AGP Executive Report

World Cup Security: England’s World Cup build-up has been hit by a theft in Kansas City, with police investigating after training kit, including boots and balls, went missing from a team vehicle arriving from Florida; two people are in custody as the FA scrambles to replace gear ahead of the Croatia opener. Women’s Cricket: Danni Wyatt-Hodge marked England’s Women’s T20 World Cup start with a century and a baby-dedication celebration, as England smashed Sri Lanka by 87 runs at Edgbaston. Scotland World Cup Return: Scotland kick off their first men’s World Cup in 28 years against Haiti in Boston, with Steve Clarke’s side chasing a must-win start after warm-up wins and a big fan turnout. Tournament Round-Up: The US opened with a 4-1 win over Paraguay while Canada drew Bosnia 1-1, setting up a busy day including Scotland’s Haiti clash. Housing Risk: New analysis warns millions of homes across London and the south east face rising subsidence risk as hotter, drier summers shrink clay soils.

World Cup build-up (Scotland): Steve Clarke says Scott McTominay is “perfect and ready to go” for Scotland’s opener against Haiti in Boston after a stomach bug scare, with Clarke stressing it’s a squad job not a one-man mission. World Cup build-up (England): Thomas Tuchel’s England squad posed in M&S suits for a Miami shoot, while Jude Bellingham urged the whole group to feel “loved” after Euro 2024 issues off the pitch. Women’s cricket (England): England Women smashed the highest-ever team total in the Women’s T20 World Cup, posting 219/1 vs Sri Lanka with Danni Wyatt-Hodge 105* and Nat Sciver-Brunt also firing. Wales safety: Conwy harbour jet ski riders are being filmed speeding up to four times the limit with children onboard, with prosecutions held back after plate-removal attempts. Scotland policing: Fentanyl pills, a rifle and two pistols were found during a Scotland Neck stop, leading to charges and denial of bond. Northern Ireland unrest: Police say 19 people have been arrested after two nights of rioting following a knife attack, with MPs warning misinformation online helped fuel disorder. Welsh heritage: A statue honouring Elizabeth Andrews OBE JP is set to be unveiled at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum later this month.

Health Alert: Two children in England have died from measles this year as UKHSA reports 106 more lab-confirmed cases in the past fortnight, with the highest numbers in London, the East of England and the West Midlands. World Cup Build-Up (England): England’s women’s team begin the Women’s T20 World Cup at Edgbaston against Sri Lanka, while England men’s World Cup warm-ups end with a 3-0 Costa Rica win in Orlando despite a storm delay. World Cup Build-Up (Scotland): Scotland fans arrive in Boston for the opener against Haiti after a long trip “ran out of beer”, and Scotland’s return after 28 years is already drawing huge attention. Football Transfer Talk: Harry Kane’s Bayern contract talks are reportedly stalled, raising the prospect of a free transfer if no deal is agreed. Public Services: Lloyds Bank and Halifax plan to close 79 more UK branches, including sites in Wales. Wales Farming & Disease: A bluetongue case in west Wales has been confirmed, with vets warning more cases are likely and urging vaccination. Northern Ireland: Fresh unrest continues to be condemned by officials as anti-migrant violence flares again.

England World Cup build-up: Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions closed pre-tournament camp with a 3-0 Costa Rica win in Orlando, then thrashed Miami FC 6-0 behind closed doors, with Ollie Watkins stressing how fresh legs matter in punishing heat. World Cup security: England’s Kansas City hotel is already ringed with anti-terror barriers and armed police, with concrete vehicle blocks and screens around the 54-room base. Weather threat: The tournament faces a “weather bomb” warning as freak storms, flooding and hurricane-force winds loom, with England’s final warm-up delayed by thunderstorm conditions. Scotland travel trouble: The UK Government says it’s working to fix ESTA rejections after some Scotland fans were refused entry to the US for the World Cup. Public health: Measles deaths of two children in England have been confirmed as cases rise, with UKHSA urging parents to get MMR up to date. Northern Ireland unrest: Another night of riots left officers injured and a Ukrainian refugee family reported being hurt during anti-migrant violence in Belfast. Cricket updates: Joe Root is interim England Test captain after Ben Stokes’ nightclub incident, while Zak Crawley is rested from Kent’s next Championship games.

