Sir Keir Starmer has refused to join Donald Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and gas shipping lane, which could drive up petrol costs for Britons

Sir Keir Starmer has declined to participate in Donald Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which could intensify economic hardship for Britons through increased petrol prices.

The president threatened to halt tankers from entering or exiting the crucial oil and gas shipping route, a decision anticipated to push oil prices higher when markets reopen, following rises already triggered by Iran’s control of the strait in response to the US- Israel conflict against it.

The Prime Minister will address cost-of-living concerns with local residents during a visit to Greater Manchester later today.

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Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will head to Washington for International Monetary Fund meetings this week, having cautioned that “the war in Iran will come at a cost to British families and business”.

MPs return to Westminster from the Easter break on Monday with no end to the Middle East crisis in view and the future of a fragile two-week ceasefire hanging in the balance. Trump declared the shipping blockade following the collapse of US-Iranian peace negotiations in Pakistan, with both nations pointing fingers at each other.

The American leader announced on his Truth Social platform that the US military would begin “blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz”. Trump added, without elaborating: “Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade.”

Britain will not be taking part, it is understood. The UK is “urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation,” a Government spokesperson confirmed.

According to No 10, Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone and reached agreement on the necessity of assembling a broad coalition of partners to address the issue.

Britain will host further discussions this week aimed at reopening the maritime chokepoint, bringing together a coalition of nations. The third such gathering organised by the UK is expected to explore ways to support a lasting resolution to the conflict, while focusing on ramping up international diplomatic pressure on Iran to reopen the strait, including through the use of sanctions.

It is understood that Sir Keir’s Sunday phone call with Mr Macron took place prior to Mr Trump’s social media post about a blockade.

Trump told Fox News “the UK and a couple of other countries are sending mine sweepers” to the strait, and “it won’t take long to clean it out”.

The Prime Minister had previously confirmed that UK mine hunting systems were already deployed in the region. However, this is believed to refer to minesweeping drones that could be utilised once conditions stabilise, and is considered separate from Mr Trump’s proposed blockade.

US Central Command, which oversees American military operations across the Middle East, announced that its blockade of Iranian ports would commence on Monday. US forces “will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports,” the military confirmed in a statement that appeared to directly contradict Mr Trump’s earlier threat to halt all shipping.

The president attributed the breakdown in talks to Iran’s unwillingness to reopen the waterway and pledge to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi hit out at Washington over its “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade,” adding: “Enmity begets enmity.”

Follow our live blog for the latest on the Middle East conflict by clicking here.

The popular race, part of the British Cycling Open National Road Series, saw professional riders take on a challenging circuit through Saltburn, Skelton, Guisborough, Charltons, Boosbeck, Lingdale and Brotton.

Crowds gathered early this morning (April 12), to watch the competition take place, with the women’s race setting off at 9am over four laps of the circuit, totalling 68 miles.

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

Pictures from the event show riders powering through the difficult route with spectators lining the streets.

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

Katie Scott, riding for Paralloy RT, claimed first place in the women’s race with an impressive time of 2:56:49.

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

She was followed by Anna Flynn of Handsling Alba Development Road Team in second, and her teammate Beth Morrow secured third place.

Photos show the top three riders beaming as they stood on the podium to receive their awards.

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

East Cleveland Classic competition (Image: Andy Futers)

A road closure was in place as the event passed through the region, which saw brief delays of around 15 minutes as police escorted the cyclists through.

The free event once again proved to be a hit bringing elite-level cycling to the North East.

Carrie Richardson, deputy leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and cabinet member for climate and culture, said: “This is a wonderful sporting event, a chance to see truly elite sportsmen and women.

“It’s also a chance to have fun and show off the beauty of East Cleveland on television to cycling fans across the country and the world.”

Workers at one of the nation’s largest meatpacking plants who staged a multiweek strike have reached an agreement with plant owner JBS USA, the company and labor union representatives announced Sunday.

The Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, will immediately return to normal operations after weeks of uncertainty, JBS USA said in a statement.

The agreement comes after thousands of workers at the meat processing plant led a three-week strike with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 Union in a bid for higher wages and better health care. The strike ended April 4 after JBS USA agreed to resume negotiations.

Workers and JBS USA agreed to wage increases over the next two years and a $750 one-time bonus. The tentative agreement represents a contract with “all gains, countless improvements, and not a single concession,” the union said.

The contract requires the company to pay for personal protective equipment and defends workers against increases in health care costs, according to the union.

Local union president Kim Cordova said workers picketed through extreme weather “because they knew their worth and refused to be disrespected. Today, that sacrifice has been rewarded.”

“This is what union power looks like,” Cordova said in the statement.

The union did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for further details.

