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  • Brazil vs Norway: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

    Brazil vs Norway: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds



    Brazil take on Norway in the World Cup last 16 on Sunday in what promises to be an entertaining affair in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The Selecao came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their round of 32 tie, while Norway also needed a last-minute winner from Erling Haaland to see off the Ivory Coast in Arlington, Texas.AdvertisementStale Solbakken’s side finished second in Group I behind France, with the former Wolves boss making 10 changes against Les Bleus on matchday three with qualification already secured.Brazil won Group C, despite being held by an impressive Morocco side in their opening game.Date, kick-off time and venueBrazil vs Norway is scheduled for a 9pm BST kick-off on Sunday, July 5, 2026.The match will take place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.AdvertisementWhere to watch Brazil vs Norway for FREETV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 8.15pm.Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX app or the channel’s website.Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with ITVX app and their websites.Brazil vs Norway team newsCarlo Ancelotti is likely to be without Barcelona winger Raphinha here, with the forward struggling with a thigh problem.AdvertisementLucas Paqueta came off at half time against Japan, and Casemiro was also replaced.Casemiro, the now former Manchester United midfielder, is thought to be available to play here, but Paqueta is a doubt, as he deals with a hamstring problem.Brazil squadGoalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, WevertonDefenders: Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Wesley Franca, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas SantosMidfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas PaquetaAdvertisementForwards: Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor ThiagoFor the Norwegians, their main concern is Julian Ryerson, the first-choice right-back, who missed the first knockout round with a thigh niggle.He could come back in here, and he is the only injury concerrn to Solbakken.Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard remain their shining lights, with Antonio Nusa catching the attention of many with his sumptuous finish aganist the Ivory Coast.AdvertisementNorway squadGoalkeepers: Orjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander TangvikDefenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Leo Skiri Ostigard, Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Fredrik Bjorkan, Sondre Langas, Henrik FalchenerMidfielders: Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Jens Petter Hauge, Thelo Aasgaard, Morten ThorsbyForwards: Erling Braut Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, Jorgen Strand LarsenAdvertisementBrazil vs Norway predictionThis should be an entertaining encounter, with neither side the most robust defensively.That said, for all the star quality Norway have with Haaland and co, Ancelotti’s men should have too much for them here.Brazil to win, 3-1. Head to head (h2h) history and resultsBrazil wins: 0Norway wins: 2Draws: 2Match oddsOdds via UK betting sites (subject to change).

  • Love festival draws 150 people as small protest heads to city

    Love festival draws 150 people as small protest heads to city



    Two very different gatherings took place across Liverpool today15:41, 04 Jul 2026Updated 16:39, 04 Jul 2026Krishna Kripa DasA small anti-immigration protest on the outskirts of Liverpool city centre was eclipsed by a celebration of faith, music and community that drew 150 people into the heart of the city. Earlier today, Saturday, July 4, around 50 self-proclaimed protesters gathered outside the Royal Oak pub on County Road before setting off towards the city centre under a significant police presence, including mounted officers.As they marched, some chanted slogans at a handful of counter-protesters, while one demonstrator carried a St George’s flag bearing the words “Send them back”. Retired social worker Silé Macraghnaill, 72, said local people were “fed up” with scenes like these.But the small demonstration was soon overshadowed by a very different atmosphere unfolding just a short distance away. Around 150 people lined the streets for the Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots, a vibrant celebration that filled Church Street with colour, music and dancing.Beginning at 12.30pm, the annual procession featured a beautifully decorated chariot, joyful mantra chanting, traditional dancing and free vegetarian meals, creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcome across the city centre.The main part of the parade took place in and around Church StreetThe festival reflects the growth of Liverpool’s Hare Krishna community after a small group of monks from Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford – the temple donated by George Harrison – came to Merseyside around 18 months ago to establish a community and share opportunities for spiritual practice.The Hare Krishnas are devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, founded in New York in 1966 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Followers believe Krishna is the Supreme Lord and seek to cultivate lives centred on compassion, devotion and love.Among those in attendance was Krishna Kripa Das. The American flew over from Paris, where he currently lives, to attend the festival. He told the ECHO: “We just want everyone here to feel happy. We are all children of God, there are no borders and we are all equal.”Alongside him was Elizabeth Varga, whose spiritual name is Hari Nama which means touch stone. She travelled from London to celebrate, something she has been doing for 35 years.She said: “Everyone is poking at each other, but we’re all fishermen and we’re all fishing together. The different religions can throw a massive spanner in the works and create chaos within Christianity, but God consciousness creates harmony.”A lot of people are falling down because they are serving something else. Today is about celebrating the love of the universe.”Krishna Hari Nama, a name that means ‘touch stone’Pancha Tattva Das, 25, who lives with other members of the community at the Inner Guru community centre in Walton, spoke to the ECHO about his beliefs ahead of the festival.Explaining what drew him into the faith, Pancha said: ”When I was around 18, I moved to London as an aspiring musician. But I found more and more that it wasn’t really where I wanted to put my energy in life.”It wasn’t fully satisfying, so I was getting more and more involved in meditation, spiritual practices and looking at religion. And then when I came across the Hare Krishna community, everything just seemed to coalesce. There’s the community, there’s the philosophy, there’s the meditation, and the music as well.“I studied theology at university because I wanted to understand more about different traditions. I went to live in the temple for a few months as a trial, and I just really resonated with the way of life.”Pancha says many people still don’t know much about Hare Krishnas, but those close to him have noticed how the community has changed him. He said: ”Lack of knowledge is one thing. Many people just have no idea what it is.The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots in Liverpool, 2025(Image: Supplied)“But my family and my friends have really seen me grow, and they’re very supportive. Ultimately, with people who love you, they want to see you happy, and when they see that, they become very curious themselves.”The idea for expanding their base in the city and hosting more events was sparked with a question asked by a woman. Pancha said: “We used to always travel around the UK, meeting different people, teaching, distributing books. We always found Liverpool had such incredible energy and we’d always have the best response in Liverpool.“There was one particular day when one lady said, ‘George has given you a whole temple, but what have you done for Liverpool?’ And so the seed was planted. At the end of 2024, a group of us moved here. Initially it was three monks. Now it’s expanded to six.”

  • East of England Ambulance Service celebrates 20th anniversary

    East of England Ambulance Service celebrates 20th anniversary



    The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has celebrated two decades since its formation.

    On Wednesday, July 1, the Trust marked 20 years since it was first established through the merger of three services: Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust, East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust, and Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

    Simon Chase, Chief Paramedic and Director of Quality at EEAST – who witnessed the 2006 merger first-hand – has worked for the ambulance service for more than 30 years.

    READ MORE: {{title}}

    He said: “The ambulance service has changed significantly over the past 20 years and continues to evolve, adapt and improve. What has remained constant is the dedication of our staff in serving their communities, many of whom… have devoted decades to the ambulance service and experienced its transformation first-hand.”
    One person who has been part of that journey from the very beginning is paramedic Brent Sylvester. Now a Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer (HALO), Brent transferred from Essex Ambulance Service at the time of the merger.

    He said: “I love the job today as much as I did when I first started with the Essex Ambulance Service in 1986. You experience both wonderful and difficult moments, but that is all part of the role. Making a difference to patients’ lives, at some of the best and worst times, is incredibly rewarding.”

    Brent admitted he had seen much change over the course of his working life: “The ambulance service has changed so much during my career, and the care we provide today is more advanced than ever and continues to improve.”

    Since 2006, EEAST has worked in close partnership with the region’s three air ambulance charities: East Anglian Air Ambulance, Magpas Air Ambulance and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance:

    Dr Simon Lewis MBE, Executive Medical Director of Magpas said: “EEAST isn’t simply a partner to Magpas Air Ambulance, they’re part of the foundation on which everything we do is built. Operating alongside EEAST crews every single day, our partnership runs far deeper than shared geography; at every level of our organisations, we share a common goal of improving outcomes for patients by providing outstanding pre-hospital care 24/7.
    “As EEAST marks this milestone, Magpas Air Ambulance is proud to be part of its story.”

