THE coronavirus lockdown will ease next week for most of Britain's population, Boris Johnson announced on Thursday (29), as a row persisted over the prime minister's closest adviser taking a long-distance journey during lockdown.
In England, up to six people will be able to meet outside and schools will gradually reopen from Monday, Johnson said at a news conference where he was again challenged over his aide Dominic Cummings' decision to drive 400 km (250 miles) during lockdown.
"These changes mean that friends and family can start to meet their loved ones, perhaps seeing both parents at once or grandparents at once," he said, adding that outdoor retailers and car showrooms would also be able to open from Monday.
"You could have meetings of families in a garden, you could even have a barbecue provided you did it in a socially distanced way, provided everybody washes their hands, provided everybody exercises common sense."
Johnson stressed that the changes were "small tentative steps forward", and health experts warned the situation remained finely balanced with new cases declining, but not very quickly.
The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for their own public health policy.
Johnson's announcement came hours after more lawmakers from his Conservative Party called for Cummings to quit.
The prime minister also faces criticism for his handling of a pandemic that has left Britain with the world's second-highest death toll.
Cummings travelled from London to the northern English city of Durham in March with his four-year-old son and his wife, who was sick at the time, to be close to relatives.
A YouGov opinion poll showed a majority of Britons think Cummings should resign for - in their view - breaking the lockdown rules, but Johnson has said he acted with integrity.
At the news conference, Johnson blocked questions from journalists put to his top medical and scientific officials about Cummings' behaviour.
Johnson said he wanted to "protect them from ... an unfair and unnecessary attempt to ask a political question".
The two officials, England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty and Britain's chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance, also said they did not want to be drawn into politics.
The dispute over Cummings has prompted some to lose faith in the government's strategy, with many people unable to understand how a senior official had not broken the rules by driving across the country when the government repeatedly told people to "stay home" and "save lives".
TEST AND TRACE
The move to ease lockdown measures came as England launched a new testing and contact tracing system on Thursday for Covid-19 patients, seen as crucial to helping ease lockdown measures.
Contacts of those who test positive for Covid-19 will be asked to isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms.
The tracing service, which will have a task-force of 40,000 specialists to test those with symptoms and identify their contacts, will initially rely on what the government described as people doing their "civic duty", but sanctions could be introduced if people did not comply.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have similar programmes just about to launch or already running.
Britain abandoned a strategy of testing and tracing in March when the virus started spreading exponentially and there was insufficient capacity to test more than a fraction of those with symptoms.
Official data show that more than 48,000 Britons have died from confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old woman from Atlanta who was declared brain-dead in February, gave birth to a premature baby boy on 13 June while being kept on life support. Smith’s family confirmed that life support will be withdrawn on Tuesday, 17 June.
The child, named Chance, was delivered via emergency caesarean section and weighed around 1 pound 13 ounces at birth. He remains in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with doctors expecting a stable recovery.
“He’s just fighting,” said Smith’s mother, April Newkirk, speaking to local outlet 11Alive. “We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying for him. He’s here now.”
Kept alive due to legal uncertainty
Smith was declared brain-dead on 19 February 2025, after suffering blood clots in her brain. At the time, she was eight weeks pregnant. Her family says that despite her condition, she was kept medically alive due to the interpretation of Georgia’s abortion law, known as the LIFE Act, passed in 2019.
The LIFE Act bans most abortions once a foetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks, and includes limited exceptions such as cases involving medical emergencies. However, the law does not provide explicit guidance in cases involving brain death, which left Smith’s doctors uncertain about legal responsibilities.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has previously stated that the law does not explicitly require hospitals to keep brain-dead pregnant women on life support, describing the legal situation as unclear. Nonetheless, the hospital involved reportedly continued life support out of caution, treating the foetus as a separate patient.
Mixed reactions from advocacy groups
The case of Adriana Smith has reignited debate in the United States over the implications of abortion laws. Anti-abortion advocates supported the hospital’s decision to maintain life support, citing the foetus’s right to life. On the other hand, reproductive rights groups have voiced concern that such legislation can remove critical medical decision-making from families.
Newkirk told 11Alive that although the family may not have chosen to end the pregnancy, they were denied the option to make that choice themselves. “I think all women should have a choice about their body,” she said. “And I think I want people to know that.”
Grieving the loss while welcoming new life
While the birth of Chance brought a glimmer of hope to the family, it has been accompanied by immense grief. Smith’s eldest child, a seven-year-old son, has been told that his mother is “asleep.”
Newkirk said the family had met with doctors to prepare for removing life support, scheduled for 2 p.m. on 17 June. “It’s kind of hard, you know,” she told 11Alive. “It’s hard to process.”
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Smith’s family has received donations from over 3,800 people, raising more than $145,400 of its $275,000 target.
“I shouldn’t be burying my daughter,” said Newkirk. “My daughter should be burying me.”
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North-west England had already been classified as being in drought in late May
The UK is facing increasingly unpredictable weather, with June 2025 bringing record-breaking heat, dry conditions and growing fears of water shortages. Experts say the shift is consistent with long-term climate change trends and that urgent adaptation is needed.
1.Yorkshire and North-West England are officially in drought
Parts of England are already under significant strain due to lack of rainfall. Yorkshire officially entered drought on 12 June 2025, following what the Met Office described as the driest spring in the region for 132 years. Reservoir levels in the area dropped to around 62 per cent, well below the seasonal average of 85 per cent.
Reservoir levels in the area dropped to around 62 per centGetty Images
North-west England had already been classified as being in drought in late May, after experiencing the driest February to April period since 1893. United Utilities reported that key reservoirs such as Haweswater and Thirlmere in Cumbria were only around 47 per cent full, down from 95 per cent the previous year.
According to the Environment Agency, overall reservoir stocks across England and Wales stood between 77 and 84 per cent at the end of May, prompting water suppliers to urge households to cut back on usage. Hosepipe bans have not yet been enforced but are being considered if conditions worsen.
2. Heatwave alerts are in place as temperatures approach 33°C
The UK’s weather is also heating up, with the Met Office forecasting that temperatures could exceed 30°C in parts of England by the weekend of 21–23 June. A yellow-level heat health alert has been issued for seven regions, including London, the East Midlands and the South East, lasting from 19 to 22 June.
A yellow-level heat health alert has been issued for seven regionsGetty Images
Temperatures are expected to peak at 32–33°C in southern England. Authorities have warned that such heat poses serious risks to older adults and vulnerable groups, especially during periods of high humidity and poor overnight cooling.
Public Health England has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, and keep their homes as cool as possible.
3. Wildfire risk is rising in rural and forested areas
Emergency services in southern and central England have issued warnings about increased wildfire risks due to the expected heatwave and continued dry ground conditions. Firefighters in areas such as Dorset and the West Midlands are on high alert following several small grass and heathland fires in recent weeks.
Firefighters in areas such as Dorset and the West Midlands are on high alertGetty Images
The combination of prolonged dry weather and hot temperatures creates ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly, particularly in rural or forested areas.
4. Intense rainstorms are causing flash floods
Spring 2025 was the warmest and sunniest on record for the UK, with the country receiving just 56 per cent of its average rainfall. In England, rainfall was even lower, around 44 per cent of the seasonal norm.
Experts have noted a shift in the pattern of rainfall, with longer dry spells followed by intense, short bursts of rain. While this might sound like balance, it increases the risk of flash flooding and water run-off, as parched ground struggles to absorb sudden downpours.
It increases the risk of flash flooding and water run-offGetty Images
Earlier this year, parts of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire experienced brief but severe flooding after heavy rain overwhelmed local drainage systems.
5. Milder winters are becoming the norm
While the focus in 2025 has been on summer extremes, milder winters have also become a consistent trend. According to the Met Office, UK winters have seen a decrease in frost days and snowfall over the past decade, accompanied by increased rainfall. This shift is affecting seasonal activities, agriculture and even wildlife, which depend on temperature cues to regulate behaviour.
UK winters have seen a decrease in frost days and snowfall over the past decadeGetty Images
Though no specific winter data for 2024–25 has been highlighted, previous patterns suggest that traditional winters are becoming increasingly rare.
