{"id":93093,"date":"2026-07-29T16:02:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T16:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/93093\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T16:02:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T16:02:23","slug":"how-teenagers-hired-as-killers-by-iranian-linked-gang-pose-a-threat-on-uk-streets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/93093\/","title":{"rendered":"How teenagers hired as killers by Iranian-linked gang pose a threat on UK streets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Days after his 18th birthday, Johannes Natland travelled alone from his home country, Norway, to the UK. The purpose of his visit was not, as he told the Border Force officers who interviewed him at Manchester Airport, to visit friends he had met through online gaming.<\/p>\n<p>It was to carry out an assassination on the streets of Britain on behalf of the Foxtrot network. This powerful Swedish crime group acts as a proxy for the <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/topic\/iran?ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Iranian state<\/a> and has become a growing concern for the UK Government.<\/p>\n<p>Natland is just one of <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/how-british-children-weapons-hostile-states-4489257?ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">several teenagers<\/a> the group has hired to commit murder and violent attacks on its targets, mainly in Sweden and Norway.<\/p>\n<p>Following a pattern seen in other Foxtrot cases, Natland was recruited by a boy he had met in a children\u2019s care home, and made an easy target owing to his mental health issues and addiction to drugs from the age of 13.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tShorts\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to previous short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to next short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">football<\/p>\n<p>Leeds, Forest and Everton enter race for Chelsea\u2019s \u00a340m Liam Delap<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306762941.jpg\" alt=\"SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Liam Delap of Chelsea FC looks on during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium on July 28, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ayush Kumar\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4675109\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA \u2013 JULY 28: Liam Delap of Chelsea FC looks on during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium on July 28, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ayush Kumar\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Eurasia Sport Images<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images AsiaPac<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Eurasia Sport Images<\/p>\n<p>Chelsea\u2019s Liam Delap is seeing interest from three Premier League teams as Chelsea look to offload a number of unwanted stars.<\/p>\n<p>Questions have been raised over their ability to keep splashing the cash in a world of tighter financial regulations.<\/p>\n<p>However, the club continue to generate significant income through player sales, bringing in \u00a3300m through departures last season and \u00a3120m already this summer.<\/p>\n<p>\nThe clubs after Delap\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"155\" width=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306762938.jpg\" alt=\"NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Oliver Glasner, head coach of Nottingham Forest, looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Notts County and Nottingham Forest at Meadow Lane on July 18, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4675108\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 18: Oliver Glasner, head coach of Nottingham Forest, looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Notts County and Nottingham Forest at Meadow Lane on July 18, 2026 in Nottingham, England.  (Photo by James Gill \u2013 Danehouse\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: James Gill \u2013 Danehouse<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 James Gill \u2013 Danehouse<\/p>\n<p>Nottingham Forest<\/p>\n<p>Manager Oliver Glasner is understood to be a big fan of the 23-year-old, who would provide support for Chris Wood.<\/p>\n<p>Everton<\/p>\n<p>The Toffees are in desperate need of firepower with sources saying Delap is an ideal focal point.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"155\" width=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306762943.jpg\" alt=\"BOLTON, ENGLAND - JULY 25: David Moyes, Manager of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Bolton Wanderers and Everton at Toughsheet Community Stadium on July 25, 2026 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4675110\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: BOLTON, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 25: David Moyes, Manager of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Bolton Wanderers and Everton at Toughsheet Community Stadium on July 25, 2026 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Alex Livesey<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"155\" width=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306762946.jpg\" alt=\"Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United, speaks to the press during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at the London Stadium in Stratford, United Kingdom, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by MI News\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4675111\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United, speaks to the press during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at the London Stadium in Stratford, United Kingdom, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by MI News\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: NurPhoto<br \/>Provider: NurPhoto via Getty Images<br \/>Source: NurPhoto<br \/>Copyright: MI News\/NurPhoto<\/p>\n<p>Leeds United<\/p>\n<p>The club are seeking competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, however, funds are tight after signing James Trafford from Manchester City.<\/p>\n<p>Limited opportunities for Delap at Chelsea<\/p>\n<p>Delap only managed one goal in an injury-hit debut campaign for The Blues last season.<\/p>\n<p>With Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha also set to be integrated into the squad, Delap is unlikely to get the chance to challenge Joao Pedro for the central striking role.