England World Cup build-up: Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions finished warm-ups with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando, but the match was delayed an hour by a thunderstorm that flooded the pitch. Declan Rice scored early, Anthony Gordon added a second-half penalty, and Ollie Watkins wrapped it up as Tuchel managed fitness concerns, including Bukayo Saka’s Achilles issue. Team selection buzz: Roy Keane says Gordon has done enough to start in the Croatia opener, while Micah Richards and others are pushing for Jude Bellingham to be in the XI. Weather watch: England fans are bracing for more disruption as FIFA’s storm protocols come into focus after the Orlando delay. Northern Ireland unrest: A second night of violence followed Monday’s Belfast knife attack, with 12 police officers injured, 16 arrests, and water cannon used as rioters threw bricks and petrol bombs. Politics and policing: Hilary Benn called the disorder “racist thuggery” and said there was less disorder than Tuesday. Everyday UK rules: England driveway upgrades may need permeable surfacing to meet drainage rules, and there are warnings about World Cup flag displays at home. Scotland at the tournament: Tartan Army fans have arrived in Boston for Scotland’s opener against Haiti, with some travel permit drama still affecting supporters.

Northern Ireland Unrest: Belfast erupted in fresh violence after a Sudanese man was charged over a knife attack that left a local resident seriously injured, with families forced from homes and cars, buses and property set alight; police warned motorists to avoid affected areas as riot officers used water cannon and more disorder was expected. Court Update: Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder, knife possession and threats, with detectives describing the victim’s injuries. England Cricket: Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been left out of the second Test against New Zealand as the ECB investigates a nightclub curfew breach, with Joe Root named interim captain. England Football Prep: England’s final World Cup warm-up against Costa Rica in Orlando was delayed by storms and lightning, with kick-off pushed back to 10pm UK time. Road Safety Warning: Emergency services in England urged fans to avoid drink or drugs while driving, citing a rise in crashes on match days. Scotland Wildlife: Edinburgh Zoo’s baby capybara has been named Bru after a public vote.

World Cup build-up: England’s Thomas Tuchel says Bukayo Saka is not at 100% after an Achilles issue and needs careful management as the Three Lions finish warm-ups before Croatia. Squad debate: Chelsea legend John Terry claims Tuchel’s picks leave “11” players not good enough for the squad, while Tuchel insists England can win without any one star. Off-field cricket clash: England Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson face scrutiny after a reported nightclub incident involving a Saracens academy player. Northern Ireland violence: A Sudanese man is due in court over an attempted murder charge after a knife attack sparked anti-immigrant riots, with homes and vehicles set alight and politicians condemning the disorder. Scotland politics and backlash: John Swinney condemned protests after the Belfast stabbing, as masked demonstrators gathered in Glasgow. Wales childcare pressure: The Welsh government is under pressure to say when childcare will be expanded. Disability payments: Scottish Greens warn Adult Disability Payment approvals have fallen sharply, calling for urgent action. Scotland baby-name trend: Scotland’s most popular World Cup-linked baby boy names for 2025 have been revealed.

Cricket Governance: The ICC has rated Lord’s pitch “unsatisfactory” after England’s rain-hit Test win over New Zealand, with MCC admitting responsibility and facing a 14-day ECB appeal. England Cricket Captaincy: Ben Stokes’ role is under intense scrutiny after an ECB probe into a nightclub incident involving Gus Atkinson, with reports suggesting he could step down or be removed as captain ahead of the Oval Test. Rugby Union: An England rugby official has resigned after discriminatory social media comments about Women’s World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi. Northern Ireland Health: Hospital doctors in Northern Ireland have voted for two 24-hour strikes over pay, with the BMA urging a credible offer from the health minister. Northern Ireland Violence: Police have charged a 30-year-old man with attempted murder after a knife attack in north Belfast left a victim seriously injured; officers also appealed for calm amid protest fears. Women’s Football: Wales Women topped their World Cup qualifying group, improving their play-off path, while Scotland Women thrashed Israel 5-1 to secure promotion and set up World Cup play-offs. Scotland Travel/World Cup: Scotland First Minister John Swinney says he’s pushing US officials after some Tartan Army members’ ESTA permits were revoked ahead of matches. Local Safety: Edinburgh councillors voted to ban fireworks across the city for Bonfire Night, with fines up to £5,000.

