Nigel Farage has long been a staunch advocate for strong borders and curbing migration.

However, it was the Reform UK leader’s turn to face border controls when he was refused entry to the Chagos Islands this weekend after travelling nearly 6,000 miles to the restricted military base.

In a video shared on social media, Mr Farage said he was on a mission to bring aid to support four Chagossians aiming to colonise a deserted island.

Mr Farage, 51, had attempted to arrive by boat at Ile du Coin from the Maldives, 300 miles away, on Saturday.

The Reform leader insisted he had been told by a ‘senior figure’ that he had been blocked by the UK government from delivering the food and medicine.

He said: ‘The British government has made every effort to prevent me heading towards the Chagos Islands. They have asked the Maldives government to stop me from leaving here and setting foot on the boat.

‘This was information conveyed to me by a senior figure in the Maldives government. I cannot believe such an attempt has been made to stop a British citizen from reaching British territory.’

However, according to Foreign Office advice, anyone wishing to travel to the archipelago, home to a joint UK-US military base, requires a permit, with no commercial flights operating to or from the territory.

Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, accused Mr Farage of attempting ‘MAGA stunts’.

He wrote on X: ‘No Mr Farage you cant just turn up at sensitive military bases either in the UK or abroad.

‘No MP can – no matter what Party you represent. We don’t do open days around the trident warhead or open house for the SAS either.’

Sir Ben further hit out at Mr Farage for failing to recruit a defence spokesperson after the Reform leader unveiled a ‘shadow cabinet’ of comprised of senior party figures, including Richard Tice and Conservative defector Robert Jenrick.

It comes days after Donald Trump again turned on the government’s deal to hand over what is formally known as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) to Mauritius.

The US president had previously suggested the deal was the ‘best’ Sir Keir Starmer could have negotiated.

However Trump changed his mind this again this week, urging the government not to ‘give away Diego Garcia’.

Reports suggested that the president was swayed by the UK’s refusal to allow US forces to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as a base for a potential military campaign against Iran.

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From the Yorkshire Dales to the coastline and sweeping moorland, the county is home to a collection of locations that continue to win praise in travel reviews and online forums for their character, scenery and slower pace of life.

Among the most frequently highlighted is Thornton-le-Dale, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Thornton-le-Dale (Image: PA MEDIA)

Often dubbed one of Yorkshire’s prettiest villages, it is known for its stone cottages, village green and the thatched Beck Isle Cottage, which has become one of the most photographed homes in the region.

Visitors regularly describe the village as “picture perfect” and “quintessentially English”.

As well as independent shops, tea rooms and traditional pubs, Thornton-le-Dale offers easy access to Dalby Forest and a network of walking and cycling trails, making it popular with both day-trippers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Grassington (Image: JONATHAN SMITH)

In the Yorkshire Dales, Grassington continues to attract visitors with its cobbled market square and lively mix of cafés, galleries and small shops.

Frequently praised as “beautiful” and “full of character” in reviews, the village has also found a new audience after appearing as the fictional Darrowby in Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small.

Beyond browsing the square, visitors can explore riverside walks along the River Wharfe, head up onto Grassington Moor for panoramic views or take part in its well-known festivals, including the Christmas market and summer arts events.

Osmotherley Show (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Further into the North York Moors, Hutton-le-Hole is another village that visitors often call “quaint” and “peaceful”.

With sheep grazing on the green and a stream running through the centre, it has a timeless feel.

Walkers also use the village as a base to explore the surrounding moorland landscape.

Nearby Osmotherley, on the western edge of the North York Moors, is regularly praised in visitor feedback for its “friendly atmosphere” and “lovely stone houses”.

The village sits close to several long-distance walking routes, including the Cleveland Way and the Coast to Coast path, and offers traditional pubs and cafés that cater to passing hikers.

Its setting between the Hambleton and Cleveland Hills gives it striking views despite its modest size.

Runswick Bay (Image: PA MEDIA)

On the coast, Runswick Bay provides a different take on quaint charm.

Its red-roofed cottages and a sweeping sandy beach create one of the most recognisable coastal scenes in North Yorkshire.

Visitors often describe it as a “hidden gem”, praising both the beach and access to the Cleveland Way coastal path.

Rock pooling, fossil hunting and cliff-top walks are among the most popular activities.

Goathland (Image: VISIT NORTH YORKSHIRE)

Inland again, Burnsall in Wharfedale continues to appear in travel guides and visitor recommendations thanks to its riverside setting and traditional stone cottages.

