Huge wildfires rage in France and Spain as firefighters race against time

Plus: PM to end prioritisation of university places

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent   Emergency services tackling massive wildfires are in a race against time to get the blazes under control before another heatwave hits Europe, Andy Burnham is set to unveil the biggest overhaul in education in 15 years, and police are “conducting inquiries” into an image shared on social media after Reform UK reported Zack Polanski. Top stories 1 | Huge wildfires rage in France and Spain as firefighters race against time before next 40C heatwave Read more 2 | PM to end prioritisation of university places in biggest schools reform for 15 years Read more 3 | Burnham could pledge to rejoin the EU in Labour’s next manifesto, minister says Read more 4 | Police ‘conducting inquiries’ into image after Reform report Polanski Read more 5 | Burnham tells Zelensky UK ‘has got your back’ in first meeting since becoming PM Read more Read deeper Reform’s empty ‘mayor’ chair in Manchester shows they’re scared How to deal with ‘doomism’ when it feels like the world is ending Does the ‘Burnham Bounce’ mean two-party politics are back? Middle-class parents must change for Burnham’s education plan to work Is your attachment style ruining your friendships? Your Views Your Views ‘A terrible message’: Readers on age-gap family fallout Our community shared their own stories of navigating age-gap relationships, from painful fallouts between parents and children to decades of happiness despite family opposition. Share your opinion here.   My own father fell in love with a woman my age some years after my mother died, and I would like to think I did my very best to be understanding and kind. Sadly his feelings were not reciprocated, but that can happen with anybody at any age. I’ve noticed that a lot of adult children can be very judgemental when it comes to their parents’ happiness – a trait that is most unattractive.   Goldielocks   WATCH  Canadian politician appears to read out AI prompt during speech STAT OF THE DAY 98 The number of organisations that have called on prime minister Andy Burnham to commit to climate action. Read more QUOTE OF THE DAY   "How can someone be so callous, cold and calculated?" A funeral director who kept kept bodies for months “to rot” after they should have been cremated and gave the wrong ashes to families has been described as “callous”. Read more Other stories you might like Miliband to join board of World Bank and prioritise climate and aid Map: Areas most likely to benefit as Burnham eyes income tax overhaul Rapist who abducted teenage girl at knifepoint tries to flee court Latest news headlines from Bulletin: Zelensky and Trump discuss licenses for Patriot interceptor production Bulletin AM briefing on Wednesday, 29 July White House aide accused of insider trading leaves job Zelensky and Trump discuss licenses for Patriot interceptor production Bulletin AM briefing on Wednesday, 29 July White House aide accused of insider trading leaves job Download the app now Join the conversation and follow us Download our apps: Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy