Latest news with #SundayWith
Metro
20-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Don't expect water bills to stop rising after we overhaul sector, minister warns
Households will continue to face rising water bills, but increases will be 'small and steady', the Environment Minister has said. Steve Reed is expected to set out plans for a major reform of the water sector tomorrow, which will tackle sewage spills, invest in water infrastructure and abolish the industry's beleaguered regulator Ofwat. It comes as ministers seek to avoid a repeat of this year's 26% increase in bills. But while Mr Reed has promised that families will never again see 'huge shock hikes' to their bills, he was unable to rule out further above-inflation increases. He told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that bills should be 'as low as possible', he added that there needed to be 'appropriate bill rises' to secure investment. He said: 'A small, steady increase in bills is what people expect.' Asked about the possibility of expanding social tariffs to help households struggling with bills – a move that could see wealthier families pay more – Mr Reed said he had 'not been convinced yet' that this was necessary. Mr Reed has also pledged to halve sewage pollution in England by 2030, after the Environment Agency said serious pollution incidents had risen by 60% in 2024. He also suggested to the BBC that he would resign if the 2030 target was not achieved, provided he was still in the same job by then. His comments come before a major report by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, which is expected to recommend sweeping reform to water regulation on Monday. Sir Jon has been widely reported to be preparing to recommend the abolition of Ofwat, which has faced criticism over its handling of sewage spills and allowing water companies to pay large dividends while taking on significant debt and missing targets for investing in infrastructure. On Sunday, Mr Reed would not say whether he would scrap Ofwat, but also declined to say he had confidence in the regulator. More Trending He told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 'The regulator is clearly failing.' MP Victoria Atkins, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: 'After years of underperformance across the water industry, no one is pretending the situation is simple and we acknowledge more should have been done when we were in government. But honesty matters now more than ever. 'This morning, Steve Reed made sweeping claims about investment and reform without addressing the practical costs or consequences for households. 'Fixing the water system requires serious long-term work, which includes dealing with pollution, improving resilience, and restoring public confidence. We will engage constructively where there's common ground, but we won't let Labour duck accountability for the choices they're making now.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Plane crashes at Olympic National Park killing one and injuring two MORE: Why was the Sycamore Gap tree cut down and who was responsible? MORE: Here's why there are so many ladybirds in the UK right now
South Wales Argus
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
BBC ‘needs to get a grip quicker' after controversies such as Bob Vylan set
The broadcaster apologised earlier this month for the group's 'deplorable behaviour' after frontman, Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF' (Israel Defence Forces) during their set at the festival which was shown live on TV and the iPlayer. The BBC also said it will no longer broadcast live performances deemed 'high risk' – as Bob Vylan had been assessed – and its director of music, Lorna Clarke, also reportedly stepped back from her day-to-day duties. Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said on Sunday there could be a risk that the public will lose confidence in the BBC after the regulator previously said the broadcaster has questions to answer over its Glastonbury coverage. Dame Melanie told BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I think it's very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence. 'I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours. 'So I would say to the BBC I think they need to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a sort of loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame.' Melanie Dawes made the comments on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) Dame Melanie spoke ahead of a BBC review into the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone after it emerged its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. On the review, a BBC spokesperson said the findings will be published as soon as possible, adding: 'It is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible, but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process.' The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: 'We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. 'We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC. It said it was 'clear that errors were made' as it set out the timeline of the decisions made over it broadcast, adding: 'Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury. 'Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for livestreaming with appropriate mitigations. 'Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the livestream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.' Bob Vylan came under fire for chants during their performance on the West Holts Stage (Yui Mok/PA) It added: 'Given the failings that have been acknowledged, we are taking actions to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for those failings in the live broadcast. We will not comment further on those processes at this time. 'Any music performances deemed high risk will now not be broadcast live or streamed live.' The BBC has also promised to take action to 'ensure proper accountability' and issued an apology to viewers, especially the Jewish community. Avon and Somerset Police have also launched an investigation into comments made during the group's West Holts Stage performance. The group was already under a police investigation for comments made at a concert a month before Glastonbury. Video footage appears to show Bobby Vylan at Alexandra Palace telling crowds: 'Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.' The group issued a statement claiming they were being 'targeted for speaking up' after Avon and Somerset Police began its investigation. Formed in 2017, Bob Vylan are known for addressing political issues in their albums including racism, masculinity and class.
