Afghan families approved for sanctuary in Britain will have to flee the Taliban-run country on their own, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

Defence minister Luke Pollard told the Commons in a written statement on Tuesday that the nearly 9,000 Afghans eligible to come to the UK but still awaiting relocation would get no help from the UK to leave Afghanistan.

They will “need to make their own way to a third country when they are able to do so”, he said, with housing and visa support available there until 2028.

Mr Pollard said that some of those eligible to come to the UK had already moved to third countries, such as Pakistan, this year. He explained: “Having seen increased evidence of successful self-moves and after assessing carefully again the risks to this cohort and other factors, including value for money for the taxpayer, we have decided to end in-country assistance for movements out of Afghanistan.”

The National Audit Office revealed in March that it would take the government nearly three more years to bring all those promised sanctuary to Britain if evacuations were not sped up.

The Afghan resettlement schemes closed to new applicants in July last year, just before it was revealed that the MoD had been responsible for a vast data leak of applicants’ details that the department said had put thousands of lives at risk.

Families are eligible to come to Britain due to their previous support of the UK forces in Afghanistan, or because their data was breached. Ministers had previously committed to bringing all eligible Afghans to the UK by March 2029 under the new combined scheme, the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP). However, Mr Pollard said on Tuesday that a cut-off of December 2028 would be introduced, when all help and relocations would end.

The MoD has also ended the use of short-term housing on the defence estate for Afghan families, with Mr Pollard telling MPs “we cannot sustain ARP support indefinitely”.

Six hotels are in use to house Afghan families, Mr Pollard said, and two of these will be closed within days. The Independent reported last week that two Afghans, approved for UK relocation, are challenging the MoD at the High Court over the failure to help them flee Afghanistan.

Dr Sara de Jong, a founding member of the Sulha alliance, which helps former Afghan military interpreters, said: “The MoD’s announcement to stop in-country support for moving safely out of Afghanistan will come as a complete shock to Afghans with a relocation offer. The fact that some have been able to escape doesn’t mean that that option is open to everyone.

“Those who can’t take the risk to go out of hiding to get the paperwork and don’t have the financial means to pay hugely inflated visa prices are now abandoned. The statement also ignores the ongoing security issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which makes independent moving even more challenging.”

Prince William served as an RAF search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley in Anglesey from 2010 to 2013 and returned to the base this week to mark its 85th anniversary

The Prince of Wales has spoken warmly of “fond memories” at his former air base, on his return to mark its 85th anniversary. William, dressed in RAF military pattern camouflage uniform, told trainees at RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales, that he “loved” his time there during a visit on Tuesday, April 28.

He served as an RAF search and rescue pilot at the Holyhead base between 2010 and 2013, during which time he and the Princess of Wales — who celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday — lived in Anglesey as newlyweds.

During the visit, he was reunited with former colleagues, including pilot instructor Brian Wills and chief maritime instructor Andy Batchelor, with whom he discussed keeping up his flying currency.

Mr Wills said: “In a heartbeat, he said he’d come back and do it again.” Mr Batchelor, who served alongside William on search and rescue crews, said: “He’s a great guy, friendly, easy to get on with, a very competent pilot.

“He was very easy to work with. He just wanted to be Will, he was just one of the team. It’s great to have him back here for the 85th anniversary. He’s the Prince of Wales so it makes sense, but I think he’s got credibility because he’s lived and worked here in north Wales.” Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter

Addressing trainees at the station, which first opened in February, 1941, William said: “I loved my time up here. It was great fun. Your time up here will go quickly, that’s the thing. You’ll look back with fond memories.”

He added: “I do miss it. I miss the job, I miss the camaraderie.” Lieutenant Commander Rob Andrews, who trained at RAF Valley while William was based there, said: “I know he’s got an affinity with this place.”

Beyond discussing aviation matters, William also touched upon his beloved football club Aston Villa during a conversation with Isaac Reed, a trainee working within air traffic.

Mr Reed, a Sunderland supporter, said: “He misspoke and said Villa when he meant to say Valley, so that was my opportunity to jump in and ask about football. It got the prince talking, He seemed more keen than I was at one point.”

William, who holds the position of Royal Honorary Air Commodore, observed a ceremonial parade commemorating the RAF station’s 85th anniversary.

