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A new Welsh electoral landscape puts Plaid Cymru within reach of power

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A new Welsh electoral landscape puts Plaid Cymru within reach of power

Plaid Cymru’s electoral hopes for May’s Senedd election are high. Polls suggest the party is competing with Reform UK to emerge as the largest group in the next Welsh parliament, putting it, for the first time, within reach of leading a government in Wales.

This marks a striking shift in Plaid’s electoral fortunes. At the first election to what was then the National Assembly for Wales in 1999, the party won 28.4% of the vote. That remains its strongest performance to date in what was widely described at the time as a “quiet earthquake” in Welsh politics.

Since then, Plaid has struggled to match that breakthrough in devolved elections. From 2011 onwards it has consistently been the third-largest party in the Senedd, behind Welsh Labour – which has led every government since devolution – and the Conservatives.

Even so, the arithmetic of Welsh politics has occasionally worked in Plaid’s favour. The party entered government in coalition with Labour between 2007 and 2011, and more recently struck a co-operation agreement from 2021 to 2024. But if Plaid ends up leading a government outright after May 7, it would truly set this election apart.

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Positioning itself for power

Plaid Cymru’s strategy is to present itself as a credible government-in-waiting. Its focus is less about being a party of protest and more about delivery. In other words, what it would do in office, how it would tackle Wales’s major policy challenges, and how it would represent Welsh interests at Westminster after nearly three decades of Labour dominance.

In February, the party set out its plan for its first 100 days in government. This focused on improving healthcare, raising education standards, boosting the economy and reforming government.

Alongside these priorities, its manifesto calls for further powers to be devolved to the Senedd. These include greater tax powers, justice and policing, rail services and infrastructure, and the Crown Estate, which oversees things like the sea bed and mineral rights in much of the countryside.




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Plaid Cymru plans to share wind farm profits with local people – here’s how that idea has been tried elsewhere

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Yet there has also been a noticeable change in tone on the party’s long-term constitutional aims. Our research examined how Plaid Cymru covered these issues in the 2021 Senedd election. Compared with five years ago, Welsh independence is significantly less prominent in both its current manifesto and campaign.

The timetable has softened too. There’s no longer a commitment to holding a referendum on independence in its first term of government. Instead, Plaid describes Wales as being “on a journey” to independence. It has committed to producing a policy on Welsh independence but with no referendum timeframe.

By downplaying its long-term constitutional ambitions in this way, and focusing on the more immediate policy challenges facing Wales, Plaid Cymru is approaching this Senedd election as many other pro-independence parties have done across Europe. A similar strategy helped the Scottish National Party win power in 2007 and remain in government for the next 19 years.

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A ‘degradation in belief that Labour stood for Wales,’ says Plaid Cymru leader – Sky News.

From polling strength to political power

Strong polling does not guarantee power, however, and Plaid faces several obstacles. Opponents continue to highlight its commitment to independence.

Support for independence among the Welsh public remains relatively low – only 26% of respondents in a recent YouGov poll agreed that Wales should be an independent country. Plaid’s challenge is to persuade sceptical voters that this isn’t the most important issue in Wales for the next four years.




À lire aussi :
Voters in Wales face Senedd election amid confusion over who holds power over what


The new electoral system also presents fresh uncertainties. This election will use a fully proportional model, with 96 members elected across 16 constituencies. Success will now depend on broad support across Wales. That’s a test for a party whose organisational strength has traditionally been concentrated in the north and west.

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The new system is also likely to produce a more fragmented Senedd, with a wider range of parties represented. That could make post-election negotiations decisive, shaping who is able to lead a government and how stable it is.

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Man Utd: Benjamin Sesko issues Bruno Fernandes prediction as captain’s influence explained

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Man Utd: Benjamin Sesko issues Bruno Fernandes prediction as captain's influence explained

The Premier League usually announce the player and manager of the year in mid-May, and Fernandes will face stiff competition. Erling Haaland has enjoyed another superb campaign, as has Bernardo Silva, while Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are also expected to be in the conversation.

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Experts’ ‘easiest way’ to save money on airport car parking

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Wales Online

Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, has shared some helpful tips on finding cheap airport parking deals

If you are one of the millions jetting off on holiday soon and you’ve not thought about parking, you may want to start. And there are simple ways to save money with a few clever tips.

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Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has encouraged travellers to explore alternative options if booking directly through the airport proves too costly.

In guidance updated on March 31, 2026, the financial specialists warn that leaving your booking until the last minute may prove expensive. It suggests you could face charges exceeding £400 for a week’s parking if you simply turn up on the day.

