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No Writer
Jun 18
The 14 points which make up deal to end war

The White House made the announcement on Wednesday night, and Iran's foreign minister confirmed his side too had signed the document. Iran latest: Follow live updates It was done remotely, with Mr Trump providing his signature from France, where he's been for the G7 summit. It's not clear whether a signing ceremony planned in Switzerland this Friday is still going ahead. So what has been agreed between the US president's negotiating team and Iran? Here are the 14 points of the "memorandum of understanding" (MOU): 1. The first paragraph refers to the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon", which Israel, conducting operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah, has partially occupied and has continued to strike. 2. In this point, the US and Iran agree to "respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs". 3. This point states that the two countries will "commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in (a) maximum 60 days, extendable with mutual consent". 4. The fourth paragraph states that, following the signing of the MOU, the US will begin the removal of its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, fully ending it within 30 days. The US will also agree to remove its forces from the "proximity" of Iran within 30 days of a final deal. An unnamed senior US official has stated that their "force posture" in the region will return to its pre-conflict level. 5. Iran, in this paragraph, pledges to allow the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which needs to be de-mined, with "no charge". The US official added that the Gulf states will work towards a "broader agreement" on free passage through the strait. 6. The US, in the sixth point, undertakes to "develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least $300bn (£225bn) for the reconstruction and economic development" of Iran, though the US official stressed that no American money would go to the Islamic Republic. 7. In the seventh point, the US pledges to stop all sanctions against Iran, including United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, when a final deal is agreed. It states that the two countries "acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination". Read more:Trump's gone rogue and left Netanyahu horrendous choice 8. Crucially, Iran "reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons" in point eight. It also agrees to dispose of its stockpile of enriched uranium through a "mutually-agreed" mechanism under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This was described by the US official as a "major, major win" for the country. 9. This point states that the two countries will "maintain the status quo" pending a final deal with regard to Iran's nuclear programme and posture of the US, which would not deploy any further military resources in the region. 10. The US, according to point 10, will "issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation". 11. The US, according to this paragraph, will unfreeze some funds and assets of the Islamic Republic upon the successful implementation of the MOU. 12. In this point, the two countries agree to establish a "mechanism" to "monitor the successful implementation... and future compliance" of the MOU. 13. The US and Iran pledge to "start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs" upon signing the MOU. 14. And the last point states that the "final deal will be endorsed by a binding UNSC resolution".

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Gemma Peplow, culture and entertainment reporter
Jun 17
BBC to cut hundreds of jobs and review programmes as part of major downsizing

Director-general Matt Brittin, who took up the role in May, told employees on Wednesday that £160m of staff and non-staff cost savings would be made from across BBC News and TV and radio teams by the end of the financial year. More savings across all areas will be set out in the coming months, with 700 corporate roles also expected to go and senior leader roles to be reduced by at least 10%, he added. In a follow-up message from Jonathan Munro, the interim chief executive of BBC News and Current Affairs, staff were told details of cuts and changes to specific shows, and that a review of chief presenter roles would also be carried out. These cuts are the first to be announced as part of a huge savings plan announced in April, with up to 2,000 jobs to go in total - the corporation's biggest downsizing in almost 15 years. In his memo, Mr Munro told staff: "Our news presenters have a unique relationship with our audiences. However, given the savings we need to make across the whole of BBC News, we are carrying out a review of our chief presenter roles. "This is designed to ensure we have the right number of presenters, deployed as flexibly and efficiently as possible, to balance audience needs with best value for money." On-air editor roles are also being reviewed and a proposal has been made to close dedicated social presenter roles. In one positive for Newsnight, Mr Munro said it would move to a peak-time slot on Fridays, "building on the success of its refreshed format". 'A doubly difficult time for everyone' The scale of savings needed "requires tough choices" and all divisions "will be making significant savings", Mr Brittin said in his internal note to staff. Overall, the plan is to cut commissioning spend across the Content, News and Nations departments by about £80 million in the year 2027-28. Broadcast TV channels and the radio network portfolio would be reviewed "as audiences move online", Mr Brittin said, and steps will also be taken to "reduce duplication, clarify accountability, and increase the speed of decision making". "We live in very uncertain times," the BBC boss added. "Our audiences rely on us every day to keep them informed, entertained and equipped to make sense of the world. Making savings while fulfilling our mission means a doubly difficult time for everyone." 'Death by a thousand cuts' Philippa Childs, head of media and entertainment union Bectu, responded to the announcement by saying the cuts were "far from ideal" taking place at the same time as the BBC's charter renewal - and that they would affect the broadcaster's ability to deliver its public service mission. "In an era of fake news and an industry that is becoming more concentrated in the hands of a few multinational corporations, the UK needs a confident, ambitious and sustainably-funded BBC more than ever," she said. "The charter renewal must put the BBC's funding on a secure, long-term pathway or it risks death by a thousand cuts." Read more from Sky News:World Cup data tracker: Who will win?Jeremy Clarkson reveals cancer diagnosis The union is in talks with the BBC "to mitigate the impact as much as possible", she added. Cathy Sweet, head of TV and film at entertainment and performing arts trade union Equity, described the cuts as "devastating" and said they risked the BBC becoming "unable to live up to its aim to inform, educate and entertain". Mr Brittin, a former Google executive, replaced Tim Davie as director-general in last month. Mr Davie announced his resignation from the corporation in November last year, amid controversy and a $10bn (about $7.5bn) lawsuit over the editing of a BBC documentary about Donald Trump.

