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No Writer
Jun 25
Heatwave temperatures set to become the new normal in many UK regions – is yours one of them?

The Sky News Data x Forensics team looked at Met Office data projecting how temperatures could increase due to global warming to find out which areas will be worst affected. Zoom in, move around, and tap/click on your neighbourhood in our interactive map to see what the Met Office predicts for your local area: The Met Office's data forecasts what the typical maximum temperaturei experienced across all summers could become. Overall, the south, south east, and east of England - which are already the warmest areas of the country - are expected to see the largest rises in temperature. These predicted temperatures are provided by the Met Office for a range of possible global warming scenarios.Each of these scenarios is measured as an increase in degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which are taken as the average temperature across 1850 to 1900. When could we see new summer highs? Assuming current emissions levels, global average temperatures are on track to increase by 2C above pre-industrial levels by roughly 2050, according to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Under this 2C global warming scenario, some of England's hottest areas, such as Hillingdon, Cheltenham, Cambridge, and Peterborough, are predicted by the Met Office to see new typical summer highs exceeding 36C. Meanwhile Glasgow, Scotland's hottest city, sees current maximum summer temperatures of about 28C. This could rise to around 30C-31C. The IPCC also estimates that global average temperature could reach 4C by the 2080s if greenhouse gas emissions are allowed to double from current levels within the next 25 years. Should this happen, the hottest areas in England could see summer temperatures regularly hitting 40C, while Glasgow could soar above 33C. What would be the impact of more frequent heatwaves? Although a rise of just a few degrees may not seem that concerning day-to-day, a slightly higher temperature on average could have serious impacts, said Professor Nigel Arnell, an expert in meteorology at the University of Reading. "Everything being of the order of two to three degrees warmer would be, most of the time, not necessarily particularly noticeable," said Prof Arnell. "But, during the heatwaves, it would. Because the sort of heatwaves that we are used to will become way more frequent." Exposure to extreme heat can cause a host of health issues, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants and already-ill individuals. "They [heatwaves] have all sorts of impacts on health - which we're familiar with - and the longer and more extreme they are, then those impacts begin to affect the general population, not just those particular categories with particular conditions," he added. Earlier this month, the national medical director for the NHS, Professor Francesca Swords, pointed to increased demand on A&E and other hospital services due to May's heatwave. "A&E staff bore the brunt of the heatwave in May, as the hot weather took its toll on the public," she said in an NHS statement. In addition to health impacts, extreme heat can have severe impacts on infrastructure not built for high temperatures. In the UK, this could encompass essential infrastructure systems such as the railway network, data centres, and the electricity grid. National Rail recommends that passengers only travel "if absolutely necessary" on 24 and 25 June due to the risk of extreme heat affecting rails and power lines. What can be done to prevent more frequent heatwaves? Ultimately, Prof Arnell said the UK - and especially its leaders - need to start taking the threat of higher temperatures and more frequent heatwaves more seriously. Infrastructure upgrades could be one way to make the UK more resilient to heatwaves, he said. While he acknowledged that working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will do little to impact heatwaves in the short term, he said it was essential in the long term. "It's so easy to say, no, we'll worry about [reducing emissions] later. We'll worry about the cost-of-living crisis now. We'll kick that into the long grass. But it makes it way worse later on," he said. Additional reporting by Daniel Dunford, data journalist

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No Writer
Jun 23
Former River City actor Iain Robertson found guilty of rape

The 45-year-old was convicted of a total of five offences against a number of women between 2004 and 2019. The rape occurred some time between 2018 and 2019. During the trial, the woman told the court Robertson had had sex with her despite her making it clear she was not consenting, and described going "limp" when he was on top of her. Giving evidence during the trial, Robertson said he was "no angel" but denied any wrongdoing. He said he was "aware" of when a woman is consenting, and that he is "sensitive" enough to know about non-verbal communication. However, the jury found him guilty of rape, along with four other charges. Robertson is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on 23 July.

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No Writer
Jun 25
The bloodless coup: How Burnham came out top

It could have been a messy transition, but the ease with which Andy Burnham has returned to Westminster appears to be the product of many months of careful planning. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy delve into the details of how Burnham's expected coronation has been managed - and why Louise Haigh has emerged as a key architect behind the scenes. Meanwhile, as Donald Trump breaks his silence on Sir Keir Starmer's likely replacement, his verdict is rather blunt. The duo dissect the US president's first public comments on Burnham, who he labelled as "extremely liberal". What does this mean for the relationship between Washington and London? Plus, Rachel Reeves falls in behind Burnham - but can she, and will she, survive as chancellor?

