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Sirens blare from millions of phones in national test of emergency alerts

Moment alert rings during BBC broadcast

Siren sounds have blared from mobile phones across the country in a test of the national emergency alert system.

At around 15:00 on Sunday, mobiles vibrated and sounded for about 10 seconds in the second test of the system.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "tens of millions of phones successfully sounded" in the test, which he said was "an important step in keeping people safe during national emergencies".

Sporting and other events had to adjust for the alert. The women's Rugby World Cup match between Ireland and New Zealand in Brighton paused mid-game, while theatre-goers were advised to turn off their phone before curtains up.

Mobile phone users received a message making clear that the alert was a drill.

The alarm happened between overs at England's third ODI cricket match against South Africa at Southampton. Fans had been warned via a message on the big screen about the alert.

Getty Images A phone screen is seen in the foreground at the ground during the Ireland vs New Zealand Women's World Cup game in Brighton.Getty Images
The Ireland vs New Zealand Women's Rugby World Cup match in Brighton resumed after a short delay

Drivers were urged not to be distracted behind the wheel.

Video posted on social media shows the siren sounds blaring inside the usually tranquil British Library in London. One patron can be heard whispering "shush".

At the BBC, the alert was covered in a live broadcast as presenters checked to see whether their phones were sent the alert.

The system appeared to reach into the tunnels of London's Underground system. A couple said they received their alerts while on a tube train heading towards Liverpool Street Station.

Mark, 44, of Essex, told the PA news agency: "We were on the Tube. It came through twice for me. The whole Tube carriage's phones started going when we got signal."

His partner Abby said no one appeared surprised.

Some people did seem to experience problems with the test. The BBC's science reporter Esme Stallard and other users received a garbled message with her alert.

But a government spokesperson said the alert message "was broadcast correctly and mobile operators have confirmed that the test ran as expected".

A screen shot of a garbled emergency message
The message received by science reporter Esme Stallard

The first national test in 2023 was largely successful, although there were some reports of no alerts being sent, or too late.

The government has used the system to issue real warnings five times, including in January during Storm Eowyn to warn people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about severe weather.

Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and south-west England received an alert during Storm Darragh last December.

A 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb found in a Plymouth back garden triggered a warning to some 50,000 phones in February last year.

Messages can be targeted to relatively small areas to pinpoint those at risk.

Around 15,000 phones were alerted during flooding in Cumbria in May 2024, and 10,000 received a warning during flooding in Leicestershire in January this year.

The system is designed for use during the most likely emergencies to affect the UK and warnings would also be transmitted on television, radio and locally by knocking on doors.

Government officials also met domestic violence charities and campaigners for discussions on helping those who needed to opt out of the test.

Watch: Emergency Alert goes off at British Library

Piastri told to let Norris past as Verstappen wins

Piastri told to let Norris past as Verstappen wins

Lando Norris ahead of Oscar Piastri during the Italian Grand PrixImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Oscar Piastri allowed Lando Norris past on lap 49 of 53 at Monza

McLaren's approach to racing in the title fight between their drivers sparked controversy as Max Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix for Red Bull.

McLaren ordered Oscar Piastri to cede second place to team-mate Lando Norris after a slow pit stop dropped the Briton behind the Australian after he had been running in second for most of the race.

McLaren unconventionally pitted Piastri before Norris as they left their pit stops late in the race in the hope of a safety car that could give them a chance to attack Verstappen.

But after Piastri had a clean stop on lap 45 with eight to go, when Norris stopped a lap later, a fault with a wheel gun delayed him, and his stop was four seconds longer than his team-mate's.

That put him behind Piastri, but the team ordered the championship leader to relinquish the position, arguing that it was "a bit like Hungary last year".

That was a reference to Norris letting Piastri by to take his first win after team strategy reversed their positions for tactical reasons.

Piastri said he disagreed but followed the order anyway.

There will be arguments that the situations were not comparable - and that a fault in the pits is just part of the twisting fortunes of racing.

The result cuts Piastri's lead over Norris by three points to 31 with eight races to go.

  • McLaren's decision will be a focus for some time in the title fight

  • Verstappen marked a return to form for Red Bull, which may be track-specific

  • A hectic couple of laps at the start preceded a race of little incident until Norris' pit stop

  • More bad luck for Fernando Alonso, who retired with suspension failure after an outstanding weekend for Aston Martin

The McLaren controversy

McLaren have been determined to keep the fight between their two drivers as fair as possible but their approach was always likely to lead to controversy at some point.

That was certainly the case at Monza, as they interfered after the sort of twist of fate that often turns driver's races.

Norris unquestionably deserved the second place on the balance of the race, but his pit stop problem left the team with an agonising quandary.

It is normal practice to pit the lead driver first in such a scenario but McLaren decided they wanted to pit Piastri first, saying they made the decision to ensure he was clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who had pitted earlier on a conventional strategy.

Norris questioned it when told of the decision, saying he was fine "as long as there was no undercut", which would be him being passed by Piastri going faster on his out lap. He was assured there would be no such thing.

Piastri's stop was faultless at 1.9 seconds but Norris's front right wheel gun had a problem and his stop was 5.9, so Piastri was in the lead when Norris re-emerged on to the track.

Piastri was immediately told to let Norris back past. His engineer Tom Stallard said: "Oscar, this is a bit like Hungary last year. We pitted in this order for team reasons. Please let Lando past and then you are free to race."

Piastri replied: "I mean, we said a slow pit stop was part of racing, so I don't really get what's changed here. But if you really want me to do it, then I'll do it."

After the race, Norris said: "Every now and again we make mistakes as a team. Today was one of them."

The point of view of both drivers is understandable, and it will be interesting to see how McLaren manage this in the increasing tension of a title fight.

Verstappen's superb drive

Max Verstappen passes Lando Norris around the outside of the first corner to retake the lead of the Italian Grand PrixImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Max Verstappen passed Lando Norris around the outside into the first corner on lap four to retake the lead

A year ago, Verstappen called his car "a monster" as Red Bull's performance slumped while he tried to fight a rearguard title defence.

This year, they have generally not been competitive with McLaren, other than on high-speed tracks, so Monza gave them an opportunity.

Verstappen capitalised with a brilliant pole at all-time record pace, and dominated the race from the start.

Norris challenged at the start and Verstappen cut the first chicane to retain the lead. Red Bull ordered him to let Norris back past to avoid a penalty.

But Verstappen immediately attacked and was back past Norris with an overtaking move into the first chicane at the start of lap four.

The Dutchman, who had not won since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May nine races ago, was flawless thereafter, pulling away from the McLarens and never looking under threat.

McLaren gambled on late stops in the hope they might catch a safety car that would give them a cheap pit stop and allow them to attack Verstappen on soft tyres at the end, but one never came.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen cuts the chicane going into the first corner of the Italian Grand PrixImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Verstappen cuts the chicane going into the first corner at Monza, and was told to give up the place to Norris by the end of the first lap

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Five-day London Underground strike under way

BBC/Harry Low Victoria Underground station entrance barriers pulled acrossBBC/Harry Low
The last Tube strike to close the network was in March 2023

London Underground staff have started a five-day walkout over pay and conditions.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are carrying out rolling action over pay and fatigue management, and have asked for a 32-hour week.

There will be limited service until 18:00 BST on Sunday and little or no service between Monday and Thursday. The Elizabeth line and the Overground will operate as normal but are expected to be much busier, along with buses and roads.

Transport for London has offered a 3.4% pay rise and said it "welcomes further engagement with our unions", but said a reduction in the contractual 35-hour week "is neither practical nor affordable".

A separate dispute on the Docklands Light Railway will stop services on Tuesday and Thursday.

As various parts of RMT membership walk out on different days, London Underground services will not resume before 08:00 on Friday.

The last Tube strike to close the whole network took place in March 2023.

Last year, the mayor of London used £30m of Greater London Authority funds to avert a Tube strike at the last minute.

He was later accused of misleading the London Assembly over the figure until it appeared in budget papers and unions had been briefed.

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Tour de France legend Geraint Thomas bids emotional farewell in final race

PA Media Professional cyclists form a line and hold their front tyre off the ground in a salute to Thomas, watched by fansPA Media
Fellow cyclists and fans paid tribute to Geraint Thomas before the start of the final stage on Sunday

Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas waved an emotional goodbye to cycling, with his final ride in his home city.

The former Whitchurch High School pupil won the iconic French race in 2018, along with Olympic gold in Beijing, China, in 2008 and London in 2012.

But he was on more familiar terrain on Sunday, taking part in his final race - the Tour of Britain, which ended in Cardiff.

The final 122.2km (76 miles) stage started at the velodrome in Newport named after the 39-year-old and where crowds turned out to cheer him. It also passed his childhood cycling club, Maindy Flyers, before it ended in his hometown.

"A a whole club we're extremely proud, we've been fortunate that we've had a number of youngsters who have come through this club and who've gone on to achieve Olympic golds, world records world championships," said co-chairman of Maindy Flyers Alan Davies.

"But Geraint was the first, he was the one who showed the others the way.

"This is Geraint's legacy within cycling in Cardiff."

Mr Davies said it was almost 30 years to the day that Thomas first began cycling at Maindy, joining in late 1995.

He was his first coach, and in testament to the effect he has had on the sport in the city, many young riders are present to pay tribute to him.

PA Media Thomas, wearing an orange top and black shorts, signs autographs for fans in the velodromePA Media
PA Media Five fans wearing Geraint Thomas face masks, they hold two Wales flags in front of them. PA Media

Thomas signed autographs before starting the final race
Cycling fans saluted Thomas with flags and face masks

"He's inspired so many children to join Maindy, it's just great what he's done," said 10-year-old Gwen.

"It's his last year and he's done really well."

Imogen, 12, said it gives her "a nice feeling" to know he started his career at the club.

"And then he went on to be an Olympian, Tour de France winner, and then is finishing his last race here," she added.

Raima used to go on bike rides with her dad, and "really liked beating him", with the success of Geraint Thomas allowing her to dream.

"It gives you a sense of hope and brings everyone together - it makes you want to do better," she said.

Imogen and Raima in their cycling gear. Imogen is on the left with a red jacket and helmet and shades aloft the helmet. Raima is on the right and has a white helmet and blue jacket on.
Young cyclists Imogen and Raima say they have been inspired by Thomas

Speaking after the race Thomas said he had expected a good atmosphere for his final ride, "but this is something else".

He added it was "bonkers" that Newport's velodrome, where the race started, was now named after him.

He said fellow Welsh rider Nicole Cooke inspired him, and recalled thinking at the time "if she can do it, why can't other Welsh people do it", adding that the thought of young children looking at him and thinking that was "strange, but really nice".

He added that riding along Ben Swift was emotional.

"Swifty, who I started racing with when I was 12 [years-old] - we're 39 now, that's a long time.

"To ride in to the finish with him, I just broke down."

Thomas added that one of the most special moments of the ride in Cardiff was having his son Macs old enough to remember it.

"That's what gets me, I never thought I'd still be going when he's at the age to remember.

"I thought I would've stopped a couple years ago, so its nice that he can enjoy it."

His final race also featured a custom-made jersey carrying the name of those closest to him, along with a drawing by Macs.

"There's a lot of teammates, current and ex-teammates, Swifty, Mum and Dad - its nice.

"And on the back, Macs designed a picture. Apparently its me on the top step, so that's good."

Zelensky condemns 'ruthless attack' after Russia hits main government building in Kyiv

Ukraine's emergency service DSNS A firefighter looks at a partially destroyed residential house in Kyiv, following a Russian drone attack. Photo: 7 September 2025Ukraine's emergency service DSNS
A firefighter looks at a partially destroyed residential house in Kyiv, following a Russian drone attack

At least two people have been killed and 11 injured in a new Russian overnight drone attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, local officials have said.

One of the victims was a one-year-old baby, whose body was pulled from the rubble, Kyiv's military administration head Tymur Tkachenko said Sunday. A young woman is also believed to have been killed.