He subsequently presented The Prince of Wales Award, an annual accolade recognising the most accomplished qualified flying instructor within No. 4 Flying Training School.

He also met female personnel from the base and informed them he was attempting to take “barometer readings” of women’s experiences within the military.

He said: “Some things have come to my attention that I’m not particularly happy about. Are we adopting and evolving the armed forces in a way that is suiting women joining the forces and is it a nice place to join?”

The officers discussed their experiences with William, including returning to work in the RAF after having children.

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A new dating show, Hold My Hand, is believed to be the first series conducted entirely in British Sign Language (BSL), to challenge misconceptions about deaf relationships while celebrating BSL as a language and culture, producers say.

The show is broadcast on Lumo TV, a deaf-led streaming platform for sign language users and sign-presented content. “For too long, the use of British Sign Language has been treated as an afterthought in mainstream entertainment and reality TV,” said Lumo TV CEO Camilla Arnold. “With this series, we’re flipping that on its head,” she told the Guardian.

Hosted by deaf identical twin presenting duo, Hermon and Heroda Berhane, it features contestants who are either deaf or children of deaf adults (Codas) who would have used BSL to communicate with their parents.“People have never seen our culture, our identity, the way we discuss things. So it’s a dating show, yes, but it’s not just about dating; it’s also revealing our identity and our culture, and that has never been seen before,” said Heroda Berhane.

The twins also hope the show will help challenge misconceptions around BSL, with research suggesting 71% of 18- to 24-year-olds would not feel confident dating someone who uses BSL as their main method of communication. Berhane describes BSL as “just another language”, and encourages greater openness and curiosity from hearing audiences.

Across its first three episodes, which includes an instalment featuring LGBT+ singletons, contestants take part in light-hearted games that foster open conversations about relationships and intimacy.

We have to learn from one other. You speak the language that I cannot hear, and I speak a language that you don’t understand

“I really hope that hearing people realise, ‘Gosh, deaf people, we’re the same. There’s no difference. We’re all the same. We’re human.’” said Heroda. “There is love, there is sex, there is joy, there is flirtation, and there’s vulnerability as well. We’re exactly the same.”

Hermon adds that we have to learn from one another. “You speak the language that I cannot hear, and I speak a language that you don’t understand,” she tells the Guardian.

Representation is also expanding in children’s television. In a forthcoming storyline in Peppa Pig, Peppa’s younger brother George will be diagnosed as moderately deaf and fitted with a hearing aid, following consultation with the National Deaf Children’s Society to ensure an authentic portrayal.

Advocates say such visibility matters for the more than 50,000 deaf children in the UK.

Donald Trump joked that his mom used to have a “crush” on King Charles III when he was a young prince, drawing an awkward chuckle from the British monarch.

The president said that his mother had seen the King as a child on television and used to remark that he was “cute.”

“Any time the Queen was involved in the ceremony or anything, my mother would be glued to the television and she’d say, ‘look Donald, look how beautiful that is,’” he said.

“She really did love the family, but I also remember her saying very clearly, ‘Charles, look young Charles, he’s so cute.’ My mother had a crush on Charles. Can you believe it? I wonder what she’s thinking right now.”

In response the King laughed and waved his hand, in a somewhat embarrassed manner.

The bizarre remarks came as Trump reflected on the special relationship between the U.S. and the UK, leading him to recall his Scottish mother, Mary Macleod, and her affinity for Britain and the Royal Family.

Macleod was born in the Outer Hebrides, in Scotland, in 1912. She immigrated to America in 1930 and became a naturalized citizen in 1942.

There she met her husband, real estate mogul Fred Trump, and the pair raised five children together in New York City. Donald Trump was the fourth youngest out of the five.

Macleod died in August 2000, at the age of 88.

Back in Washington D.C., King Charles and Queen Camilla were officially greeted with a state ceremony by Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the second day of the historic state visit.

Later Tuesday the King is set to give a historic address to Congress, the second time a British monarch has done so after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

He is expected to say that while the UK and the US have not always agreed on everything, they have “always found ways to come together” amid strains to the “special relationship” from the Iran war.

Indrid Hysembelli, Xhoi Kasaj and Romeo Tosca were found hiding in the loft when officers raided the huge drug den

Posing for photos over huge piles of cannabis, they had no idea what was to come. The pictures with the mounds of drugs would soon become evidence in a court case. And the men would soon be put behind bars.