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No Writer
Jun 18
Polls open in Makerfield by-election

The vote in the Greater Manchester seat was triggered by the resignation of Labour's Josh Simons on 18 May. There are around 76,000 eligible voters across the constituency who can have their say in deciding their next MP. Polling stations will close at 10pm tonight, and eligible voters will need to bring ID to cast their ballot. Types of identification that can be used include a passport or driving licence. You can watch and follow live updates on Sky News when the polls close tonight.

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No Writer
Jun 18
England 4-2 Croatia ratings: Harry Kane and Noni Madueke shine but will Thomas Tuchel make changes in defence?

Thomas Tuchel's side scored twice in each half to get their in Group L campaign off to an impressive start. Who caught the eye and whose place is maybe under threat going forward in the tournament? As it happened | Teams | Stats | Group L guideWorld Cup day-by-day schedule | Latest: World CupFollow our World Cup coverage in the Sky Sports AppGroup L guide | England's routes to World Cup finalWorld Cup 2026 fixture schedule and UK kick-off times Jordan Pickford - 7 Got a hand to Baturina's first equaliser, but the power of the strike was too much for the 'keeper, while he was helpless to prevent Musa from levelling again just before the break. Important stop to keep out Pasalic's drive with a quarter of an hour to go when England led 3-2. Reece James - 7 Linked up dangerously down the right with Madueke in the first half, but could have been tighter on Perisic for Croatia's second goal on the stroke of half-time. Was then moved into midfield when Spence was brought on. John Stones - 6 Mix-up with Pickford led to early Croatia corner and out of position for Croatia's first goal, but overall a composed display at the back before being replaced late on by Guehi. Ezri Konsa - 6 Lost Perisic for Croatia's second goal just before the break and there will be questions about an England back line that conceded two first-half goals. Could be replaced by Guehi for the second Group L game with Ghana. Nico O'Reilly - 6 Wayward first-half ball put his skipper in trouble, before being turned for Croatia's first equaliser. Spurned a glorious chance to head his side 4-2 ahead at start of second half, before seeing a close-range header clawed away by Livakovic. Elliot Anderson - 8 Put in a series of biting challenges on his World Cup debut and was key to England's press. Lovely pass to release Bellingham for his side's third to start the second half to cap off an eye-catching 23-pass move and will be a key presence in front of the back four if England are to go deep in the tournament. Declan Rice - 7 Consistently dangerous outswinging delivery from corners, including for Kane's second goal. Unlucky not to score with a curling effort at start of second half, before surprisingly being hooked with 18 minutes to go as an injury precaution. Noni Madueke - 8 Positive run to the byline created England's first effort on goal for Kane in what was a sign of things to come in the first half from the Arsenal flyer, before being felled for the early penalty. Hugely impressive attacking display down the right which will give Tuchel a selection headache going forward in the tournament when Saka returns to full fitness after an Achilles injury. Jude Bellingham - 7 Important challenge in the box on Musa to help preserve England's early lead, before losing the ball in the lead-up to Croatia's first goal. Brilliant solo effort to restore his side's advantage again just after half-time, before almost immediately adding a second from long range as the Real Madrid playmaker grew into the contest. Anthony Gordon - 6 Quiet display on the left wing from the new Barcelona flyer, who got the nod to start ahead of Rashford, but only because England largely favoured attacking down their right flank. Close to heading his side 4-2 ahead with a close-range effort, before making way for the Manchester United forward after 72 minutes. Harry Kane - 9 A man-of-the-match performance from the England captain, who kept his cool from the spot after seeing his initial penalty saved by Livakovic to give his side an early lead. The striker then headed in his 81st Three Lions goal to move level with Gary Lineker on 10 goals as his country's top World Cup scorer and the 32-year-old was even there at the end to make a goal-saving block with his midriff to prevent a certain Gvardiol goal. Substitutes Morgan Rogers - 6 Introduced with 18 minutes remaining but made little impact. Bukayo Saka - 7 Played a key role by setting up Rashford for England's late fourth after replacing Madueke on 72 minutes. Marcus Rashford - 7 Close to adding a fourth just moments after coming on with Rogers and Saka, only to be denied by Livakovic, before showing great composure to add his side's final goal with just five minutes left to play, the forward's 19th for his country. Djed Spence - 7 Could and should have scored his first England goal after entering the fray with 10 minutes to go, but faced with just the onrushing Livakovic to beat, the Spurs defender shot straight at the Croatia goalkeeper. Marc Guehi - 6 Late 87th-minute introduction in place of club-mate Stones and could start in England's second group game with Ghana.