Russian strikes were also targeted at Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown in central Ukraine, where three infrastructure facilities were hit. Air raid warnings were activated overnight for all of the country's regions.

The fresh attack came as Russian President Vladimir Putin has been hardening his warning on the West not to aid Ukraine.

Overnight, several multi-storey residential buildings were partially destroyed and continued to be ablaze after direct hits.

"The Russians are deliberately hitting civilian facilities," Tkachenko said, urging Kyiv residents to remain in shelters.

City authorities said residential buildings were hit in the western Svyatoshynkyi and south-eastern Darnytskyi districts.

There were multiple explosions in Kyiv in the early morning, including at least one in the city centre, seen by the BBC. Several cruise missiles also targeted the capital.

Russia's military has not commented on the reported drone strikes.

Earlier this week, Putin rejected Western proposals for a "reassurance force" in Ukraine the day after any ceasefire comes into place, following a Paris summit aimed at finalising plans for security guarantees.

French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 of Ukraine's allies had formally committed to deploying troops "by land, sea or air" to help provide security the moment fighting was brought to a halt. He gave no further details.

Putin sought to quash the allies' initiative, warning that any troops deployed to Ukraine would be "legitimate targets".

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory - including the southern Crimea peninsula illegally annexed in 2014.

Arrests at rally against Palestine Action ban rise to 890

PA Media A woman being led away by police at a protestPA Media

Police say 890 people were arrested at a demonstration in support of the banned group Palestine Action in London on Saturday.

The majority of the arrests were for supporting a proscribed group under the Terrorism Act, while the Metropolitan Police said there were also a "significant" number of arrests made "after the protest turned violent".

The government proscribed Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation in July, making membership of or support of the group a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The number of arrests at the London demonstration has risen from the 425 announced on Saturday.

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How will the EU's new border system work?

BBC A crowd of people at London St Pancras station in London. They're carrying rucksacks or suitcases as they wait to go through departures and board a Eurostar train across the Channel.BBC
People wait to go through departures at Eurostar's London St Pancras terminus

The next time you travel from the UK to Europe, you might notice some changes.

The EU's much-delayed new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System or EES, will be gradually introduced this autumn.

The system is meant to strengthen security and ultimately make travel smoother, but there are concerns it could lead to long queues when people first register.

What is EES and where is it being introduced?

EES is a digital system designed to keep track of when non-EU citizens enter and leave the Schengen Area.

This covers 29 European countries - mainly in the EU - which member citizens can travel across freely without border controls.

It includes many popular destinations for UK travellers, such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

EES will eventually replace the current system which requires individual passports to be checked and stamped by a border officer.

When will EES start?

After being postponed several times, the European Commission confirmed in July that EES will begin on 12 October. It will be phased in gradually over six months.

At Dover, coach passengers will start using the new system on 12 October, followed by other tourist traffic on 1 November.

At Eurostar terminals, EES will be introduced more gradually.

Only a small number of business travellers will be invited to use the new system from 12 October. More passengers will be directed to use it over subsequent months.

Eurotunnel, which runs vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, is also expecting to introduce EES in stages from 12 October.

EES should be active at every Schengen border crossing point in all 29 participating countries by 10 April 2026.

What will passengers have to do under EES?

The first time they use the new system, people from most non-EU countries - including the UK - will have to register biometric information while having their passport scanned.

This may be done with a border officer, depending on where people travel to.

Flight passengers will register when they arrive at their destination airport.

But registration will be done as you leave the UK if you are crossing the English Channel by ferry from the port of Dover, taking the Eurotunnel shuttle to France, or getting the Eurostar train.

At these places, passengers will have to follow the instructions on kiosks - automated machines installed in dedicated areas.

The machines will scan each passport, then take fingerprints and a photo.

Children under 12 won't have to provide fingerprints. Staff should be on hand to help.

The machine's screen will also present travellers with four questions about their trip, such as confirming where they will be staying and that they have enough money.

Two of the 49 new automated kiosks which Eurostar has installed at London St Pancras station, ready for the launch of the Entry/Exit System in October. Each white machine has a computer screen and a scanning device for passports.
Eurostar has already installed 49 EES processing machines at London St Pancras

Eurostar has installed 49 EES kiosks in three areas around its London St Pancras terminal. Passengers will use them before presenting their ticket at the departures area.

But it says all passports will continue to be stamped manually until EES is fully rolled out in 2026.

Eurotunnel, which runs vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, has installed more than a hundred kiosks at each side.

A mobile phone app has been developed to enable passengers to do part of the process before reaching the border. However, this won't be widely used when EES is first introduced.

The EES registration will be valid for three years, with the details verified on each trip during that period.

What are the concerns about the introduction of EES?

Concerns have repeatedly been raised that the time it takes to complete the registration process could lead to big queues, particularly at space-constrained Dover.

The port of Dover previously planned to give ferry passengers tablet devices so they could register inside their vehicles. However, a source told the BBC that Dover now plans to also use kiosks.

During the initial transition period, the port will be able to temporarily stand down EES if queues get too long, and revert to manual passport stamping.

Eurostar hope its decision to limit EES initially to some business travellers will help to avoid any significant queues.

What is ETIAS and when is that coming?

The EU is also introducing a new visa waiver system linked to passports called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will build on the EES.

Citizens of non-EU countries who don't need a visa to enter the EU - including people from the UK - will be able to apply online for authorisation before they travel.

ETIAS isn't due to start until the end of 2026, but the final date has not yet been confirmed.

It will cost €20 per application, and will be valid for three years.

People aged under 18 and over 70 will need to apply, but won't have to pay.

Anna Wintour was Vogue. Now she's stepped back, can the magazine stay relevant?

Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Anna WintourRon Galella Collection via Getty Images

In May 1989, Dame Anna Wintour did something that would become a hallmark of her time as editor-in-chief of US Vogue: She put a pop star on the cover.

Just a year into her tenure as the top of the magazine's masthead, Dame Anna had already made a name for herself as an editor who instinctively understood the zeitgeist. She was the first to put a model in jeans on Vogue's front, and now, Madonna.

"If it was edgy to do jeans for November 1988, I think it was even edgier for her to do Madonna," says Amy Odell, author of Anna: The Biography.

For Marian Kwei, a stylist and Vogue contributor, this move speaks to Dame Anna's ability to make Vogue "relevant to our times, make it contemporary, make it accessible".

"Before, it was women who could buy couture who were interested in what Vogue had to say," she says. "But Dame Anna realised the need to reach out to the kids listening to Madonna."

Now almost 40 years later, Dame Anna is preparing to hang up her Manolo Blahnik's, sort of – while she will no longer be editor-in-chief, she will remain on as global editorial director. Down the hall will sit her heir, the 39-year-old Chloe Malle, who is stepping in as head of editorial content.

While some have attributed her continued presence as a sign of unwillingness to cede total control, one could also see it as a recognition of her unmatched place in the fashion industry, and the fear that should she go entirely, this print magazine – already a relic to some – will lose its remaining clout.

Mark Peterson/redux/eyevine Anna Wintour in her office at VogueMark Peterson/redux/eyevine
Anna Wintour in her office at Vogue

Once, fashion magazines like Vogue ruled the industry. They didn't have to fight for attention so much as just decree from on high what was and wasn't "chic".

Whether you still see – or ever saw – Vogue as an arbiter of good taste, or reflection of our times, depends on who you talk to.

"I think it's more relevant than people want to admit honestly," Odell says.

For Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, the founder and editor-in-chief of academic fashion publication Vestoj, less so. When she was a teenager growing up in Sweden, "Vogue represented the world out there, something glamorous and different and the wide horizons that I was striving for."

But she stopped reading it 25 years ago.

Today, print magazines are fighting for survival in an increasingly crowded, fast-paced landscape – a monthly publication loses a lot of relevance in a by-the-minute digital world.

"There's no one magazine that is relevant in the way Vogue might have been relevant in the 80s," says Cronberg.

"There are so many other vehicles for culture today," she adds, like TikTok and Instagram.

All this will be factoring into Malle's thinking as she takes on the job of head of editorial content. She reportedly plans to put out issues less frequently, centred around themes or cultural events rather than months. She says she wants to lean into the idea of Vogue in print as something to collect and cherish.

David Turnley/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images Woman Looking at Vogue Magazine   David Turnley/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

One of the ways that Dame Anna has kept Vogue a part of the conversation is by expanding the people she invited onto the cover.

Since Maddona's debut, Dame Anna has placed royalty, politicians, pop stars, writers and gymnasts on the cover.

"She definitely bridged fashion and entertainment as editor-in-chief of Vogue," says Odell.

It wasn't always well received. When Dame Anna put Kanye West and Kim Kardashian on the cover in 2014, "it sparked so much debate", says Kwei.

"Nobody really wanted to dress [her] because she was a reality star."

Looking at the almost mythological position the Kardashians have gone on to occupy, the cover spoke to Dame Anna's uncanny ability to anticipate culture – as well, arguably, as drive it.

But whether Dame Anna remains the right person to be at the helm, and whether the magazine can withstand increasing financial pressures, remains to be seen.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for adidas Kim Kardashian, Anna Wintour, and Kanye West pose backstage at the adidas Originals x Kanye West YEEZY SEASON 1 fashion show during New York Fashion Week Fall 2015 at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 12, 2015 in New York City.  Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for adidas

It is a far more corporate world than it once was.

Her decision to spotlight Lauren Sanchez, the now-wife of Jeff Bezos, also sparked accusations that the magazine was selling out. It was read by some as more about celebrating wealth and luxury than style. Interestingly, it was Malle who apparently organised the story on the power couple's wedding and was dispatched to write it.

Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic of The New York Times pointed out in a recent article that "while elite weddings are a hallmark of Vogue, they almost never made its cover, and Ms Sánchez Bezos seemingly had neither the celebrity nor modelling credentials that usually merited cover treatment." The couple's presence at Donald Trump's inauguration also drew criticism from some - and contributed to the cover's backlash, especially on social media.

Dame Anna, who has supported Democratic candidates in the past, has over the years featured Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and, most recently, Kamala Harris. It feels pertinent that whether or not she will invite Melania Trump to be on the cover has been the subject of much discussion – and continues to be, even as Malle steps into the role.

But Vogue can arguably withstand more of this kind of criticism than most because of its fabled history. As Lauren Sherman, the fashion journalist who broke the news of Malle's appointment, tells the BBC: "The Vogue brand stands apart, and is one of the most important fashion brands in the world."

Eric Thayer/REUTERS Vogue editor Anna Wintour speaks on a cell phone before the J. Mendel Spring 2008 collection during New York Fashion Week September 7, 2007. Eric Thayer/REUTERS

A large part of Vogue's standing in the world is wrapped up in Dame Anna's own - the enigmatic editor-in-chief of fashion, with her instantly recognisable bob and her unknowability.

She has maintained a certain relevancy for the title almost by being the relevancy.

"Anna has been able to stay relevant despite all the various eras we've lived through simply by being as synonymous with culture, fashion and beauty as possible," says Kwei.

This, despite being criticised for being late to make Vogue more diverse compared to other sections of the industry.

"She's a mainstream celebrity figure," says Odell. "What other editor has had a book and an iconic movie made about them? You know, she's been played by Meryl Streep!"

For Cronberg, she is "a brand in and of herself at this point".

So what next?

"I think we're about to see how much of the relevance of Vogue comes from Dame Anna," says Odell.

While Malle may have inherited the magazine's prestige, "it'll be up to Chloe and her team to see if they can use it wisely to influence the way the culture moves," says Sherman.

Ellie Violet Bramley is a freelance writer and former Guardian fashion and lifestyle editor.

Thousands throng Jerusalem to press Netanyahu to make hostage release deal

EPA A crowd of thousands holding portraits of the hostages, yellow flags and ribbons, in a Jerusalem street with trees either side EPA
Protests led by hostages' families have intensified recently

More than 15,000 people have taken to the streets in Israel to call for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip and urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a deal to free the remaining hostages.

Families and supporters of the hostages still being held by Hamas thronged Jerusalem's Paris Square, with others gathering in Tel Aviv.

