire for “cuddling up to the Kremlin” as a leading think tank accused his Reform party of poisoning the election debate. On another torrid day for the exUkip leader, military experts queued up to criticise his claim that the West provoked Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The Brutal Truth Exposed By Scotland's Miserable Exit

At least Steve Clarke could point to progress, of sorts. “We scored two goals this time, we only scored one the last time,” said Clarke, as the Scotland manager reflected on another group stage exit from a major tournament.

Italy's Never-Say-Die Spirit Breaks Croatian Hearts

Italy have spent the last few years veering between ignominy and glory. When embarrassment beckoned, a glorious goal instead lent salvation.

How Is The Election Playing Out In Northern Ireland?

If Britain now has a five-party system – Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and Greens – then so does Northern Ireland, though with completely different major participants.

Spain's second XI prove better than most first teams

If this was very much the night’s second match, those watching Italy-Croatia may have missed the chance to see the fifth-best team at Euro 2024. That just happens to be Spain football’s second team, who kept playing with a fluidity beyond virtually everyone else at the tournament.

Building an election victory on difficult housing pledges

The main parties are making big manifesto promises on new homes. But can they realistically deliver, asks James Moore

PICK YOUR BATTLES

People are threatening to boycott Netflix over Syrian war scenes in 'Trigger Warning', starring Jessica Alba. But the film is too bad to be truly offensive, writes Louis Chilton

TRUE BELIEVER

As Cher re-releases two of her least celebrated electro-pop LPs, Helen Brown salutes a woman who has packed endless glitz, glamour and controversy into her six decades of fame

Hunt for teen reveals social media's horrifying cruelty

As trolls mock missing Jay Slater and hound the real-life woman behind Martha in 'Baby Reindeer', Helen Coffey ponders what happened to our collective compassion

Why can't airlines work out a fast method for boarding?

Q Why do airlines board planes in the slowest way possible? I have currently been queuing for 40 minutes – and the pilot has come out to warn us it’s “super warm” on board as the air conditioning isn’t working.

HOW TO BE GAB-FAB

Josh Smith, who went from having a speech impediment and being bullied at school to making communication his career, shares his tips on overcoming fears of speaking to others

Trump's trip to Mar-a-Lago ahead of FBI search probed

Donald Trump reportedly visited Mar-a-Lago a few weeks before federal law enforcement agents searched the Florida property, a trip that special counsel Jack Smith and investigators scrutinised as part of a wider probe into whether the former president had obstructed law enforcement in the classified documents case.

'Assassination plots' prompt Ukrainian state guard purge

Security service said it had caught two colonels accused of cooperating with Russia in plan to kill Volodymyr Zelensky

Man plotted 'kidnap, rape and murder of Willoughby'

An \"obsessed\" security guard who purchased a \"kidnap kit\" and chloroform to abduct, rape and murder Holly Willoughby knew how to \"terrify and overpower a woman\", a court heard. Gavin Plumb, 37, had previously attacked women using both a knife and an imitation firearm before he formulated a detailed plan to kidnap and kill the television personality in a home invasion.

Sharp rise in abusers using GPS devices to stalk victims

Woman tells how her ex-boyfriend was able to secretly follow her for months by using a tracking app hidden on her phone

Princess Anne concussed after incident with a horse

Princess Anne is in hospital with minor head injuries and a concussion after it is believed she was kicked by a horse.

Young voters are turning to TikTok for their news fix

Poll shows those aged 18 to 34 rely less on traditional media

'If we go to war tomorrow, are we going to be ready?"

Kim Sengupta talks to former marine Alistair Carns about his decision to stand as Labour candidate for Birmingham Selly Oak in the election - and asks local voters for their thoughts

Tories and Labour are urged to come clean over tax rises

A leading think tank has accused Labour and the Conservatives of a “conspiracy of silence” as it warned voters that tax rises are likely in the next five years.

Are Sunak's Threats About National Service Credible?

Rishi Sunak went further than ever last week in fleshing out his promise to introduce mandatory national service, suggesting that he could confiscate driver’s licences and bank accounts from 18-year-olds if they refused to participate.

Chin Up, Rishi - There Might Still Be Reasons To Be Cheerful

Being a compassionate fellow, and even though I’ve never voted Conservative (if that’s a clue), I’m moved by the plight of the party.

Covid Hospitalisations On Rise As New Variants Emerge

Experts have warned that Covid “hasn’t gone away” after an uptick in infections and hospitalisations that is thought to have been caused by new variants of the virus.

Sunscreens Fail Quality Tests Ahead Of Expected Heatwave

Three of the most popular sun creams have been found to offer less protection than they claim, consumer organisation Which? has found.

Thousands Of Workers Set To Leave Health And Social Care

Thousands of agency staff could leave the NHS and social care services in the next two years, new research has suggested.

Hydration myth is enough to drive everyone to drink

As temperatures rise across the globe, so do heat-related illnesses. But do you know how much water you need for optimum health? Maria Lally talks to the experts to find out

If it came down to fashion sense alone, Keir gets my vote

Picture the scene. It’s a glorious mid-July evening in Berlin, the summer heat magnified by the excitement of the fans inside the Olympiastadion.

Verstappen holds off rueful Norris to extend title lead

Max Verstappen held off Lando Norris’s late charge to win the Spanish Grand Prix and further stamp his authority on this season’s Formula One championship.

Don't tear us down, captain Kane urges critical Lineker

As Harry Kane was talking about the pressures involved in wearing one shirt, he was offered another.