The Office for National Statistics said the rate of UK unemployment increased to 4.7 in the three months to May.

Tens of thousands of passengers were disrupted when French ATC staff walked out on July 3 and 4 in a dispute over working conditions.

Marcus Smith has defied expectations by winning a place on the bench for the British and Irish Lions’ first Test against Australia, but Owen Farrell and Henry Pollock miss out on selection.

Homeowners are being urged to keep an eye on their gardens this summer as experts warn of an expected surge in damage caused by a fast-spreading invasive pest – the box tree moth caterpillar.

Abbott was suspended by the Labour Party in 2023 after a letter comparing different forms of racism but was readmitted a year later.

The 53-year-old, who won back-to-back Claret Jugs in 2007 and 2008, was given the honour of hitting the opening shot.