6. Long-term infrastructure investment is under way
The National Drought Group, which met on 5 June 2025, highlighted that only 57 per cent of the average rainfall fell across England in May. The group has called for increased preparedness, warning that both water supply and infrastructure are at risk from extreme weather events.
The UK government and water companies are planning major investments in resilience, including a £104 billion strategy over the next five years aimed at improving water supply networks and flood defences.
The Met Office has reiterated that these changes are consistent with global climate change projections. Without mitigation and adaptation, such weather extremes could become more frequent and severe.
7. What individuals can do
Water companies and environmental agencies are urging the public to take steps to conserve water. This includes fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, avoiding car washing, and switching to drought-tolerant plants in gardens.
Households are also being encouraged to prepare for heatwaves by checking on elderly relatives and neighbours, staying informed through official alerts, and planning for possible restrictions.
The UK’s weather is no longer following the patterns people once expected. Whether through rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, or more extreme weather events, the country is seeing the tangible effects of climate change. Adaptation, at both the personal and policy level, will be key to facing this new climate reality.
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The collapse of Great Little Escapes is the latest in a series of closures among UK-based travel firms
Hundreds of British holidaymakers are facing potential disruption to their summer travel plans following the collapse of travel company Great Little Escapes. The firm is no longer licensed to operate under the UK’s financial protection scheme for package holidays, the Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (Atol).
Atol protection withdrawn
As of 13 June 2025, Great Little Escapes ceased trading as an Atol holder, according to a notice issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This means the company is no longer authorised to sell Atol-protected holiday packages, leaving current and future bookings in doubt.
The CAA said it is currently collecting information from the company and will provide further updates in due course. A statement on the regulator’s website advises customers not to submit claims until the data collection process is complete.
Company background and operations
Great Little Escapes, based in Sandhurst, Berkshire, has been operational since September 2002, according to Companies House records. The firm offered international travel packages and promoted “holidays to the most iconic cities in the world” through its official channels.
The company also operated under several brand names, including Your Holidays, Tunisia First, and Great Little Escapes. Associated websites included:
themaldives.co.uk
yourholidays.co.uk
thecaribbean.com
greatlittleescapes.co.uk
These brands and websites were all listed by the CAA in its update on the firm’s trading status.
Refunds and next steps
The Atol scheme is designed to protect UK travellers who purchase package holidays. If a travel provider with Atol protection ceases trading, customers are typically entitled to refunds for unfulfilled bookings or assistance to complete their trips if they are already abroad.
However, as the CAA is still gathering information, customers are advised not to initiate refund claims immediately. Further instructions will be issued once the authority has reviewed the company’s situation.
Broader industry troubles
The collapse of Great Little Escapes is the latest in a series of closures among UK-based travel firms. In April, Balkan Holidays UK also ceased operations after nearly six decades in business. The company had provided holiday packages to destinations such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Malta and northern Cyprus, along with winter ski trips.
Earlier in March, Jetline Holidays lost its Atol protection and shut down, leading to significant uncertainty for customers who had booked cruise packages through the company. Cruise lines including Princess, Cunard, and Holland America reported contract breaches that led to widespread cancellations.
Travellers urged to check Atol status
In light of the recent closures, UK travellers are being encouraged to verify that their holiday bookings are made through Atol-protected providers. The CAA offers an online tool for checking whether a travel company holds a valid Atol licence.
For those affected by the Great Little Escapes collapse, updates and guidance will be published on theCAA’s official website.
Gwyneth Paltrow has shared a new breakfast recipe in her latest cooking video — and stirred attention by going topless while preparing the meal.
The Oscar-winning actress, 52, posted the video on her Instagram on Saturday, 14 June, where she demonstrated how to make what she calls a “boyfriend breakfast”. The dish included sausage from a local butcher, white beans, spinach, cherry tomatoes and eggs.
The video begins with Paltrow waking up in white linen pyjamas and sipping coffee. It then cuts to her at the stove, topless, cooking the protein-rich skillet. The video is set to Prince’s 1987 track Starfish and Coffee, adding to its light-hearted and intimate tone.