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306764029.jpg\" alt=\"Joao Pedro of Chelsea FC during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, United Kingdom, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Scott Llewellyn\/MI News\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4675149\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: Joao Pedro of Chelsea FC during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, United Kingdom, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Scott Llewellyn\/MI News\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: NurPhoto<br \/>Provider: NurPhoto via Getty Images<br \/>Source: NurPhoto<br \/>Copyright: MI News\/NurPhoto<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/sport\/football\/man-utd-joshua-zirkzee-six-transfer-targets-4673937?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306688304.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Explained<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>The Beatles\u2019 unheard recordings from Rubber Soul to be released<\/p>\n<p>Previously unreleased session recordings and home demos will be included as part of a special edition of The Beatles\u2019 album Rubber Soul.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306767516.jpg\" alt=\"The Beatles posing together. From left to right: musicians George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, circa 1965.\" class=\"wp-image-4675525\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: The Beatles posing together. From left to right: musicians George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, circa 1965.<br \/>Photographer: Bettmann<br \/>Provider: Bettmann Archive<br \/>Source: Bettmann<\/p>\n<p>When will it be released?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306767622.jpg\" alt=\"The Beatles performing on stage, circa 1963. Left to right: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison (1943 - 2001) and John Lennon (1940 - 1980). (Photo by King Collection\/Avalon\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4675528\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: The Beatles performing on stage, circa 1963. Left to right: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison (1943 \u2013 2001) and John Lennon (1940 \u2013 1980).   (Photo by King Collection\/Avalon\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Avalon<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Hulton Archive<\/p>\n<p>The new edition, mixed by producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell, will be released in October.<\/p>\n<p>The band\u2019s media agency said it \u201cpresents the album in stunning new stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes, alongside the original mono mix, the original Capitol US Album version, and expanded with previously unreleased session recordings and home demos\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>What can fans expect to get?<\/p>\n<p>Included is the contemporary double A-side single, Day Tripper\/We Can Work It Out.<\/p>\n<p>The reissue brings together all 14 new stereo mixes, sourced directly from the original four-track master tapes.<\/p>\n<p>Across the Super Deluxe collections, fans can hear 24 early session recordings, including 20 previously unreleased takes and three previously unreleased demos, including Little Girl, a John Lennon song that was never released.<\/p>\n<p>The collections also feature the original mono album, the original Capitol US album version  and the 1965 double A-side single.<\/p>\n<p>A classic album<\/p>\n<p>The original was released in December 1965 and features songs including Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown), Nowhere Man, Michelle, Girl and In My Life. It was recorded over four weeks following the band\u2019s record-breaking concert to more than 55,000 fans at Shea Stadium in New York.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306771091.jpg\" alt=\"CIRCA 1964: Rock and roll band \" the=\"\" beatles=\"\" pose=\"\" for=\"\" a=\"\" portrait=\"\" wearing=\"\" suits=\"\" in=\"\" circa=\"\" ringo=\"\" starr=\"\" john=\"\" lennon=\"\" paul=\"\" mccartney=\"\" george=\"\" harrison.=\"\" by=\"\" michael=\"\" ochs=\"\" archives=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4675556\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: CIRCA 1964: Rock and roll band \u201cThe Beatles\u201d pose for a portrait wearing suits in circa 1964. (L-R) Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Michael Ochs Archives<br \/>Source: Michael Ochs Archives<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/culture\/music\/kodaline-splitting-up-two-wanted-leave-meant-over-4664361?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306239052.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Interview<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">5 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">news<\/p>\n<p>Britain\u2019s \u2018loneliest dog\u2019 finds his forever home<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306773407.jpg\" alt=\"BRITAIN?S ?LONELIEST? DOG FINDS FOREVER HOME AFTER 550 DAYS AT RESCUE 5-year-old Greyhound, Danny, has finally found his forever home after spending over 550 days in Battersea?s care - making him one of the longest stays at the rescue. Danny was at Battersea?s Old Windsor centre fifteen times longer than most dogs, with the average length of stay being 38 days. Danny celebrated multiple milestones at the rescue, with Battersea staff doing everything in their power to make him feel special - from throwing him birthday parties to even hosting a Valentine?s Day themed photoshoot with Danny - while he patiently waited for his perfect match. Sadly, misconceptions around Greyhounds? energy levels and exercise requirements often deter many owners from giving these gentle souls a chance. As an ex-racing Greyhound, Danny found aspects of the outside world quite frightening at first. To help him get used to living in a home environment, he spent some time in a foster home, where he discovered a love of garden zoomies, quiet nature?reserve walks and even the occasional paddle in a stream. His confidence started growing and he slowly learned that the world wasn?t quite as scary as he once thought. After over 16 months in Battersea?s care, Danny finally found his forever home and now spends his time exploring his new garden, taking naps around the house and keeping a watchful eye over the comings and goings of his new family.\" class=\"wp-image-4675748\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: BRITAIN?S ?LONELIEST? DOG FINDS FOREVER HOME AFTER 550 DAYS AT RESCUE<br \/>5-year-old Greyhound, Danny, has finally found his forever home after spending over 550 days in Battersea?s care \u2013 making him one of the longest stays at the rescue. <br \/>Danny was at Battersea?s Old Windsor centre fifteen times longer than most dogs, with the average length of stay being 38 days.  