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April 2026 monthly tarot horoscope: Your star sign’s forecast

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April 2026 monthly tarot horoscope: Your star sign’s forecast
Get ready for a new month (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)

April arrives with new energy and momentum.

With powerful Aries energy lighting up the skies — including a New Moon in Aries and fiery Mars in Aries — the cosmos is encouraging bold action, courage and decisive movement.

At the same time, the Full Moon in Libra on April 2 reminds us that life isn’t just about charging ahead alone. Relationships, fairness and emotional balance come into focus, asking us to check whether our ambitions still honour the partnerships and connections that matter most.

By the time Taurus season arrives later in the month, the energy softens and stabilises. What began as a spark of inspiration can start to take practical form.

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April is ultimately a month of initiation followed by grounding — make the brave first move now, and you’ll give yourself something solid to build on in the months ahead.

Lets use the tarot, specifically my new Light In The Dark Tarot and Oracle deck, to guide the way.

Looking for more insight?

Join my magical, mystical tarot club – where we explore the cards through challenges, lessons, guided meditations, and rituals. Metro readers can enjoy a free month at Insider level using this link.

Or, try an Everything Answered reading to delve deeper into all your burning questions.

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Aries

March 21 to April 20

Look to the future (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Aries for April: Ten of Coins, The Sun, Nine of Coins

Meaning: Beautiful, joyful, prosperous and successful energy is blessing you and helping you all month long, Aries. It is your season, after all, so expect to get lucky!

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Your most successful enterprises are shown by the ambitious Nine and Ten of Coins: long term goals in and around the foundational areas of health, wealth, work and home. Lay good foundations, build on them, create legacy and wealth to last. Make investments vs spending.

Use this month’s good fortune and luck from The Sun card (the best card in the deck) to bless and bestow riches on your key foundations. Look at the decade ahead and make a vision for yourself, a daydream, a fantasy… and then start work on making it a reality. It can happen.

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

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

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The outcome will be better than you could’ve imagined (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Taurus for April: Ace of Wands, Five of Cups, The Star

Meaning: Something very, very happy is going to arise out of something sad. You get a second chance, a piece of good karma, a validating and rewarding option that you deserve.

The Five of Cups sees you moving past a recent disappointment with integrity and good grace. Folk appreciate how you handled yourself. And The Star shows that this excellent behaviour is warranting a wish pass from the Universe! You are going to get something far better than whatever was lost. So chase after your ideals and dreams. Believe in them and breathe life into them with action and force.

The Ace of Wands shows something new will come to you, representing an authentic wish or desire, and you will be glad you didn’t get what you thought you wanted before — because this is better.

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

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Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Temptation is calling this month (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Gemini for April: The Lovers, Three of Swords, Knight of Swords

Meaning: You could be embroiled in a situation where you’re going to do someone wrong (or vice versa) so tread ultra carefully this April, because neither of those outcomes is desirable. You value good karma and peace, so you don’t like bothering other folk, nor do you accept being backstabbed or lied to.

Be wary of tricky situationships, temptations, gossip, and invitations to betray a confidence (you do love to chat). The Lovers and Three of Swords combine to warn you to stay on the straight and narrow path. Whatever looks like temptation… avoid.

The Knight of Swords sees you perhaps having to stand tall and firm to get through this. People always underestimate your strength and resilience because you’re so outwardly friendly and funny. They’re about to find out what happens when they threaten a Gemini’s peace… hold on!

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

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Time to do some digging (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Cancer for April: The Moon, Nine of Swords, Ace of Swords

Meaning: The Moon is your ruling planet and appears here as a guiding luminary for April, with the message that you should dig into the unsolved, unanswered or untrue illusions you know lie in your realm. There are mysteries and puzzles to be dug into.

The Nine of Swords asks you to follow your disquiet, your discomfort, your nagging sense of dread or nervousness that all is not as it seems somehow. The Ace of Swords asks you to ask questions, validate answers, research, sense check, pressure test and probe. Take nothing at face value.

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Within the month you will have important answers that make a difference to what you decide to do next. And it feels good to have cracked the case and solved the riddle. Go do it.

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

Leo

July 24 to August 23

There’s a green-eyed monster in your realm (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Leo for April: The Chariot, Three of Cups, Seven of Swords

Meaning: The Chariot empowers you with purpose and motivation this April, you are moving (maybe literally) and striking out on your own course, built around your own goals and needs. It feels good. You’re an unstoppable force. Use that to get someplace good!

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The Three of Cups and Seven of Swords tell a tale as old as time for Leos… social jealousy. You attract much attention, folk are always interested in what you’re doing, and people love hanging out with you and having fun. That’s the Three of Cups vibe. And then that also attracts envious eyes, critical judges and people who covet your powers. That’s the Seven of Swords vibe.