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No Writer
Jun 25
League Two 2026/27 season fixtures, dates, schedule & how to watch

Every League Two game on the opening weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Rochdale, who won the National League play-off final against Boreham Wood on penalties, begin life back in the EFL with a trip to south Wales. Got Sky? Watch League Two on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Stream League Two with no contract The game at Rodney Parade is one of two opening-day 12.30pm kick-offs, with the other match seeing Oldham host Port Vale, who were relegated from League One last season. National League champions York, who were dramatically promoted on the final day with a draw at Rochdale, return to the EFL with a home game against Bristol Rovers. The Minstermen's game is one of 10 fixtures at 3pm on Saturday August 15, with last season's losing League Two play-off finalists Salford going to Barnet. Elsewhere, Exeter, relegated from League One last season, start with a trip to Grimsby, who lost to Salford in the play-off semi-finals last season. The opening-weekend League Two games - with every game live on Sky Sports+ Saturday August 15 12.30pm Newport vs RochdaleOldham vs Port Vale 3pm Accrington Stanley v Colchester UnitedBarnet v Salford CityCheltenham Town v Rotherham UnitedChesterfield v Fleetwood TownCrawley Town v Crewe AlexandraGillingham v WalsallGrimsby Town v Exeter CityNorthampton Town v Swindon TownTranmere Rovers v Shrewsbury TownYork City v Bristol RoversYour club's League Two fixture list for 2026/27Accrington | Barnet | Bristol Rovers | Cheltenham | Chesterfield | Colchester | Crawley | Crewe Exeter | Fleetwood | Gillingham | Grimsby | Newport | Northampton | Oldham | Port ValeRochdale | Rotherham | Salford | Shrewsbury | Swindon | Tranmere | Walsall | York CityHow many of my EFL team's fixtures will be live on Sky? Every Championship, League One and League Two team will be featured live on Sky more than 20 times in the 2026/27 season. The EFL is at the heart of Sky Sports+ coverage and will see over 1,000 games from 1,891 matches across the EFL, Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy broadcast live throughout the season. When will the rest of the fixture times be confirmed?By July 2 2026, selections will be announced in respect of all live broadcast matches to be played before the end of September 2026.By July 31 2026 selections will be confirmed in respect of all live broadcast matches to be played up to, and including, the weekend of January 8-11 2027.By November 6 2026, selections shall be announced in respect of all matches to be played up to, and including, the midweek of March 2-3 2027.Selections for matches scheduled for the weekend of March 5-8 2027 will be announced by February 5 2027, followed by weekly announcements looking four-weeks ahead. (For example, the weekend of March 12-15 2027 will be announced by Friday February 12 2027).Selections for matches scheduled for the penultimate weekend of the regular season will be announced three weeks in advance.Selections for matches scheduled for the final weekend of the regular season will be announced the week prior.

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No Writer
Jun 25
Body found in river in search for missing 15-year-old boy in Devon

Police were called at 4.20pm on Wednesday to the River Taw near Sticklepath in Dartmoor, west Devon, after suspected human remains were seen in the water. Taylor, from Barnstaple, who was 14 at the time he went missing, was last seen on the night of 8 May and there was an extensive police operation to find him. Read more from Sky News:Cost of living hope as oil prices return to pre-war levelsMan killed his wife by stabbing her 78 times Emergency services located the remains, which were recovered from the water, North Devon Police said. Formal identification is yet to take place. A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail, police said. North Devon Police added: "We understand that this update will impact the local community, and we ask the public to avoid speculating and await updates from police in due course. "There will continue to be a presence around the river today as emergency services make further enquiries."

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No Writer
Jun 23
Note sent to media outlets claims Nancy Guthrie died after 'kidnap'

