Video shows Indian Coast Guard crews dropping dry chemical powder and taking other steps to try to douse a blaze that’s been burning for days on a cargo ship carrying hazardous materials. The ship was off the Kerala coast en route to Mumbai when explosions sparked the blaze. Four crew members are missing.
This month’s peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have once again failed to bring the war any closer to a ceasefire. The only outcome – a limited agreement on prisoner exchanges – underscores a troubling truth: the current negotiation framework is not working.
Meanwhile, military escalation on both sides shows no signs of slowing. In such an atmosphere, diplomacy becomes increasingly difficult. A ceasefire feels out of reach, and uneasy comparisons with the Korean Peninsula’s frozen armistice are beginning to surface – a scenario that would only entrench division, fuel resentment, and leave key territorial issues unresolved.
That is why we must fundamentally rethink how these talks are structured and led. Yes, a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire – as Ukraine proposed in Istanbul – is the bare minimum needed to create space for diplomacy. Talks must be convened without preconditions, offering all parties a seat at the table on neutral ground.
There is no shortage of thoughtful policy proposals in Western circles outlining feasible paths to peace. We support calls for stronger international engagement, particularly from the United Nations, the United States and the European Union. What is needed now is urgent, coordinated global action – before tit-for-tat escalations spiral even further out of control.
But there is a deeper flaw in the way current negotiations are being facilitated – often by foreign ministers approaching the conflict as a technical problem to be solved: add a concession here, subtract a demand there. Each side calculates whether the outcome adds up in its favour. That arithmetic approach cannot work – not in a conflict defined by trauma, identity, loss and justice.
What continues to be absent from these discussions is any real conversation about justice, accountability and healing. There can be no sustainable peace without a process of transitional justice. As scholars and practitioners have long noted, a frozen conflict without accountability only prolongs suffering and sets the stage for future violence. Likewise, there is too little attention paid to societal trauma – the emotional and psychological toll of war on civilians, soldiers and entire communities.
Too much blood has been shed to exclude these dimensions from the peace process. A negotiation cannot succeed if one side is focused on saving face at the expense of the truth. A durable outcome is only possible when facts are acknowledged – the aggression, the occupation and the suffering of millions.
What is required now is a new kind of diplomacy – one that accounts for the deep trauma of this war. The mood in Ukraine is heavy, haunted by daily reminders of loss: the sirens, the shattered homes, the soldier’s coffin quietly passing by on an otherwise ordinary street. Peace must begin with recognition – not only of legal borders and security guarantees, but of pain.
This is the essential – and too often overlooked – precondition for any meaningful dialogue, in Turkiye or elsewhere. Recognising the human cost is not weakness; it is strength. Without it, any ceasefire will remain fragile, any agreement incomplete.
Peace in Ukraine requires more than a political settlement. It demands social reconciliation – a process as vital as the diplomatic one. History, language, identity: these are not peripheral issues in this war; they are its heart.
That means rethinking everything – who hosts the talks, where they happen, and how they are facilitated. We need less of a closed-door negotiation in Istanbul and more of a public-facing truth and reconciliation process, with real international backing.
It all hinges on who convenes this process, and how. The United States is uniquely positioned to lead, perhaps more effectively than a divided European Union. But recent statements from the Trump camp – seen by many in Ukraine as indifferent or incendiary – have only inflamed tensions. They do more harm than good.
What is needed now is serious, strategic engagement – led by the US, in concert with the EU and UN – that meets this moment with the gravity it demands. This is not a maths problem. It is a matter of justice, healing and human survival.
It is time we approached it that way.
Fern Britton has discussed her decision to leave the popular ITV show This Morning in 2009, after years as a presenter on the programme.
The 67-year-old began her broadcasting career as a newsreader on local radio stations, gradually working her way up to become the BBC’s youngest national news presenter on Breakfast Time. She later took on various roles before joining GMTV as a presenter in 1993.
That same year, she started guest presenting on ITV’s This Morning, and by 1999, she had landed a permanent role on the show, co-presenting the Friday slot alongside John Leslie.
Her role on the show became even more regular in 2002, when she began presenting alongside Phillip Schofield.
However, seven years later, Fern decided to leave the programme, sparking rumours about the reasons behind her departure. There were widespread reports of a fallout with co-host Phillip, which he later commented on in his memoir, stating that their relationship “turned sour”.
Fern has also previously mentioned to Good Housekeeping that they are no longer friends, saying “we don’t really (speak anymore)”.
