Some parents of special school pupils in England spending £5,000 on EHCPs

England's football team is poised for its best chance at winning the World Cup since 1970, thanks to a new pragmatic approach led by coach Thomas Tuchel. This shift in strategy, free from past celebrity distractions, has fans feeling optimistic about their prospects. With a strong squad and a realistic game plan, England is ready to make a serious run for the title, and the excitement is palpable as they prepare to face tough competition, including a formidable Spain.

The BBC's political editor highlights ongoing concerns regarding Chinese espionage that have persisted through both the current government and its Conservative predecessor. This issue is significant as it reflects the broader geopolitical tensions and the need for vigilance in national security, impacting diplomatic relations and public trust.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is poised to survive two no-confidence votes in the National Assembly, thanks to his recent concession to suspend President Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reform. This move aims to garner support from moderate leftists, which is crucial for maintaining government stability. The outcome of these votes is significant as it could prevent a second government collapse in just weeks, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding pension reforms in France.

A recent report by Tussell reveals that the Ministry of Justice has not filed spending receipts for nearly £11 billion, falling over two years behind schedule. This delay raises significant concerns about the transparency and accountability of public funds, particularly given the department's substantial £13 billion annual budget for managing prisons, probation, and courts in England and Wales. The lack of timely financial reporting undermines scrutiny and could lead to mismanagement of taxpayer money, making it a critical issue for public trust in government operations.

Harry Kane, the England captain, is determined to overcome the disappointment of missing a crucial penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals against France. He believes that this experience has not only shaped him as a player but also fueled his motivation to lead England to future success. Kane's journey reflects resilience and growth, making him a key figure to watch as the team aims for glory in upcoming tournaments.

The Manitoba youth advocate is urging the provincial government to take stronger action to support children affected by wildfires. This call to action is crucial as it highlights the need for targeted assistance to mitigate the impact of such disasters on young people, ensuring their well-being and future.

Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of the England national football team, plans to reach out to Jude Bellingham and other players who were left out of the latest squad. This is significant as Bellingham, a star at Real Madrid, missed recent matches against Wales and Latvia. Tuchel's intention to connect with these players before the next selection in November shows his commitment to building a strong team and ensuring that key players are eager to return, which could enhance England's performance in upcoming competitions.

In a disappointing turn of events for Pakistan, their hopes of achieving a historic first one-day international win against England were dashed by rain during the Women's World Cup match in Colombo. Pakistan had made a promising start, reaching 34 runs without losing a wicket while chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 113. However, torrential downpours led to the match being abandoned, leaving England's Nat Sciver-Brunt to acknowledge that her team 'weren’t good enough.' This match was significant as it could have marked a milestone for Pakistan cricket, highlighting the unpredictability of sports.

Zoe Aldcroft, the captain of the England women's rugby team, recently celebrated their victory in the Women's Rugby World Cup. After a whirlwind of festivities in Ibiza, she reflected on the emotional moment when she realized they had won, expressing her disbelief and joy. This victory not only highlights the team's hard work and dedication but also boosts the profile of women's rugby, inspiring future generations of players.

A recent report from the Institute for Government reveals that English councils will remain financially worse off by the end of this parliament compared to 2010, despite recent funding increases from Labour. The analysis highlights that the severe funding cuts experienced from 2010 to 2019 created gaps that cannot be bridged, even with five years of above-inflation funding. This situation is concerning as it underscores the long-term impact of austerity measures on local authorities, affecting their ability to provide essential services to communities.

The Women's Cricket World Cup match between England and Pakistan was abandoned due to rain, which is disappointing for fans and players alike. The game had already been reduced to 31 overs a side, and the weather ultimately thwarted any chance of play. This situation highlights the challenges of scheduling outdoor sports events, especially in unpredictable weather conditions, and raises questions about how teams and organizers can better prepare for such occurrences in the future.

Recent research from the mental health charity Mind reveals a troubling increase in stigma surrounding mental health in England. Alarmingly, one in seven people now express fear about living near someone with a mental health issue, a figure that has nearly doubled. Even more concerning is that one in ten individuals would refuse to live next to someone who has recovered from mental illness. This rise in stigma not only highlights societal fears but also underscores the urgent need for awareness and education to foster understanding and acceptance.

Nestlé has announced a significant reduction in its workforce, planning to cut 16,000 jobs, which represents nearly 6% of its global employees. This move, driven by the new chief executive's focus on boosting sales growth, will predominantly affect white-collar positions. The decision is crucial as it reflects the company's strategy to streamline operations and adapt to changing market conditions, but it also raises concerns about the impact on employees and the broader economy.

The Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding achievements in classical music, with Sir Simon Rattle making history as the first musician to win Artist of the Year twice, a testament to his remarkable contributions since 1993. Raphaël Pichon's interpretation of Bach took home the top prize, while Sir Thomas Allen received a lifetime achievement award and Spanish violinist María Dueñas was recognized with two awards. This event not only honors individual talent but also highlights the vibrant classical music scene, inspiring future generations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that it would be 'unthinkable' for Russia to collaborate with the United States in pressuring China. This declaration highlights the growing rift in international relations and suggests that Russia is firmly aligning itself with China, which could have significant implications for global geopolitics and security dynamics. As tensions rise between the US and China, Russia's stance may further complicate diplomatic efforts and influence the balance of power in the region.

The French parliament is gearing up for no-confidence votes as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu navigates a tight situation following his decision to delay pension reforms. This move, seen as a strategic compromise, may help him avoid immediate political fallout, but it raises questions about the future of Emmanuel Macron's ambitious pension overhaul. The outcome of these votes could significantly impact the government's stability and its ability to implement key policies, making it a critical moment in French politics.

Thousands of individuals in the UK are taking legal action against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the company knowingly sold talcum powder contaminated with asbestos, which they claim has led to serious health issues like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. This case, involving around 3,000 claimants, highlights significant concerns about consumer safety and corporate responsibility, as the plaintiffs seek justice and damages in the high court of London.

In Peru, a tragic clash during anti-crime protests in Lima has resulted in one death and over 100 injuries, highlighting the ongoing unrest following the impeachment of former president Dina Boluarte. Interim president Jose Jeri's efforts to stabilize the situation have not quelled the youth-led demonstrations that have persisted for weeks. This situation is significant as it reflects the deep-seated frustrations among the populace and raises concerns about the government's ability to maintain order and address the underlying issues driving these protests.