United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1896
Ownership
The Daily Mail (and MailOnline) is published by Associated Newspapers, the news arm of DMG Media, which is owned by Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT). DMGT is controlled by the Harmsworth family: Jonathan Harmsworth, the 4th Viscount Rothermere, is chairman and controlling shareholder. In late 2021 his vehicle Rothermere Continuation Limited bought out the remaining shares (about 885 million pounds) and delisted DMGT, taking the group fully private in January 2022.
Funding
Financed commercially through newspaper sales, advertising and the large MailOnline digital advertising business, plus DMGT's wider commercial interests; it receives no state or licence-fee money.
Affiliation & stance
The Daily Mail is a privately owned, family-controlled commercial newspaper with a long-standing right-wing, strongly Conservative-leaning editorial line, but it is not owned or directed by any party, church or state. Because control rests with a commercial proprietor (the Rothermere/Harmsworth family) rather than a party or government, it is classified INDEPENDENT despite its partisan stance.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 967
77/100
Factual
62/100
Objective
1155
Articles
1148
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Iranian hackers carry out unprecedented attack on UK’s power network
A UK power generator was forced to shut down for four days after being targeted by Iranian hackers, according to recent reports. This is believed to be the first known instance of Iranian-affiliated hackers successfully disrupting a UK energy facility. The affected site is described as a 'small-scale energy generator,' and authorities confirmed there was no risk to the broader national grid. The incident reportedly prompted the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to issue briefings to power companies and provide guidance to businesses on protecting against cyber threats. Earlier this year, NCSC head Dr. Richard Horne warned that most major cyberattacks on the UK come from state-sponsored actors like China, Iran, and Russia. In response, the UK government is developing a national AI-based cybersecurity system designed to detect and mitigate threats to critical infrastructure.
What to know after multiple deaths in A66 crash involving police car
A multi-vehicle crash occurred on the A66 near South Bank, close to Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Saturday morning, resulting in multiple fatalities. The collision involved a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat, with authorities confirming several deaths but not specifying the exact number. Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying numerous resources including ambulances, paramedics, and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Despite their efforts, some patients died at the scene. The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane, and local residents are advised to use alternate routes. Cleveland Police stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and urged the public to refrain from speculation. Anna Turley, the local MP for Redcar, expressed her deep sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the affected families.
Revealed: Putin's bid to hit German airport with explosive-laden drone linked to blitz on Britain
An explosive-laden drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany is linked to a broader Russian sabotage campaign targeting Britain and other European countries. The drone, containing Semtex explosives, struck the aircraft but did not detonate. Security experts view the incident as a significant escalation, indicating Russia's willingness to use drones against European targets. Forensic analysis revealed DNA traces on the drone matching an individual suspected of involvement in a previous Russian-backed parcel bomb campaign that targeted the UK in 2024. These attacks, originating from Lithuania, included incendiary devices that caused fires at DHL facilities in Birmingham and Poland. Joint investigations across multiple countries have identified 22 suspects linked to the GRU military intelligence service, with five currently on trial in Lithuania. Experts suggest the drone attack represents a direct continuation of the same sabotage network.
Convicted Romanian murderer who came to UK and killed man after 'strikingly similar' crime in his home country is jailed for life
Eugeniu Neamtu, a 59-year-old Romanian national, was sentenced to life imprisonment after fatally stabbing his flatmate, Gheorghe Trica, during a violent altercation in Walthamstow, London. Neamtu, who had previously served a 15-year prison sentence in Romania for murdering a housemate in 2007, entered the UK on a tourist visa in 2023 without disclosing his criminal history or intent to work. The killing occurred in February 2026, following an argument over £5, with Neamtu using a knife to stab Trica in the chest. Despite claims by Neamtu that Trica had threatened him, the court rejected these assertions. Judge Richard Marks KC emphasized the 'exceptionally trivial' motive and noted the 'remarkably similar' nature of the two crimes, highlighting Neamtu’s lack of remorse and the danger posed by his repeated violence.
Britain finally gets rain...but it's not enough to reverse drought: Parts of UK hit by showers but reservoirs still run dry as car washes and swimming pools brace for water bans
Britain has experienced its first rain in weeks, though experts warn this may not be sufficient to alleviate the ongoing drought. Several regions, including parts of Kent, Essex, and Sussex, received light or patchy rain after being officially declared in drought earlier in July. Despite this, reservoirs remain critically low, with five recording exceptionally low volumes and seven significantly below normal levels. The southwest region is operating at under two-thirds of its reservoir capacity. Authorities are preparing for potential water restrictions on private swimming pools and car washes due to the severe drought conditions. The dry spell has led to numerous wildfires, including a major incident in Stourbridge that damaged 37 homes. Additionally, Wessex Water has announced a hosepipe ban for the first time in 50 years, affecting 1.4 million customers in areas such as Bath, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire. Cooler and wetter weather is expected by midweek, but the distribution of rainfall remains uncertain.
The awkward photo of Harry and Andrew the royals will want to avoid
The article discusses potential tensions within the British royal family as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare to return to the UK. Their return may lead to a family gathering that could create challenges for King Charles III and his advisors, particularly due to the strained relationship between Harry and his uncle, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Once respected as a war hero, Andrew has faced controversy over his alleged ties to the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and has been largely isolated from the royal family. The article notes that Harry has expressed disdain for Andrew and is expected to avoid him unless necessary. There are concerns about potential public interactions between the two, similar to a previous awkward moment during the Duchess of Kent's funeral. Additionally, the article suggests that Harry and Meghan's advocacy for victims of trafficking and abuse could bring further scrutiny to Andrew's past associations.