Specialist police burst in to a ‘heavily secured’ industrial building on Bilsley Street in Oldham. Inside they found a massive ‘cannabis cultivation operation’.

Around 889 cannabis plants were found inside the building. At street value, the drugs would be worth almost £1m.

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Indrid Hysembelli, Xhoi Kasaj and Romeo Tosca were found inside. They were found hiding in the loft but there was nowhere for them to run.

Police launched a probe and uncovered pictures of the men posing with the drugs. In another photo, the three men posed around a table as they enjoyed a beer.

All three are now behind bars. The cannabis farm was uncovered by officers on June 17 last year.

Alongside the massive cannabis farm, police found a ‘small living area’ inside the building, with four bunk-beds, a cooker and a fridge.

A TV was found which displayed live CCTV footage from cameras outside. An inspection found the electricity supply had been illegally bypassed and connected directly to the mains at several points, resulting in a substantial amount of electricity being drawn unlawfully.

Hysembelli, Kasaj and Tosca, who are all of Albanian decent, were all jailed after being convicted of the production of Class B drugs at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Hysembelli, 26, was jailed for three years and seven months on Monday (April 27). Kasaj, 30, was sentenced on March 23 to two years and three months. Tosca, 26, was jailed on March 23 for two years and eight months.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Christopher Brown, from GMP’s Oldham division, said: “This was a significant and highly organised cannabis cultivation operation, producing drugs valued at almost £1m and posing a serious risk to the local community. Drug dealing is not a victimless crime.

“It is closely linked to violent gang activity and the exploitation of vulnerable people – serious issues that impact communities across Greater Manchester and remain a key focus of our ongoing enforcement work.

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“These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offence and send a clear message that those involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

“We will continue to act on intelligence, execute warrants like this one and disrupt organised criminal activity wherever it operates across Greater Manchester.”

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez has announced his departure from the BBC show after 10 years, with his exit becoming the fifth pro dancer to leave the series this year

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Gorka Marquez has departed Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the fifth professional dancer to exit this series. He revealed his decision to step away through Instagram.

The dancer posted a black and white photograph of himself walking away from the camera, dressed in a suit and dance shoes, heading towards a studio door. His caption read: “After last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

“I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity-over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful.

“Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family.”

In a cryptic reference, Gorka appeared to allude to his role as a judge on Dancing With The Stars Spain, or perhaps hinted at a potential judging position on the BBC programme. Gorka added: “Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing.”

Gorka joined Strictly in 2016, where he was partnered with Tameka Empson. Over subsequent years, he danced alongside Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper, Maisie Smith, Katie McGlynn, Helen Skelton, Nikita Kanda and Dr Punam Krishan. Despite his popularity with viewers, he sat out last year due to scheduling clashes with his Dancing With The Stars commitments, reports the Mirror.

In his second series, Gorka met his partner and mother of his children, Gemma Atkinson, who was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec. Gemma responded to his post with: “Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! Exciting times ahead”.

Numerous other Strictly stars left comments on the post. Johannes Radebe wrote: “Oh papi, all the best.” Nancy Xu added: “Georgeeeeee let’s make the most of it you are amazing.”

Some celebrities simply posted heart emojis, including Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, who are amongst the four professional dancers confirmed to be departing Strictly this year. Nadiya, Luba, Karen Hauer and Michelle Tsiakkas were all rumoured to have been dropped alongside Gorka and Neil Jones. Their departures have been confirmed, meaning that with Gorka’s announcement, Neil remains the only reportedly axed professional dancer still associated with the programme.

Addressing Gorka’s departure on Instagram, Strictly said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography.

“As well as being part of our Strictly family, it’s been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show.

“We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain. We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that’s to come.”

Strictly Come Dancing looks set for a significant overhaul ahead of its next series, which is scheduled to air in the autumn. In addition to alterations to the professional dancer line-up, the programme will also welcome new presenters, following the announcement by long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman of their departure in 2025.

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Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo during a tough time for her family – as the pair celebrate a major milestone

Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo amid a tough time for her family.

The TV star is about to celebrate a whole year of love with her partner Paolo Margaglione after the pair met on Celebs Go Dating just under 12 months ago. It has been a tough time for Kerry, whose mum is currently in hospital.