Recipe with a Tuscan twist
In the caption, Paltrow described the dish as a “Tuscan inspired high protein #boyfriendbreakfast skillet” and listed the ingredients, all of which were locally sourced. She used a large pot to cook the meal in her spacious kitchen before enjoying the breakfast solo in her garden, overlooking a scenic mountain view.
Fans and friends responded positively to the post, with many commenting on both the recipe and her appearance. Actress Jennifer Garner joked, “Can I be your boyfriend?”, while lifestyle influencer Yasmin Sewell wrote, “Yum! Food looks good too ❤️.” Another fan simply commented, “You are a vibe.”
Summer in Italy
The cooking video comes shortly after Paltrow returned from a summer trip to Italy. She was recently photographed yachting along the Capri coast, wearing a minimalist black scoop-neck swimsuit, oversized Wayfarer sunglasses, and gold jewellery.
Later, she changed into a black maxi dress, paired with gold hoop earrings, a simple necklace, and a Gucci raffia-effect tote bag. Paltrow was accompanied by her husband, television producer Brad Falchuk, and friend and fellow actor Edward Norton. Norton, 55, kept it casual in a short-sleeved white shirt and navy blue trousers during an evening outing.
Second 'boyfriend breakfast' post
This marks the second time Paltrow has shared a recipe under the “boyfriend breakfast” theme. On 24 May, she posted another Instagram video where she cooked grain-free almond and coconut pancakes with a strawberry compote.
In that earlier clip, she wore pyjamas and danced around to Strawberry Swing by Coldplay — the band fronted by her ex-husband Chris Martin, with whom she shares two children. That post also promoted one of her favourite Goop cookware items, which was on sale at the time.
Paltrow’s signature style
Paltrow, who is known for her wellness brand Goop, continues to blend lifestyle content with personal flair, often combining cooking demonstrations with fashion and travel glimpses. Her “boyfriend breakfast” series has gained attention for its casual charm and luxury aesthetic.
The latest video adds to her signature mix of health-conscious recipes, scenic backdrops, and an effortlessly stylish approach to home living.
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The Matinee stage at Manchester’s Heaton Park was closed on Sunday evening
Crowd control concerns led to the early closure of one of the main stages at the Parklife festival on its final day, prompting the cancellation of two anticipated DJ performances. The Matinee stage at Manchester’s Heaton Park was closed on Sunday evening, 15 June, after organisers acted on safety advice from their event team.
Attendees were instructed to leave the area as the show was paused. Later in the evening, festival organisers confirmed that the stage would remain shut for the rest of the night.
Josh Baker and Chris Stussy unable to perform
Local DJ Josh Baker and Danish artist Chris Stussy were both scheduled to perform at the Matinee stage. Baker, who was due to play from 6.30pm to 8pm, shared a message on Instagram, saying: “Unfortunately, I will not be performing at Parklife due to reasons outside of my control. I deeply apologise. I can't really put into words what today was going to mean for me.”
Chris Stussy had been due to headline the stage with a three-hour set from 8pm to 11pm. He also addressed the cancellation on Instagram, saying he was “really gutted” and emphasised that “safety comes first,” noting the stage was shut due to overcrowding.
Festival issues official statement
An in-app message from the Parklife festival initially alerted attendees that the Matinee stage show had been paused, with further updates to follow. A full statement later explained the rationale behind the decision.
Festival organisers confirmed that the stage would remain shut for the rest of the night.Manchester News
“As a result of crowd movement at the Matinee Stage and on the advice of our safety team to remove the risk of any potential incidents, Parklife made the decision to close the stage for the remainder of the final day of the festival,” said a spokesperson.
Safety prioritised over rescheduling
Organisers added that it was not feasible to move the affected performances to another venue within the festival grounds. “Unfortunately it has been impossible to relocate Josh Baker’s and Chris Stussy’s performances to a new stage,” the statement said. “The safety of our festival attendees is always our utmost priority.”
Despite the disruption at the Matinee stage, the rest of the Parklife festival continued as scheduled, and no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.