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No Writer
Apr 4
Keir Starmer 'deeply concerned' by Kanye West's Wireless festival booking 'despite antisemitic remarks'

The 48-year-old rapper - who has not performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury in 2015 - will top the bill for all three nights of Wireless festival in July. In the time since he last performed on UK soil, West has drawn criticism for antisemitic X posts, a Super Bowl advert directing people to a swastika t-shirt and a song referencing Hitler. Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: "It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. "Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure." West, also known as Ye, has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions. In December 2022, the Power rapper's account was suspended after a post showing a swastika inside a Star of David. Adidas, which worked with West on his Yeezy trainers, cut ties with him after the incident and donated more than $150m (£117m) to anti-hate groups. In February last year, West deleted his account after being criticised for posting "hate-filled" remarks about Jewish people, as well as writing "I love Hitler" and "I'm a Nazi". Weeks later, he drew criticism over a TV advert that directed people to a website selling a swastika t-shirt and released a song titled Heil Hitler. In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise to Jewish and black people, titled: "To Those I've Hurt." "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," it said. "I love Jewish people." Read more:Men in court over attack on Jewish charity ambulancesAntisemitism claims in city known for inclusivity The 48-year-old attributed his previous outbursts to his bipolar-1 disorder, writing: "In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life. "I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret." "I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change," he continued. "It does not excuse what I did though." Wireless Festival was contacted for comment.

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Bethany Minelle, arts and entertainment reporter
Apr 5
Bryan Cranston on his new role - inspired by the complicated relationship with his father

He was "an incredibly handsome man", he jokes, before expanding on their relationship later in life. Cranston tells Sky News: "I remember taking my father to therapy once. And he recited back to me and my siblings. We thought this was a great breakthrough [that we'd be] able to finally talk about his past and the war. "It wasn't that way. He was too closed down. He quoted Oedipus. I don't think he realised it, but he did. He said: 'I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than go through that again.' It's like, that's how painful it was." It wasn't the ideal father-son relationship, with Joseph Cranston, a jobbing actor and scriptwriter, walking out on his family when Bryan was just 11. They would reconnect years later and stay in contact until Joseph's death in 2014, aged 90, but the damage had been done. Now 70 himself, with a daughter (Taylor Deardon, also an actor, currently starring in medical drama The Pitt), Cranston has drawn on his father's memory to play Joe Keller, a self-made businessman who justifies his wrongdoing in the play as necessary for success. "There's a lot of my father in this character that I play. I just plucked him and said, 'Come with me'. And we're on stage together… "It's like, that's my character there. And ironically, my father's name was Joe." Would his father have recognised himself? "I hope that he would be able to see it. But you know, it's easier to see other people in someone else than it is yourself." 'It's an actor's sin to judge your character' Cranston stars in the National Theatre production opposite Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who plays his wife Kate Keller. Although born in south London, she has lived in LA for more than two decades. With the play famously deconstructing the American Dream, is the current polarisation of politics in the US something that is feeding into their performance? Jean-Baptiste says not: "I think you can't play to that. You're aware of it, obviously, but we just play the truth of the characters, their relationships, their experiences." Cranston agrees: "It's an actor's sin to judge your character… We have to stay subjective and let the audience feel that… If we have them talking when they're leaving the theatre and still feeling it, we've really done our job." 'Post-truth era - it makes me shiver' Jean-Baptiste gained widespread recognition and an Oscar nomination for her role in Mike Leigh's 1996 film Secrets And Lies, themes both central to this play. But in our post-truth era, where lies can be reframed as alternative facts, are the secrets and lies in the play open for fresh interpretation? Jean-Baptiste says that's the beauty of a play: "No two people are going to have the same experience. Different things are going to resonate with different people. "I never argue with anybody when they come to see a play [and say] 'Oh, that was about that'. I'm interested and intrigued by why they thought it, but it's theirs." Cranston agrees that art is so subjective, no one can be wrong. But he couches that with a word of warning for the play's modern audience. "Post-truth era, it makes me shiver. But it's true that the perception of the truth is even more powerful than the truth itself. And that's a scary thing." All My Sons, directed by Ivo van Hove, releases to cinemas worldwide through NT Live from 16 April.

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No Writer
Apr 3
Look to faith this Easter, says Starmer, during period of 'real anxiety'

The prime minister released his statement as is traditional from Downing Street. He said that in 'times when some seek to divide, the government is committed to working across faiths and differences, to build a country that is more resilient, inclusive and connected'. This follows a row earlier last month over whether Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square as part of Eid constituted a "domination" of public space, as argued by the shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy and agreed by Reform. A Passion of Jesus performance, showing the story of the crucifixion, was put on in the square on Good Friday. Sir Keir also addressed the impact on cost of living from the war in the Middle East. In his Easter message, Sir Keir said: "Easter is a celebration of hope, new life and renewal. "Across the country, churches and Christian communities quietly and tirelessly support families, children and neighbours - offering comfort, bringing people together, and standing alongside those who need it most. "It is precisely that spirit of service which exemplifies national renewal, and reflects the very heart of Christ's example. "This Easter comes at a time of real anxiety for many people. Conflicts abroad, pressures at home, and uncertainty about the future weigh heavily on families and households. "In moments like these, faith offers reassurance and grounding - a reminder that we are not alone, and that hope can still take root even in difficult soil." Read more:Weather warnings over Easter weekendBeatrice and Eugenie to miss Easter church service The prime minister added: "Our country is at its best when we choose community over division, kindness over indifference, and service over self‑interest. "I thank everyone who gives their time through churches and Christian charities, and wish Christians across the UK and around the world a very happy Easter filled with peace, hope and the promise of new life." Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch also shared a message, describing Easter as "a reminder that even in the darkest times, renewal is possible and that light can overcome darkness". "At the heart of the Christian faith is a story of redemption, of second chances, of perseverance and of the belief that better days lie ahead," she said. 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 "In a world that can often feel uncertain, perhaps even bleak, with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and challenges at home, that message matters more than ever. "Across the country, we also see the cultural value of Christianity in the quiet, everyday impact of that faith in acts of kindness, service and sacrifice in our communities. I wish Christians and all people across the United Kingdom a very happy Easter."

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No Writer
Apr 5
Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper big-fight predictions: Who wins world lightweight championship unification clash?

Mikaela Mayer (two-weight champion) It's going to be a great fight. If I had to pick a winner, I might have to go with Caroline Dubois, just because of her amateur pedigree. She's a really good boxer but Terri Harper has always given us the fights we want to see. Terri Harper tells Caroline Dubois: 'It's not about the elbows, it's about the fists!'Buy tickets for Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper billGet Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW She has never been scared to step in the ring with challenging opponents. We see it in her résumé, and so you can't look past it, you can't count her out. It'll definitely go to decision. Caroline is probably the better, more technically sound boxer. I don't see her stopping Harper. Nina Meinke (IBF featherweight champion) That's going to be an interesting fight. It was crazy what was going on in the last weeks. I'm going with Caroline. I think she's the stronger and tougher fighter, but I'm cheering for Terri. I like the attitude of Terri. I like that she's not going with all that hate and stuff, so I prefer that a little bit more. Terri is a strong fighter as well. Johnny Nelson (Former world champion) I think it'll be an inside-the-distance win. I know it was only a little shove [at their first fight-week face-off] but I was surprised that Terri was actually that strong. She had to regroup herself. I know it's reading into things, but I think Caroline realised how strong she was. I think if they get into a tear up, I'd back Caroline. But I don't think it's going to be easy. I think Terri's got more miles on the clock but I think Caroline is the one coming in there chasing rather than running. A harder than expected inside-the-distance win for Caroline. Frazer Clarke (Olympic medallist) Harper is a very experienced campaigner but Caroline seems to have this spite about her at the minute which I really love because I can remember quiet, shy Caroline Dubois. I can remember the Caroline Dubois that was in pieces after the Olympics, after her loss. I love the spite that she's got now and I think that she's a phenomenal fighter so I'm going to say that Caroline comes through. With the vicious side of her, I think she stops Harper. Claressa Shields (multi-weight undisputed champion) Nothing against Harper, I'm just a fan of the youngster, Caroline. She sees greatness in herself and she respects the game and she just continues to learn and get better. I love what I'm seeing from her. Listen, she is somebody to be reckoned with. Lawrence Okolie (former world champion) I think it's a great fight and I think Dubois is probably one of the best boxers in the world. She just needs to go out there and show it, get this experience. Fighting someone like this is just going to add to that. Obviously it's a seasoned world champion that she's going in against but I think she's got more than what it takes. Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Sunday.

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No Writer
Apr 5
UK weather: Battered coasts, wobbly planes and closed roads as Storm Dave sweeps through

It comes as weather warnings have been lifted after the worst of the storm swept through the country. The Met Office said: "Storm Dave will clear away to the northeast on Sunday morning, leaving sunshine and showers across the UK. "Northern areas will see the heaviest, blustery showers and feel cold, while temperatures elsewhere stay closer to average for early April." An amber wind warning, covering parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales, expired at 3am on Sunday. And three yellow warnings across parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales were lifted later in the morning. Before the amber alert ended, the Met Office had forecast "severe gales" across central and northern areas of the country overnight into Sunday. Several major bridges in Scotland had restrictions because of the high winds, including the Queensferry Crossing and the Forth Road Bridge near Edinburgh, Traffic Scotland warned early on Sunday. On Saturday, gusts of up to 66mph were recorded in north Wales, and the A66 had been closed in both directions. ScotRail passengers were warned to expect longer journey times because of speed limits on some services, while Network Rail said buses will replace trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester. In Dublin, pilots faced challenging conditions as they attempted to land in the blustery weather - with footage showing planes wobbling as they neared the runway. The city's airport said 17 flights were cancelled on Saturday, with dozens of go-arounds and diversions as gusts reached up to 44 knots. It went on to warn that passengers could face disruption on Sunday because some aircraft and crews are now displaced. Read more on Sky News:Arrests after man dies in road collisionPM's concern over controversial rapperPublic 'let down' over bag of guns Four flood warnings and 32 flood alerts were in place across England as of 7am, as well as 12 flood warnings and eight flood alerts in Scotland and eight coastal flood alerts in Wales. The Energy Network Association, which represents electricity providers, has said outages and fallen power lines are possible as a result of Storm Dave. A statement added: "Network operators are increasing staffing for operational teams, and moving spare equipment to where the weather is expected to be most disruptive, so it's ready to use if needed."

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No Writer
Apr 4
Keir Starmer 'deeply concerned' by Kanye West's Wireless festival booking 'despite antisemitic remarks'

The 48-year-old rapper - who has not performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury in 2015 - will top the bill for all three nights of Wireless festival in July. In the time since he last performed on UK soil, West has drawn criticism for antisemitic X posts, a Super Bowl advert directing people to a swastika t-shirt and a song referencing Hitler. Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: "It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism. "Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure." West, also known as Ye, has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions. In December 2022, the Power rapper's account was suspended after a post showing a swastika inside a Star of David. Adidas, which worked with West on his Yeezy trainers, cut ties with him after the incident and donated more than $150m (£117m) to anti-hate groups. In February last year, West deleted his account after being criticised for posting "hate-filled" remarks about Jewish people, as well as writing "I love Hitler" and "I'm a Nazi". Weeks later, he drew criticism over a TV advert that directed people to a website selling a swastika t-shirt and released a song titled Heil Hitler. In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise to Jewish and black people, titled: "To Those I've Hurt." "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," it said. "I love Jewish people." Read more:Men in court over attack on Jewish charity ambulancesAntisemitism claims in city known for inclusivity The 48-year-old attributed his previous outbursts to his bipolar-1 disorder, writing: "In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life. "I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret." "I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change," he continued. "It does not excuse what I did though." Wireless Festival was contacted for comment.

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Tim Baker, political reporter
Apr 3
Speculation Miliband will approve drilling new oil and gas field 'unfounded' government says

The Times reported that Mr Miliband, the key proponent of Labour's net zero plans, is set to give the project the green light. Jackdaw was previously approved under the Conservatives, before being put on ice when a court appeal forced a new environmental assessment. Middle East live: US jet shot down, Iranian media claims Labour was elected on a manifesto that promised not to approve new oil and gas licences. However, the government considers this not to apply to Jackdaw due to the prior consent, leaving the door open for Jackdaw to be approved. Mr Miliband's efforts to sprint towards green energy have faced new challenges following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, and rising energy prices. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said earlier this week she was "very happy" to back Jackdaw, and the linked Rosebank project. Both are located in the North Sea, with Jackdaw - off Aberdeen - mainly containing gas, and Rosebank - near the Shetland Islands - having both gas and oil. In Labour's 2024 manifesto, Sir Keir Starmer promise his government would "not issue new licences to explore new fields". A government source pointed Sky News to the fact nothing was said about previously granted consents in the policy platform. Another said it was noted that Mr Miliband's decision will be made in a quasi-judicial fashion, based on the law, rather than government or Labour Party policy. In opposition, Mr Miliband branded Rosebank a "colossal waste of taxpayer money and climate vandalism". Read more:Countries are dealing with rising energy pricesStarmer unveils limited energy support And a war of words erupted on social media between Labour backbenchers - including a recently departed minister calling for more drilling. Josh Simons said Ms Reeves' backing of more drilling was "excellent news". However, Labour colleague Uma Kumaran replied "disagree", stating "the climate crisis is very real, as is the energy crisis. We can't keep going back to oil and gas." She said the war showed the UK was too reliant on fossil fuels, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski also criticised Mr Simons. The ex-minister said he was not convinced that new drilling wouldn't lower bills, bring energy independence or protect the UK from price shocks. Instead, his argument was that it would create jobs, provide tax revenue and reduce global carbon emissions by reducing the amount of imported fuel. "Yes, double down on renewables, insulate homes, lower bills. AND green light those two fields," Mr Simons said. Approval of the field would see Labour adopting a position shared by the Conservatives and Reform UK, who want more drilling. The SNP has recently changed its position to back drilling too, having previously called for a ban on new projects. One of the leading private sector figures involved in the Jackdaw project said it could start pumping fuel in time for next winter. Neil McCulloch, the chief executive of Adura, added that his company is ready to start providing energy from Jackdaw by this October, if they get a decision by the expected deadline around August. "We do not recognise this unfounded speculation," a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said. "We cannot comment on live planning decisions, and these decisions will be made in an appropriate and timely manner, after the last government's plans were found to be unlawful." 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 The rise in energy prices has led to many to call for more government action. Lord Richard Walker, the executive chairman of Iceland and Sir Keir Starmer's cost of living tsar, suggested the 5p cut on fuel duty should be extended past September, or even expanded.

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No Writer
Apr 4
Ellie Scotney could become a three-weight undisputed world champion, says her trainer Shane McGuigan

If she beats Mayelli Flores to unify the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF super-bantamweight titles, she will become Britain's youngest undisputed world champion in the four-belt era. Her trainer Shane McGuigan is not only backing Scotney to be victorious when she fights Flores at Kensington's Olympia, live on Sky Sports tonight, but considers there to be far more to come from her yet. Terri Harper tells Caroline Dubois: 'It's not about the elbows, it's about the fists!'Buy tickets for Ellie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores billGet Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW "If you want my honest opinion, I want her to be an undisputed three-weight world champion. That's the next goal, that's the next mission and I think she's got the capabilities of doing it," McGuigan told Sky Sports. "I believe she'll be the undisputed three-weight world champion." Now Scotney has made weight this is surely going to be her last fight at 122lbs. "It is so hard [making weight]. The only reason I've hung on for so long is to go undisputed," she told Sky Sports. "The reason we've held on to super-bantam for so long is for the undisputed so all eyes on that. "God willing the collection will be completed on April 5 and I'll be moving on. "There's massive fights to be made at featherweight," Scotney said. "All that matters is April and that's all my attention is on." Flores is a short opponent, but strong with a furious punch output. Those elements could combine for a frantic encounter over 10 two-minute rounds. McGuigan said of Flores: "It's a genuinely really hard fight. She's been beaten once but that was a long time ago. She beat a very good champion in [Nazarena] Romero and she's got a fantastic workrate, a decent puncher, is very small. "She'll probably be hard to hit clean because of her size. We've prepared very, very well but how can you get a sparring partner at four foot 11 that's as athletic, that's as strong, durable as who she's going to be boxing? "It's one that we've really got to switch on for and make sure that she comes out of this fight with a victory." Dolan: It's the right time for me Emma Dolan will open the televised bill in an IBF super-flyweight world title fight against Mexico's Irma Garcia. It will be Dolan's first world championship contest. But she wants to emulate Scotney, an international amateur team-mate, and win multiple titles. "All about legacy for me. I've got no interest in this that and the other. It's all about legacy fights for me, I'd like to fight all the other champions," she told Sky Sports. "I knew eventually I'd get to this stage and eventually I'd be at world level so I didn't know who I was going to fight but I knew I'd fight one of them. So I've watched Irma for the last couple of years so I'm well aware of what she does and what she does well." Dolan continued: "I've just got to do what I've got to do and I know that'll be more than enough. "I feel like it's the right time for me. I feel like I'm ready for it and I can't wait come and grab it. "I haven't been in a boring fight yet. Depending on how Irma decides to box will be a contributing factor but it should make for a really good fight." Watch Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs Mayelli Flores live on Sky Sports from 7pm.

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