The UK's potato industry faces a significant threat from the invasive Colorado beetle, with TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh urging the public to remain vigilant. The beetle, known for its devastating impact on potato crops, was recently confirmed in Kent, marking the first known case on UK soil in 50 years. Its presence raises concerns over potential economic impacts and the broader implications for UK food security.

The Colorado beetle and its larvae feed on the foliage of potatoes and other plants, such as aubergines and peppers, weakening crops and reducing yield. The recent outbreak in Kent has prompted intense eradication and monitoring efforts, including the use of drones to survey affected fields. Officials are hopeful that the outbreak can be declared eradicated by the end of the year, but stress the importance of public vigilance in preventing its spread.

Alan Titchmarsh, speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show, highlighted the beetle's rapid destruction of crops, comparing its impact to that of locusts. He emphasized the need to act swiftly to prevent the beetle from establishing a foothold in the UK, noting the country's reliance on imported vegetables and fruit. With only 50% of vegetables and 12% of fruit consumed in the UK grown domestically, the threat to food security is palpable.

The public is urged to report any sightings of the Colorado beetle to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), providing photos and location details if possible. The beetle, which poses no risk to human health, is identifiable by its yellow or cream body with 10 black stripes and an orange head with irregular black spots. The collective effort to monitor and eradicate this invasive species is crucial in safeguarding the UK's agricultural industry and food supply.

Families of the 29 victims killed in the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash are escalating their decades-long fight for answers, preparing to deliver a petition with more than 47,000 signatures to Downing Street demanding a public inquiry. The Chinook Justice Campaign has published 110 "critical questions" they want answered about the tragedy that claimed the lives of 25 intelligence experts and four special forces crew members when the aircraft crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on June 2, 1994.

The campaign comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer rejected calls for a judge-led inquiry into the incident, prompting families to declare they will "see the UK government in court." Among those delivering the petition on Tuesday are brothers Andy and Matt Tobias from Watford, whose father John Tobias was killed in the crash. The petition delivery will be accompanied by an attempt to deliver a letter directly to the Ministry of Defence.

Central to the families' concerns are questions about mission authorization, aircraft selection, and whether those on board were properly warned of risks. The campaign has gained momentum amid revelations that key documents related to the crash have been sealed until 2094—a century after the incident occurred. David Hill, technical expert for the Chinook Justice Campaign, characterized the government's position as "a betrayal by the state of them and their loved ones."

The crash investigation has followed a contentious path over the past three decades. Initial findings blamed pilot error for the tragedy, but this conclusion was overturned in 2011. The continuing secrecy surrounding the incident has drawn criticism from campaigners who argue it "undermines trust not only in the MoD but in the government itself." As families prepare to confront the government directly, the case represents one of Britain's longest-running military accountability battles.