Latest news with #SouthernEngland
CTV News
6 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Britain's foreign minister went fishing with JD Vance. Now, he could be fined for it
U.S. Vice President JD Vance went fishing with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy in southern England on August 8. Kin Cheung/Pool/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource Last week, British foreign minister David Lammy went fishing with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at his retreat in the English countryside. Now, he could be fined for doing so. Lammy on Wednesday referred himself to the U.K.'s environment watchdog for fishing without a rod license – an offense in Britain that could land him with a fine of £2,500 (US$3,400). 'The foreign secretary has written to the Environment Agency over an administrative oversight that meant the appropriate licenses had not been acquired for fishing on a private lake as part of a diplomatic engagement at Chevening House last week,' a Foreign Office spokesperson said. 'As soon as the foreign secretary was made aware of the administrative error, he successfully purchased the relevant rod fishing licenses,' the spokesperson added. 'He also wrote to the Environment Agency notifying them of the error, demonstrating how it would be rectified, and thanking them for their work protecting Britain's fisheries.' Lammy recently hosted Vance at Chevening House, his grace-and-favor retreat in the southern county of Kent, known as the Garden of England. After his diplomatic engagements, the vice president has stayed in the country for a family vacation. Although Vance has been critical of the British government for what he claims is its heavy-handed approach to free speech, he and Lammy held a chummy press conference after their illegal fishing trip. 'Unfortunately, the one strain on the special relationship is that all of my kids caught fish, but the foreign secretary did not,' Vance told reporters. The fish that were caught by the group were returned to the private lake, according to Britain's PA Media news agency. Those aged 13 or older must have a rod license to freshwater fish in England and Wales, under laws aiming to protect fish stocks and make fisheries sustainable. 'Everyone who goes fishing needs a licence to help improve our rivers, lakes and the sport anglers love,' said an Environment Agency spokesperson, according to PA. 'We understand the relevant licences have been purchased.' By Christian Edwards, CNN
Telegraph
11-08-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Southern England to be hotter than Bali during fourth heatwave of summer
Southern England will be hotter than Bali as Britain braces for its fourth heatwave of the summer. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber alert covering the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England with temperatures set to surpass 30C (86F). The warning comes into force from 9am on Tuesday and will last until 6pm on Wednesday. A yellow warning has also been issued for the North West and North East at the same time. These come on top of the yellow warnings that were already in place across the south West, Yorkshire and the Humber. It comes after the UK has already experienced three heatwaves this summer. Dr Paul Coleman, a consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: 'Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England.' He added: 'These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. 'If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe.' A combination of amber and yellow heat health warnings were issued across England in June and July when temperatures exceeded 30C in several parts of the country. On July 1, the hottest day of the year so far, 34.7C (94.5F) was recorded at St James's Park in central London. Several water companies were forced to issue hosepipe bans for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools as part of efforts to protect supplies in the face of the dry and hot weather. The heatwave threshold is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding a designated value, according to the Met Office. This is 25C for most of the UK, but rises to 28C in London and its surrounding area, where temperatures are typically higher.
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Thunderstorms set to batter Britain: Met Office issues amber alert for 'significant' flooding and up to FOUR inches of rain in London and South East
Southern England will be battered by intense thunderstorms and torrential rain which could cause 'significant' flooding and a danger to life, forecasters warned today. A seven-hour amber thunderstorm warning has been issued for tomorrow from 4am to 11am amid fears up to 4in (100mm) of rain could fall in a few hours - equivalent to more than a month's worth of rain. The alert from the Met Office covers millions of people across major towns and cities including London, Brighton, Portsmouth, Chelmsford, St Albans and Cambridge. It is the first time an amber warning has been issued over London in 18 months since Storm Henk struck England and Wales with very strong winds in January 2024. Forecasters warned of sudden flooding in roads and homes with some more remote communities at risk of being cut off, with delays to trains likely. Power cuts are feared and buildings could be damaged by floods, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds. It comes as the second major hosepipe ban came into force today, with restrictions activated by South East Water for 1.4million people across Kent and Sussex in Ashford, Canterbury, Eastbourne, Maidstone, Haywards Heath and Tunbridge Wells. Yorkshire Water became the first major water firm to bring in a ban last Friday - and Southern Water restrictions will start in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from Monday. Then from Tuesday, Thames Water will bring in a ban for customers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire and some parts of Berkshire - but not London. Meteorologists fear that the heavy rain will not make a major difference to the ground because surfaces are extremely dry and will therefore not absorb much water. The Met Office has now issued six weather warnings for the next few days: Yellow - North East England, thunderstorms, today, from 12pm until 8pm Yellow - South East England, thunderstorms, today, from 9pm until 11.59pm Yellow - Most of England, thunderstorms, tomorrow, from 0am until 9pm Amber - South East England, thunderstorms, tomorrow, from 4am until 11am Yellow - Eastern Scotland, rain, tomorrow, from 4pm until 12pm Sunday Yellow - South West England, rain, Sunday, from 12pm until 3am Monday Conditions will feel very humid today before the storms begin, with temperatures topping 