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Apr 4
UK weather: New amber wind warning issued as Storm Dave to hit country

The amber alert issued by the Met Office warns flying debris could lead to "injuries or danger to life". Parts of Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, north Wales and Scotland are covered by the amber warning, which comes into effect at 7pm today and is due to remain in place until 3am on Sunday. The agency said that "while some uncertainty remains in the exact track and shape of Storm Dave, a spell of strong southwesterly winds is expected". Meanwhile, four separate yellow weather warnings from the Met Office will come into force this afternoon: • An alert for wind covering northern England, parts of Scotland and part of Wales is active from 5pm until 7am tomorrow • A separate warning for wind across the whole of Northern Ireland is in place from 2pm until 3am • The whole of mainland Scotland and a part of northeast England also faces a yellow warning for wind from 6pm until 12pm tomorrow • A yellow alert for snow applies to the Scottish Highlands between 2pm and 3am Storm Dave will be at its worst later on Saturday, but will weaken on Sunday as it blows into the North Sea. Travel disruption on the roads - as well as on rail, air and ferry services - is possible. Large waves could cause dangerous conditions along the coastline, and there may be 80mph gusts in exposed areas. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said that once Storm Dave passes, parts of the UK will have a spell of warm weather. He predicted "heavy snow" would form across parts of the Highlands through Saturday afternoon, evening and night and "as much as 20-30cm (8-12 inches) could fall over the higher ground, and 5-10cm (2-4 inches) over lower ground". But warmer air arrives from Europe after Easter Monday, bringing higher temperatures through Tuesday and into Wednesday, he said. England and Wales could "see temperatures rising to the low 20s, with highs around 20C (68F) or 21C (70F) on Tuesday, and possibly 23C (73F) or 24C (75F) come Wednesday". Southeast England could enjoy the best of the sun on Wednesday, "where 23C and 24C is most likely". Scotland's First Minister John Swinney warned of "really quite challenging conditions" later on Saturday and urged people to "follow all of the advice that's available and to make sure they stay safe". George Fiddes, from Transport Scotland, said motorists "should check their planned routes before setting off". Some areas could also experience power cuts. Read more UK news:Armed officers leave guns outside Sadiq Khan's homeM&S boss issues stark warning over worsening crime Earlier this week, the RAC predicted that it could be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022 - with ABTA estimates indicating two million people were planning to travel abroad. In Scotland, Network Rail has warned that the East Coast Main Line and services on the Ayrshire coast could be most affected by the extreme weather.

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No Writer
Apr 2
Judge dismisses Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims in lawsuit against Justin Baldoni

The ​decision to throw out most of the claims in the case was made by District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan on Thursday on jurisdictional grounds. Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment in connection with the filming of their 2024 romantic drama It Ends With Us. The 38-year-old actress - who is married to Ryan Reynolds - sued Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios and others, seeking damages for alleged harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy and violations ‌of federal and state civil rights laws. She claimed the defendants created a sexually charged atmosphere during the film's production and then schemed to silence her from speaking out. The film starred Lively and Baldoni, who was also the director. Baldoni - who denies any wrongdoing - argued he addressed his co-star's concerns as soon as she raised them and defended his decision to hire a crisis management firm after Lively began disparaging him publicly. In his ruling, Judge Liman said Lively had sued under a ​California law but the alleged wrongful conduct took place elsewhere. He said Lively could pursue a retaliation claim against Wayfarer Studios, in addition to a contract claim and an aiding and ​abetting claim against various defendants. The rift became public in December 2024 when Lively filed a complaint with the California civil rights department, followed by her lawsuit. Read more from Sky News:Bodycam footage shows Tiger Woods' arrestBBC boss addresses Scott Mills sacking The New York Times published an article about the events, titled: "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine." Baldoni ⁠sued Lively and Reynolds for defamation, accusing the couple of destroying his reputation, but Judge Liman dismissed the case in June. He also dismissed Baldoni's case against The New York Times. It Ends With Us is about a flower shop owner, played by Lively, who marries a neurosurgeon ​played by Baldoni, but the marriage falls apart when he becomes abusive, reminding the florist of her own parents' relationship.

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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 4
Terri Harper and Caroline Dubois hit the scales for title clash: 'It's not about the elbows, it's about the fists!'