Danny celebrated multiple milestones at the rescue, with Battersea staff doing everything in their power to make him feel special \u2013 from throwing him birthday parties to even hosting a Valentine?s Day themed photoshoot with Danny \u2013 while he patiently waited for his perfect match. Sadly, misconceptions around Greyhounds? energy levels and exercise requirements often deter many owners from giving these gentle souls a chance.<br \/>As an ex-racing Greyhound, Danny found aspects of the outside world quite frightening at first. To help him get used to living in a home environment, he spent some time in a foster home, where he discovered a love of garden zoomies, quiet nature?reserve walks and even the occasional paddle in a stream. His confidence started growing and he slowly learned that the world wasn?t quite as scary as he once thought.  After over 16 months in Battersea?s care, Danny finally found his forever home and now spends his time exploring his new garden, taking naps around the house and keeping a watchful eye over the comings and goings of his new family. <\/p>\n<p>Copyright: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home<\/p>\n<p>Danny the Greyhound was labelled \u201cBritain\u2019s loneliest\u201d dog after he spent more than 550 days at a rescue centre \u2013  15 times longer than most dogs at the Battersea Old Windsor centre in Berkshire.<\/p>\n<p>He found aspects of the outside world frightening when he first arrived, so spent time in a foster home to become accustomed to everyday life.<\/p>\n<p>A new owner<\/p>\n<p>After 16 months, the ex-racing greyhound found a new home with Year 6 teacher Sandra.<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cIt was heartbreaking, I could not stop thinking why this beautiful dog had not found a home. I felt an instant connection with him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/the-worrying-japanese-phenomenon-of-hikikomori-is-emerging-among-our-teens-4665774?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306476113-e1785069237857.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Analysis<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">2 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/education\/areas-left-behind-burnhams-education-reforms-4674326?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306767706.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Explained<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>Capturing hearts<\/p>\n<p>From the moment we met him, there was something incredibly special about him and we just knew that we would be his forever family\u2026 It felt really natural. My husband initially was very reluctant to have a dog but I knew once he saw him there would be no going back.<\/p>\n<p>Sandra \u2013 danny\u2019s owner<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306773412.jpg\" alt=\"BRITAIN?S ?LONELIEST? DOG FINDS FOREVER HOME AFTER 550 DAYS AT RESCUE 5-year-old Greyhound, Danny, has finally found his forever home after spending over 550 days in Battersea?s care - making him one of the longest stays at the rescue. Danny was at Battersea?s Old Windsor centre fifteen times longer than most dogs, with the average length of stay being 38 days. Danny celebrated multiple milestones at the rescue, with Battersea staff doing everything in their power to make him feel special - from throwing him birthday parties to even hosting a Valentine?s Day themed photoshoot with Danny - while he patiently waited for his perfect match. Sadly, misconceptions around Greyhounds? energy levels and exercise requirements often deter many owners from giving these gentle souls a chance. As an ex-racing Greyhound, Danny found aspects of the outside world quite frightening at first. To help him get used to living in a home environment, he spent some time in a foster home, where he discovered a love of garden zoomies, quiet nature?reserve walks and even the occasional paddle in a stream. His confidence started growing and he slowly learned that the world wasn?t quite as scary as he once thought. After over 16 months in Battersea?s care, Danny finally found his forever home and now spends his time exploring his new garden, taking naps around the house and keeping a watchful eye over the comings and goings of his new family.\" class=\"wp-image-4675743\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: BRITAIN?S ?LONELIEST? DOG FINDS FOREVER HOME AFTER 550 DAYS AT RESCUE<br \/>5-year-old Greyhound, Danny, has finally found his forever home after spending over 550 days in Battersea?s care \u2013 making him one of the longest stays at the rescue. <br \/>Danny was at Battersea?s Old Windsor centre fifteen times longer than most dogs, with the average length of stay being 38 days.  Danny celebrated multiple milestones at the rescue, with Battersea staff doing everything in their power to make him feel special \u2013 from throwing him birthday parties to even hosting a Valentine?s Day themed photoshoot with Danny \u2013 while he patiently waited for his perfect match. Sadly, misconceptions around Greyhounds? energy levels and exercise requirements often deter many owners from giving these gentle souls a chance.<br \/>As an ex-racing Greyhound, Danny found aspects of the outside world quite frightening at first. To help him get used to living in a home environment, he spent some time in a foster home, where he discovered a love of garden zoomies, quiet nature?reserve walks and even the occasional paddle in a stream. His confidence started growing and he slowly learned that the world wasn?t quite as scary as he once thought.  After over 16 months in Battersea?s care, Danny finally found his forever home and now spends his time exploring his new garden, taking naps around the house and keeping a watchful eye over the comings and goings of his new family. <\/p>\n<p>Copyright: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home<\/p>\n<p>How has he settled so far?<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306773400.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Danny has now been at his new home for two months and Sandra has said that he settled in far more quickly than expected.<\/p>\n<p>He now spends his time exploring his new garden and taking naps around the house.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/money\/sky-high-pet-insurance-tip-4645759?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_301530875_397c39.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">MONEY<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">weather<\/p>\n<p>More than half of England officially in drought, Environment Agency says<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306392857.jpg\" alt=\"WOLDINGHAM, UNTIED KINGDOM - JULY 25: Golfers on the green at Woldingham Golf Club on July 25, 2026 in Woldingham, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \" prolonged=\"\" dry=\"\" weather=\"\" including=\"\" three=\"\" heatwaves=\"\" to=\"\" hit=\"\" the=\"\" region=\"\" this=\"\" season.=\"\" water=\"\" companies=\"\" report=\"\" seeing=\"\" a=\"\" increase=\"\" in=\"\" demand=\"\" for=\"\" on=\"\" hottest=\"\" days=\"\" of=\"\" year=\"\" so=\"\" far=\"\" with=\"\" more=\"\" than=\"\" million=\"\" households=\"\" facing=\"\" hosepipe=\"\" bans=\"\" parts=\"\" england=\"\" and=\"\" wales.=\"\" by=\"\" dan=\"\" kitwood=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4675840\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: WOLDINGHAM, UNTIED KINGDOM \u2013 JULY 25: Golfers on the green at Woldingham Golf Club on July 25, 2026 in Woldingham, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \u201cprolonged dry weather,\u201d including three heatwaves to hit the region this season. Water companies report seeing a 30% increase in demand for water on the hottest days of the year so far, with more than 20 million households facing hosepipe bans in parts of England and Wales.  (Photo by Dan Kitwood\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Dan Kitwood<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Swathes of England are suffering from a \u201cflash drought\u201d as a result of very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said. <\/p>\n<p>The government agency said seven areas of central, eastern and southern England \u2013 around half of the country \u2013 have been declared as officially in drought.<\/p>\n<p>The areas affected<\/p>\n<p>The areas are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex \u2013 covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306141634.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 23: A man practises his ball control on the drought-damaged grass of Hackney Marshes on July 23, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \" prolonged=\"\" dry=\"\" weather=\"\" including=\"\" three=\"\" heatwaves=\"\" to=\"\" hit=\"\" the=\"\" region=\"\" this=\"\" season.=\"\" water=\"\" companies=\"\" report=\"\" seeing=\"\" a=\"\" increase=\"\" in=\"\" demand=\"\" for=\"\" on=\"\" hottest=\"\" days=\"\" of=\"\" year=\"\" so=\"\" far=\"\" with=\"\" more=\"\" than=\"\" million=\"\" households=\"\" facing=\"\" hosepipe=\"\" bans=\"\" parts=\"\" england=\"\" and=\"\" wales.=\"\" by=\"\" leon=\"\" neal=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4675836\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM \u2013 JULY 23: A man practises his ball control on the drought-damaged grass of Hackney Marshes on July 23, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \u201cprolonged dry weather,\u201d including three heatwaves to hit the region this season. Water companies report seeing a 30% increase in demand for water on the hottest days of the year so far, with more than 20 million households facing hosepipe bans in parts of England and Wales. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Leon Neal<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/el-nino-change-uk-month-year-longer-4646590?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305412366.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>\nA closer look at the detail\n<\/p>\n<p>July is set to be the driest month on record, with England having just 7 per cent of expected rainfall, and southern England seeing just 1 per cent.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"512\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306349989.jpg\" alt=\"BRAY, UNTIED KINGDOM - JULY 25: In this aerial view the Maidenhead &amp; Bray CC 1st XI take on the Boyne Hill CC 1st XI on a bone dry field at the Maidenhead &amp; Bray County Cricket club on July 25, 2026 in Bray, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \" prolonged=\"\" dry=\"\" weather=\"\" including=\"\" three=\"\" heatwaves=\"\" to=\"\" hit=\"\" the=\"\" region=\"\" this=\"\" season.=\"\" water=\"\" companies=\"\" report=\"\" seeing=\"\" a=\"\" increase=\"\" in=\"\" demand=\"\" for=\"\" on=\"\" hottest=\"\" days=\"\" of=\"\" year=\"\" so=\"\" far=\"\" with=\"\" more=\"\" than=\"\" million=\"\" households=\"\" facing=\"\" hosepipe=\"\" bans=\"\" parts=\"\" england=\"\" and=\"\" wales.=\"\" by=\"\" dan=\"\" kitwood=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4675857\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>Caption: BRAY, UNTIED KINGDOM \u2013 JULY 25: In this aerial view the Maidenhead &amp; Bray CC 1st XI take on the Boyne Hill CC 1st XI on a bone dry field at the Maidenhead &amp; Bray County Cricket club on July 25, 2026 in Bray, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \u201cprolonged dry weather,\u201d including three heatwaves to hit the region this season. Water companies report seeing a 30% increase in demand for water on the hottest days of the year so far, with more than 20 million households facing hosepipe bans in parts of England and Wales.  (Photo by Dan Kitwood\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Dan Kitwood<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"711\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306141619.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 23: A man practises his ball control on the drought-damaged grass of Hackney Marshes on July 23, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \" prolonged=\"\" dry=\"\" weather=\"\" including=\"\" three=\"\" heatwaves=\"\" to=\"\" hit=\"\" the=\"\" region=\"\" this=\"\" season.=\"\" water=\"\" companies=\"\" report=\"\" seeing=\"\" a=\"\" increase=\"\" in=\"\" demand=\"\" for=\"\" on=\"\" hottest=\"\" days=\"\" of=\"\" year=\"\" so=\"\" far=\"\" with=\"\" more=\"\" than=\"\" million=\"\" households=\"\" facing=\"\" hosepipe=\"\" bans=\"\" parts=\"\" england=\"\" and=\"\" wales.=\"\" by=\"\" leon=\"\" neal=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4675846\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover;width:195px\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM \u2013 JULY 23: A man practises his ball control on the drought-damaged grass of Hackney Marshes on July 23, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \u201cprolonged dry weather,\u201d including three heatwaves to hit the region this season. Water companies report seeing a 30% increase in demand for water on the hottest days of the year so far, with more than 20 million households facing hosepipe bans in parts of England and Wales. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Leon Neal<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>As a result, much of the country is experiencing a flash drought \u2013 one which has come on quickly despite a very wet winter. The announcement was made as parts of the UK experience their fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching into the 30s in some places.<\/p>\n<p>The expert view<\/p>\n<p>The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it. \u201cA second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy.<\/p>\n<p>Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chairwoman of the National Drought Group<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306141211.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 23: In this aerial view drought-damaged football pitches are seen on Hackney Marshes on July 23, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \" prolonged=\"\" dry=\"\" weather=\"\" including=\"\" three=\"\" heatwaves=\"\" to=\"\" hit=\"\" the=\"\" region=\"\" this=\"\" season.=\"\" water=\"\" companies=\"\" report=\"\" seeing=\"\" a=\"\" increase=\"\" in=\"\" demand=\"\" for=\"\" on=\"\" hottest=\"\" days=\"\" of=\"\" year=\"\" so=\"\" far=\"\" with=\"\" more=\"\" than=\"\" million=\"\" households=\"\" facing=\"\" hosepipe=\"\" bans=\"\" parts=\"\" england=\"\" and=\"\" wales.=\"\" by=\"\" leon=\"\" neal=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4675851\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM \u2013 JULY 23: In this aerial view drought-damaged football pitches are seen on Hackney Marshes on July 23, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. According to the the National Drought Group, eight areas across southern, central, and eastern England are verging on drought, following a period of \u201cprolonged dry weather,\u201d including three heatwaves to hit the region this season. Water companies report seeing a 30% increase in demand for water on the hottest days of the year so far, with more than 20 million households facing hosepipe bans in parts of England and Wales. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Leon Neal<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>Why organic free-range eggs are \u2018worst for the environment\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Organic eggs are twice as bad for the climate as eggs produced by caged chickens, a new study indicates.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_225264327.jpg\" alt=\"Asian woman holding a shopping basket, Grocery shopping in supermarket. Woman choosing fresh organic egg. Fruits and vegetables shopping. Healthy eating lifestyle. Pesticide Safe food and vegetable selection for life.\" class=\"wp-image-4674910\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: Asian woman holding a shopping basket, Grocery shopping in supermarket. Woman choosing fresh organic egg. Fruits and vegetables shopping. Healthy eating lifestyle. Pesticide Safe food and vegetable selection for life.<br \/>Photographer: nomadnes<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Moment RF<br \/>Copyright: POJCHEEWIN YAPRASERT<\/p>\n<p>\nOrganic or caged chicken egg model?\n<\/p>\n<p>Tonnes of CO2 predicted<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--statistic\">2.36m<\/p>\n<p>Greenhouse emissions expected if all the UK\u2019s egg production is switched to organic.<\/p>\n<p>Free range eggs are laid by hens that are fed organic feed,<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--statistic\">1.184m<\/p>\n<p>The equivalent in tonnes of CO2 if all egg production was from caged chickens.<\/p>\n<p>More organic chickens are required to produce the same number of free-range eggs.<\/p>\n<p>Facts and figures<\/p>\n<p>Organic egg production needs significantly more land.<\/p>\n<p>Deaths in free range chickens were higher, the study published in Royal Society Open Science found.<\/p>\n<p>The study used data from 2009-2010 from UK poultry farms, The Guardian reports.<\/p>\n<p>Egg consumption across the world is growing.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/foods-always-buy-organic-4253404?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_286488959.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>Go deeper on this subject<\/p>\n<p>To some people, an egg is an egg, but the variety in appearance, size and the colours of shells and yolks varies a great deal.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_197876555_a3214d-e1713352189496.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/> <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_name\">Sophie Morris<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--byline_job-title\">Freelance journalist<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/15-supermarket-eggs-test-winner-4315718?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_289112606_2b930a.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">6 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/food-editor-eight-delicious-supermarket-dupes-aldi-eggs-4440841?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_299738104.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>Ariana Grande sues hackers who \u2018leaked music online\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Ariana Grande is suing hackers who she alleges stole her unreleased music as well as private photos and video.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_301548821_0faa5e.jpg\" alt=\"US singer actress Ariana Grande attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on January 4, 2026. (Photo by Chris DELMAS \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4482228\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: US singer actress Ariana Grande attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on January 4, 2026. (Photo by Chris DELMAS \/ AFP via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: CHRIS DELMAS<br \/>Provider: AFP via Getty Images<br \/>Source: AFP<br \/>Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n<p>\nHacked off: what we know\n<\/p>\n<p>The singer alleges two unidentified hackers stole material from her collaborators\u2019 computers, court papers filed in LA show. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"512\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_230287261.jpg\" alt=\"LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Singer Ariana Grande performs at the IPOP! Concert Series an Evening with Make-A-Wish Foundation and Starlight Children's Foundation at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on January 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-3390864\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>Caption: LOS ANGELES, CA \u2013 JANUARY 09:  Singer Ariana Grande performs at the IPOP! Concert Series an Evening with Make-A-Wish Foundation and Starlight Children\u2019s Foundation at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on January 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Angela Weiss\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Angela Weiss<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images North America<br \/>Copyright: 2010 Angela Weiss<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"711\" width=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_280596168_a55db3.jpg\" alt=\"BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Ariana Grande attends the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4173679\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover;width:195px\"  \/>Caption: BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA \u2013 JANUARY 11: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Ariana Grande attends the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Monica Schipper<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images North America<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>It led to 45 songs being leaked in 2023 alone, Grande claims. Since her music debut in 2011, hundreds of similar leaks have taken place, the court documents say.<\/p>\n<p>Lawsuit allegations<\/p>\n<p>The lawsuit aims to reveal the hackers\u2019 identities.<\/p>\n<p>Grande alleges one hacker impersonated a photographer to gain access to material. <\/p>\n<p>Studio footage and music videos were also allegedly stolen.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s claimed the material was sold on the dark web.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/culture\/music\/ariana-grande-punching-bag-3390355?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_230299722.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">MUSIC<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>What has she said previously?<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, the pop star and actress. after her song Fantsize was leaked, said: \u201cBefore I left for Wicked \u2013 [there were] a few studio sessions that I did which are all over TikTok, thank you so much, I\u2019ll see you in jail. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThose were all written for a TV show.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/culture\/film\/ariana-grande-wicked-review-3388833?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_230126212.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">FILM<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">2 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/culture\/music\/paul-mccartney-on-his-new-album-4401042?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_136629842.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">MUSIC<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">CULTure<\/p>\n<p>Netflix neck and neck with BBC when British viewers switch on TV<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"675\" width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PRI_180807553.jpg\" alt=\"(FILES) In this file photo illustration a computer screen and mobile phone display the Netflix logo on March 31, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. - Bridgerton has become Netflix's most popular new series, with more than 82 million households tuning in to watch the period drama, the streaming service has announced. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY \/ AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY\/AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-852770\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: (FILES) In this file photo illustration a computer screen and mobile phone display the Netflix logo on March 31, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. \u2013 Bridgerton has become Netflix\u2019s most popular new series, with more than 82 million households tuning in to watch the period drama, the streaming service has announced. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY \/ AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY\/AFP via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: OLIVIER DOULIERY<br \/>Provider: AFP via Getty Images<br \/>Source: AFP<\/p>\n<p>TV viewers are now as likely to watch Netflix as the BBC, a survey for Ofcom suggests. <\/p>\n<p>Netflix\u00a0is the first choice for 26 per cent of viewers compared to 25 per cent who favour the BBC.<\/p>\n<p>\nWhat the study tells us\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"155\" width=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_143431193.jpg\" alt=\"FILE PHOTO: The YouTube logo is seen at the YouTube Space LA in Playa Del Rey, Los Angeles, California, United States October 21, 2015. REUTERS\/Lucy Nicholson\/File Photo\" class=\"wp-image-4675040\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: FILE PHOTO: The YouTube logo is seen at the YouTube Space LA in Playa Del Rey, Los Angeles, California, United States October 21, 2015. REUTERS\/Lucy Nicholson\/File Photo<br \/>Photographer: Lucy Nicholson<br \/>Provider: REUTERS<br \/>Source: X90050<\/p>\n<p>YouTube viewing surges<\/p>\n<p>The amount of time people watch YouTube on TV sets has doubled since 2022 to an average 19 minutes a day.<\/p>\n<p>Netflix standouts <\/p>\n<p>Netflix hits Adolescence and K-Pop Demon Hunters were two of the top 10 most streamed shows in 2025.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"155\" width=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_244332779.jpg\" alt=\"Adolescence. Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix ?? 2024 TV still Netflix\" class=\"wp-image-4205469\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: Adolescence. Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix ?? 2024 <\/p>\n<p>TV still<\/p>\n<p>Netflix <br \/>Provider: Courtesy of Netflix<br \/>Source: Adolescence_(UK)_n_S1_E3_00_14_3<br \/>Copyright: Cr. Courtesy of Netflix ? 2024<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"155\" width=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_282901545.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: (L-R) Indira Varma, Paul Cahidi, Camila Morrone, Tom Hiddleston, Diego Calva, Noah Jupe, Michael Nardone and Slavko Sobin attend \" the=\"\" night=\"\" manager=\"\" season=\"\" two=\"\" uk=\"\" premiere=\"\" on=\"\" december=\"\" in=\"\" london=\"\" england.=\"\" by=\"\" simon=\"\" ackerman=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4206317\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>(Photo: Simon Ackerman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>Beeb\u2019s biggest draws<\/p>\n<p>The BBC showed the other eight,  including The Night Manager and Run Away.<\/p>\n<p>24 million watch England on BBC<\/p>\n<p>Celebrity Traitors and its video podcast Traitors Uncloaked was the BBC\u2019s biggest title last year, with the finale attracting an average audience of 14.9 million viewers across BBC One and BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n<p>England\u2019s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina attracted a peak audience of 24 million viewers across BBC platforms.