Heaping praise on Paolo, she shared: “Paolo is just my safe space. He calms me so much. I can’t express enough what a beautiful soul he is. He’s just the most beautiful, beautiful man. This has been the most amazing year of my life.

“I’ve met Paolo and I’ve worked so hard on myself. I’m in a really good place, but it’s like my body’s got trapped trauma from the past because I’m not in fight or flight. I feel very safe and secure. I can’t believe I met him on a TV show. It’ll be a year in two weeks time.”

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She wrote in her new magazine column: “It’s been a really tough week. My mum’s been taken really poorly. She’s got a broken back. Her bones break really easily. I rang to see how she was and the doctor said, ‘Can you come in straight away because she’s coming in and out of consciousness,’ and they didn’t know why.

“It’s been horrendous. They asked me that if the worst happens if I want to resuscitate her? I was in bits. When the doctors are asking those kind of questions, it’s very heavy on your shoulders. I’m all my mum has so it’s not nice seeing her like that.”

Kerry has since shared an update on social media to reveal once her mum came out of consciousness, she found it very difficult as it wasn’t her mum how she knew her.

“I left yesterday, after being there from Wednesday. It takes a toll on you and drains you. It was very hard to watch,” she said, before revealing that her mum is now doing better and she has now come home to her own house.

Just weeks ago, Kerry herself was rushed to hospital over stroke fears. She had been in London watching her eldest daughter Molly in a new play, when she started to feel unwell midway through the performance.

She said at the time: “As the day went on, I didn’t feel well. I went to the toilet and noticed my face wasn’t right. And Heidi was like, ‘Mum, what’s wrong with your face?’ I started panicking. I discreetly left, went to my hotel and asked to see a doctor. I told the staff, ‘Something’s not right.’”

After needing to take a taxi to hospital, Kerry said: “I got there, and they said, ‘We’re treating this as a stroke,’ so they blue-lit me in an ambulance from St Thomas’ to King’s College Hospital. They were shining lights in my eyes while my face and speech were getting worse. It really, really scared me.”

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Locals said they were concerned about potential noise and antisocial behaviour if the plans are approved

Plans have been submitted for a former Halifax bank to become a 24-hour ‘adult gaming centre’. Luxury Leisure submitted an application to Fenland District Council to change the use of a bank on Wisbech’s Market Place into an entertainment centre.

The building at 28 Market Place is currently a former Halifax bank premises which closed in January 2025. The application is to establish the change of use with the adult gaming centre operating on the ground floor level.

A covering letter states: “Internally, there will be no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under 18’s [sic] and has an impact on amenity. Unlike an ‘amusement arcade’ which is noisy to attract passing customers of all ages, there is statutory obligation to exclude under 18’s from AGC’s.”

The proposed 24-hour use plans to ensure footfall to the town centre operating seven days a week. Luxury Leisure say they have never had a licence reviewed or revoked and are a “socially responsible national multiple operate with an excellent covenant”.

Comments on the Fenland District Council planning portal expressed concerns about the entertainment centre including a potential rise in antisocial behaviour. One resident wrote: “The potential for increased noise from patrons entering and leaving late at night, combined with the ‘clustering’ effect of similar venues nearby, could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.”

They added: “The Market Place is a primary thoroughfare for families and students. Placing a gambling venue in such a high-traffic area for minors is socially irresponsible.”

“Wisbech already possesses several gambling and betting establishments. Granting another license creates an over-concentration of these uses, leading to a ‘tipping point’ where the town centre feels dominated by gambling rather than sustainable retail or community-focused businesses,” the comment continued.

“There are no adverse impacts and there is no evidence of any anti-social behaviour being exacerbated by such use”, the applicant said.

Councillor Steve Tierney said he believed the proposed entertainment centre posed “serious consequences for addicts” and possible “noise and nuisance”.

Riley, 13, was last seen in the Regent Court area of Gateshead town centre at about 3pm on Tuesday, April 21.

He was last in touch with his family on Friday, April 24.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing by Northumbria Police to locate him.

The 13-year-old is known to frequent the Chester-le-Street area of County Durham and the Stockton area of Teesside.

Riley is described as a white boy, 5ft 6in tall and of slim build with mousy brown short hair.

He wears glasses and is believed to be wearing a grey Berghaus jacket, black pants and black trainers.

Anyone who knows where Riley is should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the force’s website.

For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101 and quote reference number: NP-20260421-0796.