Of the 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, as many as 20 are believed to be alive.

Israel has yet to formally respond to a deal that would see the release of some hostages, but has previously demanded the return of all the hostages in any agreement. Netanyahu insists total victory over Hamas will bring the hostages home.

Hamas took 251 hostages back to Gaza after its attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which some 1,200 people died.

Israel launched a massive retaliation campaign to destroy Hamas which has resulted in the death of at least 64,368 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN considers the figures reliable, although Israel disputes them.

Voices of protest on Israeli streets and international demands from some of Israel's allies to stop its military offensive in Gaza have been growing steadily.

Yet all the signs are that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing to intensify the war, as the Netanyahu government vows to gain full control of the Gaza Strip and finally defeat Hamas.

On Saturday night, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem saw some of the biggest protests in recent months calling for the release of remaining hostages and an end to the war.

Within earshot of Netanyahu's residence in the city, speaker after speaker called for Israel's prime minister to strike a deal with Hamas that would see the safe return of their loved ones, almost two years after their abduction.

Among the many family members with angry messages for Netanyahu was the mother of Matan Angrest, an IDF soldier being held in Gaza.

"This is not a threat, Mr Prime Minister. If something happens, you will pay for it -this is a mother's word," shouted Anat Angrest, according to the Times of Israel.

Many protesters say the expansion of the war will further endanger the hostages' lives.

If Netanyahu, indeed, was in his nearby Jerusalem home, the appeals from parents and supporters appear to be falling on deaf ears.

Israel's beleaguered but resolute prime minister has shown no sign of ending the war even though many former military leaders have repeatedly said the IDF has probably achieved as much as it can militarily in Gaza, without further endangering the lives of hostages and exacerbating the desperate humanitarian crisis there.

That is a view, reportedly, also held by many serving army generals but they are now being asked by their government to prepare for a huge land incursion to overrun Gaza City and the rest of the war-damaged Palestinian enclave.

Netanyahu's Defence Minister Israel Katz has repeatedly taken to social media in recent days, posting videos of high-rise buildings in Gaza City being blown-up with the blunt message that this was just the start.

Israel justifies the destruction of Gaza's most prominent buildings because it says they are used by Hamas as "command and control centres".

It denies accusations of implementing a "scorched-earth" policy - the systematic destruction of public buildings and homes to make Gaza practically uninhabitable.

Katz had earlier threatened to "open the gates of hell" as Israel warned Gaza City's residents to leave for the so-called "humanitarian enclave" of al-Mawasi further south.

But nowhere in Gaza can realistically be described as "safe" and al-Mawasi has itself been repeatedly targeted by Israeli air strikes in which dozens of people have been killed - many, including several children, in the last week.

US ambassador to Israel says recognition of Palestinian state is disastrous

It is against this backdrop that many of Israel's allies have repeatedly called for an end to the fighting in Gaza and an urgent return to ceasefire negotiations.

"We are extremely concerned about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and that's why we repeat our calls for Israel to stop the military offensive," said Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Rasmussen, on a visit to Jerusalem on Sunday.

That message was politely ignored by his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, who not so subtly warned that the intention of some European nations to recognise soon Palestinian statehood would be counterproductive and could have dire consequences.

Asked by a reporter where the Netanyahu government stood on highly controversial proposals to annex the Occupied Palestinian West Bank, Sa'ar said: "We've had discussions on this issue with the prime minister and there will be a decision. I don't have to elaborate."

The foreign minister also said he had recently spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the matter, amid other reports citing US officials, including Mike Huckabee - the high-profile US ambassador to Israel - who indicated that the Trump administration would not "tell Israel what to do" if it chose to declare sovereignty over much of the West Bank.

If that did happen, tensions in an already divided region would move up a notch or two.

The number of dead in Gaza continues to rise as Israel's position hardens.

At least 87 people were killed over the last 24 hours in air strikes across Gaza, according to local officials.

The Gaza health ministry also reported that five people had died during the same period, including three children, from famine and malnutrition.

Against this backdrop, Netanyahu digs in deep.

"If I have to choose between victory over our enemies and evil propaganda against us - I choose victory, " said the prime minister on Sunday as he made clear Israeli troops were "deepening manoeuvres" around and inside Gaza City.

Burnham concerned about balance of cabinet after Rayner exit

PA Media Andy Burnham, who has short dark hair and glasses and is wearing a blue suit jacket with white t-shirt. He has a yellow worker bee badge on his lapelPA Media

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says he is concerned about the "balance" of the cabinet after a reshuffle sparked by Angela Rayner's resignation for under paying stamp duty.

She left her roles as housing secretary and deputy prime minister, as well as deputy leader of the Labour Party, the latter of which has triggered a contest to find her replacement.

Burnham told Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that process would be an opportunity to have a "discussion about the internal management" of the party and that somebody from the north of England would be "great".

Defence Secretary John Healey said there was a "good new team in place" and called on them to "go up a gear".

Rayner's exit has sparked a major reshuffle with David Lammy replacing her as deputy prime minister, Yvette Cooper moving to foreign secretary and Shabana Mahmood following her as home secretary.

Among those to lose their job was Leader of the House Lucy Powell.

Asked if he was worried about whether the new-look cabinet included the right balance of people, Burnham said: "I am concerned about the balance, and I think you know, we need to use the deputy leadership contest to discuss some of these things."

He said the leadership needed to to the party more, pointing to internal rows over winter fuel payments and disability benefits, adding that MPs opposed to the government's plans should not be "punished".

He continued: "I see good people, good MPs, losing the whip, people like Rachael Maskell. That doesn't seem fair to me. It didn't happen in the governments I was in, in Gordon Brown's government or Tony Blair's government.

"You know, we need a different style here, so that everyone is included and we pull together."

His words come ahead of a deputy leadership contest which some have predicted could highlight divisions between Downing Street and the left of the party. The deputy leadership is separate to the deputy prime minister role, although Rayner held both simultaneously.

Asked who should take the job, Burnham suggested Louise Haigh or Lucy Powell, both of whom are MPs in northern England, in order to "counter that London centricity".

Laura Kuenssberg and Emily Thornberry sitting behind a desk in the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg studio. Laura has long blonde hair and is wearing a light grey/blue top while gesturing towards Emily, who is laughing and wearing a dark red jacket, black top and necklace. She has short light-coloured hair.
Emily Thornberry says she is thinking about running for the deputy leadership

Healey told the BBC the reshuffle was Sir Keir Starmer resetting his team and "saying to each and every one of us you've got to go up a gear, you've got to deliver".

He added their job was "to demonstrate to people that we can as government change their lives, make them feel better off and make them feel more secure".

Healey said Rayner had been an "inspiration to many" and particularly to working-class women, adding the government would "miss" her, adding: "Any government is stronger with Angela Rayner but we've got a good new team in place and that's our job."

But he defended Sir Keir's "clear, swift action" and said she was "not victim".

Labour MP Emily Thornberry said she was considering running for deputy leader but said it was "a question of what can I bring to it".

"I mean I hear what is said about the deputy leader should come from Manchester, and obviously the mayor of Manchester would say that.

"I'm sure that people would say they should come from Wales or Scotland.

"What's important is what you bring... do you have the strength, do you have the experience, can you actually make a difference?"

Labour's governing body is due to meet on Monday to discuss details of the deputy leadership election, according to LabourList.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigns after election defeats

Reuters Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, wearing a charcoal suit, white shirt and blue and white striped tie, at a podium with two microphones and a white teleprompter on a black pole; a dark blue curtain is in the backgroundReuters
Ishiba had struggled to inspire confidence as Japan faced economic headwinds

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced he is stepping down after less than a year in the role, following two major election losses.

The move comes a day before his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was expected to vote on whether to hold an internal leadership vote that could have forced him out.

The LDP has governed Japan for almost seven decades, but under Ishiba it lost its majority in the lower house for the first time in 15 years and then lost its majority in the upper house in July.

Japan, the world's fourth-largest economy and a key US ally, now faces a period of political uncertainty as tensions rise with China and regional insecurity mounts.

"Now that a conclusion has been reached in the negotiations concerning the US tariff measures, I believe this is precisely the appropriate time", Ishiba said, referring to a deal signed last week to ease tariffs imposed by US president Donald Trump on Japanese cars and other exports.

Until Sunday, he had resisted calls to resign, saying it was his responsibility to settle the dispute with Washington before stepping down.

"I have strongly believed that negotiations concerning the US tariff measures, which could be described as a national crisis, must be brought to a conclusion under our administration's responsibility," he said.

The 68-year-old said he would continue his responsibilities "to the people" until a new prime minister was selected.

Ishiba, who took office in October 2024 promising to tackle rising prices, struggled to inspire confidence as the country faced economic headwinds, a cost-of-living crisis and fractious politics with the US.

Inflation, particularly the doubling of rice prices in the last year, was politically damaging.

Public support further slid after a series of controversies, including criticism of his decision to appoint only two women to his cabinet and handing out expensive gifts to party members.

Healey says more military sites could house asylum seekers

BBC Defence Secretary John HealeyBBC

The defence secretary has said the government is looking at moving asylum seekers onto military sites as an alternative to hotels.

John Healey also confirmed officials are considering a range of "non-military" accommodation, although he did not offer further details.

Labour has pledged to stop housing asylum seekers in hotels before the next election, after a series of protests against their use over the summer.

Just over 32,000 asylum seekers are living in hotels whilst their claims are processed, around a third of those in taxpayer-funded accommodation.

Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the defence secretary said his department would "play our part" in the task of ending asylum hotel use.

"What you are seeing from Keir Starmer now is this isn't just a job for the Home Office, it's an all of government effort," he added.

"We've got (military) planners alongside the Home Office, we're looking at military and non-military sites for potential temporary accommodation".

It comes amid reports that Shabana Mahmood, who replaced Yvette Cooper as home secretary on Friday during a major cabinet reshuffle, is set to announce new proposals to house asylum seekers on military land within weeks.

Two former military sites - MDP Wethersfield, a former RAF base in Essex, and Napier Barracks, a former military base in Kent - are already being used to house asylum seekers after being opened under the previous government.

The Home Office had been expected to start increasing the number of migrants living at the Wethersfield site, while Napier Barracks, which had been due to stop housing asylum seekers this month, is also set to stay open longer.

Teen gamer who 'performed miracles' becomes first millennial saint

BBC A boy with dark curly hair in a red polo shit stands, smiling at the camera, with his hands on his hips, in front of a field and hillsBBC
Carlo Acutis will become the first millennial saint

A London-born boy is set to become the first millennial saint, in a ceremony steeped in an ancient ritual presided over by Pope Leo on Sunday.

In his short life, Carlo Acutis created websites documenting "miracles" as a means of spreading Catholic teaching, leading some to nickname him God's influencer.

His canonisation had been due in late April, but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis.

More than a million people are estimated to have made a pilgrimage to the Italian hilltop town of Assisi where Carlo's body lies, preserved in wax.

But there is another pilgrimage site associated with Carlo Acutis that has seen an increase in visitors since it was announced that he was to be made a saint - Our Lady of Dolours Church in London.

The font at the back of the Roman Catholic church in the Chelsea area was where Carlo was baptised as a baby in 1991.

To the side of the church an old confession booth has been converted into a shrine to him. In it, a relic holder contains a single strand of Carlo's hair.

"His family were in finance and they were working really temporarily in London," says Father Paul Addison, a friar at the church.

"Although they didn't use the church much, they decided to come and ask to have the child baptised. So Carlo was a flash, a very big flash, in the life of the parish community," he says.

A friar in a dark cloak stands next holding the lid of a font, between a framed picture of a boy in a red top and a framed baptism certificate
Father Paul Addison shows the font where Carlo was baptised in 1991

Carlo was not yet six months old when his parents moved back to their home country of Italy, and he spent the rest of his life in Milan.

There, he was known for a love of technology and is said to have enjoyed playing video games.

While some who knew Carlo Acutis say he did not appear to be especially devout, as a teenager he did create a website – pages of which are now framed at the church in Chelsea – in which miracles were documented.

A shot of a corridor with pillars and chairs lined up, with the focus of the camera on a series of printed and framed webpages
Pages of Carlo's website are now framed at Our Lady of Dolours Church in Chelsea

But he died of leukaemia aged just 15.

In the years after his death, Carlo's mother, Antonia Salzano, visited churches around the world to advocate for him to be a saint.

As part of the process, it had to be proved her son had performed "miracles".

"The first miracle, he did the day of the funeral," says Carlo's mother.

"A woman with breast cancer prayed (for) Carlo and she had to start chemotherapy and the cancer disappeared completely," she explains.

A woman in brown glasses, a brown coat and orange scarf looks to the side of the camera, stood in front of a hedge
Antonia Salzano has spent years advocating for her son to be made a saint

Pope Francis attributed two miracles to Carlo Acutis and so the test was passed and he was due to be made a saint on 27 April.

But Pope Francis died during the preceding week.

Some followers who had travelled to Rome for the canonisation instead found themselves among the tens of thousands of mourners at the late pontiff's funeral - Diego Sarkissian, a young Catholic from London, was one of them.

He says he feels a connection to Carlo Acutis and is excited by his canonisation.

"He used to play Super Mario video games on the old Nintendo consoles and I've always loved video games," Mr Sarkissian says.

"The fact that you can think of a saint doing the same things [as you], wearing jeans, it feels so much closer than what other saints have felt like in the past," he says.

Approval for someone to become a saint can take decades or even centuries, but there is a sense that the Vatican fast-tracked Carlo Acutis' canonisation as a means of energising and inspiring faith in young people.

The Catholic Church will be hoping Sunday's events do just that.

Prince Harry to visit UK for first time since security court hearing

Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, pictured in a dark suit against a black backdrop
Getty Images

The Duke of Sussex will announce a substantial donation to Children in Need on Tuesday when he attends a charity event in Nottingham.

The donation is intended to help support work tackling violence and its effect on young people.

It is one of several engagements for Prince Harry during a visit to the UK, which has also prompted speculation on whether he might meet his father, King Charles.

The duke, who lives in the US with his wife Meghan Markle, was last in the UK in April for a court hearing over the level of security protection he receives from the government while here.

Getty Images Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton
Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to the US in 2020

Harry will arrive in London on Monday to attend an awards ceremony for WellChild, which supports seriously ill children and their families. The prince has been a patron for 17 years.

"I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit," he said announcing his return to the UK.

Tuesday's event in Nottingham will be held held at the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in Nottingham, a charity that teaches film and video skills as well as music.

Harry's visit to Nottingham is to build support and funding for community organisations.

He will hold a private briefing with Children in Need, the Police and Crime Commission, CRS and Epic Partners, and will have informal meetings with some of the young people he has met previously.

The duke will also watch live performances from artists, and make a short speech.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on the possibility of a meeting between the King and the duke during this trip. Nor has Harry and Meghan's team.

But recently, there have been signs that tensions between father and son are easing, and that a reconciliation could be within reach.

His father was in Italy on a state visit during the prince's April trip to London.

This time, the King will be in the UK. He has spent most of the summer in Scotland at his Balmoral Estate but is regularly travelling south for cancer treatment and some royal engagements. It leaves open the real possibility of father and son meeting in person.

Tube strike begins with reduced services as five days of major disruption looms

BBC/Harry Low Victoria Underground station entrance barriers pulled acrossBBC/Harry Low
The last Tube strike to close the network was in March 2023

London Underground staff have started a five-day walkout over pay and conditions.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are carrying out rolling action over pay and fatigue management, and have asked for a 32-hour week.

There will be limited service until 18:00 BST on Sunday and little or no service between Monday and Thursday. The Elizabeth line and the Overground will operate as normal but are expected to be much busier, along with buses and roads.

Transport for London has offered a 3.4% pay rise and said it "welcomes further engagement with our unions", but said a reduction in the contractual 35-hour week "is neither practical nor affordable".

A separate dispute on the Docklands Light Railway will stop services on Tuesday and Thursday.

As various parts of RMT membership walk out on different days, London Underground services will not resume before 08:00 on Friday.

The last Tube strike to close the whole network took place in March 2023.

Last year, the mayor of London used £30m of Greater London Authority funds to avert a Tube strike at the last minute.

He was later accused of misleading the London Assembly over the figure until it appeared in budget papers and unions had been briefed.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

Related internet links

Teen gamer who 'performed miracles' set to become first millennial saint

BBC A boy with dark curly hair in a red polo shit stands, smiling at the camera, with his hands on his hips, in front of a field and hillsBBC
Carlo Acutis will become the first millennial saint

A London-born boy is set to become the first millennial saint, in a ceremony steeped in an ancient ritual presided over by Pope Leo on Sunday.

In his short life, Carlo Acutis created websites documenting "miracles" as a means of spreading Catholic teaching, leading some to nickname him God's influencer.

His canonisation had been due in late April, but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis.

More than a million people are estimated to have made a pilgrimage to the Italian hilltop town of Assisi where Carlo's body lies, preserved in wax.

But there is another pilgrimage site associated with Carlo Acutis that has seen an increase in visitors since it was announced that he was to be made a saint - Our Lady of Dolours Church in London.

The font at the back of the Roman Catholic church in the Chelsea area was where Carlo was baptised as a baby in 1991.

To the side of the church an old confession booth has been converted into a shrine to him. In it, a relic holder contains a single strand of Carlo's hair.

"His family were in finance and they were working really temporarily in London," says Father Paul Addison, a friar at the church.

"Although they didn't use the church much, they decided to come and ask to have the child baptised. So Carlo was a flash, a very big flash, in the life of the parish community," he says.

A friar in a dark cloak stands next holding the lid of a font, between a framed picture of a boy in a red top and a framed baptism certificate
Father Paul Addison shows the font where Carlo was baptised in 1991

Carlo was not yet six months old when his parents moved back to their home country of Italy, and he spent the rest of his life in Milan.

There, he was known for a love of technology and is said to have enjoyed playing video games.

While some who knew Carlo Acutis say he did not appear to be especially devout, as a teenager he did create a website – pages of which are now framed at the church in Chelsea – in which miracles were documented.

A shot of a corridor with pillars and chairs lined up, with the focus of the camera on a series of printed and framed webpages
Pages of Carlo's website are now framed at Our Lady of Dolours Church in Chelsea

But he died of leukaemia aged just 15.

In the years after his death, Carlo's mother, Antonia Salzano, visited churches around the world to advocate for him to be a saint.

As part of the process, it had to be proved her son had performed "miracles".

"The first miracle, he did the day of the funeral," says Carlo's mother.

"A woman with breast cancer prayed (for) Carlo and she had to start chemotherapy and the cancer disappeared completely," she explains.

A woman in brown glasses, a brown coat and orange scarf looks to the side of the camera, stood in front of a hedge
Antonia Salzano has spent years advocating for her son to be made a saint

Pope Francis attributed two miracles to Carlo Acutis and so the test was passed and he was due to be made a saint on 27 April.

But Pope Francis died during the preceding week.

Some followers who had travelled to Rome for the canonisation instead found themselves among the tens of thousands of mourners at the late pontiff's funeral - Diego Sarkissian, a young Catholic from London, was one of them.

He says he feels a connection to Carlo Acutis and is excited by his canonisation.

"He used to play Super Mario video games on the old Nintendo consoles and I've always loved video games," Mr Sarkissian says.

"The fact that you can think of a saint doing the same things [as you], wearing jeans, it feels so much closer than what other saints have felt like in the past," he says.

Approval for someone to become a saint can take decades or even centuries, but there is a sense that the Vatican fast-tracked Carlo Acutis' canonisation as a means of energising and inspiring faith in young people.

The Catholic Church will be hoping Sunday's events do just that.

He evaded the FBI for 21 years. Only to be found in a Welsh cottage

FBI Two images of the same white man. On the left how he looked like when he was younger with brown hair, on the right wearing glasses and smiling at the camera.FBI
Daniel Andreas San Diego was arrested in November 2024, 21 years after the bombings in San Francisco

A suspected double bomber on the FBI's most wanted list who vanished for 21 years is due in court this week to decide if he will be sent back to the United States to face trial.

The FBI believe Daniel Andreas San Diego has links to animal rights extremist groups and is their prime suspect for a series of bombings in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2003.

Former FBI agents have said there were "missed opportunities" to arrest the 47-year-old before he vanished and claim they found a suspected "bomb-making factory" in his abandoned car after what detectives called a 65-mile (104km) rush-hour chase in California.

Mr San Diego was found 5,000 miles (8,000km) away in a cottage in north Wales last year.

Mr San Diego, who had a $250,000 (£199,000) bounty on his head, faces a five-day extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Monday to find out if the UK will hand him over to the United States to answer a federal arrest warrant.

The former fugitive, the first born-and-raised American on the FBI's most wanted terrorist list, has been indicted by US prosecutors for maliciously damaging and destroying by means of an explosive after two separate attacks in 2003.

Getty Images A poster of the FBI's most wanted terrorists. It is a black poster and at the top it reads "Most wanted terrorists" and there are mug shots of all the most wanted terrorists according to the FBI. Their names are underneath their images in white script. Getty Images
Daniel Andreas San Diego (top right) was featured on the FBI's most wanted terrorists list, alongside the likes of Osama Bin Laden

Animal rights extremist group Revolutionary Cells - Animal Liberation Brigade claimed responsibility for the attacks on firms they believed had links with organisations that tested products on animals.

Former FBI Special Agent David Smith was part of a special operations group that had been watching Mr San Diego.

"He was remarkable by being unremarkable," Mr Smith, one of the bureau's top surveillance experts, told the BBC.

"He was relatively young and normal, there was nothing to suggest this guy was starting to look violent. We never got any indication he was aware of us."

Chrion Security A silhouette of a person in the dark is on CCTV walking in a dimly light area of the former Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, near Oakland, in California on 28 August 2003 Chrion Security
CCTV footage captures the silhouette of a man who the FBI believe is Daniel Andreas San Diego walking around the Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville around the time of an explosion at the biotechnology firm

The FBI felt it had enough intelligence to suggest Mr San Diego was its prime suspect and thought it was him that planted the devices that detonated a month apart.

But supervisory special agent Andrew Black, part of the FBI's counter-terrorism media team, recalled: "The US Attorney's Office and case agents were making a decision whether to arrest him now or develop more information.

"The hope was he'd lead us to other members of this animal rights group that were using violence to promote their agenda."

Two bombs exploded at a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville, near Oakland, USA, on 28 August 2003, with investigators believing the second bomb was planted to target first responders.

Then a bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products company in Pleasanton, 30 miles (48km) east of the first blast, on 26 September 2003. No-one was injured in either bombing.

Getty Images Police vans and detectives patrol a street near to where two bombs went off in California. There are cones on the road, which is lined by trees  Getty Images
Police and FBI officers at the scene of two explosions at the old Chiron biotechnology research center in Emeryville in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2003

The FBI's former surveillance specialists were told Mr San Diego was developed as a firm suspect and were asked to watch him with an "arrest being imminent".

"We were looking at someone who we think has done multiple bombings and a domestic terrorist," recalled Mr Smith.

Mr Smith and his former colleague Clyde Foreman, a former supervisory special agent, recall urging their colleagues to make the arrest once he had been identified as the main suspect.

Mr Black, an agent of 27 years, added: "As good as you can be, the longer you maintain surveillance eventually they're going to notice something unusual and get spooked.

"There was frustration they weren't given the green light to arrest him as they said there is potential if he leaves, he's going to be able to detonate additional bombs."

Chrion Security CCTV footage from the inside of an office reception of an explosion with smoke and sparks flying.  Chrion Security
CCTV footage of the explosion from the inside of the Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, and the FBI believe Daniel Andreas San Diego is the prime suspect

The day before Mr San Diego went off the FBI's radar, Mr Smith was hiding in camouflage outside his home.

Hours after Mr Smith and the FBI's surveillance specialists went off shift, he said Mr San Diego made a run for it with detectives in pursuit.