30C (86F) in parts of central and southern England this afternoon. The rain will begin hitting areas of North East England such as Durham and North Yorkshire which could see up to 25mm (1in) of rain in less than an hour. Up to 60mm (2.4in) of rain could accumulate over the North York Moors and East Yorkshire where storms align over similar areas. Then into this evening, a separate area of thunderstorms will push northwards into the South East of England from France. A yellow severe weather warning is in place from 9pm tonight until midnight for the South East. Another warning covering most of England apart from the South West then begins at midnight tonight until 9pm tomorrow. That warning area also covers the Greater Manchester region, where Oasis are playing their next two comeback gigs at Heaton Park tomorrow and on Saturday. There will be an amber warning from 4am tomorrow morning until 11am covering south-eastern parts of England. The Met Office said the warning area 'includes London which is particularly susceptible to surface water issues during thunderstorms due to the high proportion of impermeable surfaces'. Forecasters said that within this area, 20 to 40mm of rain could fall in an hour, with up to 70mm to 100mm accumulating in just a few hours, adding: 'If these higher totals fall over urban areas, there could be notable impacts.' A yellow warning for rain has also been issued for parts of Scotland from 4pm tomorrow until 12pm on Sunday. Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: 'Intense rainfall will impact parts of the UK as thunderstorms move in from France. 'A range of severe weather warnings have been issued, including an Amber warning covering southeast England and London. The intense rainfall could lead to surface water flooding as well as frequent lightning and hail too. 'The situation is evolving, and warnings may be changed or added. This weekend is expected to be busy on the roads as more schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays, so it's important people keep up-to-date with the very latest forecast. 'There will be spells of more pleasant weather in parts of the UK through the weekend, with some sunny spells in between systems as they move through.' On Sunday, widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue, moving northwards throughout the day. But parts of the UK will also experience warm weather and brighter, drier spells today and throughout the weekend, particularly in East and South East England. Alex Burkill, a meteorologist at the Met Office, warned that the high temperatures could become 'quite uncomfortable' in some parts of the country. He said: 'In the south and east, there is further chance of staying dry and some decent sunshine on offer. 'So there's a lot of heat around, high humidity as well, quite uncomfortable for some of us. 'As we go into the weekend, with the heat and the humidity, there's a fairly strong chance that we are going to see some heavy, thundery rain, feeding up from the south. 'That is likely to become pretty widespread across much of the country as we go through Saturday and into Sunday.' Next week is expected to continue to have unsettled weather, with a mixture of showers and thunderstorms and sunshine. Temperatures will be warm depending on the sunshine and conditions may settle by mid-week with showers still in the east. South East Water announced its hosepipe ban on July 11 as the ongoing dry weather and hot temperatures across England have resulted in record-breaking water demand. The firm said the ban means customers in Kent and Sussex will not be able to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens and washing cars, windows and patios, or filling swimming and paddling pools. It will be enforced from today and until further notice, with those who ignore the ban facing fines of up to £1,000. But there was disbelief from some residents, including one who tweeted: 'Since I heard of a hosepipe ban in Kent a few days ago, I have passed no less than three underground pipes that appear to have broken, and water has been coming out, on main roads.' Another tweeted: 'Water leak on Batts Bridge Road, Uckfield. Water leak in London Road, Burgess Hill. And yet we are subject to a hosepipe ban. What a shambles.' In response, South East Water wrote: 'We understand it's frustrating to see leaks when there's a hosepipe ban. We're seeing record demand for drinking water in Kent and Sussex.' Rosie Duffield, the independent MP for Canterbury in Kent, said at the time of South East Water's announcement last week that a hosepipe ban had been 'inevitable' after supply issues had already impacted some areas. She added: 'Alongside many residents, I am angry as to why this was not called earlier to help prevent the unacceptable shortages and disruption suffered by many in our area.' South East Water said in a statement last week: 'Demand for drinking water in Kent and Sussex has reached record levels since May – with the ongoing warm and dry weather, we're all using far more water than usual. 'This situation has left us with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, so we can help our reservoirs and underground water storage recover. 'We also continue to monitor the situation in our Western region, where we serve customers in parts of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.' Customers will only be allowed to use a hosepipe when it is required for unavoidable health or safety reasons, for the welfare of animals – including fish – and if the hosepipe is not connected to mains water supply, according to the water company. All four UK nations saw their warmest spring on record this year, with England experiencing the driest spring since 1893, according to the Met Office. It has also been the driest start to the year since 1976 for England. Rainfall across England was 20 per cent less than the long-term average for June, which was also the hottest on record for the country, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water, the Environment Agency has said. Drought was declared in East and West Midlands on Tuesday, with the region joining swathes of northern England in drought status. The AA has urged drivers to prepare for disruption and take care on the roads. The breakdown service said: 'This amount of rain is well over a month's worth for a normal July. 'As well as heavy rain, impacts from frequent lightning, gusty winds and large hail are also likely. 'These storms could affect some of the popular holiday routes for early departures on this year's summer getaway. 'While localised flash flooding and the sudden appearance of surface water are the usual dangers associated with summer heavy rain, the potential for slippery road surfaces at junctions and roundabouts is a hidden menace.'