However, by planning ahead and making savvy bookings, you can slash your parking costs. As a useful pointer, the site recommends checking comparison platforms for potential savings.

MSE writes: “The easiest way to find low-cost airport car parking is via a specialist site that compares parking deals to find you the best price – and remember to check your booking is flexible in case you can’t use it because of cancellation or future restrictions.

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“They’ll often give you a cheaper price than you’ll get booking direct considering many offer airport parking discount codes.”

Having compared airport parking options, it’s also worthwhile to look into private parking near the airport, as well as hotel-and-parking bundles, to see whether they are cheaper.

Occasionally, it is possible to beat comparison sites by booking direct. MSE suggests checking the parking provider’s own prices against those quoted on comparison sites.

Private parking

Another cost-effective way to park your car is in private parking spaces. It continues: “eBay-style parking marketplaces allow those living close to airport car parks to offer their drives or spare land to drivers.

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“Overheads are low, which means prices are too, but there’s a trade-off – they usually lack anything like the level of security offered by dedicated car parks.”

Other helpful tips

Even when you plan ahead, securing cheap airport parking can be tricky. The longer your trip, the higher the cost, so it’s worth weighing up alternatives. Aside from persuading a relative to drop you off or walking to the airport, assuming you live close and there’s a safe walking path, it’s often cheaper to:

  1. Book a dedicated coach – They may be the longest option but it could be worth it if it saves you money. There may even be deals on to save you extra cash
  2. Book a taxi – MSE suggests considering pre-booking a taxi and not relying on getting a return taxi at the airport. “Book ahead with your local firm, giving your flight number so it can vary pick-up time, and it’s often cheaper.”
  3. Use non-specialist train services – Some dedicated ‘airport express’ trains can be costly, yet the same lines are often used by normal rail services, meaning you can travel the same route more cheaply. There may be extra stops, but if it saves you money, it may be worth the extra journey time.

The experts at MSE have listed other helpful tips and discounts you may find useful.

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Employee testifies against owners of Dominican club where roof collapse killed 236

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Employee testifies against owners of Dominican club where roof collapse killed 236

A former employee of a popular nightclub whose roof collapsed a year ago and killed 236 people told a judge Monday that the owners were fully aware the structure was deteriorated.

Gregory Adames testified against siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, who are accused of involuntary manslaughter and involuntary assault and battery following the collapse at the legendary Jet Set club in Santo Domingo.

“They knew because I sent them photos, I sent them videos of all the problems that were there. That shouldn’t have happened; not a single person should have died there,” Adames said.

Attorneys for the victim’s families asked in court for the siblings to be accused of voluntary manslaughter.

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“We hope that happens,” Jean Carlos Martínez Segura, who represents nine families, told The Associated Press.

The potential prison sentence is up to 20 years for voluntary manslaughter but is two years for involuntary manslaughter.

Monday’s court hearing is expected to continue Friday, with a judge eventually deciding whether there’s enough evidence to hold a trial. Relatives of the victims have complained about delays and slow judicial proceedings.

Prosecutors have said hundreds of pieces of evidence implicate the siblings, who were arrested last June.

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Miguel Valerio, the Espaillats’ attorney, told reporters after their arrests: “Nobody wanted that to happen.”

Prosecutors have accused the Espaillats of trying to intimidate or manipulate employees. Antonio Espaillat is considered a powerful businessman who owns upscale entertainment centers and dozens of local radio stations.

Hundreds of people including many high-profile Dominicans were at the nightclub for a concert on April 8, 2025, when the roof collapsed. Those who died included singer Rubby Pérez; Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz; and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. More than 100 people were injured in the collapse and rescuers worked around the clock to pull out survivors.

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King and Queen touch down in USA as Trump welcomes royals to White House

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Manchester Evening News

Charles and Camilla had a tour of White House beehives and a cream tea reception

The King and Queen are visiting Donald Trump in Washington in a visit hoped to smooth over Anglo-American relations that have been fractious in recent months, the Press Association reported.

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Charles and Camilla began their four-day state visit to the United States by sitting down with their American hosts Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump in the White House after touching down at around 7:30pm UK time today (April 27).

The two couples greeted each other outside by the historic building’s south portico overlooking the lawns where past presidents have hosted Queen Elizabeth II.

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The start of the historic trip – Charles’ first to America as King – has been overshadowed by the attempted assassination of the president on Saturday night at a Washington media dinner when he was surrounded by secret service agents and bundled from the room.

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The King privately contacted the president and his wife to express his and the Queen’s sympathies with all those affected on the night, and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury.