  • Dog attack probe as woman bitten in chest

    Dog attack probe as woman bitten in chest



    The woman in her 40s was left with injuries to her chest11:16, 04 Jul 2026Updated 11:24, 04 Jul 2026A general image of a Belgian MalnoisA woman was bitten in the chest by a dog in a scary ordeal in the Black Country, police have said.The victim, who is in her 40s, suffered injuries to her chest in the incident on Broad Lanes in Wolverhampton.It came after a man – who was in charge of the dog – attempted to assist with a separate incident in the area.Police said that the woman was bitten at around 9.30pm on June 12.READ MORE: The disturbing digital trail left by racist monster who raped Sikh woman he thought was MuslimThey believe the dog involved was a Belgian Malinois, and they are working to trace a man involved who is described as being white and about 30 years old.He is said to be of a thin build with short hair and was driving a white van at the time.A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We’re appealing for information after a woman was injured after being bitten by a dog in Wolverhampton.”The woman, in her 40s, was bitten to the chest during the incident when a man in charge of a dog attempted to assist with a separate incident.”The incident took place on Broad Lanes, at around 9.30pm on 12 June.”We would now like to speak with a man described as white, around 30-years-old, of a thin build with short fair hair, who was driving a white van and in charge of a black and tan dog believed to be a Belgian Malinois.”Anyone with information has been asked to get in tocuh with the force.The spokesperson continued: “We have been carrying out enquiries in that area, but are now asking anyone who was around Broad Lanes at the time or has any information that could help our investigating officers to get in touch with us.”You can call 101 or use the Live Chat option on our website quoting crime number 20/283965/26.”Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

  • A610 Nuthall Road to remain closed into next week for full resurfacing | West Bridgford Wire

    A610 Nuthall Road to remain closed into next week for full resurfacing | West Bridgford Wire



    A section of the A610 Nuthall Road is to remain closed into next week after a diesel spillage damaged the road surface.The inbound carriageway remains closed from Cinderhill Island to Bar Lane following the spillage, which affected the stretch from the Tesco garage to Llanberis Grove.The closure was first put in place after diesel was found on the highway on Wednesday 1 July, prompting highways and cleansing teams to work overnight to clear the site.Following an assessment of the damage, the council said the road surface now has “unacceptably low skid resistance” and that the spillage could have both immediate and longer-term effects on the structural integrity of the road.The council said it had no option but to resurface the affected stretch to make it safe for motorists.Resurfacing work is due to begin this morning and is expected to continue into next week. The road will remain closed while the work takes place.A further update is expected early next week.

  • East of England Ambulance Service celebrates 20th anniversary

    East of England Ambulance Service celebrates 20th anniversary



    The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust formed in 2006The East of England Ambulance Service is marking its 20th birthday(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has celebrated two decades since its formation.On Wednesday, July 1, the Trust marked 20 years since it was first established through the merger of three services: Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust, East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust, and Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust.Simon Chase, Chief Paramedic and Director of Quality at EEAST – who witnessed the 2006 merger first-hand – has worked for the ambulance service for more than 30 years.He said: “The ambulance service has changed significantly over the past 20 years and continues to evolve, adapt and improve. What has remained constant is the dedication of our staff in serving their communities, many of whom… have devoted decades to the ambulance service and experienced its transformation first-hand.”One person who has been part of that journey from the very beginning is paramedic Brent Sylvester. Now a Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer (HALO), Brent transferred from Essex Ambulance Service at the time of the merger.He said: “I love the job today as much as I did when I first started with the Essex Ambulance Service in 1986. You experience both wonderful and difficult moments, but that is all part of the role. Making a difference to patients’ lives, at some of the best and worst times, is incredibly rewarding.”Brent admitted he had seen much change over the course of his working life: “The ambulance service has changed so much during my career, and the care we provide today is more advanced than ever and continues to improve.”Since 2006, EEAST has worked in close partnership with the region’s three air ambulance charities: East Anglian Air Ambulance, Magpas Air Ambulance and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance:Dr Simon Lewis MBE, Executive Medical Director of Magpas said: “EEAST isn’t simply a partner to Magpas Air Ambulance, they’re part of the foundation on which everything we do is built. Operating alongside EEAST crews every single day, our partnership runs far deeper than shared geography; at every level of our organisations, we share a common goal of improving outcomes for patients by providing outstanding pre-hospital care 24/7.”As EEAST marks this milestone, Magpas Air Ambulance is proud to be part of its story.”

