GB – VERB Out Of [ING]

Eurovision 2025 officially came to an end tonight with a thrilling Grand Final in Basel , Switzerland . The curtain came down on the 69th edition of the international song contest in style as Austria was crowned winner .

The UK was represented this year by Remember Monday who performed their song , What The Hell Just Happened ? , in Switzerland tonight . The pop group , which comprises Lauren Byrne , Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele , thrilled the crowd with the song that is inspired by their friendship and growing up in Hampshire .

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They were the eighth act to perform during the showpiece event on Saturday . The group received a grand total of 88 points and finished in 19th position .

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However , they were dealt a blow as they received nul points in the public vote for the second year in a row . The UK is one of the Big 5 to perform , which also includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries entered this year 's edition of the song contest and 26 performed in the grand final . In addition to the Big 5 , this included last year 's winner , Switzerland , and the 20 qualifying semi finalists .

The UK has appeared in every Eurovision Grand Final since 1959 and has went on to be crowned winner on five occasions . The winner is determined by a combination of points from national juries and viewer votes in the participating 26 countries , along with a separate rest of the world poll .

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The UK 's national jury votes are set to be announced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor after Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa pulled out of being the British Eurovision spokesperson due to " unforeseen circumstances " .

TV coverage for the final was once again provided by Graham Norton on BBC One at 8pm on Saturday . British audiences could also listen to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds for live coverage with presenters Rylan Clark and Scott Mills .

The UK has not always fared well in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public votes of each country . The ECHO has included a full breakdown of the results Remember Monday received today , including who gave the UK nul points .

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Radical steps are being taken to ease gridlock at one of Wales ' most in-demand beaches . Day prices are to more than double and , over the next Bank Holiday weekend , a 300-space beach car park will be locked down once it 's full .

The measures are to be put in place by Natural Resources Wales ( NRW ) to curb the traffic congestion that regularly blights Newborough , Anglesey . Vehicles wanting to park by the beach at Traeth Llanddwyn must first pass through the village , which often grinds to a standstill as visitors wait for parking spaces to become available .

From Friday , May 23 , prices will rise at the main beach car park and two others within the adjacent Newborough Forest -- Airman 's and Cwningar

Parking for up to two hours will be ? 5 and 70p for each additional 20 minutes , with a maximum daily charge of ? 15 . Currently it 's ? 2 for the first two hours , 40p for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? 7 per day .

Some people have labelled the increases " extortionate " and " absolute robbery " . It 's feared that people across the Menai Strait will be priced out of visiting the area , a National Nature Reserve .

NRW also plans to trial a lockdown plan at the three car parks . Once they are full , access barriers will come down and no more vehicles will be allowed in until 4.30pm that day -- even when spaces become available .

Arriving visitors will be alerted to closures via a matrix sign on the A4080 at Pen L ? n roundabout a half-mile south of the village . The trial will take place on Saturday , Sunday and Monday ( May 24-26 ) . Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now

Richard Berry , NRW 's land management team leader for northwest Wales , said : " The new pricing structure reflects that of other beach car parks on Anglesey to bring the site in line with other areas .

" The trial will stop vehicles accessing the site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 11am or sooner during Bank Holidays , weekends and periods of good weather .

" Even as cars leave the site and spaces become available no vehicular access will be allowed until after 4.30pm .

" We hope this approach will safeguard the site 's precious wildlife , improve the visitor experience and reduce congestion in the village where motorists currently wait for a parking space on the site to become available .

" We are therefore asking visitors to consider visiting at quieter times or to try one of the many other beaches and destinations on Anglesey . "

Free parking for Blue Badge holders will remain unchanged . Residents of Newborough , Dwyran , Llangaffo and Malltraeth will also get free parking if they apply for an annual pass .

Other Anglesey residents can by a season ticket -- this also stays at the same price of ? 35 . A ? 70 annual pass for non-Anglesey visitors also remains unchanged .

The beach access road was closed during a recent protest in the village ( Image : Llanddwyn & Forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , Newborough residents staged a " slow walk " to blockade the sole access road to the beach car park . More were planned over the next Bank Holiday weekend .

While villagers are pleased action is finally being taken , concerns have been expressed elsewhere about the new measures . They prompted a heated debate on social media .

A Gwynedd woman told NRW : " I 'm glad you 'll be discouraging people from going but , honestly , everyone will rush to get there before 11am ! Also , what about out of season ( pricing ) ? Talk about cashing in !

" I 'm glad to see people power worked but seriously , it 'll be at least ? 8.50 to go for a walk there now , and ? 15 a day is absolute robbery . There are local people from Bangor area who deserve to have access to our local beaches without being priced out ! "

One man backed the price rises , saying they will bring them into line with other UK beaches . One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? 13.50-a-day . However east England incomes are typically higher than North Wales , and the visitors more affluent .

Referring to Llanddwyn 's charges , another person said : " That pricing is only comparable to the Pen y Pass rip-off . " Two years ago , prices at the Pen y Pass car park for Yr Wyddfa ( Snowdon ) , were hiked to ? 20 for up to eight hours -- and ? 40 for more than 12 hours .

Steep parking prices have prompted fears of more illegal parking on nearby roads and even on residential streets in Newborough . Other just worry they will no longer be able to afford to visit one of their favourite places .

One Llanddwyn regular said online : " Am I correct that pricing will be more than doubled ? When we go for a walk in the evenings it costs us a couple of pounds but with the new pricing it will cost us ? 5 ! Surely that 's not right ? "

In defence of the measures , a woman said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with say five people in the car is 50p each and you can enjoy the great outdoors with beautiful walks and toilet facilities at the main car park . It 's ? 4 for a mocha latte at Starbucks if not more , try and park for ? 5 in a city car park . "

Another claimed it was actually cheaper to park in the centre of Manchester , calling the move " absolutely ridiculous " . One woman was left fuming , saying local people who walk there for their mental and physical health will now be priced out .

She added : " It 's impossible to go there during the summer months , unless you go in the evening and I 'm certainly not paying ? 5 to go at that time ! Shame on NRW . " Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday

As it happens , traffic restrictions will be in place today ( Saturday , May 17 ) due to a funeral taking place in Newborough village . Church Road access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To avoid disrupting the funeral procession , the car park barriers will be closed , meaning vehicles will not be able to leave the site between 10.30am and 12.30pm .

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A Yes vote would not be accepted as legitimate , but a No vote would be taken as the last word

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

IT is becoming wearisome to read the continuous stream of letters to The National criticising the SNP on the subject of independence without proposing a single practical and workable plan to achieve it .

Most suggestions centre around using the Scottish Parliament election or UK General Election as de facto referendums , with a 50%+1 vote for Yes-supporting parties as a means of declaring independence and/or for starting independence negotiations with the UK Government .

There are a number of flaws in adopting this approach , some of which are :

1 ) Any independence supporter who votes for a Unionist party is counted as a No voter . For example , I know several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an election but would vote Yes in a referendum .

2 ) There is very little likelihood of a 50% Yes vote in a multi-party election where a government is being elected . To be accurate , every party or individual standing would have to declare in advance if they were Yes or No .

3 ) The UK Government will not accept a Yes result , as it will argue the election was not solely about independence -- and they will be correct . If this came to pass , how would the situation be resolved ? I have yet to see a proposed solution from those supporting this route .

However , the UK Government and Unionist parties will embrace a No result as evidence that Scotland has voted No to independence and that the matter is closed for at least a generation .

Now , here is my suggested way forward . It could be used at successive elections if at first a Yes majority is not achieved . We are told that we live in a parliamentary democracy , where the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form a government to make decisions on all relevant policies , irrespective of their total popular vote . Let 's use this system to advance the cause of independence .

The SNP and Scottish Greens ( and Alba if they agree ) should make it clear that a Yes majority in the Scottish Parliament after next year 's election is a mandate to hold an independence referendum . That should be the number one item on each party 's manifesto . If the UK Government refuses to " grant " a referendum ( using the 2014 template ) within 90 days of the election , independence-supporting parties should state their intention , in their manifestos , to declare independence and demand that independence negotiations begin , based on the concept of parliamentary democracy . They should then seek international support for their case .

I am realistic enough to realise that this could provoke a constitutional crisis . Too bad . As the saying goes , you ca n't make an omelette without breaking the eggs .

David Howie Dunblane

IS five more years of " @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNP ? Oh dear !

Five more years of convincing the unconvinced in Scotland , we have what it takes to be independent , via SNP competence in government and white papers . A policy that has not been a roaring success at any point in the last decade .

My problem with all of this " we need to bring everyone with us , do n't step on the eggshells " approach is that it does not work because no change ever happens without disruption , without upset , without a degree of annoyance , whether you are changing your internet provider or ending the UK parliamentary Union .

Mr " Bacon Sandwich " Miliband let the cat out the bag when he stated there would be no regional energy policy as it would increase energy bills in London and the south-east .

Now we read about power companies being handed ? 1.6 billion by Labour to build HVDC ( High-Voltage Direct Current ) power lines to take power from Scotland straight to south-east England .

Five more years is going to be five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power at Westminster .

The reality is we have just over two years to get out of the septic tank that is a Westminster-run UK , a Westminster which only sees Scotland as a cash cow to be sucked dry , leaving the people of Scotland on the hind teat . The wonks and policy nerds at SNP HQ could benefit taking their heads out of polling data they so obsess with to have a breath of fresh air and listen .

The people of Scotland have had enough of UK Westminster shenanigans . They do not want a Reform UK government , Labour have once more dumped on them from a great height . There is an anger in Scotland that the SNP should be tapping into , not running away from .

Leadership is having the gumption of knowing when to strike and where , because those you lead are ready and willing to take action . Leadership is having the courage to make your aim clear and your plans as definitive as you can . Most of all , leadership is about taking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see none of that from " Honest John " or an SNP HQ which is long on telling the membership : " We can nae go an dae thon , it 's naw allowit . '

Peter Thomson Kirkcudbright

ON the bus into town , I picked up a Metro newspaper -- the puzzles are good ! However , the glaring headline , " Bishop blasts ' state suicide service ' vote " , was incredibly distressing . Has Bishop John Keenan truly read the Assisted Dying Bill ? MSPs of every party conducted the debate with the respect it most certainly deserved . Keenan 's response was appalling and not remotely helpful . Perhaps he would gain clearer insight by speaking to Liam McArthur MSP , who has spent a massive amount of time listening to so many folk . He would offer a listening ear to the Bishop , I believe . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

A Yes vote would not be accepted as legitimate , but a No vote would be taken as the last word

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

IT is becoming wearisome to read the continuous stream of letters to The National criticising the SNP on the subject of independence without proposing a single practical and workable plan to achieve it .

Most suggestions centre around using the Scottish Parliament election or UK General Election as de facto referendums , with a 50%+1 vote for Yes-supporting parties as a means of declaring independence and/or for starting independence negotiations with the UK Government .

There are a number of flaws in adopting this approach , some of which are :

1 ) Any independence supporter who votes for a Unionist party is counted as a No voter . For example , I know several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an election but would vote Yes in a referendum .

2 ) There is very little likelihood of a 50% Yes vote in a multi-party election where a government is being elected . To be accurate , every party or individual standing would have to declare in advance if they were Yes or No .

3 ) The UK Government will not accept a Yes result , as it will argue the election was not solely about independence -- and they will be correct . If this came to pass , how would the situation be resolved ? I have yet to see a proposed solution from those supporting this route .

However , the UK Government and Unionist parties will embrace a No result as evidence that Scotland has voted No to independence and that the matter is closed for at least a generation .

Now , here is my suggested way forward . It could be used at successive elections if at first a Yes majority is not achieved . We are told that we live in a parliamentary democracy , where the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form a government to make decisions on all relevant policies , irrespective of their total popular vote . Let 's use this system to advance the cause of independence .

The SNP and Scottish Greens ( and Alba if they agree ) should make it clear that a Yes majority in the Scottish Parliament after next year 's election is a mandate to hold an independence referendum . That should be the number one item on each party 's manifesto . If the UK Government refuses to " grant " a referendum ( using the 2014 template ) within 90 days of the election , independence-supporting parties should state their intention , in their manifestos , to declare independence and demand that independence negotiations begin , based on the concept of parliamentary democracy . They should then seek international support for their case .

I am realistic enough to realise that this could provoke a constitutional crisis . Too bad . As the saying goes , you ca n't make an omelette without breaking the eggs .

David Howie Dunblane

IS five more years of " @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNP ? Oh dear !

Five more years of convincing the unconvinced in Scotland , we have what it takes to be independent , via SNP competence in government and white papers . A policy that has not been a roaring success at any point in the last decade .

My problem with all of this " we need to bring everyone with us , do n't step on the eggshells " approach is that it does not work because no change ever happens without disruption , without upset , without a degree of annoyance , whether you are changing your internet provider or ending the UK parliamentary Union .

Mr " Bacon Sandwich " Miliband let the cat out the bag when he stated there would be no regional energy policy as it would increase energy bills in London and the south-east .

Now we read about power companies being handed ? 1.6 billion by Labour to build HVDC ( High-Voltage Direct Current ) power lines to take power from Scotland straight to south-east England .

Five more years is going to be five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power at Westminster .

The reality is we have just over two years to get out of the septic tank that is a Westminster-run UK , a Westminster which only sees Scotland as a cash cow to be sucked dry , leaving the people of Scotland on the hind teat . The wonks and policy nerds at SNP HQ could benefit taking their heads out of polling data they so obsess with to have a breath of fresh air and listen .

The people of Scotland have had enough of UK Westminster shenanigans . They do not want a Reform UK government , Labour have once more dumped on them from a great height . There is an anger in Scotland that the SNP should be tapping into , not running away from .

Leadership is having the gumption of knowing when to strike and where , because those you lead are ready and willing to take action . Leadership is having the courage to make your aim clear and your plans as definitive as you can . Most of all , leadership is about taking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see none of that from " Honest John " or an SNP HQ which is long on telling the membership : " We can nae go an dae thon , it 's naw allowit . '

Peter Thomson Kirkcudbright

ON the bus into town , I picked up a Metro newspaper -- the puzzles are good ! However , the glaring headline , " Bishop blasts ' state suicide service ' vote " , was incredibly distressing . Has Bishop John Keenan truly read the Assisted Dying Bill ? MSPs of every party conducted the debate with the respect it most certainly deserved . Keenan 's response was appalling and not remotely helpful . Perhaps he would gain clearer insight by speaking to Liam McArthur MSP , who has spent a massive amount of time listening to so many folk . He would offer a listening ear to the Bishop , I believe . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

Durham is home to one of Europe 's greatest light festivals ( Image : Getty )

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

Durham is officially one of the happiest places to live in Britain , thanks to its " genuine friendliness " and , of course , " world-class heritage " .

The historical North East city was unveiled as one of the cheeriest hotspots , alongside York , according to new research by The Guardian .

It was just one of three areas in the North of England to make the newly announced list .

Durham was hailed for its " wealth of places to eat and drink " as well as being home to the nation 's " finest " cathedral ( and these were only a few of the high-ranking factors ) .

The publisher explained about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work out the happiest places for Guardian readers , easy access to countryside and parks , sea , lakes and rivers were high on the list of ingredients , as studies have shown that getting out and about in nature can help improve your mood .

" Being fit and well , and able to see a doctor when you are not , are also helpful , so we looked at the average driving time to GPs , hospitals , pharmacists and dentists . These sets of data , together with information about air quality , were contributed to by the Geographic Data Science Lab at the University of Liverpool .

" The things that make life easier are also likely to lead to a happier life . For this reason , n we included broadband speeds , marking areas down where , according to Ofcom , they were below 30MB .

" We thought about transport , and what could take some of the strain out of travelling . Our measure of this was how far you could get on public transport within half an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a car . And we included crime figures . " Most expensive UK cities to buy a house in

The Guardian also looked at " importance of culture and community " and gave " extra weight " to these factors , " as measured by proximity to cinemas , theatres and museums , pubs and libraries , using data from sources including the Food Standards Agency , and various industry reports and listings websites " .

It added : " Our lengthy initial list was the basis for discussion , research and on-the-ground reporting . Out of that came our pick of places that generally scored highest as happy places to live . "

Take a look at the happiest places to live in England , Wales and Scotland online . What makes Durham one of Britain 's happiest places to live ?

The Guardian praised : " There 's something about its pocket size , genuine friendliness , wealth of places to eat and drink , and world-class heritage .

" That of course includes the cathedral , arguably the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones , described it as ' one of the most beautiful places in the world ' and once you 've been there , you understand what he means . It 's a place you enter for the first time and your jaw quietly drops . "

It continued : " The cathedral was used in Avengers : Endgame , along with Durham castle , but it is as a backdrop to the Harry Potter films for which it is best known on the big screen . It has become something of a pilgrimage destination for Potterheads who will instantly recognise that the Chapter House was Professor McGonagall 's classroom in the first two films , the place where young students transfigured animals into goblets . The cloister walkways were also used for scenes of Harry , Ron and Hermione walking between lessons . "

The annual Durham miners ' gala ( known as the Big Meeting ) was also given a shoutout and is said to offer " an explosion of belonging " .

The publisher said : " Held on the second Saturday in July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of community , international solidarity , and working-class life ' , typically attracting more than 200,000 people . County Durham 's pits might be long gone but the blaze of banners , brass bands and speeches is still going strong . "

Also putting Durham on the map is the Lumiere - one of Europe 's greatest light festivals , " a biennial free event which transforms the city into a living outdoor art gallery and attracts huge crowds " .

Even more noteworthy events that take place in the city include Durham 's popular annual book festival in October . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

Harrison Minturn has undergone surgery on his lower abdomen to help deal with the injury which has seen him unable to play for Swindon Town since December .

Having been involved in every matchday squad bar Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s in the Vertu Trophy and making six starts during the first four months of the season , Minturn has not featured since playing all 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over Fleetwood Town on December 7 .

The academy graduate had been due to be involved in Swindon 's Vertu Trophy knockout clash with Wycombe Wanderers , however , he had to pull out the day before as he walked out of training because of the pain in his groin .

Swindon initially believed that his problem would not need surgery to deal with the swelling he had in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that he would be out for weeks rather than months .

However , Minturn has had difficulties reducing the swelling and pain , leading him to see another specialist in April , who said that he may require surgery after all .

It has now been confirmed that the defender had an operation last week on the injury to help him improve his recovery .

The successful procedure has set him back on course to be available for training in July after Swindon return for pre-season .

Speaking in April , Holloway said of Minturn 's injury : " It is ups and downs , I am afraid .

" They are talking about an operation to cut the tendon and release the pressure on that , and then the bone wo n't be as sore as it is .

" It is all above my pay grade , but I had Gilmore 's Groin operation , and before I had it , I could barely move . "

The 21-year-old is already under contract with Swindon until the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to the club for the long term , having been the subject of interest from Middlesbrough .

Minturn was one of many defenders who suffered with injury struggles during last season , as Ian Holloway had to work around his lack of numbers .

Ryan Delaney and Joel McGregor also enter the closed season injured as members of the group for next season , but both should be fit in time for the beginning of pre-season , as well as Aaron Drinan , who was one of five players offered a new contract despite having been out since the start of February . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

He has made a lucrative career out of peddling nostalgia for a Britain that never existed ( Image : PA )

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

THE spectacle of Nigel Farage and his Reform Party -- a gaggle of Little Englanders swaddled in the moth-eaten rags of empire -- offers a masterclass in the pornography of nationalism . Here is a man who has made a lucrative career out of peddling nostalgia for a Britain that never existed , a green and pleasant land unspoiled by the inconvenience of foreigners , modernity , or self-awareness . His acolytes , those whey-faced flag fetishists who confuse the rattle of a sabre for the sound of culture , are the living embodiment of what Orwell might have called " squeezed lemonade patriots " : bitter , saccharine , and utterly devoid of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , until one recalls that their wet dream of imperial revivalism demands the subjugation of others -- not least the Scots , who have endured Westminster 's patronising boot on their neck for three centuries .

The British Union is a colonial enterprise , its foundations cemented with the blood of Ireland , India , and yes , Scotland -- a nation reduced to a cash cow for London 's financial vampires . The Reform party 's bleating about " sovereignty " is a cruel joke when uttered in defence of a Union that has systematically strip-mined Scottish resources , from North Sea oil to intellectual capital , while offering in return the condescending pat on the head reserved for a particularly dim child .

To be a Unionist in Scotland today is to be a collaborator , a serf polishing the master 's silver as he plans the next raid on your pantry .

Farage , that serpentine charlatan , understands this dynamic perfectly . His crocodile tears for " British values " are a smokescreen for his true project : the preservation of a hierarchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Celts . His Scottish stooges -- a sad carnival of Orange Order relics , Tory die-hards , and professional grievance-mongers -- are but extras in his farce , waving their Union Jacks like talismans against their own irrelevance . Notably , Farage 's Reform party appears to be making inroads in Scotland , drawing support away from Labour , adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape . They cling to the Union flag , that emblem of imperial butchery , as if its stains could absolve them of their complicity in their nation 's plunder .

But let us speak plainly : Scotland is no partner in this Union . It is a colony , its wealth siphoned southward , its parliament treated as a devolved daycare centre for Westminster 's neglected stepchild . The case for independence is not merely political ; it is existential . Only through full sovereignty can Scotland excise the parasitic rot of Westminster rule -- a system that has long viewed the Scottish people as hewers of wood , drawers of water , and , when convenient , cannon fodder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue as a vassal state , forever begging scraps from the table of a decaying imperium , or seize the chance to forge a republic worthy of the Enlightenment values birthed on Scottish soil .

The Reform Party 's nativist theatrics and Farage 's carnival of resentment are but death throes of a British state whose time has passed . Scotland 's destiny lies not in the rancid nostalgia of Unionists , but in the clear , cold air of self-determination . To remain yoked to this corpse of an empire is not patriotism -- it is masochism .

Independence is not a radical proposition . It is the only sane response to centuries of theft . The question now is whether Scotland will have the courage to stop playing Sancho Panza to England 's delusional Don Quixote -- and finally , finally , write its own story . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

He has made a lucrative career out of peddling nostalgia for a Britain that never existed ( Image : PA )

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

THE spectacle of Nigel Farage and his Reform Party -- a gaggle of Little Englanders swaddled in the moth-eaten rags of empire -- offers a masterclass in the pornography of nationalism . Here is a man who has made a lucrative career out of peddling nostalgia for a Britain that never existed , a green and pleasant land unspoiled by the inconvenience of foreigners , modernity , or self-awareness . His acolytes , those whey-faced flag fetishists who confuse the rattle of a sabre for the sound of culture , are the living embodiment of what Orwell might have called " squeezed lemonade patriots " : bitter , saccharine , and utterly devoid of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , until one recalls that their wet dream of imperial revivalism demands the subjugation of others -- not least the Scots , who have endured Westminster 's patronising boot on their neck for three centuries .

The British Union is a colonial enterprise , its foundations cemented with the blood of Ireland , India , and yes , Scotland -- a nation reduced to a cash cow for London 's financial vampires . The Reform party 's bleating about " sovereignty " is a cruel joke when uttered in defence of a Union that has systematically strip-mined Scottish resources , from North Sea oil to intellectual capital , while offering in return the condescending pat on the head reserved for a particularly dim child .

To be a Unionist in Scotland today is to be a collaborator , a serf polishing the master 's silver as he plans the next raid on your pantry .

Farage , that serpentine charlatan , understands this dynamic perfectly . His crocodile tears for " British values " are a smokescreen for his true project : the preservation of a hierarchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Celts . His Scottish stooges -- a sad carnival of Orange Order relics , Tory die-hards , and professional grievance-mongers -- are but extras in his farce , waving their Union Jacks like talismans against their own irrelevance . Notably , Farage 's Reform party appears to be making inroads in Scotland , drawing support away from Labour , adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape . They cling to the Union flag , that emblem of imperial butchery , as if its stains could absolve them of their complicity in their nation 's plunder .

But let us speak plainly : Scotland is no partner in this Union . It is a colony , its wealth siphoned southward , its parliament treated as a devolved daycare centre for Westminster 's neglected stepchild . The case for independence is not merely political ; it is existential . Only through full sovereignty can Scotland excise the parasitic rot of Westminster rule -- a system that has long viewed the Scottish people as hewers of wood , drawers of water , and , when convenient , cannon fodder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue as a vassal state , forever begging scraps from the table of a decaying imperium , or seize the chance to forge a republic worthy of the Enlightenment values birthed on Scottish soil .

The Reform Party 's nativist theatrics and Farage 's carnival of resentment are but death throes of a British state whose time has passed . Scotland 's destiny lies not in the rancid nostalgia of Unionists , but in the clear , cold air of self-determination . To remain yoked to this corpse of an empire is not patriotism -- it is masochism .

Independence is not a radical proposition . It is the only sane response to centuries of theft . The question now is whether Scotland will have the courage to stop playing Sancho Panza to England 's delusional Don Quixote -- and finally , finally , write its own story . follow us

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On one hand , it 's a vital tool for communicating with colleagues and PRs at work . Without it , I literally would n't be able to do my job . In my personal life , I rely on it for basically all of my online accounts , plus regular booking confirmations and several newsletters .

Yet at the same time , email is also a major source of stress in my life . All this managing , sending and replying can be incredibly draining and time-consuming . And do n't get me started on my compulsive email checking during almost any moment of downtime .

That 's why Google Gemini 's new features within Gmail are so exciting to me . Combined , they could transform my email experience , freeing me up to focus on what really matters . Replies that are actually smart

For a while now , Gmail has offered a selection of underwhelming responses when replying to an email . I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good ! " does n't really cut it when someone has sent you a 200-word invite .

What you really need is something that actually sounds like you , which is where ' Personalized smart replies ' come in .

Not only can it generate a response with a tone and vocabulary that match how you commonly , but it can also draw on other content to make it even more useful . If there 's a useful nugget of information in a past email or file within Google Drive , Gemini can ( in theory ) find and seamlessly weave it into the copy .

Google

Of course , what Gemini generates might not be quite right , so you can continue tweaking to find something that 's just right . But even doing this about 20 times is probably quicker than trying to craft the perfect email from scratch .

I can see myself using this all the time , whether it 's to politely decline an invitation or ask for something in a way that does n't sound rude or aggressive . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , my personal email accounts are always overflowing with clutter . I make a concerted effort to keep things under control at work , but all hell breaks loose elsewhere . For context , I currently have over 7000 unread emails , and that 's a lot better than it once was .

The process of actually sorting through them feels totally overwhelming . But Gemini 's ' Inbox cleanup ' is here to save me . As the name suggests , it can help you manage emails via a simple command . Think deleting all emails from a specific sender or removing unread ones that were received before a certain date . Bookings made simple

Currently , the process of making appointments is often a challenge . Unless the provider is using a dedicated app , I either have to call them or have a long , drawn-out back-and-forth conversation via email to find a suitable time .

But Gemini 's appointment scheduling feature makes life much easier . Any time you 're trying to set up a meeting via email , it 'll prompt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full availability , directly within the body of the email .

When someone wants to book , it can all be done via the form , allowing for a convenient time that suits everyone . I can only hope that lots of businesses adopt this feature -- it 'd take a lot of stress out of making appointments . But wait !

However , there 's a big catch . To access these and all other premium Google Workspace features , you 'll need to pay at least ? 7.99/$9.99 per month or ? 79.99/$99.99 per year for a Google One Premium subscription .

Additional perks such as 2TB of cloud storage , Nest Aware , and Fitbit Premium make it impressive value for money for the right person . Could that be me ? It all depends on how well these features actually work to reduce the amount of time and energy I currently spend on email .

Gemini 's new features within Gmail were one of the many big AI announcements at Google I/O 2025 .

Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial team since 2019 . In his current role , Anyron is responsible for all smartphone , tablet and mobile network coverage on the site . A BA Journalism graduate , he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services , including smartphones , tablets , foldables , wearables and more .

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( Image credit : Nintendo )

Mario Kart 8 is , perhaps , the finest example of the supremely popular Mario Kart series . It 's also a deeply weird one -- which is good , because otherwise I would n't have too much to write about . It first came out on the Wii U , way back in 2014 . To put it in perspective , that puts it both 11 years from 2025 and the release of Mario Kart : Double Dash . Yes , I get a perverse joy out of spooking people out with the passage of time .

It was a strong showing on the Wii U , but that console being what it was , meant that not many people got to experience it . Oh , sure , it sold over a million copies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's general unpopularity meant that not many people got to experience it . I remember that the rerelease on the Switch a whole three years later was a controversial move , but in the long run , it turned out to be the right one . Changing lanes

When I grabbed a Switch in 2020 , battling my way through lockdown scalpers , Mario Kart 8 was top of the list of my most-wanted games . If you play games , there 's a significant chance that you understand why . Mario Kart is constantly wheeled out ( pun only slightly intended ) at gatherings , and it 's a perfect party game . I 'd argue that it 's a much better party game than something like Smash Bros. , which while easy to get into , can be more difficult to intuitively understand . We all know what racers are like .

The game 's Switch version would have remained a fantastic game , but more of a stopgap installment , were it not for the additional tracks that started hitting with the game 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of 2022 and 2023 , added a whole host of classic Mario Kart tracks from across the series ' history . They include city tracks from Mario Kart Tour , the Mario Kart Wii 's horrifically tough Rainbow Road , DK Mountain from Double Dash , and my all-time favorite Mario Kart circuit , Coconut Mall , from the Wii .

This cartload of content , which would have been more than enough for any single game , was added to an already 48 courses , giving us a total of 96 courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe . If you want to play a Mario Kart game in the year of our Luigi 2025 , there 's little reason to play anything else . If you 're a motion controls sicko , you 're still catered to as well , much to my chagrin , so even the venerable Mario Kart Wii , a staple of my student flat , can be retired .

( Image credit : Nintendo )

Ever since I picked up Mario Kart 8 and its DLC , it feels like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably played every course in the game at least once , but that does n't really matter much , as by the time you 've finished rotating your way through them all , in 50-200cc karts , the first tracks will feel fresh again . Above all else , Mario Kart 8 feels like a love letter to the entire series , or a greatest hits album . The new tracks are all fun , but it 's in the revisits to old favorites , like Coconut Mall , my beloved , that really sell the game to me . Older games in the series have featured tracks from previous games , but never in such numbers .

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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this could also pose a problem for Nintendo : where does it go from here ? This seems like a ne plus ultra , so what can the next Mario Kart game do to not feel overly fluffy and inessential in comparison ? With Mario Kart World announced as a launch title for the Switch 2 , I feel that it will need to build on Mario Kart 8 rather than try to replace it . This could , for instance , involve integrating the DLC tracks from Mario Kart 8 into Mario Kart World as bonus stages . Otherwise there 's the possibility that World will feel barebones ( I nearly wrote Dry Bones ) in comparison , regardless of its open world features .

Until we try out the game 's open world and see just how substantial the new additions are , I ca n't say whether Mario Kart World will be able to replace the previous installment or not . One thing we can say for certain , though , is that if you own a Switch , you absolutely need to own a copy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential as The Legend of Zelda : Breath of the Wild , Animal Crossing : New Horizons , or Super Mario Odyssey . What 's more , it 's emblematic of the Switch 's design philosophy as a whole -- it 's a console that lends itself to multiplayer better than any other modern alternative , and what better multiplayer game than Mario Kart ? It is a keystone game , arguably the most essential Switch title , even after all this time .

Ever since getting a Mega Drive as a toddler , Joe has been fascinated by video games . After studying English Literature to M.A. level , he has worked as a freelance video games journalist , writing for PC Gamer , The Guardian , Metro , Techradar , and more . A huge fan of indies , grand strategy games , and RPGs of almost all flavors , when he 's not playing games or writing about them , you may find him in a park or walking trail near you , pretending to be a mischievous nature sprite , or evangelizing about folk music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give him a minute of their time . You must confirm your public display name before commenting

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A sister who believes her beloved brother did n't get the medical care he deserved is calling for more support to be given to recovering addicts while in hospital . Jamie Smith , who lived in Cambridge for several years , died aged 35 on April 22 .

Originally from London , Jamie was described as a " funny " man with a " great sense of humour " by his sister Charley Smith , 31 . " He loved things like wrestling and South Park . He had quite a way with words and could make something out of nothing , " Charley said .

However , Charley said Jamie had his " struggles " and turned to drugs in his teenage years . She said : " He had mental health issues , ADHD and Asperger 's .

" He had quite a rubbish childhood and eventually turned to drugs . He was smoking weed and other stuff and it eventually got worse .

" About 10 to 15 years ago , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in Cambridge on the streets . I know he was quite well-known in Cambridge . He did n't know how to deal with the demons in his head . His way of dealing with it was drugs . "

Jamie Smith ( Image : Charley Smith )

In June 2024 , Jamie became sober after his health started to suffer . Over the next few months , he spent time in several hospitals , including Addenbrooke 's Hospital , Royal Papworth Hospital and West Suffolk Hospital .

He was treated for several health problems , including heart problems . While at Papworth , he underwent open heart surgery .

During his time in hospital , Charley and other family members believe Jamie was not treated fairly . Charley said : " Jamie in our eyes had n't received the proper and appropriate care . He was a difficult patient because he did n't understand a lot of things , which made him feel trapped .

" He was given information which he could n't understand which made him shout and be aggressive . My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ADHD .

" He was discharged to our mum 's home from Papworth because he felt trapped . Around three to five days after his surgery he was escorted to his mum 's car , put in the car , and she was just given a leaflet .

" My disabled mum cared for him up to his death with no emotional support . He was given no aftercare , drug support , or any kind of support . "

During his stay in hospital , Charley also claims there were times Jamie was left in sweat-soaked bed sheets . " We feel like they did n't want to help him , " said Charley . She added : " Jamie was just an addict to them , a drug addict who just wanted a fix . "

Charley has launched a petition , which already has over 21,000 signatures , demanding that the Department of Health and Social Care integrate more care models into the hospital system to help people recovering from addiction . " I did n't think Jamie was the perfect angel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charley said .

She added : " Jamie was so unwell in the end . I want the system to change . I want there to be courses for nurses , doctors and health professionals on how to deal with addiction and the kind of help they need to give them . There are many like Jamie who suffered .

" It is not just one person , it 's a whole system that is failing people . There is going to be no change unless people like me and you do something . "

Jamie only stayed in Addenbrooke 's Hospital for a short time and the family did not have any concerns about his treatment there . They were not happy with how he was treated at Papworth and West Suffolk Hospital .

The West Suffolk Hospital Foundation Trust said it would not provide a statement . However , a spokesperson said : " The trust has already been in touch with the family to make arrangements for a meeting to discuss their concerns . "

The Royal Papworth NHS Foundation Trust is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the trust " encouraged the family to get in touch " .

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said it passes on its " deepest sympathies " to Jamie 's family . The spokesperson added : " Everyone is entitled to high quality healthcare , regardless of their background or history .

" This government is committed to ensuring that anyone with a drug dependency can access the help and support they need . We are providing a total of ? 310 million this year to improve drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support in England , including housing and employment . "

The department works with partners across health , policing and wider public services to try and reduce drug use in Britain . Tackling stigma is also part of its action plan to reduce the number of drug and alcohol related deaths .

Professor Alison Lumsden said the family shared some parallels with Sir Walter Scott in how they interrupted Scottish tradition ( Image : Meet the Buchanans )

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A LEADING Sir Walter Scott expert who starred in a documentary which follows the crowning of a millionaire landowner as the first chief of a clan in more than 300 years said parts of the inauguration could be " historically authentic " .

Professor Alison Lumsden , a senior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and co-director of the Walter Scott Research Centre , who featured in the Meet the Buchanans documentary , said there could be " some truth " in the authentication of how the clan 's inauguration was held .

The " off-beat " film aims to explore the hidden world of wealth and privilege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , heritage , and identity are created , as it follows Mike 's family throughout the three-day bash .

Lumsden was invited to attend the Clan Buchanan inauguration after Mike 's wife Paula found some old letters from Scott to their family 's ancestors who lived on the Cambusmore Estate , Perthshire .

Paula wanted Lumsden to speak about how Scott had depicted Scottish clans in his writing at the celebration .

" At first , I kind of was a bit cautious to do that because , to be honest , I was n't quite sure what was involved with the inauguration and what it was about , " Lumsden said .

She added : " I said yes , but I wanted to see the letters first .

" So , I went to Cambusmore to look at the Scott letters and to get a sense of them so that I could include some of that in the talk that I gave . "

Lumsden explained that there was a " clear connection " between the legendary Scottish writer Scott and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a " fair few times " and had written to them as well .

She added that Scott ( above ) " may well have " drawn on some inspiration from Cambusmore Estate for his world-renowned narrative poem , Lady of the Lake .

Lumsden said that Paula , who is seen in the documentary as the driving force behind the idea of the inauguration , shared some parallels with Scott in how she interrupted Scottish tradition .

She said : " I 've worked in academia my whole adult life , and what you do get quite often is ' Scott was just making up things , that he made up this , and then he made up that ' , but none of that is entirely true .

" Scott 's not just making up things , he 's drawing on traditions .

Lumsden added : " Certainly , he popularises those things , because those things are spread around the world are large due to Scott , but he 's not making them up out of nothing .

" And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that was similar with the Buchanans . "

Paula decided to host an inauguration for her husband after reading about how clan chief crowning ceremonies predated the monarchy and were an " amazing " big celebration .

After doing more research and with the help from other Buchanans on the other side of the world in Australia , Paula set about trying to authentically recreate as much as she possibly could for the inauguration .

Her planning included commissioning a new set of clan jewels , coronet , sword , rod , and even a stone throne for her husband to sit on for the big occasion .

( Image : Meet the Buchanans )

Lumsden said : " I mean , we have no idea what actually happened in the dim and distant past when a chief was made a chief , but Paula was looking at some authorities and accounts of the Highlands that said they sat upon some kind of stone and that something was placed on their head .

" So , she was looking at those kinds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've got to go on , so this is what we 'll do with it ' .

" I think that there is some sort of grain of truth , or actually sometimes there is more than a grain of truth , and then it is how it is interpreted . "

Lumsden added : " Scott was often accused of having made up a version of Scotland , and I think that 's a curious concept because it presupposes that somehow there 's a real Scotland out there that we can all agree upon and that Scott 's doing something else .

" I 'm always very curious as to know what that real Scotland that we all agree upon is meant to be . "

The documentary is now touring across Scotland along with a Q&A panel including the film 's producer and co-director , Barbara Orton , and personalities from local heritage and history groups , and contributors to the film , including Lumsden .

( Image : Meet the Buchanans )

Viewers will witness " tartan-mad " Buchanan enthusiasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ descend onto the Perthshire estate to take part in the celebration and learn more about their family roots .

Orton said that the film delves into how history feeds into establishing traditions , how these traditions feed into establishing a country 's identity , and how this identity is portrayed to the world .

The Bafta award-winning producer added that the film shows how people make different interpretations of history and how that results in different traditions being formed .

Orton said : " Alison 's contribution contextualises some of the big themes in the film .

" It 's exploring how history is made ( up ) , in this case - as ancient sources were in such short supply .

" I had come across the ' The Invention of Scotland ' the famous book , by historian Hugh Trevor Roper , his ideas underpinning some of the historical themes in the film for me , which Prof Alison so eloquently explores , while at the same time managing to tie this into the modern search for connection and belonging theme that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orton ( below ) added : " Paula 's source for the ceremony came from a description of an ' inauguration ' ceremony of Pictish chiefs as the basis for their Clan inauguration ceremony .

( Image : Supplied )

" Found in the book ' The Clans , Septs , and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands ' by Frank Adams . She reads it out from this very book in the film .

" The Pictish chief is led by the clan bard to a stone , where he sits . She elaborates it into a modern throne , with their family crest . But who knows where Frank A got his info ? " follow us

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Manchester United players returned to the Occidental hotel in Bilbao at 1.30am , ready to pull the duvet up and bury their heads under pillows .

Luke Shaw sounded as though he was on the verge of tears in the mixed zone . Alejandro Garnacho was the most devastated on the pitch .

The players were in their own bubble , as is often the case for defeated finalists . Cristian Romero dared to prick Harry Maguire 's and was barracked by the United defender . Maguire had not forgotten Romero goading him after his own goal against Spurs three years ago .

It must be tempting for the penny-pinching Sir Jim Ratcliffe to dispense of Ruben Amorim at no cost after the United head coach 's generous post-match offer . Amorim promised that " if the board and fans feel that I 'm not the right guy , I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation " .

In a season of daft decisions at United , Amorim has got in on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Flogging a dead horse in Rasmus Hojlund and like-for-like substitutions . Amorim does not get a free pass in this apocalyptic season .

The United fans stopped singing their Amorim chant in the second half . Nothing quite drains matchgoers of a belief that glory days will return like losing a final to Tottenham . United 's end drained quicker than a bathtub .

Amorim is unnervingly honest and he is now practically daring United to dispense of him . Amorim 's reputation is not intact though not in tatters , either .

He is not the biggest problem at United . The Glazers are immovable yet they have relinquished control of football operations to Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford .

Cycling is Brailsford 's wheelhouse , not football . He admitted last year he is " no expert in football " . He went to United and they have not been this bad since relegation in 1974 . What on earth is he doing on the football board of Manchester United ?

United 's worst season in 51 years has to be viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decks . Purge the squad . Send Brailsford on his bike .

Clive Woodward Mk.II

Shaw has been at United for 11 years next month . He questioned afterwards if he was good enough for United . He is n't . He is too injury-prone , too unreliable and , given his years at the club , too long in the tooth .

The Sir Matt Busby player of the year statue continues to reside at Bruno Fernandes 's home yet he too has practically dared United to cash in on him . It would be too extreme to say United can not afford to do that . They can .

Fernandes has been a brilliant player and is one to keep , but he is not untouchable . He symbolises the team : something out of nothing , hit-and-hope . Fernandes has been involved in three of United 's worst campaigns in living memory .

Fernandes has been a loser in two Europa League finals

This has to be the most merciless , decisive and objective summer United have ever presided over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after winning a final , kept a manager they did not want to keep and invested more than ? 200m in the summer .

Four of those signings were defensive players . United ended last season on -1 goal difference . It is now -12 . The striker they thought they had signed is not a striker .

Joshua Zirkzee was serenaded in San Mames and is a borderline cult figure . He is still not good enough for a United squad to get where they need to be .

United are targeting a sixth-place finish next season . Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund , arrivals from Europe 's boot , have to be given the boot . Liam Delap , four days younger , is not the answer just because Jason Wilcox watched him in Manchester City 's academy cash-cow .

Delap : is a ' City reject ' the answer up front ?

Two different regimes sign two 20-year-old Denmark internationals 18 months apart , thinking they are good enough to start and they are not . Name the club . It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United 's revamped recruitment strategy has had an iffy start . Dorgu , a mid-season recruit , has been overpromoted and started against Spurs by default .

Club sources have spoken effusively about Dorgu . They say he is athletic and has fine experience from playing in Serie A. Italy became a dumping ground for English clubs ' cast-offs six years ago . Lecce , the team Dorgu left , could be relegated this weekend .

Could United seriously get through a Premier League season with Dorgu and Harry Amass as their left wingers , operating in the role that was Ryan Giggs 's in his Nineties pomp ? The idealistic answer would be yes but realistically , no .

Dorgu has been poor for weeks

United have to shift Shaw . He has arguably outstayed his welcome by seven years . Jose Mourinho wanted to jettison him in 2018 and was overruled . United have never truly recovered from that summer where Ed Woodward undermined the United manager . The authority of the manager 's position eroded over four more years .

Matheus Cunha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done his due diligence as he sent Marcus Rashford packing , mainly on account of his attitude . Garnacho is still prone to puerile posts on Instagram .

Garnacho is testing United 's patience . In case anyone did not follow him on Instagram , he complained about his bench role in the mixed zone on Wednesday evening . A manager can do without that .

Garnacho said United 's season was " s**t "

Garnacho puts United in an invidious position . Sell him ( and possibly Kobbie Mainoo ) and back a manager with six wins in 26 Premier League games ? Technical director Wilcox has to lean on Amorim and map out a route to success with Garnacho and Mainoo integral to United 's future .

United can be blas ? about Rashford , Antony and Scott McTominay thriving in a change of scenery . It would be different with the 20-year-olds Garnacho and Mainoo .

Casemiro had a creditable knockout stage but will be redundant next season . His European form has not transmitted to the Premier League and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no spring chicken at 24 and does not have the coping mechanisms to anchor the United midfield .

Casemiro is redundant next season

Amorim has got to be less pragmatic , too . The 3-4-2-1 formation can be flexible but has hitherto been rigid . It is like-for-like substitutions and no shape-shifting . Amorim may plan ahead with substitutions but the opponents can as well . United do not deviate from a back three .

Pep Guardiola vowed on Tuesday night he would " quit " Manchester City if he had a large squad foisted onto him . United need a Guardiola-style streamlined squad for a season in which their League Cup campaign begins in August .

There are players and personalities to get behind : Fernandes , Garnacho , Mainoo , Amad , Maguire , Leny Yoro , Noussair Mazraoui , Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez when he is fit again .

Amorim is consoled by Ratcliffe

Free midweeks is often an advantage . Newcastle are Champions League-bound again in a season devoid of European football . Leicester City and Chelsea won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Liverpool almost did in 2014 .

When the Glazers left the Occidental , a fan yelled " w*****s " at them . They did not flinch . United are battered , broken and supporters have no faith in the hierarchy after the first 15 months under the inane Ineos rule .

One of the HR Carriages vehicles that ferry Ineos personnel around was at Bilbao Airport on Friday morning . That is hardly penny-pinching .

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North Herefordshire MP Ellie Chowns has said that the government is not doing enough to ensure that enough social and affordable housing is built ( Image : PA )

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Government targets on social and affordable housing have come under fire from the MP for North Herefordshire for being " incredibly disappointing " .

Ellie Chowns , a Green Party MP , has voiced concerns that the government is not doing enough to ensure that enough social and affordable housing is built .

The comments were made on Tuesday ( May 20 ) during a Bill Committee session for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill , where Ms Chowns presented New Clause 3 ( NC3 ) .

NC3 , originally put forward by Chris Hinchliff , Labour MP for North East Herefordshire , called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparent targets for building affordable and social housing .

Also , it proposed accountability for how these targets were determined .

However , the proposal was voted down by Labour MPs .

Ms Chowns said : " It is incredibly disappointing - and completely counter to Labour 's own stated housebuilding ambitions - that the government should vote against this amendment .

" Labour seems to think setting housing targets is essential for total house-building numbers , yet opposes setting targets for building the most affordable types of housing . "

According to a recent investigation , from July to December 2024 , only around six per cent of homes that were granted planning permission were designated for social rent .

Half of the councils surveyed approved no social housing at all within the period .

Greens have said that despite various proofs indicating a shortfall of social housing , plus Labour 's commitment to building 1.5 million homes over the coming parliament , Labour MPs still voted against the amendment .

Ms Chowns said : " Without targets for social and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developers carte blanche to build whatever they want , allowing them to continue to make huge profits , while ordinary people will still be locked out of affording a decent home . "

This view is shared by Mr Hinchliff , who said : " There is not enough incentive for developers to build the genuinely affordable housing our communities need , so they prioritise the most profitable builds .

" We ca n't simply blame environmental protections or the planning process , we have to understand the developer-led model is the problem . " follow us

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Manchester United still intend to preside over a game-changing summer transfer window , with four major player sales -- the biggest projected to net ? 60m -- all on the agenda to free up cash .

Defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final resigned the Red Devils to their worst season in more than half a century . Aside from failing to lift silverware , the loss in Bilbao also ensured Man Utd will not play European football next season .

A fresh update from The Telegraph has shed light on how United 's finances will be affected by the defeat and it makes sobering reading .

The report read : ' United 's failure to win the Europa League and , with it , secure Champions League qualification , leaves the club at a significant financial disadvantage this summer .

' For example , England 's four Champions League representatives earned an average of ? 79 million each from participation in the competition this season , excluding gate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to United .

' United also stand to earn about ? 25 million less in Premier League merit payments this season compared to last and have triggered a ? 10 million penalty clause payable to Adidas under the terms of their kit deal for failing to qualify for the Champions League . That will be partly offset by the ? 8 million the club stand to earn from their post-season tour of Asia next week .

' All of this will drastically increase the pressure to sell well this summer and adopt an ultra-flexible approach in which little is off the table in order to raise funds to reinvest . '

Yet despite the disadvantageous position Man Utd now find themselves in , the club are still planning to overhaul their squad and provide Ruben Amorim with a raft of new signings more suited to his 3-4-2-1 formation and tactical demands .

To make that a reality , The Telegraph state Man Utd intend to get the ball rolling by generating ? 90m from the triple sale of Marcus Rashford , Jadon Sancho and Antony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of a conditional obligation to buy in his loan arrangement with Chelsea , though unfortunately for Man Utd , the story does n't end there .

The condition that activated the obligation to buy -- worth around ? 22m -- are Chelsea finishing 14th or higher in the Premier League .

That has already been achieved , though the Blues can opt out of signing Sancho outright if paying Man Utd a ? 5m ' penalty fee ' .

If that is the direction Chelsea take , Man Utd must find a new buyer and Sancho has done little to raise his stock during his spell at Stamford Bridge .

Rashford , meanwhile , can join loan club Aston Villa in a permanent deal if Unai Emery 's side take up their ? 40m option to buy .

Villa wo n't make a final call on whether to activate their option until discovering which European competition they 'll play in next season .

That will be determined on the Premier League 's final day on Sunday and as you might expect , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through if participating in the Champions League .

It is important to stress , however , that Villa must still come to an agreement on personal terms with Rashford even if they activate their option .

If a permanent switch to Villa Park is n't completed , a new chapter in Spain with Barcelona could await .

TEAMtalk has consistently reported joining Barcelona was Rashford 's dream scenario in January and that remains the case heading into the summer .

Barca director , Deco , recently confirmed his side do hold interest in Rashford and Liverpool 's Luis Diaz as they go in search of a versatile attacker to add to their ranks .

Antony has dazzled during his loan spell with Real Betis who per The Telegraph , do want to sign the Brazilian outright .

But by far the biggest sum United could generate from those they 're happy to offload would come from Alejandro Garnacho . End in sight for Garnacho at Old Trafford

The Telegraph state Man Utd are ' likely ' to accept offers of ? 60m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garnacho did not hide his displeasure at being benched for the Europa League final after starting each and every one of United 's matches in the knockout rounds prior to Wednesday night .

" Until we reached the final , I played every round . And I played 20 minutes today , " the winger said . " I do n't know . I 'm going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next . "

Other potential sales include Andre Onana , Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund if suitable bids are received . The latter of that trio certainly does n't lack for genuine interest , with Italian giants Inter Milan , Juventus and Napoli all circling .

Man Utd will also shred a chunk off their wage-bill when letting Jonny Evans , Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen leave when their contracts expire on June 30 .

One of Serie A 's biggest sides are set to launch an improved bid for the talented youngster with United facing some difficult decisions as they look to generate the funds needed for Amorim 's big rebuild

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

A WEST Cumbrian boxer has been selected to represent the North West as part of the England Boxing squad .

Marshall Miller , 15 , trains at Workington ABC and has also recently become a carded boxer .

Miller is rapidly progressing in her early boxing career and has achieved some impressive milestones and titles .

She has been named ' Best Junior Boxer ' at the Box Cup . The young boxer comments that winning the Box Cup has been her highlight over the last few months .

Marshall received her letter from England Boxing , saying that she has been accepted onto the Development phase of the England Junior boxing pathway , which followed an intensive Open Talent Day in Tamworth .

It is delivered to boxers who have shown potential and merit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Development boxers will then be invited to training camps and , where possible , domestic competitions .

Her coach , Joe Dryden , said : " I get a lot out of seeing boxers improving , whether it be a national title or not , as long as they have given it their all and could n't have done anything more , I am happy . "

Marshall said she has never seen a coach so in love with the sport , which inspires her to keep going .

Her motivation stems from physical health maintenance . She said , " My main aim in the beginning was weight loss . "

Now , a couple of years on , she confidently remarks that her reason for boxing has evolved into being the ' happiness ' that the sport brings her .

She added : " ' Boxing itself is a challenge , mentally and physically . "

Marshall says that she wakes up every morning and ca n't wait to start training again .

She holds some impressive titles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

" Marshall has to keep her feet on the floor , " Joe says , " she has n't achieved anything yet compared to what she can achieve . "

The boxing club added : " Workington ABC is here to stay in the community for another hundred years ; female boxing is on the rise ; and Marshall Miller is a name to watch . " follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

Since the formation of the Premier League back in 1992 , fans of the beautiful game have been blessed with a plethora of foreign players coming to the country and establishing themselves as some of the best players in the country . Even now , supporters are lucky to watch legends like Mohamed Salah in action every week .

Sadly , Kevin De Bruyne has decided he will leave Manchester City in 2025 . Popular pundit Jamie Carragher believes the Belgian will go down as an undoubted legend in the league , saying :

" Kevin De Bruyne is going to go down as an all-time great in the Premier League . When you think of the greatest foreign players to ever play in the Premier League , we always use the same names : Eric Cantona , Gianfranco Zola , Dennis Bergkamp . Those three are absolutely legendary figures in the Premier League and at their clubs . He 's better than all three of them . "

With that being said , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League players of all time ? Well , several names , including Fernando Torres and Erling Haaland fail to make the list , and many fans will be disappointed to see the Spaniard and the Norwegian omitted . However , that 's just a testament to the incredible calibre of foreign talent that has played in the Premier League since its launch over 30 years ago . Our ranking factors

The main factors taken into account when ordering these players were as follows :

He helped deliver the Reds ' first-ever Premier League title in 2019/20 and then repeated the feat in 2024/25 . To his credit , he is both an elite shot-stopper and brilliant with the ball at his feet , when so many can only excel in one of these categories . With two Golden Gloves to go with his pair of league titles , when he does depart , Anfield will struggle to see a goalkeeper of his level again .

Alisson Premier League Stats

Appearances

228

Cleansheets

95

Goals

1

Assissts

3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United & West Ham United

While Ashley Cole is widely regarded as the best left-back to play in the Premier League , Patrice Evra has a case for being just behind the Englishman . Representing Manchester United , the Frenchman played over 250 times in the top flight . While he was surrounded by some global stars such as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo , Evra was pivotal to the club 's dominance throughout the 2000s and early 2010s .

He was Mr Reliable on the left-side of defence for Sir Alex Ferguson 's team and won five Premier League titles during his time in England . His disappointing spell at West Ham United aside , the former full-back 's legacy in the top flight is very impressive and fondly remembered .

Patrice Evra 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

278

Goals

21

Assists

98

Titles

5 23 Edwin van der Sar Fulham & Manchester United

Following Peter Schmeichel 's Old Trafford exit , Sir Alex Ferguson spent years searching for a suitable replacement at Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he left , but then , along came Edwin van der Sar . After impressing with Fulham , he joined the Red Devils in 2005 and changed everything .

The Dutchman was a force in between the sticks for United and it 's no coincidence that his arrival was shortly followed by one of the most dominant periods in the club 's history . In Van der Sar , the team had someone they could call upon to save the day when they were n't at their best and he did just that .

Edwin van der Sar 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

313

Cleansheets

132

Titles

4

Golden Gloves

1 22 Luis Suarez Liverpool

He might not have been in the Premier League for too long , but Luis Suarez more than made a big enough impact during his tenure with Liverpool . The Uruguayan dominated his opponents in England and his goal catalogue was as impressive as anyone 's has ever been in the division .

Arguably , Suarez went on to reach even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there 's no taking away just how incredible he was during his time at Anfield . His 92 goal contributions in 110 league appearances for the Reds was a game-changer at the time and it 's unfortunate he never got a league title to match his individual exploits .

Luis Suarez 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

110

Goals

69

Assists

23

Golden Boots

1 21 Yaya Toure Manchester City

During the back end of his career at Barcelona , Toure became out of favour with manager Pep Guardiola . He was allowed to leave the side in 2010 , joining Manchester City . While he was a well-known figure at the time , the midfielder became an instant regular in the team . The peak of his powers came in the 2013/14 season when he scored a remarkable 20 league goals to guide City to their second Premier League title triumph . He is a prime example of a player who reinvented himself from being an underappreciated defensive player at Barcelona to being the best box-to-box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw Toure become one of Manchester City 's greatest players of all time , playing a big part in the club winning their first three Premier League titles in history . It was a no-brainer to include him on the list , given his ability in the final third , while being able to also do a job helping out his teammates at the back .

Yaya Toure 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

230

Goals

62

Assists

32

Titles

3 20 Ruud van Nistelrooy Manchester United

Ruud van Nistelrooy will go down as one of the greatest Dutch players to ply their trade in the Premier League . The former Manchester United hero was a goal-scoring machine at the start of the 21st century , scoring 20 or more league goals in three successive seasons between 2001 and 2004 , including one of the best debut seasons we have seen - netting 36 goals in all competitions . This was a quieter period for United as they won just one Premier League with Van Nistelrooy in the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vital moment , he usually delivered .

The Dutchman was known for his first finishing and was always able to catch goalkeepers off guard on several occasions . With 95 goals in 150 Premier League appearances , Van Nistelrooy managed to pick up the ' Golden Boot ' award in the 2002/03 season , playing a starring role in Manchester United 's campaign .

Ruud van Nistelrooy 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

150

Goals

95

Assists

14

Titles

1

Golden Boots

1 19 N'Golo Kante Leicester City , Chelsea

When he first arrived in the Premier League in 2015 , very few would have heard the name N'Golo Kante . We all know now . In his first season , he won the league with Leicester and then followed that up by doing the same at Chelsea , while also winning the Champions League with the Blues .

The Frenchman played like a modern-day Claude Makelele , with some differences in their games . His defensive prowess is well documented , but sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving runs and overall energy provided a lot in an attacking sense for his side . He even chipped in with a few goals during his time at Stamford Bridge and established himself as a fan-favourite during his time in west London .

N'Golo Kante 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

227

Goals

12

Assists

17

Titles

2

Tackles

687 18 Eden Hazard Chelsea

Without a shadow of a doubt , Eden Hazard is one of the best players to put on a Chelsea shirt in the 21st century . With his dazzling feet , he could create opportunities out of nothing , and he saved his best for last , as he recorded 16 goals and 15 assists in his final season at Chelsea before moving to Real Madrid in 2019 .

There was one slight blip on his record while at Stamford Bridge , and that was the 2015/16 season , where Hazard went missing for large parts of the campaign , as Jose Mourinho lost his job and Chelsea lost their title to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of magic in him , scoring the equaliser against Tottenham which won Leicester City the Premier League in 2016 . He picked it up in the following season as he was the star man in Antonio Conte 's league-winning side . His ability to turn up in big matches made him one of the most feared players in the history of the Premier League during his glittering spell in England .

Eden Hazard 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

245

Goals

85

Assists

54

Titles

2 17 Petr Cech Chelsea , Arsenal

During his time in west London with Chelsea , Petr Cech established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the Premier League . However , his swansong at Arsenal could have gone better as he failed to live up to expectations . Upon moving to the Blues in 2004 , he conceded just 15 league goals in his first season . No goalkeeper has conceded fewer goals in a single campaign in the history of the Premier League , and it is hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even with the likes of Ederson and Alisson in the league .

The iconic shot-stopper was integral to Chelsea 's stingy defence throughout his tenure at the club , with Cech still holding the record for the most Premier League clean sheets of all time . Many may argue that he is the greatest goalkeeper to ever play in England due to his incredible record and ability to single handily win games for his former clubs .

Petr Cech 's Premier League Stats

Appearances

443

Clean Sheets

202

Titles

4

Golden Gloves

4 16 Nemanja Vidic Manchester United

Despite his form tailing off towards the end of his spell at Old Trafford , NemanjaVidic formed the best partnership in the league with Rio Ferdinand for the best part of a decade . The pair complemented each other perfectly , with Vidic 's combative style allowing United to win five league titles during his eight years at the club .

Between 2000-2010 , there were many icons that Vidic played alongside . However , Sir Alex Ferguson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gary Neville 's retirement in 2011 . During his time in England , Vidic excelled in leadership as he led by example both on and off the pitch .

A property on Mellon Street in Newport will become a five bedroom HMO , sparking reader backlash ( Image : Google )

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

Readers have reacted with frustration after plans to expand a house into a larger HMO in Newport were approved .

The decision to allow the property at Mellon Street to become a five-bedroom house in multiple occupation ( HMO ) has sparked a lively debate online , with many local residents expressing concerns about the impact on the housing market and the character of the area .

Despite the application being granted with strict conditions and no objections from neighbours or councillors , several readers voiced strong opinions on the matter . Simon Williams said : " Sweet . More damaging the housing market for greed and less incentive for the government to enforce more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the benefit of HMOs for renters : " in what way could pushing people in to living in single rooms and sharing facilities in the house , simply because they 've been priced out of living in a private flat by pure greed , beneficial to renters ?

" The only person it benefits is the landlord pocketing the rent . "

Mr Williams also shared a personal perspective , saying : " The house I grew up in is now an HMO .

" It 's an end terrace house in a nice street , would have been very desirable as a family home .

" But a landlord got it and wanted more money out of it . "

While some readers are worried that HMOs are becoming too common and taking over former family homes , others see them as a necessary solution to the housing crisis . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

The chain already axed three CosMc 's locations back in January with the chain adamant that the concept was still growing with the possibility of setting up even more spin off sites .

It was set to rival companies dominating the beverage market like Dutch Bros , Scooters and Swig .

But on Friday , the chain said it had successfully carried out its CosMc 's test and is moving on to a new phase .

" The main goal of the CosMc 's test was to create a launchpad for learning for the McDonald 's System -- and the insights we 've gathered have given us a whole new way to get closer to our fans , " the chain said .

" As part of this next testing phase , starting in late June , we will be closing all stand-alone pilot CosMc 's locations on a rolling basis and discontinuing the CosMc 's app . "

Four of the closing locations are in Texas and the other is in Illinois .

McDonald 's rolls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults banned -- you risk showing ID for Happy Meal

It comes just after McDonald 's CEO Chris Kempczinski held an earnings call in which he signalled a change of strategy for the company .

" We have discovered some interesting learnings through our CosMc 's test , which has better informed our understanding of consumers ' customization preferences and interest in new , emerging beverage categories , " he said

The chief revealed diners can expect change to the menus of traditional locations as a result of the CosMc 's " learning lab " .

6

CosMc 's focused on quirky beverages as McDonald 's hoped to break into the marketCredit : McDonalds

6

CEO Chris Kempczinski insists that CosMc 's worked as a ' learning lab ' for consumer habits and said it will lead to menu changes at traditional locationsCredit : AP

Rather than focus on expanding the spinoff chain , McDonald 's is going to incorporate the popular CosMc 's beverages into its menus at " hundred " of locations .

He revealed that the new flavors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .

" Building on the insights gained from the pilot standalone locations , CosMc's-inspired flavors will be landing at McDonald 's ... seamlessly blending out of this world tastes into the McDonald 's experience , " the fast-food chain said .

The chain has already teased fans about the new drinks , wanting the experience to be more customizable than ever .

But as McDonald 's re-strategizes and bows out of having a separate beverage company , rival Taco Bell is moving in . Read More on The US Sun

At the end of last year , the chain launched Live M ? s Caf ? , it 's own beverage-focused spin off offering " a unique experience where fans can enjoy specialty drinks " that " redefined the Taco Bell experience " .

Meanwhile , McDonald 's has also confirmed a major shake up to opening hours for over 13,000 of its locations this summer .

6

Later this year , the new drinks will be tested at ' hundreds ' of locations , the CEO saidCredit : Alamy

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Caf ? beverage spin-off in a bid to also break into the industryCredit : Taco Bell

The chain already axed three CosMc 's locations back in January with the chain adamant that the concept was still growing with the possibility of setting up even more spin off sites .

It was set to rival companies dominating the beverage market like Dutch Bros , Scooters and Swig .

But on Friday , the chain said it had successfully carried out its CosMc 's test and is moving on to a new phase .

" The main goal of the CosMc 's test was to create a launchpad for learning for the McDonald 's System -- and the insights we 've gathered have given us a whole new way to get closer to our fans , " the chain said .

" As part of this next testing phase , starting in late June , we will be closing all stand-alone pilot CosMc 's locations on a rolling basis and discontinuing the CosMc 's app . "

Four of the closing locations are in Texas and the other is in Illinois .

McDonald 's rolls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults banned -- you risk showing ID for Happy Meal

It comes just after McDonald 's CEO Chris Kempczinski held an earnings call in which he signalled a change of strategy for the company .

" We have discovered some interesting learnings through our CosMc 's test , which has better informed our understanding of consumers ' customization preferences and interest in new , emerging beverage categories , " he said

The chief revealed diners can expect change to the menus of traditional locations as a result of the CosMc 's " learning lab " .

6

CosMc 's focused on quirky beverages as McDonald 's hoped to break into the marketCredit : McDonalds

6

CEO Chris Kempczinski insists that CosMc 's worked as a ' learning lab ' for consumer habits and said it will lead to menu changes at traditional locationsCredit : AP

Rather than focus on expanding the spinoff chain , McDonald 's is going to incorporate the popular CosMc 's beverages into its menus at " hundred " of locations .

He revealed that the new flavors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .

" Building on the insights gained from the pilot standalone locations , CosMc's-inspired flavors will be landing at McDonald 's ... seamlessly blending out of this world tastes into the McDonald 's experience , " the fast-food chain said .

The chain has already teased fans about the new drinks , wanting the experience to be more customizable than ever .

But as McDonald 's re-strategizes and bows out of having a separate beverage company , rival Taco Bell is moving in . Read More on The US Sun

At the end of last year , the chain launched Live M ? s Caf ? , it 's own beverage-focused spin off offering " a unique experience where fans can enjoy specialty drinks " that " redefined the Taco Bell experience " .

Meanwhile , McDonald 's has also confirmed a major shake up to opening hours for over 13,000 of its locations this summer .

6

Later this year , the new drinks will be tested at ' hundreds ' of locations , the CEO saidCredit : Alamy

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Caf ? beverage spin-off in a bid to also break into the industryCredit : Taco Bell

This article contains affiliate links , we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it . Learn more

Ryobi will knock more than ? 100 off the original price with an exclusive discount code

The warmer weather is allowing many Brits to spend more time enjoying their gardens , but there may be some who 've realised their beloved outdoor spaces are in dire need of a spruce up . For those who 've let their gardens or driveways become overrun with unsightly weeds and moss , Ryobi is offering more than ? 100 off its cordless patio cleaner .

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Patio Cleaner is already more than ? 90 off , but shoppers can save an extra ? 15 with the discount code PC15 . This brings the total price down to ? 114.99 , but this deal will expire on June 13 .

The Ryobi is a great tool for spotless patios without struggling with troublesome cables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . Its wire brush spins at 1,350 rpm , and it 's said to effortlessly remove weeds , moss , and grass from patios , paths , and driveways ' in seconds ' .

This eliminates the need for strenuous bending , stooping and scraping . Users can pull the trigger , and the wire brush clears the spots between bricks , paving slabs and more . The cordless tool can run for up to 32 minutes on a single charge and takes 60 minutes to return to full power .

The patio cleaner is lightweight at 3.3kg and boasts a telescoping pole , allowing users to adjust the device to suit different heights . This ensures it 's ergonomically friendly , while its overmould handle provides extra comfort when using for longer periods .

Shoppers can get the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Patio Cleaner for ? 114.99 using the discount code PC15 .

Ryobi designed the device with a handle allowing for quick and easy storage so it takes up less space in a shed or garage , while offering a softer nylon brush for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ONE+ Cordless Patio Cleaner has achieved an impressive 4.6-star rating from more than 4,900 reviews -- 90% of which are four or five stars .

The Ryobi patio cleaner is said to remove weeds , moss and grass from patios , paths and driveways ' in seconds '

Ryobi customers have hailed the cordless patio cleaner as an ' excellent tool ' , adding that it saves time and back pain . One five-star review says : " A great tool that takes a lot of the pain out of removing weeds in the joints of patios and driveways . "

Article continues below

Another said : " Excellent tool that saves time and your back . Wish I bought one years ago . " Despite leaving a four-star review , this customer noted a potential downside , saying : " It works very well , apart from the difficulty in removing the battery to charge it . "

However , another happy customer said it " makes light , quick work of clearing the weeds from block paving and stone paving . " This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " Very good , saves a lot of time and having to bend down to get weeds up . " The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Patio Cleaner is available for ? 114.99 using the discount code PC15 .

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site , analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising . You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data , at any time clicking the " Do Not Sell or Share my Data " button at the bottom of the webpage . Please note that your preferences are browser specific . Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice .

What could go wrong ? Plenty ! Aaron , played by Danny Miller , has been royally hoodwinked by his beloved , John , played by Oliver Farnworth , who , as fans know , murdered Nate Robinson before hiding his body in the lake .

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Behind a series of village crimes , including smashing windows , he 's also pretending his ex-boyfriend , Aidan , is dead , when really he 's lying in a coma in the hospital . Hardly a match made in heaven !

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As the gay couple prepared for their big day , The Mirror was invited on set , to Emmerdale 's village hall , to witness the ceremony being filmed .

We can exclusively reveal that they make it to the altar . Beyond that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...

The Mirror enjoyed a behind the scenes peek at the tense nuptials ( Image : ITV )

Article continues below

" It 's a Dingle wedding , so something is going to go wrong ! " warns actress Lisa Riley , 48 , who plays Mandy Dingle and is an honoured guest .

" In every single wedding in the history of the Dingles , there 's normally always fighting , someone gets drunk , and someone says something they should n't ! And you will get those three contents for sure ! There are going to be a lot of shocks . "

As John is haunted by graphic flashbacks of his misdemeanours , most viewers are likely expecting more than a mere wedding brawl .

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" There was always something unsettling about John from the start , " admits Oliver , 42 , minutes before filming . " But he has met the love of his life , and he is hoping once he gets down the aisle , all his problems will go away . He has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about everything , and it 's a pressure cooker out there . "

The lead up to the big day has been somewhat of a ' pressure cooker ' ( Image : ITV )

Oliver , who is wearing a fawny brown suit for the wedding , laughs : " I know there has been a lot of speculation online about John , but it 's great that everyone has a view ! " What I love about playing John is working out psychologically how he got to this point . Deconstructing him is really interesting . "

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For Aaron , marrying John is a chance to find true love a second time , after his first husband , Robert Sugden , was sent to prison .

Aaron hopes to find true love for a second time by marrying John , but things have n't exactly been smooth sailing ( Image : ITV )

" He thinks he has found love again , " explains Danny , 34 , who is wearing a lighter cream suit . " There is a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blind eye to what is smacking him in the face . "

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Meanwhile , fans have been messaging him , pleading for Aaron to see sense .

" People have been telling me not to marry John , that there is something not right ! " he chuckles . " John winds everyone up , but it 's good to have characters where the viewers love to hate them ! "

Fans have been pleading for Aaron to see sense ( Image : ITV )

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While cameras are put in place for the wedding scenes , Danny , Oliver , and Lisa have gathered with the rest of the Dingle actors under a wooden canopy outside the village hall .

It has been decorated with pretty fairy lights to provide an intimate setting , against a white linen backdrop . Three bottles of champagne are waiting on ice , ready to toast Aaron and John .

The Dingle clan is out in force and , as the actors laugh and joke , it 's clear the cast are a close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and joked behind the scenes of what proved to be a demanding day ( Image : ITV )

Relaxed , they are all word perfect and , despite a demanding day , which sees them arrive at the purpose-built village within the Harewood Estate in Leeds at 8am and work through to 7.30pm , with an hour for lunch .

" It 's a gift to be working on Emmerdale , " confides Oliver , who grew up in nearby Hebden Bridge . " I am loving it . I live in Spain now , and to get the chance to come back to Yorkshire is brilliant . Danny and I have been having a ball filming these scenes . The beauty of Emmerdale is you have the chance to put your own ideas in . It 's a great collaboration . "

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Reporter Christine Smith was on set to watch the drama unfold ( Image : ITV )

The actor moved to Spain two years ago to set up home with his girlfriend of six years , Samantha Womack , a former EastEnders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : " I reckon you can get to Spain sometimes quicker than London .

?

" It 's actually worked out fine , as Emmerdale have been really accommodating with the blocks of filming and time off . Whenever there is a gap , I get on a plane and go back home . "

Three bottles of champagne were waiting on ice , ready to toast Aaron and John . ( Image : ITV )

Laughing , he confesses the chaos in John 's love life makes him appreciative of his simple , happy life at home with Samantha .

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" Even though we have six dogs and it can be pretty chaotic at times , it certainly makes you address things , " he says . " It makes you make sure the balance of work life and play time is right . "

The fact that Samantha is also an actress definitely helps . He adds . " We both understand each other 's schedules .

" I might be here , but that keeps it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saw each other each evening for a few hours , it would be different . We thrive off spontaneity . "

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While shooting the wedding scenes , the actors worked from 8am until 7.30pm , with an hour for lunch ( Image : ITV )

Danny and his wife of three years , Steph , are also rock solid . The couple , who met at primary school , have two children , Albert , three , and Edith , one , and announced last month that they are expecting their third child .

While Danny is glad that his own domestic arrangements are stable and loving , he finds a character like Aaron , with such a complex love life , a real challenge .

?

" It 's also nice to step out of being Danny , " he says . " I am a heterosexual , and to play this other man is great . He is gay , proud of it , and he has found who he thinks he is going to be spending the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite different to his onscreen persona ( Image : ITV )

He also reveals how much more he loves being back on Emmerdale , after bravely talking about his mental health struggles in 2023 on the ' Mancs on the Mic ' podcast , where he confessed he reached rock bottom and suffered anxiety attacks playing Aaron when he was much younger .

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" I love it so much now , " he says , sounding at ease . " This is home . It 's a massive part of my life , and it 's important for me to stay humbled and grounded . I am delighted to be part of the show . "

Joining the cast are about 50 members of the backstage crew , including makeup supervisor Cheryl Winterbottom .

She explains that , because John will be seen having nightmares this week as his past catches up with him , because the dream sequences involve different characters , they kept styling simple , apart from for Mandy .

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Mandy Dingle , played by Lisa Riley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the ceremony ( Image : ITV )

" The only person we could be experimental with at this wedding was Lisa , who plays Mandy " , explains Cheryl . " Mandy is always following TikTok trends , and so we decided to give her a 90s kind of Pamela Anderson-style look ! She has a hairpiece , though , that is not quite on properly ! "

They even nicknamed the wonky hairpiece ' guinea pig ! ' She says , " We called it this because Mandy has spiked it up ! Lisa has a lot of input , too , because she knows what Mandy would wear . "

?

Lisa , sporting bright makeup and a neon green and black ? 58 Julien McDonald dress from John Lewis , is very pleased the costume department found her the bargain designer frock .

" We get lots of ideas on TikTok . We talk together through everything , " explains Lisa . " Mandy is an old romantic and loves a wedding ! "

There will be plenty of ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do ' ( Image : ITV )

?

And fans may get a chance to bag the dress themselves , as all Mandy 's outfits are either worn again in later episodes or sold through ITV 's ReLoved eBay site .

Lisa confides that there 's one item from Mandy 's wardrobe that everyone is after .

" The question I am asked most is ' can we buy a Mandy salon tabard ? ' as they want it for hen parties , " she says . " I love this ! And I also really like Mandy 's dress for the wedding today -- mind you , I will be swapping these high heels as soon as we stop filming for my trainers ! "

?

As she heads back to film Aaron and John 's marriage ceremony , Danny , standing nearby , teases that there will be plenty of twists and turns as the grooms meet at the altar .

" Will they even get married ? " he asks , knowingly . " Aaron keeps finding out about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emotions flying around , and you will have to watch to find out ! "

Article continues below

Emmerdale airs every weekday on ITV1 and STV1 at 7.30 pm . Episodes can also be downloaded on ITVX .

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CNN star Jake Tapper has been branded a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' over his self-righteous rants about former President Joe Biden 's health cover-up .

Tapper 's new book , ' Original Sin : President Biden 's Decline , Its Cover-Up , and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again , ' co-authored with Alex Thompson , sparked mass frustration and speculation as many believe the journalist was complicit in Biden 's cover-up .

The book itself claims to blow that lid off an alleged White House campaign to hide Biden 's cognitive decline from the American people .

' He 's such a fraud , ' one user on X wrote after another posted several clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government .

In the video , Tapper was heard appearing to mock Trump 's previous mentions of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : ' They 've caught a few witches by the way , there have been a few witch indictments . '

In the clips from 2018 , Tapper also ranted about how terrible it was that there were people who tried to ' stop an investigation into what happened ' - calling it ' unpatriotic ' - despite the fact he seemingly did the same when right-leaning media tried to probe Biden 's ailing health during his term .

The compilation , along with the release of his new book , enraged many people who strongly believe he is a ' liar ' who is ' trying to get out of being held accountable . '

' He was and still is down for the cause . We are not fooled or amused , ' wrote another .

CNN star Jake Tapper has been branded a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' over his self-righteous rants about former President Joe Biden ' s health cover up amidst the release of his new book

The book itself claims to blow that lid off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline from the American people

' No retractions , no apologies , and no consequences for those who pushed a false narrative for years , ' a user stated .

Someone else commented : ' Bullsh** , he 's lying . He knew all along that it was bullsh** and still carried the democrat party 's water . '

' I think Jake is going to need to write a lot of books , ' one suggested .

' His book is sinking faster than the Titanic , ' another joked .

The continued backlash over his book comes just after Tapper admitted the coverup of Biden 's decline during his time in office may have been ' worse than Watergate . '

During an interview with Piers Morgan about his campaign tell-all Original Sin , Tapper compared Biden 's White House deception to President Richard Nixon and one of the greatest scandals in political history .

' It is without question -- and maybe even worse than Watergate in some ways because Richard Nixon was in control of his faculties when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government

Morgan then challenged Tapper by asking him to justify his written conclusion that the ' hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate . '

That 's when the CNN anchor actually admitted that he got it wrong .

In fact , he told Morgan it ' may be worse ' than the 1972 scandal , in which the Nixon administration attempted to cover up a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters .

Nixon was forced to resign and ' Watergate ' is now synonymous with political corruption , becoming somewhat of a benchmark through which subsequent administrations are judged .

Tapper went on to try to clarify the quote Morgan referenced in the book , which concluded : ' Joe Biden is not Richard Nixon , and the hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate . '

Morgan argued : ' I am not entirely sure I agree , Jake , with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they included the caveat in the book was because they had spoken with a Watergate investigator who discussed ' how powerful the presidency is and how presidents get surrounded by people who have a vested interest in keeping that president propped up . '

Through the enormous backlash he 's received for his reporting in the book , Tapper maintains he trusted Biden and his aides and took them at their word when they assured him that all was well .

The recent revelation that Biden has been diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer also sparked rampant conspiracy theories about whether medical professionals were aware of his illness while he was president .

The recent revelation that Biden has been diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer also sparked rampant conspiracy theories about whether medical professionals were aware of his illness while he was president

Biden 's team has maintained he was not tested for prostate cancer while he was president , and that the diagnosis is recent .

That reassurance has not stopped MAGA loyalists from demanding his long-term physician Kevin O'Connor be subpoenaed to answer questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American public during Biden 's term that he was healthy and could have served another four years .

Simultaneously , several of Biden 's closest aides are facing pressure to reveal how much control they had over his autopen after Trump raised questions about who was really in charge during the Biden administration .

We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline . To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account . We 'll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook .

You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook . Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content , marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy .

CNN star Jake Tapper has been branded a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' over his self-righteous rants about former President Joe Biden 's health cover-up .

Tapper 's new book , ' Original Sin : President Biden 's Decline , Its Cover-Up , and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again , ' co-authored with Alex Thompson , sparked mass frustration and speculation as many believe the journalist was complicit in Biden 's cover-up .

The book itself claims to blow that lid off an alleged White House campaign to hide Biden 's cognitive decline from the American people .

' He 's such a fraud , ' one user on X wrote after another posted several clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government .

In the video , Tapper was heard appearing to mock Trump 's previous mentions of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : ' They 've caught a few witches by the way , there have been a few witch indictments . '

In the clips from 2018 , Tapper also ranted about how terrible it was that there were people who tried to ' stop an investigation into what happened ' - calling it ' unpatriotic ' - despite the fact he seemingly did the same when right-leaning media tried to probe Biden 's ailing health during his term .

The compilation , along with the release of his new book , enraged many people who strongly believe he is a ' liar ' who is ' trying to get out of being held accountable . '

' He was and still is down for the cause . We are not fooled or amused , ' wrote another .

CNN star Jake Tapper has been branded a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' over his self-righteous rants about former President Joe Biden ' s health cover up amidst the release of his new book

The book itself claims to blow that lid off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline from the American people

' No retractions , no apologies , and no consequences for those who pushed a false narrative for years , ' a user stated .

Someone else commented : ' Bullsh** , he 's lying . He knew all along that it was bullsh** and still carried the democrat party 's water . '

' I think Jake is going to need to write a lot of books , ' one suggested .

' His book is sinking faster than the Titanic , ' another joked .

The continued backlash over his book comes just after Tapper admitted the coverup of Biden 's decline during his time in office may have been ' worse than Watergate . '

During an interview with Piers Morgan about his campaign tell-all Original Sin , Tapper compared Biden 's White House deception to President Richard Nixon and one of the greatest scandals in political history .

' It is without question -- and maybe even worse than Watergate in some ways because Richard Nixon was in control of his faculties when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government

Morgan then challenged Tapper by asking him to justify his written conclusion that the ' hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate . '

That 's when the CNN anchor actually admitted that he got it wrong .

In fact , he told Morgan it ' may be worse ' than the 1972 scandal , in which the Nixon administration attempted to cover up a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters .

Nixon was forced to resign and ' Watergate ' is now synonymous with political corruption , becoming somewhat of a benchmark through which subsequent administrations are judged .

Tapper went on to try to clarify the quote Morgan referenced in the book , which concluded : ' Joe Biden is not Richard Nixon , and the hiding and cover-up of his deterioration is not Watergate . '

Morgan argued : ' I am not entirely sure I agree , Jake , with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they included the caveat in the book was because they had spoken with a Watergate investigator who discussed ' how powerful the presidency is and how presidents get surrounded by people who have a vested interest in keeping that president propped up . '

Through the enormous backlash he 's received for his reporting in the book , Tapper maintains he trusted Biden and his aides and took them at their word when they assured him that all was well .

The recent revelation that Biden has been diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer also sparked rampant conspiracy theories about whether medical professionals were aware of his illness while he was president .

The recent revelation that Biden has been diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer also sparked rampant conspiracy theories about whether medical professionals were aware of his illness while he was president

Biden 's team has maintained he was not tested for prostate cancer while he was president , and that the diagnosis is recent .

That reassurance has not stopped MAGA loyalists from demanding his long-term physician Kevin O'Connor be subpoenaed to answer questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American public during Biden 's term that he was healthy and could have served another four years .

Simultaneously , several of Biden 's closest aides are facing pressure to reveal how much control they had over his autopen after Trump raised questions about who was really in charge during the Biden administration .

We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline . To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account . We 'll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook .

You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook . Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content , marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy .

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

Cllr Richard Rout sought support from other county councillors on Thursday afternoon in opposing Government plans to remove sections 42 and 49 of the Planning Act 2008 .

These ensure developers are required to consult on massive energy projects and listen to take into account communities ' concerns .

Removing these , he argued , would allow developers to blitz through the process and ignore those affected .

Cllr Rout said : " Let me be very clear , in Ed Miliband 's mad dash to decarbonise , the Labour Government is saying developers wo n't have to consult and , even if they choose to do so , they do n't have to listen .

" Never have I felt anyone cared so little about the views of our councils and our residents , and that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . "

Cllr Andrew Reid , who spoke on behalf of residents , said his division had been the target of a ' green energy assault on our Suffolk countryside ' .

He said : " My residents in Friston and the surrounding parishes have had their patience stretched to the very limit as their quality of life has been eroded by energy project proposal after energy project proposal .

" The strain these projects place upon individuals and communities is very real ; the impacts on mental wellbeing are very real . "

Although there seemed to be widespread agreement in the opposition for the removal of these sections of the law , a heated debate broke out on the council 's position on the Government 's 2030 target to decarbonise the energy grid .

Cllr Andrew Stringer , the leader of the Green , Liberal Democrat and Independent Group , said he ' wholeheartedly ' supported most of the motion , with a caveat .

He proposed an amendment replacing the motion 's opposition to the 2030 target with a call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Land Use Framework , which would help decide where major energy projects would go .

Again , although it seemed as though councillors were welcoming of calling on the Government to come up with the framework , a heated debate erupted on targets .

From the proposer 's view , opposing the targets would oppose the speed at which projects were being proposed , assessed and delivered .

The opposition , however , argued targets were n't the cause of the race for renewables , but rather the profits developers would make out of delivering energy projects .

Cllr Sandy Martin , the leader of the Labour Group , accused Conservative councillors of not accepting the gravity of the climate change crisis in opposing the Government 's targets .

He said : " We have got to move fast and we have got to go a long way and this Government is taking the whole climate crisis seriously in a way the previous Government never did . "

The amendment proposed by Cllr Stringer was defeated with 38 votes against and 16 for . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council had missed an opportunity to push for a strategic plan on major energy projects .

Cllr Rout 's motion , on the other hand , was passed with 42 votes in favour , three against and nine abstentions as it had been initially proposed .

This means several councillors from he opposition parties voted to back the council 's opposition to removing the two sections from UK law despite their disagreement on the authority 's position on Government climate targets . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

Seth McFarlane at the NBCU upfront . ( Photo credit : NBCU , used with permission )

The 2025 upfronts have come and gone , but theWickedmemories live on .

Campaign sat down with NBC CMO of advertising and partnerships Josh Feldman for a behind-the-scenes look at the network 's showstopping upfront that kicked off the week . From early planning in Q4 to a show-stopping spectacle at Radio City Music Hall -- complete with Seth MacFarlane 's upfront song and a " workout " sizzle reel from Bravo stars -- the goal was clear : Spotlight NBCU 's future-facing content and unmatched portfolio .

The following has been condensed for clarity and length .

Campaign : NBCU had an incredible upfront and a great Telemundo party as well . How long did it take the team to put it all together ?

Feldman:We start by having early conversations with all of our program development leads in the fourth quarter of last year to get a sense of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios team to Cesar Conde 's chairman of NBCUniversal News Group team to Luis Fern ? ndez chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and his team . It 's the folks who are actually doing the program development . We find out what our new specials are going to be , find out what our new scripted programming is going to be , find out what 's being renewed or not renewed , so we can start figuring out sizzle reels , etc .

Every year is a little bit different here at NBCU . We already obviously knew we had all of our massive sports stuff going on . A legendary February with Super Bowl , NBA , Winter Olympics in Milan and World Cup . So we used that as our base . And then , we start working in earnest on the actual event in the first quarter , around January/February , to start getting it in a good place for May .

So , you meet with everyone and then the next part is putting the show together . What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upfront ? Is it a " we have to outdo ourselves " from the year before mindset ?

Absolutely . Every year , our objective is to show the premium nature of everything we do across the entire portfolio and the wide variety of what we do . So we approach the upfront not as a report card looking backward , but very much looking at what 's going to be brand new . What are big announcements we have to make ? What talent deals do we have done so that we can bring out new talent ? Whether it 's in the scripted , unscripted , sports , news , Hispanic space , whatever it may be . We make sure that we are showing that we as NBCUniversal are future-focused from a programming point of view , a content point of view , a talent point of view and an innovation point of view . Those are the key pillars of what we 're doing every single year .

And we know that you know when you come into the event , you 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or four-day time period and that the clients have to sit through a multitude of them . They 're not going to remember every single trailer they see over the course of that week . They will remember how they felt walking out of these presentations . They will remember the premium nature . They will remember those big announcements , the " Oh my god , Michael Jordan 's coming back " chatter about the NBA on NBC .

So , we very much go into our planning stage and our execution stage with that big moment mindset and premium nature . That 's why we do an orchestra . That 's why we have the top tier talent that we have . That 's why you see the incredible quality of our sizzles . And that 's why we do it for 10 consecutive years at Radio City Music Hall , because it 's now a part of our DNA . It 's the most premium theater in New York City and it 's right here at Rockefeller Center . It 's our home away from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent and it 's kind of a tough crowd , the upfront audience . What is it like picking the right people to go on stage to " sell " ? What do those conversations sound like ?

So , we have the first slot of upfront week on Monday morning . We love having that slot because it sets the tone for the entire week . We try and set the bar really , really high , and we know we 're the upfront everybody 's going to get compared to -- because we go first .

As far as getting talent there , we 're very lucky . We work with talent who love working with NBCUniversal , and that 's why you see them coming back for multiple projects with us . You see Seth McFarlane there to promote his newTedanimated series , but also he 's the executive producer ofThe Burbs . You have iconic talent like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler wanting their new projects to be on NBCUniversal properties , because they want to do it . Greg Daniels is bringingThe Paperto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .

When they have great experiences working with us as a company , it 's really not that hard to convince them to be a part of our upfront event , because they want their projects to get that big spotlight they know they 're going to get at our upfront and get the press that comes out of being at Radio City Music Hall .

If it 's hard for Marcello Hernandez to get a crowd laughing at 10:30 in the morning on a Monday , maybe that part of it is a little bit more difficult , but it 's not difficult to convince them to be a part of our overall event , because they do love working with our company .

For the record , I think he did a phenomenal job .

He 's a one-of-a-kind talent and he 's great to work with . He 's the type of talent who is not only in-demand from us as a company to continue to work with , but also able to represent bothSaturday Night Liveand the Latino community leading into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really bigSNL50partnerships he did with Keenan Thompson for T-Mobile . He 's done some really big , diverse work across the entire company and advertising community with us , so he 's a perfect type of person that we want up on that stage representing our company .

So you go from having those meetings in Q4 and fast-forward -- Seth MacFarlane is singing onstage " NBC has the shit you 're after , " and your head of sales , Mark Marshall , is descending from the rafters of Radio City . How did we get here ?

Seth MacFarlane is obviously one of the most talented people of his generation , whether it 's comedy , writing , singing or performing , He nails it every single time . So , we simply gave Seth a premise of what we thought an opening song could be about . We did n't write a joke for him . We did n't tell him what to say . We gave him a premise of , " Hey , would n't it be fun to kind of tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after this one , because we 've got everything you want ? " And then what you saw was that genius song that came from him .

Mark is not an everyday performer , but he actually is pretty funny in his own right . And Mark had this idea of popping in and out of different IPs in the sizzle reel to get some messaging across . He came to me and my team -- Steven Rummer and Andrew Gottlieb are the two folks who really run the upfront event , along with a multitude of other people who support them along the way . And we love that concept because , as I mentioned , our upfront event is about future-facing content , talent and innovation .

At the same time , when you work at a company like ours , you have so much incredible IP that 's just been there forever because it 's so good -- whether that'sLaw & Order , The Tonight Show , Today , unscripted programming likeLove Island . There are things that are part of our DNA that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional sense because it 's not the new programming that we announce at the upfront . So by bringing Mark in and out of iconic IPs that way , we were able to get across key points about important shows in a unique and fun way .

Mark was fantastic . He never said no to any of the crazy ideas that we had , for example when we went to him and said , " You should be inLove Island . " I wo n't say whether that was truly his abs in the video . He saidyeswhen we said " let 's put you in a body bag in aLaw & Orderscene . " And then , we said " How do we go from the sizzle reel video to Mark onstage to make his important comments that are very important for our upfront event ?

Mark Marshall ( center ) at the NBCU upfront . ( Photo credit : NBCU , used with permission )

Steven Rummer on our team pointed out , " Wickedis one of the biggest things that we have going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought in Mark in the Glinda bubble , and had him descend onto the stage to make his remarks ? " So we did this really fun transition with him and Jimmy Fallon onThe Tonight Showset , and he realizes he needs to go to Radio City Music Hall to give a speech . Jimmy gives him the wand that he borrowed from Bowen Yang and Ariana Grande , and he transforms himself to go directly fromThe Tonight Showset to the stage in this Glinda bubble .

And then in our next meeting , when we started talking about how this was actually going to work , he told us that he was afraid of heights . We told him he did n't have to do this and he said , " No , I really want to . This is a fun idea . " And he nailed it . It was one of the most talked about moments of our upfront event this year .

It was pure dedication . So , Campaign did a blog summarizing upfronts . For NBCU , we concluded that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports , reach , original programming , unscripted television and more . Would you say those are the flexes NBC really wanted to highlight ?

Live sports is huge going into this year . Unscripted programming , yes -- going into a BravoCon year and all the success we 're having with shows likeTraitorsandLove Islandis huge .

I would add to that list our commitment to the Hispanic community -- you saw a very dedicated Telemundo section of our show . And I would also talk about the incredible diversity of our news programming:Todayin the morning , Nightly Newsat night on NBC , the preeminent business news in the entire world at CNBC and where a ton of Americans get their information on a daily basis at MSNBC . So our commitment to news programs across as a whole . And obviously a big moment for us to say that we , as an ad sales division , will continue to represent Versant as well .

And the grand finale ended with a bang , quite literally -- confetti everywhere and your reality stars up onstage -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your offerings ?

It 's been over a year now since we had BravoCon , because there was no BravoCon last calendar year . And fans go absolutely bonkers for it . So we knew we needed a very specific BravoCon moment .

Somebody on our creative team came up with the fun concept of " getting in shape for BravoCon " -- what would the " Bravolebrities " would have to get in shape for ? For example , having to walk quickly on a treadmill in high heels because you have to get from one panel to the other . Or being able to practice shot skis to be able to do shots during BravoCon . Or being able to spill the tea ... literally . Or throw shade ... literally . So we had this really fun concept of creating this custom video and then we wanted to pay it off with this incredible showing of Bravolebrity . Not only did we have Andy Cohen and Gay Shark up on stage with us , but we had 28 Bravolebrities across a multitude of Bravo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the upfront events are over , I go to lunches and dinners for that entire week with clients . And like to sit there with some of our clients , and they 're naming all 28 Bravolebrities on stage . It was a really fun , big moment for us that paid dividends for Bravo fans .

Seth McFarlane at the NBCU upfront . ( Photo credit : NBCU , used with permission )

The 2025 upfronts have come and gone , but theWickedmemories live on .

Campaign sat down with NBC CMO of advertising and partnerships Josh Feldman for a behind-the-scenes look at the network 's showstopping upfront that kicked off the week . From early planning in Q4 to a show-stopping spectacle at Radio City Music Hall -- complete with Seth MacFarlane 's upfront song and a " workout " sizzle reel from Bravo stars -- the goal was clear : Spotlight NBCU 's future-facing content and unmatched portfolio .

The following has been condensed for clarity and length .

Campaign : NBCU had an incredible upfront and a great Telemundo party as well . How long did it take the team to put it all together ?

Feldman:We start by having early conversations with all of our program development leads in the fourth quarter of last year to get a sense of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios team to Cesar Conde 's chairman of NBCUniversal News Group team to Luis Fern ? ndez chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and his team . It 's the folks who are actually doing the program development . We find out what our new specials are going to be , find out what our new scripted programming is going to be , find out what 's being renewed or not renewed , so we can start figuring out sizzle reels , etc .

Every year is a little bit different here at NBCU . We already obviously knew we had all of our massive sports stuff going on . A legendary February with Super Bowl , NBA , Winter Olympics in Milan and World Cup . So we used that as our base . And then , we start working in earnest on the actual event in the first quarter , around January/February , to start getting it in a good place for May .

So , you meet with everyone and then the next part is putting the show together . What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upfront ? Is it a " we have to outdo ourselves " from the year before mindset ?

Absolutely . Every year , our objective is to show the premium nature of everything we do across the entire portfolio and the wide variety of what we do . So we approach the upfront not as a report card looking backward , but very much looking at what 's going to be brand new . What are big announcements we have to make ? What talent deals do we have done so that we can bring out new talent ? Whether it 's in the scripted , unscripted , sports , news , Hispanic space , whatever it may be . We make sure that we are showing that we as NBCUniversal are future-focused from a programming point of view , a content point of view , a talent point of view and an innovation point of view . Those are the key pillars of what we 're doing every single year .

And we know that you know when you come into the event , you 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or four-day time period and that the clients have to sit through a multitude of them . They 're not going to remember every single trailer they see over the course of that week . They will remember how they felt walking out of these presentations . They will remember the premium nature . They will remember those big announcements , the " Oh my god , Michael Jordan 's coming back " chatter about the NBA on NBC .

So , we very much go into our planning stage and our execution stage with that big moment mindset and premium nature . That 's why we do an orchestra . That 's why we have the top tier talent that we have . That 's why you see the incredible quality of our sizzles . And that 's why we do it for 10 consecutive years at Radio City Music Hall , because it 's now a part of our DNA . It 's the most premium theater in New York City and it 's right here at Rockefeller Center . It 's our home away from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent and it 's kind of a tough crowd , the upfront audience . What is it like picking the right people to go on stage to " sell " ? What do those conversations sound like ?

So , we have the first slot of upfront week on Monday morning . We love having that slot because it sets the tone for the entire week . We try and set the bar really , really high , and we know we 're the upfront everybody 's going to get compared to -- because we go first .

As far as getting talent there , we 're very lucky . We work with talent who love working with NBCUniversal , and that 's why you see them coming back for multiple projects with us . You see Seth McFarlane there to promote his newTedanimated series , but also he 's the executive producer ofThe Burbs . You have iconic talent like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler wanting their new projects to be on NBCUniversal properties , because they want to do it . Greg Daniels is bringingThe Paperto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .

When they have great experiences working with us as a company , it 's really not that hard to convince them to be a part of our upfront event , because they want their projects to get that big spotlight they know they 're going to get at our upfront and get the press that comes out of being at Radio City Music Hall .

If it 's hard for Marcello Hernandez to get a crowd laughing at 10:30 in the morning on a Monday , maybe that part of it is a little bit more difficult , but it 's not difficult to convince them to be a part of our overall event , because they do love working with our company .

For the record , I think he did a phenomenal job .

He 's a one-of-a-kind talent and he 's great to work with . He 's the type of talent who is not only in-demand from us as a company to continue to work with , but also able to represent bothSaturday Night Liveand the Latino community leading into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really bigSNL50partnerships he did with Keenan Thompson for T-Mobile . He 's done some really big , diverse work across the entire company and advertising community with us , so he 's a perfect type of person that we want up on that stage representing our company .

So you go from having those meetings in Q4 and fast-forward -- Seth MacFarlane is singing onstage " NBC has the shit you 're after , " and your head of sales , Mark Marshall , is descending from the rafters of Radio City . How did we get here ?

Seth MacFarlane is obviously one of the most talented people of his generation , whether it 's comedy , writing , singing or performing , He nails it every single time . So , we simply gave Seth a premise of what we thought an opening song could be about . We did n't write a joke for him . We did n't tell him what to say . We gave him a premise of , " Hey , would n't it be fun to kind of tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after this one , because we 've got everything you want ? " And then what you saw was that genius song that came from him .

Mark is not an everyday performer , but he actually is pretty funny in his own right . And Mark had this idea of popping in and out of different IPs in the sizzle reel to get some messaging across . He came to me and my team -- Steven Rummer and Andrew Gottlieb are the two folks who really run the upfront event , along with a multitude of other people who support them along the way . And we love that concept because , as I mentioned , our upfront event is about future-facing content , talent and innovation .

At the same time , when you work at a company like ours , you have so much incredible IP that 's just been there forever because it 's so good -- whether that'sLaw & Order , The Tonight Show , Today , unscripted programming likeLove Island . There are things that are part of our DNA that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional sense because it 's not the new programming that we announce at the upfront . So by bringing Mark in and out of iconic IPs that way , we were able to get across key points about important shows in a unique and fun way .

Mark was fantastic . He never said no to any of the crazy ideas that we had , for example when we went to him and said , " You should be inLove Island . " I wo n't say whether that was truly his abs in the video . He saidyeswhen we said " let 's put you in a body bag in aLaw & Orderscene . " And then , we said " How do we go from the sizzle reel video to Mark onstage to make his important comments that are very important for our upfront event ?

Mark Marshall ( center ) at the NBCU upfront . ( Photo credit : NBCU , used with permission )

Steven Rummer on our team pointed out , " Wickedis one of the biggest things that we have going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought in Mark in the Glinda bubble , and had him descend onto the stage to make his remarks ? " So we did this really fun transition with him and Jimmy Fallon onThe Tonight Showset , and he realizes he needs to go to Radio City Music Hall to give a speech . Jimmy gives him the wand that he borrowed from Bowen Yang and Ariana Grande , and he transforms himself to go directly fromThe Tonight Showset to the stage in this Glinda bubble .

And then in our next meeting , when we started talking about how this was actually going to work , he told us that he was afraid of heights . We told him he did n't have to do this and he said , " No , I really want to . This is a fun idea . " And he nailed it . It was one of the most talked about moments of our upfront event this year .

It was pure dedication . So , Campaign did a blog summarizing upfronts . For NBCU , we concluded that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports , reach , original programming , unscripted television and more . Would you say those are the flexes NBC really wanted to highlight ?

Live sports is huge going into this year . Unscripted programming , yes -- going into a BravoCon year and all the success we 're having with shows likeTraitorsandLove Islandis huge .

I would add to that list our commitment to the Hispanic community -- you saw a very dedicated Telemundo section of our show . And I would also talk about the incredible diversity of our news programming:Todayin the morning , Nightly Newsat night on NBC , the preeminent business news in the entire world at CNBC and where a ton of Americans get their information on a daily basis at MSNBC . So our commitment to news programs across as a whole . And obviously a big moment for us to say that we , as an ad sales division , will continue to represent Versant as well .

And the grand finale ended with a bang , quite literally -- confetti everywhere and your reality stars up onstage -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your offerings ?

It 's been over a year now since we had BravoCon , because there was no BravoCon last calendar year . And fans go absolutely bonkers for it . So we knew we needed a very specific BravoCon moment .

Somebody on our creative team came up with the fun concept of " getting in shape for BravoCon " -- what would the " Bravolebrities " would have to get in shape for ? For example , having to walk quickly on a treadmill in high heels because you have to get from one panel to the other . Or being able to practice shot skis to be able to do shots during BravoCon . Or being able to spill the tea ... literally . Or throw shade ... literally . So we had this really fun concept of creating this custom video and then we wanted to pay it off with this incredible showing of Bravolebrity . Not only did we have Andy Cohen and Gay Shark up on stage with us , but we had 28 Bravolebrities across a multitude of Bravo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the upfront events are over , I go to lunches and dinners for that entire week with clients . And like to sit there with some of our clients , and they 're naming all 28 Bravolebrities on stage . It was a really fun , big moment for us that paid dividends for Bravo fans .

Brighton , West Ham , Bournemouth , Fulham , and now we can add Everton . Amid all the celebrations on Sunday - richly deserved for Newcastle United 's achievements this season - it will not have been lost on Eddie Howe that this was their fifth home defeat of the campaign .

Clearly the bigger picture is hugely positive one . Newcastle qualified for the Champions League and lifted silverware for the first time since 1969 , making the past nine months the most successful in living memory for many us .

Liverpool , Arsenal , Chelsea , Tottenham and Aston Villa were all beaten along the way , not to mention league doubles over the likes of Nottingham Forest and Manchester United . There is so much to congratulate Howe , his coaches and this squad of players for , and every reason to believe that things can get ever better next term , on the back of a positive transfer window .

But if we take a step back - as Howe must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend when it comes to the matches where United have fallen short , partiucarly at St James ' Park .

Every season is littered with ifs , buts and maybes for each side , but those anxious minutes after the final whistle against Everton could have been avoided with just a few more points here and there .

Newcastle lost five times on home turf in the league in season just gone , and not to sides challenging for at the top end of the table . Even Bournemouth , who were flying high at one stage , finished in ninth .

We know United can mix it against the very best , so what do the ' failures ' against so-called lesser lights tell us ? Every side has off-days , of course , but there is a theme to these results which will need to be addressed in the summer transfer window .

Those five games saw Newcastle score just two goals , and that in itself paints a picture . Bournemouth apart , when the Andoni Iraola 's side swept United aside on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any of those games , .

They largely dominated possession but were unable to find their way through the massed ranks of an opposition happy to sit back , contain and look to hit on the break . Brighton , who are better than many , did it perfectly in October , seizing on a rare defensive mistake to score and then soaking up the pressure with barely a big chance falling United 's way .

West Ham did likewise , taking the lead against the run of play and then exploiting United 's eagerness for an equaliser by breaking away to score their second . Fulham was perhaps different in that United probably should have earned at least a point - Sandro Tonali hit the bar and Joe Willock missed a gilt-edged chance .

But again against Everton last Sunday , United never really looked like breaking down a Toffees side who were without three of their first-choice back line . Newcastle back in Champions League

Of course to ignore the 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace , beating Man United 4-1 or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . We know United are more than good enough , but when it came to breaking down stubborn resistance , Howe needs more options .

The ' bigger ' sides do n't look to sit back and stifle , allowing Newcastle to do what they do best - press high and hit opponents with their pace and power .

Against Everton , no one in black-and-white really beat a man to deliver a dangerous cross until Will Osula did just that , only for Fabian Schar to fire narrowly over in the dying minutes .

It underlines just what they need in the summer transfer window . More players who can create something out of nothing , who open up space with a turn of pace or a trick . In Bruno Guimaraes and Tonali they have the men capable of picking out players with a silde-rule pass , but they need to have the runs to pick out .

Too often Alexander Isak is isolated in a crowded penalty box , with little to no space in which to operate . Can United find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed ?

Howe has shown so often that he gets his tactics right - the league table tells you that - but he must be given more ammunition with which to crush the resistance of those sides looking to frustrate .

The opposition wo n't change next season , but there 's a good chance Newcastle will if the right players are signed in what should be an exciting summer .

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A young drug user attempted to burgle a house , but his plan quickly unravelled when the homeowner watched his attempts to break in from a doorbell camera .

A damning screenshot of the incident was shared on social media , leading the would-be intruder to recognise himself and turn himself in to the police . Despite the evidence against him , he initially tried to talk his way out of being involved , Hull Crown Court heard .

Lewis Mist , 20 , of The Crescent , Bridlington , admitted to an offence of attempted burglary on July 25 . He initially denied the offence but later changed his plea to guilty .

Prosecutor Billy Torbett said that CCTV images showed Mist near a house in Driffield in the early hours of the morning .

The homeowner watched the doorbell camera footage and saw Mist walking down the side of the house before reaching out to try the door handle .

" The defendant walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past the camera and leaving , " Mr Torbett explained . A screenshot of the incident was then posted on social media , reports Hull Live .

Lewis Mist , pictured outside Hull Crown Court ( Image : Hull Live )

" The defendant actually handed himself in to the police station , " said Mr Torbett . During the police interview , however , Mist gave no comment to all questions .

He had no previous convictions , but he had cautions for five previous offences , including shoplifting and assault .

At a previous hearing before Hull Magistrates ' Court , Mist denied the offence and elected to have the case heard by a jury at Hull Crown Court -- despite the doorbell camera pictures .

He agreed in court that this was " ridiculous " but claimed it was what his solicitor had advised him to do .

Mist claimed that he did not know why he had been in Driffield that night when he lived in Bridlington at the time .

He agreed that he needed to give up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of them .

Holly Thompson , mitigating , said that Mist was unemployed and he had suffered problems . " He is still consuming alcohol , " said Miss Thompson .

" He suffers with withdrawal . He accepts that he has a problem . He is trying and attempting to reduce his alcohol misuse . "

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site , analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising . You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data , at any time clicking the " Do Not Sell or Share my Data " button at the bottom of the webpage . Please note that your preferences are browser specific . Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice .

A young drug user attempted to burgle a house , but his plan quickly unravelled when the homeowner watched his attempts to break in from a doorbell camera .

A damning screenshot of the incident was shared on social media , leading the would-be intruder to recognise himself and turn himself in to the police . Despite the evidence against him , he initially tried to talk his way out of being involved , Hull Crown Court heard .

Lewis Mist , 20 , of The Crescent , Bridlington , admitted to an offence of attempted burglary on July 25 . He initially denied the offence but later changed his plea to guilty .

Prosecutor Billy Torbett said that CCTV images showed Mist near a house in Driffield in the early hours of the morning .

The homeowner watched the doorbell camera footage and saw Mist walking down the side of the house before reaching out to try the door handle .

" The defendant walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past the camera and leaving , " Mr Torbett explained . A screenshot of the incident was then posted on social media , reports Hull Live .

Lewis Mist , pictured outside Hull Crown Court ( Image : Hull Live )

" The defendant actually handed himself in to the police station , " said Mr Torbett . During the police interview , however , Mist gave no comment to all questions .

He had no previous convictions , but he had cautions for five previous offences , including shoplifting and assault .

At a previous hearing before Hull Magistrates ' Court , Mist denied the offence and elected to have the case heard by a jury at Hull Crown Court -- despite the doorbell camera pictures .

He agreed in court that this was " ridiculous " but claimed it was what his solicitor had advised him to do .

Mist claimed that he did not know why he had been in Driffield that night when he lived in Bridlington at the time .

He agreed that he needed to give up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of them .

Holly Thompson , mitigating , said that Mist was unemployed and he had suffered problems . " He is still consuming alcohol , " said Miss Thompson .

" He suffers with withdrawal . He accepts that he has a problem . He is trying and attempting to reduce his alcohol misuse . "

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site , analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising . You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data , at any time clicking the " Do Not Sell or Share my Data " button at the bottom of the webpage . Please note that your preferences are browser specific . Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice .

The Berkeley 's newest restaurant , La M ? me , is best when it leans into eccentricity , but the food needs work , says Adam Bloodworth

The Maybourne Group run the very plushest London hotels . Their newest , The Emory -- London 's first and only all-suite hotel -- charges north of a grand for an entry-level room . It opened last year as a modern counterpart to Maybourne 's two legendary properties , Claridge 's and The Connaught .

Not that the hotel is n't formidable . At the end of 2023 it closed its restaurant , Marcus at The Berkeley , when it still had a Michelin star . That 's quite the statement , and in place of Marcus arrives La M ? me with its promise of transporting weary Londoners to sunnier climes by way of food and vibe .

The Berkeley 's new restaurant achieves one of those things . With a Mediterranean menu touting the flavour and colour of the French Riviera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dreary grey colour pallette of Marcus ' restaurant . Photographs examining the lives of socialites and celebrities by late US photographer Slim Aarons line the walls , and the sofa banquettes are now orange , red and forest green . La M ? me at The Berkeley London : the eccentric cocktails are best

At La M ? me at The Berkeley , starters work well for sharing

A very enthusiastic man plays classic pop and rock hits from a shiny white piano . Even the cushions have a funky , vaguely noughties style . White tablecloths remain , however , because I suppose there can be too much fun , and if you 're charging ? 59 for a king crab salad ( more on that later ) then you want to give off ' but the food is actually very serious , thank you very much ' energy , too .

So , how did we get here ? Gloria and Circolo Populaire heralded a new era of hedonistic dining over the last couple of years , suggesting that even if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Africa over their amuse bouches . When Mayfair and Mahiki closed , and clubbing went out of fashion , restaurants like these assumed the mantle , offering a relatively tame brand of escapism for those with fat wallets . But like Gloria and Circolo Populaire , La M ? me at The Berkeley is unlikely to get a Michelin star . Read more

La M ? me is at its most transportative when it leans into its eccentric USP . The Fizzy Lollipop cocktail was the best of a very good cocktail list . It 's like a grown-up Haribo

The food tends towards style over substance . Bread arrives with thyme snippable with scissors , which is kinda cute . Next , a decent tuna tartare , presented startlingly on a multicoloured plate . Of the rest of the starters , the squid was dry , and the king crab salad , costing a flatly ridiculous ? 59 , fails to find the right avocado to crab ratio . It ends up being a challenge for two of us to get through all the oily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plate .

The nut-crusted rack of lamb was presented on a mini barbecue that would n't stop smoking even though the managers tried twice to halt the hazard . Crusted with pistachio , walnut , hazelnut , cumin , lemon and thyme , it was overpowering , though we did get a laugh out of trying to get the thing to stop sending billowing smoke signals into the gods . The black truffle macaroni , meanwhile , was hard work , tasting strangely claggy .

La M ? me is at its most transportative when it leans into its eccentric USP . The Fizzy Lollipop cocktail was the best of a very good cocktail list . It 's like a grown-up Haribo , containing tequila , berry liqueur , raspberry cordial and cherry soda ; it snapped , crackled and popped and was great fun -- the type of joyous escapism I 'd hoped to find in the food . The chocolate fondant pud was also really nice .

The piano guy had n't noticed that his foot was banging so hard on the wooden base of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . In the row of seating below him , a lady wearing sunglasses and off-the-shoulder fur walked in at 10pm and ordered a steak . It was hard to tell who wanted to be looked at more . La M ? me is where to go to be the star of your own show . To embrace -- as the kids would say -- Main Character Energy . If you have no interest in that , do n't bother .

Defending champion Jake Hill had one of his least memorable British Touring Car Championship weekends at Snetterton .

Platts Heath 's Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport pilot Hill returned home from Norfolk with a best result of ninth - earned in race three - after a non-classification in race one and 11th place in race two . He remains third in the championship standings .

Jake Hill in the thick of the British Touring Car Championship action at Snetterton . Picture : Jakob Ebrey Photography

Things looked promising when West Surrey Racing-run Hill was fastest in Friday 's opening free practice session and sixth-quickest in practice two , but he was knocked out of qualifying early to line up 20th for race one , where a first-lap collision with Toyota 's Aron Taylor-Smith caused suspension damage that left him five laps down on winner Dan Cammish after a lengthy repair in the pits .

Hill 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosting issue before finishing 16th and 10th .

" It 's been one of the most challenging weekends of my touring car career and certainly one of the most challenging I can remember since coming to WSR , " said Hill .

" We 've still learned a lot , which is good for progress with both the car and the team , but it 's been difficult with my best result being ninth . "

The team did celebrate a fine Jack Sears Trophy result . The JST - named after the series ' inaugural champion - is contested by drivers with one or fewer podium finishes to their name at the start of the season , meaning WSR 's series rookie Charles Rainford and sophomore racer Daryl DeLeon are both in contention in 2025 .

The duo hold the top two places in the standings - DeLeon in front - after 12th , ninth and seventh places for Rainford , while DeLeon was 10th , 15th and 19th .

Team principal Dick Bennetts added : " It 's been a tough weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is a positive , and got the manufacturers ' win in race two .

" Daryl and Charles are sitting one-two in the Jack Sears Trophy - which was one of our major targets for the year , and both Jake and Aiden 's days were hampered by what happened in race one . We clearly have work to do for Thruxton , so working on that will be the focus over the coming days . "

Meanwhile Nicolas Hamilton , driving for Fawkham-based Un-Limited Motorsport , was 18th in race one and 22nd in races two and three .

Amid concerns that Ibrahima Konate could yet leave the club when his contract expires next summer , Liverpool have now reportedly made fresh contact in the race to sign his potential replacement . Liverpool 's Konate concern

After Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper at the same time as Trent Alexander-Arnold opted out of signing a new deal , some around Anfield may have been glad to just bring an end to an ongoing contract saga . As it happens , however , Liverpool are n't far off from having the exact same concern with Konate .

As things stand , the Frenchman will leave the club as a free agent this time next year and rumours have already circled regarding Real Madrid 's interest . After already losing Alexander-Arnold on a free deal to the Spanish giants , the last thing that Michael Edwards and FSG will want is to see Konate go down the same route . And that could leave them with a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , himself , has recently had his say on his future , telling reporters : " I know I have a lot of objectives with this club : to become a leader , to win everything . I am very happy here to be fair .

" This is another conversation with the club and my agent , we will see what will happen in the next few weeks or I do n't know when but we will see , let me say that . Progressing ? Not really -- but my agent met the club last week but I do n't know what will happen . I can not say what my agent said to me but yeah we will see what will happen . "

Whilst the hope will be that he puts pen to paper and follows Van Dijk and Salah by securing his future at the club , Liverpool have already reportedly been planning for his potential departure . Liverpool make contact in race for ? 75m Lukeba

According to Rudy Galetti of TeamTalk , Liverpool have now made contact in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive defender could yet complete the same move that Konate made not so long ago by swapping the German club for Anfield , and given that he could be replacing his countryman the deal would certainly make sense .

That said , Castello would n't come cheap . Reports have even suggested that the Frenchman has a release clause worth as much as ? 90m ( ? 75m ) at Leipzig . Arne Slot is reportedly a fan of the defender , however , and that could certainly go a long way to making a deal happen in the near future .

Praised for an " amazing " debut season at Leipzig by U23 scout Antonio Mango , it may not be too long before Lukeba is making another debut elsewhere . As Liverpool 's Konate doubt rumbles on , he 's certainly someone to watch .

Motoring on - Sean Thacker has left Colchester United to take up a new career as a qualified driving instructor ( Image : NEWSQUEST )

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

A LONG-SERVING Colchester United coach is waving farewell to the football pitch and hitting the road after becoming a driving instructor .

Experienced football coach Sean Thacker has brought the curtain down on an impressive 30-year coaching career including a productive 16-year spell at the U 's , in which time he served multiple roles at the club , most recently head of player care .

Thacker , who coached at Ipswich Town for 14 years prior to joining Colchester , is now a fully qualified and approved driving instructor and is looking forward to embracing a brand-new career .

He said : " It came out of preaching to the boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage where you start to wonder if you need a little bit of a change .

" It was something I 'd been thinking about more as a hobby and then stumbled across the idea of being a driving instructor through one of the former guys working at Colchester , Tony Ashby , who took the same path .

" He told me his story and how he was using the skills he 'd learnt through years of coaching and it made a lot of sense .

" I 've been training for a year and there 's a lot of transferable skills ; as I 've been out in my training period , I 've been working with the same age people as I had through Colchester United and Ipswich and I 'm finding it 's a lot of the same thing .

" Rather than helping them find their way on a football pitch or in a career , it 's helping them feel comfortable at the wheel of a car .

( Image : NEWSQUEST LTD )

" There 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives you a fresh lease , if you like .

" One of my pupils just passed her test and that gave me a similar sense of pride to seeing a young footballer who I 've coached do well .

" You see not just the relief but also the joy and that very first pass did ring true to my times at Colchester , when you see someone achieve .

" Now I 'm hoping to have more and more of them , in the same way as we saw players achieve at Colchester .

" I 'll always be grateful to Robbie Cowling for the opportunity and all of the other guys but the club are moving in a nice place and I think now is the right time . "

Thacker first joined Colchester as a part-time coach and has served as their assistant academy manager , interim academy manager , head of coaching and most recently , head of player care .

In his time at the U 's , he helped countless young players progress from the academy including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poku .

" When I first applied for the full-time role at Colchester , Robbie sold the idea of going from a Centre of Excellence to an academy , " said Thacker .

" The academy system moved to EPPP ( Elite Player Performance Plan ) and that was a big reason why I felt it was good for me , because there was a huge importance placed on youth at that stage .

" Me and a couple of other guys who had worked at Ipswich were able to bring some of the things that had worked well there to Colchester , where youth was becoming a bit of a focus for Robbie .

" There 's a whole host of great staff who have been around all of those lads like Sammie Szmodics and Junior Tchamadeu .

( Image : Bradley Collyer )

" There 's no greater feeling of pride than when you see one of your former players on the TV or scoring a goal or getting a transfer or becoming an international -- it always gives you a really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " As well as those who have made it and have gone onto have sustained careers , one of the roles I was performing over the last three years was going out and following our youngsters out on loan and every week , you 'd see former players .

" It was great to see how well they were doing , not only playing football but how they were creating their own careers , some completely away from football .

" Their memories and the way they looked back on their time at the club is always positive .

" We all know the stats that get trotted out but there 's not many players who finish their careers at Ipswich or Colchester that never have to work again , so you have to prepare them for whatever lies ahead .

" In some cases , it 's going into a football career and dealing with what comes of that and for others , it 's finding a new career path . "

So , what will Thacker miss most about coaching ?

" @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around players , " he said .

" Over 30 years and more if I go back to grassroots coaching , it 's always been about players -- that 's never changed .

" The more you can work around players and be around them , the trust comes with it and just looking at what they can do and what they can achieve and the areas where they need a little bit more support .

" It 's been really humbling to receive messages from people , some I perhaps had n't coached in 20-odd years who have said that they 've used some of the bits that I 've said or took up coaching because of it .

" I 've got a couple of players who I had at Ipswich who have gone on to become Football League managers in Liam Manning and Matt Bloomfield .

" In football , you do make lifelong acquaintances and friendships and that 's been a real positive for me since announcing that decision . "

Sean currently has available time slots for new learners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

Motoring on - Sean Thacker has left Colchester United to take up a new career as a qualified driving instructor ( Image : NEWSQUEST )

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

A LONG-SERVING Colchester United coach is waving farewell to the football pitch and hitting the road after becoming a driving instructor .

Experienced football coach Sean Thacker has brought the curtain down on an impressive 30-year coaching career including a productive 16-year spell at the U 's , in which time he served multiple roles at the club , most recently head of player care .

Thacker , who coached at Ipswich Town for 14 years prior to joining Colchester , is now a fully qualified and approved driving instructor and is looking forward to embracing a brand-new career .

He said : " It came out of preaching to the boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage where you start to wonder if you need a little bit of a change .

" It was something I 'd been thinking about more as a hobby and then stumbled across the idea of being a driving instructor through one of the former guys working at Colchester , Tony Ashby , who took the same path .

" He told me his story and how he was using the skills he 'd learnt through years of coaching and it made a lot of sense .

" I 've been training for a year and there 's a lot of transferable skills ; as I 've been out in my training period , I 've been working with the same age people as I had through Colchester United and Ipswich and I 'm finding it 's a lot of the same thing .

" Rather than helping them find their way on a football pitch or in a career , it 's helping them feel comfortable at the wheel of a car .

( Image : NEWSQUEST LTD )

" There 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives you a fresh lease , if you like .

" One of my pupils just passed her test and that gave me a similar sense of pride to seeing a young footballer who I 've coached do well .

" You see not just the relief but also the joy and that very first pass did ring true to my times at Colchester , when you see someone achieve .

" Now I 'm hoping to have more and more of them , in the same way as we saw players achieve at Colchester .

" I 'll always be grateful to Robbie Cowling for the opportunity and all of the other guys but the club are moving in a nice place and I think now is the right time . "

Thacker first joined Colchester as a part-time coach and has served as their assistant academy manager , interim academy manager , head of coaching and most recently , head of player care .

In his time at the U 's , he helped countless young players progress from the academy including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poku .

" When I first applied for the full-time role at Colchester , Robbie sold the idea of going from a Centre of Excellence to an academy , " said Thacker .

" The academy system moved to EPPP ( Elite Player Performance Plan ) and that was a big reason why I felt it was good for me , because there was a huge importance placed on youth at that stage .

" Me and a couple of other guys who had worked at Ipswich were able to bring some of the things that had worked well there to Colchester , where youth was becoming a bit of a focus for Robbie .

" There 's a whole host of great staff who have been around all of those lads like Sammie Szmodics and Junior Tchamadeu .

( Image : Bradley Collyer )

" There 's no greater feeling of pride than when you see one of your former players on the TV or scoring a goal or getting a transfer or becoming an international -- it always gives you a really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " As well as those who have made it and have gone onto have sustained careers , one of the roles I was performing over the last three years was going out and following our youngsters out on loan and every week , you 'd see former players .

" It was great to see how well they were doing , not only playing football but how they were creating their own careers , some completely away from football .

" Their memories and the way they looked back on their time at the club is always positive .

" We all know the stats that get trotted out but there 's not many players who finish their careers at Ipswich or Colchester that never have to work again , so you have to prepare them for whatever lies ahead .

" In some cases , it 's going into a football career and dealing with what comes of that and for others , it 's finding a new career path . "

So , what will Thacker miss most about coaching ?

" @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around players , " he said .

" Over 30 years and more if I go back to grassroots coaching , it 's always been about players -- that 's never changed .

" The more you can work around players and be around them , the trust comes with it and just looking at what they can do and what they can achieve and the areas where they need a little bit more support .

" It 's been really humbling to receive messages from people , some I perhaps had n't coached in 20-odd years who have said that they 've used some of the bits that I 've said or took up coaching because of it .

" I 've got a couple of players who I had at Ipswich who have gone on to become Football League managers in Liam Manning and Matt Bloomfield .

" In football , you do make lifelong acquaintances and friendships and that 's been a real positive for me since announcing that decision . "

Sean currently has available time slots for new learners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

If you want two different phone numbers , getting two different phones is the most logical option .

But that can be very expensive , and still means you have to carry around two devices almost everywhere .

Luckily , there 's a much easier solution : dual-SIM phones . As the name suggests , they allow you to have two SIM cards ( and consequently , phone numbers ) on the same device . Paired with a couple of great SIM-only deals , it takes the hassle out of having two different phone numbers .

As useful as eSIM is , especially while travelling abroad , sometimes you ca n't beat the convenience of moving physical SIMs between devices in seconds .

In this article , we 're only including handsets with slots for two physical SIM cards , meaning they 're all Android phones . In some cases , you 'll have to choose between a second SIM card or Micro-SD expansion , though , so make sure you choose a model with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best phone you can buy , and the good news is that it supports two SIM cards in almost all markets . The bad news ? That does n't include the US , which allows for two eSIM profiles alongside one physical SIM slot .

However , that does n't stop the S25 Ultra from being a stellar phone . There are now even fewer weaknesses than before , with even more processing power , small but noticeable camera improvements and a new anti-reflective screen that puts the 6.9-inch , 120Hz OLED panel in a league of its own . The newly rounded corners make it easier to hold .

You also get the best software experience we 've ever seen on a Samsung phone ( and maybe an Android phone full stop ) , with an extensive suite of genuinely useful AI features and class-leading seven-year update support .

However , it 's by no means perfect . It 's a shame to see the built-in S Pen downgraded to be without Bluetooth , while such a heavy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also still very expensive .

But if you want the best of the best when it comes to smartphones right now , the S25 Ultra is the device to get .

The OnePlus 13 takes what made the OnePlus 12 so great and makes it even better . This is the best phone OnePlus has ever made , and up there with the finest around right now . It also supports dual physical SIM cards in all markets where it 's available -- including the UK and US .

What makes it so good ? It 's a brilliant combination of top-class hardware , slick software and extensive support , meaning the phone could be your main phone for many years to come .

Highlights include the stellar Snapdragon 8 Elite performance , a gorgeous 6.82-inch OLED screen and incredible battery life with 100W charging support . Those factors alone are enough to make it worth considering .

But the OnePlus 13 is equally impressive on the software side , with Oxygen OS one of the best Android skins around and lots of useful AI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of security updates is n't class-leading , but plenty good enough for most people .

With all that in mind , and a price tag that significantly undercuts many rivals , why would n't you buy it ? Unfortunately , while good enough for most people , the cameras are a clear step down from the best around , which will be a dealbreaker for many .

If you can look beyond that and the fact a case is required for MagSafe-style magnetic charging accessories , the OnePlus 13 will serve you very well .

If photography is your top priority , there 's no better phone than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra right now . When it comes to stills , the handset is in a league of its own .

Alongside a trio of 50Mp lenses ( main , ultrawide and 3x telephoto ) , you also now get a 200Mp periscope with 4.3x optical zoom . That enables some of the best zoom shots you 'll find on any phone , though the loss of variable aperture on main lens makes it slightly less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the optional Photography Kit accessory , it comes closer to replacing a DSLR than any other handset . A very capable 32Mp selfie camera is the icing on the cake .

However , you wo n't be taking photos all the time , so it 's good to know that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts top-tier performance , a gorgeous display and strong battery life ( plus 90W fast charging ) , all with a durable yet chunky design .

Its main drawback is on the software side , where Xiaomi 's HyperOS 2 skin does n't feel particularly intuitive and AI features are n't always flawless .

Given the high price tag , there are better options out there if you 're happy with photos that are just ' very good ' . But if you want the absolute best photography experience out there , the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the phone for you .

However , it 's also worth considering the regular Xiaomi 15 , which is more compact and affordable but retains dual-SIM support . Neither are available in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Find X6 and Find X7 series flagships outside China , the Find X8 series marks a triumphant return to Europe . Sadly , its launch has n't been extended to include the US .

Both the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro are excellent phones , but the latter has the slight upper hand . It 's powerful , good-looking , offers amazing battery life and has plenty of software perks .

But it 's the cameras that set it apart from rivals , and turn a great phone into a superb one . For pure image quality , it 's probably only the Xiaomi 14 Ultra that can rival it right now for UK buyers .

The phone is n't without its compromises -- there are a couple of small camera downgrades compared to the Find X7 Ultra , while the software takes some getting used to -- but there 's no doubt that the Find X8 Pro is up there with the very best phones right now .

The inclusion of support for two physical SIM cards only sweetens the deal . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Pros

Incredibly stylish design

Affordable price point

Slick and speedy software

Great battery life

Cons

Ultrawide camera is n't great

No charger in the box

With a starting price of just ? 329/$379 , the Nothing Phone ( 3a ) is one of the most affordable mid-range phones out there . But for most people , there 's no need to spend more , especially when it supports dual physical SIM cards in all markets where it 's sold .

The Phone ( 3a ) offers an impressive combination of premium , unique design , rapid performance and great battery life . The display is a slick 120Hz OLED , and Nothing 's take on Android 15 is a compelling one , especially with up to seven years of updates .

The main compromise is the cameras , but the 50Mp main , 50Mp telephoto and 32Mp selfie lenses still outshine many rivals at this price . The 8Mp ultrawide is the big disappointment , but that wo n't be solved by paying more for the ( 3a ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an impressively well-rounded phone at a fraction of the price of flagships . Unless you really care about photography , AI features or the absolute best performance , the phone will serve you well .

Nothing sub-brand CMF 's second phone might adopt the ' Pro ' name , but it 's still very much a budget phone . And with a starting price of just ? 219/$279 ( more storage in the US ) , you wo n't find a better handset for the money . The fact it supports dual SIM cards is the icing on the cake .

What makes the Phone 2 Pro so special ? Essentially , it takes everything that made the CMF Phone 1 so good and makes it significantly better , in exchange for only a small price increase .

We 're talking two brand-new camera sensors , with the main lens also getting significantly better . For the price , you can expect some of the best photos around .

Add that to a brighter , more accurate display , a nice performance boost and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contactless payments ) , and the Phone 2 Pro has a lot going for it .

The standout , customisable design remains , as does Nothing 's user-friendly take on Android 15 . The three years of OS updates are a little underwhelming , while you do n't get full water or dust resistance , but the CMF Phone 2 Pro undoubtedly has a lot going for it .

The Razr 60 Ultra is the best foldable phone you can buy right now , and it supports dual SIM cards in most countries . The main exception is the US , so if you 're based there , go for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or wait for the Flip 7 instead .

However , if you 're based in the UK or elsewhere , the Razr is the better buy . It excels in most of the key areas , including a stunning design ( with real wood and Alcantara options ) and two gorgeous OLED displays : 4-inch cover and 7-inch internal . The former also allows you to easily run any app , unlike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lenses getting in the way .

Both the 50Mp main and 50Mp ultrawide are impressive , and being able to use either for selfies is great , though the lack of a telephoto lens is frustrating , especially at this price . The relative lack of updates is also a little disappointing , but that 's about where the downsides end .

Great battery life , fast charging , excellent performance and top-tier durability make it not just the best flip phone on the market , but the best foldable phone full stop . Just make sure it 's a dual-SIM phone in the region where you 're based before buying one . 8 . Xiaomi 14T -- Brilliant mid-range hardware

If you want a mid-range dual-SIM phone that could easily pass as a flagship , the Xiaomi 14T is for you .

It looks and performs a lot like the regular Xiaomi 14 , yet starts at just ? 549 in the UK . Sadly , it 's not available in the US .

And there 's a lot to like here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display . The cameras are surprisingly great , despite being a clear step down from Xiaomi 's class-leading 14 Ultra .

Solid battery life is supported by impressive 67W fast charging , even if the necessary charger is n't in the box and there 's no wireless charging .

This is a phone with almost no hardware weaknesses , though the software is still underwhelming at times . Google 's Circle to Search feature is genuinely useful , but Xiaomi 's own AI attempts are n't always successful .

Xiaomi 's commitment to four major OS updates and five years of security patches is solid , though . And as an all-rounder , you 'll struggle to find anything better at this price point . You could step up to the 14T Pro , but the extra ? 150 ( it starts at ? 699 ) simply is n't worth it for most people .

Like the Galaxy S25 Ultra , the S25+ supports two physical SIM cards in the UK and most markets , but does n't in the US . Instead , you 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's a dealbreaker for you , it 's a real shame , because this is an excellent phone . Despite being significantly cheaper than the S25 Ultra , it retains all the hallmarks of a great flagship phone .

That includes class-leading performance from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset , a large and vibrant 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display and a sleek , premium design . The One UI 7 software experience is up there with the best around , especially with useful Galaxy AI features and a full seven years of OS and security updates .

However , while the main rear camera is excellent , the supporting lenses are n't the best . And when you come from genuinely fast charging phones , the 45W speeds on the S25+ feel slow .

The Galaxy A16 5G is an unremarkable budget phone , but it 's also very easy to recommend . It 's an affordable dual-SIM phone that looks the part and offers a great display and strong main camera .

Software is another key strength , with Samsung 's slick One UI skin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main area of compromise , though we 've only tested the version that uses Samsung 's own Exynos 1330 chipset . If you live in a market where it uses the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 , your experience may be different .

The secondary cameras also are n't great , while battery life is actually worse than the previous Galaxy A15 5G . Though neither should be dealbreakers , especially when you 're paying so little and getting so much elsewhere .

You may be aware that there 's also a 4G-only model , but it 's not just 5G support that you lose there , so we 'd recommend making the step up .

We 've seen smartphone makers scramble to offer the biggest , brightest , highest-resolution , fastest-refreshing , toughest , flexible , foldable and even three-dimensional displays ; we 've seen an arms race in processors and graphics in the quest for the ultimate mobile performance ; a long-running game of how many cameras -- and then how many megapixels -- they can first squeeze on to the handset , and later hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go -- never mind all day -- but all week ; and new technologies that enable water resistant and vastly improve audio .

We 've held your hand through a fascinating journey of mobile hardware , and today -- some 17 years later -- it 's the software smarts and once impossible-to-imagine AI capabilities that glue us to this path . We perform in-depth , real-world testing on every new dual-SIM phone that 's worth buying ( dozens every single year ) , adopting it as our primary phone for the most authentic experience possible and making sure we are in a position to give you the best possible phone buying advice . Buying guide for dual-SIM phones

1 . How do dual-SIM phones work ?

Something we 've noticed when shopping for dual-SIM phones is that the manufacturer very rarely provides any information about the functionality other than the fact it exists . It does n't tell you how the dual-SIM functionality works in practice , nor whether both SIMs support 4G/5G , or even what size SIM cards they accept .

You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturer or check spec tables , reviews , or forums to find out this information .

In all the dual-SIM phones we 've tested , both SIMs are on standby at all times ( known as dual-standby phones ) , but you can actively use only one SIM at a time . This means that either SIM can accept a phone call or text at any time , without you having to actively swap between them or reboot the phone .

However , if you get a call on one number while a call is active on the other , it wo n't start ringing in your ear or give you the option to put the first caller on hold -- the call will simply not come through .

2 . What is the difference between Dual-Standby and Dual-Active ?

Dual-active SIM phones use two modems and allow you to receive calls on both numbers at once .

If it 's you who wants to make a call or send a text , Android has a standard SIM Management menu that lets you specify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls , messages and mobile data . You can either specify a particular SIM for each of these tasks or leave the setting as ' Always Ask ' .

The data connection is where there seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to dual-SIM phones . Whereas both SIM slots on some dual-SIM phones are capable of supporting 4G or 5G connections , you can use data connectivity on only one SIM at a time .

Unlike with calls and texts , typically speaking , the data connection ca n't be on standby for both SIMs ; you must specify which SIM you want to use rather than select one when prompted -- though some phones will let you set them to switch to the other SIM when the first ca n't make a connection .

By default , when you are using the data connection on one SIM and a phone call comes in to the other , it will pause the data connection on the first .

3 . Can you use dual-SIM with a Micro-SD card ?

If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expandable storage , your options will be limited .

While most phones with expandable Micro-SD storage also offer dual-SIM , typically the SD card has to use that second SIM slot , forcing you to choose between storage and the SIM .

If this is a priority for you , make sure to check reviews and specs carefully for phones that support two SIMs and a microSD card simultaneously -- there are some out there -- or look out for a combo of microSD and eSIM support .

4 . Are there any dual-SIM iPhones ?

Yes and no. iPhones only ship with two physical SIM trays in mainland China , Hong Kong , and Macau , and even then , it 's only some models .

So , if you do n't live there , then you ca n't use two physical SIM cards in an iPhone . That 's why we have n't included any iPhones in our list above .

However , every iPhone that supports eSIM -- those from the XS and XR onwards -- allows you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and those from the iPhone 13 onwards even allow you to set up dual-SIM with two eSIMs .

5 . Are there any dual-SIM Google Pixel phones ?

It 's a similar story for Google as for Apple . Phones from the Pixel 3a onwards allow you to use a single physical SIM along with a second eSIM , while the latest models -- from the 7 onwards -- include support for dual eSIM .

However , none of the Pixel phones allow you to install two physical SIM cards simultaneously .

Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor , where he 's been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019 . In his current role , Anyron is responsible for all smartphone , tablet and mobile network coverage on the site . A BA Journalism graduate , he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services , including smartphones , tablets , foldables , wearables and more .

CNN 's Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden 's health cover-up .

Tapper 's new book , ' Original Sin : President Biden 's Decline , Its Cover-Up , and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again , ' co-authored with Axios ' Alex Thompson , has sparked mass frustration and speculation as many believe the journalist was complicit in Biden 's cover-up .

Both Tapper and Thompson sat down with Stephen A. Smith Wednesday to discuss the book and the massive response it 's gotten from people across the country .

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper to say that ' very few people write books to make money . '

' No , our only agenda was to find out what happened . Our only agenda was to write this book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left it 's a money grab , I mean that 's not the case . It 's not - this is , I do n't want to get into where my money comes from . You know , CNN is my main job and that 's where my main source of income , by far ... Very few people write books to make money , ' he babbled on .

' You write a book because you want to say something . You want to have a legacy , you want to uncover something , you have a message you want to get out there , ' Tapper stated , adding ' I do n't think people write books about Joe Biden to make money ' as Thompson smiled .

CNN ' s Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden ' s health cover-up

It claims to blow the lid off an alleged White House campaign that hid Biden 's cognitive decline from the American people . ( Pictured : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , ' Smith chimed in .

The embattled CNN star 's recent commentary on his book comes on the heels of mounting criticism he 's been receiving for it .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history .

People quickly took to social media and labeled him a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' for writing the book and working for a left-leaning network that they suspect worked with the Biden administration in the cover-up .

' He 's such a fraud , ' one user on X wrote after another posted several clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government .

In the video , Tapper was heard appearing to mock Trump 's previous mentions of being a part of a ' witch hunt , ' as he said : ' They 've caught a few witches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictments . '

In the clips from 2018 , Tapper also ranted about how terrible it was that there were people who tried to ' stop an investigation into what happened ' - calling it ' unpatriotic ' - despite the fact he seemingly did the same when right-leaning media tried to probe Biden 's ailing health during his term .

The compilation , along with the release of his new book , enraged many people who strongly believe he is a ' liar ' who is ' trying to get out of being held accountable . '

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper , who wrote it with co-author Alex Thompson , to say that ' very few people write books to make money '

' He was and still is down for the cause . We are not fooled or amused , ' wrote another .

' No retractions , no apologies , and no consequences for those who pushed a false narrative for years , ' a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he 's lying . He knew all along that it was bullsh** and still carried the democrat party 's water . '

On Tuesday , President Donald Trump 's daughter-in-law Laura Trump revealed that Tapper called her to apologize for a condescending on-air dispute in 2020 where he dismissed her concerns about Biden 's mental acuity .

Laure revealed the phone call on Fox but said his apology was ' a little too late ' -conveniently taking place just weeks before the publication of his tell-all book about the very topic .

One of the most prominent examples of this was back in October 2020 , when Lara pointed to a speech of Biden 's and said : ' What we see on stage is a very clear cognitive decline . '

Tapper immediately interjected , savaging her with a haughty response that she had ' absolutely no standing to diagnose somebody 's cognitive decline ' and accusing her of instead ' mocking his stutter . '

While Tapper has publicly apologized for his response and admitted a sense of ' humility ' over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to her privately two months ago .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history . ( Pictured : Jill and Joe Biden in March )

' Jake Tapper called me about two months ago and he said " I have this book coming out , " ' she told Fox News host Laura Ingraham .

Tapper told her ' I know everybody is saying I should apologize to you . I plan , when the book comes out , to go on TV and say you were right and I was wrong . '

While she appreciated the acknowledgment and that Tapper has since stuck to his word by apologizing publicly , she noted that ' it feels a little bit too late to me . '

' Jake Tapper ca n't discount his role in that , no matter how much he wants to come out now , ' she said .

' They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason Donald Trump is in the White House right now . People like authenticity . '

We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline . To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account . We 'll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook .

You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook . Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content , marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy .

CNN 's Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden 's health cover-up .

Tapper 's new book , ' Original Sin : President Biden 's Decline , Its Cover-Up , and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again , ' co-authored with Axios ' Alex Thompson , has sparked mass frustration and speculation as many believe the journalist was complicit in Biden 's cover-up .

Both Tapper and Thompson sat down with Stephen A. Smith Wednesday to discuss the book and the massive response it 's gotten from people across the country .

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper to say that ' very few people write books to make money . '

' No , our only agenda was to find out what happened . Our only agenda was to write this book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left it 's a money grab , I mean that 's not the case . It 's not - this is , I do n't want to get into where my money comes from . You know , CNN is my main job and that 's where my main source of income , by far ... Very few people write books to make money , ' he babbled on .

' You write a book because you want to say something . You want to have a legacy , you want to uncover something , you have a message you want to get out there , ' Tapper stated , adding ' I do n't think people write books about Joe Biden to make money ' as Thompson smiled .

CNN ' s Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden ' s health cover-up

It claims to blow the lid off an alleged White House campaign that hid Biden 's cognitive decline from the American people . ( Pictured : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , ' Smith chimed in .

The embattled CNN star 's recent commentary on his book comes on the heels of mounting criticism he 's been receiving for it .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history .

People quickly took to social media and labeled him a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' for writing the book and working for a left-leaning network that they suspect worked with the Biden administration in the cover-up .

' He 's such a fraud , ' one user on X wrote after another posted several clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government .

In the video , Tapper was heard appearing to mock Trump 's previous mentions of being a part of a ' witch hunt , ' as he said : ' They 've caught a few witches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictments . '

In the clips from 2018 , Tapper also ranted about how terrible it was that there were people who tried to ' stop an investigation into what happened ' - calling it ' unpatriotic ' - despite the fact he seemingly did the same when right-leaning media tried to probe Biden 's ailing health during his term .

The compilation , along with the release of his new book , enraged many people who strongly believe he is a ' liar ' who is ' trying to get out of being held accountable . '

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper , who wrote it with co-author Alex Thompson , to say that ' very few people write books to make money '

' He was and still is down for the cause . We are not fooled or amused , ' wrote another .

' No retractions , no apologies , and no consequences for those who pushed a false narrative for years , ' a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he 's lying . He knew all along that it was bullsh** and still carried the democrat party 's water . '

On Tuesday , President Donald Trump 's daughter-in-law Laura Trump revealed that Tapper called her to apologize for a condescending on-air dispute in 2020 where he dismissed her concerns about Biden 's mental acuity .

Laure revealed the phone call on Fox but said his apology was ' a little too late ' -conveniently taking place just weeks before the publication of his tell-all book about the very topic .

One of the most prominent examples of this was back in October 2020 , when Lara pointed to a speech of Biden 's and said : ' What we see on stage is a very clear cognitive decline . '

Tapper immediately interjected , savaging her with a haughty response that she had ' absolutely no standing to diagnose somebody 's cognitive decline ' and accusing her of instead ' mocking his stutter . '

While Tapper has publicly apologized for his response and admitted a sense of ' humility ' over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to her privately two months ago .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history . ( Pictured : Jill and Joe Biden in March )

' Jake Tapper called me about two months ago and he said " I have this book coming out , " ' she told Fox News host Laura Ingraham .

Tapper told her ' I know everybody is saying I should apologize to you . I plan , when the book comes out , to go on TV and say you were right and I was wrong . '

While she appreciated the acknowledgment and that Tapper has since stuck to his word by apologizing publicly , she noted that ' it feels a little bit too late to me . '

' Jake Tapper ca n't discount his role in that , no matter how much he wants to come out now , ' she said .

' They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason Donald Trump is in the White House right now . People like authenticity . '

We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline . To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account . We 'll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook .

You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook . Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content , marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy .

CNN 's Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden 's health cover-up .

Tapper 's new book , ' Original Sin : President Biden 's Decline , Its Cover-Up , and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again , ' co-authored with Axios ' Alex Thompson , has sparked mass frustration and speculation as many believe the journalist was complicit in Biden 's cover-up .

Both Tapper and Thompson sat down with Stephen A. Smith Wednesday to discuss the book and the massive response it 's gotten from people across the country .

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper to say that ' very few people write books to make money . '

' No , our only agenda was to find out what happened . Our only agenda was to write this book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left it 's a money grab , I mean that 's not the case . It 's not - this is , I do n't want to get into where my money comes from . You know , CNN is my main job and that 's where my main source of income , by far ... Very few people write books to make money , ' he babbled on .

' You write a book because you want to say something . You want to have a legacy , you want to uncover something , you have a message you want to get out there , ' Tapper stated , adding ' I do n't think people write books about Joe Biden to make money ' as Thompson smiled .

CNN ' s Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden ' s health cover-up

It claims to blow the lid off an alleged White House campaign that hid Biden 's cognitive decline from the American people . ( Pictured : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , ' Smith chimed in .

The embattled CNN star 's recent commentary on his book comes on the heels of mounting criticism he 's been receiving for it .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history .

People quickly took to social media and labeled him a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' for writing the book and working for a left-leaning network that they suspect worked with the Biden administration in the cover-up .

' He 's such a fraud , ' one user on X wrote after another posted several clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government .

In the video , Tapper was heard appearing to mock Trump 's previous mentions of being a part of a ' witch hunt , ' as he said : ' They 've caught a few witches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictments . '

In the clips from 2018 , Tapper also ranted about how terrible it was that there were people who tried to ' stop an investigation into what happened ' - calling it ' unpatriotic ' - despite the fact he seemingly did the same when right-leaning media tried to probe Biden 's ailing health during his term .

The compilation , along with the release of his new book , enraged many people who strongly believe he is a ' liar ' who is ' trying to get out of being held accountable . '

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper , who wrote it with co-author Alex Thompson , to say that ' very few people write books to make money '

' He was and still is down for the cause . We are not fooled or amused , ' wrote another .

' No retractions , no apologies , and no consequences for those who pushed a false narrative for years , ' a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he 's lying . He knew all along that it was bullsh** and still carried the democrat party 's water . '

On Tuesday , President Donald Trump 's daughter-in-law Laura Trump revealed that Tapper called her to apologize for a condescending on-air dispute in 2020 where he dismissed her concerns about Biden 's mental acuity .

Laure revealed the phone call on Fox but said his apology was ' a little too late ' -conveniently taking place just weeks before the publication of his tell-all book about the very topic .

One of the most prominent examples of this was back in October 2020 , when Lara pointed to a speech of Biden 's and said : ' What we see on stage is a very clear cognitive decline . '

Tapper immediately interjected , savaging her with a haughty response that she had ' absolutely no standing to diagnose somebody 's cognitive decline ' and accusing her of instead ' mocking his stutter . '

While Tapper has publicly apologized for his response and admitted a sense of ' humility ' over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to her privately two months ago .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history . ( Pictured : Jill and Joe Biden in March )

' Jake Tapper called me about two months ago and he said " I have this book coming out , " ' she told Fox News host Laura Ingraham .

Tapper told her ' I know everybody is saying I should apologize to you . I plan , when the book comes out , to go on TV and say you were right and I was wrong . '

While she appreciated the acknowledgment and that Tapper has since stuck to his word by apologizing publicly , she noted that ' it feels a little bit too late to me . '

' Jake Tapper ca n't discount his role in that , no matter how much he wants to come out now , ' she said .

' They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason Donald Trump is in the White House right now . People like authenticity . '

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CNN 's Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden 's health cover-up .

Tapper 's new book , ' Original Sin : President Biden 's Decline , Its Cover-Up , and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again , ' co-authored with Axios ' Alex Thompson , has sparked mass frustration and speculation as many believe the journalist was complicit in Biden 's cover-up .

Both Tapper and Thompson sat down with Stephen A. Smith Wednesday to discuss the book and the massive response it 's gotten from people across the country .

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper to say that ' very few people write books to make money . '

' No , our only agenda was to find out what happened . Our only agenda was to write this book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left it 's a money grab , I mean that 's not the case . It 's not - this is , I do n't want to get into where my money comes from . You know , CNN is my main job and that 's where my main source of income , by far ... Very few people write books to make money , ' he babbled on .

' You write a book because you want to say something . You want to have a legacy , you want to uncover something , you have a message you want to get out there , ' Tapper stated , adding ' I do n't think people write books about Joe Biden to make money ' as Thompson smiled .

CNN ' s Jake Tapper appeared to squirm when asked how much money he 's making from the book he wrote about former President Joe Biden ' s health cover-up

It claims to blow the lid off an alleged White House campaign that hid Biden 's cognitive decline from the American people . ( Pictured : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , ' Smith chimed in .

The embattled CNN star 's recent commentary on his book comes on the heels of mounting criticism he 's been receiving for it .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history .

People quickly took to social media and labeled him a ' fraud ' and ' phony ' for writing the book and working for a left-leaning network that they suspect worked with the Biden administration in the cover-up .

' He 's such a fraud , ' one user on X wrote after another posted several clips of him speaking about the Steele dossier - a research report on Trump 's 2016 presidential campaign that alleged he worked with the Russian government .

In the video , Tapper was heard appearing to mock Trump 's previous mentions of being a part of a ' witch hunt , ' as he said : ' They 've caught a few witches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictments . '

In the clips from 2018 , Tapper also ranted about how terrible it was that there were people who tried to ' stop an investigation into what happened ' - calling it ' unpatriotic ' - despite the fact he seemingly did the same when right-leaning media tried to probe Biden 's ailing health during his term .

The compilation , along with the release of his new book , enraged many people who strongly believe he is a ' liar ' who is ' trying to get out of being held accountable . '

Smith specifically asked the pair what they think about people calling the book a ' money grab , ' leading Tapper , who wrote it with co-author Alex Thompson , to say that ' very few people write books to make money '

' He was and still is down for the cause . We are not fooled or amused , ' wrote another .

' No retractions , no apologies , and no consequences for those who pushed a false narrative for years , ' a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he 's lying . He knew all along that it was bullsh** and still carried the democrat party 's water . '

On Tuesday , President Donald Trump 's daughter-in-law Laura Trump revealed that Tapper called her to apologize for a condescending on-air dispute in 2020 where he dismissed her concerns about Biden 's mental acuity .

Laure revealed the phone call on Fox but said his apology was ' a little too late ' -conveniently taking place just weeks before the publication of his tell-all book about the very topic .

One of the most prominent examples of this was back in October 2020 , when Lara pointed to a speech of Biden 's and said : ' What we see on stage is a very clear cognitive decline . '

Tapper immediately interjected , savaging her with a haughty response that she had ' absolutely no standing to diagnose somebody 's cognitive decline ' and accusing her of instead ' mocking his stutter . '

While Tapper has publicly apologized for his response and admitted a sense of ' humility ' over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to her privately two months ago .

Early reviews of the book , which was released last Tuesday , were quickly overshadowed by allegations that Tapper himself was part of the cover up and is now seemingly trying to rewrite history . ( Pictured : Jill and Joe Biden in March )

' Jake Tapper called me about two months ago and he said " I have this book coming out , " ' she told Fox News host Laura Ingraham .

Tapper told her ' I know everybody is saying I should apologize to you . I plan , when the book comes out , to go on TV and say you were right and I was wrong . '

While she appreciated the acknowledgment and that Tapper has since stuck to his word by apologizing publicly , she noted that ' it feels a little bit too late to me . '

' Jake Tapper ca n't discount his role in that , no matter how much he wants to come out now , ' she said .

' They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason Donald Trump is in the White House right now . People like authenticity . '

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Review at a glance : ? ? ? ? ?

Look , restaurant critics get special treatment , so you probably wo n't have a beer spilt over you here . But I ca n't guarantee it ; it did n't seem entirely out of keeping . Perhaps it 's just a thing they do ? Chinatown once had a reputation for some of this stuff , Wong Kei making its name on a folklore of vaudeville grouchiness that , if it ever existed , has long been given up .

Song He Lou is subtler than chasing poor tippers out with knives , or chastising those on the tap water . But it 's not exactly a barrel of laughs . This is service built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lurid picture book , so no mistakes can be made with orders that are encouraged as swiftly as possible . Payment is taken up front . The food arrives while the echo of the card machine still trembles against the plain walls , staff determinedly cramming big plates on tiny grey tables . It 's not entirely clear if they want you to enjoy yourself .

This is an acknowledgement , not a criticism ; restaurants need n't all be run the same way , and prioritising speed over comfort has a validity of its own . It will appeal to those hungry or with time constraints . It allows for more turnover , benefiting the business . And whichever way it 's cut , if you 're in and out in a flash , it hardly matters if the seats are no more comfortable than those on a Tube platform . But it is worth pointing out that Song He Lou is not for those who dine out in search of comfort and coddling .

Besides , it 's had long enough to decide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can trace its roots back to 1757 , making it younger than Wiltons ( 1742 ) . Here as there , this history is carried lightly : it is acknowledged but not crowed about . There are no pictures of great-great-grandfathers , history lessons are not offered .

The " squirrel-shaped " bass

Press handout

They have not rushed here , but nevertheless appear to be pioneering -- I do not know anywhere else serving Suzhou-style noodles , or specialising in Jiangnan cuisine , though Bloomsbury 's Shanghai Family and Elephant and Castle 's Cheli are both said to offer something along these lines . Still , hard to say everything at Song He Lou feels entirely authentic : there 's chicken katsu if you fancy it . I suspect this is the result of an easy translation rather than a play to tourists who ca n't find a Wagamama .

Those noodles , then . They 're the reason to come . Beautiful pale threads so uniform in size and colour they might have all been cut from the same bale of hay . They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white or red soup . The latter is a reddish-brown broth somewhere between Bovril and clay in colour , its surface mottled with magnifying discs of fat and specked with spring onion . This is a healing kind of broth , heavy with five spice , the kind of broth that cures hangovers and heartbreak and says not to worry about the heating bill . It is this to which I would return . It is solace liquified , the culinary opposite of the service .

There are other things to try . One the restaurant seems particularly keen on is the squirrel-shaped bass . At ? 37.80 for the set meal -- this includes the soup noodles , though many of the set menus do , and most are under ? 20 -- it is the most expensive item on the menu . It comes with a cherry coloured , allegedly sweet-and-sour sauce , though the latter appears to have been forgotten . It rendered the fish all but inedible for me , though it might have suited a knickerbocker glory . Anthony , an old friend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ " But you know me , " he said . " I could drink sugar and give it a 10 . "

This is a healing kind of broth , the kind that cures hangovers and heartbreak and says not to worry about the heating bill

The squirrel thing is a bit of a ruse , as it happens . The flesh of the filleted bass is , in fact , sliced into a porcupine haircut , fried and given peas for eyes . As disguises go , it 's down there with Clark Kent 's glasses . With it came surly preserved mushrooms , cucumber apparently pickled ( briefly , it must have been ) and bright red cherry tomatoes . We also had duck , chicken too . Jiangnan is new , unfamiliar territory to me , and perhaps this is how it 's meant to be . But , well , only the noodles delighted ; the rest disappointed .

Spilt beer ? Who cares . If it was n't for those noodles , that might have been the highlight .

A first time mum has endured months of hurtful comments from her boyfriend , who repeatedly refers to her emergency caesarean section as " the easy way out " .

In a heartfelt post on Reddit , the 25-year-old explained that her son 's birth six months ago was unplanned and frightening . " Things got complicated and it was scary , but we 're both okay now , " she wrote . While the outcome brought relief , the emotional and physical recovery has been anything but easy .

?

Healing has been made even harder by the comments from her partner . " Lately , my boyfriend has made multiple comments about how ' I did n't really give birth ' or ' took the easy way out ' , " she shared . Although he claims he 's " just joking " , she says the words cut deeper with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more it stings . "

The situation escalated recently when he made the comment in front of his sister - who , to the new mum 's relief , immediately shut him down . But even after she confronted him directly and explained how much it hurts , his response was dismissive . " He just laughs and says I 'm too sensitive , " she wrote , adding that he brushes it off with " ' It 's not a real insult , babe . I just mean you did n't have to push . ' "

?

But for her , there was nothing easy about it . " It required surgery and I 'm still recovering from it , " she emphasised . Despite opening up about how deeply the jokes affect her , her boyfriend continues to make them . " He keeps making the same stupid comment , " she wrote . Eventually , she told him plainly that she would n't tolerate it anymore : " I told him it really bothers me and if he ca n't stop , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ "

His response left her feeling even more isolated . " He got annoyed and said I 'm making a big deal out of nothing . I 'm feeling like I overreacted but I also feel so disrespected . "

?

Her post resonated with many in the Reddit community , who flooded the comments with messages of support and validation .

" C-sections are the literal opposite of an ' easy way out ' , " one commenter wrote . Another added " You 're not being over-emotional - there is nothing easy about lying awake during major abdominal surgery . The recovery , while caring for a newborn , is brutal . "

One user offered advice many echoed : " If I were you , I 'd have a serious conversation with him about respecting your feelings and appreciating what you went through to become a mother . If he ca n't be mature and take you seriously , you may want to reconsider how seriously you take him as a partner . "

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This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

MIDDLESBROUGH know the make-up of next season 's Championship but there remains uncertainty over who will be in charge of several of the sides in the division .

Boro are undertaking their own review as they look to get to the bottom of the issues that led to last season 's disappointing 10th place finish .

The outcome of the review is not yet clear , but the focus over the summer will be on improvement and a fresh promotion push next season .

But several of their rivals look set to have new faces in the dugout . Here 's the state of play with Championship managerial movement and uncertainty : WEST BROM

Tottenham are braced for an approach for first-team coach Ryan Mason over the vacant West Brom job , the PA news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunt for a new manager since Tony Mowbray was dismissed on April 21 .

Mason has emerged as a leading candidate for the role , but Spurs ' rollercoaster 2024-25 campaign only ended on Sunday days after Europa League success in Bilbao .

Uncertainly remains over the future of Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou and yet a coaching restructure at the Premier League team could occur regardless of if the Australian is kept on by chairman Daniel Levy .

Highly rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs , which enabled the 33-year-old to play his part in the club 's first trophy in 17 years .

After two previous caretaker stints across a seven-year coaching spell at Tottenham , Mason has long been tipped for a future in management and could land his first role at West Brom .

West Brom finished ninth in the Championship but dismissed Mowbray after their play-off hopes ended in April .

Mowbray had only been hired in January to replace Carlos Corberan , who left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mason progressed through Spurs ' academy , he played once for England during a decade-long playing career before he was forced to retire at the age of 26 in 2018 after he sustained a fractured skull in a Premier League match for Hull away to Chelsea . NORWICH CITY

Norwich have been without a boss since sacking Johannes Hoff Thorup prior to the penultimate game of the season , with Jack Wilshere placed in temporary charge .

Wilshere felt ready to move into management on a permanent basis but Norwich wanted to look elsewhere in their search for a head coach , which led to the departure of the former Arsenal midfielder .

And it now looks like the man who 'll be in charge of the Canaries next season is current Bristol City boss Liam Manning .

The Robins received an approach from Norwich for Manning earlier this week and the noises coming out of both clubs suggests the move is now extremely likely to happen .

Norwich will reportedly pay compensation in the region of ? 800,000 for Manning and they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the head coach 's staff , to Carrow Road .

Former Boro midfielder Gary O'Neil and ex-Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders are said to have held interviews with Norwich before the Canaries turned to Manning . BRISTOL CITY

What 's not clear at this stage is where Bristol City will turn , if , as expected , Manning departs .

His exit will be a major blow for the Robins on the back of their sixth-placed finish and qualification for the Championship play-offs for the first time in 17 years .

Although the play-off campaign ended with a record-breaking 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sheffield United , Bristol City have still made good progress under Manning , who has been a popular figure with supporters . QPR

Marti Cifuentes is yet to be officially relieved of his duties at QPR but the Spaniard was placed on gardening leave in the final week of the season after reportedly holding talks with West Brom .

It now appears Cifuentes wo n't be heading for the Hawthorns , and it 's not yet clear who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johannes Hoff Thorup is the strong favourite .

If Thorup does indeed get the job , he 'll be keen to prove a point after feeling harshly treated with his sacking at Norwich .

He said : " I always say we did n't have enough time . We have obviously worked with a long-term perspective , and we also knew that the first season would have bumps in the road . That 's why we also made some decisions based on a longer-term view . That 's why we can be surprised how things can change all of a sudden .

" If the communication from the start had been that we were going to reach the top six and be one of the playoff clubs , we would probably have made some other decisions along the way . " LEICESTER

Their miserable Premier League season is now over but there remains uncertainty as to who will be at the helm as Leicester try to get back out of the Championship at the first time of asking .

Fresh reports earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Dutchman 's disappointing spell in charge , with Russell Martin reportedly lined up to take charge .

But talk of Martin 's appointment does n't appear to have gone down too well with Leicester fans , who chanted against the former Southampton boss during their final day defeat at Bournemouth .

Martin has also been strongly linked with the vacancy at Rangers and , appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports for the play-off final , confirmed he is ready to return to management .

He said : " I hope so to return soon . I honestly have n't got a clue at the moment , but I hope so . I miss it .

" Days like today the Championship playoff final definitely make you miss it -- not even just moments like this , but being involved in something with a team .

" Looking at the coaching staff and the players , yes , you miss that . I 've enjoyed the break but yes , I hope to be back in a dugout at some point soon . @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss as things stand , but will that still be the case come the start of the season ?

The German has done nothing to dampen talk about his potential Hillsborough exit this summer .

He said at the end of the season : " I will not forget this place . It does n't matter what happens now .

" To have such a relationship so quickly , such a belief , such hope , such a respectful togetherness - I ca n't have expected this when I took over .

" It will be part of the bottom of my heart . "

Rohl has made his frustrations known at the running of the club and is said to have already held talks with Werder Bremen this summer .

But the Bundesliga club were reportedly priced out of appointing Rohl , whose exit clause is said to be a mouthwatering ? 5m .

One to watch as the summer progresses . SOUTHAMPTON

Rohl is one of the managers who has been on Southampton 's radar over the last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target Will Still at the weekend .

Still was in the stands for Southampton 's final game of their miserable Premier League campaign against Arsenal .

And after leaving Lens , the 32-year-old is tasked with leading Southampton back to the Premier League .

He said : " Walking around the training ground this morning , just the infrastructure , whether it be the stadium or Staplewood , it 's massive and you can do so many things and create the right environment for everyone to be in .

" But then also , players-wise , there 's a lot of talent . Southampton has always had the reputation of bringing very good players through the ranks . So the possibilities are sort of endless . And it 'll be up to us to get the best out of everyone and use all this infrastructure and use all these good people to be as competitive and win as many games as we can . " follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

According to a recent survey , the prohibitive costs for items like uniforms , transport , and school trips are effectively barring some children from attending school . Amidst mounting pressure on the government regarding child poverty , one charity has insisted that living standards must be raised to prevent children from being " locked out of learning " .

The survey , conducted by the UK charity Child Poverty Action Group ( CPAG ) , has shed light on the various challenges faced when there 's insufficient money to cover all educational necessities . The poll included over 1700 secondary schools , where 47 percent of those surveyed confessed to having missed school due to an insufficient uniform or sports kit .

Furthermore , the Mirror reports that more than a quarter ( 26 percent ) have skipped school as they could n't afford transport , and 27 percent have been absent due to the inability to fund school trips .

Students receiving free school meals are doubly likely to be sent home for lacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK specify branded clothing as part of their uniform policy .

In England , the government is considering reducing the requirement for branded uniform items to three , four if including a tie . Nonetheless , CPAG is calling for even stronger measures to ensure no child is excluded from education due to cost barriers .

Kate Anstey , who leads education at CPAG , pointed out the dilemma facing impoverished children : " Children in poverty are n't getting the real deal at school because they do n't have money to participate -- or even get to the school gates . From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health , lack of money at home means young people are missing school -- effectively priced out of the system . "

She called for further action from those at the top to alleviate this crisis : " Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids are n't locked out of learning -- including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals . "

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment : " We are determined to reduce child poverty through wide-ranging action as part of our Child Poverty Taskforce , breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity . "

They also pointed to legislative changes aimed at reducing financial burdens on families : " This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities . Through our Children 's Wellbeing and Schools Bill , we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require , which alongside free breakfast clubs could put ? 500 a year back into working parents ' pockets . "

According to a recent survey , the prohibitive costs for items like uniforms , transport , and school trips are effectively barring some children from attending school . Amidst mounting pressure on the government regarding child poverty , one charity has insisted that living standards must be raised to prevent children from being " locked out of learning " .

The survey , conducted by the UK charity Child Poverty Action Group ( CPAG ) , has shed light on the various challenges faced when there 's insufficient money to cover all educational necessities . The poll included over 1700 secondary schools , where 47 percent of those surveyed confessed to having missed school due to an insufficient uniform or sports kit .

Furthermore , the Mirror reports that more than a quarter ( 26 percent ) have skipped school as they could n't afford transport , and 27 percent have been absent due to the inability to fund school trips .

Students receiving free school meals are doubly likely to be sent home for lacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK specify branded clothing as part of their uniform policy .

In England , the government is considering reducing the requirement for branded uniform items to three , four if including a tie . Nonetheless , CPAG is calling for even stronger measures to ensure no child is excluded from education due to cost barriers .

Kate Anstey , who leads education at CPAG , pointed out the dilemma facing impoverished children : " Children in poverty are n't getting the real deal at school because they do n't have money to participate -- or even get to the school gates . From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health , lack of money at home means young people are missing school -- effectively priced out of the system . "

She called for further action from those at the top to alleviate this crisis : " Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids are n't locked out of learning -- including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals . "

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment : " We are determined to reduce child poverty through wide-ranging action as part of our Child Poverty Taskforce , breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity . "

They also pointed to legislative changes aimed at reducing financial burdens on families : " This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities . Through our Children 's Wellbeing and Schools Bill , we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require , which alongside free breakfast clubs could put ? 500 a year back into working parents ' pockets . "

According to a recent survey , the prohibitive costs for items like uniforms , transport , and school trips are effectively barring some children from attending school . Amidst mounting pressure on the government regarding child poverty , one charity has insisted that living standards must be raised to prevent children from being " locked out of learning " .

The survey , conducted by the UK charity Child Poverty Action Group ( CPAG ) , has shed light on the various challenges faced when there 's insufficient money to cover all educational necessities . The poll included over 1700 secondary schools , where 47 percent of those surveyed confessed to having missed school due to an insufficient uniform or sports kit .

Furthermore , the Mirror reports that more than a quarter ( 26 percent ) have skipped school as they could n't afford transport , and 27 percent have been absent due to the inability to fund school trips .

Students receiving free school meals are doubly likely to be sent home for lacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK specify branded clothing as part of their uniform policy .

In England , the government is considering reducing the requirement for branded uniform items to three , four if including a tie . Nonetheless , CPAG is calling for even stronger measures to ensure no child is excluded from education due to cost barriers .

Kate Anstey , who leads education at CPAG , pointed out the dilemma facing impoverished children : " Children in poverty are n't getting the real deal at school because they do n't have money to participate -- or even get to the school gates . From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health , lack of money at home means young people are missing school -- effectively priced out of the system . "

She called for further action from those at the top to alleviate this crisis : " Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids are n't locked out of learning -- including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals . "

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment : " We are determined to reduce child poverty through wide-ranging action as part of our Child Poverty Taskforce , breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity . "

They also pointed to legislative changes aimed at reducing financial burdens on families : " This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities . Through our Children 's Wellbeing and Schools Bill , we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require , which alongside free breakfast clubs could put ? 500 a year back into working parents ' pockets . "

The cost of things like uniforms , transport and school trips are keeping some children out of education , according to a poll . The government is facing pressure over child poverty , with one charity saying that living standards must be improved so that children are n't " locked out of learning " .

The poll , by UK charity Child Poverty Action Group ( CPAG ) , revealed some of the issues that come along with not having enough money to support everything that a child needs to go through education . Over 1700 secondary schools were surveyed , and 47% of respondents said that they had missed school because they did n't have the right uniform or sports kit .

More than a quarter ( 26% ) skipped school because they could n't afford transport to get to school , while 27% did n't turn up because of a lack of money for going on trips , reports the Mirror .

Those children that receive free school meals are more than twice as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces of uniform . About two-thirds of secondary schools in the UK require branded items of clothing in their uniforms .

In England , the government wants to reduce the number of branded items in uniforms to three items , or four if one is a tie . But CPAG have demanded further action to ensure that children are n't priced out of learning .

Kate Anstey , head of education at CPAG , said : " Children in poverty are n't getting the real deal at school because they do n't have money to participate -- or even get to the school gates . From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health , lack of money at home means young people are missing school -- effectively priced out of the system .

" Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids are n't locked out of learning -- including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals . "

A government spokesperson said : " We are determined to reduce child poverty through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity .

" This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities . Through our Children 's Wellbeing and Schools Bill , we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require , which alongside free breakfast clubs could put ? 500 a year back into working parents ' pockets . "

The cost of things like uniforms , transport and school trips are keeping some children out of education , according to a poll . The government is facing pressure over child poverty , with one charity saying that living standards must be improved so that children are n't " locked out of learning " .

The poll , by UK charity Child Poverty Action Group ( CPAG ) , revealed some of the issues that come along with not having enough money to support everything that a child needs to go through education . Over 1700 secondary schools were surveyed , and 47% of respondents said that they had missed school because they did n't have the right uniform or sports kit .

More than a quarter ( 26% ) skipped school because they could n't afford transport to get to school , while 27% did n't turn up because of a lack of money for going on trips , reports the Mirror .

Those children that receive free school meals are more than twice as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces of uniform . About two-thirds of secondary schools in the UK require branded items of clothing in their uniforms .

In England , the government wants to reduce the number of branded items in uniforms to three items , or four if one is a tie . But CPAG have demanded further action to ensure that children are n't priced out of learning .

Kate Anstey , head of education at CPAG , said : " Children in poverty are n't getting the real deal at school because they do n't have money to participate -- or even get to the school gates . From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health , lack of money at home means young people are missing school -- effectively priced out of the system .

" Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids are n't locked out of learning -- including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals . "

A government spokesperson said : " We are determined to reduce child poverty through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity .

" This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities . Through our Children 's Wellbeing and Schools Bill , we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require , which alongside free breakfast clubs could put ? 500 a year back into working parents ' pockets . "

The cost of things like uniforms , transport and school trips are keeping some children out of education , according to a poll . The government is facing pressure over child poverty , with one charity saying that living standards must be improved so that children are n't " locked out of learning " .

The poll , by UK charity Child Poverty Action Group ( CPAG ) , revealed some of the issues that come along with not having enough money to support everything that a child needs to go through education . Over 1700 secondary schools were surveyed , and 47% of respondents said that they had missed school because they did n't have the right uniform or sports kit .

More than a quarter ( 26% ) skipped school because they could n't afford transport to get to school , while 27% did n't turn up because of a lack of money for going on trips , reports the Mirror .

Those children that receive free school meals are more than twice as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces of uniform . About two-thirds of secondary schools in the UK require branded items of clothing in their uniforms .

In England , the government wants to reduce the number of branded items in uniforms to three items , or four if one is a tie . But CPAG have demanded further action to ensure that children are n't priced out of learning .

Kate Anstey , head of education at CPAG , said : " Children in poverty are n't getting the real deal at school because they do n't have money to participate -- or even get to the school gates . From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health , lack of money at home means young people are missing school -- effectively priced out of the system .

" Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids are n't locked out of learning -- including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals . "

A government spokesperson said : " We are determined to reduce child poverty through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity .

" This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities . Through our Children 's Wellbeing and Schools Bill , we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require , which alongside free breakfast clubs could put ? 500 a year back into working parents ' pockets . "

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

ORFORD Blacks Under 12s have ended their first season as a team with a league and cup double .

They won 17 of their 18 matches en route to being crowned champions of Warrington Junior Football League Under 12s Division Eight in the club 's 50th anniversary year .

Goals were scored by Joe Sergent , Tommy Brown and Joel Hynes while the player of the match was Jayden Fisher .

" The lads have been an absolute pleasure to work with this season , " said manager Stephen Worrall and coach Mike Lawton .

" We started off the season with only nine players . We had n't won a friendly and lost the first game of the season .

" We all decided that fitness was going to be the key as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they wanted to get out of playing football and they all said they wanted to win trophies so we decided to knuckle down and do extra training . "

Woolston Rovers Under 12s Rockets girls football team have also accomplished a league and cup double .

Having already completed an outstanding unbeaten league season , they defeated a spirited Matthiola FC Sparks side 2-1 in the Alf Holt Cup Final at the weekend .

Woolston were crowned champions on the back of winning 21 out of 24 league games , drawing the other three .

Matthiola Atletico Under 9s have won the Warrington Junior Football League Under 10s Cup , defeating Cherrybrook 2-1 in the final .

The winning goal came from Carter Beech , while Tommy Lomax scored the vital equaliser and Joe McCann was named player of the match after pulling off a crucial save .

The boys had amazing success at their own age in WJFL and local cup competitions so decided to make the step up in age .

Every week they have been up against teams a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the players pride themselves on the football they play , desire to compete and work ethic for each other .

Their run in this year 's cup saw them defeat Sankey Strikers , Rylands , Orford and Penlake Bayern on the way to included a semi-final success against the previously unbeaten AFC Knowsley Under 10s .

Matthiola Under 13s , crowned JPL National Premier Conference north west champions , were defeated by treble-winning Liver Juniors in Friday 's Liverpool County Cup Final . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today , and has been written by our American colleagues . It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald .

ORFORD Blacks Under 12s have ended their first season as a team with a league and cup double .

They won 17 of their 18 matches en route to being crowned champions of Warrington Junior Football League Under 12s Division Eight in the club 's 50th anniversary year .

Goals were scored by Joe Sergent , Tommy Brown and Joel Hynes while the player of the match was Jayden Fisher .

" The lads have been an absolute pleasure to work with this season , " said manager Stephen Worrall and coach Mike Lawton .

" We started off the season with only nine players . We had n't won a friendly and lost the first game of the season .

" We all decided that fitness was going to be the key as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they wanted to get out of playing football and they all said they wanted to win trophies so we decided to knuckle down and do extra training . "

Woolston Rovers Under 12s Rockets girls football team have also accomplished a league and cup double .

Having already completed an outstanding unbeaten league season , they defeated a spirited Matthiola FC Sparks side 2-1 in the Alf Holt Cup Final at the weekend .

Woolston were crowned champions on the back of winning 21 out of 24 league games , drawing the other three .

Matthiola Atletico Under 9s have won the Warrington Junior Football League Under 10s Cup , defeating Cherrybrook 2-1 in the final .

The winning goal came from Carter Beech , while Tommy Lomax scored the vital equaliser and Joe McCann was named player of the match after pulling off a crucial save .

The boys had amazing success at their own age in WJFL and local cup competitions so decided to make the step up in age .

Every week they have been up against teams a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the players pride themselves on the football they play , desire to compete and work ethic for each other .

Their run in this year 's cup saw them defeat Sankey Strikers , Rylands , Orford and Penlake Bayern on the way to included a semi-final success against the previously unbeaten AFC Knowsley Under 10s .

Matthiola Under 13s , crowned JPL National Premier Conference north west champions , were defeated by treble-winning Liver Juniors in Friday 's Liverpool County Cup Final . follow us

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation 's Editors ' Code of Practice . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion , then please contact the editor here . If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

Damo Buxton has been sleeping on the floor of his mother 's living room

Scarlett Hutton

BBC Radio Stoke

Published

29 May 2025

A man who sleeps on his mother 's living room floor has said there is not enough support for homeless people .

High deposits and a low credit score mean Damo Buxton from Stoke-on-Trent has been unable to afford private rented accommodation , despite earning up to ? 2,500 a month .

The level of homelessness in the West Midlands has reached a record high , according to a charity working to help rough sleepers .

A recent report by Shelter found the number of people sleeping rough or living in temporary accommodation in the region rose by 18% between 2023 and 2024 , to about 28,200 .

The charity estimated 39 people were sleeping rough across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme , but warned the figure could be far greater .

Trevor Bailey , who helps Shelter record the numbers , said the data did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people bedded down on the floor could be counted .

According to the Office for National Statistics , the average monthly private rent in Stoke-on-Trent rose to ? 669 in April 2025 , an annual increase of 12.4% .

Mr Buxton , who works at electrical retailer AO , said he could not afford the deposits required by private landlords .

He had never taken out a loan and so did not have a credit score , he said .

He added some social landlords had refused to take him because he had a dog , and did not want to give it away .

He unexpectedly became homeless after being evicted from a friend 's house following a disagreement over bills , he said .

" I 'm a 36-year-old man . At the end of the day , I should be standing on my own two feet , " he said .

He added it was difficult for people in his situation to get any help from the authorities .

He said : " If you 're a working person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I find they just say , ' it 's ok , he 's not a vulnerable person ' . "

Image caption ,

Izzy Longmore ended up sleeping in her car after a relationship breakdown left her homeless

Izzy Longmore faced a similar situation when a relationship breakdown meant she ended up sleeping in her car in a village on the Staffordshire border .

She said she had been denied housing support because she was earning ? 1,000 a month , and ended up running out of sofa-surfing options .

The 29-year-old said she felt there was a stigma to being homeless and she had kept it secret from her family .

" I did n't want to put that guilt on them by basically saying , ' if you do n't help me I 'm going to be homeless ' , " she explained .

" It was like a sense of pride , I guess . "

She was later helped by a housing association , but has since faced further financial issues after being made redundant .

Image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeper numbers , says the data does not give a true reflection of the problem

Charity bosses said people could become homeless for a variety of reasons , adding that visible homelessness had reached a crisis point .

According to Shelter , the number of people in the West Midlands recorded as either living in temporary accommodation or rough sleeping increased by more than 4,000 between 2023 and 2024 . The figures do not include hidden homelessness .

Shelter said Birmingham had the highest number of people in the region affected - with 18,300 people homeless - followed by 3,500 in Coventry and 770 in Sandwell .

A spokesperson for the charity said it could help if people were homeless , had nowhere to stay tonight , were at risk of abuse or harm at home or were worried about losing their home in the next two months .

Damo Buxton has been sleeping on the floor of his mother 's living room

Scarlett Hutton

BBC Radio Stoke

Published

29 May 2025

A man who sleeps on his mother 's living room floor has said there is not enough support for homeless people .

High deposits and a low credit score mean Damo Buxton from Stoke-on-Trent has been unable to afford private rented accommodation , despite earning up to ? 2,500 a month .

The level of homelessness in the West Midlands has reached a record high , according to a charity working to help rough sleepers .

A recent report by Shelter found the number of people sleeping rough or living in temporary accommodation in the region rose by 18% between 2023 and 2024 , to about 28,200 .

The charity estimated 39 people were sleeping rough across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme , but warned the figure could be far greater .

Trevor Bailey , who helps Shelter record the numbers , said the data did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people bedded down on the floor could be counted .

According to the Office for National Statistics , the average monthly private rent in Stoke-on-Trent rose to ? 669 in April 2025 , an annual increase of 12.4% .

Mr Buxton , who works at electrical retailer AO , said he could not afford the deposits required by private landlords .

He had never taken out a loan and so did not have a credit score , he said .

He added some social landlords had refused to take him because he had a dog , and did not want to give it away .

He unexpectedly became homeless after being evicted from a friend 's house following a disagreement over bills , he said .

" I 'm a 36-year-old man . At the end of the day , I should be standing on my own two feet , " he said .

He added it was difficult for people in his situation to get any help from the authorities .

He said : " If you 're a working person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I find they just say , ' it 's ok , he 's not a vulnerable person ' . "

Image caption ,

Izzy Longmore ended up sleeping in her car after a relationship breakdown left her homeless

Izzy Longmore faced a similar situation when a relationship breakdown meant she ended up sleeping in her car in a village on the Staffordshire border .

She said she had been denied housing support because she was earning ? 1,000 a month , and ended up running out of sofa-surfing options .

The 29-year-old said she felt there was a stigma to being homeless and she had kept it secret from her family .

" I did n't want to put that guilt on them by basically saying , ' if you do n't help me I 'm going to be homeless ' , " she explained .

" It was like a sense of pride , I guess . "

She was later helped by a housing association , but has since faced further financial issues after being made redundant .

Image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeper numbers , says the data does not give a true reflection of the problem

Charity bosses said people could become homeless for a variety of reasons , adding that visible homelessness had reached a crisis point .

According to Shelter , the number of people in the West Midlands recorded as either living in temporary accommodation or rough sleeping increased by more than 4,000 between 2023 and 2024 . The figures do not include hidden homelessness .

Shelter said Birmingham had the highest number of people in the region affected - with 18,300 people homeless - followed by 3,500 in Coventry and 770 in Sandwell .

A spokesperson for the charity said it could help if people were homeless , had nowhere to stay tonight , were at risk of abuse or harm at home or were worried about losing their home in the next two months .

" I 'M AN overthinker , " admits Co Antrim-born actor Kristian Nairn ( 49 ) , best known for his portrayal of the beloved gentle giant Hodor in five seasons of TV smash Game of Thrones between 2011 and 2016 .

" I think about everything and I have everything planned . It never goes to plan , but I do initially have everything planned right into the future . "

Of course , we all know the adage about best-laid plans - and , as anyone who 's read Kristian 's compellingly candid memoir Beyond The Throne can attest , his life has already taken a few extraordinary turns that he could never have anticipated .

The introverted child who endured unwanted attention and cruel jibes over his size right through his teens somehow channelled his love of music and the thrill of Friday night make-up/dress-up sessions into creating a full-on drag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a penchant for delivering banging DJ sets - who became a fixture of Belfast 's blossoming gay clubbing scene at the turn of the century .

" When I stepped out of the office in the Kremlin that night after getting ready , I nearly did n't do it , " explains Kristian , who lives with his mum just outside Antrim , of how he almost chickened out of making his drag debut in Belfast in September 1999 .

" I was like , ' I 'm too scared to do this ' . But something pushed me out the door , and the minute I put my foot out that door , something changed .

" That was the start of the stone rolling that leads me here today . "

Having begun to dabble in acting after out-growing his drag alter-ego around a decade later - " I was up to play a bouncer on Give My Head Peace , until they realised that I would be taller than all the sets " , he recalls of his early lack of success - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record an audition tape for a dubious sounding character in an upcoming fantasy TV show called Game of Thrones - " a role I never wanted in a series I 'd never heard of , " as he puts it in his memoir - that he shot to international stardom with his very first recurring role .

I was up to play a bouncer on Give My Head Peace , until they realised that I would be taller than all the sets

-- Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn as Hodor in Game of Thrones

His life-changing experience portraying Hodor on the global hit led to Kristian 's agent suggesting that his wealth of entertaining/revealing behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the series could be combined with memories of growing up gay in the north during the Troubles and other personal struggles - including a near-fatal drug overdose - as the basis for a good memoir : sure enough , Beyond The Throne was published last year to great acclaim .

It 's just the latest thing the towering 6ft 10ins star never thought he would ever do , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a writer , " admits Kristian , who is still DJing and making music and was most recently seen on screen as pyromaniacal pirate Wee John Feeney on HBO 's cruelly cancelled queer-friendly hit Our Flag Means Death .

Kristian revisited his drag roots as Wee John Feaney in series two of Our Flag Means Death

" So now I 've fallen into this world , and I 've really liked it - so I 'm trying to find a way to bring it into my life . "

Indeed , from reading his memoir , it 's clear that the Co Antrim actor is passionate about all modes of creative expression , whether that 's acting , DJing , remixing and making music , and now writing .

He says : " Getting what 's inside me out into the world has always been kind of what I want to do . And writing a book - what better way to do it ?

" I really loved the literary process . It was n't what I expected . Nothing ever is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a really cleansing process , and it definitely has affected my life . It has triggered something .

" It really has cleansed my palate , in a way - it 's almost like left me as ' Kristian V2.0 ' . I 'm not gon na lie , it really has left me in like a kind of , ' what am I going to do now ? ' type thing , because it 's changed how I think about things . "

Kristian Nairn will be appearing at the Belfast Book Festival next week

As for that question of what he will do next , fans coming to hear Kristian in conversation with Belfast author Wendy Erskine at the Belfast Book Festival next week will be witnesses to the first public performance of a new creative endeavour - poetry .

" Yet again , it landed like a UFO , " he marvels at this latest form of artistic expression .

" After writing Beyond The Throne , I just felt like writing a poem . It happened really easily . I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a poet is probably nothing .

" But it feels to me like it 's the next stage of whatever I shifted from myself in the book , putting it into some sort of poetry and putting it in a more sort of beautiful way .

" I just see so much stuff happening in the world , so much stuff has changed , and I just need to talk about that . But it 's hard to talk about something without being judged for your opinions .

Hodor , played by Lisburn actor Kristian Nairn , carries Bran Stark , played by actor Isaac Hempstead Wright , in Game of Thrones

" I do n't care about anyone else 's opinion - I do n't even really care about my own , sometimes - but I think this is a good way for me to express how I 'm feeling about things without becoming clickbait .

" I 'm not interested in becoming clickbait , because that 's what happens being a gay man and coming from a minority . I just do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't believe in , like putting the camera up and just spilling my guts out that way . I just want things to hit home .

" So , this is the way I 'm going to try and do it , using my poems . "

It 's been quite a journey , from drag to DJing to acting , writing and now poetry , but one element links them all together - especially if you 've heard the excellent audiobook version of Beyond The Throne , read by Kristian himself : performance .

" I 've realised over the years that performance is what I love , and I would be writing poems with a notion to perform them for people , " he enthuses , before conceding that he 's now in a realm that 's all very new and unfamiliar .

" I do n't know much about the local art scene here , which I am embarrassed about . All my work has been overseas : like , I always joke with people , it 's easier for me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be in Belfast .

" But I 've had more time recently , so I 've been trying to get more involved . And I want to concentrate on home for a while . "

Kristian Nairn will be in conversation with Wendy Erskine at the Belfast Book Festival on Thursday June 5 . Tickets and full festival programme at belfastbookfestival.com

The inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru season has come to a close with Newport defeating Ebbw Vale in the final to take the crown .

While the competition was not initially greeted with open arms after the likes of Neath and Pontypridd were not included , there is far better alignment with the pathway than there was with the old Welsh Premiership . Improvements need to be made moving forward but a plethora of Wales ' best young talent have shone throughout the competition and look well-placed to make it as professional players .

?

Here are five players you can expect to burst onto the professional scene over the next couple of seasons .

? Iori Badham ( Carmarthen Quins )

The 20-year-old full-back made a strong start to the SRC season before suffering a campaign-ending knee injury .

It came at the wrong time for Badham who was selected in the Wales U20s squad for the Six Nations but did n't get any game-time because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Cup this summer .

Evans has figured for Wales U20s and has been named in the extended training squad ahead of this summer 's U20s World Cup .

?

He is highly rated at the Arms Park and is a player who will follow in the footsteps of Steffan Emanuel and Tom Bowen in getting URC minutes next season . Harri Houston ( Swansea RFC )

The 21-year-old has impressed for Swansea RFC this season with his pace , footwork and finishing ability impressing .

Houston is a former Wales U20s wing who is highly rated within the WRU pathway but has had to bide his time at the Ospreys .

?

He has been playing much of his rugby in the SRC with Swansea and has only made a handful of appearances for the Ospreys to date .

Houston is n't the biggest but he is a player with X-factor and can create opportunities out of nothing . The Ospreys have the likes of Keelan Giles , Ryan Conbeer and Daniel Kasende out wide but Houston is somebody who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 20-year-old has already broken into the Dragons team but expect to see more of the powerful wing next season .

?

Rees-Weldon started the season impressively for Ebbw Vale and went on to figure heavily for Wales U20s in the Six Nations , scoring a stunning try in the victory over England U20s at the Arms Park .

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site , analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising . You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data , at any time clicking the " Do Not Sell or Share my Data " button at the bottom of the webpage . Please note that your preferences are browser specific . Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice .

Community and volunteer organisations across Gateshead have been allocated a share of a " significantly enhanced " ? 700k funding pot . A total of 27 voluntary organisations throughout Gateshead have been divided up a portion of ? 700,000 from the council 's voluntary , community and social enterprise fund ( VCSE ) which will be stretched over the next three years .

Examples of Gateshead community projects which have been successfully allocated grants include , Gateshead Older People 's Assembly , Blaydon Youth and Community Centre , and The Soundroom Community Music Project . Deputy leader of Gateshead Council and poverty lead , coun Gary Haley said : " This was the first year of a significantly enhanced out of funding .

?

" I am hopeful that this will be a multi-year funding pot going forward that organisations are able to go for . "

?

Chief executive of Gateshead Older People 's Forum , Craig Bankhead , said : " The idea is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneficiaries in Gateshead are 50+ but average at around 72 , will be directly supported by taking part in targeted financial wellbeing help . One-to-one benefits advice , financial security information and support around gas bills . Things that will alleviate the cost of living crisis . "

Mr Bankhead went on to say the ? 20,648 allocated to the charity will also continue to help make sure information and support is available on paper to assist older people in Gateshead without internet access . A short film is also in the works to help capture the lived experiences of older people in Gateshead .

Article continues below

Other areas of focus for the funding include increasing support for people with special educational needs and their careers .

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site , analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising . You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data , at any time clicking the " @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of the webpage . Please note that your preferences are browser specific . Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice .

Chelsea are in talks with the representatives of a high-earning forward as they attempt to make him a Stamford Bridge player next season , according to reports , with Enzo Maresca 's side continuing their plans for the summer after agreeing a deal for Liam Delap . Chelsea set to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town

On Thursday , confirmation broke from trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano that Chelsea were set to sign Delap .

For just ? 30 million , Chelsea will bring in an adept , homegrown Premier League goalscorer with bags of potential at just 22-years-old . In truth , Chelsea havent had a number nine of his ilk since Diego Costa , and former Man United midfielder Paul Parker believes that he could be their newly-found English answer to the Brazilian .

" Delap 's had a very good season . The one thing that he 's got about him is that he 's a workaholic , he 'll make the unselfish runs , " said Parker to ChelseaNews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

" He 's definitely more athletic in the way that he goes , I would say he 's like an English version of Diego Costa , he does n't make it easier on anybody , his team comes first , he will fight for everything . This lad has got a fire in his belly , he 's an old-school striker .

" There are n't many players like him at this moment in time who seem like they 're playing for the love ( of playing the game ) . "

BlueCo also have some key decisions to make in regard to their current squad , with a lot of debate surrounding winger Jadon Sancho . Chelsea in talks with Jadon Sancho over permanent move

The ? 300,000-per-week winger played a key role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already triggered the ? 25 million obligation to buy in his loan deal from Man United , which was conditional on them finishing above 15th in the table .

However , Chelsea could still opt out of buying him by paying a ? 5 million penalty fee to the Red Devils .

While there remains a chance that Sancho returns to Old Trafford , Chelsea are showing a clear willingness and desire to keep hold of the Englishman , which Maresca will surely be delighted with given how much he rates the forward .

" As I 've said before , for sure he is going to help us . We really believe that he is a special player . But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious . He needs to want more and more and more . "

Over 120 lots feature for the Tattersalls Online June Sale next week , including the Willie Mullins-trained Grade 2-placed chaser Paggane and a breeding right to champion first-season sire Sergei Prokofiev .

Taking place from June 4-5 , the auction also includes 80 horses in and out of training , four yearlings , two stores , one broodmare and a point-to-pointer .

The online breeze-up session which took place at Dundalk on Wednesday , May 28 features 34 exciting two-year-olds and the breeze-up footage and official times for all lots are available on the Tattersalls Online website .

A breeding right to Sergei Prokofiev is another highlight of the sale . The Whitsbury Manor Stud resident is responsible for 42 winners to date led by dual Group 3 winner and Group 1 Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint runner-up Arizona Blaze as well as Listed National Stakes winner Enchanting Empress .

Doctor Who fans went into meltdown as Billie Piper made a sensational return to the BBC show to replace departing Ncuti Gatwa as the Time Lord in Saturday 's series final .

Billie , 42 , first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005 , playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston 's Time Lord . She went onto star alongside David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor in the second series .

However , devout Whovians were not expecting the huge twist at the end of series 15 as Ncuti 's character regenerated into Rose amid his departure after just two series as woke storylines saw ratings for the much-loved show plunge .

Taking to X , formerly known as Twitter , fans were quick to share their reaction to Billie 's shock comeback , with one even asking : ' ' Did my eyes actually deceive me ? ! '

They penned : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that coming . Wow ! '

' #DoctorWho just ... Wow ! I 'm speechless ! So glad I went to the cinema to see it . The crowd was ecstatic ! Full of cheers and applause and gasps ! Fantastic ! '

' Hang on , hang on , hang on , is billie piper the new doctor , did my eyes actually deceive me , have I gone back in time , what is going on , do we have to wait until Christmas now to find out what 's next , omgggg . '

Meanwhile , while initial reactions to the news on X were positive , other die hard fans tuning in had mixed reactions to Saturday 's episode .

Retired teacher Steve Hatcher , 66 , of Ashbourne in Derbyshire , who runs Whoovers - a Doctor Who fan club , told the PA news agency : ' The question in the mind was , is it going to be a regeneration to a new Doctor , which it was , or is it just going to be a regeneration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm very relieved that they 've found a new Doctor and she 's a brilliant actor and I 'm sure that 'll be terrific , so Doctor Who continues , I would say , on the basis of that , it was a terrific episode . '

James Ashway , 27 , from Bristol , who helps run the Doctor Who Appreciation Society 's magazine , said : ' It was an episode which threw the kitchen sink in terms of returning characters , Jodie Whittaker and obviously now Billie Piper as well as the new Doctor .

Billie , 42 , first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005 , playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston 's Time Lord . She went onto star alongside David Tennant pictured as the Tenth Doctor in the second series

Taking to X , formerly known as Twitter , fans were quick to share their reaction to Billie 's shock comeback , with one even asking : ' ' Did my eyes actually deceive me ? ! '

' I 'm a bit speechless to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take in , but I think it was an interesting episode which pivoted in the middle to tell two different stories , one wrapping up the end of that season and obviously telling Ncuti Gatwa 's regeneration as well , so very enjoyable . '

However , Brendan Noble , 57 , of Middlesbrough , a former English teacher who runs the Sense Sphere YouTube channel said : ' I think we 've just had what I would have called EastEnders in space . I am absolutely shocked , irritated , frustrated , people are contacting me now in absolute shock and horror at what 's just happened .

' It 's lazy writing , hodgepodge of exposition , escapism , nonsense , ( Russell T Davies ) was throwing every toy from the Doctor Who box at the telly , hoping that some of it would make sense in the way of entertaining you . '

Billie will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor .

She replaces Ncuti , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series .

The actor 's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday .

The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to safe the life of one little girl .

As he bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra , played by Varada Sethu , he said : ' I hope you 'll see me again , but not like this . '

Ncuti 's character regenerated during the finale of series , the BBC confirmed

Billie starred as Rose opposite Christopher Ecclestone 's Ninth Doctor when the show was revived by Russell T Davies in 2005 ( pictured in 2006 )

During his time , Gatwa companions included Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson , who played Gatwa 's companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode

The finale also saw Whittaker , the 13th doctor , make a guest appearance as Gatwa 's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes .

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that saw him have a burgeoning romance with the character Rogue , played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff

In a statement released by the BBC , Ncuti Gatwa said : ' You know when you get cast , at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end , but nothing quite prepares you for it .

' This journey has been one that I will never forget , and a role that will be part of me forever . There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor , nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe .

' The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I ca n't thank the Whoniverse , and the Whovians , enough for welcoming me in , and making this such a touching experience .

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have .

' I 'll truly miss it , and forever be grateful to it , and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor . '

Reacting to the news Billie said : ' It 's no secret how much I love this show , and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there , so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I could n't refuse . '

After Doctor Who was broadcast , Billie Piper posted on Instagram ' A rose is a rose is a rose ! ! ! ' with images from her previous time on the show playing the Doctor 's companion Rose Tyler .

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said : ' What a Doctor ! Thank you , Ncuti ! ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolute joy , and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years , are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti 's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights . '

Ncuti later broke his silence after becoming the second shortest ever Doctor Who lasting just two seasons

It also comes after Gatwa unexpectedly pulled out of delivering the UK jury votes at Eurovision for the grand final earlier this month , leaving Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor to take his place

Gatwa is the first openly queer or black actor to play the role of the Doctor in the show 's 62-year history

The BBC programme is also said to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens , incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial .

A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast , a drag queen villain , and introduction of transgender and non-binary characters .

However , both Davies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Davies telling BBC Radio 2 's 20 Secrets From 20 Years : ' Someone always brings up matters of diversity .

' And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues .

' And I have no time for this . I do n't have a second to bear ( it ) . Because what you might call diversity , I just call an open door . '

Gatwa told Attitude magazine in 2024 that the hateful comments the sci-fi show has received after casting a black man is ' fascinating , because there 's so much energy they 're putting into it ... I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing ' .

During his time , he has had companions in the form of Andor actress Varada Sethu , and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson , who played Gatwa 's companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road .

Highlights of his two series have included a Regency-themed episode that saw him have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor Jonathan Groff , the explosive Boom episode and the arrival of the classic Time Lord villain , the Rani .

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Doctor Who fans went into meltdown as Billie Piper made a sensational return to the BBC show to replace departing Ncuti Gatwa as the Time Lord in Saturday 's series final .

Billie , 42 , first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005 , playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston 's Time Lord . She went onto star alongside David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor in the second series .

However , devout Whovians were not expecting the huge twist at the end of series 15 as Ncuti 's character regenerated into Rose amid his departure after just two series as woke storylines saw ratings for the much-loved show plunge .

Taking to X , formerly known as Twitter , fans were quick to share their reaction to Billie 's shock comeback , with one even asking : ' ' Did my eyes actually deceive me ? ! '

They penned : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that coming . Wow ! '

' #DoctorWho just ... Wow ! I 'm speechless ! So glad I went to the cinema to see it . The crowd was ecstatic ! Full of cheers and applause and gasps ! Fantastic ! '

' Hang on , hang on , hang on , is billie piper the new doctor , did my eyes actually deceive me , have I gone back in time , what is going on , do we have to wait until Christmas now to find out what 's next , omgggg . '

Meanwhile , while initial reactions to the news on X were positive , other die hard fans tuning in had mixed reactions to Saturday 's episode .

Retired teacher Steve Hatcher , 66 , of Ashbourne in Derbyshire , who runs Whoovers - a Doctor Who fan club , told the PA news agency : ' The question in the mind was , is it going to be a regeneration to a new Doctor , which it was , or is it just going to be a regeneration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm very relieved that they 've found a new Doctor and she 's a brilliant actor and I 'm sure that 'll be terrific , so Doctor Who continues , I would say , on the basis of that , it was a terrific episode . '

James Ashway , 27 , from Bristol , who helps run the Doctor Who Appreciation Society 's magazine , said : ' It was an episode which threw the kitchen sink in terms of returning characters , Jodie Whittaker and obviously now Billie Piper as well as the new Doctor .

Billie , 42 , first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005 , playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston 's Time Lord . She went onto star alongside David Tennant pictured as the Tenth Doctor in the second series

Taking to X , formerly known as Twitter , fans were quick to share their reaction to Billie 's shock comeback , with one even asking : ' ' Did my eyes actually deceive me ? ! '

' I 'm a bit speechless to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take in , but I think it was an interesting episode which pivoted in the middle to tell two different stories , one wrapping up the end of that season and obviously telling Ncuti Gatwa 's regeneration as well , so very enjoyable . '

However , Brendan Noble , 57 , of Middlesbrough , a former English teacher who runs the Sense Sphere YouTube channel said : ' I think we 've just had what I would have called EastEnders in space . I am absolutely shocked , irritated , frustrated , people are contacting me now in absolute shock and horror at what 's just happened .

' It 's lazy writing , hodgepodge of exposition , escapism , nonsense , ( Russell T Davies ) was throwing every toy from the Doctor Who box at the telly , hoping that some of it would make sense in the way of entertaining you . '

Billie will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor .

She replaces Ncuti , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series .

The actor 's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday .

The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to safe the life of one little girl .

As he bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra , played by Varada Sethu , he said : ' I hope you 'll see me again , but not like this . '

Ncuti 's character regenerated during the finale of series , the BBC confirmed

Billie starred as Rose opposite Christopher Ecclestone 's Ninth Doctor when the show was revived by Russell T Davies in 2005 ( pictured in 2006 )

During his time , Gatwa companions included Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson , who played Gatwa 's companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode

The finale also saw Whittaker , the 13th doctor , make a guest appearance as Gatwa 's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes .

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that saw him have a burgeoning romance with the character Rogue , played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff

In a statement released by the BBC , Ncuti Gatwa said : ' You know when you get cast , at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end , but nothing quite prepares you for it .

' This journey has been one that I will never forget , and a role that will be part of me forever . There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor , nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe .

' The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I ca n't thank the Whoniverse , and the Whovians , enough for welcoming me in , and making this such a touching experience .

@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have .

' I 'll truly miss it , and forever be grateful to it , and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor . '

Reacting to the news Billie said : ' It 's no secret how much I love this show , and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there , so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I could n't refuse . '

After Doctor Who was broadcast , Billie Piper posted on Instagram ' A rose is a rose is a rose ! ! ! ' with images from her previous time on the show playing the Doctor 's companion Rose Tyler .

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said : ' What a Doctor ! Thank you , Ncuti ! ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolute joy , and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years , are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti 's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights . '

Ncuti later broke his silence after becoming the second shortest ever Doctor Who lasting just two seasons

It also comes after Gatwa unexpectedly pulled out of delivering the UK jury votes at Eurovision for the grand final earlier this month , leaving Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor to take his place

Gatwa is the first openly queer or black actor to play the role of the Doctor in the show 's 62-year history

The BBC programme is also said to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens , incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial .

A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast , a drag queen villain , and introduction of transgender and non-binary characters .

However , both Davies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Davies telling BBC Radio 2 's 20 Secrets From 20 Years : ' Someone always brings up matters of diversity .

' And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues .

' And I have no time for this . I do n't have a second to bear ( it ) . Because what you might call diversity , I just call an open door . '

Gatwa told Attitude magazine in 2024 that the hateful comments the sci-fi show has received after casting a black man is ' fascinating , because there 's so much energy they 're putting into it ... I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing ' .

During his time , he has had companions in the form of Andor actress Varada Sethu , and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson , who played Gatwa 's companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road .

Highlights of his two series have included a Regency-themed episode that saw him have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor Jonathan Groff , the explosive Boom episode and the arrival of the classic Time Lord villain , the Rani .

We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline . To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account . We 'll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook .

You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook . Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content , marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy .