Tens of millions of data points tell the unique, exciting, life-changing, sometimes heartbreaking stories of how new life enters the world. We've analysed all those numbers to tell you the key stats about how each part of the process works where you live, and how that compares with other parts of the country. Enter your postcode or the name of your health board, or click around the map, to find out. Return to the top of the interactive map to explore a different area by either clicking on a new part of the country, or searching for a new postcode or health board. What we found - differences across UK nations There is no single part of the country that stands out as being either bad or good across all measures. For many metrics, like whether births are induced or delivered via C-section for example, higher or lower percentages are a matter of personal preference rather than an obvious representation of success or failure in either direction. However, it is interesting that Wales is the last remaining UK nation where "natural", unassisted vaginal births still make up more than half of all babies delivered. Scotland has the highest C-section rate, while Northern Ireland has the highest rate of births assisted with instruments like forceps or ventouses. Mothers in England are least likely to have their labour medically induced. Midwifery units in England appear to be more stretched in terms of staffing compared with the other UK nations - there are more than 20 births per midwife per year in England, compared with just 13 in Scotland, 15 in Northern Ireland and 17 in Wales. The staffing ratio is a crude measure, however. It doesn't take into account the experience level of midwives or how many of them are in patient-facing roles. It also doesn't appear to be linked directly to worse outcomes. Birth injuries to mothers are more common in Scotland than England, for example, despite there being more midwives per baby. Data on mothers' birth injuries is not available for Wales or Northern Ireland. Read more:Maternity crisis - what it's like to give birth in the UK Which local areas stand out At health board level, figures that might appear concerning are not necessarily indicative of poor performance. Some areas face more complex cases than others, so worse outcomes may be inevitable regardless of standards of medical care. That said, analysis of our data shows that the Nottingham & Nottinghamshire care board ranks poorly across each of the three "staff/procedure" measures - how many mothers had their first antenatal appointments within the recommended 10 weeks, how many were assigned a named midwife during pregnancy, and the ratio of midwives to babies. It is also one of the parts of the country with the highest rate of birth injuries to mothers. A report by Donna Ockenden, published last week, found that hundreds of babies and mothers at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust were either harmed or died as a result of failures by medical staff between 2012 and 2025. The trust has apologised "unreservedly" to those affected - and following the report said "important changes have been made" to its services. Our data covers what's happened in the 12 months to March 2026. Watch:Inside UK's maternity crisis | Sky News investigation At the other end of the scale, Humber and North Yorkshire scores highly across each of the three admin measures, and has better health outcomes than average for both mothers and babies. People giving birth in Mid and South Essex have unusually high rates of both inductions and emergency C-sections. The number of planned C-sections has also almost doubled there in the last two years. In both Fife and the Forth Valley, two neighbouring health boards north of Edinburgh and Glasgow, more than 40% of mothers had their labours induced - double the proportion in Birmingham and Solihull. Birth instruments were almost five times more likely to be used in certain parts of the country - Belfast or Lothian (which covers Edinburgh) for example, compared with Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin on the English border with Wales. Use our tool to search again for other areas to see how they compare across each of these measures. The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.

In a statement, her family said they were "deeply saddened" to announce that she had died peacefully at her home in Surrey, where she had lived for more than 50 years. The star had been living with cancer, they said. "The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time." Dame Penelope was known for her appearances in the sitcoms The Good Life and To The Manor Born, with the former earning her a BAFTA in 1977. She played snobbish social climber Margo Leadbetter in the series, opposite Paul Eddington as husband Jerry, and Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal as their self-sufficient neighbours Tom and Barbara Good. Kendal was among those sharing tributes, remembering her co-star as a "comic genius" who was "a joy to know and work with". Following the announcement, membership organisations SOLT (Society of London Theatre) and UK Theatre said West End theatres would dim their lights for two minutes in tribute, at 7pm on Wednesday. Sitcoms, theatre and famous ads Dame Penelope started her career on the stage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963, but became a household name for her work in sitcoms, also starring in Executive Stress, No Job For A Lady, and Next Of Kin. In To The Manor Born, which first aired in 1979, she played the aristocrat Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her vast country estate, Grantleigh Manor, after the death of her husband - but managing to keep her butler and Rolls-Royce. The actress will also be remembered for a memorable staircase appearance in the 1977 Christmas edition of The Morecambe & Wise Show, as well as starring in dramas such as Death Comes To Pemberley. She also presented shows including Penelope Keith And The Fast Lady, about Edwardian "it girl" and motoring pioneer Dorothy Levitt, Penelope Keith At Her Majesty's Service, commemorating the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, and Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages and Coastal Villages. Her famous voice was also lent to adverts, for brands including Pimm's, Lurpak, and most famously, the Parker Pen Company - once named one of the 100 greatest adverts. The star succeeded Laurence Olivier as president of the Actors' Benevolent Fund after his death in 1989, leaving in 2022. Since 2000, Dame Penelope had worked mainly in the theatre, with her roles including Madam Arcati in Blithe Spirit and Lady Bracknell in The Importance Of Being Earnest. An ambassador for the former Prince's Foundation For Children & The Arts, she was made a dame for services to the arts and charity in 2014. The actress was married to Rodney Timson, a former police officer, and the couple adopted two sons. 'She helped Britain laugh at itself' Paying tribute, BAFTA described Dame Penelope as "a familiar face on stage and screen" and highlighted her history at the awards - winning the gong for best actress for The Norman Conquests / Saving It For Albie, as well as her award for The Good Life, and receiving a further three nominations throughout her career. Voiceover agency QVoice, which represented her, described her as "an exceptionally talented, multi-award winning actress for both stage and television", and added: "More importantly she was a much-loved client and friend. Our thoughts are with her family today." SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executive Claire Walker said the star would "undoubtedly be remembered for many years to come as one of this country's most venerated actors". MP Jeremy Hunt was also among those sharing tributes, writing on X: "Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith CBE. She was a neighbour & friend where she was dearly loved by all who knew her in Milford. "She helped Britain laugh at itself, one of our best national qualities, & brought happiness to millions. RIP dear Penny." Many fans sharing tributes on X highlighted the Morecambe & Wise appearance along with her famous sitcom characters, and described her as "a national treasure".

53% of eligible British Medical Association (BMA) members voted to accept the deal on a turnout of 57%. They will see an average pay rise of 6.6%, fully implemented by April 2027. That includes a base pay rise of 3.5%, plus an additional percentage based on a doctor's seniority. The deal also includes 4,500 speciality training places, to try and help end the jobs "bottleneck" of medical school graduates being left without jobs to go into. Doctors would also have exam fees and eligible royal medical college memberships reimbursed. Resident - formerly known as junior - doctors have been in dispute with successive governments since 2023, and have engaged in 15 rounds of industrial action. The BMA had rejected the government's initial offer issued last year, which led to five days of walkouts in the lead up to Christmas. Medics also walked out for six days in April. They were set to walk out again from 15 to 19 June after new Health Secretary James Murray said he would not improve the deal on the table. But that strike was called off on 13 June, after the BMA said the government had made a new offer, which was put to a referendum of resident doctors. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the deal would mean resident doctors had received a 35.2% pay rise over the past three years, the highest in the public sector. Murray said the deal was "very good news for resident doctors, patients and the NHS as a whole" and allowed the sector to move on from months of disruption caused by industrial action. He said that resident doctors will get "a new pay structure, better career progression opportunities and a range of other improved conditions to support them as they rotate and train", while he accepted that "there is much more to do". Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA resident doctors committee, said that while doctors have "decided that the current offer is sufficient" and that the "strikes will now end", the government was to blame for not offering resident doctors this deal sooner. Warning of future strike action if future pay deals aren't good enough, he added: "We are putting the pay review process on notice - if it cannot deliver continued pay improvements, then we risk once again falling back into dispute in future." The deal relates to resident doctors in England only. Resident doctors in Northern Ireland are currently taking part in their own walk out in a dispute over pay.