  • ‘Tea-total’ take on Otley Run pub crawl swaps booze for brews

    ‘Tea-total’ take on Otley Run pub crawl swaps booze for brews



    The O’tea’ly Run is raising money for Friends of Alfie Martin alongside the Leeds-based Give a Gift charity. Give a Gift director Rifhat Malik said: “When Shazia came to me with the idea, I loved it.”We were born and bred in Leeds, and we see the Otley runners all the time and it’s brilliant fun.”I’m really inspired because it’s great that we’ve got people from our community coming forward to raise funds for our chosen charity.”Malik said the charity’s mission was especially close to her heart. “I’ve sort of gone through what the founders went through in terms of losing a baby, and I think the vital equipment that they provide in the Yorkshire region, the hospitals in particular, it’s life-saving, amazing work.”So it probably touches a lot of families in many ways. This is just one way of us showing our support. They’re doing some fantastic work.”Friends of Alfie Martin was founded in 2002 by Alfie’s parents, Fiona and Roger Martin. Alfie died three days after being born by caesarean section at Harrogate District Hospital. The volunteer-led charity has raised more than £1m so far, helping thousands of families across Yorkshire.Committee member Jackie Knaggs said being chosen as the charity partner was a “privilege”, but it was also heartening to see something “fun” contribute to Alfie’s “positive legacy”.

  • Police wage war on Festival Park boy racers as residents hear ‘boom, boom, boom’

    Police wage war on Festival Park boy racers as residents hear ‘boom, boom, boom’



    Families living near Festival Park marina say their lives are being made a misery by boy racers. Residents have told The Sentinel how cars frequently congregate on the car park behind the Ten Pin bowling centre, revving their cars and playing loud music into the early hours of the morning.Pensioner Jennifer Boulton, aged 80, of Pebble Mill, said: “It is a bloody nuisance. They leave a mess as well. They open their windows and just drop out a McDonald’s or whatever. They meet at the Ten Pin car park. We get them on our private car park, eating their food, making their noise until all hours and leaving their rubbish. They are a nuisance. There was an injunction order for a couple of years. It expired and it all started again.”Neighbour Melanie Hulson, aged 62, said: “I have not seen them but I have heard them, the boom, boom, boom. I realise it is coming from that direction.”Linda Nelson, aged 69, of Lakewood Grove, added: “They are a nuisance. It is between 10pm and 11pm. They congregate and do the figure of eight. It is a car park for the Ten Pin bowling. I have rang the police a few times. They told me to keep calling. You can’t sleep. It has kept us awake at night. That is with the windows closed. During the summer, when you open windows, it is going to be worse. It is as if your floor vibrates to their music. It is a nuisance.”Staffordshire Police have been cracking down on the Festival Park boy racers for a number of weeks. They have had disperal orders – covering Festival Way, Marina Way, Etruria Road and Cobridge Road – for a number of weekends.PC Paul Seddon, of Stoke-on-Trent North local policing team, said: “We have already issued numerous warning letters to registered keepers of cars which have been seen driving anti-socially in the area and arrested one man on suspicion of driving offences. We are determined to tackle issues affecting our communities and will do all we can to protect the public from harm.”Anyone with any issues regarding boy racers should call the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.StokeonTrent Live has approached Stoke-on-Trent City Council for a comment.Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google SearchGet daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE

  • ‘Asia is becoming a superpower of disputes’: Prof. Loukas Mistelis highlights global arbitration trends at IAC Eurasia Arbitration Week 2026

    ‘Asia is becoming a superpower of disputes’: Prof. Loukas Mistelis highlights global arbitration trends at IAC Eurasia Arbitration Week 2026



    On Day 2 the International Arbitration Centre (IAC) hosted a keynote session titled “Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey: Global Trends, User Expectations & the Path Forward” during IAC Eurasia Arbitration Week 2026, featuring Prof. Loukas Mistelis, Clive M. Schmitthoff Professor of Transnational Commercial Law and Arbitration at Queen Mary University of London and International Arbitration Partner at Steptoe LLP.