World Cup Security: Police Scotland is sending four officers to North America for World Cup duty, with two based at an international coordination centre and two travelling to support fans at hubs and fan zones. England Cricket Discipline: Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are under ECB investigation after a reported midnight curfew breach and nightclub incident in Chelsea, with questions now hanging over Stokes’s Test captaincy. England Football Build-up: Djed Spence says he’ll wear a protective mask throughout the World Cup after breaking his jaw; England also face Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with fans fretting about an “ITV curse” for the opener. Northern Ireland Violence: A man was seriously injured in a stabbing in north Belfast; police say another man was arrested and urge witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. Scotland Transport Disruption: ScotRail cancelled services through Croy after an emergency incident blocked the line. Wales Energy Push: Welsh farmers are being urged to seize onshore wind opportunities as part of the push for renewable power by 2035. Health News (Scotland): Wegovy has been approved on NHS Scotland for eligible patients to cut heart attack and stroke risk. Wales Search: A major search continues off Cefn Sidan beach after reports of two people possibly in distress.

Cricket Discipline: England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation by the ECB after an early-hours nightclub incident following Sunday’s 115-run win over New Zealand at Lord’s, with a breach of the team’s midnight curfew reported; the ECB says the Cricket Regulator has been informed and a squad update for the Oval Test on June 17 will follow, with Stokes and Atkinson facing likely omission. World Cup Buzz: Wales boss Craig Bellamy has backed England to win World Cup 2026 if conditions suit them, while England fans are also being warned not to expect an easy ride as an Opta supercomputer gives the Three Lions only an 11.3% chance. Scotland Crime: Four youths have been charged over a series of vehicle thefts and break-ins across the Scottish Borders, including Peebles, West Linton and Clovenfords. Northern Ireland Media Safety: The NUJ has condemned intimidation of journalists covering a Palestinian solidarity march in Scarva, Co Down, saying reporters were threatened and moved from their viewing positions. Transport Wales: Transport for Wales is pushing ahead with the South Wales Metro, with new tram-trains nearing passenger service and station toilet upgrades under way.

Cricket Reset: England kicked off their “Bazball” rebuild with a 115-run Lord’s win over New Zealand, with Gus Atkinson taking 5-30 and Ollie Robinson named player of the match as the Black Caps were bowled out for 138. World Cup Leadership: Thomas Tuchel confirmed Declan Rice as England’s vice-captain for the tournament, with Harry Kane set to lead and Tuchel saying Rice will deputise. Selection Pressure: Tuchel also warned Jude Bellingham he has a fight on his hands for a starting spot as England’s World Cup roles stay fluid. Scotland Row: Norway boss Ståle Solbakken hit out at Steve Clarke after a planned closed-door friendly was cancelled, calling it “unprofessional”. Safety Alert: Nine people were injured in a shooting near England’s World Cup base camp in Kansas City, with no suspects in custody. Cost of Living & Care: Carers across North Lanarkshire were urged to check new Scottish support payments during Carers Week. Tourism Tax Backlash (Wales): A Welsh caravan park said wardens will not collect a baby visitor levy, switching to an adult-only site from September. Finance: The DWP confirmed some ESA claimants won’t lose payments when legacy benefits end, with safeguards for vulnerable people. Retail: Sephora announced its first Scottish stores will open in Edinburgh (July 9) and Glasgow (Aug 13).

Cricket: Gus Atkinson starred again at Lord’s as England beat New Zealand by 115 runs to win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with Ollie Robinson named player of the match after a seven-wicket return and New Zealand dismissed for 138 chasing 254. World Cup leadership: Thomas Tuchel has named Declan Rice as England’s vice-captain for the tournament, with Harry Kane still skipper and Jude Bellingham wearing the armband in the warm-up explained as a caps-based call. Safety concerns: A mass shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, left nine people injured near England’s World Cup base; police say injuries are non-life-threatening and no suspects are in custody. Health: North Wales visitors are being urged to cover up and take tick precautions after reports of tick “infestations” around beaches and countryside. NHS pressure (Scotland): Labour says NHS Scotland’s workforce planning failures have driven a half-billion-pound bill for temporary staff. Sport (Wales): Craig Bellamy’s Wales slipped 2-1 to Romania in Bucharest, with the boss admitting they need to create more chances. Honours: Composer Sir James MacMillan has been appointed a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s top honour.

England World Cup warm-up: Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa, but he slammed “freestyle” play in the first half and praised the second-half structure, with Harry Kane’s header the key moment. Player spotlight: 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha was named player of the match on his England debut, while Jude Bellingham’s late impact drew fresh praise. Heat and fitness: England’s camp is adjusting to Florida conditions and newly laid pitches, with Tuchel and specialists warning that sweltering temperatures could force smarter substitutions at the World Cup. Scotland World Cup prep: Steve Clarke’s side thrashed Bolivia 4-0 in New Jersey, with Clarke calling it “fantastic problems” ahead of the opener against Haiti. UK crime and safety: Scotland faces renewed calls for a zero-tolerance knife crime policy after the Kayden Moy case, while Wales police are investigating an arson attack that gutted around 10 coaches in Aberaman. Local impact: Glasgow’s Union Street fire recovery has secured more than £10m in funding for rebuilding and business support.

England World Cup build-up: Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions kick off their warm-up run with New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, with Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke not involved yet; England have also revealed their World Cup squad numbers, with Harry Kane No. 9 and Jude Bellingham No. 10. Scotland World Cup route: Steve Clarke’s side have reached the finals for the first time since 1998, and the latest previews map out their Group C games and possible knockout paths. Cricket at Lord’s: Rain-hit play left New Zealand 55-5 chasing 254, with Ollie Robinson taking two quick wickets as England moved closer to victory in the first Test. Police row in London: A veteran officer claims Scotland Yard has been “seized by the woke mind virus” and is failing to treat citizens equally under the law, sparking fresh debate over EDI in policing. Bank of England notes: The Bank defended replacing figures like Churchill and Turing with wildlife designs, after criticism over the “elitist” label. Wales friendly setback: Wales lost 2-1 to Romania in Bucharest, with Craig Bellamy’s side lacking cutting edge in the second half.

Cricket & World Cup build-up: England moved closer to a first Test win of the summer at Lord’s after another chaotic day versus New Zealand, with Ollie Robinson’s return sparking a collapse and England setting 254 to chase. Football (England): Ahead of tonight’s World Cup warm-up against New Zealand in Tampa, Thomas Tuchel says Harry Kane is “ready to go” and in top shape, while Alan Shearer backs England to compete but not to win it outright unless defence and Kane’s form click. T20I shake-up (India/England tours): The BCCI has named Shreyas Iyer as India’s new T20I captain for tours of Ireland and England, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earning a first call-up at 15 after a record IPL. Local crime (Wales): A 17-year-old has been charged after a stabbing at Barry Island left a boy with life-changing injuries and an amputation. Scotland politics & energy: Protests are planned over a proposed supersized AI data centre beside a small Fife village, with campaigners warning on scale and local impact. Business (Wales): Howden expands its North Wales commercial insurance team with a new Wrexham-based hire.

England World Cup build-up: Thomas Tuchel says he won’t block players completing transfers, as long as it’s not on matchday, while England start preparations in Tampa ahead of a New Zealand friendly and face fresh questions over the “plug and play” pitch at Raymond James Stadium. Cricket (Lord’s Test): England hold the upper hand after a chaotic second day versus New Zealand, with debutant Emilio Gay’s 57 and Ollie Robinson’s five-wicket return helping set a 254 chase; New Zealand are 36-3 at stumps, needing 218 more. World Cup ticket squeeze: FIFA has released thousands of withheld seats, pushing England ticket prices down by almost half, with some now expected to fall below £200. Scotland weather: A cold snap is forecast, with parts of Scotland possibly dropping to around 2C. Scotland football: Scotland Women beat Israel 6-0 in their World Cup qualifier, but Erin Cuthbert’s knee injury is a concern. Northern Ireland qualifier: Northern Ireland lose 2-1 to Turkey in a controversial match after a handball on the line and a late winner. Scotland grid investment: Scottish Hydro launches a £7.4bn contractor framework to speed up transmission upgrades. Wales business: Brace’s Bakery is saved after Boparan Private Office acquisition, protecting hundreds of jobs.