MILLIONS of commuters in London are bracing for another round of Tube turmoil this week as drivers prepare to strike again.
It is the second wave of industrial action in a matter of weeks after London Underground drivers walked out in April.
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London underground drivers are taking strike action this spring and summerCredit: AlamyWhen the Tube is down, buses and National Rail usually offer alternative routes across the cityCredit: SelwynPics
When does the Tube strike start this week?
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union confirmed on Monday that members are planning to continue their industrial action on dates spanning May and June.
While the strikes themselves run from midday to midday, knock-on disruption is expected to bleed into the afternoons and evenings following the end of the official action.
TfL has warned that services will finish earlier than usual on strike days and start later than normal on recovery days.
TfL guidance indicates there will be no Circle line or Piccadilly line service at all, no Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and no Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
The Elizabeth line, London Overground, DLR, buses and trams will all run as normal – but expect them to be packed.
What is the full list of Tube strike dates?
The Underground strikes are set to take place across a further eight days, spread over May and June.
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Strikes have already taken place on April 21-22 and 23-24.
The remaining dates are as follows:
19-20 May (12pm Tuesday to 11.59am Wednesday)
21-22 May (12pm Thursday to 11.59am Friday)
16-17 June (12pm Tuesday to 11.59am Wednesday)
18-19 June (12pm Thursday to 11.59am Friday)
These strikes are being organised over the introduction of a compressed four-day working week for Underground drivers, according to RMT.
The union warned that the proposals raise serious concerns over fatigue, safety and work-life balance.
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RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey accused TfL of “reneging on promises to negotiate in good faith”, making strike action “inevitable”.
He said: “London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.”
TfL chief operating officer Claire Mann said the four-day week would offer drivers an additional day off “at no additional cost” and bring the Underground in line with other train operators.
She insists the changes would be voluntary, with no reduction in contractual hours.
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When the Tube is down, buses and National Rail usually offer alternative routes across the city.
E-bike hire schemes have also proved very popular during previous strikes.
Sally re-opened the Ebor Inn at Bishopthorpe on Wednesday, which had been closed since last year.
Until his sad death of Covid in 2021, the popular pub had been run by her late father Gordon Watlins for 39 years.
The pub’s owner, Tadcaster-based Sam Smith’s Brewery, recently gave the pub a new look with an exterior restoration of its brickwork. Further renovations have taken place inside, with more planned.
Sally posted on social media at the weekend that she is ‘astounded’ at the support received.
She said: “I sat down at around 3pm with my friend who had never been to the Ebor Inn before. I was thinking I’ll have an hour catch up as I’d not seen her for a while and then one by one you lovely people started coming in…
“Before I knew it it was 7.30pm!!! And still you kept coming in….
The pub exterior (Image: Apple Photos Clean Up)
“What an afternoon/evening!! I am totally overwhelmed by the numbers that have come through the door not just today (although today was insane) but every single day we’ve been open!!!
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“I have loved every minute… the support is just amazing! I’m so hoarse from talking so much!!! But every moment is so heartwarming and to hear you all speak so highly of my late father. I love it!”
Sally added: “We know it’s not just a job for me and I can confirm that I am eternally grateful and flattered by everyone’s support. I hope you all keep coming in and we can keep the pub going with this wonderful sentiment.”
Among the dozens who have commented underneath on Facebook, one said: “I am so glad that everything has gone well for you and the team at the Ebor. It is such a lovely pub and you deserve every success for taking the challenge on, Gordon would be so proud of you. Well done and keep up the good work.”
As the Press previously reported, initially, the Ebor Inn will be a ‘wet’ pub, meaning drinks only, before it starts serving food from June.
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Press advert (Image: NQ)
The re-opening comes amid others, including the Blacksmith Arms at Skelton, near York, which is also owned by Sam Smith’s Brewery.
The Punch Bowl at Marton-Cum-Grafton, now owned by Boroughbridge hospitality entrepreneur Simon Wade, also reopened this month after a major refurbishment.
However, as reported earlier today, the tenants of the community-owned village pub, the Black Lion at Skelton on Ouse will be leaving venue this Saturday, blaming an ‘unsustainable’ business model.
One person who was seriously injured was in the house at the time of the crash
10:54, 18 May 2026Updated 11:00, 18 May 2026
Two people have been seriously injured after a car crashed into a house. Cambridgeshire Police and paramedics were called to the crash in Paston Ridings, Peterborough at around 6pm on Sunday (May 17).
A blue Ford Mondeo was driving along the road when it crashed into a house and stationery vehicles. The driver of the car, a 40-year-old man from Peterborough, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A 70-year-old woman, who was in the house at the time, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries. Cambridgeshire Police is appealing for information after the incident.
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Anyone with information or dashcam footage should call police on 101 and quote Operation Perranwell. Alternatively, they can report it online.
The 16-year-old daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury and her new husband were spotted at Manchester Airport days after tying the knot on the Isle of Man
Venezuela Fury has been spotted at Manchester Airport as she heads off on her honeymoon after marrying her fiancé, Noah Price, over the weekend.
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The eldest child of Tyson and Paris Fury tied the knot in a grand affair on the Isle of Man on Saturday (May 16), The extravagant ceremony at the Royal Chapel of St John the Baptist on the Isle of Man, where the Fury family recently relocated after giving up on life in Morecambe, Lancashire.
Wythenshawe-born boxer Tyson arrived at the church with the bride in a vintage wedding car, while his wife Paris helped make sure everything was in place ahead of the ceremony, spotted outside where the church was decorated with an archway of blue hydrangeas and yellow roses, and a long blue carpet had been rolled out to the entrance.
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Venezuela wore a stunning white lace fishtail dress with a 50-foot-long train for her big day, and there was even a glimpse of the infamous white Crocs the bride said she would wear, despite her mum’s uncertainty that it was the right look for the wedding. Her now-husband, meanwhile, was sporting a smart white suit, while his new father-in-law looked dapper in a black ensemble.
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After the teens tied the knot, it is believed that the wedding reception took place at the nearby four-star Comis Hotel and Golf Club, which is where, according to reports, police were called after an incident occurred just moments after nineties popstar Peter Andre performed a string of chart-topping hits at the lavish wedding reception.
Now, the new Mr and Mrs Price have been seen at Manchester Airport on Monday (May 18) morning as they prepared to fly off on their honeymoon. A newly-married Venezuela was seen sporting a bright yellow co-ord, and kept her oversized black glasses from her big day, covering her eyes.
The couple were seen stopping for a spot of breakfast as they waited for their flight, and were also pictured browsing duty-free as they wandered the airport.
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It comes after Tyson took to social media and reflected on his daughter’s big day. Late on Sunday (May 17), he shared a video on Instagram of the moment Venezuela made her entrance into the church, with him proudly walking alongside her. It also revealed that the choice of entrance song was The Notorious B.I.G track, Juicy.
Alongside the sweet clip, he wrote: “A beautiful day of celebrating my daughter’s wedding day, @venezuelaprice1, she was amazing & I’m very proud of her! We both were crying like babies,” (sic).
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It came after Paris shared some snaps of Venezuela posing in a white less dress, which she wore as she prepared for the nuptials. Alongside the photos, the mum-of-seven gushed: “My beautiful girl, so proud I was of you today. You looked beautiful, @venezuelaprice1”.
In the lead-up to this year’s event, five countries’ national broadcasters announced they would not be competing at Eurovision in 2026 in protest over the decision to allow Israel to return.
On Saturday evening, the Belgian broadcaster VRT said it was not looking likely that it would be taking part in the contest next year if the situation remains as it currently is.
In a statement posted on VRT’s website, spokesperson Yasmin Van der Borcht said: “Today, the chances are slim that VRT will send an artist next year.
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“We expect a strong message from the [European Broadcasting Union, the group of broadcasters which organises Eurovision every year] against war and violence and in favour of respect for human rights. These are the values that should unite the festival, and at the moment they are being overshadowed far too much.”
She continued: “We are asking for a clear framework for participation, an open debate, and a direct vote among EBU members. So far, we have received an insufficient response to this. Even during the semi-finals this week, we received no signal that the EBU is hearing our concerns.
“Naturally, we want to discuss this with other broadcasters. But if the EBU’s position does not change, the chances are slim that VRT will send an artist next year.”
HuffPost UK has contacted Eurovision for comment.
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Israeli performer Noam Bettan pictured during the Eurovision 2026 final
It should be noted that Belgium has two national broadcasters – the Francophone RTBF and the Flemish-speaking VRT – which alternate organising Eurovision each year.
This year, it was RTBF’s turn, with VRT having said last year that it “shares and supports the position of the countries that have withdrawn from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest”.
Saturday’s live final saw Israel finishing in second place for the second year in a row.
However, it was Bulgaria’s Dara who wound up lifting the Eurovision trophy, marking the country’s first ever win at the contest.
And having a sense of purpose “appears to widely buffer against mortality risk across the adult years,” a 2015 paper found.
Yet another paper, this time looking at data from 22,000 participants, found that “Personality nuances were associated with mortality risk in four samples”.
Which personality traits might help you live longer?
1) Being active
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This self-descriptor was most linked to a longer life in the 2025 paper (27% lower mortality risk).
Study author, psychologist Professor René Mõttus, told The Guardian: “The word ‘active’ was the most striking.
“Participants who described themselves this way were significantly less likely to die during the study period – with a 21% lower risk, even when age, gender and medical conditions were taken into account.”
2) Being lively
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The trait, tied in this study to outgoingness, seemed te be another helpful self-description (12% lower risk) for those hoping to live long.
“The extraversion items active and lively were related to a lower mortality risk,” the paper reads.
Separate 2017 research linked higher levels of extraversion to a 14% reduction in mortality.
3) Being organised
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The study also found that higher levels of conscientiousness, including describing yourself as organised, were linked to a longer life (14% lower mortality risk).
“Being ‘organised’ might help people stick to routines that improve health, but it may also reflect underlying psychological resilience or social habits that contribute to a longer life,” study author Professor Páraic O’Súilleabháin told The Guardian.
The UK’s fastest growing disco show, AHH…FREAK OUT!, is bringing its unstoppable groove and feel-good party atmosphere back to The Point on Friday 3rd July. Disco isn’t just making a comeback, it’s roaring into the spotlight. As audiences continue to crave uplifting live entertainment, AHH…FREAK OUT! has cemented itself as the UK’s fastest-growing disco show, delivering packed houses and standing ovations night after night.
Arsenal, Man City, Manchester United and Aston Villa have all secured their seats at Europe’s top table next season, with Liverpool firm favourites to round out the top five.
EPS awards extra places in the Champions League to the two leagues with the best overall record across their three European competitions each season.
But sixth place will also earn a backdoor route to the Champions League – though only on one condition.
Europe’s top prize: The Champions League
AFP via Getty Images
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Chelsea have dropped to tenth, six points off the Cherries and are significant outsiders to leapfrog four other teams in the final week of the Premier League campaign.
But hope remains, albeit faint, and it’s all down to Aston Villa winning the Europa League… and finishing fifth.
Villa face Freiburg Europa League final on Wednesday night in Istanbul, and the winners of that competition automatically qualify for the Champions League.
If Villa finish fourth in the Premier League and win the Europa League, then there is no change to the qualification spots. Villa would qualify for the Champions League as Europa League winners and via their Premier League finish.
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However, if Villa finish in the fifth EPS-awarded spot and win the Europa League, they would qualify for the Champions League as Europa League winners while the EPS spot would move to the team below them in sixth.
Europa League finalists: Aston Villa
Getty
Villa will finish fifth if they lose to Man City on the final day and Liverpool beat Brentford. This is because Unai Emery’s side, despite beating the Reds 4-2 last Friday, have an inferior goal difference and would therefore drop a place if the two teams finish level on points.
If Villa live up to their end of the bargain, there is still plenty of work for Chelsea to do in order to finish sixth.
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How Chelsea can qualify for Champions League
Chelsea will qualify for the Champions League if the following scenarios play out:
Aston Villa win the Europa League AND lose to Man City
Liverpool beat Brentford
Brighton fail to beat Man United
Bournemouth LOSE to Man City and Nottingham Forest
Chelsea have not won a Premier League match since beating Villa on March 4, so they are by no means guaranteed to record back-to-back wins over Spurs and Sunderland to keep their faint hopes of Champions League qualification alive.
The fund from the UK Government pioneers a new way of deciding how to spend public money on tackling deprivation and improving infrastructure.
Pamela Nash MP, for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke, is calling on local residents to consider joining the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
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Nash was successful in securing a funding package of £20 million for Forgewood, North Motherwell and Motherwell town centre over the next 10 years from the Pride in Place programme.
The fund from the Labour UK Government pioneers a new way of deciding how to spend public money on tackling deprivation and improving infrastructure.
A new Neighbourhood Board is being established to take forward the project in the Motherwell area.
Nash explained: “I was delighted to secure this long-term investment for Forgewood, North Motherwell and Motherwell town centre that will empower local people to improve their communities.
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“The Pride in Place programme puts local people at the heart of the decision-making process, and I can’t wait to see what ideas the Neighbourhood Board will have!
“It’s important that we have range of local voices on the board. If you have the drive, determination and passion for your local area to help it succeed, we’d love to hear from you.”
Royal Mail has issued a delivery disruption warning for a number of postcode areas throughout Scotland. The postal service has confirmed that homes and businesses in the affected areas should not expect to receive their mail on time.
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As of Monday, May 18, alerts have been issued for 23 postcode areas, Perth and Tweedale. Royal Mail said: “We aim to deliver to all addresses we have mail for, six days a week.
“In a small number of local offices, this may temporarily not be possible due to local issues such as high levels of sick absence, resourcing, or other local factors. In those cases, we will rotate deliveries to minimise the delay to individual customers.
“We also provide targeted support to those offices to address their challenges and restore our service to the high standard our customers would normally receive.”
It added: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”
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Over the past 24 hours, Royal Mail’s air and road network has operated on schedule, reports the Mirror.
However, further delays have been reported at Norwich Mail Centre. It said: “Some mail posted in the NR postcode area for delivery today in other parts of the UK.”
Additional delays to mail services across the UK are expected next week owing to the Spring Bank Holiday, during which Royal Mail will make no collections or deliveries, with the exception of Ayr (KA6-KA8).
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The delays come as Royal Mail pledged to meet its letter delivery targets by May 2027 as part of a £500million recovery plan. The company has faced mounting criticism over late deliveries, and was even handed a fine as a result.
Royal Mail was fined £21million by Ofcom in October for falling short of targets after it delivered just 77% of First Class post and 92.5% of Second Class post on time in 2024-25.
In a bid to meet those targets, Royal Mail is planning to scrap its Saturday Second Class deliveries and switch to alternate weekdays — three days one week and two the next.
Royal Mail said it will improve First Class Next Day delivery to around 85% within nine months, before reaching the 90% target set by regulator Ofcom within a year.
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The firm also pledged to deliver 93% of Second Class letters within three days over the course of nine months, and to hit the 95% target by May next year.
Former Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay put on a united front at an event following the announcement of their separation last week
09:46, 18 May 2026Updated 09:46, 18 May 2026
Amanda Holden has said Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s split appears to be the “most amicable separation ever” after the pair were spotted at Pub in the Park over the weekend. The outing marked the first time they had been seen together since announcing their shock split after 23 years of marriage last week.
In pictures from the event, the former couple appeared all smiles as they mingled with fellow guests and posed for photos with fans.
Speaking on Heart Radio Breakfast, Ashley Roberts shared details about her time at the festival, prompting her co-star Jamie Theakston to comment: “Nice to see Vernon and Tess Daly there together.”
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After Ashley went quiet after his comment, Amanda, who has reportedly been a close friend of Tess for many years, shared her thoughts.
“I think it’s the most amicable separation ever,” she said, before Jamie replied: “Good for them.”
“They’re friends and they’re showing everybody how it’s done I love them both,” the Britain’s Got Talent judge added.
An onlooker at the event said of Tess and Vernon’s appearance together: “Tess and Vernon seemed super-relaxed in each other’s company despite the news of their split.
“It’s clear to see that they are still very much happy around one another and there’s been none of this messy split business. They chatted to fans, posed for selfies and had a well-earned boogie,” they added to The Sun.
The pair announced their separation in a joint statement shared on their respective Instagram pages, writing: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.”
Tess and Vernon went on to say the decision had “not been an easy choice”, but came “from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us”.
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They added that they “remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority”.
The presenters met at a BBCChristmas party while working in the same TV circles. After romance blossomed, they tied the knot in 2003 and went on to have two daughters, Phoebe and Amber.
Speaking to the Daily Mail following their split, Vernon’s father Norman said: “It’s an amicable split, and there is no bad blood between them.
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“They have just gone in different directions, that’s all. Sometimes these things happen for the better and this is one of those cases.”
Shutting down suggestions that another person may have been involved in their decision to separate, he added: “That’s absolutely rubbish. He’s not interested in finding anyone else at the moment, and there is nobody else involved.”
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