A senior Reform UK official has launched an outspoken attack on YouGov as the party stalls in the opinion polls.
Zia Yusuf, Reform’s home affairs spokesman, said the pollster “will lose all credibility and their business will die” if the party outperforms expectations in May’s elections.
His comments came after YouGov said it would publish more data about how it reaches its voting intention (VI) figures.
The company’s polls have tended to show support for Reform at a lower level than other pollsters, with their most recent one putting the party on 23%.
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In a post on X, Yusuf said: “YouGov has lost a stunning 89% of its value in just over 4 years. Now they’ve stuck their neck out to prop up the cadaver of the Tory Party.
“If Reform wins more than 23% of the vote share in May, their polls will lose all credibility and their business will die.”
YouGov has lost a stunning 89% of its value in just over 4 years.
Now they’ve stuck their neck out to prop up the cadaver of the Tory Party.
If Reform wins more than 23% of the vote share in May, their polls will lose all credibility and their business will die.
His comments come just days after Reform leader Nigel Farage also accused YouGov of trying to downplay his party’s popularity.
He said the pollster was “using bizarre adjustments to suppress the true figures”.
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Farage added: “No wonder their share price has fallen by over 80 percent in recent year.”
But Patrick English, YouGov’s head of elections, denied Reform’s accusations.
Posting on X, he said: “For avoidance of any doubt. No, we at YouGov have not changed any methods in response to Farage or Reform.
“What we have agreed to do moving forward is publish an extra question in all our VI tables. And we never made/make ‘tactical voting adjustments’ to our headline VI.”
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For avoidance of any doubt.
No, we at @YouGov have not changed *any* methods in response to Farage or Reform.
What we have agreed to do moving forward is publish an extra question in all our VI tables.
And we *never* made/make ‘tactical voting adjustments’ to our headline VI.
It closed its doors, and a temporary bar was set up in January to serve the area, making way for the new and improved restaurant and bar.
The new and improved part of the airport comes with a new menu. You can pick up traditional breakfast items as well as burgers, sharing plates and light bites.
It will come with a fully serviced bar, and customers can pick up pints on draught, wine and spirits. It also provides non-alcoholic alternatives like 0.0% Guinness and Heineken.
As well as the new restaurant and bar, visitors to the airport will be able to pick a coffee from the new Bewleys coffee area within the Northern Quarter.
He set fire to Christmas decorations in the foyer of the hostel
A day after being released from prison, a Cambridge man set fire to a youth hostel foyer, sending him back to jail. The convict had threatened to smash the door down and petrol bomb the centre when he was refused entry.
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Nigel Hensby, 27, was released from prison after possessing a knife and a public order offence. After serving time for those offenses, he set fire to Christmas decorations in the foyer of a youth hostel. Hensby threatened the staff member after being denied entry in the building to get a mobile phone from a former partner.
In a ‘fit of rage’ Hensby went to the Cambridge Youth Foyer, in Rustat Close, on December 5 last year. He demanded to see his former partner to get a mobile phone back, but he was refused entry by a member of staff.
Hensby threatened to smash the door down and petrol bomb the building and the staff member hid in an office and called the police. When she checked the reception area, Hensby had set fire to some Christmas decorations with a lighter and run off.
Police say that no one was hurt in the fire, but lives were put at risk. Hensby was arrested in Station Road, Cambridge, at about 9.40pm, shortly after the incident, and admitted to the officer he had started the fire.
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On Tuesday (March 10), at Peterborough Crown Court, Hensby, of Drayton Road, Norwich, was jailed for two years. At an earlier hearing, he also pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
DC Becky Bertozzi-Wilson, who investigated, said: “Hensby deliberately set fire to a foyer in a building with vulnerable people inside, putting their lives and staff members lives at risk, simply because staff would rightly, not allow him access. The consequences of his actions could have been fatal.”
It started in Weymouth on Friday, March 13, and will see the DJ travel all the way to Edinburgh in a 1,000km journey.
He will be passing through County Durham on Wednesday, March 18, if all goes to plan.
