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July 31, 2025 21:30 UTC

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has identified the species as a growing concern, noting that raccoons are already well-established pests in parts of Europe and could quickly adapt to UK environments if introduced. Niall Gallagher, technical manager at the BPCA, said: "Raccoons were imported into Germany from North America during the 1930s and rapidly became established across central Europe. "What we’ve learned from this is that once established, raccoons can thrive in our natural environments." While there is no evidence of a breeding population in the UK, raccoons have been identified by the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) as one of the top 20 species most likely to become invasive over the next decade. Raccoons can live for up to four years in the wild and pose risks to both property and wildlife.

July 31, 2025 16:04 UTC

‌Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite (Image: Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite)Here, you can camp in tents on seven acres of flat ground, where you will hear the soothing soundscape of water tumbling over rocks as you slumber. The river at the foot of the Nantcol waterfall (Image: Wales Online)‌Don't fancy assembling a tent? Rhinog Mountains (Image: Wales Online)‌Serious hikers can climb the Rhinog Mountains, standing at nearly 2000ft, literally a mile from the site. You're also just a short hop from Shell Island, one of Wales' best beaches. This sweep of sandy beach was crowned the regional winner for Wales and ranked among the best in the UK in The Times' annual Best UK Beaches guide.

July 31, 2025 15:35 UTC

It's also our longstanding position that Hamas can play no role in the future governance of Gaza or any Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed it "rewards Hamas's monstrous terrorism". Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country plans to recognise a Palestinian state as part of the two-state solution - that is Israel and Palestine living side-by-side. Carney said his decision was prompted by the "catastrophe" in Gaza, and because he feared the prospect of a Palestinian state was "receding before our eyes". The UK has said it too would recognise a Palestinian state at a UN summit in September unless Israel committed to a ceasefire.

July 31, 2025 14:52 UTC

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July 31, 2025 14:35 UTC





Share this Post: WhatsApp ShareA simple glass of water on your doormat can be a surprisingly effective deterrent—alerting neighbours and signalling intruders that you’re watching. Burglary warning signs you shouldn’t ignoreBefore trying the water-glass trick, stay alert to common clues of a potential break-in. How the water-glass trick worksFill a sturdy glass (or plastic bottle) with water and place it firmly on your doorstep, directly in front of the entrance. Strengthening your home’s weak pointsPair the water-glass trick with a few targeted upgrades:Seal and alarm : Use specialist glue or anti-tamper inserts on locks so any forced attempt triggers an audible alarm. “How to improve your home security.” https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-to-improve-your-home-security-dzj8k6d3lSimilar PostsRate this postShare this Post: WhatsApp Share

July 31, 2025 14:30 UTC

Ofcom prioritized these firms based on their user numbers and potential risk of harm to minors.The investigations mark the first major enforcement action since age verification requirements took effect July 25 under the UK's Online Safety Act. The legislation requires pornography sites to use "highly effective" age assurance methods to prevent children from stumbling across adult material.Ofcom possesses significant enforcement powers, including fines up to £18 million or 10% of a company's worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. In extreme cases, the regulator can seek court orders to block non-compliant sites or require payment providers and advertisers to withdraw services.The investigations add to Ofcom's existing 11 probes into platforms including 4chan, suicide forums, and file-sharing services. Proton, the most popular VPN app, reported an 1,800% increase in downloads as users seek to bypass geographical restrictions.The Age Verification Providers Association reported an additional 5 million daily age checks across UK platforms since Friday, representing a massive increase from previous tick-box verification methods. Major sites like Pornhub have pledged compliance with the stricter requirements.More than 400,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Online Safety Act's repeal, citing privacy concerns and potential overreach, though the government maintains no plans to withdraw the legislation.

