Thames Water said the new restrictions will come into effect from 23 July, but that customers in the affected areas should abide by the new rules straight away. Households have been told not to use hosepipes for non-essential uses, such as watering gardens, cleaning cars, filling up paddling pools or topping up hot tubs. The decision follows recent periods of record hot weather and increased demand. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency's National Drought Group said parts of southern, central and eastern England have moved closer to drought status, classified as under "prolonged dry weather". The third heatwave of the year has seen ponds and wetlands dry out, which will impact bird breeding, while some rivers have dried up in places, the EA said. Wildfires have ripped through several areas, including dozens of delicate protected sites, and prime agricultural land, it added. Eight areas across England are in "prolonged dry weather" - the stage before drought. They are: • East Anglia• West Midlands• Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly• Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire• Hertfordshire and London• Wessex• Thames• Solent and the South Downs 'Only 40% of average spring rainfall' Thames Water said demand was currently around 10% above normal levels across the Thames Valley and Home Counties and 7% above normal in London. In addition, it said the Thames Water region had only received 40% of average spring rainfall this year - with none so far in July within the Thames catchment area. It is the latest in a string of hosepipe bans. Bans are also in place for Southern Water customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Cambridge Water customers, Affinity Water customers in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Anglian Water customers in the East of England. Met Office figures show that central and South East England have seen the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century. The forecaster warned that during peak periods, water had been used faster than it could be treated and moved through parts of the network, straining local supplies. Read more on Sky News: What is a 'firewave'? 'Difficult combination' of hot and dry weather After Thames Water announced the latest hosepipe ban, Helen Wakeham, chair of the National Drought Group, said the hot conditions and lack of rain have made for a "difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use". "All sectors are taking action," she said, "and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer. "We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture." 'Customers using an extra 100 million litres every day' Thames Water said earlier that customers were using an extra 100 million litres every day - equivalent to adding all the homes in Manchester to the network. On Monday, South East Water said more than two million people face a hosepipe ban after it extended water restrictions. Read more:Reform deputy urges Burnham to seize control of Thames WaterThames Water lenders plot legal fight with Burnham over nationalisation As well as pushing up demand as people consume more water, periods of hot weather can also lead to physical pressure on underground water pipes, leading to higher rates or bursts and leaks. Thames Water stressed that it was repairing more than 750 leaks every week and continuing its biggest network upgrade in 150 years. While the company said it plans for periods of dry weather and increased summer demand, it claimed the scale and duration of recent demand is having a "significant impact" on water resources.

Ofcom said it is investigating an unspecified complaint against the reality TV show. The reality series, in which single people are matched and 'married' to complete strangers, was investigated by the BBC's Panorama earlier this year. Its report, broadcast in May, included allegations by two women that they had been raped during production of the show. Another woman alleged a non-consensual sexual act. All three said the Channel 4 show, made by production company CPL, did not do enough to protect them. The three men have denied the allegations. On Monday, an Ofcom spokesperson said it is "investigating a fairness and privacy complaint about Married At First Sight UK". It is understood the complaint has come from a person or organisation that took part in the show. Ofcom has also looked into a complaint of unjust or unfair treatment on MAFS, the Press Association understands. A male MAFS UK cast member was arrested in June on suspicion of rape and bailed, the Metropolitan Police said. Neither the arrested man nor the alleged victim can be named. Following the Panorama documentary, chief executive of Ofcom Dame Melanie Dawes said the allegations raised "really serious concerns" and added the regulator is prepared to tighten its guidance around reality shows if necessary. Channel 4 launched a review into contributor welfare in April, shortly after being contacted by the BBC regarding the accusations featured in Panorama. The broadcaster's chief executive Priya Dogra has said reports that the show had been cancelled were "wholly inaccurate" and "no decision has been made" regarding the broadcast of the next series. Ms Dogra said, after watching the programme, she was "deeply sorry" for the distress caused to MAFS UK participants who alleged they were raped and sexually assaulted by their partners. MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee have written to Channel 4 and Ofcom about their response to allegations in the BBC documentary. Committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage said the accusations were "horrifying", adding: "Both Channel 4 and Ofcom, as the broadcasting regulator, have urgent questions to answer." Read more:Veteran broadcaster diesTates 'held in solitary confinement' Billed as a "bold social experiment", MAFS sees single people agree to "marry" total strangers, after meeting for the first time at their mock weddings. The "marriages" on the show are not legally binding but the couples go on a "honeymoon" and move in together after their weddings. The UK version of the reality series, which has been running for 10 seasons, is one of Channel 4's biggest shows, with audience numbers often topping three million. But, in May, the broadcaster pulled all episodes of the show from its streaming service just hours before the edition of Panorama was aired. Channel 4 has not yet decided whether to go ahead with the latest season of the show, which has already been filmed.