Track where Greg James is on his journey here:
Speaking ahead of the challenge, he said: “Yes, I am mad, and I do think it will be a ludicrous challenge, and one that I don’t know whether or not I can do.
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“But I’m going to try it.
“A little bit of pain is worth the overall goal of raising loads of money for Comic Relief.”
This is Mr James’ third challenge for Comic Relief, despite previously vowing not to take on another.
He completed five triathlons in five days in 2016, and in 2018, cycled between and climbed the UK’s three highest peaks: Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and Ben Nevis.
Throughout the journey, Mr James will be joined by special guests, listeners, and fellow presenters.
He said: “I need them to be good cyclists.
“The reality of it might be that they wobble and we both fall off.”
Today, President Trump has reiterated his requests for support from Nato allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz – days after saying we don’t need” UK aircraft carriers in the Middle East.
For now, the PM and other European allies are holding off – with Sir Keir Starmer saying the UK doesn’t want to get drawn into the wider US-Israeli war with Iran.
James and Chris are joined by Panorama film maker Jane Corbin to discuss the ongoing disagreement between the two sides of the Atlantic.
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Plus, The Economist’s defence editor Shashank Joshi joins James to explain why Trump has requested European support in the Gulf, and whether it would actually make a difference.
You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.
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New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters was James Cook. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Harry Craig. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell Davis. The technical producers were Philip Bull and Rohan Madison. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
If you’re already planning those days off in the Easter break this might give you some inspiration
Easter isn’t too far away and you might be thinking you need to sort out a few activity days in advance so you know you’re not sitting at home doing nothing for two weeks during the school holidays.
Luckily south Wales has a number of things happening around the capital including a musical outing, castle trip filled with Easter activities, and a cooking workshop.
There’s something for everyone so we’ve pulled together some of the best options you can still book. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
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1. Easterland at Fonmon Castle
At £10 a ticket there’s a lot packed into this Easter fun day at the Vale of Glamorgan castle.
There’s an Easter egg stamp trail, Alice in Wonderland themed area, a golden egg hunt, and Easter crafts. You can also explore the castle and the dinosaur trail too.
Dubbed as ‘the ultimate pop concert’ to celebrate the biggest hits from pop stars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and more it’s definitely one for your potential pop queens.
Tickets are a little on the pricier side at £30 and you can get them here.
When: April 7
3. Girl-Coded, Wales Millennium Centre
One for the teenagers this Easter as the play explores themes of consent, identity, and the complex ways young women navigate relationships and intimacy throughout adolescence. It follows three childhood best friends, Lauren, Ange, and Cas, who reunite on August 13, 2024, exactly five years after their friendship fell apart at the hands of jealousy during Ange’s results day party.
If your child is keen on helping out in the kitchen this could be just the Easter activity for them. Children will be baking some delicious Easter treats and making and decorating Easter baskets. Classes are £25 and ages from two to 11 can attend. Click here for more on Cook Stars and to book the event.
When: March 28
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5. Easter Eggstravaganza, Rhondda Heritage Park
Ticket price includes an egg hunt with chocolate treat at the end, a chance to explore the Easter Bunny’s underground burrow, small children’s rides, Easter craft, balloon modelling, a petting farm, and a teddy bears’ picnic. Click here for tickets and more information.
When: April 1-2
6. Easter at The Meadows, Caerphilly
The Easter experience at The Meadows will cost £13.50 for kids aged thee and up and tickets include park entry, Easter trail, chocolate prize, Easter craft activities, and rabbit and guinea pig petting sessions. The farm itself has an exotic barn, reptile house, and a wallaby walk-through. Buy tickets here.
When: March 28-April 66
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7. Easter fun with dragon trails at Caerphilly Castle
Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident shortly after 11.10pm on Sunday night (March 15) in Whitby, North Yorkshire Police said.
The force said a manslaughter investigation has been launched after the man, in his late 40s and from the Halifax area, died at an address in Flowergate.
