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UK faces four years of economic pain because of Labour’s budget, BrewDog co-founder says | Money News

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BrewDog co-founder James Watt. Pic: PA

Britain faces four years of economic pain because the government has made life difficult for businesses following the budget, the co-founder of BrewDog has told Sky News.

James Watt has also suggested the UK is work-shy and only hard graft will lead to prosperity, which is lacking in the country.

It comes on the day Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announces a new review named “Keep Britain Working” in an effort to support people with long-term illnesses or disabilities back into work, while trying to lower the ballooning welfare bill.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall. Pic: PA
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Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall. Pic: PA

The review will be led by former John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield at a time when around 3.7 million people of working age receive health-related benefits, which is 1.2 million more than in February 2020.

Britain is now spending more on incapacity and disability benefits (almost £65bn) than defence – and that figure is set to rise.

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Mr Watt, who stepped down as BrewDog chief executive last May, made headlines earlier this month after posting a video with fiancee Georgia Toffolo in which they said they do not believe in a “work-life balance”.

He is launching an entrepreneurial competition show named House Of Unicorns in a bid to find a start-up company with a £2m prize.

He said: “I think the Labour government certainly haven’t helped businesses and haven’t helped founders.

“I think the budget is really, really bad for the UK and caused a lot of damage. And I think the UK attitude towards success and attitude towards entrepreneurs doesn’t help us.

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“When you contrast that with the American attitude towards success that is one of the reasons you see so many more founders and entrepreneurs in America versus the UK at the moment.”

Read more from Sky News:
Southport child killer jailed for minimum of 52 years
Amanda Knox fails to overturn slander conviction in Italy
ICC prosecutor calls for arrest of Taliban duo over ‘persecution’

‘UK economy is heading towards recession’

Mr Watt was scathing about the country’s economic prospects, saying: “The UK economy is heading towards a recession, we have debt levels which are way too high, we are trying to tax our way to economic prosperity, which I don’t think will work at all.

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“And all the chancellor has done is make it very, very difficult for businesses to employ people, which I think in turn is going to lead to four years of economic pain.”

Asked whether he thought British workers were work shy, Mr Watt told Sky News: “I think you just have to look at the data, we are 18% less productive than America, we are 13% less productive than the French. And we often joke about the French being lazy.”

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How the budget might impact employees

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Work and pensions secretary defends budget

But the work and pensions secretary defended the budget, insisting it was not a tax on jobs.

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On a visit to Coca-Cola’s headquarters, Ms Kendall told Sky News: “We have seen a tick up in youth unemployment and I’m really concerned about that.

“We’ve got now one million young people not in education, employment or training. That is terrible for their future life chances, because we know if you’re out of work and you don’t have skills when you’re young, it can have lifelong consequences.

“That’s why we will have a youth guarantee. So every young person is earning or learning. No ifs, no buts.”

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What does budget mean for young people?

‘We won’t means test’ pension triple lock – Liz Kendall

Ms Kendall also doubled down on her commitment to the state pension triple lock despite the necessity to cut the welfare bill.

“We won’t means test it,” she said. “We committed to the triple lock because we believe current pensioners and future pensioners deserve to be able to plan with security.”

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Mr Watt however is the latest in a line of business leaders who have warned the budget will lead to companies laying people off this year.

It comes as new figures released this week showed an increase in unemployment and a fall in vacancies at a time in which the population continues to grow.

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Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham injuries to blame for poor form

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Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham injuries to blame for poor form

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou says the club are in a stronger position than when he took charge 18 months ago, despite their poor form this season.

Spurs have won just one of their past 10 Premier League matches, which has seen the club drop to 15th in the table.

Injuries have blighted Spurs’ campaign, with key players such as Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie missing large chunks of the season.

The Australian’s training methods and style of play have come under question given the number of muscle injuries sustained at the club this term.

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Asked why his second season in charge had been more difficult, Postecoglou said: “It’s just injuries.