They weighed in at Kensington's Olympia, the historic venue that will host a stacked bill of women's world title fights, live on Sky Sports on Sunday. After both made weight - with Harper fractionally the heavier, 134lbs 6oz to Dubois' 134lbs 2oz - they went virtually nose to nose at their final face off before breaking away. 'She's trying to be me' - Caroline Dubois reacts to Terri Harper elbow bargeBuy tickets for Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper billGet Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW The jibes exchanged between Dubois and Harper have grown increasingly vicious as their contest for the WBC and WBO lightweight titles has drawn closer. Their clashes during the week of the fight have threatened to get physical as they jostled each other for position in front of the cameras. Dubois had previously flexed with her elbow in front of Harper's face and the latter made sure to do the same as they posed for pictures. But the pre-fight psychological skirmishes will now come to an end. The contest itself is now one night away. "It's all about tomorrow, it's not about the elbows, it's all about the fists," Harper said. "It's the weight I feel most comfortable at," she added. "I'm happy. "I just told her I'm excited to punch her in the face." Dubois is determined to back up her words. "A win is the most important thing but I believe I win by knockout," she said. "I've grown, I've gotten big, I've gotten strong, I can't wait. "We're here now, we've done the hardest part which is making the weight, we're here, we're ready, we're ready to fight." Ellie Scotney stands to become the UK's youngest undisputed champion, male or female, in the four-belt era, if she can unify Mayelli Flores' WBA championship with the IBF, WBC and WBO titles she already holds. Scotney looked grave and then broke into a beaming smile as she won her battle with the scales, weighing 121lbs 8oz. Flores is short but broad and a strong, aggressive world champion. She was 121lbs 2oz and is looking to make history of her own and become Mexico's first-ever female undisputed champion. "As soon as I came to London my objective was to be that," Flores said. "[My baggage allowance is] no problem, I'll leave my clothes here and take that extra belt!" "I'm ready to fight," Scotney warned her. "More than ready. "All the belts, all the marbles." Chantelle Cameron and Michaela Kotaskova will make some boxing history themselves on Sunday at Olympia. They will meet in the first women's world title fight to be fought over three-minute rounds on UK soil. Cameron, the former undisputed super-lightweight champion, is also gunning to become a two-weight world titlist when she fights Kotaskova for the vacant WBO super-welterweight championship. Cameron, moving up to the division for the first time, was well under the weight limit at 148lbs 2oz, with Kotaskova not much heavier at 150lbs 1oz. "I've been working hard in the gym getting ready for the three minute rounds and I've got the engine so it's all paying off," Cameron said. "Three-minute rounds suits me way more." But Kotaskova said: "I'm going to go all in, it's a huge opportunity for me. "I'm going to do my best." Emma Dolan (114lbs 4oz) challenges for a world title for the first time in her career when she takes on Mexican police officer, lawyer and IBF super-flyweight champion Irma Garcia (113lbs 8oz). Dolan, who has already won Commonwealth and British titles, will open the televised show on Sunday. "I'm just going to do what I do best, go in there and take over," she declared. "I bring an exciting style, it's going to be a great fight so tune in." 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 4
Golders Green: Three in court over arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances as additional arrest made

A further arrest in connection with the incident was made at the court, the Crown Prosecution Service said. Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service, were destroyed in the early hours of 23 March in north London. Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both British nationals from Leyton, were on Friday charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. A 17-year-old boy, a dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also charged with the same offence. The group, who were all arrested on Wednesday at different locations in east London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Prosecutor Emma Harraway told the court: "There is significant evidence that this was a premeditated and targeted attack against the Jewish community." The defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details. As Iqbal was taken to the cells, someone in the public gallery said: "Take care son, yeah." Iqbal and Khan were remanded in custody, while the 17-year-old will be held in youth detention accommodation. They are all due to appear at the Old Bailey on 24 April. The court heard prosecutors do not yet know the motivation for the alleged attack. The Metropolitan Police said the additional arrest took place after officers attending the hearing "recognised the man as being involved in the arson attack". He was arrested for arson with intent to endanger life and has been taken into custody. The case is not being treated as terrorism but Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said its detectives are leading the investigation due to "the circumstances of the incident". When the four ambulances were set on fire, the resulting blaze caused gas canisters stored in the vehicles to explode, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. Residents describe being woken by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue. The government loaned the charity four ambulances to replace those that were destroyed, and has said it would cover the cost of new vehicles. An appeal has raised more than £3.2m to find new, safer premises for the Hatzola ambulance service in Golders Green. Read more from Sky News:Boy, 14, shot dead in LondonM&S boss issues crime warningLook to faith this Easter, says Starmer Separately, two men aged 45 and 47, arrested last Wednesday, have both been released on bail until later in April. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in northwest London, said a "bespoke policing plan" has been deployed at vulnerable areas across London, including Golders Green. He added: "This has involved a significant number of additional officers on the ground. It is also being supported by highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm."