Some outlets previously said they received ransom notes about the case in the days following the disappearance of Ms Guthrie from her home near Tucson, Arizona. Two notes sent to a TV network in the wake of the 84-year-old's disappearance were believed to be potentially credible by investigators. The first note said Ms Guthrie, the mother of Today host Savannah, was safe and demanded cryptocurrency in exchange for her release, whereas the second did not ask for money and was said to be very different from the first. Now Sky's US partner network NBC News has reported that this second note indicated she had died after her disappearance. However, it did not offer an apology or ask payment for the release of her body, according to NBC. According to the note, those who kidnapped her did not mean to kill her, but she died shortly after being taken. The existence of the note was known, but some details including claims she had died, had not previously been released. Tucson TV station KOLD that received two notes agreed to hold off sharing the contents publicly so any future communications with the kidnapper or kidnappers could be authenticated. Jessica Bobula, news director of KOLD, said the station received several notes after Ms Guthrie disappeared and the station told authorities and shared only what the FBI released about the correspondence. Read more from Sky News:Iran war threat to UK powerEx-Wimbledon champion banned Ms Guthrie was reported missing from her home on 1 February and was last seen at the property at around 9.45pm the previous evening. Police believe she was kidnapped or "otherwise taken against her will" after finding blood near her front doorstep. The FBI released surveillance videos of a masked man outside Guthrie's front door on the night she went missing. It has since described the man as a suspect. Volunteers and search teams scoured the nearby desert terrain filled with cactuses, bushes and boulders in the weeks after she vanished. A volunteer group recently conducted a search for her body near the Arizona-Mexico border but didn't report finding her. Investigators involved in the case examined the two notes following Ms Guthrie's disappearance and believe they could be credible. After the second note was sent, Savannah Guthrie spoke about her mother's possible kidnapping in an Instagram video, and said the family would "pay" for her return. "We received your message and we understand," Savannah Guthrie said, sat beside her brother, Camron, and sister, Annie. "We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace." "This is very valuable to us, and we will pay," Savannah Guthrie added. Her video did not specify the details of the message she received. The Pima County Sheriff's Department said on Tuesday: "The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie remains active and ongoing. "The Pima County Sheriff's Department continues to work closely with the FBI as investigators follow up on leads, review information, and pursue the facts surrounding this case." Savannah Guthrie returned to NBC's Today show in April for the first time since her mother's disappearance. The 54-year-old has said she's a changed person since she went missing and that it's difficult to press ahead without knowing what happened to her.

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Alexandra Rogers, political correspondent
Jun 24
Labour MPs fear backlash over expected Burnham coronation

The former mayor of Greater Manchester is all but set to take over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister after Wes Streeting, his main leadership rival, dropped his candidacy and rowed in behind Mr Burnham following his by-election victory in Makerfield. He was followed by Darren Jones, a Starmer loyalist, who confirmed to Sky News that he would not throw his hat in the ring to force a leadership contest, despite reports that the prime minister's allies had been encouraging him to. Politics latest: Grooming gang inquiry announces first areas to be investigated One Labour MP told Sky News: "Even where supportive of Andy, CLP [constituency Labour Party] members aren't keen on a coronation and favour a contest so they can see him put through his paces. There is a lot of concern that we haven't seen a plan yet." Another, when asked if their local party members favoured a contest over a coronation, said: "Yes but what will be will be now. There is a general acceptance of a coronation now Darren has said he's not standing." A third Labour MP added: "Most CLPs always want to feel a part of things, understandably - although often times it's the core group of activists rather than every member. "No one wants a dictatorship but so few people actually vote so much of the time." "The party and MPs need to be mindful now of ensuring people realise a coronation isn't a deliberate act if no one else wanted to stand. We don't want to alienate people." They continued: "Perhaps Andy Burnham will do a 'tour' to bring the members with him. I hope he will." Mr Burnham confirmed on Monday that he would stand to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader and prime minister after his victory over Reform in the Makerfield by-election saw him return to the Commons to take up his seat as a new MP. In an interview with Beth Rigby on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Mr Jones said he had decided not to stand because he had received the assurances he was looking for from Mr Burnham regarding his plans for the economy. "Well, look, I was never planning or organising a leadership campaign like some of my colleagues," he said. "I was getting on with the job as chief secretary to the prime minister. "And Andy Burnham is going to be the next prime minister. And if there was a contest of Labour Party members, he would win. "So the question for me is, well, what would the benefit be to the country and to the party of a leadership contest?" He added: "We talked then a lot about what he was thinking on the economy and what my thoughts were on that, and some of the potential ways forward for the new government." Read more:How will a new prime minister be selected?Burnham meeting Labour MPs to 'win their confidence' Although Mr Jones has ruled himself out of the contest, there are still questions over whether Al Carns, who resigned as armed forces minister over the defence investment plan, could throw his hat into the ring. The Royal Marines officer Al Carns told journalists at the Foreign Press Association in London that he had not ruled out standing in a potential contest. Nominations for the Labour leadership open on 9 July and close on 16 July, with a leader to be elected by 1 September if there is a contest. On Tuesday, Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir held face-to-face talks with Mr Burnham. He has pledged to oversee a "smooth transition" of power following his resignation and has authorised Civil Service access talks to begin for "prospective candidates" for the Labour leadership.