Portugal came away licking their wounds, with weaknesses exposed in their meeting with DR Congo. While Cristiano Ronaldo was shackled by a combination of captain Chancel Mbemba and Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe at the back, Joao Neves' sixth-minute header was Portugal's only shot on target throughout the game. DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan - match report and key momentsDR Congo: How The Leopards earned their first World Cup spot in 52 years2026 World Cup fixture scheduleDownload the Sky Sports app | Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp Not only did DR Congo earn a point against Portugal, who entered the competition as one of the pre-tournament favourites, but many observers would be justified in arguing that Sebastien Desabre's side deserved to leave with all three points after an impressive display. Yoane Wissa's headed goal came in a brave DR Congo performance. Colombia posed a different kind of test, and although DR Congo eventually succumbed to late pressure, their identity was unmistakable: defend first, ask questions later. DR Congo's defence appeared more vulnerable in Guadalajara, but they could rely on an inspired Lionel Mpasi goalkeeping display to keep Colombia's heavy hitters at bay. Victory over Uzbekistan marked the greatest moment in DR Congo's footballing history, propelling the Leopards into uncharted territory. In the nation's first-ever taste of knockout football at the World Cup, England represent a free-hit for the Leopards that they will be keen to take. Why Congo's style could trouble England DR Congo are not a side designed to entertain; they are a nation built to avoid losing and biding their time. The defence is where Desabre has placed his focus during his reign. Under his four-year stewardship, DR Congo have never been beaten by more than one goal. For context, Thomas Tuchel, who took charge of England last year, has already suffered a two-goal defeat, losing 3-1 to Senegal. DR Congo find success during low-scoring games with Desabre's side scoring one goal or fewer in two-thirds of their matches. In the opening two games, against Portugal and Colombia, Desabre set his side up with a back five, three workmen in the middle and a front two. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku, deployed as wing-backs, were more disciplined than adventurous. Despite providing the team's width, the creative responsibility largely fell to the midfield. DR Congo are more than happy to surrender possession, inviting opponents onto their resolute defensive block before striking when the opportunity arises. The inquest into England's lack of creativity, inspiration or energy in attacking areas continues despite their 2-0 win over Panama. According to FIFA's style metrics, England are one of just four teams whose playing style differs most from that of DR Congo. The blueprint has already been laid by Ghana, and it's one that Desabre and Congo are well-versed in. As the game progressed against the Ghanaians, England's lack of penetration offered hope to the Black Stars, who couldn't make use of their moments on the counterattack. On a quest to fix that, don't expect Tuchel to find easy prey to remedy that against the stubborn DR Congo. Don't underestimate Congo's attack DR Congo's conservative style doesn't take away from their threat in attack, though. Wissa has three goals in the competition so far, matching Harry Kane's tally and more than Ronaldo's return. After finding the net in the curtain-raiser, Wissa struck twice against Uzbekistan to take his tally to three goals in three games - already surpassing his Newcastle output threefold after his £55m move to the Magpies. In truth, Wissa's involvement after missing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as part of a good gesture to Newcastle has been more than welcome. Alongside the 29-year-old, Desabre has opted to play Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, who is yet to register a shot on target at the World Cup, as his personal goalscoring issues continue. Against Uzbekistan, Desabre added a new dimension to the attack with Fiston Mayele when he replaced Bakambu. Earlier this season, the Pyramids forward was named the men's Interclub African Player of the Year. The award recognises the best African player who plays their football within the continent. He added something that Bakambu couldn't provide, which was composure in front of goal, necessary in a game of few chances. Desabre's adaptability had been questioned in the build-up to DR Congo's match against Uzbekistan. However, a switch to a flat back four and the introduction of Nathan Mbuku and Brian Cipenga, two wingers, paid off. The pair will be eager to start once again, but both have proved they can potentially provide an impact from the bench. Why Congo's clash against England means more Though the two nations have never met in a competitive capacity, in a footballing sense, both DR Congo and England have strong links. Those mainly come from a community of young players who earn their stripes playing in England. Tuanzebe was born in Bunia, Congo, but moved to Rochdale at a very young age. He would then find a footballing education at Manchester United and even wear the captain's armband on one occasion. Tuanzebe also represented England at youth level, sharing an international dressing room with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke. Wan-Bissaka, who also played at United, was born and raised in south London before making the switch to Old Trafford. The right-back went as far as being included in a Gareth Southgate England squad back in 2019. Midfielder Aaron Tshibola, formerly of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and now of Kilmarnock, was born in east London. Meanwhile, Arthur Masuaku is a name England fans will also recognise for spells at West Ham and Sunderland, while current Black Cats star Noah Sadiki is a highly rated member of the team. There's even DR Congo heritage within the England squad in Ezri Konsa, who would be eligible to represent the Leopards. Alongside the personal stories, after a 52-year wait for a World Cup, Wednesday's clash will be a furthering of the history that is already being made. The England match marks DR Congo's most successful period in a generation. Eyes, all of a sudden, will be on DR Congo, who have been a sleeping giant for African football for over a century. When DR Congo, previously called Zaire, participated at the 1974 World Cup, they were the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify. The chance to showcase that against England is one the entire nation will embrace, hoping the players wearing its colours rise to the occasion in the same way. DR Congo is back on the map.