"Almost from the time he came out of his house, he was acting frantically," recalled Mr Smith.

"His driving patterns changed. Where he was going, he was driving erratically which is typical of someone trying to evade surveillance."

Agents said he drove south from his home in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, weaved past commuters, through tunnels and over toll bridges in an hour-long motorway chase that ended in downtown San Francisco.

Getty Images Members of the FBI dressed in green all-in-one clothes and black FBI bullet proof vests move towards the buildng that was bombed in the Hacienda Business Park in the Pleasanton area of the San Francisco Bay Area in CaliforniaGetty Images
FBI agents at the site of the second device they suspect Daniel Andreas San Diego planted at the Shaklee Corporate Headquarters in Pleasanton in September 2003

Not even the FBI's spy planes could keep eyes on their target as San Francisco's infamous fog blocked their view as Mr San Diego slipped the net.

Mr San Diego left his car with the engine still running, at a busy city centre junction next to a subway station, and wasn't seen again.

"The team that followed him were thinking he parked the car and went a few blocks up the street to a location nearby, either known to the animal rights group or he had a connection with," recalled Mr Smith, an FBI agent of 33 years.

"I asked 'did anyone see him go in or is anyone watching that place right now?' They didn't.

"The car was parked in a bus zone next to the subway and we said 'we think he's gone'."

A graphic map of Daniel Andreas San Diego's key locations in California
A map of the key locations in the FBI's pursuit of Daniel Andreas San Diego in 2003

Mr Foreman felt the same.

"We knew he was in the wind and it'll be really difficult to find him," he recalled.

"The case squad was operating under the assumption that San Diego was using a residence for his bomb making.

"When he abandoned his car, we found out his bomb-making lab was in the trunk of his car."

Getty Images A man dressed in a suit stands at a lectern in a run with wooden paneling and low series and talks into a microphone at a press conference with two colleagues also dressed in suits behind him. There is a American flag between them and there's a frame paper board next to them with the latest additions to the FBI's most wanted terrorist list Getty Images
The FBI's assistant director of counter-terrorism Michael J. Heimbach tells a press conference why Daniel Andreas San Diego was being placed on the FBI's most wanted terrorist list

Mr Smith watched as the boot opened and admitted for a detective, it was "everything you ever wanted".

"Had we known that, he'd have certainly been arrested days prior," he added.

"It was validating to say there it was. We felt confident that this was the guy right away. We were very experienced agents and knew a suspect when we saw one.

"It was definitely a missed opportunity."

FBI FBI poster announcing that Daniel Andreas San Diego has been caught, featuring two pictures of him, one with glasses, one without, with the word "Captured" beneath each. At the top it says most wanted terrorist, with the logo of the FBI on the left. Underneath it says Daniel Andreas San Diego. And under that it says, in black script, Maliciously Damaging and Destroying, and Attempting to Destroy and Damage, by Means of Explosives, Buildings and Other Property; Possession of a Destructive Device During, in Relation to, and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.FBI
Mr San Diego was the first suspected domestic terrorist placed on the FBI's most wanted list

The double bombing came two years after the 9/11 attacks and the US was on high alert, so department chief Mr Foreman was of the view: "Once you have somebody identified, arrest him."

Mr San Diego was a computer network specialist born in Berkeley, California, and brought up in an upper middle-class area of the San Francisco Bay Area. His father was a city manager.

Former Scotland Yard undercover detective and Hunted TV show expert Peter Bleksley feels that fugitive Daniel Andreas San Diego must have had help to get to the UK

The FBI worked on tracking Mr San Diego for years after his disappearance, watching family and friends to see if they could lead agents to him. But the scent went cold. They believed he had probably fled to central or South America.

Mr San Diego was indicted in the US District Court in 2004 and the FBI considered him armed and dangerous.

Then, after 21 years of nothing and both Mr Smith and Mr Foreman retiring from the bureau, they heard one of their most notorious fugitives had been detained in the UK after being found in an isolated cottage on a north Wales hillside.

Aled Evans A white villa with a balcony offering striking views of rolling hills and a well-manicured gardenAled Evans
Daniel Andreas San Diego lived at Llidiart y Coed, a remote cottage near the village of Maenan in the Conwy valley, which is the only house up a narrow woodland trail

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) and counter-terror police swooped in November 2024, arresting Mr San Diego who had been using the alias Danny Webb in the Conwy valley, near the market town of Llanrwst.

"I believe he had some support - you're not chasing Jason Bourne," said Mr Foreman.

"He was not a skilled intelligence officer. He had to have support."

PA Media A sketch drawing of a man wearing a grey jumper, with grey hair, a beard and glasses.PA Media
Daniel Andreas San Diego was arrested in north Wales on 21 November 2024

The FBI said it would not comment about the possible missed opportunities to arrest Mr San Diego.

But at the time of his arrest, FBI Director Christopher Wray said: "Daniel San Diego's arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive for two bombings in the San Francisco area shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable."

Mr San Diego, who is being held at the high security Belmarsh Prison in London, has declined to comment.

Faisal Islam: Market ructions and cabinet reshuffles will help shape Reeves' Budget

WPA Pool/Getty Images Chancellor Rachel Reeves, wearing a powder blue suit, standing with her hand over some model houses which are just seen in front of herWPA Pool/Getty Images

It's been a bruising first week back for the government, full of resignations, reshuffles, and ructions in markets.

All of this will have an impact on what ends up in the chancellor's famous red box outside No 11 in 11 weeks' time.

The first thing to note is that it will be Rachel Reeves holding that briefcase for the second time on 26 November.

Whatever occurred with the deputy prime minister, the security of Reeves' position was apparent in her conversation with me in Birmingham to announce the date of the Budget.

In Downing Street, the message received from the market reaction to the chancellor's summer tears in the Commons was that the cost of borrowing went up when it was thought she was leaving office.

When I saw her, brandishing a hard hat and trowel at a housebuilding site, there seemed no question of her going anywhere.

"We need you to get qualified and get more flats and houses up," she told two bricklaying apprentices, while not entirely convincing with her own trowel technique.

She rather robustly dismissed speculation about Budget measures, large black hole forecasts, and had some sharpish words even for the Office for Budget Responsibility, which we will come back to.

The chancellor spent the summer travelling the country "listening to business" and taking some time off on the Cornish coast.

During that same period global bond markets have been looking fragile. Some economists have even floated the idea there is a £50bn black hole that could lead to the need for loans from the IMF.

As politicians returned to work this week, and US traders returned on Tuesday from a national holiday, the 30-year gilt rate - the effective interest rate facing the UK government for very long-term borrowing - was heading for highs not seen since the early days of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

There was some significance to the unwanted landmark: the gains from nearly three decades of relative macroeconomic stability since the Bank of England became independent were being unwound.

I put to the chancellor that fragile bond markets were a reflection of the government's, and her own, personal credibility issue. I have had similar interactions with previous chancellors, including Kwasi Kwarteng.

Reeves was adamant that this was not the case, that the move in bond markets since the beginning of the year had been in line with global trends. "Serious economists" were not talking about the IMF or a UK-specific challenge, she said.

By the end of the week, her bullishness was being proven accurate. The 30-year yield had fallen back, not just to where it was on Monday, but significantly lower, mainly off the back of weaker-than-expected US jobs data.

This was in common with many major economies. In other words, this week's bond markets rollercoaster was not a verdict on UK domestic, economic or political developments.

Leon Neal/Getty Images Chancellor Rachel Reeves, wearing a dark blue suit, holding the red Budget box, standing in front of the black railings on Downing Street, looking to the side and straight into the cameraLeon Neal/Getty Images
Despite a cabinet reshuffle around her, Rachel Reeves remains as chancellor and will deliver her second Budget this autumn

Indeed, by Wednesday the Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey was playing down the entire focus on this measure, saying, "It is quite a high number but it is not what is being used for funding at all at the moment actually."

He was referring to the fact that such long-term borrowing only makes up a small fraction of overall government debt.

And in terms of demand, there was no sign of a lack of appetite in actual sales of UK debt last week, with record demand on some measures.

The bigger picture though is that these forms of debt do not directly affect, for example, five-year fixed mortgage rates.

So the gilt markets are not fundamentally showing a mini-budget style UK-specific problem. At the same time, there is a clear warning signal here.

Fragile global bond markets do keep an eye on any unattractive economic or political factors. In this case the UK's high inflation, and any doubt after the summer U-turns about the government's control over events, could quickly turn problematic.

Indeed, expect the chancellor's team to use the bond market rollercoaster to make the case that the answer to the autumn's tricky Budget balancing act is not more debt through watering down her borrowing limits. Any gap, they will argue, will have to be filled by higher taxes or lower spending.

The amount of that adjustment depends on markets and the judgement of the OBR on the long-term performance of the economy. There was some substance to the chancellor's off-the-cuff comments to me suggesting the forecasters stick to their primary role rather than giving a "running commentary on policy".

The OBR judgement on UK productivity could be the single biggest determinant of how much of a gap there is, and therefore how much Budget pain the chancellor needs to administer.

Expect some haggling, with the Downing Street team of economists adamant that the OBR's forecast should reflect their reforms, especially on planning. The first take of that critical independent judgement is expected to be delivered to the chancellor in the final days of this month, around the time of her conference speech in Liverpool.

At that point the long list of potential Budget revenue raisers will start to populate the Treasury spreadsheet known as the "scorecard". Rumours will fly around. Indeed ministers are amazed at some of the speculation so far. For example, bank shares fell on suggestions the chancellor would enact a think tank report on windfall taxes, published when she was on holiday, that she has never even read.

Departmental budgets have already been set in the Spending Review, and there is no plan to reopen that process, which must mean that any restraint will have to come from the wider Welfare Bill.

The chancellor did not rule that out to me, but said there was "more to do" on reforms that helped people back into work. The new cabinet, without the former deputy PM, author of a leaked letter on wealth taxes, might be more amenable.

All in all this is the chancellor's chance to author some long-term, pro-growth reforms to the tax system. She still hopes to do that.

But OBR spreadsheets, market ructions, and backbench unhappiness on cuts will ultimately determine just how big the extra tax demand in the red box is on 26 November.

Much can change between now and then.

How to see Sunday's 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse

Getty Images  The full moon, also known as the "Blood Moon," is seen in Mexico City on March 14, 2025, during a lunar eclipse.Getty Images
A Blood Moon happens during a total lunar eclipse, when Earth blocks the Sun's light and the Moon turns red because of the sunlight bending through Earth's atmosphere

Sky-watchers across the UK can look forward to a stunning spectacle on Sunday evening when a total lunar eclipse will turn the full Moon red.

As it passes through Earth's shadow, it will take on a deep red hue, creating a striking "Blood Moon".

Although in the UK the eclipse will begin while the Moon is still below the horizon, it will rise in total eclipse at around 19:30 just as the Sun is going down, so you can catch the second half of the show.

Observers in easternmost parts of Africa, in the Middle East, most of Asia and western Australia should be able to witness the entire event from start to finish.

When is the lunar eclipse?

The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK occurred in 2022.

The penumbral phase – when the Moon first drifts into Earth's faint outer shadow – begins at 16:28 BST (17:28 UTC).

The partial eclipse – as the Moon enters Earth's darker central shadow, called the umbra – kicks off at 17:27 BST (18:27 UTC).

The eclipse reaches its maximum at around 19:11 BST, about 20 minutes before moonrise in the UK, giving us time - weather permitting - to see it in at least some of its scarlet glory before it gradually moves out of Earth's shadow.

Dr Edward Bloomer, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich said: "In the UK we won't get to see perhaps the most dramatic reddening that you get with lunar eclipses… and most people will have to wait another 10 to 20 minutes after moonrise for it to clear the horizon.

"But it's worth watching because you get to see the mechanics of the solar system at play," he said. "This is not a special effect. There's nothing else it could be - this must be what's happening in real life in front of you."

What is a lunar eclipse and a blood moon?

This is an illustrative diagram explaining a total lunar eclipse.

The diagram shows the Sun on the left, casting light that is blocked by Earth in the center. The Earth's shadow extends to the right, where the Moon passes entirely through it.

The diagram labels the different parts of the shadow:

A dark central shadow where the Moon appears red due to the scattering of sunlight in Earth's atmosphere.

Penumbra (lighter outer shadow), where only partial shading occurs.

The Moon is shown on the right, appearing red due to the total eclipse.

The BBC logo is present, and a note states that the diagram is not to scale.

A lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow across the Moon's surface.

There are three primary types:

Total lunar eclipse – The Moon is completely engulfed by Earth's shadow, often turning a striking red.

Partial lunar eclipse – Only a portion of the Moon passes into Earth's shadow, creating a visible dark segment.

Penumbral lunar eclipse – A more subtle occurrence, where the Moon travels through the outer part of Earth's shadow, resulting in a faint dimming.

Lunar eclipses are sometimes referred to as "Blood Moons" due to the Moon's reddish hue during the event.

"Throughout history, people thought of it as a bad omen. But really, it's just the refraction of light through Earth's atmosphere - the same effect that gives us red sunsets," said Dr Bloomer.

This reddish appearance is the result of a phenomenon called "Rayleigh scattering" which also makes the sky blue and our sunsets red. It scatters more of the shorter blue wavelength light, allowing the longer red wavelength light to remain visible.

During a lunar eclipse, the light illuminating the Moon has passed through Earth's atmosphere.

It's as though every sunrise and sunset on Earth is being cast upon the lunar surface.

How to see it?

To best view the eclipse, get somewhere ahead of 19:30 with as clear a view of the horizon as possible so that you can see the Moon as soon as it rises. In a city that's probably a hill or popular viewpoint.

Binoculars or a telescope will help if you have them, and unlike with solar eclipses, which are dangerous to view directly, lunar eclipses won't damage your eyes as the Moon's reflected light isn't bright enough.

Cloud cover may affect visibility, so check your local weather beforehand.

The next lunar eclipse visible in the UK will be on 28 August 2026, so mark your calendars for another chance to witness this celestial event.

Will the skies be clear enough to see it?

If you have been anxiously checking the forecast over the last few days in the hope of a glimpse you'll have noticed that it has improved significantly.

For a while it looked as if the eclipse would be veiled by cloud and rain across the UK but now it's likely that many of us will have clear skies.

On Sunday morning, as high pressure pulls eastwards, weather fronts will move in from the Atlantic bringing cloud and showery rain.

However, these fronts will fragment and most of the showers will be in the North West.

Away from western coasts, by the late afternoon and early evening there is a good chance many of us will have clear skies in time for the eclipse.

There could still be some showers however, and uncertainty remains so keep an eye on the forecast.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Rizzini, BBC Weather Presenter

Huge crowds to line streets for Geraint Thomas' final race

Thousands to line streets for Thomas' final race

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The timing is right - Thomas set to retire at the end of the season

Thousands of cycling fans are expected to line streets across south Wales as Geraint Thomas calls time on his glittering career.

The 2018 Tour de France champion and Olympic gold medallist will retire when the Tour of Britain ends in Cardiff on Sunday.

The final 122.2km (76 miles) stage begins at the velodrome in Newport named after the 39-year-old and will go past his childhood cycling club Maindy Flyers before ending in his hometown.

"The last stage goes within 100 metres of my mum and dad's house, past the pub where I had my first pint," Thomas said.

"I'm just lucky the Tour of Britain comes at the end of the season so I can finish my career on home roads. It will be an amazing way to finish."

Thomas is in 86th position in the tour, more than 16 minutes behind overall leader Romain Gregoire following Saturday's "emotional" fifth stage between Pontypool and The Tumble.

"It was a special day, the crowds were amazing," Thomas added.

"Coming up the climb was mad. It felt like every person on there was cheering for me, which was crazy.

"I saw a lot of friends and family, and it was a super nice way to finish my penultimate day. One more day, it's going to be a nice day."

Geraint Thomas wears a red top and black shorts and he cycles past crowds of peopleImage source, SWPix.com
Image caption,

Crowds greeted Thomas at Pontypool Park for the start of stage five on Saturday

His team, Ineos Grenadiers, will wear a special jersey designed by the Welshman celebrating the names of people, places and victories that defined his journey as well as a hand-drawn picture done by his son.

The final stage in the Welsh capital will likely evoke memories of his homecoming parade in the yellow jersey of the Tour de France champion seven years ago when an estimated 8,000 people gathered for his victory celebrations.

"It changed my life," added Thomas recalling victory in cycling's most prestigious race.

"It's a funny one. I kind of felt like at the time I was most confident and felt no pressure, which is kind of the opposite to what you might think.

"You're in that yellow jersey, one or two stages, you think as the race goes on you'd be feeling more pressure, but if anything I just felt more relaxed. Mentally I was in such a good place.

"It might have been different if it was four or five years earlier, but it almost felt like everything that had happened before was setting me up for that."

Thomas also won track gold at two Olympics - Beijing in 2008 and London 2012 - as well as road race gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He has since held talks over moving into management with Team Ineos alongside team principal Sir Dave Brailsford.

Thomas joined Team Sky, as it was then known, in 2010 and over the next decade helped the British outfit win seven Tours de France as well as success at the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d'Italia.

Related topics

Baby among two killed in Russian drone attack on Kyiv, officials say

Ukraine's emergency service DSNS A firefighter looks at a partially destroyed residential house in Kyiv, following a Russian drone attack. Photo: 7 September 2025Ukraine's emergency service DSNS
A firefighter looks at a partially destroyed residential house in Kyiv, following a Russian drone attack

At least two people have been killed and 11 injured in a new Russian overnight drone attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, local officials have said.

One of the victims was a one-year-old baby, whose body was pulled from the rubble, Kyiv's military administration head Tymur Tkachenko said Sunday. A young woman is also believed to have been killed.

Russian strikes were also targeted at Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown in central Ukraine, where three infrastructure facilities were hit. Air raid warnings were activated overnight for all of the country's regions.

The fresh attack came as Russian President Vladimir Putin has been hardening his warning on the West not to aid Ukraine.

Overnight, several multi-storey residential buildings were partially destroyed and continued to be ablaze after direct hits.

"The Russians are deliberately hitting civilian facilities," Tkachenko said, urging Kyiv residents to remain in shelters.

City authorities said residential buildings were hit in the western Svyatoshynkyi and south-eastern Darnytskyi districts.

There were multiple explosions in Kyiv in the early morning, including at least one in the city centre, seen by the BBC. Several cruise missiles also targeted the capital.

Russia's military has not commented on the reported drone strikes.

Earlier this week, Putin rejected Western proposals for a "reassurance force" in Ukraine the day after any ceasefire comes into place, following a Paris summit aimed at finalising plans for security guarantees.

French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 of Ukraine's allies had formally committed to deploying troops "by land, sea or air" to help provide security the moment fighting was brought to a halt. He gave no further details.

Putin sought to quash the allies' initiative, warning that any troops deployed to Ukraine would be "legitimate targets".

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory - including the southern Crimea peninsula illegally annexed in 2014.

One of the world's most sacred places is being turned into a luxury mega-resort

Universal Images Group via Getty Images The St Catherine's Monastery as seen from the outside. It is a walled structure with several buildings inside, with the monastery's gardens attached to one side, which are green with some trees inside. The surrounding area is rocky with the ground sloping up behind the monastery at the foot of a mountain Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The 6th Century St Catherine's is the world's oldest continuously used Christian monastery

For years visitors would venture up Mount Sinai with a Bedouin guide to watch the sunrise over the pristine, rocky landscape or go on other Bedouin-led hikes.

Now one of Egypt's most sacred places - revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims - is at the heart of an unholy row over plans to turn it into a new tourism mega-project.

Known locally as Jabal Musa, Mount Sinai is where Moses is said to have been given the Ten Commandments. Many also believe that this is the place where, according to the Bible and the Quran, God spoke to the prophet from the burning bush.

The 6th century St Catherine's Monastery, run by the Greek Orthodox Church, is also there - and seemingly its monks will stay on now that Egyptian authorities, under Greek pressure, have denied wanting to close it

However, there is still deep concern about how the long-isolated, desert location - a Unesco World Heritage site comprising the monastery, town and mountain - is being transformed. Luxury hotels, villas and shopping bazaars are under construction there.

Ariel view of Mount Sinai pictured before transformation as a long-isolated desert location and pictured mid-transformation with hotels, villas etc under construction.
The long-isolated desert location is being transformed

It is also home to a traditional Bedouin community, the Jebeleya tribe. Already the tribe, known as the Guardians of St Catherine, have had their homes and tourist eco-camps demolished with little or no compensation. They have even been forced to take bodies out of their graves in the local cemetery to make way for a new car park.

The project may have been presented as desperately needed sustainable development which will boost tourism, but it has also been imposed on the Bedouin against their will, says Ben Hoffler, a British travel writer who has worked closely with Sinai tribes.

"This is not development as the Jebeleya see it or asked for it, but how it looks when imposed top-down to serve the interests of outsiders over those of the local community," he told the BBC.

"A new urban world is being built around a Bedouin tribe of nomadic heritage," he added. "It's a world they have always chosen to remain detached from, to whose construction they did not consent, and one that will change their place in their homeland forever."

Locals, who number about 4,000, are unwilling to speak directly about the changes.

Ben Hoffler A view of one of the developments, still under construction Plain of el-Raha. The sun is behind the surrounding mountains, while the development site is in the foreground, with roads connecting different buildings Ben Hoffler
Construction in the Plain of el-Raha in 2024

So far, Greece is the foreign power which has been most vocal about the Egyptian plans, because of its connection to the monastery.

Tensions between Athens and Cairo flared up after an Egyptian court ruled in May that St Catherine's - the world's oldest continuously used Christian monastery - lies on state land.

After a decades-long dispute, judges said that the monastery was only "entitled to use" the land it sits on and the archaeological religious sites which dot its surroundings.

Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens, head of the Church of Greece, was quick to denounce the ruling.

"The monastery's property is being seized and expropriated. This spiritual beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism is now facing an existential threat," he said in a statement.

In a rare interview, St Catherine's longtime Archbishop Damianos told a Greek newspaper the decision was a "grave blow for us... and a disgrace". His handling of the affair led to bitter divisions between the monks and his recent decision to step down.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem pointed out that the holy site - over which it has ecclesiastical jurisdiction - had been granted a letter of protection by the Prophet Muhammad himself.

It said that the Byzantine monastery - which unusually also houses a small mosque built in the Fatimid era - was "an enshrinement of peace between Christians and Muslims and a refuge of hope for a world mired by conflict".

While the controversial court ruling remains in place, a flurry of diplomacy ultimately culminated in a joint declaration between Greece and Egypt ensuring the protection of St Catherine's Greek Orthodox identity and cultural heritage.

Ben Hoffler The peak of Mount Sinai at dusk in 2024. The light catches the top of the rocky mountain, which is standing higher than another mountain in the foregroundBen Hoffler
Mount Sinai, known locally as Jabal Musa, is where Moses is said to have been given the Ten Commandments

'Special gift' or insensitive interference?

Egypt began its state-sponsored Great Transfiguration Project for tourists in 2021. The plan includes opening hotels, eco-lodges and a large visitor centre, as well as expanding the small nearby airport and a cable car to Mount Moses.

The government is promoting the development as "Egypt's gift to the entire world and all religions".

"The project will provide all tourism and recreational services for visitors, promote the development of the town [of St Catherine] and its surrounding areas while preserving the environmental, visual, and heritage character of the pristine nature, and provide accommodation for those working on St Catherine's projects," Housing Minister Sherif el-Sherbiny said last year.

While work does appear to have stalled, at least temporarily, due to funding issues, the Plain of el-Raha - in view of St Catherine's Monastery - has already been transformed. Construction is continuing on new roads.

This is where the followers of Moses, the Israelites, are said to have waited for him during his time on Mount Sinai. And critics say the special natural characteristics of the area are being destroyed.