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Southern Water handed £1.2bn liquidity boost by 'vampire kangaroo'
Australian investment giant Macquarie has agreed to plough as much as £1.2billion of capital into struggling utility firm Southern Water. The so-called 'vampire kangaroo' will initially inject £655million into the group followed by a minimum £245million by December, which could grow to £545million. Southern Water, which serves 4.7 million people across southern England, said on Tuesday the added equity will help fund planned infrastructure upgrades over the coming five years. Over the 2025 to 2030 regulatory period, the business intends to spend £8.5billion on improving services, including £3.3billion towards environmental projects. Like the rest of the UK water industry, Southern Water has come under considerable criticism for its environmental record. It was fined a record £90million four years ago for deliberately dumping raw sewage into the sea across sites in Kent, Hampshire, and West Sussex between 2010 and 2015. In October last year, water regulator Ofwat ordered the group to refund £31.9million to customers for missing targets on leaks and sewage spills. By 2030, Southern Water aims to reduce its leakage rate from 17 per cent to 13 per cent, halve the overall number of pollution incidents, and cut the amount of water it takes from the environment by 50 million litres per day. Lawrence Gosden, its chief executive, said: 'Every penny of this equity raise will go directly towards delivering the largest growth investment programme in the sector relative to its size. 'Taken together with the reduction in debt, and no forecast dividends for the 2025-30 regulatory period, the new investment will directly support Southern Water's financial resilience and improving performance.' Macquarie - nicknamed the 'Vampire Kangaroo' by critics - has faced significant condemnation for its previous part-ownership of Thames Water. Thames Water's debts more than tripled from £3.4billion in 2006, when Macquarie first acquired the company, to £10.8billion in 2017, when it sold its final stake in the firm. Macquarie has claimed that during the 11-year period, it invested over £11billion in Thames Water's network, the most of any English or Welsh water company on a per-customer basis. As part of the Southern Water deal, Macquarie has agreed to slash debts in the Worthing-based group's holding companies from about £865million to £415million. 'With the help of our investors' capital, Southern Water will have the financial resources to maintain its positive momentum,' said Martin Bradley, senior managing director at Macquarie Asset Management. 'While it's been a difficult time to raise private sector capital for a UK water company, we are aligned with the Government's ambition to reform the sector and are encouraged by the desire to achieve the reset required to effect real long-term change.'
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Solar panels could be set for roof of STEAM Museum
Swindon's STEAM museum is set for a green makeover as solar panels could be installed on the roof. And there may be more solar farms going up around the borough, and wider area as well, councillors have been told Members of Swindon Borough Council's Build a Greener Swindon policy and performance committee heard from the cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Chris Watts, and senior officer Edward Jones on the progress of the authority in cutting its own emissions. Chairman of the committee, Councillor Neil Hopkins, said: 'We and Wiltshire Council encourage residents to join solar together as a way of them cutting their emissions, but there are very few solar panels on the council's buildings. Hopes to end 'stigmatisation' of Penhill with £20m funding New event full of fun Lego-themed activities at Steam CPS pay tribute to manslaughter victim's family after one-punch death 'It took me years to get panels on South Swindon Parish Council buildings, can we do more here?' Mr Jones was unequivocal: 'Yes. We are looking at putting a solar panel on the roof of STEAM Museum, it will make it much more energy efficient and also keep it warmer in the winter - I understand it's very cold in winter. 'And while solar farms are not as popular as they once were because they are not as efficient as people thought they would be, we have a much better understanding of them now.' He added: 'Swindon is a particularly good place for them, being in Southern England but with land costs a lot less than around Bath and Bristol. 'We can make much better use of solar here in Swindon.' The report showed that the council had done well in cutting its emissions and was on target for a 57 per cent cut in its 2018-19 emissions by 2030 and a 78 per cent cut by 2035. But he said there was more to be done: 'Our biggest cut has come from going over to LED streetlights, and we've also benefited from the decarbonisation of the grid in general – there's more solar, more wind, more nuclear and less fossil fuel being used to generate electricity. 'But that hasn't been our conscious choice. We will have to make more conscious choices in the future.' Councillors were told that there is a rolling plan to change the council's vehicles from running on diesel to electricity, which Mr Jones said was 20 times cheaper. Councillor Watts said the fleet of recycling and refuse collection lorries was less than two years old – but the council did have a long-term ambition of acquiring electric lorries when that fleet needs replacing.