JBS USA said it is pleased an agreement has been reached, but expressed disappointment that union leadership chose to eliminate pension benefits that were negotiated last year. The company said the pension was designed to strengthen long-term retirement security and argued the union chose to shift those dollars into short-term wage increases rather than into the long-term financial future of workers.

The union will also withdraw seven alleged unfair labor practice charges, according to JBS USA.

“With the agreement now finalized, JBS USA looks forward to restoring stability, supporting its workforce, and continuing to invest in the Greeley facility for the future,” the company said in its statement.

The strike at Greeley was the first strike at a U.S. slaughterhouse since workers walked out at a Hormel plant in Minnesota in 1985. That strike lasted more than a year and was marked by violent confrontations between police and protesters.

JBS is the world’s largest meatpacking company with a market capitalization of $17 billion. It is the top employer in Greeley, a city 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Denver with a population of about 114,000 people.

HOUSTON (AP) — Never-before-glimpsed views of the moon’s far side. Check. Total solar eclipse gracing the lunar scene. Check. New distance record for humanity. Check.

With NASA’s lunar comeback a galactic-sized smash thanks to Artemis II, the world is wondering: What’s next? And how do you top that?

“To people all around the world who look up and dream about what is possible, the long wait is over,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said as he introduced Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen at Saturday’s jubilant homecoming celebration.

Now that the first lunar travelers in more than a half-century are safely back in Houston with their families, NASA has Artemis III in its sights.

“The next mission’s right around the corner,” entry flight director Rick Henfling observed following the crew’s Pacific splashdown on Friday.

In a mission recently added to the docket for next year, Artemis III’s yet-to-be -named astronauts will practice docking their Orion capsule with a lunar lander or two in orbit around Earth. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin are racing to have their company’s lander ready first.

Musk’s Starship and Bezos’ Blue Moon are vying for the all-important Artemis IV moon landing in 2028. Two astronauts will aim for the south polar region, the preferred location for Isaacman’s envisioned $20 billion to $30 billion moon base. Vast amounts of ice are almost certainly hidden in permanently shadowed craters there — ice that could provide water and rocket fuel.

The docking mechanism for Artemis III’s close-to-home trial run is already at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. The latest model Starship is close to launching on a test flight from South Texas, and a scaled-down version of Blue Moon will attempt a lunar landing later this year.

NASA promises to announce the Artemis III crew “soon.” Like 1969’s Apollo 9, Artemis III aims to reduce risk for the moon landings that follow.

Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart loved flying the lunar module in low-Earth orbit — “a test pilot’s dream.” But there’s no question, he noted, that “the real astronauts” at least in the public’s mind were the ones who walked on the moon.

Wiseman and his crew put their passion and feelings on full display as they flew around the moon and back, choking up over lost loved ones as well as those left behind on Earth.

During the their nearly 10-day journey, they tearfully requested that a fresh, bright lunar crater be named after Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll, who died of cancer in 2020. They also openly shared their love for one another and Planet Earth, an exquisite yet delicate oasis in the black void that they said needs better care.

The president threatened stop tankers from entering or leaving the key oil and gas shipping lane, a move that is expected to further drive up oil prices when markets open, after they have already risen as a result of Iran’s grip on the strait in retaliation for the US-Israel war against it.

The Highlander between Belsay and Ponteland has captured the hearts of visitors on TripAdvisor, earning 221 ‘excellent’ reviews – making it the number one restaurant in the area.

You can find the gastro pub off the A696, just a few minutes away from Newcastle International Airport.

The building is Grade II listed dating back to the 1700s and closed its doors in 2018 before being re-purchased and renovated to reopen in September 2023.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, drinkers can come in and enjoy beers and spirits as well as tasty bites from pub classic fish and chips to Sunday roasts and mouth watering desserts.

Despite the long closure, it’s clear the boozer is having a positive impact on diners who have taken to TripAdvisor to praise staff and the chefs.

One happy customer said: “Amazing food and great atmosphere. Went for the Thursday special for our first ever visit and we will be back. Food was delicious.”

Another said: “First time visiting the highlander and we will definitely be back. The service was first class, especially how busy the pub was.

“Picturesque pub and ambience just right. Could not fault the food whatsoever, everything was lovely. We will definitely be back and recommend to friends and family.”

Three people were pulled from Loch Lomond waters after their vessel began sinking in a dramatic rescue operation.

Three people have been rescued from the water after a vessel began sinking on Loch Lomond sparking a major emergency response.

Rescue crews were paged for the third time in a single day at around 1.21pm on Sunday, April 12, following a report from Police Scotland of a boat in distress.

The incident took place between Inchmurrin Island and the Boturich shoreline, where three people were reported to be on board a vessel that was sinking.

Emergency responders from Loch Lomond Rescue Boat launched immediately, arriving at the scene shortly after 1.40pm alongside National Park Rangers. On arrival, all three people were found submerged in the water next to the stricken vessel.

