Friday, June 19, 2026

Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent

Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the winner of the Makerfield by-election, a man has been arrested after a three-year-old boy was critically injured in the crocodile enclosure of a zoo near Huntingdon, and an MP for the Liberal Democrats has been suspended from the party pending a police investigation.

Read more

ASK ME ANYTHING

I’ve covered Labour for decades – join me for a Makerfield Q&A

With Andy Burnham’s return to frontline politics, Nigel Farage’s Reform threat and Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership all under scrutiny, chief political commentator John Rentoul is here to answer your questions and offer his insight from Westminster

Read deeper

I made Jon Snow’s new film – he shows how we can live with Alzheimer’s

Here’s what happened when I let AI run my life for a whole year

When my brother died, only one thing helped me through the grief

Rupert Lowe is becoming the most dangerous man you’ve never heard of

‘I was addicted to engagement – it’s why I quit the manosphere’

Your Views

A decade on from Brexit: where were you on referendum night?

Ten years on from the Brexit referendum, political editor David Maddox and correspondent Millie Cooke, authors of our new newsletter Europe: The Way Back, reflect on the contrasting reactions as results came in – and invite readers to share their memories of where they were and how they felt. Share your opinion and read the full debate here.

I had been campaigning all day for Remain and despite never sharing Cameron and Co’s confidence that we would win, I began to be reassured by the exit polls. My devastation increased as result after result was announced…

I couldn’t go to bed and just felt overwhelming misery, depression, and grief for what we all – but particularly my children and grandchildren – had lost.

Viking50

WATCH

Police use ‘VAR’ to catch bag thieves during World Cup

Is politics corrupting religion?

Is politics corrupting religion? Join UCL’s next Disagreeing Well event for an insightful conversation on the relationship between faith, power, and public life. 2 July, Bloomsbury Theatre. Book now. Book now.

STAT OF THE DAY

The number of people arrested during England's 4-2 World Cup win against Croatia, according to Arlington Police Department.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“This is a case of the most extreme gravity. You must stay in prison for the rest of your life. You will never be eligible for parole.”

Mr Justice Turner as he passed sentence on high-school teacher Jamie Varley, 37, who was handed a rare whole-life order for killing 13-month-old Preston Davey, whom he had adopted at nine months old.

Don't forget to complete your registration

We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience.

By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:

Limited access to Premium articles
Access to The Independent app
Access to more than 20 newsletters
Commenting on independent.co.uk

Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.

COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW

Other stories you might like

Apple AirPods 4 drop below £80 in major price cut ahead of Prime Day.

The Amazon Fire TV stick has dropped to £25 ahead of Prime Day.

Elizabeth Davies: Why women should stop exercising to get smaller

For decades, women have been sold the idea that exercise is about shrinking themselves — flattening stomachs, toning arms, and chasing the elusive “beach body.” But personal trainer and author Elizabeth Davies thinks it’s time for a rethink.