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/sport\/football\/england-vs-argentina-live-score-world-cup-latest-updates-4647961?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_305345903.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIVE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">1 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/media\/bbc-staff-anger-pay-rise-offer-job-cuts-4665007?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306235337.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Big Read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>Battle  of the broadcasters<\/p>\n<p>Last year, 70 per cent of people in the UK watched content from traditional broadcasters \u2013 including live TV, recorded playback and on-demand services \u2013 for at least 15 minutes in an average week, down from 73 per cent in 2024 and 78 per cent in 2022.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_237699163.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of video streaming platforms, Paris, April 18, 2024. Prime video, now, Netflix, Disney, TV+, britbox, Shudder, BBC. Video, movies and films. (Photo by Riccardo Milani \/ Hans Lucas \/ Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by RICCARDO MILANI\/Hans Lucas\/AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-3506548\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Netflix and Disney subscribers could be asked to contribute to the BBC licence fee (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"409\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Eastenders-Albert-Square.jpg\" alt=\"Two members of the original cast of EastEnders are returning to the soap (Photo: BBC)\" class=\"wp-image-113707\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>The BBC will start showing EastEnders again (Photo: BBC)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>At the Old Bailey, Natland, now 19, denied conspiracy to murder and claimed he was planning to shoot himself in the foot instead of going through with his mission, but he was convicted on Wednesday. The teenager had previously admitted charges of possessing two handguns and ammunition, and will be sentenced later this year.<\/p>\n<p>Over the two days following his arrival in Britain on 17 March 2025, anonymous handlers directed Natland to pick up the stolen car, handguns and ammunition to be used in the crime.<\/p>\n<p>The murder was prevented by a tip-off from Norwegian police, who alerted their British counterparts in time for them to find Natland in a hotel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, armed and ready to complete the hit. He was awaiting the location and details of the person he was to kill.<\/p>\n<p>The UK Government sanctioned Foxtrot in April last year for its involvement in violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe, but because Natland was never given the details of his target, it is not known whether the planned assassination related to the group\u2019s drug-trafficking enterprises or tasking from Iran.<\/p>\n<p>It is the first publicly disclosed case linked to the Foxtrot network in Britain. However, when announcing last year\u2019s sanctions, the Foreign Office pointed to dozens of \u201c<a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/irans-secret-war-uk-kidnap-covert-filming-arson-4628759?ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Iran-backed plots<\/a>, presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The warning comes amid a growing trend of paid <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/irans-secret-war-uk-kidnap-covert-filming-arson-4628759?ico=in-line_link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">proxies of the Iranian state<\/a> carrying out violence and intimidation on the streets of Britain, often targeting political dissidents and the Jewish community.<\/p>\n<p>The US Treasury said Foxtrot was part of Iran\u2019s wider use of criminal proxies to \u201cmaintain plausible deniability for its external operations\u201d, and that its leader had been co-ordinating with the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security.<\/p>\n<p>As well as numerous contract killings, assaults and other forms of violence in Scandinavia, Foxtrot orchestrated an attempted hand grenade attack on the Israeli embassy in Stockholm in January 2024.<\/p>\n<p>The \u2018General\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Natland\u2019s instructions were coming from a figure who called himself the \u201cGeneral\u201d on the Signal messaging app and was in direct contact with Foxtrot leaders in Iraq. The \u201cGeneral\u201d was himself just 16 at the time and had already commissioned at least two fatal shootings by teenagers in Sweden.<\/p>\n<p>Messages presented to Natland\u2019s trial showed that the \u201cGeneral\u201d and his boss, who went by the name Agent 47, cared little for the age of their footsoldiers.<\/p>\n<p>When discussing who to recruit for the mission Natland would later be selected for, the \u201cGeneral\u201d asked whether someone aged 16 would work. Agent 47 confirmed it would, while ordering: \u201cGet a new guy. Quickly. People are waiting for us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"451\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_300866721-e1785329657357.jpg\" alt=\"IMAGE REDACTED AT SOURCE Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Johannes Natland's passport, shown to the jury in the trial of the Norwegian teenager, who it is alleged, was recruited by a Swedish organised crime group used by the Iranian regime to murder someone in England, a court has heard. Issue date: Wednesday June 10, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Metropolitan Police\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4675976\"  \/>Natland obtained an emergency passport allowing him to leave Norway, and boarded a flight from Stavanger to Manchester (Photo: Met Police)<\/p>\n<p>And so on 15 March 2025, Natland received a message from a boy he had met in a children\u2019s care facility in his hometown of Stavanger. \u201cJappning [murder] in England,\u201d it read, offering 270,000 Norwegian krone (\u00a321,000) along with organised transport and a promise that \u201cnothing can go wrong\u201d.<br \/>Within 10 minutes of receiving the offer, Natland had indicated his interest, and over the course of that evening he began discussing flights and logistics.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of the following day, he had obtained an emergency passport allowing him to leave Norway, and on 17 March he boarded a flight from Stavanger to Manchester with a small amount of clothing, \u00a340 in cash and the phone through which he would receive his instructions.<\/p>\n<p>A close call<\/p>\n<p>The mode of Natland\u2019s arrival immediately raised the suspicions of Border Force officers, who detained him for interview at Manchester airport and were wary of his vague account of visiting gamer friends with a one-way ticket with no hotel reservation.<\/p>\n<p>Border Force formally refused Natland entry to the UK, but could not book him on a flight home until 21 March and released the teenager on bail under \u201cremoval directions\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Agent 47 then directed him to get a taxi to a hotel, where he collected an envelope of cash, and onwards to a second hotel that would be his base for the mission.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"423\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_300865853.jpg\" alt=\"Handout CCTV image dated 18\/03\/25 of Johannes Natland, 19, at Manchester Airport, that was shown to the jury during his trial at the Old Bailey. The Norwegian teenager is alleged to have been recruited by a Swedish organised crime group used by the Iranian regime to murder someone in England. Issue date: Wednesday June 10, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Metropolitan Police\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4672010\"  \/>Natland was stopped by Border Force but released on bail because there was no return flight to Stavanger (Photo: Met Police)<\/p>\n<p>An unidentified affiliate of the Foxtrot network, who was based in England and went by the codename \u201c1\u201d, took over the instructions on 18 March and led Natland to a Huddersfield housing estate, where a plastic bag containing two handguns and ammunition was hidden at the base of a tree and a stolen car was left parked for his use.<\/p>\n<p>Messages indicated the assassination was to take place the following day, with Agent 47 telling Natland: \u201cWe have much to do tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But at 5.15am on 19 March, armed police burst into Natland\u2019s room at the Briar Court Hotel and arrested him.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018The European mission\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Unknown to the teenager, a cascade of events in Norway had led police to the \u201cGeneral\u201d and to the discovery of the UK mission just in time.<\/p>\n<p>John Ivar Johansen, a police prosecutor from Norway\u2019s Kripos agency, told The i Paper how the case had begun unravelling six days earlier, when a 14-year-old boy walked into a police station in Stavanger and told police that Swedish criminals had tried to hire him to stab the son of a local police chief.<\/p>\n<p>The person behind the plot was the \u201cGeneral\u201d and when investigators seized his phone, they discovered he was at the same time recruiting for a \u201cEuropean mission\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were obviously surprised because we had thought this Stavanger case was just a local thing,\u201d Johansen said.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators could find no further clues on what the \u201cEuropean mission\u201d was until one of Natland\u2019s friends told a teacher that he had boasted of becoming an assassin for the Foxtrot network and the school alerted police on 18 March.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"519\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_306777393-e1785329460522.jpg\" alt=\"Undated handout file photo originally issued on 05\/06\/26 by Metropolitan Police of Johannes Natland wearing gloves whilst handling a gun. Norwegian Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, has been found guilty at the Old Bailey of travelling to England to carrying out a hit on behalf of an international crime gang backed by Iran. Issue date: Wednesday July 29, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Metropolitan Police\/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.\" class=\"wp-image-4675981\"  \/>Natland filmed himself handling one of the handguns he collected (Photo: Met Police)<\/p>\n<p>After interviewing Natland\u2019s friend, Norwegian police traced the teenager\u2019s phone and, to their shock, found that he was in Huddersfield.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Stavanger police sent a message to Interpol in Manchester and warned them about Natland \u2013 that he was in the UK, probably on a mission to shoot somebody,\u201d Johansen said.<\/p>\n<p>Teenage assassins<\/p>\n<p>For Johansen and his colleagues, the Natland case is the continuation of a disturbing trend with the Foxtrot network. \u201cAlmost every time, the perpetrators are young vulnerable children that have problems with drugs or are in child protection,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are cases from Sweden where they are younger than 15.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The youth and inexperience of such recruits has made them difficult for authorities to detect or predict. In Stockholm, another 18-year-old recruited by the \u201cGeneral\u201d shot dead the wrong person in February last year.<\/p>\n<p>Swedish court documents obtained by The i Paper show the teenager had asked ChatGPT questions including \u201cIf I kill someone, how do I avoid getting caught by the police?\u201d before shooting an innocent passerby multiple times in the head.<\/p>\n<p>Johansen said that, in addition to contacting children through existing friendship networks, Foxtrot posts advertisements in social media groups offering money for missions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey see the adverts and then they can connect with people directly, and they start to lure them in with promises of protection and money,\u201d he added. \u201cVulnerable kids who may not have a family start to feel important.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Days after his 18th birthday, Johannes Natland travelled alone from his home country, Norway, to the UK. The&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":93094,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[4],"tags":[61,5682,24,2364,1237,33,5,6,1612],"class_list":["post-93093","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uk","tag-crime","tag-gangs","tag-iran","tag-national-security","tag-norway","tag-police","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-yorkshire"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@UnitedKingdom\/117004111335500367","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93093","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=93093"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93093\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/93094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=93093"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=93093"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=93093"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}