Spend as much effort and energy on putting up and holding boundaries against such energy as you do into welcoming and expanding your ever-growing circle. Be choosy. Be discerning. Be defensive when you feel things are ‘off’ – you’re too good to take rubbish off folk.

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

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

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You need to simply let this happen rather than forcing it (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Virgo for April: The Empress, The Hanged Man, Four of Cups

Meaning: The Hanged Man and Four of Cups both speak of limbo, stagnation, frustration, and not seeing the woods for the trees. Virgo, you are the ultimate problem-solver and troubleshooter; you have high standards (if not perfection), and you will push, push, push away at something until it yields. But that approach is not working.

Breathe. This April, you must step back, stop, surrender, and let things be as they are. You can’t force this issue. Instead, be the Empress! Surround yourself with those and what you love and like! Be adored, be generous, play, create, have fun, love, uplift, encourage, feast and indulge. Live life to the full in the environments you feel safe and happy.

And you know what… while you’re not forcing or even looking at it, this ‘thing’ that got stuck will magically get unstuck and you can return to progress. Like magic, I promise!

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

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Libra

September 24 to October 23

It’s all about balance this April (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Libra for April: Knight of Coins, Temperance, King of Swords

Meaning: Work hard, stay grounded and balanced, look and plan ahead. That’s it; they’re your three rules for a successful, rewarding and happy April, Libra. Sounds okay?

The Knight of Coins is a grafter but for every ounce of effort put in, he takes equal measures of reward. That is the balance you need to strike too. Temperance shows you’re finding your feet in some way, looking to feel grounded in a ‘new normal’, and this will take conscious effort. Don’t take on more, or take massive risks, or push yourself too far. Stay on an even keel.

The King of Swords is your star sign’s tarot king, and he is like you: strategic, objective, analytical and smart. He is always looking and thinking ahead, working out the next move. This is your mental homework for April.

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

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Is this beyond repair? (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Scorpio for April: The Hermit, The Fool, Five of Swords

Meaning: A long-running cause of concern or stress is going to be totally and finally resolved this April, and it all comes from your thoughtfulness and willingness to turn the page and try something new. Sometimes you can’t fix stuff. You have to replace.

The Five of Swords sees you embroiled in something difficult, draining and fuelled by a conflict. It has gone on long enough. You have tried to repair it… to no avail. The Hermit wants you to step back, way back, and get perspective — you’re too close to see things clearly right now. Study events, sift through root causes, assess your own role, look at other options. And then return with The Fool.

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You are going to turn the page and start a new story here. That might mean leaving this whole mess behind you, might mean drawing a line in such a way you can all call ‘truce’ and march on, might be that you sacrifice something and pivot to something different instead to remove the issue. But it’s a new perspective and a new approach. And it will work, for your benefit.

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

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tick off your to-do list early and enjoy the rest of the month (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Sagittarius for April: Ace of Cups, Nine of Wands, Five of Coins

Meaning: A new relationship or powerful creative idea/role, or even friendship/pet/family member in your realm will bring blessings and joythis April with the loving Ace of Cups.

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Maybe a tinge of bittersweet or poignant feeling too, because new love oftens provokes memories of those no longer around or who you miss and would want to share this with. Missing folk is the price of living a full, long life. It’s inevitable. So embrace it, be kind to yourself, share your news and ideas with them in spirit.

The Nine of Wands asks you to do the hard work/chores at the start of the month, get them out of your hair and underway so you can relax into spring and have fun. Don’t put things off or put yourself under pressure by leaving it all to the wire. Get those chores on the to-do list and ticked off!

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

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

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Everything is coming together (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Capricorn for April: Eight of Coins, Seven of Coins, The Devil

Meaning: The Devil is your sign’s tarot card, so you’re very much making power moves, taking control, and getting to grips with important aspects of your nature, true desires, and purpose in life. You’re in a kind of ruthless mode, too. This feels like doing what’s best for you, based on a true, objective assessment of your authentic nature and needs. No pretence or compromise.

Some things will fall to the wayside, for sure, with the evolutionary Seven of Coins. You will notice stuff that simply doesn’t suit you, fit, wear well, feel good, or bring any reward or benefit. Stop all the old habits and obligations that feel ‘for the sake of it’.

The Eight of Coins brings you a major breakthrough moment of clarity and, from there, you know exactly what to pour your precious heart and soul into. You know where your efforts matter, make a difference, and bring you closer to the lifestyle you want to lead. It’s all getting clearer. Easier. More distinct. Basically, you do you.

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

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Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Luck gives you a helping hand (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Aquarius for April: Strength, Page of Wands, The Emperor

Meaning: Surges of power and progress this April, a great sense of possibility and potential opening up in front of you. But the real magic comes when you take chances, free style, and play bold hands that others won’t!

Strength sees you taking on all challenges, the Page of Wands sees you playing fast and loose and approaching it all as a series of experiments rather than high-pressure strategy, and The Emperor has you putting your agenda front and centre and leading the way.

Irresistible energy is all around you, Aquarius, so put it to very good use and push in the direction you wish to head. Make moves in places you want to belong. Go for your dreams. You will find that folk find it hard to refuse you. You will find that Lady Luck is on your side… you can’t fail!

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

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Give what you wish to receive (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)

Tarot cards for Pisces for April: Four of Wands, Page of Coins, Six of Coins

Meaning: You are investing in yourself this spring, with financial stability and structure, education and learning, and good karma relationships that make you feel empowered, appreciated, and secure. It’s a good feeling and it’s self-made, this is you working for you!

The Page of Coins is the educational element, which suggests you’re looking to learn — formally or informally. You are ready to take on knowledge and skill to help you get ahead… and it will prove a success because the Four of Wands points to promotion, progression and advancement. Things will come of what you learn!

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The Six of Coins is a good karma card — the more generous and kind you are, the better treatment and opportunity will come your way. Quid pro quo. It’s a lovely way to live!

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

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

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

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Three-car crash closes Halliwell road with one car on its roof

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Three-car crash closes Halliwell road with one car on its roof

The crash saw a Peugeot, a Mercedes and a BMW collide at the junction of Elgin Street and Wordsworth Street.

The Peugeot was flipped on its roof, and images show substantial damage to the Mercedes and BMW as well.

(Image: Phil Taylor)

Paramedics were on scene, as well as police officers.

Greater Manchester Police warned drivers via a post on social media that the road had been closed while they dealt with the incident.

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Crash in Halliwell (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The force also warned people to find alternative routes.

The road was closed for several hours, and recovery trucks attended the scene to clear the scene.

(Image: Phil Taylor)

Images from the scene showed debris from the car bodies as well as items from the Peugeot strewn across the road.

The Bolton News contacted Greater Manchester Polices for comment.

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North West Ambulance Service was also contacted for comment.

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Thomas Tuchel urged to drop Arsenal star for Chelsea rival to ‘win the World Cup’ | Football

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Thomas Tuchel urged to drop Arsenal star for Chelsea rival to 'win the World Cup' | Football
Joe Cole earned 56 caps for England (Picture: YouTube)

Joe Cole has included Chelsea star Cole Palmer in the England team he believes can ‘win the World Cup’.

The Three Lions underwhelmed in the final international break before heading to the World Cup this summer, drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and then losing 1-0 to Japan.

Despite those poor results, Thomas Tuchel’s side are still one of the favourites going into the tournament, having reached back-to-back European Championship finals under previous boss Sir Gareth Southgate.

England also went deep in two World Cups under Southgate, losing in the semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in Qatar four years later.

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Cole believes the Three Lions can end their 60-year wait for a World Cup trophy this summer but only if Tuchel, who took charge last year, picks the right team.

Ex-Chelsea manager Tuchel has selection dilemmas in a number of positions, including at centre-back, central midfield and on both wings, with the preliminary squad needing to be submitted by May 11 and the final 26-man squad by May 30.

Cole thinks he has the solution to one of England’s selection debates, however, insisting Palmer should start on the right-wing ahead of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

England v Uruguay - International Friendly
England boss Thomas Tuchel (Picture: Getty)

Saka has been England’s first-choice in that position for several years but has endured a poor season for Arsenal by his standards, although his form has picked up somewhat in recent weeks.

While Cole has backed Palmer to start for England at the World Cup, he also wants Tuchel to put faith in Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon on the other flank.

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Cole believes Tuchel should overlook Saka but says his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice could be the most important member of England’s squad.

‘Right, this is my England team for the World Cup,’ Cole, who earned 56 international caps, said on The Dressing Room podcast.

‘I’m going Jordan Pickford in goal. Reece James, Marc Guehi, John Stones – I would have liked him to have played more games of football this season but you need experience at the World Cup and he’s massively experienced.

England 4-3-3 v1 lineup
Joe Cole’s England team for the World Cup (Picture: Metro)

‘You always have that fear of him breaking down but maybe it will work because he’s fresh, knows what he’s doing and brings experience.

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‘At left-back I do like Lewis Hall but I’m going with Nico O’Reilly because he gives that penetration going forward.

‘Declan Rice starts in midfield and I’m going to go Elliot Anderson next to him. I would have Declan a bit deeper than where he plays for Arsenal – there’s a big push for him to play further forward but we’ve got so much already going forward.

England v Japan - International Friendly
Chelsea star Cole Palmer in action for England (Picture: Getty)

‘I would tell Declan that he’s the most crucial player on the pitch and he needs to marshal that midfield. If England are going to win the World Cup we’re going to have to be really good off the ball.

‘I would have Jude Bellingham as the No. 10 but if he isn’t performing, you can quite easily make a change there.

‘I would have Cole Palmer coming in from the right like he’s been doing at Chelsea, releasing him up, and almost playing two number tens. A midfield of Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Palmer has power, ability and goals.

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Who should start for England at right wing?

‘On the left I would start with Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford because he scores goals, he’s a warrior and he presses really well and has legs to run in behind and that will help Harry Kane if he’s dropping off sometimes.

‘I think with that team we can control possession and win the World Cup.’

England were drawn in Group L for this summer’s World Cup and kick-start their campaign against Croatia on June 17.

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Group games against Ghana and Panama follow as Tuchel’s side look to advance to the knockout stages and ultimately win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

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Building could be demolished for 25 new flats in Cambridgeshire village

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Cambridgeshire Live

The new flats could be built near a Cambridgeshire train station

A building could be demolished to make way for over 20 new flats in a Cambridgeshire village. GCR Camprop Fifteen Ltd has proposed to knock down a building at 29 Station Road in Shepreth to make way for 25 new flats.

If approved, the flats will be a mix of studio and one-bedded flats. The building which could be demolished is two storeys high and is used as an employment space.

The site is also close to Shepreth Railway station, and has easy access to Cambridge and Royston via the A10. On the flats design, the applicant said the designs are “appropriate”.

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They added: “It represents an enhancement on the existing building. It would address Station Road in a positive manner.”

There are several mature trees to the front of the building, as well as mature hedging. The applicant said this will keep the flats “well-shielded and enclosed”.

The proposals are not believed to have any detrimental effect on local highways, and there is no risk of the site flooding. The applicant has also recently submitted plans to build 32 flats at the same site.

However, instead of demolishing a building, it is for a change of use of an office building to make way for the flats. If approved, these flats will also be a mix of studios and one-bedded flats.

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In that application, the flats were described to be a “highly suitable location”, with the site being so close to a railway station.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in .

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Danny Murphy column: ‘Only his last changes worked’ – how Arteta’s gambles finally paid off

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Graphic for Danny Murphy's BBC Sport column

Before we get into any tactical analysis of Arsenal‘s win over West Ham, we have to address the decision that saw the Hammers’ stoppage-time equaliser ruled out.

Anyone who watches football regularly probably thinks the grappling we see at corners and set-plays has gone too far this season.

I think most people are up for punishing it more, because there does seem to be too many occasions where players get away with it.

For Callum Wilson’s 95th-minute goal to be disallowed by the video assistant referee (VAR) because of exactly that kind of foul was ironic in many ways, because we’ve seen Mikel Arteta’s side do that type of thing, unpunished, so often.

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So, I know why only seeing the officials act now will frustrate a lot of people because it is Arsenal who have benefited, but in isolation it is the right decision.

David Raya was being prevented from lifting his arm upwards by Pablo, and he was also having his shirt pulled from behind by Jean-Clair Todibo to stop him getting off the ground.

In a way there were two fouls there, so although it was a brilliant finish from Wilson and also the kind of dramatic moment that all neutral fans love, the reality is that, fair’s fair, that is a foul – whoever you support and wherever your allegiance lies.

It was the right decision, and it also wasn’t the only reason that Arsenal won that game.

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They got a bit of luck along the way, and there were also some big moments with Raya’s save from Mateus Fernandes and Gabriel’s block from Wilson, which led to that controversial corner, but the most credit has to go to Arteta.

The life of any manager is that you don’t always get your decisions right.

But the mark of a good manager is if you try something and it’s not working, then you take some risks – change it up and do something else.

Arteta did that. Three times against West Ham he made a decision with his substitutes and only the last changes he made came off, but that was what won him the game.

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His boldness, combined with Arsenal‘s formidable squad strength that we have spoken about many times in the past few months, meant they could take another big step towards the Premier League title.

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‘Labour leadership rivals circle’ and ‘Golden boys’ on Baftas red carpet

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'Labour leadership rivals circle' and 'Golden boys' on Baftas red carpet
The headline on the front page of the Guardian reads: “Labour leadership rivals circle as Starmer tries to cling to power”.

Almost every paper leads on the future of Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, following a disastrous result for the Labour party at local elections. The Guardian’s headline reads: “Labour leadership rivals circle as Starmer tries to cling to power”. It reports that approximately 40 Labour MPs have called for the prime minister to set a date to step down, as leadership rivals begin to position themselves for a contest. Actors Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper are pictured standing arm in arm on the paper’s front page, after a historic win for their Netflix drama Adolescence at the Bafta Television Awards.