Rhyl Journal
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
BBC ‘needs to get a grip quicker' after controversies such as Bob Vylan set
The broadcaster apologised earlier this month for the group's 'deplorable behaviour' after frontman, Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF' (Israel Defence Forces) during their set at the festival which was shown live on TV and the iPlayer. The BBC also said it will no longer broadcast live performances deemed 'high risk' – as Bob Vylan had been assessed – and its director of music, Lorna Clarke, also reportedly stepped back from her day-to-day duties. Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes said on Sunday there could be a risk that the public will lose confidence in the BBC after the regulator previously said the broadcaster has questions to answer over its Glastonbury coverage. Dame Melanie told BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I think it's very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence. 'I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours. 'So I would say to the BBC I think they need to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a sort of loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame.' Dame Melanie spoke ahead of a BBC review into the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone after it emerged its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. On the review, a BBC spokesperson said the findings will be published as soon as possible, adding: 'It is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible, but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process.' The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: 'We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. 'We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC. It said it was 'clear that errors were made' as it set out the timeline of the decisions made over it broadcast, adding: 'Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury. 'Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for livestreaming with appropriate mitigations. 'Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the livestream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.' It added: 'Given the failings that have been acknowledged, we are taking actions to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for those failings in the live broadcast. We will not comment further on those processes at this time. 'Any music performances deemed high risk will now not be broadcast live or streamed live.' The BBC has also promised to take action to 'ensure proper accountability' and issued an apology to viewers, especially the Jewish community. Avon and Somerset Police have also launched an investigation into comments made during the group's West Holts Stage performance. The group was already under a police investigation for comments made at a concert a month before Glastonbury. Video footage appears to show Bobby Vylan at Alexandra Palace telling crowds: 'Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.' The group issued a statement claiming they were being 'targeted for speaking up' after Avon and Somerset Police began its investigation. Formed in 2017, Bob Vylan are known for addressing political issues in their albums including racism, masculinity and class.
The Herald Scotland
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Ncuti Gatwa says he left Doctor Who as ‘I am getting old and my body was tired'
In May, during his final episode as the 15th Doctor, Gatwa appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character regenerated. Gatwa told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I'm getting old, and my body was tired… and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions. 'It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. 'It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.' Asked if he would ever come back to the show, he said: 'Never say never.' Ncuti Gatwa and showrunner Russell T Davies attending the premiere of Doctor Who season two (Ian West/PA) Barbie star Gatwa has played the Doctor since Tennant's Time Lord bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the alien character was brought back to the series as the 14th Doctor. Gatwa was expected to be the UK's spokesperson at the Eurovision Song Contest in May but pulled out, with speculation the decision was connected to controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the competition. 'It all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced', he said. 'And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy. 'Just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor (Who).' Ncuti Gatwa arrives for the European premiere of Barbie (Ian West/PA) Asked about the speculation surrounding his withdrawal, Gatwa, who did not watch this year's competition, said: 'I was just very busy.' The actor appeared on the Sunday morning news show to discuss the West End premiere of Born With Teeth, a play that re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Gatwa plays Marlowe with his Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare in the Royal Shakespeare Company production at London's Wyndham's Theatre from August. 'It's a really great story between these two huge literary icons, and it's very exciting to imagine what could have happened in a room together', he said.
Glasgow Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
BBC ‘needs to get a grip quicker' after controversies such as Bob Vylan set
The broadcaster apologised earlier this month for the group's 'deplorable behaviour' after frontman, Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF' (Israel Defence Forces) during their set at the festival which was shown live on TV and the iPlayer. The BBC also said it will no longer broadcast live performances deemed 'high risk' – as Bob Vylan had been assessed – and its director of music, Lorna Clarke, also reportedly stepped back from her day-to-day duties. Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes said on Sunday there could be a risk that the public will lose confidence in the BBC after the regulator previously said the broadcaster has questions to answer over its Glastonbury coverage. Dame Melanie told BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'I think it's very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence. 'I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours. 'So I would say to the BBC I think they need to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a sort of loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame.' Melanie Dawes made the comments on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) The BBC has been approached for comment. Dame Melanie spoke ahead of a BBC review into the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone after it emerged its 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: 'We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. 'We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC. It said it was 'clear that errors were made' as it set out the timeline of the decisions made over it broadcast, adding: 'Bob Vylan were deemed high risk following a risk assessment process applied to all acts appearing at Glastonbury. 'Seven acts including Bob Vylan were included in this category and they were all deemed suitable for livestreaming with appropriate mitigations. 'Prior to Glastonbury, a decision was taken that compliance risks could be mitigated in real time on the livestream – through the use of language or content warnings – without the need for a delay. This was clearly not the case.' Bob Vylan came under fire for chants during their performance on the West Holts Stage (Yui Mok/PA) It added: 'Given the failings that have been acknowledged, we are taking actions to ensure proper accountability for those found to be responsible for those failings in the live broadcast. We will not comment further on those processes at this time. 'Any music performances deemed high risk will now not be broadcast live or streamed live.' The BBC has also promised to take action to 'ensure proper accountability' and issued an apology to viewers, especially the Jewish community. Avon and Somerset Police have also launched an investigation into comments made during the group's West Holts Stage performance. The group was already under a police investigation for comments made at a concert a month before Glastonbury. Video footage appears to show Bobby Vylan at Alexandra Palace telling crowds: 'Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF.' The group issued a statement claiming they were being 'targeted for speaking up' after Avon and Somerset Police began its investigation. Formed in 2017, Bob Vylan are known for addressing political issues in their albums including racism, masculinity and class.