Mr Trump wanted the first inward state visit of his second term in office to be from the UK, a reflection of the Anglophile nature of his administration and his family ties to the UK.

The Queen arrived in Washington for the much-anticipated four-day state visit wearing a symbol of Anglo-American unity – jewellery featuring the American stars and stripes crossed with the Union flag.

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Camilla, dressed in a pink Dior coat dress, was wearing a brooch presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 state visit to America on behalf of New York during a civic lunch hosted by the city’s then-mayor Robert F Wagner.

The couple were taken on a tour of the White House gardens and sat down to a cream tea with the President and the First Lady.

The visit is the most important foreign trip of the King’s reign so far as it comes during a pivotal moment for the UK and US, with relations between the Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump fractious.

Mr Trump has branded the UK’s approach to the Iran war “terrible” and repeatedly lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer – at one point describing him as “not Winston Churchill”.

And reports have suggested the US could review its position on the Falkland Islands in retaliation for Sir Keir’s lack of support for the war in Iran.

The monarchy’s soft power diplomacy is its strongest weapon in support of the UK’s overseas interests and there will be hope in Downing Street that Charles and Camilla can help put the UK-US special relationship on a firmer footing.

When the royal couple first arrived they were driven to their accommodation at Blair House, a luxury guest house within the White House security cordon.

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Camilla, who had changed into a white chiffon dress with black beaded embroidery by Anna Valentine, was seen smiling broadly as the couple later got out of the car to meet the president and first lady.

Posing for photographers for nearly a minute, Mr Trump appeared to make small talk with the King as they stood in the sunshine.

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Community Rescue Service boss surprised as car restored for TV show

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Belfast Live

The car that started it all went off the road four years ago

The man who started Northern Ireland’s Community Rescue Service has been surprised by having the vehicle that started it all restored as part of a TV show.

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Eighteen years ago, Sean McCarry was working with the Coastguard when more and more requests began coming in to help locate missing people inland. Eventually, he decided to set up a dedicated search and rescue team.

With no formal funding, he used his own two Land Rover Defenders and equipment to establish Bann River Rescue in Coleraine. That grassroots operation eventually grew into the Community Rescue Service (CRS), which today has ten operational units across Northern Ireland and more than 220 volunteers.

READ MORE: DUP leader challenges Sinn Fein over public support for policeREAD MORE: Fermanagh teen forced to take a 140-mile round trip for audio described film screening

Sean’s Land Rover Defender was used for everything from riverbank operations to extreme weather rescues and played a vital role in establishing this rescue service.

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It went off the road four years ago due to rear axle failure and has fallen into disrepair. Now, for this week’s episode of Car S.O.S, it’s being brought back to life and restored to the ultimate off-road rescue vehicle.

Car S.O.S. is the much-loved motoring restoration series hosted by Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend which combines expert vehicle rebuilds with powerful human stories.

In each episode, the duo secretly restore a cherished vehicle belonging to a deserving owner who has put others before themselves. From classic motors to family favourites, every transformation celebrates remarkable people, emotional journeys and the life-changing impact a vehicle can have.

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This week, the hosts surprised local hero Sean with an emotional restoration of the vehicle that started it all. Due to the 24/7 nature of his role, the Coleraine man hasn’t had the time, headspace, or resources to restore the Defender that means so much to him.

Car S.O.S airs on National Geographic at 8pm this Thursday.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will resume after King’s Speech

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Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will resume after King’s Speech

“It raises their hopes but I am afraid, in practice it will offer nothing in the way of conclusion or finality because, although there will be court cases, and there will be inquests, and there will be trials and reviews and challenges, as the Secretary of State himself has said, the prospect of conviction now is vanishingly small.

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Does menopause cause a ‘collagen cliff’? What you need to know

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Does menopause cause a ‘collagen cliff’? What you need to know

Collagen has become a staple of skincare advertising and social media wellness trends. But it is not just a buzzword.

It is the most abundant protein in the body and helps support structures throughout the body, including skin and bone.

For women, collagen loss can become especially noticeable during perimenopause and menopause. Some studies suggest that skin collagen may fall by as much as 30% in the first five years after menopause, with further losses of around 2% a year after that. On social media, this is sometimes called the “collagen cliff”, but the underlying idea is not new. Researchers have been writing about the effects of menopause on skin for decades, with papers from at least the 1940s pointing to the connection.

This sharper drop happens on top of the gradual changes that come with ageing. Collagen appears to decline over time, with some estimates suggesting a fall of around 1–1.5% a year from early adulthood.