Police have launched a manhunt to find the suspect, but it is believed he may have fled across the border to France. Surveillance footage appeared to show him travelling on foot into the neighbouring French town of Beausoleil. Local media reports suggest that a Ukrainian construction magnate and his family were among those hurt. He has been named as Vadym Iermolaiev, with Ukrainian media claiming he has previously been targeted with sanctions because of his ties to Russia. Two of the victims have suffered life-threatening injuries, with Monaco's leader Prince Albert II describing the explosion as an "odious act". One of those in hospital is a child. Read more world news:UN preparing for up to 10,000 deaths in VenezuelaPassenger plane landing in New York 'hit by drone' Detectives across both countries are now investigating, but the attacker's motive is unclear at this stage. Monaco's minister of state Christophe Mirmand told BFM TV: "No event of this nature has ever ‌happened in the principality before." CCTV footage from the moments before the attack appeared to show a man leaving a backpack at the building's entrance shortly before the blast. Eric Ciotti, the right-wing mayor of nearby Nice, described the explosion as "a tragedy for Monaco". It happened in the centre of the tax-free microstate on the French Riviera, which is known as a haven for billionaires and their luxury yachts.

The 28-year-old BAFTA winner denies two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault, against one woman. He told police after his arrest in 2023 that they had consensual sex. At the opening of his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, jurors were told by the prosecution that Ward met the alleged victim for the first time at a party at Infinity Lounge nightclub in Gant's Hill, east London, on 1 January 2023. The "young woman" had seen the actor "on TV and in films" and he asked her for her Snapchat handle, prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC said. As people started to leave the event in the early hours of 2 January, the woman was asked to accompany Ward to the back of his friend's Mercedes, where they kissed and she consented to him touching her sexually, the court heard. Ward, of Silvertown, London, then invited the woman to an after party in nearby Stratford, and she and her two friends agreed to go. The alleged victim got a "weird vibe" at the party, which was mostly attended by men, and left with her friends a short time later, jurors were told. She said she saw Ward outside and after telling him she was leaving, he suggested she walk to a car parked further up the road as he wanted to talk to her. The woman said she was given specific instructions to walk behind him, and not to talk to anyone on the way, the court heard. Ward allegedly got into the driver's seat and kissed her, then invited her to move into the back seat. He became "quite impatient", Ms Ayling said, allegedly telling the woman to "stop wasting time" when she initially said he could kiss her in the front seat. After getting into the back seat, Ward sexually assaulted the woman by kissing her breasts, Ms Ayling continued. The woman, whose police interview footage was played in court, says she told him, "I don't wanna do that". The actor then twice committed assault by penetration, the court heard. The woman said she told him "this was not a situation she wanted to be in" and opened the car door as she felt uncomfortable, but Ward "quite sternly told her to close it", jurors were told. The actor is alleged to have orally raped the woman, who said she felt "pressured", and then raped her, the court heard. Afterwards, the woman walked to her friend's car and Ward messaged her a "teary-eyed emoji and a heart emoji". She replied, telling him to "enjoy the rest of his evening". The woman said she was in pain on the way home and ordered an STI kit, ticking a box asking if she had been sexually assaulted. Ms Ayling said the woman exchanged some messages with Ward "in friendly terms" as she had not "fully come to terms" with the alleged assault, and so did not make an immediate report to the police. She also felt that "because of who he is, she didn't feel she could speak out", jurors were told. Ward was arrested on 18 January 2023 and told police in a statement: "I deny the allegation of rape. I want to put on record that we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex." The Jamaican-born British actor was awarded the BAFTA rising star honour in 2020 and has twice been nominated for best supporting actor - for his role in the Small Axe anthology series in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire Of Light. He also appeared in Blue Story and the US Western film Eddington, which was released last August. The trial continues.