    Introducing the speaker, it was noted that Professor Mistelis had played a defining role in establishing the empirical study of international arbitration through the Queen Mary surveys, long before arbitration discourse became driven by rankings and analytics. He observed that the surveys sought to understand not merely how arbitration functioned, but how its users perceived and experienced it.
    The moderator further remarked that for the IAC, the survey represented more than academic research. As a relatively young arbitral institution that has recently crossed the milestone of 5,000 cases, the Centre hopes to earn recognition through user confidence rather than institutional promotion. “We hope to appear because users name us, because they have used us, trusted us and found us worthy of comparison with established international centres,” he said.
    Origins of the Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey
    Beginning his address, Professor Mistelis explained that the Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey originated from a simple yet significant question: how do businesses actually choose arbitration?
    Recalling the survey’s inception more than two decades ago, he said that the idea emerged during a discussion with colleagues over dinner, at a time when international arbitration lacked systematic empirical research.
    He observed that in the early 2000s, resources either did not exist or were in their infancy. Discussions surrounding arbitration were largely anecdotal, with little understanding of what users actually valued in arbitral proceedings.
    Accordingly, the survey was designed to understand why businesses choose arbitration, what users expect from the process, and how arbitration functions as a transnational legal order.
    Professor Mistelis noted that the surveys have been conducted in partnership with leading organisations, including PwC, White & Case LLP, and Pinsent Masons, while every researcher associated with the project has gone on to establish a distinguished career in arbitration, whether in academia or practice.
    2025 Survey reflects Asia’s growing engagement
    Turning to the latest edition of the survey, Professor Mistelis explained that the 2025 Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey combined quantitative responses with qualitative interviews.
    The survey received approximately 2,400 responses and included 117 in-depth interviews across jurisdictions, industries and stakeholder groups.
    One of the most striking findings, he noted, was Asia’s growing participation.
    Nearly 47 per cent of respondents came from the Asia-Pacific region, followed by Europe (31 per cent) and North America (10 per cent).
    Professor Mistelis attributed this not merely to demographic realities but also to the region’s increasing engagement with international arbitration and growing reliance on empirical research.
    Arbitration remains the preferred method for cross-border disputes
    Discussing the survey’s principal findings, Professor Mistelis noted that international arbitration continues to enjoy overwhelming user confidence.
    He stated:
    “Arbitration remains the preferred method for cross-border disputes.”
    Approximately 87 per cent of respondents identified arbitration as their preferred standalone mechanism for resolving international commercial disputes, while many others preferred combining arbitration with other forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation and negotiation.
    Although perceptions have evolved over the past two decades, he observed that the fundamental preference for arbitration has remained remarkably consistent.
    London retains leadership while Asia emerges as a global arbitration powerhouse
    Professor Mistelis observed that London has consistently remained the world’s leading arbitral seat since the first Queen Mary survey in 2006.
    According to the 2025 findings, London continues to lead globally, followed by Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Paris.
    Regional preferences, however, reveal significant shifts. Within the Asia-Pacific region, respondents identified Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, London, and Shenzhen as their preferred arbitral seats.
    Similarly, the survey demonstrated the continuing prominence of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as the most preferred arbitral institution globally, followed by institutions such as the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), and others.
    Reflecting on broader global developments, Professor Mistelis remarked:
    “Asia is becoming a superpower of disputes.”
    He explained that not only are an increasing number of disputes originating from Asia, but many are also being seated within Asian arbitral centres, demonstrating the region’s growing influence over international dispute resolution.
    Efficiency, cost and confidentiality remain users’ primary concerns
    Professor Mistelis noted that while arbitration continues to be widely preferred, users consistently emphasise three priorities: efficiency, cost, and confidentiality.
    He observed that demands for expedited procedures, early determination of unmeritorious claims, and more effective case management continue to grow.
    At the same time, survey respondents frequently attributed procedural inefficiencies differently depending upon their role.
    He remarked, somewhat humorously, that:
    “Counsel blame arbitrators and arbitrators blame counsel.”
    Cost also remains a recurring concern. Professor Mistelis stated:
    “Cost matters.”
    Nearly half of the survey respondents continue to regard arbitration as expensive.
    Offering his own perspective, however, he described arbitration as a premium dispute resolution mechanism.
    He explained:
    “Arbitration is a luxury market. It’s the private health service.”
    According to him, arbitration was never intended for every category of dispute, particularly low-value consumer or small commercial claims, and attempts to extend arbitration into such areas may undermine its original purpose.
    Confidentiality also continues to distinguish arbitration from litigation. While some institutions have promoted greater transparency by publishing arbitral awards, Professor Mistelis observed that parties overwhelmingly continue to value confidentiality, particularly in commercial disputes.
    Artificial Intelligence will improve efficiency but not replace arbitrators
    Addressing one of the most closely watched themes of the survey, Professor Mistelis discussed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in international arbitration.
    Survey respondents generally believe AI will improve efficiency, particularly in document review, organisation of evidence, and factual summaries.
    However, they remain reluctant to entrust substantive legal reasoning to AI.
    Professor Mistelis explained that while AI may assist tribunals in administrative tasks and procedural management, the drafting of legal reasoning and final decisions must continue to remain the responsibility of human arbitrators. He also acknowledged concerns surrounding algorithmic bias and differing technological standards across jurisdictions.
    Geopolitics and mediation will shape future arbitration practice
    Looking ahead, Professor Mistelis identified several developments likely to influence future editions of the survey.
    These include the growing interaction between mediation and arbitration, emergency relief mechanisms, sanctions, and the fragmentation of the global legal order resulting from geopolitical developments.
    He observed that international arbitration is increasingly evolving within regional ecosystems while remaining fundamentally global in character.
    During the interactive session, Professor Mistelis also addressed questions regarding the survey’s methodology and representativeness. He explained that the questionnaires are developed through carefully selected focus groups comprising representatives from arbitral institutions, businesses, in-house counsel and arbitrators, while qualitative interviews provide essential context beyond statistical findings.
    Concluding the session, the moderator observed that the Queen Mary Survey serves as an important benchmark for arbitral institutions worldwide.
    He remarked that institutions ultimately build their reputation not through self-promotion but through user confidence. Expressing the IAC’s aspirations, he stated that the Centre hopes to be recognised in future editions of the survey because users choose it voluntarily and regard it alongside the world’s leading arbitration institutions.
    Read more IAC Eurasia Arbitration Week 2026 coverage:

  • ‘Stunning’ village 1 hour from Liverpool feels like you’re stepping back in time

    ‘Stunning’ village 1 hour from Liverpool feels like you’re stepping back in time



    The village has its own botanic gardens, restaurants, and is only a 10 minute drive from the beachChurchtown village(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)If you’re looking for your next adventure away from home, you need not look much further then a small village less than an hour away from Liverpool city centre. A small village on the outskirts of Southport, that may often be overlooked by the seaside town, is the perfect place to stretch your legs and explore at a more calm pace.Churchtown, an ancient village at the core of the North Meols parish, actually predates Southport by centuries and is mentioned as a Viking settlement in the Domesday Book. Although it was historically part of Lancashire, the village is now deemed as being in Merseyside.In fact, the village is home to red rose stickers showing the historic pride of Lancashire DNA running through the area.The picturesque town is a conservation area, and is known for its thatched cottages, stunning church and dozens of listed buildings. One woman, who was visiting the area when hosting a pop-up calligraphy workshop, showed off the ‘glorious’ village on her TikTok page.The video was shared on the Mellor & Rose account, which is ran by Beverley, Polly & Lucy Mellor, a family of women lettering artists.Discovering Churchtown: Things to do in the historic Merseyside villageThey said: “Here’s how to spend the day in Churchtown. Churchtown is a picturesque village just outside Southport, known for its gorgeous thatched cottages.”It’s truly like stepping back in time. Our first great stop is to head around the Victorian Botanic Gardens, which has its very own fernary, which is a huge greenhouse in this insanely cool Victorian building, which displays a great collection of plants.”Then we’re going to head back into the main high street on Botanic Road for a little mooch around the shops.”Content cannot be displayed without consentThe woman showed some of the products inside Angels of Churchtown, a shop that sells everything from cards and homeware to candles and jewellery.She said: “A great little shop is the Angels of Churchtown, brilliant for loads of nice trinkety bits. After all that exploring, I popped into the beautiful Hesketh Arms pub for a little coffee and for some work.”Then it’s time for the main event today, hosting one of our modern calligraphy workshops. Today’s venue is the very creative and crafty Crafty Badger, which is a great spot for pottery painting and was also the venue of today’s workshop.”Why visitors are calling this hidden gem near Southport a best-kept secretPeople commented under the video to thank the woman for sharing her daytrip to the village, while some wanted her to keep the destination a secret.One person said: “Can we keep it secret please.”A second said: “It’s so pretty, my Auntie lived a few years ago and we all loved to visit.”A third added: “My beautiful home town.”Visit Southport said: “Churchtown is a tranquil, historic village on the northern fringe of Southport and dates back to the Domesday Book. It’s a designated conservation area with pretty thatched roof cottages that you’ll notice as soon as you arrive.”Once here, you can browse through the village’s specialist shops and stop for a bite in its charming cafes and pubs. Join one of the Churchtown and Botanic Garden Walks to learn all about the village in times gone by.”Don’t miss a chance to visit Churchtown’s beautiful Botanic Gardens, fernery, aviary and children’s play areas.”