Tory 'turmoil' blamed for slow Islamophobia action // "Turmoil" at the top of the Conservative Party is to blame for its slow progress on tackling Islamophobia, an independent review has found. Prof Swaran Singh said the "political upheaval" of the past two years had impacted the party's efforts. The Tories said there had been "significant progress" but there was "still work to be done". The original inquiry was launched in 2020 following high-profile allegations of discrimination within the party. In 2021 Prof Singh, a former equality and human rights commissioner, published a report, which found evidence of discrimination and anti-Muslim views at local association and individual level, although it said claims of "institutional racism" were not borne out by the evidence. His latest review found the implementation of some of his recommendations had been "slow".
Nadine Dorries' constituents 'pawns in a political game' // Nadine Dorries said she would step down as an MP "with immediate effect" on 9 June. Since then three by-elections elsewhere have taken place, but the former Conservative government minister still holds her seat. Records show she has not spoken in the House of Commons for more than a year and in May she received a £20,000 advance to write a book. Leading figures in her Mid Bedfordshire constituency say she should either formally step down or do the job to her "utmost". Ms Dorries said she had no comment to make.
Labour drops pledge to introduce self-ID for trans people // Labour has ruled out introducing a self-ID system to allow people to change their legal sex without a medical diagnosis. Leader Sir Keir Starmer has previously said his party would introduce such a system if it wins power. But shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds has now said medical diagnosis upholds "confidence in the system". She added that the requirement also helps people access NHS support. In a article for the Guardian, she wrote that Labour would streamline the current medical diagnosis rules, calling them "demeaning".
Netflix touts $900k AI jobs amid Hollywood strikes // Netflix has triggered an angry response from striking Hollywood actors and writers after posting a job advert for an artificial intelligence (AI) expert. The new position would join its Machine Learning Platform team, which drives the Netflix algorithm helping viewers pick new programmes to watch. It pays up to $900,000 (£700,000) per year, fuelling further outrage. Hollywood unions are striking over concerns about how AI affects the entertainment industry and pay.
George Alagiah: Tributes paid to 'fearless' and 'kind' BBC journalist who has died // Tributes have been paid to BBC journalist and author George Alagiah, who has died of cancer aged 67. In a statement on Monday, BBC director general Tim Davie said that Alagiah "was loved by all". "George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly. Alagiah won many awards during a hugely successful career, which took him from Southern Africa to many other parts of the world, via the BBC News at Six studio.
Beano marks 85th birthday with Adele, Harry Styles and Stormzy // The Beano, the world's longest-running comic, has marked its 85th anniversary with guest appearances from Adele, Stormzy and Harry Styles. The commemorative issue, out on Wednesday, also includes depictions of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The guests were drawn after 3,000 children - aged seven to 14 - were asked in a poll which celebrities they would like to see in cartoon form. Sir David Attenborough, Lewis Hamilton and Jill Scott all appear too
'Grateful' Kevin Spacey cleared of sex assault charges // Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey wept in court as he was cleared of all charges in his sexual assault trial in London. Jurors at Southwark Crown Court returned not guilty verdicts for nine sexual offence charges relating to four men between 2001 and 2013. Speaking afterwards, Mr Spacey said he was "grateful" to the jury as he thanked them for their deliberations - which took more than 12 hours. Outside the court the Oscar winner added he was "humbled".
Super League: Huddersfield 19-12 Hull FC - Giants keep faint play-off hopes alive with tense win // Huddersfield Giants kept their faint Super League play-off hopes alive as Chris McQueen's try broke the deadlock against fellow hopefuls Hull FC. The forward scored the only try of a tense second half, with Oliver Russell's drop-goal securing the win. That made it three consecutive wins for the Giants for the first time this season, and denied Hull their own hat-trick of victories. Hull were also eyeing the chance to boost their own play-off chances.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen will have five-place grid penalty for Belgium GP // Red Bull's Max Verstappen will have a five-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix as a result of using too many gearbox parts. The punishment will apply for Sunday's grand prix and not Saturday's 'sprint'. The penalty has not been officially confirmed, but BBC Sport has verified it with senior figures in Red Bull. Such is the performance of Verstappen in the Red Bull that the penalty is unlikely to impact his chances of winning the race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Rodrigo Martinez: Argentina prop becomes Dragons' fifth summer signing // Dragons have signed Argentina prop Rodrigo Martinez for the 2023-24 season. The 25-year-old loose-head had signed with London Irish this summer before the club filed for administration. Martinez, who made his Test debut for Argentina in 2021, previously played for Wasps before they were suspended from England's Premiership in 2022.
Co-op warns rising crime could create 'no-go' areas for shops // The Co-op has warned some communities could become "no-go" areas for shops due to soaring levels of retail crime. The convenience store operator said crime in its outlets had hit record levels, increasing by more than one third over the past year. There were about 1,000 cases of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in its shops every day in the six months to June, the chain said. But it cited figures indicating police did not attend most retail crimes.
Rail ticket office mass closure consultation extended // The consultation into the plan to close hundreds of ticket offices in England has been extended until 1 September. Organisers of the consultation said some train companies did not provide accessible formats, preventing people from being able to respond to plans. More than 170,000 responses have been received, according to watchdogs Transport Focus and London TravelWatch. The plan sparked concern from rail unions over job cuts and disability groups over accessibility issues.
Virgin Media O2 to cut more than a tenth of UK jobs // Mobile operator Virgin Media O2 is to slash up to 2,000 UK jobs, or 12% of its total workforce, by the end of this year. The figure includes 800 role reductions that were already announced, the BBC understands. A company spokesperson acknowledged that any period of change "can be difficult". It comes after its rivals BT and Vodafone both announced in May that they were also cutting jobs.