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Leeds United chief makes exciting World Cup transfer admission

Leeds United look as though they will be incredibly ambitious in the summer transfer window.
A bid over £20million has already been put in for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles from the Whites. Unfortunately, it was rejected, but the Whites remain in talks over a potential deal.
Like last summer, Leeds have also identified some ambitious free agent signings that would radically improve Daniel Farke’s squad. Both Julian Brandt and Harry Wilson are said to be the free agents that United are targeting.
But the exciting news does not stop there. Leeds United managing director Robbie Evans also recently confirmed some more exciting transfer news.
Robbie Evans confirms Leeds are evaluating World Cup targets
In a recent report by Graham Smyth in the Yorkshire Evening Post, he confirmed that last week at the Premier League fixtures launch event at Elland Road, Evans addressed supporters regarding potential summer signings.
Evans outlined United’s transfer strategy, with the window effectively being split into two parts. The first part would involve trying to get deals done swiftly for players not at the World Cup.
This could perhaps hint that potential deals for either Wilson or Brandt could soon be completed.
However, Evans also confirmed that there would be another “intense period” following the World Cup regarding recruitment.
The American confirmed that Leeds do, in fact, hold interest in some players who are participating in the World Cup. Understandably, these are the potential deals that we would be looking at completing following the tournament.
To round things off, Evans also confirmed the Whites’ primary objective for next season, and that is to further consolidate themselves as a Premier League outfit.
Leeds United need to be careful when signing players from the World Cup
Whilst it is exciting that we are monitoring players at the World Cup. It is something we need to be careful of.
It feels like at least one player, who nobody has ever heard of prior to the tournament, always earns a massive move based on their form at the World Cup.
These moves are typically high-risk. Whilst they can work out, they are not something we can afford to take a chance on.
So hopefully, any of the World Cup targets the 49ers have identified were done so before the tournament and not impulsively based on their performances at it.
Any players we are keeping an eye on at the World Cup could also see their valuations skyrocket if they have an impressive tournament. The 49ers will need to have plenty of alternatives lined up if this is the case.
The last thing they want is to be dragged into bidding wars. Potentially paying over the odds for their World Cup targets.
For the most part, the 49ers’ recruitment has been spot on since they took custodianship of Leeds. So until that changes, I will continue to put my faith in them to get this transfer window spot on once again.
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June 23, 2026
‘Near miss’ for wildlife as fireworks cause Staffordshire Peak District blaze

Young people setting of fireworks are thought to have caused a large grass fire described as a ‘near miss’ by a wildlife charity.Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) issued a warning about using fireworks after the fire broke out at The Roaches in Upper Hulme in the Peak District on Monday evening.Firefighters were called at about 21:35 BST, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said, and managed to extinguish the blaze. No-one was reported to have been injured.Police said the fire was believed to have been caused deliberately by young people setting off fireworks and confirmed the incident was under investigation.SWT said the bird nesting season was currently at its peak and the fire could have “easily devastated” breeding curlew, meadow pipits and birds of prey.Jeff Sim, head of nature reserves at SWT, said: “Looking over the fire site this morning, we see some encouraging signs.”The fire caused minimal damage where the sphagnum moss plants are well established in the vegetation as they’ve kept the ground wet.”

June 23, 2026
GUEST BLOG: Jonny Khan: When Communities Stop Trusting Institutions – The Reviews Hub