“I mean you can walk outside and say, ‘Jeez it’s really bright’, and say to yourself maybe it’s not the sun. But it is the sun, mate, we’ve just got injuries.

“Every decision that is made is from me.

“I am responsible for this. If you want a head on a stick, take mine, but I am absolutely 100% confident that we are in a better place as a football club today than when I started.”

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Cardiff: Watchdog probes police chase before fatal crash | UK News

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M4 eastbound J30 slip road.  Pic: Google

The police watchdog has started an investigation into a police chase, which began minutes before a fatal crash.

The collision happened in the early hours of Thursday 9 January 2025 on the Junction 30 eastbound exit slip road of the M4 in Cardiff.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now launched an independent investigation into the involvement of South Wales Police.

Modecai Juma, 51, had previously failed to stop for officers, and a police pursuit began at 3.24am, the IOPC said in a statement.

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The watchdog said it was notified by the force as officers had been pursuing Mr Juma’s Honda Accord at the time of the incident.

Mr Juma was travelling eastbound on the M4 and the crash happened at 3.30am after he took the exit lane towards Cardiff Gate.

He received medical assistance by officers but Mr Juma died at the scene just after 4am.

The IOPC’s initial investigation has established that the driver of the Honda Accord was reported for failing to stop for police at 1.42am, and police had concerns about the way in which the car was being driven.

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Shortly after 3am, officers were alerted to the vehicle again and a police pursuit was authorised.

The IOPC’s deputy director of investigations, Catherine Bates, said the watchdog’s thoughts were with Mr Juma’s family and it would “continue to update them” as its enquiries progressed.

“While our investigation is in the early stages, investigators have already conducted CCTV enquiries and have obtained initial accounts from the officers involved,” she added.

Read more from Sky News:
Grandson of pie company tycoon jailed for friend’s murder
Mum jailed after four sons died in house fire

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A spokesperson for South Wales Police said the force “made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is normal procedure following such incidents”.

In a statement at the time of the collision, a spokesperson said the driver’s family would receive support from specialist family liaison officers.

A post-mortem has been carried out and an inquest was opened and adjourned at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Friday.

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Man arrested on suspicion of murder after 75-year-old stabbed to death in Putney in London

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Man arrested on suspicion of murder after 75-year-old stabbed to death in Putney in London

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 75-year-old man died with stab wounds in Putney, south west London.

The 30-year-old, believed to be known to the victim, was arrested after the elderly man was pronounced dead on Deodar Road at around 3am on Friday.

His next of kin have been made aware although police currently await formal identification. They are currently being supported by specialist officers, the Met Police said.

Detective Superintendent Amanda Mawhinney said: “We are currently supporting the family of a man who was sadly killed in the early hours of this morning.

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“I am aware that people in the community may feel shocked following this – we believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the public.

“Although we have made significant progress by making an arrest, I would like to make it clear that our investigation does not stop here.

“We need the local community to help us understand what happened in the early hours of this morning. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at around 3am and that saw or heard anything unusual to contact us as soon as possible.

“You may notice a higher police presence within the area today whilst we carry out our enquiries. A scene is in place as well as road closures.

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“If you feel the need to raise anything with our officers, then please feel free to speak with them whilst they are in the area.”

Anyone with information which could assist with the investigation is asked to call 101 stating CAD721/24JAN.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting an online form.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow…

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Judge rejects US mother’s extradition challenge

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Judge rejects US mother's extradition challenge
Thomas Mackintosh

BBC News

Reporting fromWestminster Magistrates’ Court
Dabb, Kory R. US mother Kimberlee Singler smiles as she poses for a selfie inside a vehicle. She has long wavy black hair and dark eyes.Dabb, Kory R.

Kimberlee Singler was detained in west London on 30 December 2023

A judge has rejected a US mother’s challenge to extradition over accusations she murdered two of her children in Colorado and “fled” to London.

