More than £1.1million has been raised for the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades, a remarkable expression of gratitude for two decent men who made the ultimate sacrifice. But grief must be followed by hard questions.
King Charles’s private letters to the widows of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades are a moving recognition of two officers who went to work to protect others and never came home.
The public response has been just as powerful. More than £1.1million has been raised for their families, a remarkable expression of gratitude for two decent men who made the ultimate sacrifice. But grief must be followed by hard questions.
The A66 tragedy came amid a terrifying spiral of violence involving suspected organised crime and a feud that has left communities across Teesside living in fear. Police need the manpower, intelligence and backing to restore order.
In such a tense atmosphere, they must also establish the facts carefully and communicate with precision. Ministers must match public sympathy with action, restoring order and tackling conditions that allow organised crime to thrive.
Pray for them
Behind the continuing devastation from Nepal are families trapped in an agony almost beyond imagining. At least 570 people are dead and nearly 2,000 missing after a wall of mud, rock and ice tore along the Himalayan border.
Among those unaccounted for are Brits who had travelled for adventure, pilgrimage and the fulfilment of lifelong dreams. Back home, husbands, wives, children and siblings are clinging to phones, calling helplines and praying for news.
Rescuers are working in brutal conditions to reach communities cut off by devastation on a staggering scale. Britain must do everything possible to support that effort and help families obtain answers.
Caring Dolly
Dolly Parton went to Rotherham to give children free books… and ended up falling for the place. A huge star, with a huge heart and a genuine love for ordinary families. Thank you, Dolly.