Camden People’s Theatre and Jonny Khan present CAMDENWALLA, a bold new play uncovering the story of the Bengali community’s fight for safety in 1990s North London, running at Camden People’s Theatre until 4th July 2026. Set in the very building where the real events took place, the production shines a light on an overlooked chapter of London history, telling the story of the volunteers who kept each other safe when no one else would.
Writer Jonny Khan speaks about his research for the play, discovering what happens when communities stop trusting institutions. At a moment when trust in political leadership and public institutions feels increasingly fragile, CAMDENWALLA revisits a period when migrant communities in London felt they could no longer rely on official systems to keep them safe. As contemporary Britain continues to grapple with rising anti-immigrant rhetoric and community tension, Jonny discovered the emotional labour carried by ordinary people who stepped in when systems broke down, and what the Camden Monitoring Project’s model of solidarity can teach us about collective care today.
“One of the things that surprised me most while researching CAMDENWALLA was how often people spoke about not feeling protected. I originally started the project wanting to learn more about the history of the building itself. That led me to researching the Bengali community around Drummond Street in Camden. I knew some of the broad history – migration, businesses, political organising, but I didn’t expect how many conversations would come back to fear.
People told me about racist attacks, intimidation and harassment. They spoke about walking home in groups because it felt safer, avoiding certain streets and young people being targeted simply for being Asian.
Again and again, I heard stories of people feeling like there was nowhere else to turn. Reporting incidents didn’t always lead to action. Many felt ignored by the authorities or that their experiences weren’t being taken seriously. When those systems don’t work or don’t seem interested in working, people are left with a choice to either accept it or find another way. The Camden Monitoring Project was one of those other ways.
What inspires me about the project is that it wasn’t created by people with huge amounts of power. It was created by local people who recognised a problem and decided something needed to be done. They documented racist incidents, supported victims, helped people navigate systems that often felt intimidating or inaccessible and created a place where people could be listened to and believed.
While writing CAMDENWALLA, I found myself thinking a lot about the emotional cost of that work. We often talk about activism in terms of campaigns, protests, and political victories. But behind all of that are people spending hours listening to difficult stories, supporting neighbours through traumatic experiences, and carrying the weight of other people’s pain.
Many of the people involved had jobs, families and struggles of their own. Yet they still found the time and energy to support others because they understood that nobody else was going to do it for them. I think that’s one of the reasons this history feels so relevant today.
Over the past few years we’ve seen increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric in Britain, with migrants often presented as problems rather than neighbours. The language may be different, but some of the underlying tensions don’t feel entirely unfamiliar. At the same time, trust in institutions feels increasingly fragile. Whether it’s politics, policing or public services, many people feel disconnected from the systems that are supposed to represent them. That doesn’t mean we’re living through exactly the same moment as the 1970s, 80s and 90s, but I do think there are lessons in looking back.
The Camden Monitoring Project reminds us that communities are often at their strongest when they look after one another. That might sound obvious, but I think we’ve become very good at talking about community and less good at investing in it. The people involved in the Camden Monitoring Project weren’t posting statements or waiting for somebody else to solve the problem. They were building relationships, creating networks of support and showing up for people. Researching this history has also made me think differently about what resistance looks like. I became interested in how resistance changes depending on the circumstances and the generation. Sometimes resistance is public and visible and sometimes it’s quieter.
Production shot: Image by Harry Elletson
For me, one of the most moving parts of this story is that the project wasn’t just about documenting racism. It was about making people feel seen and telling people that what happened to them mattered. I’ve often thought about the idea that our parents’ generation didn’t rest so my generation could. They did it so that we could have different opportunities in Britain today. But that doesn’t mean the work is finished. It means each generation has to find its own way of continuing it.
As a theatre maker, I’m interested in stories that might otherwise be forgotten. The history of the Bengali community in Camden is full of extraordinary acts of organising, resilience, and solidarity, but much of it remains largely unknown outside the people who lived it. CAMDENWALLA is my attempt to bring some of those stories into the room.
The Camden Monitoring Project showed what can happen when people refuse to accept that things are “just the way they are”. Communities can build when they come together, and it reminds us that when trust in institutions begins to fail, our relationships with one another become even more important.”
CAMDENWALLA runs at Camden People’s Theatre until 4th July 2026. For tickets and more information, visit cptheatre.co.uk/whatson/CAMDENWALLA.

June 23, 2026
Bayern, Man United, Man City and Liverpool enquire about Felix Nmecha

By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff
Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all reportedly made contact over the possibility of signing Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha.
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Interest surrounding Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has increased following the central midfielder’s impressive performances for Germany at the World Cup.According to Sport Bild, Bayern Munich have made contact with the player’s representatives to explore a potential move.Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have also registered their interest in the 25-year-old, while Real Madrid are also reported to be among his suitors.With Nmecha under contract until 2030 and no release clause active until 2027, Borussia Dortmund are under no pressure to sell and would prefer to keep him beyond the summer.Still, a summer move cannot be completely ruled out, with the report claiming that an offer of €100 million would make BVB consider cashing in on the midfielder.According to Sport Bild, Nmecha’s release clause is set at €80 million from 2027 and drops to €70 million from 2028 onwards.

June 23, 2026
CRDOne Earns Top High Growth Honour at 2026 Bedfordshire Business Awards

A year of strong business performance has seen Bedford digital agency CRDOne crowned High Growth Business of the Year at the 2026 SME Bedfordshire Business Awards.
The recognition follows a period of sustained expansion for the company, which was also shortlisted for Business of the Year among organisations employing fewer than 50 people. The awards were presented at The Marquee in Bedford on 18 June.
Founded five years ago, CRDOne has grown its team from three members to seven over the past year while increasing its client base to more than 30 businesses across the country. The agency specialises in digital marketing and web design services focused on delivering measurable outcomes.
Its client success stories include helping a local ecommerce company achieve a 45% increase in traffic and revenue, contributing to nearly £1 million in online sales. The agency has also supported Gadget GoGo’s rise within the tech recycling sector and delivered work for automotive manufacturers Renault, Citroën and Genesis.
“This recognition means a lot to our team,” said founder Carl Darnell. “The support and trust of our clients have been the biggest factor behind our growth, and we’re grateful for the long-term relationships we’ve built.”
The agency has also remained active within the business community, recently supporting an event at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes attended by more than 50 entrepreneurs and business owners.
The High Growth Business award reflects CRDOne’s achievements in expanding its team, increasing revenue, retaining clients and contributing to local business development.
“We’re still focused on the same goal,” Carl said. “Helping business owners understand marketing and use it to grow their companies more effectively.”
CRDOne continues to partner with ambitious businesses across Bedfordshire and beyond, helping them turn marketing investment into tangible commercial success.
June 23, 2026
Blackburn Rovers target move for 29-year-old, West Brom also keen News: The72 – Football League News

Blackburn Rovers: Rovers eye Alex Palmer with West Brom
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June 23, 2026
Police confirm eight people critical and over 100 injured in East Midlands Railway crash | West Bridgford Wire

British Transport Police has confirmed that eight people remain in a critical condition in hospital today (22 June), following the train crash close to Bedford on Friday evening (19 July).Officers were called to the line by Elstow, Bedfordshire at 5.15pm on Friday following reports that two East Midlands Railway trains had collided. A major incident was declared and a significant emergency service response took place – with support from our colleagues at Bedfordshire Police, the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services and the National Police Air Service.Over 100 people have received treatment at hospital. 53 of those remain in hospital today and eight are in a critical condition. These numbers are changing frequently and are likely to continue to change as the week moves forward.Tragically, the driver of one of the trains was pronounced dead at the scene. Shaun Burton’s family paid tribute to the 60-year-old yesterday and are being supported by specialist officers from BTP.Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone at BTP are with the driver Shaun Burton’s family and colleagues, and all those injured and affected by the collision on Friday.“This is a priority investigation for BTP and our experienced senior investigating officer is working in parallel with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the full circumstances of how this incident came to happen. We have recovered personal property from the two trains and will shortly be providing an update on how affected passengers can retrieve their belongings.“Friday evening witnessed an awful incident that presented complexities and challenges for all those who responded. I have been humbled by the actions of passengers and staff who were on the trains, and by the professionalism of our officers, the wider emergency services and partners.“The recovery operation is now underway, and work continues this week to remove the damaged trains and carriages and allow the railway to reopen.“Lastly, our investigation team are looking to speak to everyone who was on the affected trains at the time of the collision. I would urge anyone who hasn’t already spoken to police to get in touch with BTP.”

June 23, 2026
Wine bar could open until early hours and host live music

The wine bar seeks to open until 1am on some daysBroadway Cellars in St Ives(Image: Supplied)A Cambridgeshire wine bar could be allowed open until the early hours, as well as host live music, if its licensing application is approved. Broadway Cellars opened in November 2025 along Broadway in St Ives.At the moment, the bar opens from 9am until 7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays, and then 9am until 11pm from Wednesdays to Saturdays. The bar owners have submitted a licensing application to Huntingdonshire District Council to extend its opening hours.It now seeks to open from 9am until 11pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, 9am until midnight on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and then 9am until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.In seasonal times, including Bank Holiday Sundays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, it also seeks to open until 1am, depending on what day they fall on. As well as extending its opening hours, the bar hopes to host live music.If approved, live music could be held on Fridays and Saturdays between 8pm and midnight. For the licence to be complied with, it said a CCTV system “must be installed and maintained at the premises” and recordings must be maintained for 31 consecutive days.Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in .

June 23, 2026
AUS-W vs PAK-W Match 21 T20 World Cup 2026 Odds & Prediction

Australia Women look near-certain to seal a semi-final berth against already-eliminated Pakistan Women in Match 21 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, carrying a 93% win probability with odds of AUS 1.02 vs PAK 14.00.Sophie Molineux’s side have won all three group matches and sit top of Group 1. Meanwhile, Fatima Sana’s Pakistan have lost every fixture and became the first team eliminated from the tournament.Furthermore, the evening fixture unfolds at Headingley, Leeds on Monday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 PM IST (5:30 PM BST local).AUS-W vs PAK-W Match DetailsDetailsInfoMatchAustralia Women vs Pakistan Women, 21st Match, Group 1, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026DateMonday, June 23, 2026Start Time10:00 PM IST / 5:30 PM BST localVenueHeadingley Cricket Ground, LeedsGroupGroup 1 (Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa)Live Streaming (India)Star Sports / JioHotstar app and websiteAUS-W vs PAK-W Match Odds & Win ProbabilityThe market positions Australia at the shortest odds of the entire tournament at just 1.02, which reflects Pakistan’s winless campaign plus Australia’s perfect record.OutcomeOddsImplied ProbabilityAustralia Women to win1.02~98%Pakistan Women to win14.00~7%Win Probability (Model)AUS 93% / PAK 7%Expert callClearly, this shapes up as a total mismatch on paper. However, Fatima Sana’s individual brilliance keeps a tiny door open for Pakistan pride.Headingley Pitch & Leeds Weather ReportHeadingley has offered a balanced surface throughout the tournament, with fast bowlers finding some early movement before batting becomes easier.Moreover, 3 of the last 4 WT20Is played here went to the side batting first. Therefore, the toss-winning captain should opt to bat first and set a target around 165-170, which should prove competitive.Additionally, the pitch assists spinners during the second half of the match, which plays into Australia’s hands given their trio of Molineux, King, and Wareham. Weather looks ideal with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.AUS-W vs PAK-W Head-to-HeadAustralia hold a perfect 10-0 record over Pakistan in Women’s T20Is. Pakistan have never beaten Australia in any T20I format.Source – CricTrackerDetailsInfoAll-Time T20I RecordAustralia 