Kimberlee Singler’s nine-year-old daughter Elianna and seven-year-old son Aden were found dead on 19 December, 2023 in Colorado Springs.

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Prosecutors acting on behalf of US officials said Ms Singler, 36, “fled” the US and was arrested in west London 11 days later.

District Judge John Zani told Westminster Magistrates’ Court he rejected Ms Singler’s challenge against extradition and said the case now passed to the home secretary to decide whether the 36-year-old should be sent back to the US.

Warning: This report contains descriptions of violence against children

In his ruling Judge Zani said he was not convinced that the defendant’s rights, particularly her concerns about prison conditions and a possible life sentence without parole, would be infringed on by extradition.

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“I am of the firm opinion that the defendant’s extradition to the United States of America to face criminal prosecution complies with all of her Convention Rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998,” Judge Zani said.

Ms Singler’s legal team has said she intends to appeal against the judge’s decision.

Previously, the court heard in September that Ms Singler’s alleged crimes were “committed against the backdrop of acrimonious court proceedings” relating to the custody of her children with her ex-husband Kevin Wentz.

Prosecutor Joel Smith said on 19 December 2023 the Colorado Springs Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary at a Colorado residence at 00:29 local time (06:29 GMT).

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When officers arrived at the defendant’s address, they found two dead children and a “blood-stained handgun” which was discovered on the floor of the bedroom.

Mr Smith said DNA tests were carried out on the gun and a knife which revealed the presence of mixed profiles matching the children and Ms Singler.

A third child, who has not been named, was found with a serious injury to her neck. She was taken to hospital and survived.

Mr Smith said Ms Singler blamed her husband for the attack, but it was found he had been driving a “GPS-tracked truck” in Denver, giving what the prosecutor described as a “complete and verifiable alibi”.

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A composit image of seven-year-old Aden Wentz and his nine-year-old sister Elianna (Ellie).  Both are smiling at the camera while Ellie is holding up two fingers in a peace gesture.

Seven-year-old Aden Wentz and his nine-year-old sister Elianna (Ellie) were found dead at a home in Colorado before Christmas 2023

In the days that followed, the third child was moved into foster care and, on Christmas Day, she told her foster carer that Ms Singler had been responsible for the attack and had asked her to lie to police, Mr Smith said.

The prosecutor said the girl was interviewed by police on 26 December, during which time she recounted how the attack had unfolded after the defendant guided all three children into their bedroom.

The police investigation then led to a warrant being issued by Fourth Judicial District Court in El Paso County, Colorado, for Ms Singler’s arrest.

Mr Smith said Ms Singler was arrested in the Chelsea area of west London on 30 December.

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It is not for the court in London to carry out a criminal trial.

However, in his ruling published on Friday Judge Zani said: “I note that the defendant, through counsel, has clearly stated that her defence to the charges is a total denial of liability.”

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Reform UK pulls ahead of both Labour and Tories as Nigel Farage dominates in new poll

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Reform UK has pulled ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives to top a national poll alone for the first time ever.

Fresh data from pollsters at Find Out Now has placed Nigel Farage’s party three points clear of the Tories – while Labour has slipped to a distant third.


Some 26 per cent of Britons would now vote for Reform if a General Election were called tomorrow, the data says – with 23 per cent opting for Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives, and 22 for Labour.

In a defiant statement quashing calls for a pact between Reform UK and the Tories, the former’s chairman Zia Yusuf said on social media: “No pacts, no deals. Reform is headed for Government.”

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Nigel Farage

Some 26 per cent of Britons would now vote for Reform if a General Election were called tomorrow

PA

While leader Nigel Farage said: “Reform LEADS for the first time in a national opinion poll. This is just the beginning.”

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And Reform’s Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe added: “Reform now in the clear, leading a national opinion poll.

“I am more confident than ever that we will outright win the next general election – it is going to happen. It cannot come soon enough.”

But the Tories have poured cold water on the figures – a spokesman for Kemi Badenoch told GB News: “Polls go up and down and change every week.

LATEST ON REFORM UK:

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Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch’s Tories have poured cold water on the figures

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“We’re focused on what matters – the damage Labour is doing to the economy, our schools and our international standing.”

And Labour has accused the two right-wing parties of “fighting among themselves”.

A Labour source said: “The Labour Government is getting on with delivering the Plan for Change. We’ve been clear from the outset that means taking the tough decisions needed to undo 14 years of Tory chaos and decline.

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“While the opposition fight among themselves, the Labour Government is putting in the hard yards to deliver much-needed growth, create more jobs, make people better off by putting more money in people’s pockets, rebuild Britain and get our NHS back on its feet.”

It comes just weeks after Find Out Now placed Reform UK neck-and-neck with Labour – the first time Nigel Farage’s party had topped a national poll.

u200bLord Frost sat down with GB News' Christopher Hope

Before the new polling emerged, Tory peer Lord Frost had warned that his party would have to come to some sort of arrangement with Reform

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Back then, Refom and Labour jointly led with a 25 per cent vote share each, with the Conservatives left with 20 per cent.

But after a fortnight of gloomy headlines for the Labour Government, voters appear to be turning away.

Reform UK has gained one percentage point, the Tories three, and the Liberal Democrats one – all while Labour has sunk by three per cent.

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Before the new polling emerged, Tory peer Lord Frost had warned that his party would have to come to some sort of arrangement with Reform if neither can come out on top.

And he looks to be vindicated by the data – running the Find Out Now results through an Electoral Calculus projection would see Reform take 170 seats, the Tories 165 and Labour 179, raising the prospect of a Reform-Tory coalition Government.

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Man who racially abused striker banned from football matches

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A man has been banned from attending football matches for three years after he racially abused Dutch striker Justin Kluivert.

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National Portrait Gallery faces backlash over ‘nepotism’ claims in star-studded Zoë Law exhibition

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National Portrait Gallery faces backlash over ‘nepotism’ claims in star-studded Zoë Law exhibition

For more than 50 years, the National Portrait Gallery has been a showcase of British cultural heritage, celebrating the icons and trailblazers who’ve shaped art, politics, and entertainment.

But its latest exhibition, Zoë Law: Legends, has raised eyebrows, with accusations of nepotism overshadowing its artistic ambitions.

The free display, which opened in November 2024, features black-and-white portraits of well-known figures, including Noel Gallagher, Sir Rod Stewart, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Kim Cattrall. Gallagher’s portrait even comes with a specially created soundscape by the man himself. Running until 2 March 2025, some of the works will join the gallery’s permanent collection.

However, controversy has grown over the photographer’s links to a major donor. Zoë Law is connected to the Law Family Charitable Foundation, which gave significant funding to the gallery’s £41 million refurbishment in 2023.

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A former celebrity make-up artist turned photographer, Law served as a trustee of the foundation until June 2024, stepping down amid her divorce from hedge fund manager Andrew Law, who continues to run the foundation.

Ms Law is no longer a trustee of the foundation, having resigned in June last year amid her divorce proceedings with Andrew Law, who still controls it.

Ms Law is no longer a trustee of the foundation, having resigned in June last year amid her divorce proceedings with Andrew Law, who still controls it. (Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)

Ms Law’s connections extend beyond the arts world. In 2015, she chaired the Conservative Party’s Black and White Ball, a glitzy fundraiser for some of Britain’s wealthiest donors. And sitting on the NPG’s board are Chris Grayling, the former justice secretary, and David Ross, a multimillionaire donor and friend of Boris Johnson.

The optics have left some feeling uneasy. Museum as Muck, a network supporting working-class creatives, described the situation as “disheartening,” adding: “Government funding for cultural institutions should remain independent from the influence of wealthy benefactors. Relying on additional funds from the affluent can skew the priorities of these institutions, granting undue influence to a select few.”

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Photographer Harry Borden, an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, said the exhibition left him scratching his head. “It’s concerning when someone seemingly emerges out of the blue with a major exhibition, and when you Google them, nothing comes up. Nine years ago, she was a Tory fundraiser and make-up artist. I’m all for reinvention, but it strikes me as odd,” he said on his YouTube channel.

The National Portrait Gallery told The Times that its ethics committee were consulted on the donation from the Law Family Charitable Foundation and was made aware of the plans for Law’s display.

The National Portrait Gallery told The Times that its ethics committee were consulted on the donation from the Law Family Charitable Foundation and was made aware of the plans for Law’s display. (Olivier Hess/PA Wire)

Turner Prize-winning artist Jesse Darling was even more blunt: “It just makes plain what was always the case, no? Art is a rich man’s game made up of rich hobbyists who keep their money circulating among themselves.”

The exhibition features portraits of people Ms Law describes as “dear friends,” including Orlando Bloom, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Kim Cattrall.

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A portrait of Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher, taken by photographer Zoe Law.

A portrait of Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher, taken by photographer Zoe Law. (National Portrait Gallery/PA Wire)

Speaking about his inclusion, Gallagher quipped: “I am thrilled and honoured to have my portrait added to the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. The thought of the portrait of a grumpy middle-aged man, who frankly hates having his picture taken, being permanently displayed for future generations to marvel at is very special. Thanks and praise.”

The National Portrait Gallery defended its decision to showcase Ms Law’s work. A spokesperson told The Independent the gallery had followed its Grants and Donations policy, which includes approval by its ethics committee. “The Gallery’s Ethics Committee were consulted and agreed the donation from the Law Family Charitable Foundation, and were aware of the display,” they said.

The gallery added that Legends by Zoë Law is just one of the free displays designed to complement its larger programme of exhibitions.

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How does the BBC report on extreme weather?

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How does the BBC report on extreme weather?
Chris Page

BBC News Ireland correspondent

On 23 January, reporting from Westport where Éowyn would make landfall

News stories about extreme weather affect millions of lives – and that is reflected in huge audiences.

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For journalists – they are challenging to cover.

We have the task of putting out information and conveying the seriousness of the situation to the public – and also taking steps to keep ourselves safe.

Red warnings indicate there is a danger to life – and the authorities do not take lightly the decision to issue the alert.

Assessing the risk is part and parcel of our approach to these stories.

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Camera operator Niall Gallagher and I went to Westport on the Atlantic coast of Ireland ahead of the red warning coming into force.

We knew in advance that some of the strongest winds in the UK and Ireland would be felt on the western seaboard.

During the hours of the highest level of alert – it was clearly too dangerous to go out into the open.

The sight and sound of debris crashing onto the ground bore testament to the risk that the national weather service, Met Éireann, and emergency services have been speaking about.

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So we set up for live broadcasting in a tunnel, connecting our hotel car park to the street.

It meant we can have a good look at the scenes outside, and get an idea of how ferocious the gales were – while remaining sheltered.

This enabled us to film pictures which sufficiently put across the savagery of the storm, without taking a major safety risk.

EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock A fallen tree blown over in the wind during storm Eowyn in Donegal Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland 24 January 2025. The tree has fallen near a white van and two terraced houses, and has lifted the tarmac from the road with it.EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

This tree narrowly missed two houses in Belfast as winds of more than 90mph were recorded in Northern Ireland

After the red warning expired, we made the decision to head out again – to survey the damage, talk more to local people, and assess the scale of the clear-up which communities were facing.

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Covering the most intense storm to hit the island of Ireland in many years is a team effort – and we are always reliant on our colleagues in BBC Northern Ireland, who have been gathering material from numerous towns, cities and villages.

BBCNI’s headquarters at Broadcasting House in Belfast switched to a back-up electricity generator as the busy lunchtime news period approached.

It was a plan to enable the programmes to stay on air, if the wave of power cuts reached the building.

Whether you are in a newsroom or “on the ground” – having a plan B (and often a C and D) is often valuable.

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It’s never more important than when covering bad weather.

If the pattern of recent times continues, we’ll be doing it more frequently in the coming years.

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Is Donald Trump about to invite King Charles to the White House?

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GB News’ Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker has provided his exclusive insight into engagements undertaken by Prince William, King Charles and the Princess of Wales this week.

Sign up to the GB News Royal Newsletter to get the latest analysis straight to your inbox.


IS TRUMP ABOUT TO INVITE THE KING TO THE WHITE HOUSE?

On Monday, President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America.

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The relationship between Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Government and the new Republican President, however, is (at best) rocky.

But Britain has a ‘Trump’ card – The Royal Family – and The President is known for his pro-monarchist tendencies.

Good trade (without eyewatering tariffs) and diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the United States could prove essential in an increasingly volatile world.

Is it any wonder, therefore, that a Downing Street source told The Times this week that the government is planning for a senior royal to visit the United States to renew the “special relationship”?

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Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that The King sent a personal message to President Trump on his inauguration, reflecting on the enduring special relationship between the UK and USA.

Members of the Royal Family have soft power to strengthen relationships between two countries in a way which politicians will never be able to do; royals have to remain politically neutral.

I understand the option of a State Visit to the U.S. remains firmly on the table, as does the possibility of The King inviting President Trump to London.

A source insists that there are no dates in the diary yet, and any visit would be subject to advice from the Foreign Office.
The Times reports 2026 is the most likely option for an outward State Visit to Washington.

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If I was a betting man, I would perhaps place a bet on The Prince and Princess of Wales – if Catherine is well enough.
This is because Prince William met President Trump in Paris last year, and Trump remarked “he looks better in person” as he beamed with delight.

A royal source previously branded William a “global statesman”, and his popularity in the United States (despite his brother’s personal attacks) could be something the UK Government could capitalise on.

Donald Trump and King Charles

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that The King sent a personal message to President Trump on his inauguration, reflecting on the enduring special relationship between the UK and USA.

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WILLIAM BACK IN THE BOXING RING?

On Tuesday, The Prince of Wales visited Centrepoint’s Ealing service to meet young people being supported by the homeless charity.

2025 will mark 20 years of Prince William being the charity’s Patron, having made secret visits as a boy with his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

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During the engagement, he played table football and boxed with young people experiencing homelessness.

He appeared to thrive during boxing drills, saying: “It might get me back into boxing, you never know”.

I hear The Prince of Wales has, in the past, taken to the boxing ring: all be it “briefly” and “not properly”.

At Centrepoint, each young person (16 – 25) is provided with a home, employment and education opportunities, as well as counselling.

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I understand The Prince really enjoyed meeting the young people – especially hearing their personal stories of why they needed support.

For example, he met 24-year-old Bethany who was in care as a child – she fell pregnant aged 17.

She “pushed through” with the help of Centrepoint, and earned a degree from the London School of Economics (LSE) and now works in local government.

In 2023, The Prince of Wales launched ‘Homewards’ – a five year plan to demonstrate homelessness can be ended in the UK, making it rare, brief and unrepeated.

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Prince William

On Tuesday, The Prince of Wales visited Centrepoint’s Ealing service to meet young people being supported by the homeless charity.

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WHAT PRINCE HARRY’S UNCLE TELLS US ABOUT ROYAL FAMILY RELATIONS

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The Duke of Sussex has settled out of court with News Group Newspapers (NGN) over alleged unlawful information gathering at both The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.

NGN has offered Harry an “unequivocal apology” for the intrusion into the private lives of himself and his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

It is the first time The Sun newspaper has ever admitted liability for their use of private investigators to carry out unlawful information gathering, but the title has always denied phone hacking.

Prince William and Harry’s uncle, Earl Spencer, has now made a rare public statement: “It takes an enormous amount of guts to take on opponents like News Group Newspapers, and a great tenacity to win. And it’s just wonderful that Harry fought for – and gained – an apology to his mother. She would have been incredibly touched at that and rightly proud.”

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It is incredibly telling that Diana’s brother has gone on the record to defend, and praise, his nephew’s tenacity.

Following the late Princess’ tragic death in a Paris car crash, during a paparazzi chase, Earl Spence accused British newspaper editors of having “blood on their hands”.

It appears Prince Harry and his uncle could share the same resentment towards British tabloids, and shows their bond is still strong, despite Harry’s fallout with the Royal Family over ‘Megxit’.

I understand Prince Harry is still not on speaking terms with his brother, Prince William, and has limited contact with The King.

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Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace declined to comment on Prince Harry’s legal settlement.

Prince Harry

The Duke of Sussex has settled out of court with News Group Newspapers (NGN) over alleged unlawful information gathering at both The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.

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KING’S SECRET DINNERS WITH THE GRENADIER GUARDS

Yesterday, I attended the Grenadier Guards’ inspection at their barracks near Aldershot.

On Monday, they take up Ceremonial Public Duties for The King at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, The Tower of London and St James’s Palace.

For the last five years, these battle-hardened soldiers have been deployed on operational combat duties.

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With a few minor tweaks, ordered by the Brigade Major of the Household Division Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette, they will achieve ‘ceremonial perfection’ by Monday’s ceremonies.

He tells me: “The things we tend to be commenting on are things like fit of uniforms, where perhaps some tailoring adjustment is required, or, in 1 or 2 cases, where [bearskin caps] are perhaps a little bit beyond their design life and are going a funny colour, or could fit better. So it’s really about providing the appropriate support to make sure that the soldiers and indeed the battalion, get the support they require to perform to the highest standard.

The Grenadier Guards have a particularly close bond with King Charles, who I understand often has private dinners with them. His Majesty is the Company Commander of the King’s Company Grenadier Guards – one of the oldest regiments in the British Army They have been on duty inside Westminster Abbey at every coronation since King Charles II was crowned, following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 They were originally formed from loyal bodies of men who remained close to, and trusted by, The King throughout his exile in Bruges – his father, Charles I, was executed in 1649.

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Princess Anne speaks out about horse accident that left her concussed last year | UK News

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Princess Anne in Cape Town. Pic: PA

Princess Anne has spoken for the first time about a horse accident last year, saying she cannot remember anything about the incident.

The Princess Royal, 74, spent five nights in hospital with a concussion after being hit while walking at her Gatcombe Park estate last June.

When asked by PA news agency if she remembers anything about the accident, the royal said: “No, nothing.”

Anne spoke while visiting Cape Town in South Africa, and said retirement “really isn’t written in” to being a royal.

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“You’re jolly lucky… if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis,” she added. “And last summer I was very close to not being.

“Take each day as it comes, they say.”

Princess Anne in the stables during a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association. Pic: PA
Image:
Princess Anne in the stables during a visit to the South African Riding School for Disabled Association. Pic: PA

The princess added she doesn’t remember walking into a field before the incident, saying: “I know where I thought I was going and that was to go to the chickens, no, nothing to do with horses.”

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She then said: “It just reminds you, shows you – you never quite know, something [happens] and you might not recover.”

Anne was treated at hospital for minor head injuries and a concussion, before being discharged towards the end of June.

She then returned to public duties in July, visiting the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

Read more:
Kate opens up about ‘really tough’ cancer treatment
Duke of Sussex settles court case with The Sun’s publisher

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Joking when asked about any long-lasting effect from the incident, the princess said: “Apparently not, at least I don’t think so.

“As far as I know nobody else thinks so – they haven’t been honest enough to tell me yet. So far so good.

“You are sharply reminded that every day is a bonus really.”

Anne is making a whirlwind visit to Cape Town but is travelling by herself after her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence suffered a suspected torn ligament while working on the princess’ estate.

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