The village sits beside the River Wharfe and near the 12th-century Burnsall Church, with walking routes stretching into the surrounding Dales countryside.

Reviewers frequently highlight its “postcard views” and welcoming pubs.

Meanwhile, Goathland combines village charm with pop culture appeal.

Known to many as Aidensfield from ITV’s Heartbeat and as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter films, the village attracts visitors keen to see the heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway and explore the surrounding moorland.

Reviews often describe it as “full of character” and “steeped in nostalgia”.

As staycations remain popular and travellers seek out slower, more scenic breaks, North Yorkshire’s so-called “quaint” villages appear to be enjoying renewed appreciation on social media and visitor sites online.

Liam Curwen, 32, was ‘caught up’ in a mob and spat at cops before hurling a brick at officers

A yob who threw a brick at police in scenes of “wanton mob violence” following the Southport stabbings has been jailed.

Liam Curwen, 32, who spat at cops, hurled the missile at officers and picked up paving bricks during the disorder was jailed for 27 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

The court heard how Curwen was part of a mob which walked towards the police line in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent on August 3, 2024, just days after three girls were murdered in a Southport dance studio.

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Reports at the time of what became known as the “Southport Riots” told of around 400 people clashing with police in Hanley and at other marches across the country.

Disorder spread across the UK after Axel Rudakubana, 18, murdered three girls in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class amid false rumours the killer was a Muslim immigrant. The unrest led to around two thousand people being arrested, the National Police Chiefs’ Council said at the time

Stoke-on-Trent Live reported scenes of men wielding gardening forks, baseball bats and timber as mass disorder broke out in the city centre on August 3 in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

Curwen’s lawyer said he had been on his way to meet a friend and “got caught up in the group activity”.

Islamophobic chants could be heard on some video footage of the crowd in Hanley, while others showed officers coming under fire from missiles. The protests, sparked by the killing of three girls at a holiday dance session, forced a local theatre to go into lockdown – the venue had been showing a children’s dance production but the presence of protesters forced it to close to protect the kids, the BBC reported at the time.

Stoke-on-Trent Live reports that Curwen was seen to leave Hanley Bus Station and walk past The Albion pub towards the city centre on the day of the disorder. He joined a group on Town Road. Prosecutor Barry White said: “He and others walked towards the police line. The defendant had his right hand raised. He appeared agitated and angry.

“He spat towards the police line. He continued shouting and pointing at the police line. He moved towards police holding a brick in his right hand, having picked up a paving block. He threw it. It hit a shield in the police line. He went back to the city centre. He covered his face.”

The defendant was arrested on January 24, 2025. He answered no comment to questions in his police interview. Curwen, of Murhall Street, Burslem, later pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Debbie Leadbeater, mitigating, said Curwen is remorseful. Miss Leadbeater said: “He was meeting a friend and got caught up in the group activity. He and his partner are carers for their children.

“There is a very good chance of rehabilitation in his case. I hope you will consider a suspended sentence. He needs further assistance in how to cope with things when they are getting out of control. The work that could be done with probation could ensure he does not appear before the courts in the future.”

Recorder Robert Smith said: “You and members of your group walked towards the police line. You spat towards police on the police line. You ran towards police holding a brick. You are shown on a video to pick up paving bricks. You threw a brick at the police, hitting a riot shield of an officer in the police line.

“I accept any imprisonment would adversely effect your partner and children. You should have thought about that before you involved yourself in a large-scale violent disorder. You participated, spitting at officer, wielding a brick and throwing a brick at the police line.

“What you did was not a peaceful protest. You joined in with wanton mob violence. It was despicable behaviour. I cannot and will not suspend the sentence.”

The actress was awared for her perfomance in Michael B Jordan’s Sinners

Chorlton’s Wunmi Mosaku paid an emotional tribute after she won a Bafta Film award for her work in Sinners on Sunday evening (February 22).

Mosaku, who emigrated from Nigeria to Manchester with her family when she was just one-years-old, rose to prominence in 2009 for her role as Joy in the BBC Two miniseries Moses Jones.

The 39-year-old attended the Trinity Church of England High School in Hulme and Xaverian Sixth Form College in Rusholme before moving to the capital at 18 to study acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

She quickly landed a string of roles in various hit TV shows, including in ITV’s Vera, HBO’s Lovecraft Country and the hit series Luther, where she acted alongside Idris Elba.

Since then, she has appeared in ITV’s Vera, HBO’s Lovecraft Country and the hit series Luther – starring Idris Elba. She won her first Bafta in 2017, taking home the Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gloria Taylor in the TV film Damilola, Our Loved Boy.

