Rentokil - experts in pest control - predict this year's Flying Ant Day, the yearly mating flight where millions of winged ants fill the sky in synchronised displays, could be one of the biggest in recent years. Paul Blackhurst, head of the technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said: "Experts warn that this year could see larger-than-usual swarms of flying ants, as we approach Flying Ant Day, also known as the nuptial flight, and sometimes nicknamed 'flant day'. Flying ant day 25th June 2025. "Despite the name, Flying Ant Day doesn't happen on a single fixed day each year. "While flying ants might disrupt your picnic, barbecue, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by aerating soil, recycling nutrients, and serving as a key food source for birds."

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✕ Close The Inside Line | Episode 606 | SF 01Lando Norris won the battle of the McLarens to land a morale-boosting victory in Austria which breathes fresh life into his world championship charge. A fortnight after Norris ran into the back of Piastri in Canada, the two McLaren men came within centimetres of another collision on lap 20 of 70. Norris took the chequered flag 2.7 seconds clear of Piastri, with Charles Leclerc finishing third. Lewis Hamilton was fourth with the seven-time world champion's wait for a first podium in Ferrari colours extending to his home race at Silverstone next weekend. Follow live updates of the Austrian Grand Prix with The Independent

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In an interview with The Times, Sir Rod showed his support for Reform UK, sharing: “I’ve read about (Sir Keir) Starmer cutting off the fishing in Scotland and giving it back to the EU. We’ve got to give Farage a chance. “Starmer’s all about getting us out of Brexit and I don’t know how he’s going to do that. Sir Rod Stewart branded ‘grotesque’ amid Farage commentsTaking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan of Sir Rod wrote: “To agree that Farage needs a chance is grotesque.”Another comment on X read: “Stupid thing to say” as a third wrote: “Rod Stewart has come out for Farage? Recommended Reading“It’s depressing, what’s going on in the Gaza Strip,” he said.

The enormous haul was found under containers on a ship arriving into London Gateway port from Panama, the Home Office said. With help from the port operator, they moved 37 large containers to get at the stash. Worth an estimated £96 million, it marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure since records began. Meanwhile, a haul of 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition, 170kg of ketamine and 4,000 MDMA pills have been found in a lorry at Dover Port. National Crime Agency investigators estimate the street value of the ketamine would have been around £4.5 million and £40,000 for the MDMA.

The series of damaging climbdowns have left Mr Starmer’s political authority weakened, his judgment under scrutiny and the positions of those around him in jeopardy. Speaking to broadcasters on June 27, Mr Starmer said the adjustments were “the right thing to do”, giving the package of welfare cuts “the right balance”. A poll for the LabourList website found 40 per cent of Labour members want Ms Reeves ousted. One MP said Mr Starmer should replace Mr McSweeney and Ms Reeves, or at least strip away some of their decision-making powers. The bad blood between Mr Starmer’s top team and the wider party flows both ways.

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Detectives investigating a gangland feud that has led to assaults, shootings and fire bombings across the east and west of Scotland have made a 50th arrest. Yusef Duale, 18, has been charged with wilful fire-raising, danger to life and attempted murder following blazes at three properties in Edinburgh. The addresses in Pitcairn Grove, Prestonfield Crescent and Niddrie Marischal Crescent were all targeted on 17 April. Duale, of Liverpool, made no plea and was released on bail following a private appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

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pro- Palestine protest (Image credits: AP)Russia Attacks Ukrainian Airfield In Tit-For-Tat Strike; 'Heavy Losses Reported'UK moves to ban protest group Palestine ActionFour people have been arrested in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that involved vandalising military aircraft at an airbase in in the United Kingdom, authorities said.On June 20, two activists from the group Palestine Action allegedly broke into the Royal Air Force's Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire, England, where they sprayed red paint on two refueling and transport aircraft and damaged them with crowbars.Three individuals, aged 29 to 36, were arrested on suspicion of committing, preparing, or instigating acts of terrorism. A fourth person, a 41-year-old woman, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, according to UK police.Palestine Action, who claimed the action, responded to the arrests by accusing authorities of cracking down on "nonviolent protests" that disrupt the flow of weapons to Israel during what it called the country's "genocide in Palestine. "Last week, British prime minister Keir Starmer labeled the act "disgraceful," while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday announced plans to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws.According to Cooper, the group's actions have become "more aggressive," with members showing a "willingness to use violence. "The Home Secretary decided to proscribe the group following the incident. Once the ban takes effect next Friday, supporting the group will become a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Palestine Action has targeted facilities linked to Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems, as well as other companies with ties to Israel.

A court has heard how a man stabbed his partner 27 times during a fatal attack at their home in Chirnside in the Borders. Corey Dryden, 31, admitted murdering Megan Hughes at the property on the town's Windram Road in February this year. The High Court in Edinburgh was told police arrested him soon after the assault and took him into custody. Dryden had told police officers he could not remember what he had done.

Cumbria's lakeland is arguably the most majestic natural spot in the UK, where you can be free from the stresses of life. But what it offers best more than anywhere else, perhaps, is the stunning twisting and turning roads. Breathtaking and stunning views all round! Details B&B doubles from £145 (kirkstile.com)Famous Cumbrian cycle route named among the UK's very bestThere are now thousands of miles of dedicated cycle paths across the UK, including car-free tracks, quiet country lanes and former railway lines. "Newbies beware, this route is not for the faint of heart and the circuit includes some challenging climbs and technical descents.