Detailing the outstanding universal value of the site, Unesco notes how "the rugged mountainous landscape around... forms a perfect backdrop for the Monastery".

It says: "Its siting demonstrates a deliberate attempt to establish an intimate bond between natural beauty and remoteness on the one hand and human spiritual commitment on the other."

Ben Hoffler The mountains at dusk, from Jebel el Ahmar in 2024. Light hits the top of a rocky mountain range, which stretches into the distance Ben Hoffler
The area is known for its natural beauty and rugged mountainous landscape

Back in 2023, Unesco highlighted its concerns and called on Egypt to stop developments, check their impact and produce a conservation plan.

This has not happened.

In July, World Heritage Watch sent an open letter calling on Unesco's World Heritage Committee to place the St Catherine's area on the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger.

Campaigners have also approached King Charles as patron of the St Catherine Foundation, which raises funds to help conserve and study the monastery's heritage with its collection of valuable ancient Christian manuscripts. The King has described the site as "a great spiritual treasure that should be maintained for future generations".

The mega-project is not the first in Egypt to draw criticism for a lack of sensitivity to the country's unique history.

But the government sees its series of grandiose schemes as key to reinvigorating the flagging economy.

Egypt's once-thriving tourism sector had begun to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic when it was hit by the brutal war in Gaza and a new wave of regional instability. The government has declared an aim of reaching 30 million visitors by 2028.

Under successive Egyptian governments, commercial development of the Sinai has been carried out without consulting the indigenous Bedouin communities.

The peninsula was captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East War and only returned to Egypt after the two countries signed a peace treaty in 1979. The Bedouin have since complained of being treated like second-class citizens.

The construction of Egypt's popular Red Sea destinations, including Sharm el-Sheikh, began in South Sinai in the 1980s. Many see similarities with what is happening at St Catherine's now.

"The Bedouin were the people of the region, and they were the guides, the workers, the people to rent from," says Egyptian journalist Mohannad Sabry.

"Then industrial tourism came in and they were pushed out - not just pushed out of the business but physically pushed back from the sea into the background."

Ben Hoffler The hotel building still appears to be mostly a shell, and around four storeys high. Smaller buildings, also in the valley and still under construction, can be seen in the background, with the surrounding mountains in the background Ben Hoffler
A hotel under construction in the Plain of el-Raha in 2024

As with the Red Sea locations, it is expected that Egyptians from elsewhere in the country will be brought in to work at the new St Catherine's development. However, the government says it is also "upgrading" Bedouin residential areas.

St Catherine's Monastery has endured many upheavals through the past millennium and a half but, when the oldest of the monks at the site originally moved there, it was still a remote retreat.

That began to change as the expansion of the Red Sea resorts brought thousands of pilgrims on day trips at peak times.

In recent years, large crowds would often be seen filing past what is said to be the remnants of the burning bush or visiting a museum displaying pages from the Codex Sinaiticus - the world's oldest surviving, nearly complete, handwritten copy of the New Testament.

Now, even though the monastery and the deep religious significance of the site will remain, its surroundings and centuries-long ways of life look set to be irreversibly changed.

Market ructions and cabinet reshuffles will help shape Reeves' Budget

WPA Pool/Getty Images Chancellor Rachel Reeves, wearing a powder blue suit, standing with her hand over some model houses which are just seen in front of herWPA Pool/Getty Images

It's been a bruising first week back for the government, full of resignations, reshuffles, and ructions in markets.

All of this will have an impact on what ends up in the chancellor's famous red box outside No 11 in 11 weeks' time.

The first thing to note is that it will be Rachel Reeves holding that briefcase for the second time on 26 November.

Whatever occurred with the deputy prime minister, the security of Reeves' position was apparent in her conversation with me in Birmingham to announce the date of the Budget.

In Downing Street, the message received from the market reaction to the chancellor's summer tears in the Commons was that the cost of borrowing went up when it was thought she was leaving office.

When I saw her, brandishing a hard hat and trowel at a housebuilding site, there seemed no question of her going anywhere.

"We need you to get qualified and get more flats and houses up," she told two bricklaying apprentices, while not entirely convincing with her own trowel technique.

She rather robustly dismissed speculation about Budget measures, large black hole forecasts, and had some sharpish words even for the Office for Budget Responsibility, which we will come back to.

The chancellor spent the summer travelling the country "listening to business" and taking some time off on the Cornish coast.

During that same period global bond markets have been looking fragile. Some economists have even floated the idea there is a £50bn black hole that could lead to the need for loans from the IMF.

As politicians returned to work this week, and US traders returned on Tuesday from a national holiday, the 30-year gilt rate - the effective interest rate facing the UK government for very long-term borrowing - was heading for highs not seen since the early days of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

There was some significance to the unwanted landmark: the gains from nearly three decades of relative macroeconomic stability since the Bank of England became independent were being unwound.

I put to the chancellor that fragile bond markets were a reflection of the government's, and her own, personal credibility issue. I have had similar interactions with previous chancellors, including Kwasi Kwarteng.

Reeves was adamant that this was not the case, that the move in bond markets since the beginning of the year had been in line with global trends. "Serious economists" were not talking about the IMF or a UK-specific challenge, she said.

By the end of the week, her bullishness was being proven accurate. The 30-year yield had fallen back, not just to where it was on Monday, but significantly lower, mainly off the back of weaker-than-expected US jobs data.

This was in common with many major economies. In other words, this week's bond markets rollercoaster was not a verdict on UK domestic, economic or political developments.

Leon Neal/Getty Images Chancellor Rachel Reeves, wearing a dark blue suit, holding the red Budget box, standing in front of the black railings on Downing Street, looking to the side and straight into the cameraLeon Neal/Getty Images
Despite a cabinet reshuffle around her, Rachel Reeves remains as chancellor and will deliver her second Budget this autumn

Indeed, by Wednesday the Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey was playing down the entire focus on this measure, saying, "It is quite a high number but it is not what is being used for funding at all at the moment actually."

He was referring to the fact that such long-term borrowing only makes up a small fraction of overall government debt.

And in terms of demand, there was no sign of a lack of appetite in actual sales of UK debt last week, with record demand on some measures.

The bigger picture though is that these forms of debt do not directly affect, for example, five-year fixed mortgage rates.

So the gilt markets are not fundamentally showing a mini-budget style UK-specific problem. At the same time, there is a clear warning signal here.

Fragile global bond markets do keep an eye on any unattractive economic or political factors. In this case the UK's high inflation, and any doubt after the summer U-turns about the government's control over events, could quickly turn problematic.

Indeed, expect the chancellor's team to use the bond market rollercoaster to make the case that the answer to the autumn's tricky Budget balancing act is not more debt through watering down her borrowing limits. Any gap, they will argue, will have to be filled by higher taxes or lower spending.

The amount of that adjustment depends on markets and the judgement of the OBR on the long-term performance of the economy. There was some substance to the chancellor's off-the-cuff comments to me suggesting the forecasters stick to their primary role rather than giving a "running commentary on policy".

The OBR judgement on UK productivity could be the single biggest determinant of how much of a gap there is, and therefore how much Budget pain the chancellor needs to administer.

Expect some haggling, with the Downing Street team of economists adamant that the OBR's forecast should reflect their reforms, especially on planning. The first take of that critical independent judgement is expected to be delivered to the chancellor in the final days of this month, around the time of her conference speech in Liverpool.

At that point the long list of potential Budget revenue raisers will start to populate the Treasury spreadsheet known as the "scorecard". Rumours will fly around. Indeed ministers are amazed at some of the speculation so far. For example, bank shares fell on suggestions the chancellor would enact a think tank report on windfall taxes, published when she was on holiday, that she has never even read.

Departmental budgets have already been set in the Spending Review, and there is no plan to reopen that process, which must mean that any restraint will have to come from the wider Welfare Bill.

The chancellor did not rule that out to me, but said there was "more to do" on reforms that helped people back into work. The new cabinet, without the former deputy PM, author of a leaked letter on wealth taxes, might be more amenable.

All in all this is the chancellor's chance to author some long-term, pro-growth reforms to the tax system. She still hopes to do that.

But OBR spreadsheets, market ructions, and backbench unhappiness on cuts will ultimately determine just how big the extra tax demand in the red box is on 26 November.

Much can change between now and then.

'When I left the military I felt quite alone': Female veterans call for more support

Bex Bennett Two photos show Bex in combat fatigues (on the left) and as a civilian now (on the right)Bex Bennett
Dr Bex Bennett is the co-founder of Sisters in Service

A former soldier who came under mortar fire in Iraq says women who performed dangerous front-line roles need more recognition and support.

Dr Bex Bennett, from Derbyshire, co-founded community interest company Sisters in Service, which has recruited 160 members across the UK since it began in May last year.

The group helps female military veterans, who now work in healthcare, to support each other through meetings and activities.

Dr Bennett, now an NHS forensic psychiatrist in Nottinghamshire, says women face additional challenges because so few people understand their military experience.

Dr Bennett trained at Sandhurst with the Duke of Sussex and spent several years as a British Army officer with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

A separate deployment in southern Afghanistan involved travelling to remote bases and interacting with local communities.

She believes many people still have a "very outdated idea" that only men deploy to the front line in modern conflicts.

"Often women go out alongside their male counterparts and do female searching and engage with female civilians," Dr Bennett says.

Supplied Queen Elizabeth II is inspecting troops in ceremonial uniformSupplied
Dr Bennett and her comrades were inspected by Queen Elizabeth II at her commissioning parade in April 2006

Dr Bennett jokes about close shaves when mortars landed within metres of where she was sleeping in Iraq.

"I managed to avoid anything particularly catastrophic... although my laundry did get blown up one time," she says.

"When anyone has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, it will always leave some scars, it can sometimes be really difficult to talk about.

"When I left the military, I did feel quite isolated, I felt quite alone. I don't think anyone really understood my journey."

Bex Bennett Bex is wearing combat gear and holding a rifle and helmetBex Bennett
Dr Bennett was deployed to southern Afghanistan in 2010

Dr Bennett believes female veterans often avoid traditional spaces, such as local Royal British Legion clubs, because of people's misconceptions about the military.

"Women can find it quite daunting," she says. "Sometimes people presume that they haven't served, or they are the wife of someone who has served, and that can be off-putting."

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion says its clubs are open to everyone.

"As the country's largest military charity, we're proud to be at the heart of a national network that supports our whole Armed Forces community," they added.

Three members of Sisters in Service are chatting over drinks in a cafe
Gemma Saunders, Dr Bennett and Mel Dyke meeting for coffee and a chat

But Dr Bennett says Sisters in Service provides "cathartic" support and connection that women can struggle to find after leaving the Armed Forces.

"It's about meeting people that have done similar things, trodden similar paths, and being able to discuss that, and laugh and joke about things that have been happening," Dr Bennett says.

The women meet for meals or coffee, and dog walks in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

They also run online meetings for Sisters in Service members who live further afield, and they are looking at organising fitness activities and residential retreats.

Mel is holding a large frame containing a display of her military cap badges and other items
Mrs Dyke shows a display of her cap badges and other Army memorabilia

Mel Dyke, who lives in Staffordshire, says the network is a "vital community" for women who leave the military.

"I found my transition quite difficult because I left when I had my eldest daughter," she says.

"One day I was in a supportive Army environment, then the next I was on maternity leave and became a civilian."

Mel Dyke Mel is in combat gear and posing with three comrades in front of a tank Mel Dyke
Mrs Dyke was an Army engineer on this training exercise in Canada in 2006

Mrs Dyke laughs as she describes her deployment to Iraq as a clerk with the Royal Engineers.

"You often hear the term 'pen-pusher' as clerks out there, but particularly in Iraq I was used for female searches so I would go out on search patrols," she says.

"Going out in a vehicle as 'top cover', so standing on a vehicle with my rifle, providing cover for the driver."

Mel Dyke Mel is wearing her wedding dress and holding hands with her husband, Chris, who is in full ceremonial military dress.Mel Dyke
Mrs Dyke married her husband Chris five years after they met on active service in 2006

Mrs Dyke says the most difficult time came after she transferred to the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, and treated battle casualties at the former national military rehabilitation centre Headley Court, in Surrey.