Due to the location, two members of the rescue boat crew entered the water and swam to the sinking vessel in order to assess the situation and help save their lives.

One casualty was recovered to the rescue boat and given immediate medical care before being transferred to National Park Rangers. He was then taken to Duncan Mills slipway to meet crews from the Scottish Ambulance Service.

A HM Coastguard rescue helicopter was also dispatched to the scene and winched the remaining two casualties to safety before transporting them to Glasgow Airport.

Following the operation, rescue crews were able to return to base and stand down at around 3pm.

Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.

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The First Minister and other Scottish party leaders faced an audience of fed-up voters in Paisley who declared they were considering not turning out on May 7.

John Swinney was put on the spot over the SNP’s record on the NHS and energy during the first live TV debate of the Holyrood election campaign tonight.

The First Minister and other Scottish party leaders faced a BBC audience of fed-up voters in Paisley – with several declaring they were considering not bothering to turn out on May 7.

One audience member told the panel of six: “One question was why should we vote? What I’ve heard tonight is why we shouldn’t vote, as all we are hearing is squabbling.

“The reality is the SNP Government has driven us towards a two-tier health system. In the last three weeks, I’ve known of someone who was 83rd on the list to see a doctor in A&E, and waited 10 hours to be seen.

“I know someone who has waited over two-and-a-half years to get an audiology test and driven towards paying £1,800 to buy from a high street store. Within four days they had their hearing aids.”

Swinney responded: “What I accept is there are people who have waited too long for treatment. And some of that is a product of the impact and disruption of the covid pandemic.

“When I became First Minister, I pledged to bring long waits down – and that’s exactly what’s happening.”

Debate host Stephen Jardine then pointed out the SNP Government has just missed its own target to rid the country of year-long waits by March 2026.

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Swinney continued: “For nine months in a row, we have seen a reduction in long waits for inpatient and outpatients as well.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar told the First Minister to “take some responsibility for once” on issues within the NHS.

He asked Swinney if he knew how many people are on a two-year waiting list. Sarwar said: “How many people in Scotland are waiting more than two years? Five thousand.

“In in England, 10 times the size, it’s 300. You’ve been in power for 20 years, take some responsibility for once. Why should they give you one more minute when that’s your record?”

The SNP leader had earlier been eager to talk about the soaring cost of energy – insisting it was a “key issue” of this election – and blasted the UK Government’s failure to so far meet a 2024 election pledge to reduce household bills by £300.

The First Minister told the audience: “Anas Sarwar promised to deliver change in 2024 and fuel bills have gone up, so you cannot take a word seriously of what Anas Sarwar says.”

But one audience member later asked: “Mr Swinney, you say you’re going to cut energy costs. But a couple of SNP conferences ago, did you not say you were going to create a not-for-profit energy company? What’s happened to that?”

The First Minister responded: “I would love to be in a position to do that.”

He added: “What I want to make sure is that Scotland’s energy wealth is available to the people of Scotland to reduce bills.”

Greens co-leader Ross Greer later branded ex-Tory peer Malcolm Offord a “chancer” after he defected to become Reform UK leader in Scotland

In a clash over immigration, Greer said: “He is an absolute chancer.

“This is a failed Tory minister who gave the Tory Party £200,000 and then they gave him a seat in the House of Lords and ministerial office – I’m sure that was totally coincidental.

“He was part of that failed Tory government, the former leader of Reform in Wales is currently doing a 10-year jail sentence for taking Russian bribes, they are not the answer to any of the challenges in Scotland.”

Malcolm Offord said he was in favour of immigration for those coming to work, but he did not support those who are “jumping the queues” of public services “to the detriment of local people in our own communities”.

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Head of health at Unison said that morale is ‘through the floor’

At least 21,000 NHS staff at health trusts across England are to lose their jobs by 2028 as employers struggle to balance their books, according to research.

Public services union Unison said its study estimates at least 21,000 roles are due to be cut by 2028 in hospitals and other health facilities.

Efforts to meet the Government’s demand for trust budgets to break even from this year are driving workforce reductions across hospital, community and mental health services, the union said.

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The cuts were revealed by trusts in response to freedom of information requests by Unison and are in addition to job losses at NHS England and integrated care boards announced last year, it warned.

The union said its research reveals trusts are planning cuts to roles including nurses and other clinical staff, as well as support post reductions through vacancy freezes, restructuring and reduced use of agency workers.

Unison’s head of health Helga Pile said: “Cutting thousands of NHS jobs is the wrong answer when staff are already stretched to breaking point.

“The public are all too aware how understaffing is a major problem, so they’ll be rightly alarmed when the situation’s getting worse.

“Years of underfunding have left many trusts out of pocket and ministers’ financial reset is creating deep uncertainty about services and staff.

“Morale is through the floor as workers worry whether their jobs are at risk, amid soaring levels of stress and violence.

“The NHS is being asked to transform how care is delivered, with more community services and technology, but none of this is possible without the staff to make it happen.”

A Department of Health and Social care spokesperson said: “Thanks to the extra £26 billion we have invested, the NHS has an extra 12,000 doctors, 16,000 nurses, and 8,000 mental health workers compared to July 2024.

“We make no apology for reducing spend on agency staff, for which the NHS was previously paying huge sums to rip-off recruitment agencies.

“It is only because of that focus on getting better value for money that we have been able to invest in more frontline staff, give staff above forecast inflation pay rises for two years in a row, and improve services for patients.”

Venus in Taurus aligns with Jupiter in Cancer, a fruitful and bountiful blend. The two planets of fortune being aligned, the cosmos is keen to bestow goodness.

Sagittarius, Pisces and Aquarius, you could feel highly inspired today. Whether it’s creatively, or in terms of decision making,you will be implored to take action.

Exciting developments and new paths are on the cards. Go forward bravely.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday April 13, 2026

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

With Mars blazing in your sign and linking to Neptune, you’ll be confident and yet a little uncertain of where you’re going. You’ll be motivated, but the path ahead can be slippery. You know you want to do something, but toward what end? It’s no good aiming wildly and hoping for the best. Be inspired and put any ego aside, then you’ll move powerfully and wisely.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Venus in your sign aligns with Jupiter in Cancer, turning a friendly chat into fertile ground for exciting developments. A cosy get-together could provide the perfect ambience for a talk that takes you from vision to inspiring possibility. Someone’s questions can unlock a brilliant idea, or you may be introduced to a new and supportive friend. Believe good things can unravel today.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

While Mars energises your social life, its merger with Neptune can usher in a world of inspiration and illusion. Someone’s idea may sound amazing, or a group project could seem to promise so much but pause before doing anything you might regret. Neptune can blur new possibilities and smudge the facts. Ask clear questions and work on the details, then start.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancer 22 June – 23 July

A feisty and alluring blend of energies lights up your career zone in an ethereal yet magnetic dance. You’ll have big ambitions, but the path ahead may be vague. A professional opportunity could shimmer with promise, but before you agree, make sure it is truly right for you. Channel your drive into goals that reflect your values and avoid chasing success for its own sake.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

A desire for faraway places could inspire you with images of delightful scenes and open spaces. You might be drawn by an urge for adventure and new experiences that take you away from your everyday life. A glamorous aspect could lead you astray while promising everything. Before you book a course, buy a ticket, or make a commitment, be sure to research it all carefully, Leo.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Go easy around shared resources and deep commitments, as things may not be as they seem. You could feel compelled to act decisively, yet paradoxically uncertainty hold you back. This is a good thing, as boundaries can blur and people may be evasive. Use your analytical skills to the max as they are very much needed. Yet inspired collaboration is possible over the coming days.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Venus in Taurus aligns with Jupiter in Cancer, potentially creating harmony around finances and emotional trust. A joint venture could blossom as you and another discover mutual inspiration and support. It’s wise to keep things simple, though. A relaxed conversation over a meal could lead to a profitable idea. You won’t need to drive a hard bargain, as goodwill can work wonders

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Today’s Mars-Neptune tie can lead to inspired action, but it’s hemmed in by uncertainty. You’ll want to get moving, but your priorities be unclear. Feel driven to fix everything at once? It’s best not to try too hard. Channel your energy into creative solutions rather than trying to do it all. A project involving healing or service could flourish – if you truly know what you are doing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

You’ll be dynamic and motivated to share feelings, create art or chase your dreams. Yet, it’s wise to have a plan or a map before you get moving. Mars and Neptune dance together, yet this blend of energies hides some big red flags. It’s better to channel your feelings into something meaningful rather than something very alluring. Be realistic, and then your plans can blossom.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

A trip with a partner or friend could feel effortless and wildly luxurious. Conversation can flow, and laughter bubble up easily, making this a wonderful day for ideas that could be profitable and even truly golden. An encounter on this journey could lead to a warm and sincere friendship and could open a door later. Yet there is no need to chase opportunities, as they can seek you out.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

Your mind may be racing ahead, and your ideas can sparkle and dazzle, but when it comes to the details, you may be tempted to gloss over them. Before announcing a plan, it’s a good idea to check it all out first. Don’t promise anything on the spur of the moment or make any grand gestures – you may regret doing so. Inspired action, combined with careful thought, is the key.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Venus aligns with bountiful Jupiter. These are the two planets of fortune, Jupiter is your traditional ruler, so this can be day that can hum with all sorts of serendipity andpotential. You’ll also have the happy knack of being able to captivate people with your ideas and even how you say things. If you have first date, your timing is impeccable – you can be charm personified

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of April here.

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