Will the long-awaited defence investment plan be the prime minister's final and most contentious act? After months of delays, a multibillion-pound funding gap, and the resignation of his defence secretary, has Sir Keir Starmer done enough to satisfy his military chiefs? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political and strategic stakes and assess what NATO allies, not least Donald Trump, will make of the plans. Elsewhere, with the PM's departure from Number 10 on the horizon, is Labour already seeing a polling bounce? And after more than two years of disruption has Health Secretary James Murray finally succeeded where others have failed by bringing the resident doctors strike to an end?

City have announced the arrival of Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor on a three-year deal, just under seven months after he left Stamford Bridge in acrimonious circumstances on January 1. Sky Sports News understands City will pay Chelsea £17m in compensation after Maresca departed the club with three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract. Man City confirm Maresca appointmentTransfer Centre LIVE! | Chelsea news & transfers🔵Chelsea fixtures & scoresGot Sky? Watch Chelsea games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want! 🔔 In the fiery statement, which was released at the same time as Maresca's appointment was confirmed, Chelsea revealed details of Maresca's sudden exit and how Man City's interest had turned his head. It read: "In autumn last year, the club was informed by our former head coach [Maresca] that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. "It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate. "In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before." Maresca apologises for disruptive exit Following the Italian's departure, Chelsea appointed Liam Rosenior, but he was sacked after just 106 days in charge as the Blues eventually finished the season 10th and without European football. On his personal Instagram account, Maresca apologised to Chelsea for his exit. He wrote: "The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City. "I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish." Sky Sports News understands that when Chelsea became aware of City's interest, they reluctantly gave Maresca permission to speak to City but only on the understanding that he would leave this summer and only if Guardiola decided to depart City. Maresca had heart set on City as relationships at Chelsea 'fractured' Chelsea were informed by Maresca last autumn that he had been the subject of interest from City about eventually replacing Guardiola when he decided to leave, having worked under him as assistant coach during the 2022/23 season. Chelsea had no option but to accept his resignation at the end of last year because his head and heart were at City. There were many stories about Maresca being unhappy at Chelsea, but the truth is he wanted to go to City. The statement said: "Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the club and its supporters. "A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the club was forced to make to the head coach position over the Christmas period." Maresca was just over a year into his reign at Chelsea after being appointed to the role in June 2024. At the end of October, the club sat in ninth place, two points off the top five. The relationship with the club fractured as time went on, with poor form, public outbursts to the media and disagreements with the medical staff putting increasing strain on the environment at the club. After the 2-0 home victory over Everton in mid-December, Maresca stunned reporters by saying he had endured his "worst 48 hours" at the club and said "many people didn't support us". He then declined several opportunities to expand on his comments. The last thing Chelsea wanted to do was change head coach mid-season, but they were left with no choice but to part ways. Maresca's sudden departure Maresca's sudden exit from the club was confirmed on New Year's Day, with Sky Sports News reporting the Italian felt his position was "untenable". Chelsea secured just one win across their last seven Premier League games in the build-up to his departure, leaving them 15 points adrift of eventual champions Arsenal at the time. His final game in charge was Chelsea's 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth, during which the home crowd booed and chanted "you don't know what you're doing" when he substituted Cole Palmer. The statement continued: "No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. "However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the badge and accept his resignation." The compensation Man City and Maresca will pay As soon as Guardiola's exit from the Etihad was confirmed, Maresca was the only name being touted as his potential successor. Having previously worked as his assistant during the treble-winning campaign in 2023, his return to Man City seemed inevitable - but his appointment arrives over a month after Guardiola's departure. Club lawyers had been locked in negotiations between the two teams as Chelsea felt Maresca's exit from the club was a deciding factor in their underwhelming campaign. As previously noted, Chelsea finished the 2025/26 season in 10th place and only remained in the top half of the table on goal difference. The statement confirmed both City and Maresca himself would pay compensation as a result of the situation, after two "confidential settlements" were reached. The statement said: "In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. "A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former head coach under which he will pay compensation."