Five years after the swept back into power in , life is still getting worse for women and girls, who can barely leave their homes.
The regime has now issued about 200 decrees restricting freedom for the female population, including prohibiting girls over 12 from attending school, barring women from university and nearly all forms of employment and forbidding them from leaving the house without being completely covered and accompanied by a male guardian.
One of the Taliban’s latest decrees permits men to beat their wives, provided they do not break any bones or leave visible, lasting wounds. Another makes it far harder for a woman to leave a marriage, while preserving men’s right to divorce, and implicitly permits child marriage.
Half of Afghan women now leave home only once or twice a month because of the severe restrictions on their movement and access to public spaces, according to UN Women.
“As a woman, we can’t easily go out to buy something for ourselves and bring it back,” Prima, 23, told The i Paper. “For example, shopping for groceries, whatever we need, that responsibility falls on our husbands. He is the one who has to go and get things for the house.”
Prima was recently forced to return to Afghanistan after eight years living in Iran with her family and working as an embroiderer. They now live in a compound with collapsed ceilings.
“All our possessions, whatever we had, we spent on travel expenses to return to Afghanistan,” she told The i Paper. “We have nothing to eat, nothing to wear.”
Prima’s husband is unemployed, and she cannot work because of the Taliban’s ban. “I’m an embroiderer, so I could work from home, if I had a machine” she said. “It’s within my ability. With that work I could at least cover my household’s daily expenses from the skill that I have.”
Farzana, a 40-year-old woman living in western Afghanistan, was also forcibly deported from Iran in early March after living there for more than two decades.
“My daughters cannot go to school,” she told The i Paper. “We cannot work or move freely.
“There are thousands, millions of women like me. We have no freedom, no work, no future … We are all wondering what will become of our lives.”
The rare temperature barrier that could be broken on Thursday
Parts of the UK could see an unprecedented sixth heatwave this week, as the Met Office says the country is on course for its hottest summer on record.
What you need to know
36°C is forecast in some areas on Thursday – but the crucial barrier of 37°C could be broken again.
Breached again?
It would be the ninth time we’ve seen temperatures over 37°C, said the Met Office.
Exceptional temp
Three of those times have come this year, said meteorologist Alex Burkhill, calling 37°C “exceptionally high”.
Record-breaking summer
Provisional Met Office statistics show that the UK’s mean temperature for this summer so far is 16.48°C. This is 1.88°C higher than the 1991 – 2020 average. A record of 16.1°C was set only last year.
The Norfolk village of Lingwood recorded 37.7°C on 26 June, making it the hottest June temperature ever recorded in the UK.
Stark warning for future
Experts have warned that the heatwaves – bringing on drought, wildfires and heat-related deaths – should push the Government into improving climate change resilience.
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Heat Risk Commission, said heatwaves are “public health risks, driving up household bills, disrupting schools, farms and transport”.
3 min read
Why EVs are about to become more expensive
Consumers could see an end to the big discounts on electric vehicles (EVs) as Labour looks to water down its net-zero targets, car industry experts have warned.
What you need to know
The Government is looking to water down the legal targets under the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Under current laws, 80 per cent of new cars sold in the UK must be electric by 2030.
Watering down?
Ministers are set to launch a consultation on loosening the target to 50 to 70 per cent.
Why EVs could get more expensive
End of discounts?
- Watering down targets is likely to reduce “particularly aggressive EV discounts”, warned auto experts.
- But they said ongoing market competition would ensure customers still get good deals.
- The National Franchised Dealers Association said it could create a “healthier market” in the long term.
Are ZEV mandate fears overblown?
EV advocates say carmakers’ concerns are overblown. Tanya Sinclair of Electric Vehicles UK said watering down targets could create an “uncertain market” which could deter consumers. The Department for Transport said it is still “committed” to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars, but said it would “review the mandate to support British industry”.
3 min read
GO DEEPER ON THIS TOPIC
Why EVs face price hike
Labour ministers are preparing to water down net-zero, ZEV mandate targets. It comes after intense lobbying from car manufacturers who argue the mandate is proving too difficult to meet.
Saturday Night Live UK season 2 return date revealed
The British version of the US live comedy sketch show is returning in autumn after a successful first season, Sky has revealed.
What you need to know
Return date
Sky has revealed the first episode of season 2 will be broadcast on Saturday, 12 September.
More in 2027
There will be six brand-new episodes, with additional shows also planned for early 2027.