How the Wegovy pill could leave you sick, exhausted and depressed. Patients reveal the brutal side-effects from constant nausea to never-ending fatigue... and many say they are even WORSE than the jabs
Sophie Ashton, a 39-year-old woman from Greater Manchester, started taking Wegovy pills as a cheaper alternative to the injectable weight loss drug Mounjaro, which she could no longer afford due to rising costs. After losing one-and-a-half stone while on Mounjaro, she hoped the pill would offer similar results. However, within ten days of starting Wegovy, she experienced severe side effects including constant anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and depression. Her mental state deteriorated significantly, to the point where her three-year-old daughter noticed her distress. When she reported these issues to the prescribing service, she was advised to switch back to injections, despite her reluctance due to previous negative experiences with weight loss drugs. Experts warn that the higher oral dose of semaglutide in Wegovy pills may contribute to a range of adverse effects, raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the medication compared to its injectable counterpart.
'William would find it very hard to meet Harry, even to honour Diana's memory': They swore 'no amount of hurt would interfere in carrying on their mother's legacy together'... but pals tell royal author PHIL DAMPIER how Duke is 'the past' for future King
The article discusses the strained relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry, focusing on their differing priorities and emotional wounds stemming from Harry's departure from the Royal Family and his public criticisms of William and his family. According to royal author Phil Dampier, while both brothers initially committed to honoring their late mother, Princess Diana, together, their bond has deteriorated significantly. Dampier claims William views Harry as 'the past' and is more focused on his future with wife Catherine and their children. He suggests William would avoid meeting Harry, even for commemorating Diana's legacy, due to lingering resentment over Harry's book, Netflix series, and interviews that allegedly damaged Catherine's reputation. The article notes that while Harry hopes to reunite with his father, King Charles III, at the Invictus Games in 2025, William is expected to stay away, feeling used by Harry for personal gain. Their last joint event was the 2021 unveiling of a Diana statue, highlighting the growing rift between the brothers.
Warm From Home: Outrage as WFH civil servants 'have heating bills paid for by hard-working taxpayers'
The UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has faced criticism for spending over £610,000 on heating bills for civil servants who work from home since 2022. This includes a doubling of such subsidies from £95,000 in 2022 to £211,000 in 2026. The funds are allocated specifically to contractual remote workers, not those under hybrid arrangements. Critics argue this represents a misuse of public funds, especially amid rising energy costs for households. Shadow ministers and critics have condemned the practice as unfair to ordinary citizens struggling with energy bills. HMRC clarified that these payments apply only to a small portion of its workforce, about 7%, who are designated as full-time remote workers.
King Charles must 'put his foot down' over Harry and Meghan's return - either he forces the couple to apologise or strips them of their titles, OR ELSE 'the future of the monarchy' will be at stake: RICHARD EDEN sounds alarm on Sussexes' homecoming
In a recent episode of 'Palace Confidential,' commentator Richard Eden expresses concerns about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to return to the United Kingdom with their children. The couple is expected to settle in the UK soon, having already enrolled their children in British schools. King Charles III is reportedly surprised by this development, having hosted the Sussexes at Highgrove just weeks prior. Eden suggests that the monarch should impose an ultimatum on the couple, requiring them to apologize for past criticisms of the royal family and renounce their commercial activities, or face the loss of their titles. He warns that failure to act could lead to the establishment of a rival court within the monarchy, jeopardizing its stability. Columnist Sarah Vine agrees, viewing the move as a strategic attempt by Harry to reassert his royal ties after facing challenges abroad, which she describes as potentially disruptive to the institution.
Andy Burnham faces pressure to sack 'climate tsar' who has racked up enough air miles to get to the Moon
Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, is facing pressure to remove Rachel Kyte, the UK's Climate Tsar, due to her extensive official travel. Kyte has accumulated 250,000 air miles in just under two years, including business-class flights to destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Seoul, and Barbados, costing taxpayers £107,000 (excluding hotel expenses). Critics, including Conservative MP Greg Smith, argue her frequent international travel contradicts climate goals and is wasteful. While the FCDO defends the expenses as cost-effective, environmental groups highlight the significant carbon footprint of her travel, equating it to 100 tons of CO2, ten times the average person's annual emissions. Kyte, an academic who acknowledges the environmental impact of air travel, holds a high-profile position created by Labour after it was abolished by the previous government.
Damaged rotor blade may be to blame for Greek helicopter crash that killed British newlyweds
A Bell 206 helicopter carrying British newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos, resulting in fatalities. The crash occurred during landing, with witnesses reporting the helicopter spinning out of control and experiencing a tail rotor failure. Investigators suspect the accident may be linked to a prior incident in June when restraining straps were left on the helicopter, potentially causing damage. The helicopter had remained in Paros for three weeks after the June incident and later received an airworthiness certificate. The crash site was heavily damaged by fire, complicating the investigation. Both victims were identified as professionals with notable careers, and their relatives traveled to Athens to formally identify their remains.
Russian cyber war unit believed to be behind hoax call as Burnham plays down exchange of messages with White House staff impersonator
An article claims that a Russian cyber warfare unit, specifically Centre 16 under the FSB, was responsible for a prank call targeting UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The call allegedly involved impersonating a White House aide, leading Burnham to engage in a 'minimal exchange of information.' Sources suggest that GCHQ and MI5 identified the call pattern, though the origin from Russia remains unconfirmed. The incident is viewed as part of Moscow's broader efforts in electronic warfare. The Liberal Democrats have called for an investigation into the breach.