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Oestrogen helps regulate many processes in the body, including the production of collagen. In animal studies, oestrogen has been shown to increase collagen production and skin thickness. Human research has also found benefits for skin thickness, elasticity and wound healing.

This is partly because oestrogen acts on fibroblasts, the cells responsible for making collagen in the skin. When oestrogen levels fall during perimenopause and menopause, this signalling becomes weaker. The result is less collagen being produced, along with thinner skin, reduced elasticity and lower water content.

Collagen loss cannot be stopped entirely, but some factors can speed it up. One of the most important is ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds. This increases enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which act like the skin’s demolition crew, breaking down structural proteins such as collagen. These enzymes are found at higher levels in skin that has been damaged by the sun.

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Ultraviolet radiation reduces the amount of new collagen that fibroblasts produce. People with darker skin tones tend to show less wrinkling, probably in part because higher melanin levels offer some protection against ultraviolet damage. But darker skin is not immune to photo-ageing, which means skin ageing caused by sun exposure.

Smoking appears to accelerate collagen loss. One study found that smoking reduced skin production of type I and type III collagen by 18% and 22% respectively, contributing to premature ageing of the skin.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. Around 100mg per day is enough for most adults, although smokers may need more. Many wellness supplements provide much larger doses, often around 1,000mg a day, but more is not necessarily better; around 2,000mg a day causes unpleasant gastrointestinal issues.

Products that claim to boost collagen are increasingly popular, but the evidence behind them is mixed. Topical collagen creams are unlikely to replace collagen lost from the skin because intact collagen molecules are too large to get through the skin barrier. They may help moisturise the outer layers of the skin, but they are unlikely to make a major difference to the skin’s own collagen levels.

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Oral collagen supplements have been linked in some studies to improvements in skin hydration and elasticity. However, the scientific literature remains mixed. Reviews point to limitations in the evidence, including small study sizes, potential conflicts of interest and inconsistent findings, leading researchers to urge caution when interpreting the results. In the same way that collagen can’t be absorbed through the skin, the body has to digest it to absorb the amino acids that make collagen and there is no way to ensure the amino acids that made that collagen go to the skin or wherever you hoped it would. Hydrolysed collagen is better for absorption but there is still no guarantee that the body uses it where you want it to.

Hormone replacement therapy may offer more consistent benefits. As well as helping with other symptoms of menopause, HRT has been shown in some studies to improve skin thickness, elasticity and hydration. One study reported that women receiving HRT had a 48% increase in skin collagen content compared with untreated women, and other studies have reported similar trends. Some evidence suggests that transdermal (through-the-skin) oestrogen may also have measurable effects on skin collagen. But the overall risks and benefits of HRT always need to be considered on an individual basis.

Some dermatologists and cosmetic practitioners also use procedures designed to stimulate collagen production. Laser resurfacing treatments aim to trigger repair processes in the skin and remove damaged collagen. Newer versions of these treatments are designed to reduce side effects.

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Microneedling is another commonly suggested option, although it is not risk free. Potential complications include pain, bruising, bleeding, infection, changes in skin colour, and in rare cases abnormal growths. It can also cause hyperpigmentation, which means patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area.

By the time menopause begins, collagen has usually already been declining for years. Protecting the skin from ultraviolet damage, avoiding smoking and getting enough vitamin C may help support the body’s natural collagen levels.

Menopause may speed up collagen loss, but the picture is more complex than social media slogans suggest. While collagen supplements remain popular, the science behind them is still developing. HRT has a clearer scientific basis for improving skin thickness, elasticity and hydration in some women, although it is not suitable for everyone. When it comes to collagen, the science is more helpful than the hype.

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American denies murdering Brit woman who flew to US to be tortured and killed

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Daily Record

Dwain Hall, 54, pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder and kidnapping of Sonia Exelby, 32, from Portsmouth, whose body was found in a shallow grave in Florida after she failed to board a return flight to London

A Florida man accused of murdering a woman he encountered on a fetish website is set to stand trial later this year.

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Dwight Hall, 54, pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder and kidnapping of British woman Sonia Exelby, 32, who travelled to the US from her home in Portsmouth in October last year. Court documents seen by the Mirror revealed that Sonia had made the trip to Florida “to be possibly sexually abused, tortured and murdered”.

A post-mortem examination established that Sonia died as a result of four stab wounds, with her body subsequently discovered in a shallow grave. Hall initially denied any knowledge of or contact with Sonia, but later told investigators the pair had been intimate, according to documents.

Hall made a brief court appearance on Wednesday, during which a judge set out the timeline for proceedings. Jury selection for his trial is scheduled to commence on November 16.

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The case will be heard in Marion County, Florida, and is anticipated to last approximately one week, reports the Mirror.

Sonia’s body was uncovered in a shallow grave in woodland after she failed to board a return flight to London on October 13. Those close to her said Sonia had battled mental health difficulties and may have been in a “vulnerable” state when she allegedly began communicating with a man she had met on a fetish website.

Their exchanges allegedly progressed from discussions of bondage and suicide to Sonia voicing a wish to be killed. An affidavit stated that if Hall had been compelled to assist in her death, he would have taken her to Alligator Alley, where wildlife “would have taken care of her.”

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When quizzed over whether he had killed Sonia, Hall declined to respond but reportedly stated “she’s happy now because she got what she wanted.” It emerged that Sonia may have had second thoughts about the plot but felt trapped with no means of escape.

Detectives uncovered messages Sonia had sent to a friend through the online messaging platform Discord, dated 11 October, the day after she touched down in the US. Sonia said: “I’m sorry he keeps taking my phone, he doesn’t trust me with it. He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night.”

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Carrick deserves full-time job after guiding Man Utd to brink of Champions League

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Carrick deserves full-time job after guiding Man Utd to brink of Champions League

Yet, remarkably, the goal was the signal for Brentford to take hold of the game. It is no exaggeration to say they should have scored three times after going behind and Andrews, the impressive Brentford head coach, was crestfallen their endeavour was not rewarded.

A better connection from Igor Thiago at the back post, when Keane Lewis-Potter zipped a ball across the six-yard box, would have resulted in a Brentford equaliser in the 23rd minute and then, in the next attack, Michael Kayode was denied by Senne Lammens’s outstretched arm.

The worst was still to come. Thiago, one of the players of the season, found himself clean through on Lammens after a ball from Ouattara but, rather than shooting, he hesitated, took a touch then slipped over.

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It prompted one of those growls to tumble out of the Stretford End, a wake-up call that ideas needed to be bucked up. When Ayden Heaven slid in to dispossess Thiago a couple of moments later, the decibels were cranked up further. This could not continue.

And it did not. Understandably pursuing their ambition, Brentford got their angles wrong just outside the United penalty area, Diogo Dalot thundered into Kevin Schade, the ball arrived at the feet of Fernandes and off he went, a matador actively pursuing his target.

Fernandes had options on both sides, but you knew he was going to pick the right one – a little nudge to his left invited Benjamin Sesko to run and the perfectly weighted pass arrived at his feet, the Slovenian even having time to hoodwink Van den Berg and clip his finish over Kelleher. It was the Portuguese’s 19th assist, one off record holders Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for a single season.

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Santander, HSBC UK and Barclays cut mortgage rates again

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Santander, HSBC UK and Barclays cut mortgage rates again

Banks including Santander, HSBC UK, Barclays, Skipton Building Society, and Virgin Money all adjusted their mortgage offerings, highlighting growing competition across the market.

According to financial information website Moneyfacts, the average two-year fixed homeowner mortgage rate on the market last Wednesday (April 22) morning was 5.83%, down from 5.87% on Tuesday (April 21).

Santander led with another round of cuts

Santander has reduced rates for the second time in April, introducing further cuts of up to 0.25 percentage points from Friday (April 24) . The changes applied to first-time buyers, home movers, and those remortgaging.

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Among the headline deals:

  • A 98% loan-to-value “My First Mortgage” fell to 5.60%
  • A 5% deposit, three-year fixed deal was launched at 5.55% with no fee and £250 cashback
  • A 15% deposit, two-year fix was offered at 4.80% (£999 fee + £250 cashback)
  • A 15% deposit, five-year fix came in at 4.98% with no fee and £250 cashback

HSBC UK also refreshed its mortgage range after cutting rates the previous week, with reductions across products for buyers and remortgagers.

Barclays and Skipton Building Society had already lowered their rates earlier in the week, while Virgin Money introduced cuts across residential and buy-to-let deals.

Why have rates moved?

Mortgage pricing, which is influenced by swap rates, had begun to ease – allowing lenders to pass on some reductions.

At the same time, global uncertainty, including tensions in the Middle East, continued to create volatility and kept expectations of higher interest rates in place, limiting how far rates could fall.

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According to Moneyfacts at the time:

  • The average two-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.83%
  • The average five-year fixed rate was 5.73%

Both were slightly lower day-on-day, but still well above early March levels, when two-year fixes averaged 4.83% and five-year deals 4.95%.

Are you switching your mortgage deal soon? What’s the best deal you’ve found? Tell us in the comments below…

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