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No Writer
Apr 2
Jesy Nelson celebrates plans for rollout of SMA screenings for newborn babies

The former Little Mix star has campaigned for all newborn babies to be screened for the rare condition after her twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson, were diagnosed. They were found to have the condition, which causes progressive muscle wastage, which Nelson says means they will probably never walk, after being born prematurely last year. The 34-year-old launched a petition for more health checks for babies, appearing on Sky News to promote her campaign, and it reached 100,000 signatures. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has now announced the checks will be rolled out as part of in-screening evaluations from this October, rather than January 2027. These are used to test proposed screening programmes before they are adopted nationally. In a letter to Nelson and Giles Lomax, the boss of the SMA UK charity, Mr Streeting said he was keen on a full rollout and promised to keep them updated. Nelson, a patron of the charity, celebrated the news in a post on Instagram. "I am so proud, as this is a major milestone for the SMA community," she said. More from Sky News:Watch historic moon launchTrump says war aims 'near completion' Early treatment can help prevent some of the most devastating consequences of her twins' condition. They have had a one-off infusion that puts a missing gene back into their body to stop other muscles from dying, however, they will not be able to regain any muscles that have already died. Mr Lomax said his charity would continue to work towards a UK-wide rollout of SMA screening, adding: "No baby should be left behind based on where they live."

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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
Arne Slot: Liverpool head coach questions players' effort and fighting spirit in FA Cup defeat to Man City

Liverpool had matched their opponents for a large part of the first half at the Etihad Stadium as Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike missed good chances, but when Virgil van Dijk conceded a penalty which Erling Haaland dispatched, the floodgates opened in a rampant 20-minute spell. Reds midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai claimed his team-mates lacked the mentality to recover from the setback and boss Slot agreed their reaction to Haaland's opener was not good enough. Man City 4-0 Liverpool - reportAs it happened at the Etihad | Teams | StatsFA Cup quarter-finals | Download the Sky Sports app "I did not feel this until the moment they scored the 1-0 and I think after they scored, we were still in the game, but then twice they got through when we had a throw-in. And they go so fast, in those moments you have to defend sharper," he said. "The second goal was a similar one we conceded earlier on this season over here and the second time we conceded just before half-time, playing Man City. "I missed the fighting spirit definitely in the first 10 minutes after half-time and then afterwards it was just a game where both teams accepted it was 4-0. "In that 10 to 15 minutes, I missed the willingness to win your duel, to be there first, to make it difficult for either a pass or a cross or a finish. That is something we definitely have to do better on Wednesday." Haaland netted again before the break followed by Antoine Semenyo adding a third five minutes after half-time before the striker sealed his hat-trick to inflict a 15th defeat on Liverpool, their most since 2015. The loss was compounded by Salah having a penalty saved. 'If you don't make it difficult to good players, it's immediately a goal' Slot defended against the accusation that his side are failing to do the basics but admitted there is a familiar pattern to the goals they concede. He said: "If you tell me from the 15 runs Man City is making, 15 times my players don't run, I disagree with you. But if you simply look at the goals, there I see runs that are not being followed. "I see crosses that are not being blocked, I see duels in front of goal that are not won, then you are completely right. "That's not the story of the whole game, but every single time we forget to block a cross, we forget to defend in front of a goal, we forget to follow a runner, every single time it's a goal. It's not the pattern of the game." Slot added: "And then you sometimes miss the lack of need to understand that if you're 1-0 down just before half-time, you have to do everything right to go from 1-0 down to half-time. Sometimes it's about maybe trying to score the 1-1, but in other moments, making sure you don't concede. "Like I said, in those 20 minutes, the way we defended when we conceded the four goals is absolutely not good enough, and then I see exactly the same thing." Asked what he put that down to, Slot said: "It's a bit of everything. Effort comes first, I think. Of course, if you look at how they outplayed it and the timing, the moment Haaland comes in, but I think we have to try to make it more difficult for them than we were doing, because they're already good players. "If you don't make it difficult to good players, it's immediately a goal, and that's what we saw four times. And on Wednesday, we face, again, very good players. So we have to make it more difficult for them in those moments when we have to defend than we were doing. "When it's chance after chance after chance, you start to feel like maybe we should change our game plan or our tactics. "But if it's moments, which it was, because I don't think they had many more chances than the goals they scored, then it's about understanding the importance of a moment. "Understanding that you need to be ruthless in those moments, even if things go against you or you mentally find it a bit hard. Again, you're 1-0 down after 35 minutes where you felt you were at least equal to the other team. This has happened many times to us. "So yes, mental could be a part of that, but it's never an excuse because if you play in this shirt and you play for this club, then being 1-0 down or 2-0 down is never an excuse not to put that effort in that specific moment. Then it's almost impossible to get a result if you face teams of this quality. "If you let your runner go or you don't block a shot or you don't block a cross against players of a different level, you can maybe get away with it, but not at this level."

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