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Rangers boss Danny Rohl defiant after Celtic loss and Champions League miss

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Rangers were beaten 3-1 by Celtic in the Old Firm derby at Parkhead as Daizen Maeda scored twice for the Hoops

Under-pressure Rangers manager Danny Rohl insists he merits another opportunity to challenge for silverware next season.

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The Ibrox chief is facing scrutiny following a costly Old Firm derby loss to Celtic at Parkhead.

His team suffered their third consecutive post-split Premiership defeat, leaving them in third position in the standings.

Despite taking the lead against the Hoops through Mikey Moore’s early goal, Rangers crumbled.

A strike from Yang and a devastating brace from Daizen Maeda sealed a 3-1 triumph for Martin O’Neill’s side, reports the Daily Record.

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Rohl had earned plaudits for reviving Gers’ title ambitions following his October appointment.

However, when it mattered most, his squad has fallen short once more and even failed to secure a Champions League qualifying berth.

Rohl acknowledges the recent performances haven’t met expectations after disappointing losses to Motherwell, Hearts and Celtic over the past two weeks.

Nevertheless, the German remains convinced he warrants the opportunity to rectify matters next campaign.

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He said: “I never underestimated the job here. This is a huge club, an ambitious club, with a lot of power.

“Two weeks ago we were confident and looking forward to the split.

“But we have made mistakes which we have repeated.

“I deserve confidence to go forward and lead this group and lead the club in the future and bring titles.

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“In football, when you want to be the best and win titles, no defeat helps.

“But I have until now had a lot of great moments with the club.

“And I am convinced I will have more moments in the future.

“I’m honest, it’s a tough one. You come with a lot of confidence to a point. You’re prepared and ambitious for the split.

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“Then you lose the first game, the second and finally you lose all three.

“It’s not enough for what we want or where we want to go.”

Rangers found themselves outplayed in the derby despite taking an early lead.

However, they believed they had legitimate grievances over Yang’s leveller, with goalkeeper Jack Butland claiming for offside as Benjamin Nygren stood in front of him.

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Earlier in the opening period, Moore was furious about a challenge from defender Alistair Johnston, which could have merited more than a caution but was given the all-clear by VAR.

Following the match, Rohl stopped short of criticising referee Nick Walsh or the match officials but suggested his side had been unfortunate.

He said: “You know me well after seven months.

“I am not a guy to make excuses for some decisions.

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“But from what I’ve heard so far, maybe there was an offside situation because they had someone in front of our goalkeeper.

“The foul (by Johnston) on the pitch felt really aggressive.

“I have not seen it again but other people have made the decision and we cannot change it now.

“Maybe if I watch it back, and it should not be a goal – and it should be a red card – then hopefully someone will take responsibility for it.”

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Starmer faces fight for survival as Rayner issues ‘last chance’ ultimatum

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Starmer faces fight for survival as Rayner issues ‘last chance’ ultimatum

Keir Starmer is set to defy his critics in the Labour Party and claim he is the one best placed to “face up to the big challenges for this country” as he delivers a career defining speech to save his premiership on Monday morning.

The prime minister’s speech comes after a dramatic ultimatum by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner who warned his government takes a hard turn to the left if he wants to stay in Downing Street.

With speculation mounting that she is ready to launch a leadership challenge, the former deputy prime minister warned Sir Keir: “What we are doing isn’t working, and it needs to change. This may be our last chance.”

It comes as Labour MPs believe that former junior minister Catherine West is closing in on the 81 parliamentarians she would need to launch a stalking horse leadership challenge.

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Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he is going to have to make the speech of his life (Maja Smiejkowska/PA)
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that he is going to have to make the speech of his life (Maja Smiejkowska/PA) (PA Wire)

With leadership rivals circling, health secretary Wes Streeting is also believed to be ready to launch a bid with MPs also eyeing campaigns from energy secretary Ed Miliband and defence minister Al Carns.

But in a defiant speech in central London, Sir Keir will use undoing Brexit as the centrepiece of a last desperate reset to save his premiership.

The speech comes against a backdrop of historically bad election results last week with more than 40 Labour MPs now publicly calling for him to quit and many more privately saying he cannot lead them into the next election.

The besieged prime minister will concede that “incremental change won’t cut it” as he vows that “we will face up to the big challenges” the country faces.

He will admit: “On growth, defence, Europe, energy – we need a bigger response than we anticipated in 2024 because these are not ordinary times.

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Angela Rayner has issued an ultimatum to Starmer, calling for him to pursue a new direction for the party
Angela Rayner has issued an ultimatum to Starmer, calling for him to pursue a new direction for the party (PA)

“Strength through fairness. It’s a core Labour argument. And you will see those values writ large in the King’s Speech. And you will see hope, urgency and exactly whose side we are on.”

He will add: “People need hope. We will face up to the big challenges and we will make the big arguments.

“The Labour case that only Labour values and Labour policies can ensure our country not only weathers these storms but emerges stronger and fairer.”

Addressing fears about Nigel Farage becoming prime minister if he stays on as Labour leader, he will go on to say that Mr Farage and the Conservatives are “defined by breaking our relationship with Europe”.

He will add: “This Labour government will be defined by rebuilding our relationship and by putting Britain at the heart of Europe. So that we are stronger on the economy, on trade, on defence, you name it.

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“Because standing shoulder to shoulder with the countries that most share our interests, our values and our enemies, that is the right choice for Britain, that is the Labour choice.”

But his prospects may depend on him persuading Labour MPs to give him one last chance.

While Ms West has not formally asked for nominations yet and made it clear she will wait to hear the prime minister’s make or break speech, it is understood that already around 70 of her colleagues are willing to back her to ensure there is a contest.

Labour MP Catherine West has threatened to launch a leadership bid (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA)
Labour MP Catherine West has threatened to launch a leadership bid (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) (PA Media)

Former home secretary Lord David Blunkett warned on Times Radio: “I think either Keir pulls out the stops and there’s a massive transformation in how we relate to the public. Or he and [his wife] Victoria will have to talk about the best way of doing it in a seemly fashion and someone else will take over. The jury’s well and truly out.”

MPs have reacted with outrage over Sir Keir giving an interview over the weekend suggesting that he wants to be prime minister for a decade.

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Meanwhile, Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite the union, warned: “The Labour Party is in danger of going extinct.”

In her ultimatum to the prime minister, Ms Rayner warned: “We are in danger of becoming a party of the well-off, not working people.”

And in a barbed attack on the prime minister, she said: “The Peter Mandelson scandal showed a toxic culture of cronyism. Decisions like cutting winter fuel allowance just weren’t what people expected from a Labour government.”

Laying out a left-wing agenda, she called for more interventions in cutting household bills, increased planning reforms, more community ownership and taking private companies into public ownership.

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She criticised Sir Keir for blocking Andy Burnham from returning to parliament and, in an implied threat to the leadership, added: “The prime minister must now meet the moment and set out the change our country needs.”

The fallout from last week’s catastrophic results for Labour which saw them largely wiped out in Wales, getting their worst result in Scotland and losing 1,500 council seats in England, has fuelled fears on the left of the party that Mr Streeting is planning a coronation to replace Sir Keir.

Wes Streeting is also believed to be ready to launch a bid for leadership
Wes Streeting is also believed to be ready to launch a bid for leadership (PA)

A source close to Mr Streeting denied he had told Sir Keir he is ready to be prime minister but confirmed that having failed to endorse the prime minister on Friday, the health secretary is not planning on any further interventions until Thursday when new NHS data is set to be published.

Meanwhile, one member of the 2024 intake of Labour MPs confirmed that a leadership team is being put together for Mr Carns.

They said: “Why are we turning once again to the same familiar faces to solve problems they were involved in creating? If we want to demonstrate genuine change to the public, we need a fresh face leading that change. Members of the 2024 intake are still hopeful of persuading Al Carns to stand should there be a contest, and support for that view appears to be growing.”

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UK politics live: Starmer vows to ‘face up to big challenges’ in make-or-break speech against leadership threat

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UK politics live: Starmer vows to ‘face up to big challenges’ in make-or-break speech against leadership threat

Recap: Former minister says Starmer has ‘lost the country’

A former minister and Starmer ally added his voice to the Labour MPs calling for the prime minister to resign.

Josh Simons, who was as Cabinet Office minister until a few weeks ago, declared Sir Keir has “lost the country” as he called on him to set out a timetable for his departure from No 10.

“This is bigger than any one person. All of us must be honest about these challenges, including those vying to replace the prime minister. We need radicalism, energy, and immense courage,” he wrote in the Sunday Times.

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“Putting the people I represent and the country I love first, I do not believe the prime minister can rise to this moment. He has lost the country. He should take control of the situation by overseeing an orderly transition to a new prime minister.”

Mr Simons was forced to resign in March amid a probe into claims a Labour think tank he once ran paid for an investigation to “smear” journalists.

Amy-Clare Martin11 May 2026 00:30

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Watch: Catherine West calls on Bridget Phillipson directly to challenge Starmer

Catherine West calls on Phillipson directly to challenge Starmer

Amy-Clare Martin10 May 2026 23:30

Full story: Defiant Starmer to pledge sweeping changes as Rayner issues ‘last chance’ ultimatum

Keir Starmer is set to defy his critics in the Labour Party and claim he is the one best placed to “face up to the big challenges for this country” as he delivers a career defining speech to save his premiership on Monday morning.

The prime minister’s speech comes after a dramatic ultimatum by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner who warned his government takes a hard turn to the left if he wants to stay in Downing Street.

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With speculation mounting that she is ready to launch a leadership challenge, the former deputy prime minister warned Sir Keir: “What we are doing isn’t working, and it needs to change. This may be our last chance.”

It comes as Labour MPs believe that former junior minister Catherine West is closing in on the 81 parliamentarians she would need to launch a stalking horse leadership challenge.

David Maddox10 May 2026 22:34

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Starmer to promise ‘strength through fairness’ as he battles to keep job

Sir Keir Starmer will deliver a speech on Monday as he fights for his political future (Reuters)

Sir Keir Starmer will promise sweeping changes to address the “big challenges” confronting the UK as he battles to save his job.

The prime minister insists his plan will demonstrate “hope, urgency and exactly whose side we are on” after Labour’s disastrous election results in England, Scotland and Wales put his position in peril.

The speech on Monday marks the start of a crunch week for his premiership.

Labour MPs will be encouraged to endorse a leadership challenge if he fails to convince them he can pull the party out of a slump which has seen votes and seats flow to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Zack Polanski’s Green Party.

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On Wednesday, the King’s Speech will set out his Government’s priorities for new laws in Parliament.

The prime minister will say: “To meet the challenges that our country faces, incremental change won’t cut it.

“On growth, defence, Europe, energy – we need a bigger response than we anticipated in 2024 because these are not ordinary times.

“Strength through fairness. It’s a core Labour argument. And you will see those values writ large in the King’s Speech. And you will see hope, urgency and exactly whose side we are on.”

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Dan Haygarth10 May 2026 22:30

What happens if Catherine West pulls the trigger on a leadership challenge?

The Independent’s Athena Stavrou reports:

Labour MP Catherine West has told the cabinet that if they do not put someone forward to challenge Sir Keir by Monday, she will attempt to trigger a leadership contest herself.

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Here is a look at how a potential Labour leadership contest could play out:

There is no formal confidence vote procedure to oust a Labour leader, which means challengers need to garner the support of the parliamentary party in order to oust them.

Any challenger would require the support 20 per cent of the party in the Commons, which is 81 MPs currently.

Ms West has pledged to launch a challenge with the backing of 10 MPs so far. This falls well short of the nominations required, but more would be likely to back her as a means to oust Sir Keir. However, her move is intended to spur a potential leadership hopeful from the Cabinet into action.

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Written nominations would need to be submitted to Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley, which would then trigger the contest.

In the case of a successful challenge, Sir Keir would be on the ballot by default as the incumbent and would not need to gather nominations. But if Sir Keir were to resign, it would automatically start a contest for a new leader.

It is up to the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to set the timeline for a leadership election.

Amy-Clare Martin10 May 2026 21:30

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Comment: Labour is betraying its voters – and that’s why Keir needs to go

In 40 years of campaigning, I have never known a Labour leader’s name come up on the doorstep in the way the prime minster’s did at these elections – the damage he is doing to our special party is unforgivable, says Labour MP Kate Osborne:

Amy-Clare Martin10 May 2026 20:30

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Leading trade union calls for commission into electoral reform

A leading Labour-affiliated trade union has called for an independent commission into electoral reform amid support for proportional representation at elections.

The annual conference of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) agreed a motion rejecting the first past the post system (FPTP).

Supporters of electoral reform said the decision by delegates at the conference in Bournemouth marked a “historic shift” for the union, which becomes the eighth Labour-affiliated union to make electoral reform its official policy.

The motion said first past the post was producing unrepresentative results and was at crisis point.

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Ed Baldwin, a CWU regional political officer, told delegates: “First past the post no longer reflects those we represent and is producing results that do not match the will of the people.

“The Labour Government has already accepted it is broken by scrapping it for mayoral elections. If it distorts democracy there, then it distorts democracy at Westminster too.”

Amy-Clare Martin10 May 2026 19:40

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Reform accused of failing to condemn ‘clear racism’ after councillor’s ‘Nigerians should fill pot holes’ remark

Reform UK is facing intense scrutiny and accusations of failing to “call out clear racism” after its deputy leader declined to explicitly condemn remarks reportedly made by a newly elected councillor.

Glenn Gibbins, who was elected as a Reform councillor in Sunderland in this week’s local elections, posted on social media in 2024, complaining about the “amount of Nigerians in town”.

“Should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!” he wrote in a later-deleted post, according to campaign group Hope Not Hate.

Reform deputy leader Richard Tice refused to directly criticise Mr Gibbins on Sunday, instead accusing the media of “smearing” Nigel Farage’s party.

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Amy-Clare Martin10 May 2026 19:10

Reform ‘did not do as well as I feared’ in Holyrood election, Sturgeon says

More politicians need to “say it like it is” to try to combat the rise of Nigel Farage and Reform, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The former SNP leader said that Reform – who are now the joint second largest party in the Scottish Parliament with 17 MSPs – had not done as well in the Holyrood election as she had “feared” they might.

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Speaking about the party, led in Scotland by Lord Malcolm Offord, Ms Sturgeon said: “They did not perform as strongly as many people, including me, feared they would on Thursday.”

However she added her “fear” is that the new group of Reform MSPs could be will “try to undermine” the Scottish Parliament and “try to be disruptive and just drag politics down”.

The former SNP leader, speaking at the Boswell Book Festival, also criticised the “inability of many politicians” on what is “broadly the left of politics” to answer “straightforward questions in a straightforward way”.

Nicola Sturgeon has told how Nigel Farage’s Reform UK did not do as well as she had ‘feared’ they would in last week’s Holyrood election
Nicola Sturgeon has told how Nigel Farage’s Reform UK did not do as well as she had ‘feared’ they would in last week’s Holyrood election (Local Library)

Amy-Clare Martin10 May 2026 18:40

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Watch: Labour ‘in danger of going extinct,’ Unite boss warns

Labour ‘in danger of going extinct,’ Unite boss warns

Dan Haygarth10 May 2026 18:30

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Darlington newlyweds remain ‘stuck over in Turkey’

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Darlington newlyweds remain 'stuck over in Turkey'

Lucy Staniforth-Grainge, 40, was rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill during the final days of her honeymoon with husband Ian, 41, in early May.

The newlyweds, who married in February, had initially travelled to Turkey for what was meant to be a “trip of a lifetime”.

Ian and Lucy at their February wedding (Image: FAMILY)

But Lucy fell ill during the penultimate day of the trip.

Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was admitted to intensive care with breathing complications, leaving Ian fearing he could lose his new wife.

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Now, in a positive development, Lucy’s mother-in-law, Sue Todd, has confirmed she is recovering.

“The good news is that Lucy is now out of intensive care and is doing well,” Sue said.

Ian Staniforth 41, and Lucy Staniforth-Grainge, 40 (Image: FAMILY)

“We are all incredibly relieved and grateful for the care she has received.”

However, despite the improvement in her condition, the couple are now facing fresh challenges that mean they are unable to return home to the UK.

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“The hospital is ready to discharge Lucy, but at the moment they are effectively stuck in Turkey while everything is being sorted out,” Sue added.

Complications have arisen with the couple’s travel insurance, which the family had hoped would cover the mounting costs of treatment and extended stays abroad.

“Ian and Lucy genuinely believed that everything had been declared correctly when taking out their policy,” Sue said.

Ian and Lucy dancing at their wedding in February (Image: FAMILY)

“But a doctor has identified a medical issue that Lucy herself was unaware of, and this may now affect the insurance payout.”

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The uncertainty has left the couple facing escalating expenses, including hospital treatment, accommodation, and rearranged travel.

As a result, Sue has increased a fundraising appeal set up to support the couple, raising its target from £2,600 to £10,000.

Ian and Lucy (Image: FAMILY)

“Because of this, I have had to increase the fundraising target to £10,000,” she said.

“I know times are hard for many people, but if anyone can donate or continue sharing the fundraiser, it would mean the world to our family.”

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She added: “Right now, we just want to get Ian and Lucy safely home.”

The appeal has already received an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond, and has managed to raise over £2700.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent messages, and supported Ian and Lucy over the last few days,” Sue said.

“The kindness people have shown has honestly been overwhelming.”

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Lucy, who is well known in Darlington and a dedicated supporter of Darlington FC, continues to recover as her family works to resolve the situation and bring the couple back to the UK.

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Couple praise police after ‘little boy rescued’ from M61 near Bolton

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Couple praise police after 'little boy rescued' from M61 near Bolton

Cheryl Holland was in the passenger seat of the car with her husband, Burt, driving, earlier this evening (May 10), when she says she saw the scary sight.

The couple were on their way home from Preston and were approaching Rivington Services on the M61 southbound.

Cheryl says it was there that she saw a ‘young boy’ pushing his ‘little bike’ up the grass verge at the side of the motorway.

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Describing the moment she saw the boy, Mr Holland said: “We watch out for deer along that section, because we know they can jump out.

“And the wife says, ‘there’s a little lad’, and I look across, and there he is, a little lad.

“He’s on the grass verge of the other side of the hard shoulder, pushing his little pushbike up towards the Rivington Services.

“So we obviously stopped and called the police.

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Mr Holland and his wife said the police were ‘amazing’ with their response.

He said: “They did a fantastic job.

“They were there within two minutes with roadblocks in place.

“We asked a couple of bobbies, and they said, ‘Oh, yeah, we’ve got him; he’s safe and well’, but anything else that’s gone on, we don’t know.”

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Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment and confirmation of their attendance.

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