In a letter to Andy Burnham, Mr Tice called on the new prime minister to "buy out" Thames Water's equity and debtholders for the token sum of £1 and place Britain's biggest water company into a special administration regime (SAR). He said parliament should be recalled to debate such a move, and warned: "The whole investment world must realise that while we believe in markets and competition, we will not allow the taxpayer to be shafted." Money blog: Follow the latest Mr Tice also urged Mr Burnham not to be "scared of threats of legal action by aggressive lawyers acting for the hyenas" - a reference to Sky News's revelation at the weekend that Thames Water's creditors have engaged litigation specialists to sue the government if it rejects their rescue proposal. On Tuesday, the London & Valley Water consortium, which accounts for about £17bn of Thames Water's debt, said it was confident it could deliver a plan consistent with the new PM's desire for "greater public control" of water companies. It said in a statement that it had "evaluated potential new local public control supervisory structures which can be beneficial to customers through the company's operations, designed in the public interest", and said it wanted to share details of its plans with Angela Eagle, the new environment secretary. "In addition to a new public interest supervisory structure with enhanced local representation for local authorities and regional leaders, the consortium is willing to make significant new commitments to grant greater controls and oversight to ministers, implemented through a 'Golden Share'," the consortium's spokesperson added. Mr Tice's letter claimed that Thames Water met the tests for being placed into a SAR on the basis that "it cannot meet its debts and is effectively insolvent". "It also cannot meet its operational obligations to the regulator, Ofwat," he wrote. The Reform deputy leader said that "parliament and the country are both aghast and sick of" the pay packages handed to Thames Water's bosses while the company's creditors simultaneously seek "to waive hundreds of millions in fines". Thames Water said last week that Chris Weston, its chief executive, had not received any performance-related pay for the last financial year. The L&VW consortium also rejected the charge that it was seeking environmental leniency from regulators, adding in its statement on Tuesday: "L&VW is not seeking any change to Ofwat's existing enforcement guidance or the Environment Agency's existing enforcement and sanctions policy. "No immunity from enforcement and fines under these policies will be given to the company. "The plan will create a clear path to environmental compliance as quickly as possible."