July 31, 2025 14:16 UTC

Close Major air traffic control outage grounds flights across the UKSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeA radar systems failure caused the air traffic outage on Wednesday, officials have said, as flight delay chaos could continue for days. The “glitch” left air traffic controllers with a patchy picture of the airspace as software that is supposed to relay information to their screens broke down. Sources said safety restrictions were “immediately” put in place by bosses at the National Air Traffic Service (Nats), which is in charge of UK airspace. Have you been affected by the air traffic control shutdown?

July 31, 2025 13:18 UTC

Most countries in the United Nations — 147 out of 193 — already recognize a Palestinian state, which currently has observer status at the U.N.Then, in the course of just the past week, three more countries — all major U.S. allies — said they would join their ranks. First, France said it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, and in the days that followed, Britain and Canada announced that they, too, were prepared to follow suit. Britain said it would move forward if Israel did not agree to a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza by September, while Canada tied a final decision to political changes by the Palestinian Authority. The announcements reflect the deep frustrations with Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza, analysts say, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and left a population of about two million in a state of extreme privation and hunger.

July 31, 2025 13:05 UTC

Hungarian Grand Prix (Image credit: Formula 1)Hungarian Grand Prix 2025 : Full weekend schedule and start timesWeather prediction for Hungarian Grand PrixWhere to watch and stream the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix 2025Who are the favorites at the Hungarian Grand Prix? The Hungarian Grand Prix is back to the Hungaroring circuit on the outskirts of Budapest. The 306.63 km race consists of 70 laps and is often said to resemble a karting race due to the lack of straights. As the action unfolds, here is the entire schedule, weather update, broadcast list, and more about the Round 14 Formula 1 race.The Hungarian Grand Prix will begin on Friday, August 1. However, there is a 60 percent chance of rain on race day, Sunday, with temperatures expected to be between 17 and 27 degrees Celsius.Formula 1 fans in India can watch the Hungarian Grand Prix live on FanCode, TATA Play, and FanCode Sports.

July 31, 2025 13:03 UTC

The water firm was issued the fine at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty in February to polluting Ingbirchworth Dike near Barnsley, the Environment Agency said. The incident saw Ingbirchworth Water Treatment Works illegally discharge chlorinated water into the watercourse, which connects Ingbirchworth and Scout Dike reservoirs, for nearly a month in 2017, the agency said. Jacqui Tootill, water industry regulation manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said: “This pollution was not caused by an unforeseen event or extreme weather. “We’re pleased Yorkshire Water has now been dealt with by the courts following our investigation.”Yorkshire Water was fined £865,000, and ordered to pay costs of £34,979.79 and a victim surcharge of £170. They added: “We’ve also invested in improved monitoring and equipment at Ingbirchworth water treatment works.

July 31, 2025 12:39 UTC

David McCann appointed editor of Times and Sunday Times in ScotlandMagnus Llewellin has left the newsbrand after nine years as editor.

July 31, 2025 11:44 UTC

Act now to keep your subscriptionWe've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.

July 31, 2025 11:44 UTC

As The Times has reported, there’s evidence that Dundee United claimed R&D tax relief for a quarter of its players’ wages. The Times‘ article was based on an R&D tax relief claim document we obtained – we’re publishing it in full below. And we have previously reported that the total cost of invalid and fraudulent R&D tax credit claims could be £10bn. The modern small business R&D tax relief was created in 2000, with the laudable aim of incentivising R&D investment. It’s signed by a director of Dundee United and a director of ZLX:Does the Dundee United document describe valid R&D tax relief claims?

July 31, 2025 11:40 UTC

Gates for the campsite open at 09:00 BST and will remain open until 21:00 for those with Thursday entry tickets alongside their full weekend tickets. On Friday, gates are open from 08:00 to 21:00, and between 10:00 and 21:00 on Saturday and Sunday. The arena opens from 16:00 on Thursday with music beginning at 17:00 and 10:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Teen ticket holders - aged 11-15 - are not allowed in the arena unaccompanied after 22:00. Adult ticket holders aged 16-17 must have ID to allow them to enter the festival without an adult.

July 31, 2025 11:40 UTC