Large areas of southern England could still be in drought by next spring, official forecasts have suggested.
New research by the Environment Agency shows the country will need above average-rainfall throughout autumn and winter for most areas to be out of drought by April 2027.
There is a one in four chance that six regions of England will still have drought status by this date, if the country receives 80 per cent of typical rainfall.
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Putney Pusher suspect found dead after being released under investigation
Caption: Nicholas Brandram
Director, HSBC Private Bank
Image: LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-brandram/
The prime suspect involved in the Putney Pusher case has been found dead in his London home.
What you need to know
Ambulance and police attended an address in west London on Tuesday where Nicholas Brandram, 44, was found dead.
Brandram was detained on 15 June at his home in Chiswick for attempted grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident on Putney Bridge in 2017, when a jogger shoved a female pedestrian into the path of a bus.
Explained
4 min read
5 min read
A recap of the incident
A woman walking on Putney Bridge was approached by a jogger coming from the opposite direction.
The man shoved her into the road, and the path of an oncoming bus.
The reactions of bus driver Oliver Salbris saved the woman’s life – he swerved at the last second.
The jogger carried on and the case sparked a long-running police investigation.
4 min read
The police investigation
Police closed their investigation in June 2018 after reviewing more than 50 people of interest.
Then, on 15 June of this year, Brandram was arrested at his home.
Caption: Police have released dramatic CCTV footage of the moment a jogger appeared to push a woman into the path of an oncoming bus in Putney. At about 07:40hrs on Friday, 5 May the 33-year-old victim was walking across Putney Bridge on the east side heading towards Putney Bridge Tube Station when a male jogger knocked her over into the road and into the path of an oncoming bus, which narrowly missed hitting her. The bus stopped and some passengers got off and rushed to the victim’s aid. She received minor injuries from the incident.\n\nAbout 15 minutes later the jogger came back the other way across the bridge. The victim tried to speak to him but he did not acknowledge her and carried on jogging.\n\nThe jogger is described as a white man, aged early to mid 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was wearing a light grey t-shirt and dark blue shorts.\n\nOfficers are appealing for any witnesses to the incident or anyone who recognises the jogger in the CCTV to get in touch.
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He was further arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs. Brandram had been bailed and then released under investigation.
Who was Brandram?
The suspect reportedly had ties to several European royal families and had been working as a director at a private bank.
Brandram was a grandson of Princess Katherine of Greece and Denmark and a descendent of Queen Victoria, reports claim.
He also served as a former British Army captain in Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan.
What did the police say?
At this time his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner in due course.
the met police said in a statement
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran’s intelligence service
by spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London,
the Metropolitan Police said (Photo: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
Everything we know about deadly LA news helicopter crash
A news channel’s helicopter crashed into a shipping container in Los Angeles at 7pm local time last night, killing one person on the ground as well as the pilot and reporter on board.
Caption: An aerial view shows the burning wreckage of an NBC News helicopter that crashed while covering a report of a deadly Metro bus collision, resulting in multiple casualties, in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 15, 2026 in this still image from video. ABC Affiliate KABC via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. UNITED STATES OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN UNITED STATES. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Photographer: ABC AFFILIATE KABC
Provider: via REUTERS
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Helicopter crashed on way to bus accident site
Caption: ANKARA, TURKIYE – SEPTEMBER 16: An infographic titled “News helicopter crashes during live shot of bus crash in Los Angeles” created in Ankara, Turkiye on September 16, 2026. (Photo by Elif Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Photographer: Anadolu
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NBC4’s chopper was on its way to a Metro bus crash in Chatsworth, LA.
Two people on the ground were taken to hospital after the crash.
2 min read
Who lost their lives?
NBC paused its live coverage once news of the crash reached them, and later said those killed in the helicopter were reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw. They had been flying together since 2023.
Caption: In this still image provided by KABC-TV shows First responders work the scene after a helicopter crashed near a bus crash in Chatsworth, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. (KABC-TV via AP)
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Caption: An aerial view shows firefighters working to douse a fire in the wreckage of an NBC News helicopter that crashed while covering a report of a deadly Metro bus collision, resulting in multiple casualties, in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 15, 2026 in this still image from video. ABC Affiliate KABC via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. UNITED STATES OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN UNITED STATES. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Photographer: ABC AFFILIATE KABC
Provider: via REUTERS
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Three people had been killed earlier in the evening after an SUV crashed into a Metro bus, trapping passengers inside. No one else killed has been named.
Caption: Local residents pose with a ?Principality of Piddington? sign in the village of Piddington, Oxfordshire, after they voted overwhelmingly to become an independent state in a symbolic ?referendum?. The village of around 350 residents held the vote after the Government said it wanted to set up a migrant camp close by. Picture date: Wednesday September 16, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Photographer: Joe Giddens
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Why a tiny Oxfordshire village has voted to ‘leave the UK’
Piddington has declared the results of its referendum, announcing the residents’ desire for independence from the rest of the country.
The symbolic vote was held in protest at the government’s plans to house 1,256 asylum seekers in a nearby former military base.
Why does Piddington want to leave?
The village’s 350 residents were invited to cast their votes yesterday, on the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, with the Parish Council counting 285 in favour of leaving to 26 in opposition.
Caption: Returning officer Susannah Parden announces the result of a symbolic ?referendum? in the village of Piddington, Oxfordshire, where local residents voted overwhelmingly to become an independent state. The village of around 350 residents held the vote after the Government said it wanted to set up a migrant camp close by. Picture date: Wednesday September 16, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Photographer: Joe Giddens
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Caption: This aerial image shows a former military base where the government has proposed housing some 1,200 asylum seekers in Bicester, near Piddington, Oxfordshire, north-west of London on September 15, 2026, as Piddington, a town of fewer than 400 inhabitants, votes on a symbolic referendum on leaving the UK. Picturesque Piddington village, 25 kilometres (15 miles) from the university city of Oxford, that doesn’t have a single shop has found itself on the front line of a national debate about where to locate migrant accommodation. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JUSTIN TALLIS
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Residents are concerned about plans to house asylum seekers at the Ministry of Defence’s Bicester site, saying the location isn’t suitable or safe for migrants or locals.
What are villagers worried about?
Residents of Piddington, which has been renamed the Principality of Piddington, say the site is more than a mile away from the nearest path, putting anyone housed there at risk from walking down a busy road.
They say their houses have already dropped in value as a result of the plans, and the infrastructure is not built to cope with the population quadrupling.
Caption: Protest signs near MoD Bicester in Oxfordshire where residents in nearby Piddington are due to hold a referendum on whether it should remain part of the UK after the Government said it wanted to set up a migrant camp at the former military base. The village of around 350 residents will hold the referendum on the Tuesday, with the results announced by the Parish Council at 7am on the Wednesday. Picture date: Monday September 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Photographer: Joe Giddens
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Source: PA
4 min read
A message to politicians in Westminster
This is definition of done. We have given an absolute message, not just to the region, not just to the country, but to the world… This is an example of democracy in operation.
parish chairman Tim McNally speaking at the village hall yesterday
Caption: Chair of the Parish Council Tim McNally speaks with the media in Piddington, Oxfordshire, where local residents have held a symbolic “referendum” to become an independent state. The village of around 350 residents held the vote after the Government said it wanted to set up a migrant camp close by. Picture date: Wednesday September 16, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
Photographer: Joe Giddens
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Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: The river Wandle runs past houses in Wandsworth on August 24, 2020 in London, England. The river Wandle is a tributary of the river Thames running north for around 14 km through Croydon, Sutton, Merton before meeting the Thames in Wandsworth. The river was heavily industrialised in the 18th and 19th centuries with around 90 mills along its length and thought to be the most heavily polluted river in England. Admiral Lord Nelson who lived at Merton Place between 1801 and 1805 fished the river. Of the world???s 224 chalk streams, 161 are in England. These rare waterways, formed by springs in chalk bedrock, are often compared to rainforests in terms of their ecological importance, creating rich habitats for otter, kingfishers, trout, water vole and a wide range of plants like water-crowfoot and flag iris. As with rainforests, environmental groups consider them in a state of crisis, endangered by development, agricultural practices, a rise on non-native species, over-abstraction and climate change. In the UK, a few of chalk streams do enjoy special protections, such as the Itchen, the Avon, and the Lambourn, which are designated as international Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). A further eight are designated as nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Many, however, have dried up along large sections, or completely. Conservationists worry that proposed changes to laws governing the cleanliness of UK rivers ??? changes made possible by Brexit and the departure from the EU???s water framework directive ??? will further threaten remaining chalk streams. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Dan Kitwood
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Why a London borough has announced record 94% council tax rise
Wandsworth Council is set to raise its council tax for a Band D property by £958 from April next year, a 94 per cent rise, to pay for increased spending on services.
Rise was a ‘difficult decision’
The leader of the Conservative council Robert Morritt said the proposed rise was not something he wanted to do, but was forced to as the government’s Fair Funding reform will reduce the councils’s funding by £84m a year.
This is the amount the council spends on parks, libraries, leisure centres, bin collection and street cleaning, Morritt said.
When a council declares itself broke, libraries shut, care visits are cut, bins aren’t collected (Photo: David Potter/Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty)
3 min read
What is the Fair Funding overhaul?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham departs 10 Downing Street on Wednesday (Photo: PA)
The policy is part of Burnham’s plan to shift spending to poorer areas.
Critics say that better off areas will lose out by having funding pulled.
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Kemi Badenoch has said Andy Burnham’s leadership is ‘just vibes’ and ‘continuity Keir’. Speaking at PMQ’s today, the Prime Minister pointed out that Britain is “showing leadership on a world stage” through the Government’s stance on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. He added “people are being bullied out of their homes, intimidated. We will always stand with the underdog and take what action we can to support them”. #pmqs #ukpolitics
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham departs 10 Downing Street on Wednesday (Photo: PA)
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Burnham sends thanks for condolences after father’s death
Andy Burnham has thanked those who sent messages of support after the death of his father Roy earlier this week.
What did the PM say?
We are grateful to everyone who has shared a kind message about my dad, particularly the leaders of the other parties. My family and I have been helped through this difficult time by people’s warmth and compassion. It means a great deal to us and we wanted to say thank you.
prime minister andy burnham on x
Caption: Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his wife Marie-France van Heel wave as they arrive at 10 Downing Street in London, Monday, July 20, 2026.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Photographer: Kirsty Wigglesworth
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Source: AP
Copyright: Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Father influences social care policy
The death of the Prime Minister’s father, aged 85, was announced on Monday.
He was living in a care home, suffering from Alzheimer’s, and Burnham mentioned “my dad and millions like him” when talking about the need to reform social care.
Andy Burnham hugs his parents Eileen and Roy after he was selected as the Labour candidate in the Greater Manchester mayoral race (Photo: Byrne/PA Wire)
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SNP MP Dave Doogan has said he “quite likes” the Prime Minister, but pressed him on the rising cost of living. Speaking at PMQ’s today, Doogan said “popularity will not pay the bills”, and asked Andy Burnham what he’s going to do to help this winter. Burnham responded saying he will remove VAT from electricity bills next month which will take “a little bit of pressure off”.
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Playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer
dies aged 77
Playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer has died aged 77 after a brief illness, her husband David Hutchins has said.
Caption: Bonnie Greer during the Women in the World conference at Cadogan Hall in London.
Photographer: Dominic Lipinski
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Source: PA Archive
Copyright: PA
Tribute paid by her husband
Bonnie was an acclaimed playwright, author, critic, cultural and political commentator whose intelligence, courage and distinctive voice made an enduring contribution to British cultural and public life. To me, she was my partner, confidante and inspiration.
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 29: Bonnie Greer speaks on stage as she introduces “The Lost Man” as part of BFI Screen Epiphanies in partnership with American Express at the BFI Southbank on June 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Photographer: Gareth Cattermole
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2016 Getty Images
Greer’s life and career
Greer was born in Chicago and lived in New York City before moving to Britain in 1986. She became a citizen in 1997.
She was awarded the Verity Bargate Award for best play for Munda Negra (1993) and she was also the author of the novels Hanging By Her Teeth (1994) and Entropy (2009).
In October 2009, her memoir and music history, Obama Music, was published.
3 min read
A closer look at Greer’s life
Greer was appointed to the British Museum’s board of trustees in 2005 and later served as deputy chairwoman.
Caption: Playwright Bonnie Greer after she was awarded her Officer of the British Empire (OBE) medal from the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.
Photographer: Dominic Lipinski
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Source: PA Archive
Greer appeared as a panellist on Newsnight Review and Question Time and served as Chancellor of Kingston University in Kingston upon Thames, London. She was appointed an OBE in 2010 for services to the arts.
Almost three quarters of England remains in drought after five heatwaves and just 10 per cent of average rainfall in July.
The National Drought Group – made up of ministers, Environment Agency and Met Office officials, farmers and water company bosses – met on Tuesday to discuss plans to secure supplies over the next few months.
The meeting was told that no regions of England that were in drought this summer have recovered, despite persistently dry weather coming to an end.
England would need to experience 120 per cent of typical rainfall over the next seven months for all areas to be considered out of drought.
Water minister Emma Hardy said recent rainfall had not been enough to replenish supplies used over the past six months.
She urged water companies to fix leaks quickly, follow drought plans and reducing demand to avoid further restrictions. She added that “long term resilience was a priority for the Government”, and work was continuing on nine major reservoirs to secure future supplies.
Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy said: “The drought situation remains very serious, and we cannot underestimate the challenge ahead over the coming months.
“Several reservoirs are concerningly low. Water supplies are limited and we continue to balance the needs of agriculture, public water supply, and our environment.”
He urged everyone to “use a little less water to speed up drought recovery”.
Defra is giving £65m to drought-hit farmers, including £15m for on-farm reservoirs to help store rainwater.
A further £100m will boost the country’s capacity to respond to extreme weather and wildfires.
England received 130 per cent of average rainfall between September 2025 and March 2026 to recover from last year’s drought, underlining how much is needed to replenish reservoirs and rivers. Summer saw only 64 per cent of expected rainfall.
The Met Office has forecast a return to drier conditions in the second half of September, particularly in south regions where rain is needed most.
However, a particularly strong El Niño is set to trigger wet and stormy weather across the UK later this autumn.
Using data submitted by each water company, the Environment Agency has modelled four scenarios.
Most likely: above-average rain
Between September and March, based on the Met Office’s three-month outlook and seasonal indications, England would receive above-average rainfall.
It would mean only two regions – Devon & Cornwall and East Anglia – would still be in drought by the start of spring 2027. The North would move to recovery first, followed by the Midlands and finally parts of southern England.
Under this scenario, Cumbria & Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and Merseyside & Cheshire would move to recovery in October and be declared back to normal in November.
By December, most areas would see a fragile recovery, although four – Devon and Cornwall, East Anglia, Thames Valley and the West Midlands – would remain in drought.
By February, most places would be back to normal, with the East and West Midlands and Thames Valley moving into recovery.
Devon and Cornwall, and East Anglia, would remain in drought as spring begins, starting the drier months with water deficits.
Average rainfall
Under this scenario, England would receive 100 per cent of its typical rainfall between September and March. There would be a patchy recovery beginning next month, with Cumbria & Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and Merseyside & Cheshire, declared normal in November.
Most areas would stay in drought for the rest of this year, but January could see everywhere except East Anglia in either recovery or back to normal.
By the start of April, East Anglia may stay in drought and Devon and Cornwall will be in fragile recovery.
Dry autumn and winter
Under this scenario, England would receive around 80 per cent of average rainfall between September and March. Forecasters predict this has a one-in-four likelihood.
A fragile recovery would begin in November, with all four northern areas – Cumbria & Lancashire and Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire, the North East, and Yorkshire – moving from prolonged dry weather to recovery. By January, these areas would be back to normal.
Drought conditions would remain across the Midlands and the south for the rest of 2026. The East Midlands could move to recovery in January and be joined by London, Hertfordshire, and Kent the following month.
East Anglia, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire, Thames Valley, Devon & Cornwall, Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire), Solent & the South Downs, and the West Midlands would still be in drought by the start of April 2027.
Severe drought
Between September and March, England would receive just 60 per cent of its average rainfall and high temperatures would persist, under this scenario.
Forecasters say there is a 1 per cent chance of this happening.
Under this scenario, there would be “immediate risks” this autumn related to public supply reservoirs in Devon & Cornwall, Solent & South Downs, and the River Severn in the West Midlands.
However, there would be a knock-on effect of low supplies across the country, the research says.