It was announced in January that the former England player and manager had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, with his family revealing he was set to begin treatment. "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a statement from Keegan's family read. "The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. "Kevin, a double Ballon d'Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy." England have announced that they will pay tribute to Keegan's life before their Nations League game with Spain at Wembley in September. Keegan was considered one of the best players of his generation and enjoyed a stellar playing career, making almost 750 club appearances, lifting the First Division trophy three times with Liverpool and winning the Ballon d'Or back-to-back in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg in the Bundesliga. Seven years after his retirement, he took his first coaching role as manager of a struggling Newcastle team in February 1992. The Magpies were in danger of being relegated to Division Two but Keegan kept them up and then led them to the Premier League in his first full season in charge. Then, in 1996, he took Newcastle to within touching distance of their first top-tier title since 1927. Newcastle were Premier League title favourites for most of that 1995/96 season, at one stage being 12 points clear of Manchester United. But a dramatic collapse from Keegan's side coupled with a Sir Alex Ferguson-inspired Man Utd winning 13 of their last 15, eventually saw Newcastle finish second by four points. Late defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the run-in saw United eventually haul them in. As the pressure mounted on a beleaguered Keegan, who was desperate to deliver the title to a passionate Newcastle fanbase, his infamous "I'd love it.." post-match interview after victory at Leeds, aimed at Sir Alex, among others, unfortunately characterised his time at St James' Park. He would go on to manage England, for whom he had scored 21 goals in 63 games as a player, between February 1999 and October 2000 - resigning minutes after a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the last game played at the old Wembley Stadium. His time as national boss also saw England fail to get out of the group stage at Euro 2000, despite a 1-0 win over Germany, as defeats by Portugal and Romania piled on the pressure even before that defeat at the hands of Dietmar Hamann's free-kick four months later in the first qualifier for the 2002 World Cup. A spell at Manchester City followed, which included promotion to the Premier League in 2002 as Division One champions, but Keegan left the club in March 2005, initially announcing his retirement from football. Keegan made an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008, but only lasted eight months following tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley. Newcastle's statement in full on Keegan's passing "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply-loved figures in our club's history. "Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters. "As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James' Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be. "As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer. "Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the north east with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions. "Kevin's impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him. "At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin's wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. "Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin's remarkable life and legacy. Rest in Peace, King Kev." 'Giant of the game' - Tributes come in for Keegan Alan Shearer: "My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss." Jamie Carragher: "RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon D'or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game. One of the most important men in making Liverpool what it is today." Liverpool FC: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin." Sir Kenny Dalglish: "Very saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin was one of the very best players of his generation and wore Liverpool's famous number 7 shirt with great distinction. His achievements on the pitch were exceptional, but he was also a wonderful person and a genuine gentleman. "Kevin's qualities didn't stop when he finished playing. He went on to become an outstanding manager, and what he built at Newcastle United brought belief, excitement and pride back to the football club. "He gave so many people wonderful memories and his teams played the game in a way that supporters loved to watch. Football has lost one of its true greats. "My thoughts are with Jean, Laura, Sarah and all of Kevin's family and friends at this very sad time. Rest in peace, Kevin. YNWA" Eddie Howe: "Kevin was an inspiration to me as a young player and, I'm honoured to say, a friend whose guidance and support meant a great deal in recent years. "For me personally, Kevin's influence became even more meaningful when I arrived at Newcastle as manager. He showed me incredible warmth and generosity. He had already given so much to this football club, yet he immediately made me feel welcome. "What struck me most was his humility. Despite everything he achieved in the game and his iconic status here, he never sought recognition. He simply wanted to help because he cared so deeply about the club and the people within it. "It is profoundly saddening that he is no longer with us." England national team: "We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away. Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the Three Lions from 1999 to 2000. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin's family, friends and former clubs." Thomas Tuchel: "As a young football fan, he was the first England superstar I can remember watching growing up. "He won every honour possible and to be named the best player in the world two times was an unbelievable achievement. You only need to think how fondly he is remembered by supporters at his clubs to see what a man he was. Of course, he also had that special experience of playing, captaining and managing his country. "My thoughts are with his family and friends today, and all the fans who loved to watch him play. "I know we will pay him a full tribute when we welcome Spain to Wembley Stadium in September. We will be honouring a true hero of English football." David Beckham: "Such a sad day to hear the passing of Kevin Keegan. A man that was very kind to me and my family. Sending lots of love and thoughts to his family and friends." Southampton FC: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. "Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d'Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time." Manchester City FC: "Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75. "Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge. "The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed. Our thoughts are with Kevin's family and friends at this very difficult time." Former Newcastle interim co-chief executive Mehrdad Ghodoussi: "Devastated to hear about Kevin Keegan. Growing up watching football, he was one of the names that defined an era, a double Ballon d'Or winner, European Cup champion, England captain, and one of the most exciting players the game has seen. "But what he did at Newcastle was different. He turned belief into something you could feel in the stadium. King Kev wasn't just admired, he was loved, because everything he did came from the heart. Rest in peace, Kevin. Thank you for everything you gave the game." The English Football League: "The EFL is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. A legend of the English game, Keegan will be remembered by generations of football fans for his impact as a player and manager. Our thoughts are with his family and friends." Manchester United: "We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Kevin Keegan. A giant of English football, he was a cherished figure at the very highest levels of the game. Our condolences go to Kevin's family, loved ones and all those he inspired as a manager, player and person, on and off the pitch. Rest in peace, Kevin." Former Liverpool striker David Fairclough: "Stunned. Such sad news Kevin Keegan has passed away. Absolutely devastated to hear such awful news. So many incredible memories of KK, I'm so lucky to have spent time and shared moments that have and will last a lifetime. Heartfelt condolences and love to Jean and family. YNWA." Fulham FC: "We're incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away. A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999. He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time."

The former Manchester United boss outlined his huge respect for Keegan, who died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Speaking to Track Radio, Ferguson, who was famously the target of Keegan's "I'd love it, absolutely love it, if we beat them" rant, said: "I had the utmost respect for him. We had many duels when he was manager of Newcastle, but I have to say the job he did at Newcastle was fantastic. "He re-energised that club and he brought that enthusiasm and fanaticism that great supporters can give. That's the job he did. "And he also brought three great players to the club - [David] Ginola, [Faustino] Asprilla, Philippe Albert - and added a bit of class to the team, and I must say the challenges we had with Newcastle at that time at United were huge. "Kevin carried the love of the game on his sleeve, there's no question about that, and that carried right on to the fans, to the players. "That period at Newcastle was of emotion, it was excitement. They brought these great players to the club too and they added to it, and it gave Newcastle - I think - their best ever team." That emotion came out during a Sky Sports interview in April 1996 when the former England striker delivered an outburst as Sir Alex's United closed the distance with Newcastle - before ultimately beating them to the title. But Ferguson revealed the pair bumped into each other at a pub a few weeks after the season had ended and spent the night around a piano together. Ferguson said: "The great thing about him, he held no grudges. That was a fantastic quality he had and we had a great night. "All aside whatever happened in previous weeks, that was soon forgotten. I really respected him for that." Read more from Sky News:Russian warship carries out live-fire weapons exercise off UK coastFather, mother, three daughters and son killed in Israeli airstrike Keegan's death, announced on Monday, saw a range of tributes to the former Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle player. Sir Trevor Brooking, who played alongside him for England, said: "I am so very sad to hear the devastating news about my friend and former team-mate Kevin Keegan. "My friendship with Kevin goes back many decades, to our playing days for England. We were lucky enough to develop a real understanding on the field of play and know what each other was thinking. "Kevin liked to run and find space on the pitch and I'd try to time my passes to give him the best chance to use his world-class skills to score. "We roomed together on England duty and Kevin, with his bubbly character, was never shy of making jokes, often at my expense! "I recently met up for lunch with Kevin and Jean when they were visiting London. Although it had been a while since we'd last seen each other, we picked up our conversation as if it had been yesterday. "That afternoon, reminiscing about our footballing days, is one I will always treasure. "Our thoughts and love are with Jean, Laura, Sarah and all of Kevin's family at this sad time."

