Almost 100,000 homes in Sussex face having their taps turned off this winter if the region does not see heavy rainfall in the coming months.
South East Water (SEW) has warned the Government that there is a “realistic threat of a serious deficiency in supply” in an area that includes the major towns of Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead.
The firm has submitted an application for a drought permit to allow it to conserve water in Ardingly Reservoir, which has fallen close to critical levels due to the exceptionally dry weather and successive heatwaves this summer.
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politics
UK sanctions on Israeli West Bank settlements spark backlash
Caption: New Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband leaving number 10 Downing Street, London. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has entered number 10 Downing Street and among his first tasks is the selection of his new Cabinet. Picture date: Monday July 20, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
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The UK Government faces backlash after announcing sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as part of what Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has called a “reset” of Britain’s relations with Israel.
Sanctions on Israeli settlements
Land seizures and displacement of Palestinian populations in the West Bank have sharply escalated over the past three years. Other countries including Spain, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands have already implemented sanctions.
Caption: The Israeli settlement of Har Homa, backdropped by the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank city of Bethlehem (R), is seen in the Israel-annexed East Jerusalem on August 14, 2026. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP via Getty Images)
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Caption: An Israeli soldier stands guard against the backdrop of newly established Israeli settlement outpost in Beit Sahur, south of Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank on August 14, 2026. Violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers in the West Bank has increased dramatically since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law, among some three million Palestinians in the territory. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: AHMAD GHARABLI
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Israel’s leading human rights group, B’Tselem, said settlers had taken 100,000 hectares of land from Palestinians during that time – about 18 per cent of the West Bank – and 64 communities of around 4,000 residents have been displaced.
New position
The UK’s new stance under Prime Minister Andy Burnham will see a ban on imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank and sanctions on individuals and firms providing services to settlers.
Caption: In this video grab taken from footage broadcast by the UK Parliamentary Recording Unit (PRU) via the Parliament TV website in the House of Commons on September 8, 2026, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband delivers a speech on an import ban of goods from illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. (Photo by PRU / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO USE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, SATIRICAL, ADVERTISING PURPOSES – MANDATORY CREDIT ” AFP PHOTO / PRU “
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Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 08, 2026: Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Ed Miliband arrives in Downing Street to attend weekly Cabinet meeting in London, United Kingdom on September 08, 2026. (Photo credit should read Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
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Copyright: ? 2026 Wiktor Szymanowicz
Miliband said the British Government believed the occupation as a whole was unlawful, going beyond the previous position that only described the settlements themselves as illegal. He also said there was increasing evidence that Israel had committed war crimes in Gaza.
What are the sanctions?
New research has found that eating an avocado a week can cut the risk of heart disease by a fifth
Israel’s free trade agreement with the UK means only goods from the West Bank will be affected.
These include Medjool dates, mangoes, grapes and avocados.
5 min read
‘Ethnic cleansing’
The British Government agrees that there is ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in areas of the West Bank, perpetrated by settler terrorists. And all too often, the Israeli government has turned a blind eye to this.
ed miliband, foreign secretary in the house of commons today
Caption: Screen grab of Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband making a statement on Israel-Palestine in the House of Commons, central London. Picture date: Tuesday September 8, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire
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Watch: Miliband’s announcement
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has announced that the UK will introduce an import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The Government will also introduce a new “comprehensive sanctions regime” targeting the settlements.
♬ original sound – The i Paper – The i Paper
Was Trump told?
Burnham discussed the Middle East with US President Donald Trump in a phone call on Monday.
It is unclear to what extent Trump was briefed on the sanctions in advance, or what his reaction was.
However, several Israeli and US officials have already criticised the UK’s stance.
Analysis
3 min read
US hints at ‘retaliation’
I don’t know what all of the national sanctions or repercussions or retaliations will be from the US, hasn’t been announced yet.
Mike Huckabee, the American ambassador to Israel, has called the sanctions “Jew hate” and hinted that the US could retaliate against the UK, including by some states barring deals with British businesses.
Caption: FILE PHOTO: U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee gestures during a press conference after he met residents of Turmus Ayya, a Palestinian town near Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that is home to many American citizens, September 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo
Photographer: Ammar Awad
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What about Israel’s response?
Israeli President Isaac Herzog labelled the trade ban a “gross interference” in the country’s upcoming elections and said it placed Britain “on the wrong side of history”.
Meanwhile, the country’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, said Israel will introduce several countermeasures in response to the UK’s “hostile” actions. Israel is to close Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem and has kicked it out of the US-led mission for Gaza.
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Domestic reaction
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp is among those voicing domestic criticism of the move by Burnham’s government.
He called the sanctions “performative posturing” which will be “practically very difficult to implement” and said that the Conservative Party does not support them as they “risk damaging an important security relationship” with Israel.
Caption: Shadow home secretary Chris Philp during a briefing with Surrey Police ahead of a raid for Class-A drugs at a property in Cranleigh, Surrey. Picture date: Tuesday August 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire
Photographer: Jordan Pettitt
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3 min read
UK politics
Greens vying for Starmer’s old seat in October by-election
Caption: Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaking at Niamos in Hulme as the party?s Greater Manchester mayoral candidate Geraldine Coggins launches her manifesto for the election. Picture date: Thursday July 9, 2026.
Photographer: Rich McCarthy
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With the by-election to replace former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer just a month away, a local Green Party politician is challenging Zack Polanski for the nomination.
In-fighting for the Greens
The by-election to replace Starmer as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras will take place on 8 October but the Green Party, Labour’s main opposition for the seat, is still yet to select its candidate.
Caption: Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaking during a press conference at Church House in central London. Picture date: Wednesday August 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Photographer: Jonathan Brady
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Caption:
Councillor Hamza Chowdhury
Image: https://camden.moderngov.co.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=7139
Polanski (right) announced his intention to run last week, but local Camden Green councillor Hamza Chowdury (left) said he wants to stand and has the support of six of the ten Green Camden councillors.
‘Choose someone here’
We don’t need another MP who arrives during an election campaign, puts out a few leaflets, makes a few promises and disappears once the votes are counted… I’m asking you to choose someone who is already here.
local councillor Hamza Chowdhury
Caption: A sign supporting the Green Party political party is displayed in a residential street on the eve of local and mayoral elections in England and devolved parliamentary elections in Wales and Scotland on May 7, in London, Britain, May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville
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How are the Greens’ chances?
At the 2024 general election, Starmer held the seat with 49 per cent of the vote, ahead of independent candidate Andrew Feinstein – who is not expected to run in the upcoming by-election – in second place on 19 per cent. The Greens came third on 10 per cent.
In May’s local elections, the Greens made gains to become Labour’s main opposition.
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Caption: TX DATE:27-03-2026,TX WEEK:12,EMBARGOED UNTIL: 00:00:00,PEOPLE:Monty Don,DESCRIPTION:,COPYRIGHT:BBC Studios,CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios
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news
What next for Monty Don after Gardeners’ World exit
Monty Don is to step down from presenting his weekly BBC show Gardeners’ World at the end of its current series later this year, following more than 20 years at the helm.
Don will see out this season before stepping down
Don, 71, has hosted Gardener’s World since 2003, initially from Berryfields in Buckinghamshire.
He began welcoming audiences to his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire, in 2011.
Viewers enjoy glimpses of his dogs alongside gardening tips and tricks.
He plans to continune writing and work on other BBC programmes.
Interview
7 min read
‘A deeply rewarding experience’
That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.
Monty don, gardeners’ world presenter
Monty together with his dog, Ned (Photo: Toby Melville/REUTERS)
BBC pays tribute
Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening. We will miss him on the show hugely.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s chief content officer
Adam is best known for his work on ‘Gardeners’ World’ (Photo: BBC Studios)
ROYAL PICTURES
Prince George pictured on first day at Eton College
Caption: ETON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 8: Catherine, Princess of Wales (L) and Prince William, Prince of Wales (R) walk with their 13-year-old son, Prince George of Wales (C), as he arrives for his first day at Eton College on September 8, 2026 in Berkshire, England. (Photo by Adrian Dennis – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Photographer: WPA Pool
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The future king Prince George arrived at the prestigious boarding school Eton College, where he will follow in the footsteps of his father Prince William and uncle Prince Harry, for his first day on Tuesday.
Royal family arrive in rain
George’s parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied him from their nearby home Forest Lodge in Windsor, braving the heavy rain to escort him to school.
Caption: Prince George, accompanied by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, starts his first day at Eton College in Windsor, Berkshire. Picture date: Tuesday September 8, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Adrian Dennis/PA Wire
Photographer: Adrian Dennis
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Source: PA
Caption: Prince George begins his first day at Eton College in Windsor, Berkshire. Picture by Matt Porteous / Kensington Palace
Provider: Picture by Matt Porteous / Kensington Palace
Eton fees exceed £63,000 per year, with a rigorous academic selection process. It has turned out twenty prime ministers over the years, as well as educating royalty.
Hopes for privacy
Eton is used to catering to famous children with security requirements, including recent royals from Ethiopia and Nepal.
It is expected that George will be largely free from press intrusion over the next five years, though some photos of him playing sport or acting in school plays are possible.
Caption: ETON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 8: A general view of Eton College ahead of the arrival of 13-year-old Prince George of Wales for his first day at Eton College on September 8, 2026 in Berkshire, England. (Photo by Adrian Dennis – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Photographer: WPA Pool
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Source: Getty Images Europe
6 min read
Without this, about 95,000 homes could require “rota cuts and standpipes” if the region does not experience significant rain in the coming months, South East Water warned the Environment Agency.
If granted, there would be a temporary relaxation of the environmental rules that dictate SEW release water from the reservoir to maintain levels in the River Ouse.
Worst drought since 1976
An analysis of 155 years of rainfall data by SEW found 2026 was the second driest summer in the River Ouse catchment, surpassed only by 1976.
The summer of 1976 saw widespread water shortages and restrictions across England, including the use of standpipes in some areas.
Britain has not experienced such severe restrictions since that year. However, the latest documents from SEW show some areas are now coming close.
Much of England and all of Wales are currently in drought. While most areas have experienced unsettled weather in recent weeks, far more rainfall is needed to reverse the impacts of the dry summer.
SEW has said Ardingly Reservoir could enter “red level” drought status within the coming weeks even if Sussex receives its average level of rainfall. As of Friday the reservoir was at 34.8 per cent total capacity.
“Red” is the final level before emergency measures such as standpipes are introduced. It means water companies must take all other action possible to avoid this scenario, such as further restrictions on businesses.
If the region receives less than 60 per cent of its average rainfall over the coming months, Ardingly will remain at red level for the rest of this year, and could enter an “emergency storage” situation by the end of September, South East Water said.
In a “worst case scenario” of the region receiving less than 40 per cent of its average rainfall, the reservoir will remain at red level into spring next year and would also enter an ‘emergency storage’ situation around the end of this month, SEW said.
The affected area of Sussex has received 43 per cent of its average rainfall since March this year, meaning this “worst case scenario” would be a continuation of what has seen seen.
Dry fields in the area surrounding Ardinly Reservoir (Photo: Carlos Jasso/Reuters)
Fish deaths and ‘sewage fungus’
It is now up to the Environment Agency to determine whether South East Water should be granted permission to reduce releases from the reservoir into the Ouse.
The company acknowledges doing so will trigger environmental impacts on the river including fish deaths and “increased growth of algae and sewage fungus”.
However, it argues that doing nothing would also have an adverse impact on the Ouse and that conserving water in the reservoir is the best option for customers and the environment.
Water firms ‘not doing enough to fix leaks’
Water companies have been criticised for not doing enough to make their regions resilient to drought, for example by fixing leaks or building more reservoirs.
In its drought permit application, SEW states that its leakage levels are currently 15.5 per cent above target and have become worse this summer as dry soil has caused more burst pipes.
Towns across Sussex and Kent have experienced multiple water cuts in recent years due to failures in SEW’s network.
A damning report by MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, published in April, described the company’s previous leadership team and board as a “unaccountable clique”.
A spokesperson for South East Water said: “We applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit to help manage the water resource situation in Sussex.
“The permit was applied for as we experienced less than half of the expected rainfall between March and August 2026 in our Sussex region, which is where we have two surface water storage reservoirs. This has resulted in the water levels in both reservoirs falling to a low level, particularly Ardingly Reservoir.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The drought permitting process balances the needs of local water users with important environmental protections.
“We expect water companies to follow drought plans and apply for permits in good time to secure supplies for their customers and ensure that appropriate mitigations are in place to protect the environment.”