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No Writer
Jun 18
Amber heat health alert issued for parts of England as new heatwave looms

The alert, which covers London, the South East, South West and East of England, is in place until 8pm on Tuesday. A separate yellow heat health alert is also in place for the West Midlands and East Midlands, during the same period. It comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow heat health alerts to parts of the UK earlier this week. Heatwave conditions are being forecast as temperatures rise, with some areas in the UK set to be hotter than Barbados this weekend. See the weather forecast where you are An amber heat health alert means there is likely to be increased demand on all health and social care services by vulnerable populations and an "increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions". The UKHSA website also highlights an increased risk of water‑related incidents, including cold‑water shock and drowning. Explainer: What is cold water shock? Last month's heatwave saw at least 15 people die in water-related incidents across the UK, including nine children. Ways to stay safe in the hot weather Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. "We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice. Listing simple steps to stay safe in the hot weather, Dr Sousa advised staying hydrated and avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day. The UKHSA advises people to keep their homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms facing the sun, and by avoiding direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels are at their highest. It also urges those venturing outside to cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly. It also directs anyone doing a physical activity in the hot weather to plan to do it during cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening. May saw a record-breaking heatwave across the UK, with wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies, however, the coming heatwave is likely to feel even hotter. With "humid and muggy" conditions forecast, the Met Office says the south of England could see highs of 32C on Sunday - and even higher temperatures on Monday. Commenting on the newly issued amber alert, Sky News meteorologist Christopher England said: "It's worth remembering that these are not heat warnings directed at the general public - which the Met Office issues in severe conditions - but are more in the way of advisories for health and social care services, which may be significantly impacted, both through direct health impacts and requirements and indirectly through issues with power and staff availability." They warn of potential issues including internal temperatures in care settings like hospitals and care homes exceeding the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment; the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services; and increased demand for power exceeding capacity. Thunderstorms and muggy weather on the way Elsewhere, Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: "It's a bit different to the last heatwave, because last time the humidity wasn't as high, whereas this time the humidity is quite a bit higher. "It's just going to make it feel that bit muggier and that bit more humid during the day and overnight as well, so it just means it's going to be more uncomfortable, the heat itself." She added: "Because the humidity is so high, there's a chance that this could potentially spark off some thunderstorms. "It's always tricky with thunderstorms, because they could pop up pretty much anywhere, particularly across central, southern, south-east parts of England. "But wherever they do hit, it's probably going to be quite an intense, heavy downpour for a time with some rumbles of thunder, some sparks of lightning, but exactly where they'll be is a tricky one to forecast at the moment." The AA has advised drivers to check tyres, oil and coolant levels, pack water for passengers and pets, and avoid driving during the hottest part of the day - especially if using an older car. What is the heatwave criteria? For a heatwave to be declared, temperatures must exceed a daily maximum for three days in a row. That max temperature varies from area to area: • For Scotland, Northern Ireland, much of western Wales and northern England, and Cornwall and Devon, temperatures must exceed 25C;• In areas like Hull, Cardiff and Bournemouth, that threshold is 26C;• Some of the Home Counties and part of the Midlands declare a heatwave when it's 27C;• And London, Surrey, Cambridge and Oxford have the highest thresholds at 28C.

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No Writer
Jun 17
Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' prostate cancer diagnosis

The former Top Gear presenter shared the revelation in the final episodes of the fifth series of Clarkson's Farm, which premiered overnight on Amazon Prime Video. The show documents the trials of farming on his land in Oxfordshire. He had warned fans on Instagram that the latest episodes would be a "difficult watch". "They're really, really difficult," he said in a video posted on Tuesday evening. Clarkson is seen revealing the news in the show to co-stars Charlie Ireland and Kaleb Cooper, saying he's known since May. The 66-year-old describes the disease as "aggressive" but says it's at a "really early stage". "I've got cancer," Clarkson tells farm manager Kaleb and land agent Charlie during discussions about harvest planning. The TV host says he expects to be "fine" but will be out of action "for a while", before revealing in the final episode of the series that he has undergone an operation to remove part of his prostate. He says: "I won't know whether it's worked or not until November probably. The prostate, 10% of it's dead, the 10% where the cancer is." The programme later cuts to Clarkson in hospital, where he says "some of the treatment has gone awry". "I'm going to be here for a little while," he says. "I don't know what's going to happen." He adds: "We started season five with me in a hospital bed and here we are at the end of season five and I'm back in a hospital bed. "If this is all successful, I'll see you for season six. And if it isn't, I won't. Take care, everyone." Read more from Sky News:PM to face leadership challengeTrump leaves Netanyahu 'choice' In an earlier Instagram post to fans, Clarkson wrote: "Sombre news - Clarkson's Farm, ordinarily we try to keep the show bucolic and charming, and cheerful, but two episodes which drop in the middle of the night tonight are, they're none of those things, really." The news of Clarkson's cancer diagnosis comes two years after he underwent a heart procedure after suffering a "sudden deterioration" in his health. He told The Sunday Times doctors believed he was potentially "days away" from becoming very ill. "It seems that of the arteries feeding my heart with nourishing blood, one was completely blocked and the second of three was heading that way," he said. Clarkson later told The Sun he had been warned by medics that "a lot" of the work he does "will have to go" - and he must "cut my alarmingly high levels of cholesterol". Charity thanks Clarkson Prostate Cancer UK thanked Clarkson for sharing his diagnosis and treatment, saying it would raise "vital awareness". Chiara De Biase, the charity's fundraising and health strategy director, said: "Thankfully he found the disease at an early stage, but sadly this is still not the experience of many men across the UK." In a statement, she added that thousands of men every year "are diagnosed too late for a cure," but the Transform screening trial will "generate the vital evidence to ensure those at highest risk are diagnosed earlier". She said those worried about prostate cancer can access the charity's online risk checker or ask their GP for a blood test. Diddly Squat becomes a hit Clarkson is best known for presenting the BBC's Top Gear and then fronting another car show, The Grand Tour, on Amazon's streaming service, before also taking the helm of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Clarkson's Farm debuted in 2021. He has since become one of the most vocal critics of the government's inheritance tax plans for some farmers. It follows the presenter and his crew as they navigate the challenges of running Diddly Squat Farm near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Since running the farm in 2019 and launching his reality series, Clarkson has become a vocal supporter of farmers and attended a protest in London against the Government's move to introduce inheritance tax on farmland in November 2024.

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No Writer
Jun 17
Brexit has damaged Britain and Farage knows it, claims minister

Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, a close ally of the prime minister, will say Labour are now "cleaning up" the "mess" left by politicians who campaigned for Leave. Politics Hub: Follow the latest His speech at an event held by the European Movement advocacy group comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the referendum next Tuesday. Sir Keir Starmer's government is seeking closer ties with the EU, and he is holding talks with key European leaders in France this week as part of the G7 summit. A second EU-UK summit since Labour came to power is scheduled to take place in Brussels on 22 July, where a youth mobility scheme is set to be agreed. The divisive issue of the UK's relationship with the bloc has been brought back into the limelight in recent weeks, with prospective Labour leadership hopeful Wes Streeting describing Brexit as a "catastrophic mistake". The PM and chancellor, Rachel Reeves, have both suggested it had a negative impact on the economy but have promised they will not go back on their manifesto promises not to rejoin the single market or the customs union. Lord Hermer will repeat the argument that Brexit has damaged the UK economy in his speech later. 'Farage knows Brexit has damaged Britain' "Strikingly, the politicians who were key proponents of Brexit and major figures in the campaign to Leave now appear reluctant to remind us of the promises that they made," he will say. "When was the last time you heard Nigel Farage proudly talk about Brexit? Or make the case for the benefits it's brought Britain? "The reason he has become uncharacteristically quiet about what he used to describe as his crowning achievement is because he knows the damage it caused Britain, our standing in the world, and our economy." Expert analysis from Sky News:Trump's left Netanyahu with a horrendous choiceWhy Ukraine could have fresh hope of US support Mr Farage has previously said Brexit "has failed" but blamed it on the then-Conservative government for "mismanaging" Britain's departure. He has criticised Labour's attempts to get closer to the EU, notably an agreement with France designed to combat small boat crossings. The Tories have dismissed Lord Hermer's criticism, saying he "should focus on his job as attorney general".

