The former boss of Southern Water faces a criminal charge over allegations that he and three other former employees manipulated water quality testing.
Former chief executive Matthew Wright and his former colleagues, Philip Barker, Clive Massey and Mark Gregory, have been accused of conspiring to defraud the Environment Agency and Ofwat by faking wastewater data at a treatment works between January 2012 and December 2017.
The case marks the first time a water company CEO has personally faced a criminal prosecution by the agency. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
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HOUSING
How Burnham plans to fix the housing crisis
Andy Burnham is now Prime Minister, and he has formed his Cabinet. Housing, as we learned in Burnham’s first speech, is front and centre of this new Labour government.
Here are four key housing and devolution policies that I believe may be announced under a Burnham government.
The 4 changes Burnham is set to make
1Burnham announced his intention to end rough sleeping with a Housing First policy based on the Finnish model.
2We also know Burnham would like a major social and council housebuilding drive. If that sounds familiar, it’s because this was also Angela Rayner’s pledge when she became Housing Secretary in 2024.
3Rayner wanted to go further on devolution when she was previously housing secretary – expect a localised approach.
4We could see more state intervention in the housing market.
The Chancellor’s impact
The new Chancellor, John Healey, was housing and planning minister in 2010. After that, he held the role of shadow housing secretary under Jeremy Corbyn . In that time, I sat down with him for multiple interviews where he explained that he thought the housing market was in trouble because house prices had risen too far above earnings.
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Andy Burnham faces an early problem after a hot mic picked up a joke between two new cabinet ministers about the early release of prisoners. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting made the remarks during a conversation with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, in which he said new Justice Secretary Alex Norris was “the enemy now” and “wants to let them all out”. #UK #parliament #burnham
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European Commission Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) crew after loading essential medical supplies and emergency kits on an aircraft to support an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Photo: Monicah Mwangi/Reuters)
HEALTH
How worried should you be about an Ebola outbreak
A humanitarian worker in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been medically evacuated to the UK following a potential healthcare‑related exposure to Ebola.
Ebola is a highly dangerous pathogen that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids.
What we know so far
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the individual, who is a UK resident, has no symptoms and the move is purely precautionary.
The patient is well but being monitored at a London hospital. The hospital is not named either but likely to be the Royal Free due to the facilities available there.
The incubation period of Ebola ranges from two to 21 days and the humanitarian worker will have to isolate throughout.
NEWS
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The expert view
The risk to the general public remains low. This individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well.
RICHARD PEABODY, director of epidemic and emerging infections at UKHSA
Caption: TOPSHOT – A doctor provides care to a patient with Ebola virus disease at the Rwampara Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in Bunia, Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 13, 2026. Health workers at the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo are threatening to strike, telling AFP on July 13 they had not been paid since the virus was detected in mid-May. The highly infectious disease has killed more than 700 people among the nearly 2,000 confirmed infected in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to the latest official toll published on July 14. (Photo by BENEDICTION MURHABAZI / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: BENEDICTION MURHABAZI
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Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016 (Photo: Daniel LEAL / AFP)
uk news
Cyclists ride to remember murdered MP Jo Cox
A group of cyclists are riding 290 miles from Yorkshire to London in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox.
The Labour MP for Batley and Spen was killed outside her constituency surgery in Leeds in June 2016.
What her sister says
Perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer Jo is not merely to repeat her words, but to live by them, and show that we really do have far more in common than that which divides us. This is exactly what this bike ride does: women and men, young and old, from different places and different backgrounds, spend time together.
Kim Leadbeater, Jo cox’s sister and MP for Spen Valley, speaking to the bbc
Caption: Kim Leadbeater speaking to the Press Association in her office at the Houses of Parliament in London, ahead of the tenth anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder. Kim Leadbeater, whose sibling was shot and stabbed by a neo-Nazi almost 10 years ago, said she understands anger at Monday’s knife attack in Belfast but appealed for people not to “riot and cause more trouble and more problems”. Picture date: Wednesday June 10, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
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How the ride will work
The cyclists have set off from the Princess Mary Athletics Stadium in Cleckheaton and will finish in Southwark in London on Sunday. The youngest rider this year is 22 and the oldest, Kath Lyons from Skipton, is in her eighties. Some have travelled from New Zealand to complete the ride, the BBC reports.
Interview
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world analysis
‘Miliband is an extremist’: How Trump’s White House sees Burnham’s top team
To Andy Burnham, his Cabinet is the elite inner circle who will help him remake Britain.
But in Washington, they are barely known outside a small group of analysts and political nerds. And more concerningly, those who are known are already in the White House’s bad books.
What Trump says about Burnham
The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED.
The Prime Minister held his first call with Trump on Monday, during which he invited the US President to Manchester for next year’s G20 summit.
Trump, who had been expected to be critical of “extremely liberal” Burnham, described the call as a “very good” talk.
How Trump sees Burnham’s Cabinet
When it comes to the new Cabinet, there are already hurdles to surmount.
Insiders said that Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband was the only figure with any name recognition in Trump’s inner circle but “for all the wrong reasons”, particularly opposing North Sea oil drilling.
Others who may find themselves in Trump’s sights are the new Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. He is expected to come under US pressure to raise defence spending.
Analysis
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ROYAL FAMILY
Prince George celebrates 13th birthday
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 12: Prince George of Wales attends day fourteen of the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Photographer: Karwai Tang
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Prince George is marking a new milestone as he turns 13 today.
As the second in line to the British throne celebrates his special day, The i Paper takes a look at his life in pictures.
His birth, christening and Trooping the Colour
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 23: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge depart The Lindo Wing with their newborn son at St Mary’s Hospital on July 23, 2013 in London, England. The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday gave birth to a boy at 16.24 BST and weighing 8lb 6oz, with Prince William at her side. The baby, as yet unnamed, is third in line to the throne and becomes the Prince of Cambridge. (Photo by John Stillwell/WPA-Pool/Getty Images)
Photographer: WPA Pool
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Caption: Duke of Cambridge holding his son Prince George, at his christening at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace, aged three months. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex???s baby son Archie is expected to be baptised in the royal christening gown. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday July 5, 2019. The replica of the intricate lace and satin gown made for Queen Victoria???s eldest daughter has been used for royal infants for the last 11 years. See PA story ROYAL Christening. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Photographer: John Stillwell
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Caption: File photo dated 13/6/2015 of from left, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Harry on the balcony at Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade, London. Following the death of The Queen, Charles, who was the Prince of Wales, is now King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and also King of other Commonwealth realms. Camilla is, as the wife of the King, the Queen. The Duke of Cambridge, as heir to the throne, is now the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge. And the Duchess of Cambridge is now the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Issue date: Thursday September 8, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story DEATH Queen Titles. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Photographer: Jonathan Brady
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His first school day, the Queen’s funeral and King Charles’s coronation
Caption: Prince George arrives with the Duke of Cambridge at Thomas’s Battersea in London, as he starts his first day of school. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 7, 2017. See PA story ROYAL George. Photo credit should read: Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire
Photographer: Richard Pohle/The Times
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Caption: PA REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2022
File photo dated 19/09/22 – Prince George, in the Ceremonial Procession following her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey, London. Issue date: Tuesday December 20, 2022. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Tim Goode/PA Wire
Photographer: Tim Goode
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![CORRECTION / TOPSHOT - Britain's Prince George of Wales (L) points next to another page, as they stand on the Buckingham Palace in London, following the coronations of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on May 6, 2023. - The set-piece coronation is the first in Britain in 70 years, and only the second in history to be televised. Charles will be the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at the central London church since King William I in 1066. Outside the UK, he is also king of 14 other Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Camilla, his second wife, will be crowned queen alongside him, and be known as Queen Camilla after the ceremony. (Photo by Leon Neal / POOL / AFP) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Leon Neal has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [points next to another page] instead of [points next to Freddy Parker Bowles ]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require." (Photo by LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)](https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1784739744_738_SEI_154849326.jpg)
Caption: CORRECTION / TOPSHOT – Britain’s Prince George of Wales (L) points next to another page, as they stand on the Buckingham Palace in London, following the coronations of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on May 6, 2023. – The set-piece coronation is the first in Britain in 70 years, and only the second in history to be televised. Charles will be the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at the central London church since King William I in 1066. Outside the UK, he is also king of 14 other Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Camilla, his second wife, will be crowned queen alongside him, and be known as Queen Camilla after the ceremony. (Photo by Leon Neal / POOL / AFP) / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Leon Neal has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [points next to another page] instead of [points next to Freddy Parker Bowles ]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.” (Photo by LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: LEON NEAL
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Change on the horizon
This year marks another change for George. He is set to enrol at Eton College this autumn. The school educated his father and uncle, Prince Harry, along with other notable alumni.
LIFESTYLE
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OPINION | “Hallelujah! We seem to have reached the interval in the royal pantomime,” writes Jennie Bond. “Time for a cool down and an ice cream. After all the ‘Yes he will’ (stay at the Palace)… ‘Oh no he won’t’; and ‘Yes they will’ (meet the King)… ‘Oh no they won’t’, could it be that the royals are progressing from soap opera, through farce to an interlude of quiet, if hesitant, harmony?” Read more at the link above to read why Bond believes this weekend could be a make-or-break moment for Harry and the King ⬆️ #PrinceHarry #KingCharles #MeghanMarkle #RoyalFamily #PrincessDiana
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Weight loss jabs may also help people cut down on booze (Photo: Henri Leduc/ Getty Images/ Moment RF)
HEALTH
Weight-loss drugs could cut alcohol-related hospital admissions
Weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro could reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related hospital admissions.
Although the drugs are primarily used to treat diabetes and obesity by mimicking hormones to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, they may also be used to help those dependent on alcohol, a study suggests.
What the study found
Experts analysed alcohol-related hospital admissions for 40,703 people who had started either semaglutide or tirzepatide, which includes Ozempic and Mounjaro, between 2018 and 2024.
The drugs cut the risk of alcohol-related hospital admission by 26 per cent compared with other diabetes medicines.
They lowered the risk by more than 60 per cent among type 2 diabetics and obese people with alcohol problems.
NEWS
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The expert view
Researchers said the findings, published in the journal BMJ Open, “may suggest a potential role” for the medications for treating alcohol use disorder, although further research is needed.
Colin Angus, professor of alcohol policy at Sheffield University Addictions Research Group, said: “This looks like a reasonable study that adds to a growing body of evidence that GLP-1s may reduce alcohol-related harm.”
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It is alleged that the colleagues manipulated the “operator self-monitoring” compliance testing regime, which requires water companies to take samples at their sewage treatment works and report the results to the Environment Agency.
In a judgement issued by the High Court on Wednesday, the defendants were accused of “carefully planned and extensive fraud and dishonesty at a high level within the company and on a large scale”.
This included arranging for wastewater to be removed from facilities using tankers in order to cover up pollution, the judgement said.
The prosecution follows a multi-year investigation by the Environment Agency.
Stephen Shergold, solicitor to Mr Wright, said: “Mr Wright denies all wrongdoing and has cooperated fully with the Environment Agency’s investigation.”
The i Paper has been calling on the Environment Agency to pursue prosecutions against water companies as part of its Save Britain’s Rivers campaign.
Mr Wright alongside Mr Barker, former operations director of waste water, Mr Massey, former head of waste water compliance, and Mr Gregory, who oversaw water operations, were initially issued with a summons last year, however Mr Wright launched a legal challenge arguing the case should be thrown out. He had argued that the agency lacked the power to prosecute for conspiracy to defraud.
On Wednesday, senior High Court judges dismissed that claim, allowing the case to go ahead and lifting previous reporting restrictions.
James Wallace, CEO of River Action, said the judgement “is a victory for the Environment Agency and a welcome sign that our environmental regulator is beginning to show real teeth”.
He added: “The i Paper has consistently called for the Environment Agency to be better resourced to investigate pollution incidents and prosecute environmental crimes. Its reporting, alongside the tireless work of campaigners such as Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP), has helped keep pressure on regulators to strengthen enforcement and hold polluters to account.”
Southern Water has avoided paying at least £45m worth of fines as a result of the alleged manipulation, with the true figure likely to be higher, according to the Environment Agency.
The firm will separately face charges of breaching environmental permits linked to the same conduct. Three further individuals will also face charges linked to failure to comply with environmental permits.
The i Paper called on the Government to give the Environment Agency the resources to pursue criminal prosecutions as part of a Save Britain’s Rivers manifesto published before the 2024 General Election.
Since coming to power Labour has introduced a new law that means water company bosses can be jailed for covering up sewage spills, however these are not the powers that the Environment Agency used in the case against Mr Wright.
Angela Eagle, the new Environment Secretary, said the Government had committed to ending the practice of operator self-monitoring.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are taking criminal proceedings against Southern Water Services Limited and a number of former employees.
“We take our responsibility to protect the environment very seriously and will always pursue and prosecute those alleged to have committed serious offending against the environment. We welcome this important judgement.”
Mr Wright ran Southern Water between 2011 and 2016. According to analysis by the BBC, he was paid £715,900 in his final full year at Southern Water.
A Southern Water spokesperson said the case relates to a “historic set of failures” that were “uncovered through an internal company investigation in 2017” and reported to the Environment Agency.
They added: “Southern Water is a completely different company now than it was a decade ago. Under new leadership and backed by new shareholders, we’ve radically addressed our culture, governance and operations.”
The case will now proceed at Medway magistrates court.