“On arriving, officers encountered a man in his late 40s who was unresponsive and gave him CPR while the ambulance arrived,” a police spokesperson said.
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“Sadly the man, who is from the Halifax area, could not be revived by medics and was pronounced dead following sustained attempts to save his life.
“Detectives at North Yorkshire Police have launched a manslaughter investigation and the man’s family is being supported by officers.”
They said four men have been arrested in connection with the investigation while police inquiries continue.
The spokesperson said there would be a “significant police presence in the area to support the community”.
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They urged anyone with information to come forward.
“Detectives have already spoken to a number of witnesses but are urging anyone with information who has yet to speak to them to get in touch,” the police spokesperson said.
“Please contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101, and quoting reference 12260046853.”
If you’re going to Saundersfoot this year then you need to treat yourself to a cocktail
There’s a lot to love about the seaside Pembrokeshire village of Saundersfoot. The long, sandy beach, plentiful pubs, fish and chip shops, cafes, and shops are all draws.
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But did you know there is also a speakeasy tucked away on the main street making fresh gold-sprinkled cocktails? Hourglass’s stylish small bar is within the Hourglass boutique so there’s an opportunity for some vintage shopping at the same time.
Hourglass, found in The Strand, was previously an antique shop but when owner Holly Thompson decided on a change of scene for the shop Hourglass became somewhere to to relax with an espresso martini or coffee as well as pick up a stylish piece of jewellery or outfit.
Owning the shop with her mother Kim the pair, as well as Holly’s dad Colin and partner Harrison, redesigned and refurbished the shop themselves. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Holly said: “When we had the antiques shop the plan was always to move it more towards a boutique and focus on the fine jewellery, designer bags, and accessories we were already selling. Just before starting the refurbishment we had the idea to add a cocktail bar.
“I’ve always loved the idea of a speakeasy-style bar but I didn’t want to leave the jewellery and pre-loved designer industry, so we thought: ‘Why not combine the two?’ We wanted to create somewhere people could shop beautiful pieces, enjoy a cocktail, and have an experience they wouldn’t expect to find in a small seaside village.
“We’ve always focused on excellent customer service and creating a unique client-focused experience and the cocktail bar really adds to that.”
With a menu changing seasonally those wanting to escape from the hubbub of Saundersfoot at peak time can enjoy Old Fashioneds, Cherry 75s, and Martinis or cool down with an iced matcha.
“Our cocktails change seasonally with around 20 on the menu at any one time,” said Holly. “As we’re a small space we like to focus on offering a good variety while keeping things special. We use fresh quality ingredients and try to support local suppliers wherever possible.
“We’re really proud of the cocktails and the feedback we’ve received. It’s another way for us to be creative, especially with the presentation – and there’s always a touch of gold. We also serve great coffees, matcha, and loose-leaf teas.”
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Holly added customers coming in and seeing the bar for the first time are surprised but she hopes it makes an impact all the same.
“Some people aren’t quite sure what to expect at first when they see the bar. We love that moment of surprise – it creates a memory and makes someone’s day or holiday a little more special and we love being part of that.”
Arsenal legend Henry was hugely impressed by Fernandes’ performance and expressed his ‘love’ for the Portuguese playmaker during a segment on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Henry nicknamed the United captain ‘Braino Fernandes’ due to the fact ‘he doesn’t play football – he thinks football’ and was a step ahead of his rivals throughout the game.
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‘If you can control the speed of your brain you’re going to be faster than anyone on the field and this is what this guy has in abundance,’ Henry said of Fernandes.
‘I’ve said it before, he doesn’t play football he thinks football. He did it so well again at the weekend.
‘In the second half he was like the kid at school who’s better than everyone, he just got on the ball and passed it forward whenever he could.
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (Picture: Getty)
‘Something that people don’t often see with Bruno – because he’s so great on the ball – is his work ethic. He can walk around the pitch if he wants because he’s the best player but then he pops up defending.’
Henry also highlighted the moment Fernandes ‘killed’ Amad for not giving him the ball late on during the match.
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Fernandes had made a run behind Aston Villa’s defence but Amad did not pick him out and the United captain was seen berating his teammate for a fair while afterwards.
Henry spotted Fernandes berating Amad Diallo (Picture: Sky Sports)
Henry analysing Fernandes’ performance at Old Trafford (Picture: Sky Sports)
‘He wanted the ball [off Amad Diallo], he wanted the ball,’ Henry added. ‘He gets the ball after but he’s flat-footed by that point.
‘He wanted the ball from Amad Diallo, not Manuel Ugarte, and I wanted to show that because this is at 3-1 with just a few minutes to go.
‘He killed Amad Diallo for at least seven seconds! That’s just him, he will argue with his Dad or with anyone but he still finds a way.
‘Even when he wins he’s like that, he demands excellence from himself and his teammates. For me, that’s a real leader. Look at him, he’s still going at Amad! He didn’t like it.
‘My name for him now is Braino Fernandes because this guy thinks on the pitch and I love it.’
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The 31-year-old is just four behind the overall Premier League record – held by ex-Arsenal striker Henry and former Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne – with eight games still to play.
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Henry has ‘always liked’ Fernandes and says the Portugal international deserves respect for staying at Manchester United during some tough times.
Fernandes has been one of the best players in the world since moving to Old Trafford but may have won more silverware at another club, having only lifted the FA Cup and EFL Cup with United.
‘I’ve always liked him,’ Henry said. ‘What he’s been doing at Man United in some difficult moments for the club is outstanding.
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‘We have to give him credit as well because he could have walked away but he stayed and he’s fighting in every game, I love him.’
Manchester United have a three-point cushion in third after beating Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and return to Premier League action on Friday night against Bournemouth.
Local outrage after individual destroys wild growing public space
A call has been made to the NI Executive to give special protected status to a coastal North Down public park that suffered a large-scale act of vandalism earlier this year.
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In January locals in Donaghadee were outraged after an individual destroyed much of the villages’ second, or rough, Commons, a largely wild growing public space. A person was witnessed by locals to enter the area in a hired tractor and set about destroying hedges, shrubs, trees and wild grasses, which have been a feature of the area for years.
Onlookers at first thought it was work by the local council, but this was later shown to be not the case. Allegations emerged that the person responsible was a local resident, and some have said the person did it to get a better view of the sea. Police are investigating the incident.
At the March meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council Environment Committee a motion by local elected representatives, DUP Councillor James Cochrane and UUP Alderman Mark Brooks, was adopted.
It states the council “notes with deep concern” the recent destruction caused to bushes, trees and wild grass in the Commons, Donaghadee. Councillors agreed for officials to write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, calling upon him to designate the Commons as either an Area of Special Scientific Interest, or another appropriate form of protected status, to help safeguard the space.
Councillor James Cochrane said at the meeting: “This isn’t about a single incident, it is about recognising the value of natural spaces that exist within our towns and communities. The Commons in Donaghadee is not just a manicured park, it is a piece of land where biodiversity has been allowed to flourish naturally for many years, and spaces like this are increasingly rare in Northern Ireland, where natural habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate.
“When they are lost they are often replaced with development, or overly managed landscapes that lack the richness of the natural environment they replace. But the Commons has always been different, it has existed in its natural state for generations, and the land has been allowed to grow and evolve for many years.
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“So when that landscape has been altered or destroyed, the loss is not only visual, it is ecological.”
He added: “Designations exist for exactly this purpose, to recognise and protect places that have environmental value, biodiversity significance, or scientific importance. Designation would help that the ecological importance of the site is recognised and safeguarded.
“It would also send a clear message that natural heritage matters, and the landscapes are not disposable, and that they deserve protection. And perhaps most importantly it would give the people of Donaghadee reassurance that the place they cherish will be protected for generations to come.”
UUP Alderman Mark Brooks said: “The local community are rightfully outraged. First of all, they want to see action, and they want to see punishment. In the long term, what we are asking for (with the motion) is correct, it has to be a protected area.”
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