In a recent interview on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, Fern sought to provide some clarity on the situation. Revealing the key reason for her decision to step away from the show, she said: “Well, it’s 17 years ago, it’s a long time. And I haven’t really thought about that for a long time. I had a fantastic 10 years and I loved it.”
She continued: “But then after a bit, I needed to be back home again, as lots of things were going on. But the boys were about to do their A Levels, going into the two years of that, and the girls as well were leaving little school to go up. I was needed at home, and they needed to come home and know there was chicken in the oven.”
Since her departure from the show in 2009, Fern has been a constant figure on television, participating in some of the nation’s favourite reality TV programmes, including a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012 where she was the fifth star to be voted off.
Last year, Fern took part in ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother, where she reached the final, ultimately losing out to David Potts who took home the crown.
However, fans can look forward to her return to television in the near future with her very own series, Fern Britton: Inside the Vet’s.
The six-part series will follow Fern alongside TV vet James Greenwood as they delve into the daily workings of veterinary life, covering everything from vaccinations and sprays to dentistry and surgeries.
Hands up if you’ve still got a gift to buy! Us too… And with Father’s Day now just around the corner, you certainly won’t be alone in wondering what to get your dad this weekend. Well don’t panic, there’s still time to choose the perfect present. And we’re here to help, having hand picked some of this year’s best booze and food gifts. Many available with next day delivery – and some you can even pick up on the high street. Happy shopping!
Torabhaig Legacy Series Ch.4 : Sound of Sleat, £58.00
An absolutely delicious single malt which takes its name from a narrow, powerful strip of sea dividing Skye and the mainland and offers a rich and fresh combination of orange, apricot, seaweed, bonfire smoke, honey and sea salt.
M&S You’re My Hero Mini Colin The Caterpillars, £3.90
Who doesn’t love a Colin? It’s impossible. And for Father’s Day these mini Colins have had a cute little makeover, now reading You’re My Hero. The perfect budget gift.
Best for… SMALL WINE CASE
Virgin Wines Best Sellers Red Wine Trio in Wooden Gift Box, £39.99
For the red wine loving dad, what could be better than a pick and mix of them? Packaged in a lovely wooden case, this set features three of Virgin Wines top sellers – a French Malbec, a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and a Spanish Tempranillo Syrah. Delicious.
Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Bar, £2
Milk chocolate – check. Biscoff – check. The ultimate mashup awaits, and it’s a mouthwatering delight. The only issue will be handing it over to your dad on Sunday.
Moonpig x Virgin Wines Epitome of Luxury 12 Bottle Case with Champagne, £179.99
He’ll be spoilt for choice with this 12-bottle gift. It contains whites, reds and a Champagne from Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France and Chile. Highlights include The Black Pig The Prize Shiraz and Louis Moreau Chablis.
Aldi Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, £14.95
Yes you read that right – a Champagne for less than £15. Run, don’t walk, to snap one up at your local Aldi store. It was recently crowned World’s Best Champagne at the prestigious World Champagne Awards 2025 – outshining luxury rivals.
Hawkstone Premium Lager (four pack), £7.95
If he’s been following the shenanigans down on Diddly Squat Farm, a four pack of Jezza’s lager is sure to go down a treat. The TV farmer describes his ‘hard to make, easy to drink’ beer as bold, yet balanced, with a smooth body and top notes of light citrus complemented by a subtle, crisp bitterness and malty backbone.
Fudge Kitchen Best Dad Fudge, £11.99
If it’s fudge that takes your dad’s fancy, this cute selection box of assorted flavours will make the perfect gift. And, the fudge is all handmade in the UK.
Snowdonia Cheese Co Quintessential Cheese Hamper, £45
Featuring some of the brand’s bestselling cheeses, chutneys and crackers, this has all he needs to curate a great cheese board. Inside the pretty hamper, you’ll find Black Bomber Extra Mature Cheddar and Vintage Red Leicester, alongside Balsamic Caramelised Onion Chutney and more.
Best for… KEEP-FOREVER PACKAGING
Cotswold Distillery Hearts and Crafts Calvados Single Malt Whisky, £100
If like many dads he collects whisky bottles and their boxes (sound familiar) then, well, boxes don’t come more aesthetically pleasing. The whisky inside is delicious too – made in the Cotswolds and with notes of stewed apple and toffee pudding.
Controversial changes to the statutes of Formula 1’s governing body the FIA have been passed by members despite a warning the organisation is in a “dark period of democratic backsliding”.
Austria’s national motoring club, the OAMTC, criticised the statute changes in a letter to the FIA World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT) sent on Wednesday before Thursday’s vote at the FIA’s General Assembly in Macau.