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No Writer
Jun 18
Ben Stokes: England captain to play in Durham's County Championship clash with Northamptonshire from Friday

Stokes was dropped for this week's second Test against New Zealand after he and seamer Gus Atkinson breached a midnight curfew following the series opener at Lord's, leaving his future as captain up in the air. Rather than taking a break entirely, Stokes opted to return to his home county and will feature in this week's Division Two fixture. Q&A: Everything you need to know about Stokes, Atkinson controversyScorecard: England vs New Zealand, second Test, OvalGot Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract "Ben sent me a text and then gave me a phone call and said that he really needed to play and wanted to play for Durham," the county's head coach Ryan Campbell told Sky Sports News on Thursday. "We're always backing our players and the guy needs to play cricket so we are very welcome to have him here. "He's in our 11 and will take part tomorrow. He will have ball in hand or bat probably five or six with us. We're still debating whether he should open the bowling for us but he's going to be right in the thick of the action." 'Stokes wants to get back to doing what he loves the most' Stokes has not commented publicly on his absence from the England team, and it is unclear when there will be a resolution surrounding his future. The night in which Stokes and Atkinson broke England's curfew ended with a member of ECB's security staff being struck by a rugby player from English club Saracens in a nightclub. The saga has heaped more scrutiny on the professionalism and culture around England's Test team - led by head coach Brendon McCullum and Stokes - following a humiliating Ashes tour, after which a midnight curfew was imposed on England's players and staff. Campbell said on Thursday that in spite of the latest incident Stokes was "fine" and excited to play for Durham. "He's very focused on what he needs to do to prepare himself for the next game and the next game happens to be for us, so he's ready to go," he said. "As a coach you always have a duty of care and you worry about your players all the time and that's part of the job so to speak. "From what I've seen from Ben, he's in good order, he's free to play, he wants to get back into doing the thing that he loves the most. He's going to play cricket and I guess that's where he's at his calmest and at his best. "He's ready to go, he wants to play, and he will play." Campbell feels 35-year-old Stokes "wants to get back to doing what he does best", saying: "Playing cricket for Durham and England is what he loves, and he does it well, and hopefully he can do it well for us over the next four days and then when he gets the call back whenever that is I hope that he does it very, very well for England." Campbell defends 'modern day great' Stokes "Whatever he's done going out after the curfew, that shouldn't be in front of the amount of cricket games that he has won for England," Campbell continued. "The amount of enjoyment that people have paid to go and watch him play. "I've been lucky enough to play with and coach some of the great of the game and they've all got this trait. When they are under this extreme pressure, they produce. Ben Stokes has done that over and over again. He is one of the modern day greats. At the end of the day it should be runs and wickets that we talk about." Root: Stokes in a good place but feels like he let himself down With Stokes absent, stand-in skipper Joe Root spoke before the second Test and insisted "there isn't a drinking culture" within the team and feels there is no need for an alcohol ban. Root refused to disclose what was said with his good friend Stokes last week, but told Sky Sports: "I've spoken with Ben, he seems in a good place in the last week or so. "There's been a few incidents where guys have let themselves down, but I don't necessarily think that's a fair reflection of our dressing room. We've got to obviously own it and know that that is not okay, but at the same time, I don't think that's a fair reflection on us as a team. We work incredibly hard. "As a cricketer, the amount of time and pressure that you spend away from home, away from your families, in high-pressure environments, and mistakes have been made. We have to learn from those clearly, and we have to move on from those quickly, and we have to earn the trust of everyone back by being as professional as we can, and putting good performances in. "I think Ben feels like he's let himself down, right? My main concern is, always, you look at the person and make sure that they're okay, so that is first and foremost the most important thing, and then in terms of this week and moving forward as a team, it's concentrating, making sure that everyone is fully on task and understanding of what's ahead of us and what an exciting opportunity we have." England vs New Zealand - results and schedule All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports First Test (Lord's) - England won by 115 runsSecond Test (The Kia Oval) - June 17-21 (11am)Third Test (Trent Bridge) - June 25-29 (11am) Watch the day two of the second Test between England and New Zealand live on Sky Sports Cricket on June 18 from 10am (first ball 11am).

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