"I was having to look after friends as patients," she says. "It was really personal because my husband was still out on operations in Afghanistan, but members of his regiment were coming back to Headley Court."

One of those patients suffered a traumatic brain injury in an explosion that killed his comrade. They were both close friends of Mrs Dyke's husband, Chris.

"It was really difficult trying to live life as normal knowing what's going on in Afghanistan... it was emotionally draining, and I [was] also pregnant," Mrs Dyke adds.

Gemma is smiling and has spectacles resting on top of her head
Miss Saunders founded Sisters in Service with Dr Bennett in May 2024

Gemma Saunders, a psychotherapist who also worked at Headley Court, co-founded Sisters in Service with Dr Bennett.

Miss Saunders says women who leave the service may have "scars" that compound the challenges they face after moving into demanding healthcare roles.

"They are trained to not show any weakness," she says. "They have to be as good as the men, their counterparts, if not better.

"When they leave service, that doesn't leave them, so sometimes it's much harder for them to reach out and access support.

"Women will carry on and keep going, to carry that mental load more than men. They can come across as a hard shell to crack.

"It's trying to break those barriers that it is OK to ask for help."

Supplied Dr Bennett is wearing graduation robes and a mortar boardSupplied
Dr Bennett received an honorary degree for her work with female veterans

Dr Bennett was awarded an honorary master's degree by the University of Derby this summer, for supporting female veterans and for her mental health work.

She recently spent six months working with HMP Nottingham inmates, which included male veterans with mental health conditions.

But Dr Bennett says Sisters in Service needs to "spread the word" about women's front-line role in recent conflicts.

"You are seen, and your experiences matter. There is strength in community, and you are not alone," she adds.

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Reform UK's new faces seek to share spotlight with Farage

BBC Laila Cunningham, a Reform UK councillor in WestminsterBBC
Laila Cunningham defected from the Conservatives to Reform earlier this year

For a party that makes a lot of noise in British politics, Reform UK has relatively few senior elected politicians.

And one man, its leader Nigel Farage, who's a true household name.

That was evident at this week's conference, where the party's four MPs had a busy schedule of prominent speaking slots, alongside lesser-known figures the party wants to promote.

The party is keen to get away from the idea that it is a one-man-band - or "the Nigel show", as long-time Farage ally Gawain Towler puts it.

That was fair criticism a year ago, says Towler, but not now as more of its new recruits are getting out into "Tellyland".

Reform wants to gain significantly more seats in councils and parliaments across the country in the coming years, and its lead in national opinion polls suggest that ambition is not unrealistic.

But to increase Reform UK's electoral footprint, the party will need a lot more candidates willing to join its ranks.

The party conference is good opportunity to thrust some of these hopefuls into the spotlight to see how they perform.

'The people's army'

Westminster councillor Laila Cunningham is one such hopeful. She seems to be everywhere you turn in Birmingham, popping up on three panels, including two appearances on the main stage.

A lawyer and former prosecutor, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK in June, she says she entered politics to improve outcomes for the victims of crime.

A Conservative supporter since a teenager, Cunningham says she was a "huge fan" of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

"But the Tory party changed," she says, accusing the Conservatives of failures over home ownership, taxation and crime over many years.

She has been tipped to be Reform's candidate for the London mayoral election in 2028, although she's coy about that prospect and stresses the party hasn't even started the selection process yet.

"I'll help the party in any way they need me," she says.

Stephen Atkinson is the Reform UK leader of Lancashire County Council - another name party bosses have high hopes for.

A self-taught engineer who set up a business that makes school furniture, Atkinson rose through the ranks of local politics with the Conservative Party in north-west England.

Then the Brexit years came, and like an increasing number of Reform UK's new joiners, Atkinson quit the Conservatives after becoming disillusioned with the party.

Since becoming council leader in Lancashire in May, Atkinson says he has focused on the "huge financial challenges" facing his Reform UK administration, alongside bread-and-butter issues such as fixing potholes.

In the future, he says, it would be a "great honour" to be a parliamentary candidate for the party where he lives in the Ribble Valley, if he was selected.

"But that's a decision for other people," he adds.

If Reform does manage to get into government, and four years out from a general election it is still a very big "if", some of the party's would-be MPs may find fewer opportunities to rise to the highest levels of politics.

Farage and Zia Yusuf, the party's new head of policy, have talked about appointing dozens of new peers to take up roles in a Reform UK cabinet.

Could former Conservative cabinet minister Nadine Dorries - unveiled this week to much fanfare as Reform UK's latest Tory defector - be drafted into the Lords?

Former Conservative Party chairman Jake Berry was also doing the media rounds in Birmingham, and was seen walking into Friday night's afterparty in the main hall, where US pop legends the Jacksons made a surprise appearance on stage.

Like one of the back-up singers, Berry may be one of those called upon to make up the numbers in one of the many elections Reform UK wants to win.

In his conference speech, Farage said the party was taking the London mayoral election "seriously", as well as polls in Wales and Scotland next year.

He said Reform needed 5,000 vetted candidates to fight those polls, which he called "an essential building block as we head towards a general election".

As he closed the Birmingham conference, he called for volunteers in the audience to get to their feet if they wanted to stand in next year's elections.

"This is the people's army in operation," Farage said.

In a symbolic gesture, some in the audience did stand, but the actual process for selection is designed to be far more rigorous.

Candidate selection has always been a thorny issue for Farage's various electoral vehicles, with election campaigns blown off course by scandals.

Party insiders like to describe Reform's rapid expansion - while ensuring candidates are properly vetted - as being like assembling a jumbo jet while flying it.

They insist they have improved their vetting system since last year's general election, after some candidates were ditched or suspended over offensive comments on social media ahead of the general election.

The party now has assessment centres, where candidates are put through their paces, and a centre for excellence, where activists are caught how to campaign effectively.

Stephen Atkinson, the Reform UK leader of Lancashire County Council
Council leader Stephen Atkinson says it would be an honour to be selected to fight a seat in a forthcoming general election

Thomas Kerr, the former group leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who defected to Reform in January, was also doing the rounds of the fringe panels in Birmingham, and says he hopes to stand in next year's Holyrood elections.

Asked if Reform UK is one-man band, Kerr says: "I don't think that if Farage was to fall under a bus that Reform wouldn't be polling where we are, because of the momentum behind the party."

Is the party getting more recognisable spokespeople though?

"I think they are slowly starting to do that," Kerr says.

"You see people like me and others appearing on panels at fringe events at conferences. You'll be seeing people speaking at conferences.

"We are four years from a general election, Nigel is the man we are hoping will be prime minister but there will be a team behind him."

And with that, Kerr is interrupted by a Tannoy announcement that "Nigel Farage will be on the main stage at 1pm", and a mad rush to the main stage ensues.

Minutes before, Farage told his team he had wanted to rip up the conference schedule and deliver his main speech early, to react to Angela Rayner resigning as deputy prime minister and other roles.

Reform UK's new faces do their best to put themselves in the frame.

But for now, this is a picture that's very much dominated by one big figure.

Carlo Acutis: From a baptism in London to the first millennial saint

BBC A boy with dark curly hair in a red polo shit stands, smiling at the camera, with his hands on his hips, in front of a field and hillsBBC
Carlo Acutis will become the first millennial saint

A London-born boy is set to become the first millennial saint, in a ceremony steeped in an ancient ritual presided over by Pope Leo on Sunday.

In his short life, Carlo Acutis created websites documenting "miracles" as a means of spreading Catholic teaching, leading some to nickname him God's influencer.

His canonisation had been due in late April, but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis.

More than a million people are estimated to have made a pilgrimage to the Italian hilltop town of Assisi where Carlo's body lies, preserved in wax.

But there is another pilgrimage site associated with Carlo Acutis that has seen an increase in visitors since it was announced that he was to be made a saint - Our Lady of Dolours Church in London.

The font at the back of the Roman Catholic church in the Chelsea area was where Carlo was baptised as a baby in 1991.

To the side of the church an old confession booth has been converted into a shrine to him. In it, a relic holder contains a single strand of Carlo's hair.

"His family were in finance and they were working really temporarily in London," says Father Paul Addison, a friar at the church.

"Although they didn't use the church much, they decided to come and ask to have the child baptised. So Carlo was a flash, a very big flash, in the life of the parish community," he says.

A friar in a dark cloak stands next holding the lid of a font, between a framed picture of a boy in a red top and a framed baptism certificate
Father Paul Addison shows the font where Carlo was baptised in 1991

Carlo was not yet six months old when his parents moved back to their home country of Italy, and he spent the rest of his life in Milan.

There, he was known for a love of technology and is said to have enjoyed playing video games.

While some who knew Carlo Acutis say he did not appear to be especially devout, as a teenager he did create a website – pages of which are now framed at the church in Chelsea – in which miracles were documented.

A shot of a corridor with pillars and chairs lined up, with the focus of the camera on a series of printed and framed webpages
Pages of Carlo's website are now framed at Our Lady of Dolours Church in Chelsea

But he died of leukaemia aged just 15.

In the years after his death, Carlo's mother, Antonia Salzano, visited churches around the world to advocate for him to be a saint.

As part of the process, it had to be proved her son had performed "miracles".

"The first miracle, he did the day of the funeral," says Carlo's mother.

"A woman with breast cancer prayed (for) Carlo and she had to start chemotherapy and the cancer disappeared completely," she explains.

A woman in brown glasses, a brown coat and orange scarf looks to the side of the camera, stood in front of a hedge
Antonia Salzano has spent years advocating for her son to be made a saint

Pope Francis attributed two miracles to Carlo Acutis and so the test was passed and he was due to be made a saint on 27 April.

But Pope Francis died during the preceding week.

Some followers who had travelled to Rome for the canonisation instead found themselves among the tens of thousands of mourners at the late pontiff's funeral - Diego Sarkissian, a young Catholic from London, was one of them.

He says he feels a connection to Carlo Acutis and is excited by his canonisation.

"He used to play Super Mario video games on the old Nintendo consoles and I've always loved video games," Mr Sarkissian says.

"The fact that you can think of a saint doing the same things [as you], wearing jeans, it feels so much closer than what other saints have felt like in the past," he says.

Approval for someone to become a saint can take decades or even centuries, but there is a sense that the Vatican fast-tracked Carlo Acutis' canonisation as a means of energising and inspiring faith in young people.

The Catholic Church will be hoping Sunday's events do just that.

Charity visit on the cards as Harry returns to UK

Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, pictured in a dark suit against a black backdrop
Getty Images

The Duke of Sussex will announce a substantial donation to Children in Need on Tuesday when he attends a charity event in Nottingham.

The donation is intended to help support work tackling violence and its effect on young people.

It is one of several engagements for Prince Harry during a visit to the UK, which has also prompted speculation on whether he might meet his father, King Charles.

The duke, who lives in the US with his wife Meghan Markle, was last in the UK in April for a court hearing over the level of security protection he receives from the government while here.

Getty Images Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton
Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to the US in 2020

Harry will arrive in London on Monday to attend an awards ceremony for WellChild, which supports seriously ill children and their families. The prince has been a patron for 17 years.

"I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit," he said announcing his return to the UK.

Tuesday's event in Nottingham will be held held at the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in Nottingham, a charity that teaches film and video skills as well as music.

Harry's visit to Nottingham is to build support and funding for community organisations.

He will hold a private briefing with Children in Need, the Police and Crime Commission, CRS and Epic Partners, and will have informal meetings with some of the young people he has met previously.

The duke will also watch live performances from artists, and make a short speech.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on the possibility of a meeting between the King and the duke during this trip. Nor has Harry and Meghan's team.

But recently, there have been signs that tensions between father and son are easing, and that a reconciliation could be within reach.

His father was in Italy on a state visit during the prince's April trip to London.

This time, the King will be in the UK. He has spent most of the summer in Scotland at his Balmoral Estate but is regularly travelling south for cancer treatment and some royal engagements. It leaves open the real possibility of father and son meeting in person.

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