The UK incarnation of the US show received good reviews when it launched in March.
UK cast members return
All 11 members of the inaugural cast are returning this season. They are: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young. creator Lorne Michaels previously said he was “incredibly proud” of the British team.
5 min read
How to get tickets
Fans will also be able to apply to be part of the live studio audience, with a ticket ballot going live from 10am on Friday 14 August.
The show will once again welcome a different celebrity host and musical guest for every episode. The first series featured veteran Tina Fey, star Riz Ahmed, comedian Jack Whitehall and ’s Hannah Waddingham.
UK NEWS
Mourners gather for Ann Widdecombe’s funeral
Family, friends and colleagues are gathering in Devon today to say goodbye to former Tory minister and Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe.
What you need to know
Requiem mass
Widdecombe’s funeral service with a requiem mass is taking place at Buckfast Abbey in Devon.
Public memorial
The former MP, who died at 78, was a worshipper in the Abbey Church. A public memorial will be held later this year.
Death in July
She died in July after she was repeatedly hit over the head with a hammer at her home. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder.
A woman of profound faith which found expression in politics.
The former MP was unafraid to express her “unwavering convictions formed through her Roman Catholic faith”, read a statement from the abbey ahead of the funeral.
She was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987. At the time of her death, she was a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She appeared on and .
Police probe arson at Farage home
Police continue to investigate whether the man charged with Widdecombe’s murder could be linked to an alleged firebomb attack at Nigel Farage’s home. Earlier this week, the Reform leader claimed the incident was “directly linked” to her death, and also alleged that counter-terrorism police had “made some mistakes”.
2 min read
Why you should ‘use less electricity’ during the solar eclipse
The UK’s biggest household energy supplier has asked customers to use less electricity during Wednesday’s solar eclipse.
Octopus Energy warned that solar power will “plummet” during the big event.
What you need to know
Solar eclipse on the way
More than 90 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on Wednesday.
Protect your eyes
It’s the most the sun has been blocked above UK skies since 1999’s total eclipse.
Use less electricity
“Switch off, head outside and be in nature”, said Octopus Energy, explaining it would take the strain off the grid.
Free hour of power
- Octopus customers who use less electricity than normal for at least 30 minutes during the eclipse will get a free hour of power on Sunday.
- The eclipse falls at a “very busy time” for consumption as people make dinner, boil the kettle and watch TV.
- The UK has to “fire up extra fossil-fuel-run power stations” at busy times, which is expensive, said Octopus.
3 min read
Summer boost for solar
While the moon blocks the sun, solar generation will plummety.
Octopus said solar power generation will fall just as home energy demand spikes during the eclipse. But the renewable source has enjoyed a great summer. Last month, the UK saw the sunniest July on record.
It helped solar power to a new monthly record, providing 14.4 per cent of all electricity over the month – and a peak of 44 per cent of generation for a period on 12 July.
The Office star Lucy Davis reveals ‘incurable’ cancer diagnosis
star Lucy Davis has revealed that she has been diagnosed with “incurable” stage four breast cancer.
The 53-year-old actress is best known for playing Dawn Tinsley in the BBC sitcom.
What you need to know
- Davis said in a post that cancer has “metastasised” to her bones, and it is “too late” for chemotherapy.
- She asked her friends and family to poke fun “as much as possible” and not treat her like a “sick person”.
- Davis said she will continue working for animal rights and keep working as an actress, calling it one of the “biggest joys” of her life.
5 min read
Why Davis’s story will resonate
Commenting on Davis’s post, US star Jenna Fischer said: “Beautiful post. Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer!”
Fischer revealed in 2024 that she had been diagnosed with stage one triple-positive breast cancer, but was now “cancer-free”.
Breast Cancer Now said Davis’s story will “resonate with thousands”. The charity said it was a “powerful reminder” that more needs to be done to tackle metastatic breast cancer.
Davis played receptionist Dawn in . Her character’s slow-burn romance with Tim, played by Martin Freeman, was one of the most notable storylines in the series. Davis is also known for playing Hayley Jordan on BBC Radio 4’s and appeared in the 2004 comedy with Simon Pegg.
6 min read
Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
How to age well
without pain
Will Harlow, a physiotherapist
for the over-50s and author of Independence for Life, shares
the key signs you’re ageing
badly – and what to do about it.
How to know
Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want you want for as long as you want without needing help. Everyone is talking about longevity but what’s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you’re [totally] reliant on people?”
The signs to look out for
- The most obvious early warning sign of bad ageing is pain says Harlow.
- Another is losing confidence in doing daily tasks, which can quickly lead to a lack of independence.
- One call Harlow often receives is people calling after having a fall and struggling to get up.
4 min read
How to age without pain
Not just stopping
When people retire, they often put their feet up and stop. Your body really is use it or lose it.
Throughout our entire lives, Harlow says we need between seven and nine hours of sleep.
Social isolation
The lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death by
as much as 29 per cent.
Strength training
It really is the proxy for
overall independence.
The more muscle mass you have, the less chance of heart disease, diabetes, falls and even anxiety, depression and dementia.
The brain can be linked to muscle mass too, Harlow says. It’s not just about being able to lift things. It gives you more energy, better sleep and you’ll look and feel better.
How to age without pain
Daily habits
Do short bursts of exercise, between 30 and 60 seconds, in otherwise dead time during the day.
Stretch in bed
Take joints through a full range of motion for five minutes to loosen it before getting up.
Don’t crash diet
How to age without pain
Harlow advises 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to stop muscle loss alongside resistance training.
Don’t wait
Harlow finds that many patients put off making a change to their lifestyle until their lives are consumed by pain.
For most people, it’s about reducing the number of times per week you’re exercising, not reducing intensity.
The three ageing tests to do
- Lie completely flat on the floor and get back up to a standing position using any technique. This should take less than 10 seconds.
See how many times you can sit on the chair and stand back up again in 30 seconds. Men should be aiming for more than 14 times and women 12.
The single-leg stand, which involves standing on one leg and balancing for 10 seconds. Everyone should be able to do that and for those under 65, Harlow asks them to do it with their eyes closed.
Gissou Nia, a human rights lawyer and legal adviser to the End Gender Apartheid campaign, said the situation had triggered a mental health crisis. “Sadly our team receives reports of women and girls attempting self harm, of feeling despair at the lack of options for their future,” she said.
The campaign is calling for the classification of gender apartheid – a term also used during the first Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in the late 1990s – as a crime against humanity.
Saturday will mark half a decade since the Taliban came back into power and its drastic rollback of rights for women and girls has almost completely erased them from public life.
Some women still protest inside the country, despite the risks, and those in exile are putting pressure on the international community to do more to hold the Taliban to account as relations gradually normalise. The European Union sparked anger when it held talks with the Taliban in Brussels in June on deporting failed asylum seekers.
Metra Mehran, an Afghan women’s rights activist, said: “It hurts me that the Taliban are getting normalised. There is diplomatic engagement. Europe is inviting them [for talks], so I think that also creates legal obligations for other states on how they then engage and interact with the Taliban regime.”
Mehran said the campaign to have gender apartheid made a crime against humanity will help to prevent other repressive regimes around the world from pursuing similar policies.
On 3 June, the first round of formal proposals for amendments to the UN Crimes Against Humanity treaty was released and seven countries included gender apartheid in their submissions. Fourteen countries have publicly expressed support for the codification of gender apartheid in the crimes against humanity treaty – not including the UK.
Mehran said the campaign has been “a powerful mobilising force for women in Afghanistan”.
She said that a woman in the country had recently told her that “womanhood itself is being criminalised by the Taliban”.
A severe humanitarian and economic crisis is now deepening in Afghanistan, with the UN estimating that 28 million people were living in poverty in 2025, and nearly three in four people were unable to have their basic needs met. This has been exacerbated by mass population returns, drought and cuts to foreign aid and assistance.
Catholic aid agency Cafod has called for action from the UK government. “It’s increasingly difficult for aid workers to provide vital support due to a restricted operating environment, regional conflicts, and reduced funding globally,” said Grace How, Cafod country representative for Afghanistan.
“We urge the UK government to not only respond to the humanitarian crisis but provide long-term aid to increase the resilience of rural communities. Advocating for marginalised groups, such as women and girls, is vital. As it stands, there is a generation of girls who do not know what it’s like to be free.”
Nia describes the situation for Afghan women and girls in the country right now as bleak. She said women were “pushing back on their oppressors and what they want is for the international community to support them in that fight and not appease the Taliban”.
As UN Women warned on Wednesday, an “unparalleled crisis of women’s and girls’ rights is at risk of being forgotten by the world”.