10-0 Pakistan (perfect record)AUS’s WC RecordWon all 3 matches (top of Group 1)PAK’s WC RecordLost all 3 matches (first team eliminated)AUS’s FormW L W W W (last 5 T20Is)PAK’s FormL L L L L (last 5 T20Is)PAK’s Bright SpotFatima Sana: 7 wickets in 3 matchesConsequently, Pakistan carry the burden of never having beaten Australia plus a five-match losing streak. Therefore, anything other than a dominant Australian win would rank as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.AUS-W vs PAK-W Predicted Playing XIsHere are Predicted Playing XI for both Teams:Australia Women (AUS-W)Beth Mooney (WK), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux (C), Nicola Carey, Alana King, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton.Pakistan Women (PAK-W)Muneeba Ali (WK), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Saira Jabeen, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (C), Tuba Hassan, Tasmia Rubab, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.AUS-W vs PAK-W Probable Best PerformersHere are probable Best Performers from both Teams:Probable Best Batter: Beth MooneyBeth Mooney has formed an excellent opening partnership with Georgia Voll and remains the tournament’s leading run-scorer favourite.Moreover, the left-hander’s ability to anchor an innings plus accelerate through the gears makes her a nightmare for Pakistan’s bowling unit. Consequently, a Mooney half-century looks very much on the cards.Probable Best Bowler: Fatima SanaFatima Sana has been Pakistan’s standout performer with 7 wickets in 3 matches and finishes as their best bowler in every fixture.Additionally, the captain’s all-round value has made her Pakistan’s most likely wicket-taking threat throughout the tournament. Therefore, her spell against Mooney and Perry becomes the only genuine contest within this contest.Australia X-Factor: Kim GarthKim Garth has led the pace attack effectively throughout the tournament and brings genuine swing plus accuracy that has troubled every top order she has bowled to.Furthermore, Headingley’s surface offers early movement that suits Garth’s disciplined style. As a result, a 3-wicket haul from the Irish-born seamer could wrap up Pakistan’s innings well before the 20th over.AUS-W vs PAK-W Top Player BetsThe following value-led markets going into the Headingley fixture, based on tournament form.AspectSelectionReasoningFeatured BetAyesha Zafar under 12.5 runsAvg under 11 in tournament; under 12 in 5 of last 6 (odds 1.85)Featured BetFatima Sana best PAK bowlerBest bowler in every PAK match; 7 wkts in 3 (odds 3.95)Top AUS BatterBeth MooneyLeading run-scorer favourite; excellent with VollMost WicketsKim GarthLed AUS pace attack; Headingley suits swingNote: Odds vary across platforms and shift through the day. Always check the live price on your provider of choice before placing any wager.Suggested Reads:AUS-W vs PAK-W Match PredictionAustralia Women look near-certain to win at 93% win probability, largely because their perfect 3-0 group record, 10-0 all-time head-to-head, and world-class squad depth leave zero room for an upset against an already-eliminated Pakistan side.Projected scores point to a completely one-sided affair. Australia look set for 170-185 batting first, while Pakistan could struggle to post more than 110-125 given their consistent batting failures.Mooney’s class plus Australia’s spin trio tilt the scales entirely toward the six-time champions. However, Fatima Sana’s 7 tournament wickets show Pakistan can at least compete in one department, which may produce a moment or two worth watching.Disclaimer: Predictions and betting tips rely on form, conditions, and recent results. Cricket betting carries financial risk; only play with funds you can afford to lose, and stick to legal platforms in your jurisdiction.

