James Blake, the current CEO of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), will take up the role later in 2026 following the retirement of chief executive David Butterworth.

Mr Blake brings extensive experience in national leadership, outdoor access, and land management, having led the YHA through significant challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic pressures.

James Blake said: “It is a privilege to join the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority at such an important moment.

“The National Park is one of the country’s most treasured landscapes, and I look forward to working with staff, volunteers, farmers, land managers, communities, visitors, and partners to ensure it thrives for future generations.”

Mr Blake also led the development of Access Unlimited, a coalition of outdoor youth organisations and protected landscapes that delivered the Generation Green programme, a £7m partnership that connected young people with nature, many from the most socially disadvantaged communities.

His background includes senior roles in both central and local government, including five years as chief executive of St Albans District Council.

He is also the non-executive chair of ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), a national charity supporting rural communities.

Mr Blake said: “The National Park has an ambitious new management plan, and my key priority will be to support its delivery, including working with farmers to drive nature recovery, strengthening access for all, and championing the rural communities at the heart of the Dales.”

Derek Twine, chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, welcomed the appointment and praised Mr Blake’s collaborative approach and leadership style.

Mr Twine said: “James brings a strong record of working collaboratively with the people who shape and care for our landscapes, alongside a compelling blend of strategic leadership, passion for the outdoors, and a proven commitment to widening access to nature.

“His experience at YHA—particularly in partnership building and in making it easier for young people and families to get out into nature—will be invaluable as we work with our many local partners to achieve the shared ambitions set out in the National Park Management Plan.”

The authority is currently focused on climate resilience, nature recovery, sustainable tourism, and long-term support for the farming and land-management communities that shape the National Park.

Mr Blake will officially start his new role in September 2026.

Until then, deputy CEO Gary Smith will serve as acting chief executive to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of 15 national parks in the UK and is managed by a 25-member authority made up of county and district councillors, as well as members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment.

The Trump administration’s decision to carry out a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has raised tensions in the Persian Gulf to new and more perilous levels. The move was announced by the US president, Donald Trump, after negotiations over a ceasefire with Iran broke down on April 11, partly due to Iran wanting to retain control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil transits.

The blockade is designed to neutralise Iran’s efforts to close the strait to shipping it deems unfriendly to Tehran and implement a toll system for other vessels transiting the strait.

The US blockade can be seen as the latest attempt by the Trump administration to project strength. But it also throws down a challenge to Beijing. China has been the main purchaser of Iranian oil in recent years and is one of the few nations whose shipping can enter the strait unchallenged.

It appeared very likely that this status would be tested on April 14 when the Rich Starry, a Chinese owned and operated tanker under US sanction for transporting Iranian oil, transited the strait unchallenged by the US warships in the region.

But it has since been reported that the vessel turned back in the Gulf of Oman and headed back to the Strait of Hormuz. The US now claims that six vessels that attempted to transit the strait were turned around.

The Rich Starry’s willingness to avert a potential Sino-American clash, suggests that Beijing is still unwilling to challenge Washington’s red lines, particularly so close to a state visit by the US president next month, a trip postponed from March 31 as a result of the conflict in Iran. China has called the US blockade a “dangerous and irresponsible act”.

But what appears to be a deliberate decision not to challenge the blockade may be interpreted as another instance of Chinese weakness, which will probably embolden Washington to take more active measures against China’s tanker fleets.

However, the US seizure of any Chinese shipping could certainly provoke a more dangerous outcome, with the prospect of increased tensions or even conflict with Beijing. Should the US seize a Chinese vessel, Beijing could see this as an act of war on Washington’s part, if it chooses to interpret such an incident as an American effort to strangle the Chinese economy.

While an armed clash between the US and China in the Persian Gulf is unlikely, it is possible that Beijing may deploy its fleet stationed in Djibouti to the region. China’s base in Djibouti is home to its 48th escort group which has previously performed anti-piracy operations in the region as well as escort duties for Chinese-owned ships in the region. This which raises the question over whether Washington would be willing to fire on Chinese warships to enforce its blockade.

China’s challenge to the US

China’s response to an American blockade may be more indirect in nature. One form this could take is the provision of Chinese weapons systems to Iran.

China’s Beidou satellite navigation system has already played a significant role in guiding Iran’s existing stockpile of missiles against American and Israeli targets. Further Chinese military assistance, especially in the form of missiles and drones, can help Beijing retaliate indirectly through Iran.

The New York Times recently reported intelligence sources alleging that China may have shipped shoulder-launched missiles to Iran – but this was strenuously denied by Beijing.

On the other hand, a potential Chinese retaliation may not even take place in the Middle East. Instead, it is possible that Beijing may target American assets and interests in the Asia Pacific.

This comes at a time where several American allies in the region have become increasingly vulnerable, with some missiles system being deployed to the Middle East from South Korea. Coupled with fuel shortages as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the region is potentially even more exposed to China’s moves should Beijing choose to act.

While Beijing prefers a more stable Middle East and global economy, having been one of the key beneficiaries of globalisation, there are several opportunities for China’s wider goals. One of the biggest is the status of the Renminbi. It has become prominent in the oil trade in the Persian Gulf, with Iran primarily dealing with transactions in the currency. This is in line with the emergence of the petroyuan in the 21 century to challenge the dominance of the petrodollar.

Alongside China’s position as a supplier of aviation fuel in the Asia Pacific, the conflict has entrenched and strengthened China’s role in the global economy.

In addition, the potential shortage of petroleum can open the door for wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with Chinese firms such as BYD being potential beneficiaries of a future EV boom. This echoes the popularity of Japanese cars during the Opec crisis of the 1970s, due to their comparatively high fuel efficiency in contrast to American and European models.

As a result, a prolonged Middle East oil crisis may see firms such as BYD become household names, furthering the influence of “Brand China”.

Alongside these, the crisis may further China’s push to present itself as a more stable partner in contrast to Washington’s more chaotic approach. This has gained traction due to the perceived unpredictability of the Trump administration over the past 15 months.

China already has a comparatively favourable global image when compared to the US. A wider conflict with Iran will probably take this further. As a result, the path of the Rich Starry may chart the course of the Sino-American competition and the world that this competition will shape.

The RAF Typhoon declared an emergency while flying over the North Sea.

An RAF Typhoon has declared a mid-air emergency in the skies above the North Sea tonight. The fighter jet had been travelling south over the North Sea on Wednesday, April 15, before turning back west towards Angus and Aberdeenshire.

Based at RAF Lossiemouth, the jet with the call sign VENOM021 was over the North Sea when the pilot initiated an emergency procedure known as squawking 7700.

Data from the flight tracking app FlightRadar24 shows the Typhoon heading back towards its base while a number of other Typhoons continue operations in the skies off the north east coast. Parts of the flight path were not recorded by FlightRadar24.

Emergency response squawking 7700 means a general emergency has been declared.

It can cover a range of scenarios including a technical or medical emergency.

The procedure allows air traffic controllers and ground crews to respond to the emergency in the most effective manner.

The RAF were contacted for comment.

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The York Business Networking Event takes place on Thursday April 30, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at York St John University on Lord Mayor’s Walk.

Bringing together business owners, senior leaders and professionals from across the city, it promises an informal but focused setting to make new connections and swap ideas.

Guests will arrive to a relaxed networking session at 5:30pm, with most of the mingling taking place before the formal programme begins at 6.15pm. That means plenty of time to introduce yourself, catch up with familiar faces and meet people you might not normally cross paths within the working day.

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The evening will include a welcome from Steve Lowe of The Press, followed by a talk from Tom Burton, who leads the apprenticeship programme at York St John University.