It denounced FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership and urged members not to vote for changes proposed by Ben Sulayem – and revealed by BBC Sport last month – on the basis that they “risk further contributing to the erosion of the FIA’s reputation for competent and transparent governance”.
However, members voted for the amendments by 83.35% to 16.65%.
The result came despite support from the UK, Belgian, Portuguese and Swiss representatives for Austria’s suggestion of a postponement so the FIA could conduct a “proper review and analysis” before making a decision on whether the changes were appropriate.
An FIA spokesperson described the result as a “resounding majority”.
The OAMTC letter adds that recent actions of Ben Sulayem “are inviting comparisons with the excesses of political leaders intent on deconstructing the checks and balances that come with responsible governance”.
OAMTC chief executive Oliver Schmerold told BBC Sport after the vote: “We brought forward the motion to postpone the vote on the changes to a future assembly as we believe that they inherit some consequences which desire more discussion.
“This was supported by several other members. The president underlined that the statutory process has been followed and asked for the vote.
“We still believe that it is not good governance to change the longstanding rules for elections only four months before the submission deadline for candidates.”
The OAMTC letter hints at the prospect of a legal challenge, on the basis that the changes were “endorsed by (FIA) world council meetings that were not properly constituted, having intentionally excluded elected members from participating and voting”.
David Richards, the MotorsportUK representative on the world council, was among those members barred from a meeting in March in a dispute with Ben Sulayem over refusing to sign a revised confidentially agreement.
Schmerold last year voiced his opposition to previous statute changes passed at the last General Assembly in December, describing them as “not good governance” and “not good in terms of checks and balances”.
The letter says of the proposed changes:
Ben Sulayem’s first term of office ends this December and he is so far the only candidate to have confirmed he is standing for election. Rally legend Carlos Sainz has said he is considering running but has not made a final decision.
The letter accuses Ben Sulayem of reneging on his promises during his election campaign in 2021 to ensure “governance structures are compliant with best practices”.
And it says he has implemented none of the “critical changes” that were recommended by a review and audit of the FIA’s governance structure commissioned from McKinsey in 2022.
It highlights a series of changes that have eroded accountability at the FIA, including:
The FIA spokesperson added: “The FIA has taken steps since 2021 to strengthen its corporate governance policies. These policies guide the FIA’s operations and ensure its rules, practices and processes are robust and transparent.
“The proposed amendments to the FIA statutes are designed to further strengthen processes around governance and confidentiality. They will grant the nominations committee more time to examine the eligibility criteria of candidates, and help to ensure consistency and rigour in the electoral process.
Romeo Beckham ignored the family drama by taking to his Instagram page to share his love for his sister Harper. While the Beckham family take over the headlines for their feud with Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, Romeo took a moment to share his appreciation for the youngest Beckham, Harper.
The 22-year-old recently called time on his relationship with Kim Turnbull, who was reportedly a big reason for the feud. Brooklyn was reportedly ‘uneasy’ about Romeo dating Kim, who was once close friends with the hot sauce enthusiast, and felt his parents were ‘favouring’ his younger brother, who was seen beaming in snaps from David Beckham’s 50th birthday.
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On Thursday, Romeo focused on his family as he shared a black-and-white photo of him and Harper dancing at a lavish event. Romeo smiled at the camera while Harper smiled at her brother with her eyes closed.
Fans were loving the sibling snap and rushed to the comment section to compliment them, with one user writing: “Family is everything, older brother looking after his baby sister!”
“Still the sweet child she’s always been, yet growing into a young lady with quiet grace and effortless style! Harper Seven – luminous!” said another about Harper.
One commented: “You’re so incredibly lucky to have each other,” and another user posted: “Harper so blessed to have a brother like you.”
Meanwhile, an insider recently claimed things remain ‘amicable’ between Romeo and Kim Turnbull, and insisted that their split had nothing to do with the bitter Beckham feud.
Brooklyn is said to have felt Kim’s reasons for dating his brother were ‘disingenuous’ amid rumours he used to date the DJ. However, in a now deleted Instagram post Cruz Beckham denied Brooklyn was ever in a relationship with Kim.
Speaking to the Mail about Romeo’s split with the DJ, who the model once referred to his as his “world”, a source said: “Romeo and Kim are both young and they had a lovely time together but at that age things don’t always last forever and they decided to split up.
“They have been friendly since and have even been at the same venues. It’s a huge shame, particularly as David and Victoria really adored her and thought she made Romeo happy but it wasn’t to be.
“David and Victoria would hate for the view to be that they split because of Nicola and Brooklyn because that simply isn’t the case.”
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