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No Writer
Jun 25
Commonwealth Games: Jayda Pechova steps up to Team England senior squad as Nat Metcalf and Fran Williams also named

Head coach Anna Stembridge has named a squad of 12, including 2018 Commonwealth champion Metcalf, with Williams set to captain the team for the Glasgow event, scheduled from July 23 to August 2. Pechova, 21, swept the board at the 2026 Netball Super League awards as she scooped all three individual honours, including Player of the Year. Results and fixtures for 2026 seasonNetball Super League standingsSky Sports' Off the Court Podcast She becomes the youngest member of the squad and steps up to the senior stage following a stellar campaign for Nottingham Forest. Pechova earned a brilliant 88 gains and 75 deflections as Forest finished in the top four for the first time in the club's history. Stembridge, who replaced Jess Thirlby in the role, said: "It is a huge honour to be able to announce the athletes who will represent Team England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Every player who puts on the red dress understands the responsibility that comes with that opportunity, and the 12 athletes named today have all earned their place through their performances, commitment, and the standards they have shown. "The competitiveness within English netball is incredibly strong, and this squad reflects the quality and depth we have across the programme. We have a balance of players who bring valuable experience from previous major tournaments, alongside athletes who will be experiencing their first Commonwealth Games and are ready to embrace that opportunity. "Each athlete brings different qualities to this group, and the strength of this team will come from how we combine those qualities and perform together. We're excited to continue our preparation and represent Team England on one of the biggest stages for our sport." Williams is one of six players from England's 2023 silver medal-winning World Cup squad who will take to the court this summer, with Liv Tchine also returning and taking on the role of vice-captain alongside Amy Carter. Goal shooter Tchine heads to her second major international tournament having shone domestically for London Pulse in the Netball Super League (NSL) and on the international stage since her debut in 2022. Tchine is joined in attack by Eleanor Cardwell, who is selected for her second Commonwealth Games after debuting at Birmingham 2022. Cardwell's AO Manchester Thunder teammate Lois Pearson, meanwhile, is heading to her first major international competition. The Bury-born attacker made her international debut in 2024 off the back of a standout NSL season, where she was named Players' Player of the Season, and has continued to be a leading player for club and country since. Fellow Team England debutant Sasha Glasgow completes the squad's shooting options. Glasgow was born and raised in Australia to English parents and made her international debut in 2023. In the midcourt, Metcalf returns for her third Games. The wing attack was part of the historic side that won gold at Gold Coast 2018, before she captained Team England at Birmingham 2022 and co-captained the Vitality Roses to a silver medal in the 2023 Netball World Cup. Metcalf returned to court this season following the birth of her daughter, Miller, last year. She is joined by AO Manchester Thunder teammate Carter, who was a travelling reserve for the 2023 Netball World Cup and captained AO Thunder to a historic fifth NSL title last weekend. Versatile midcourter Imo Allison is also included for her second Commonwealth Games appearance, having established herself as one of the game's leading players across centre and wing defence. Jess Shaw completes the midcourt, having impressed in recent domestic seasons with impressive all-action displays.In defence, Williams is joined by Halimat Adio, Funmi Fadoju, and Pechova. Adio heads to her first Commonwealth Games off the back of a string of strong seasons with London Pulse that have seen her become a mainstay in England's defence. Fadoju stars alongside Adio for London Pulse and will hope to do the same for Team England at Glasgow 2026. Team England netball squad DefenceHalimat Adio (28, London, London Pulse)Francesca Williams (28, Reading, West Coast Fever)Funmi Fadoju (23, Redbridge, London Pulse)Jayda Pechova (21, Fleet, Nottingham Forest) MidcourtImo Allison (28, Huddersfield, Queensland Firebirds)Jess Shaw (30, Stockport, Loughborough Lightning)Amy Carter (27, Nottingham, AO Manchester Thunder)Nat Metcalf (33, Keighley, AO Manchester Thunder) AttackSasha Glasgow (27, Moonta, Australia, West Coast Fever)Liv Tchine (25, London, London Pulse)Eleanor Cardwell (31, Blackpool, AO Manchester Thunder)Lois Pearson (26, Bury, AO Manchester Thunder) The Vitality Roses; England Netball's senior team, are currently third in the World Netball world rankings. England star Housby ruled out of Commonwealth Games England star Helen Housby will miss the Commonwealth Games due to injury. In April it was revealed that Housby would miss an "extended period" of the Suncorp Super Netball season in Australia due to a back injury, with further scans confirming she will be unable to compete this summer. Housby, who famously scored England's last-minute winner when they won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, says she is "devastated" to miss out in the Glasgow event. Representing Team England is an honour and holds some of my proudest and fondest memories," she said. "Despite the setback I'm more determined than ever to come back stronger and get back on court as soon as possible, especially with the World Cup in Sydney on the horizon. "I'm lucky to be surrounded by an incredible support system and I'm very grateful for the love I've received from those closest to me, England Netball, the New South Wales Swifts and the Vitality Roses fans back home. "I'm excited to see what our girls can achieve this summer and will be giving everything I can off the court to support them in Glasgow. I truly believe our squad can beat anybody and I'm looking forward to watching as a fan this time around."

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