June 23, 2026
Impact of EU vote still being felt in ‘Brexit capital’ Stoke-on-Trent decade on

Ten years ago the UK saw one of the most important political events in living memory as the country voted to leave the European Union. On June 23, 2016, the EU referendum resulted in a 52 to 48 per cent vote in favour of Brexit, leading to political, social and economic changes that we are still experiencing a decade later.The referendum has been particularly impactful in Stoke-on-Trent – dubbed the ‘Brexit capital of Britain due to the city’s 69.4 per cent Leave vote, one of the highest in the country. London’s political class, which had long overlooked the Potteries, suddenly became interested in ‘left behind’ places like North Staffordshire which had played such a key role in the referendum.Voters in Stoke-on-Trent, which had long been a Labour stronghold, shifted towards the Conservatives in both local and national elections, as ‘Get Brexit Done’ became a winning campaign slogan. And places such as Stoke-on-Trent became the focus of the government’s Levelling Up agenda, with the city securing £56 million of regeneration cash.While Stoke-on-Trent and much of Staffordshire later swung back to Labour, the political earthquake triggered 10 years ago is still continuing.Reform UK, which evolved out of the Brexit Party, has dominated local elections in Staffordshire since since last year, taking over Staffordshire County Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. And several local Tories, including former Stoke-on-Trent MP Jonathan Gullis, have switched to Nigel Farage’s party.Phil Catney, senior lecturer in politics at Keele University, believes these ruptures are continuing due to the politicians’ failure to tackle the underlying issues that led to the Brexit vote, such as inequality and economic changes over the last 50 years. He says that in some ways these problems have actually got worse as a result of Brexit.Dr Catney said: “We haven’t had honest conversations in Britain about why our economy is the way it is, why inequality is the way it is, why people have lower life chances if they live in a place like Stoke-on-Trent. And so when you don’t address those issues, or you don’t don’t talk about them properly, that’s when you leave yourself open to political projects that say, ‘Actually, it’s the migrants’ fault, or it’s the EU’s fault.’ “Populists see people’s grievances and they give them an easy answer on who to blame.”The EU had its problems, but there was no clear plan on what our economy would look like post-Brexit. The trade deals that have been signed aren’t anywhere near good enough to replace what we lost. Covid masked the impact, but we came out of the pandemic much more slowly than other countries.”And the promise was that after Brexit, migration would be managed. But that’s not what has happened.”On Monday, Keir Starmer became the sixth Prime Minister to be ousted in the decade since the referendum. Dr Catney believes his successor cannot afford to overlook the needs of Brexit-voting areas like the Potteries.He said: “The British state has never really had a very good regional policy to target de-industrialised places like Stoke-on-Trent. We have attracted some hi-tech industries into the city, but we’re not growing at the same rate as the superstar cities to our north and south, and people feel that.”If the government’s really want to try and deal with the issue, they should look at how they can equalise life chances, so you’re not disadvantaged too much by where you live.”Councillor Dan Jellyman, who leads the Reform group on Stoke-on-Trent City Council, was among the local politicians who defected to the party from the Conservatives. He backed the Leave campaign in 2016 and still believes it was the right decision for Stoke-on-Trent and the country as a whole, as it meant ‘having destiny in our own hands’.But he does not think that successive government’s have truly taken advantage of Britain’s departure from the EU. Cllr Jellyman said: “The first impact we saw was the vaccine roll-out, which was the fastest in the world. That was because we were freed from all the European regulations.”We saw the benefits of what we could do, but then we bottled it, and basically stopped. Both the Conservatives and Labour have failed to realise the benefits of being outside the EU.”In Stoke, our ceramics sector have had problems with high energy costs and cheap imports from the Far East. Coming out of the EU meant we were free from the rules over state support for companies, that say a government can’t favour their own manufacturing industry. We should also have imposed tariffs on imports from the Far East. But we haven’t done that, and ironically Europe has.”We’ve had a lack of vision, and a lack of leadership. We’ve now had six Prime Ministers since the referendum. All of them have failed on leadership.”For many voters, immigration was the key reason why they voted to leave the EU in 2016. But both legal migration and asylum have continued to be major issues since Brexit – small boat crossings increased exponentially after 2020, with more asylum seekers being dispersed to Stoke-on-Trent than most other areas.Cllr Jellyman blames ‘outdated’ human rights laws for successive government’s inability to tackle the small boats issues. But he also criticises Boris Johnson’s government for allowing legal migration to increase post-Brexit, which he sees as another example of the failure to grasp the opportunities of life outside the EU.Alec Sandiford, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Stafford Borough Council, backed Remain in the referendum, and believes that Brexit opened up a ‘Pandora’s box’ that has continued to dominate politics ever since. He does not think leaving the EU has benefited Staffordshire, and thinks it is wrong that politicians who pushed Brexit 10 years ago are still in the ascendancy.Cllr Sandiford said: “The question always frustrated me – do you want to leave, yes or no. It was a lot more complex than that. During the campaign there was a lot of exaggeration and lies, and a lot of division, that is still being used now by the likes of Farage and Reform. But it didn’t actually tackle the core issues of what people were upset about.”People in places like Stoke-on-Trent were told that it was certain people or the EU that were to blame for problems in their area, when really it was successive governments that let them down.”You look at businesses that are struggling with exports, and the hit to the economy. After 10 years, I don’t think we should have another referendum or rejoin, but we certainly need to have closer alignment with Europe.”Cllr Sandiford believes the increase in small boat crossings is a ‘direct consequence’ of the hard Brexit pushed by the likes of Mr Farage, and says those same politicians are now using the issue to ‘stoke up hate and division’. He added: “It just seems to have been a deliberate project to move us towards a more polarised, American-style politics.”

June 23, 2026