The TV movie told the story of 10-year-old schoolboy Damilola Taylor, who was stabbed in the leg and left to die in a south London stairwell in November 2000.

Recent years have seen her playing the character Hunter B-15 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ series Loki before reprising the role in the film Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.

On Sunday night, Mosaku was joined by a host of Hollywood A-listers at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London for the 2026 Baftas. She was up for the Best Supporting Actress award for her work as Annie, the estranged wife of Michael B. Jordan in Ryan Coogler’s vampire click sinners.

It was one one of the most stacked awards of the night with Marty Supreme’s Odessa A’zion, Sentimental Value’s Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, The Ballad of Wallis Island’s Carey Mulligan, One Battle After Another’s Teyana Taylor and Hamnet’s Emily Watson all nominated. In the end it was Mosaku who took home the award.

The British-Nigerian actress, who is heavily pregnant, said: “Thank you Bafta for this incredible honour. To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher. I am so proud of you, everything begins and ends with you.”

Referencing her role in Sinners, Mosaku said: “I found a part of myself in Annie, a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.”

Addressing director Coogler, who also directed Black Panther and Creed, she told him: “I felt the presence of the ancestors’ pride and joy daily on your set.”

Mosaku will be hoping to replicate her major accomplishment next month at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. In one of the hardest awards to predict, she is nominated once again alongside Lilleaas and Taylor, with Sentimental Value’s Elle Fanning and Weapons’ Amy Madigan also nominated.

The precursors have been unable to split the pack, with Madigan the initial frontrunner until Taylor took home the award at the Golden Globes last month.

Armed men reportedly stormed Guadalajara International Airport in Mexico, discharging weapons as terrified passengers fled

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Panic erupted at a major airport after alleged cartel members reportedly descended on the terminal, with disturbing footage showing terrified crowds scrambling to escape.

Unverified accounts indicate members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel arrived at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco, Mexico mere hours after their leader El Mencho was killed by military forces. It’s thought members are now mounting reprisals following confirmation of the killing.

Distressing incidents have unfolded throughout the area as the Mexican army conducted a major operation in Mexico, which led to the death today (February 22) of El Mencho, whose real name was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.

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Multiple videos have subsequently surfaced online depicting several armed individuals, allegedly affiliated with the cartel, entering the airport whilst firing their weapons. It’s currently unknown whether anyone has suffered injuries during the frightening incident, reports the Mirror.

The airport bedlam comes alongside a surge of vehicle blazes, roadblocks, and extensive damage to business properties that has thrown the whole state into disarray.

Harrowing footage circulating across social platforms shows crowds frantically fleeing, with some individuals losing their footing and collapsing as the armed men pursued them. Additional footage captures airport personnel directing passengers behind check-in counters in a bid to shield them from danger.

Numerous frightened travellers could be seen crouching between the desks and baggage conveyor belts, frantically searching for safety amid the chaos.

Warning systems were additionally activated on the airside as employees were observed running whilst passengers seemed to be led out of the building as a precautionary measure.

Whether any casualties have occurred remains uncertain, although accounts suggest gunfire was audible.

According to AirLive, federal officers and the National Guard have been sent to the airport during what has been characterised as an “extremely volatile” situation.

Millions struggle to sleep at night due to busy lives and medical conditions, but a British GP has shared two supplements that could help improve slumber quality.

Many of us struggle to get a decent night’s kip, with causes ranging from hectic schedules to underlying health issues. Disrupted sleep patterns can wreak havoc on daily life, affecting everything from concentration to overall wellbeing.

Thankfully, solutions exist for those keen to get more rest. In fact, many turn to supplements to address potential nutritional gaps, particularly following a confirmed deficiency diagnosis.

British GP Dr Ahmed (MBBS, MRCGP, BSc) said there are two supplements that “almost everyone” could benefit from adding to their daily routine to help them sleep better at night. He said: “I’ve said this before, many times – magnesium.”

He added: “I think magnesium is something almost everyone will benefit from. The type you take honestly depends on what you’re using it for.”

The doctor shared that he personally opts for magnesium glycinate. This essential mineral comes in various formats such as tablets, gummies and powders – allowing people to select what suits them best, ideally following professional medical guidance, reports the Express.

Its benefits extend well beyond sleep quality, potentially supporting numerous physical and psychological conditions such as anxiety, skeletal strength and glucose regulation. Additional advantages may include relief from migraines, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and muscular cramping.

Dr Ahmed said: “I take it just in the evening before I sleep to help me relax and get better sleep. Now, that is anecdotal [but] studies have shown it usually can help with sleeping anxiety but it’s best to try for yourself and see if it helps you.”

According to the NHS, magnesium is an essential mineral required by the human body. Produced naturally, it plays a vital role in converting food into energy whilst ensuring the hormone-producing parathyroid glands function properly to support bone health.

It is an excellent natural source of magnesium that may complement supplements include spinach, nuts and wholemeal bread. The recommended daily intake for adults typically falls between 270-300mg.

Taking too much magnesium can cause discomfort and, if consumption exceeds 400mg, diarrhoea. To determine the correct dosage, consult your GP, who can advise on the appropriate amount for you and whether magnesium supplements are suitable.

Dr Ahmed said the second suggestion “may surprise people” but claims it has given “amazing” results in combating fatigue in recent studies as well as decreasing the risk of getting dementia – creatine monohydrate. This organic supplement also comes in various forms.

It is commonly associated with gym-goers looking to build muscle, owing to its well-documented benefits in boosting physical performance. However, it has also been linked to improved total sleep duration and may reduce homeostatic sleep pressure in individuals who have experienced sleep deprivation.

The doctor noted: “Some people say they get a lot of side effects with creatine because it causes them to get diarrhoea, constipation or stomach pains. Often, that’s because the product you’re getting is not pure.

“With any supplement, it’s always important to research what you’re getting and make sure you’re getting the purest form. That’s not always easy because a lot of the companies you buy from aren’t sure [either].”

It is advisable to consult your GP before introducing any new supplements into your routine. They are best placed to offer tailored guidance based on your personal medical history, and can flag any potential risks linked to particular products – including possible interactions with any other medications you may be taking.

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Pictures taken on Cemetery Lane appear to show a section of the wall brought down, with bricks and rubble lying along the pavement.

A tree can be seen felled close to the damaged area, and parts of the trunk have been cut into smaller sections, but there is no indication that this is what has caused the wall to fall.

Pictures taken on Cemetery Lane in Darlington show damage to a wall, with debris scattered across the ground and a fallen tree nearby. (Image: PETER REIMANN)

Someone told The Northern Echo: “It looks like a tree has come down and destroyed the wall. Then someone has come along and chopped up the tree.

They added: “But we can’t be certain what has happened.”

Pictures taken on Cemetery Lane in Darlington show damage to a wall, with debris scattered across the ground and a fallen tree nearby. (Image: PETER REIMANN)

Pictures taken on Cemetery Lane in Darlington show damage to a wall, with debris scattered across the ground and a fallen tree nearby. (Image: PETER REIMANN)

Pictures taken on Cemetery Lane in Darlington show damage to a wall, with debris scattered across the ground and a fallen tree nearby. (Image: PETER REIMANN)

Pictures taken on Cemetery Lane in Darlington show damage to a wall, with debris scattered across the ground and a fallen tree nearby. (Image: PETER REIMANN)

The photographs focus on the stretch of Cemetery Lane where the wall has collapsed.

The fallen tree is visible nearby, with clear signs it has been cut up after coming down.

It is not clear from the images what led to the damage.

Emergency services were alerted shortly after 2pm on Sunday, February 22, to the incident on the River Tees between Romaldkirk and Cotherstone.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said they first received the call at 2.08pm and sent two appliances and a water rescue vehicle to the scene.

The large emergency presence on the scene (Image: STUART BOULTON)

North East Ambulance Service was contacted by the fire and rescue service at 2.15pm and dispatched two Hazardous Area Response Team crews, a paramedic ambulance and a duty officer to assist water rescue units.

Teesdale and Weardale Mountain Search and Rescue team was also called out to reports of a foot entrapment in the river south of Romaldkirk. Fourteen of their team members attended.

The kayaker was released by the fire and rescue water team and assessed by paramedics at the scene. He was discharged after declining to go to hospital.

Mountain and water rescue were called to the scene (Image: STUART BOULTON)

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 2.15pm this afternoon (22 Feb) from the fire and rescue service for a kayaker who had become trapped between two boulders on an island on the River Tees between Romaldkirk and Cotherstone, in County Durham.

“We dispatched two Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) crews, a paramedic ambulance and a duty officer to support water rescue units from Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue Service.

“The kayaker was rescued and assessed by paramedics before being discharged on scene after declining to go to hospital.”

Emergency services on the scene (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Teesdale and Weardale Mountain Search and Rescue team logs said: “14.28 – 22/02/2026 – The team was called out by Fire & Rescue and NEAS to a kayaker with a foot entrapment in the River Tees south of Romaldkirk. 14 Team members attended. The kayaker was released by the fire & rescue water team and checked over by a NEAS crew.”

A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue service confirmed that their attendance is due to reports of a kayaker stuck in the River Tees.

They first got the call at 2.08pm this afternoon (February 22) and had two appliances and a water rescue vehicle in attendance.

Team GB will fly home on Monday, after which the post-Games reviews will begin, by both the British Olympic Association and the individual sports themselves.

Over the four-year cycle leading into the Milan-Cortina Games, UK Sport ploughed £25.5m into winter sports on the Olympic programme, up from £22.2m for the Beijing 2022 cycle.

The funding for the next cycle, leading up to the 2030 Games, will be confirmed and announced in the summer, though the individual sports have already received a provisional figure for planning purposes.

But while an important metric, funding isn’t just based on the number of medals won, or a reward for it. UK Sport also looks at future potential, as well as the impact and resonance on the watching British public.

Baker told BBC Sport Team GB’s athletes had gone “above and beyond” in delivering value for money, and asked how that success is now built on, she said: “The reality is we’ve been thinking about it for the past four years. Already the work is in place to build for that next Games and indeed the one after.

“We’ve got some real talent coming through, there is no shortage of British talent, and we know we can show that we can mix it with the best on the world stage when it matters.

“The next four years is about supporting that talent that’s coming through and also making sure that we do everything we can so that when they get here on finals day, they are absolutely at their best.”

UK Sport’s investment is not an ever-growing pot, however, and sports are being encouraged to work together and share resources where possible to build towards the greater good.

Gosling, whose GB Snowsport organisation received £7.3m in UK Sport funding for its 2026 Olympic programme but has had to bring in extra commercial revenue, said: “We know we have the talent and the capability and the world has now seen it.

“We can deliver medals with what we have. We have demonstrated that, but we have greater potential than we’re demonstrating right now.”

She added: “This is just the start. This is not the peak for us. There’s so much more that we can achieve. And I’m super excited because the athletes that are competing and are just near missing, are those athletes that are still very young with a great future ahead of them.

“And guess what? 2030 is just on the doorstep and we’ll be back and we’ll be showing them. Let’s hope we’ll convert those near misses to golds. The world’s our oyster.”

Carnage would be an understatement to describe the closing moments of Liverpool’s victory at the City Ground, but it would not be over the top to call the win a heist – one that puts Arne Slot’s side firmly in the Champions League hunt.

The fact that Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira said he was “angry with football” summed it up. Forest did not deserve to lose.

For large parts of the afternoon, the home fans chanted “In your head, Arne, Arne, Arne” to the tune of Zombie by The Cranberries as Pereira’s side dominated the defending champions.

Before today, Slot had failed to beat Forest in any of his previous three attempts as Liverpool boss.

Yet as the Liverpool players made their way to the away end after snatching a remarkable victory through Alexis Mac Allister, the same chant came from the travelling support, who could hardly believe their luck.

Liverpool were dull for most parts but deserve praise for their resilience and the importance of Mac Allister’s 97th-minute winner cannot be underestimated in the sense that it took Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United, in fourth and fifth.

“It’s one of the biggest robberies I’ve seen in the Premier League this season,” said Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.

For Slot, who has regularly insisted that Liverpool have been unfortunate on many an occasion this season, there was an admittance that his side had finally got the rub of the green.

“My emotions were emotions of happiness and relief because this is the first time I have to do a different post match press conference,” said Slot.

“We did not play a good game. We have been on the wrong side of the score after a good performance too many times.

“We got more than we deserved. A draw would have been a fair result,” he added. “We needed to be on the right side of things once in a while. It felt we have been lucky”.

And credit is due to Mac Allister too, who found himself in the right place at the right time on two instances late on.

The first was his disallowed goal that came after Stefan Ortega had made a great save to deny Hugo Ekitike. As Ola Aina tried to clear the ball, it hit Mac Allister and flew into the net. But what would have been a fortuitous goal was chalked off because the ball was deemed to have hit his elbow, which was tight to his body.

“It hit my back and my elbow. I understand the rule but if you understand football, that goal should have stood,” Mac Allister told BBC Sport.

“The first half wasn’t good at all; positioning, pressing, intensity. It was not our standard. The second half, I wouldn’t say it was good but it was better,” he added.