The ruling, which applies for 14 days, was handed down by a US district judge ahead of a hearing in August. That is set to determine whether the $110bn (£81.4bn) deal should be paused pending the outcome of the lawsuit brought by the 12 states involved, led by California. Politics latest: Healey succeeds Reeves as chancellor in Burnham's government They argue the merger - mainly aimed at creating a bigger rival to the likes of Netflix - would substantially weaken competition in the US market, driving up prices for consumers and costing jobs. The opposition is particularly fierce in Hollywood. Movie industry interest groups claim the deal would threaten the very future of cinema as it would bring together two of its five major studios. The UK government has also outlined concerns. The companies control UK-based TV channels, including Channel 5, TNT Sports, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and CNN International, as well as the Paramount+ and HBO Max streaming services. Read more: Takeover of Warner Bros won't harm competition or consumers, DOJ says Neither Paramount or WBD were yet to comment on the US ruling, which was handed down at the Oakland federal court in California. The state's attorney general, Rob Bonta, said in a statement: "This is a critical first win in our case to ensure this megamerger never sees the light of day. "History tells the tale of what happens when a few people have great power over markets that are central to Americans' lives: fewer opportunities for more people, worse products and services for all people." The lawsuit could take many months to reach a conclusion - something that will worry Paramount. Under the terms of its deal, it is obliged to pay Warner Bros shareholders a 25 cents-per-share fee for each calendar day the merger is delayed beyond 30 September. It amounts to a bill of around $7m a day.

The Andy Burnham era is under way, and the new prime minister is kicking off with a bang - cutting VAT on electricity bills. He promised the country some "breathing space" on the cost of living, but with prices still rising will anyone actually feel better off? And is it properly funded? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the announcement shows about Burnham's direction of travel in government, as his new cabinet gathers for the first time. Plus, the duo unpack the biggest cabinet appointments - from John Healey as chancellor to Wes Streeting as defence secretary - after many Starmer loyalists were shown the door.

The 47-year-old hangs up his whistle following 831 games in the English, European and international game, with his final match the World Cup last-16 clash between Portugal and tournament winners Spain. Domestically, Taylor refereed in every major domestic English cup final, officiating the 2017 and 2020 FA Cup finals and the 215 League Cup final, as well as 432 Premier League matches. Premier League rule changes for 2026/27 seasonGot Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 He also served for 14 years on the FIFA international list, and was selected to represent England at both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. In announcing his retirement, Taylor suggested his decision had been fuelled by the "intense" pressure and "constant" scrutiny he faced in the role. Speaking in a statement through refereeing body Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, Taylor said: "Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant. The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career." He was publicly targeted by Roma fans at Budapest Airport in 2023 after being criticised by their then-manager Jose Mourinho following the club's Europa League final defeat by Sevilla. Last year, he revealed his family no longer came to matches he was officiating while criticising the "expectation of perfection" placed on referees and admitted he had repeatedly considered quitting the game. Commenting on the incident in Hungary, he told BBC Sport: "That's for sure the worst situation I've dealt with in terms of abuse. "Not only because I was travelling with family members at the time, but it also highlights the impact of people's behaviour on others. "It makes you reflect back on whether you made a mistake travelling with your family in the first place." Taylor refereed more Premier League games than anyone else in 2025/26, with his last game West Ham's final-day 3-0 win over Leeds, which was not enough to save the Hammers from relegation to the Championship. The Premier League has no set limit on retirement age for referees, with a number of officials continuing into their 50s including Neil Swarbrick and Graham Scott, who refereed in the top flight until they were 52 and 56 respectively. Premier League rule changes for 2026/27 seasonPlayers receiving treatment or assessment on the pitch must now stay off for at least one minute (previously 30 seconds).Referees will use a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks. Delayed restarts can result in possession/restart being awarded to the opposition.Delayed restarts can result in possession/restart being awarded to the opposition.Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave the field. If they exceed the limit, the replacement player must wait until the next stoppage after one minute has passed before entering.VAR can review incidents where a player is shown a second yellow card that results in a red card.VAR cannot intervene to recommend a second yellow card if one was not originally given by the referee.