Tom will explore the value apprentices can bring to organisations of all sizes, from fresh thinking and up to date skills to long term talent development. With many businesses in York facing recruitment and skills challenges, it is a timely opportunity to hear practical insight on how apprenticeships can support growth.

Local IQ networking event at York St John University. Picture are Maddie Bricklebank and Lottie Joy. Picture by David Harrison. (Image: Local IQ networking event at York St John University. Picture are Maddie Bricklebank and Lottie Joy.Picture by David Harrison.)

Steve Lowe said: “Crucially, this is not a hard sell event. It is about creating a space where York’s business community – from start ups to established firms – can learn from each other and strengthen partnerships with the city’s education providers.

QR Code to register for the event

“Whether you are looking for new clients, collaborators, suppliers or future employees, you are likely to come away with useful contacts and ideas.

Tickets are free but places are limited, so early booking is recommended. To secure your spot at the York Business Networking Event with The Press, York St John University and York College, simply visit Eventbrite and search for the event to register.

The BBC has given fans an update of series 14 of Father Brown as Mark Williams set return alongside fan-favourite cast members

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The BBC has confirmed that filming for series 14 of the beloved drama Father Brown is now well underway.

The enduring mystery programme first aired in 2013 and has stretched across 13 series and approximately 140 episodes to date. Set in the fictional Cotswold village of Kembleford, the 1950s period drama follows a crime-busting Catholic priest portrayed by Mark Williams.

BBC bosses revealed they are “delighted” that the Harry Potter and Fast Show star is returning to screens. Reflecting on his comeback to the set, Mark said: “We started filming series 14 of Father Brown in the first week of April and while it’s always a wrench to leave my garden at home when it’s just burgeoning, the Cotswold countryside makes up for it.”

He went on to say: “The trees are wearing their Swank-coats of blossom: Hawthorn, Apple, Pear and Blackthorn, and the splendid white and pink Cherries. There are lots of Magnolias too, looking like enormous wedding bouquets, and all the trees are coming into leaf.

“I love the Horse Chestnut leaves still drooping, not yet plumped up. The grass looks worthy of the Salad Bowl and the arable fields are greening. If you are not careful you could come over all poetic; but we’ve got 10 shows to make – no time for versifying. Cassock on, let the sleuthing begin.”

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Mark will be joined by familiar faces Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as Mrs Isabel Sullivan and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow.

Other fan-favourites set to feature include Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia, Lex Shrapnel as Father Lazarus, Roger May as Bishop Fox and Kieran Hodgson as Father Lindsey. Hannah Bristow also joins the cast in Series 14 as Rita Flint.

Father Brown’s new no-nonsense housekeeper who gets off to a bumpy start in her role. As always, there will be a wealth of exciting guest stars throughout the series, including Bill Bailey and Clive Mantle.

The synopsis for the new series reads: “Father Brown and the team in the thick of murder and mystery yet again in 1950s Kembleford, solving cases involving magicians and meals on wheels, avant-garde artists and deadly spiders on the loose.”

It adds: “While it might seem like business as usual, it is far from it, with Father Brown receiving a call from Father Lazarus, fresh from another prison break and hell-bent on revenge.

“The return of Father Brown’s most dangerous nemesis looms, testing the padre throughout the series before building to an exhilarating series finale.”

Speaking about the show’s return, Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor at the BBC said: “He’s back! We are delighted to be working with BBC Studios again to give the devoted fans 2 more series of our crime fighting cleric.

“With top notch writing, fabulous cast and the beautiful Cotswold as the backdrop it’s no wonder that Father Brown continues to be a firm favourite with the audiences all over the world.”

Meanwhile executive producer for BBC Studios Drama Productions, Neil Irvine added: “I’m delighted that Mark Williams is returning as Father Brown for a further two series and that his creative contribution has been recognised with an EP credit.”

With Hannah joining us to play intriguing new housekeeper Rita and Father Lazarus returning for a thrilling endgame, this series promises to be the most exciting yet.”

Father Brown is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will host a diplomatic summit with the UK in Paris on Friday to tackle the Strait of Hormuz crisis — and it will not include Trump

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US President Trump faces the prospect of being marginalised by a frustrated Europe tomorrow over his “belligerent” stance on Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will host a diplomatic summit with the UK in Paris on Friday to address the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Notably, Trump will not be invited to the summit. Macron took to X to call for the strait to be reopened ‘as soon as possible.’

Following talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Macron confirmed the gathering would bring together ‘non-belligerent countries ready to contribute, alongside us, to a multilateral and purely defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait when security conditions allow.’

The summit comes as Trump finds himself increasingly frozen out by several European nations from post-war Middle East negotiations.

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White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said: “The United States doesn’t need help from any other country – the blockade is working perfectly, implemented by the greatest Navy in the world, while Iran’s navy is at the bottom of the ocean.”

Yet Trump himself had previously declared the strait ‘permanently open’ following discussions with Xi Jinping, during which it was suggested the Chinese leader had agreed to stop arming Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reports that French diplomats believe Trump’s participation in any proposals would obstruct diplomatic progress. Nevertheless, British officials have voiced concerns that excluding the US could further antagonise Trump and create additional difficulties.

Keir Starmer has made his intention clear to maintain Britain’s distance from the growing tensions between the two countries. He told the BBC: “We’re not supporting the blockade.

“My decision has been very clearly that whatever the pressure, and there’s been some considerable pressure, we’re not getting dragged into the war.”

The coalition’s main aim is to ensure that shipping companies feel confident navigating the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities have ceased.

To achieve this, the plan includes rescue operations for stranded vessels, de-mining efforts to remove Iranian mines, and the creation of a programme for military personnel.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot indicated on Tuesday that this depends on regional stability.

Barrot said: “The mission we are referring to could only be deployed once calm has been restored and hostilities have ceased.”

Germany is also widely anticipated to participate in the operation.

Throughout the conflict, Trump has been vocal in criticising NATO allies for doing ‘nothing’ to support the US in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, warning that his country might pull out of the alliance.

Writing on his social media platform last week, Trump said: ‘None of these people, including our own, very disappointing, NATO, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them!!!’

Last year, Nigel Farage’s party took control of Durham County Council in a historic result and has led national opinion polling for much of the last year.

Data compiled by PollCheck shows Mr Farage’s party are currently polling well in the North East, with many seats up for grabs in the May 7 elections – Gateshead and Sunderland look to be the places where Reform UK might perform the best.

PollCheck has predicted that Reform would take control of Sunderland City Council, making it the second in the region to be controlled by the party, with it winning 38 of the 75 seats up for grabs in the all-out election where every ward is up for re-election.

Projections suggest Labour could see its number of councillors cut from 49 to just 23.

A Reform spokesman said: “Last year, Reform UK won hundreds of council seats, including in the North East, and already we’re seeing the positive impact the party is having in those areas.

“This election is an opportunity for voters to have their say on the weak and incompetent Labour administrations both locally and nationally.

“Only by delivering big Reform wins in the North East and across the UK can we deliver the fatal blow to the two-party establishment, get Starmer out, and begin fixing Britain.”

Green

Another insurgent party hoping to do well on May 7 is the Green Party, led by left wing eco populist Zack Polanski.

The Greens already have a strong base in South Tyneside, where they are now projected by PollCheck to challenge Reform for second place, while party insiders feel confident that they can ‘directly challenge’ Mr Farage in the area.

Alex McKay, Green Party North East regional coordinator, said: “Across the North East we’re very excited by the reception we’ve received on the doorstep.

“When we’ve analysed this response, it looks like we’re challenging for control of both South Tyneside and Newcastle Councils.

“We also expect to make major gains across Gateshead, North Tyneside and Sunderland. National polling results, though positive for Greens, very clearly underestimate the levels of support we have identified and so we are hopeful of excellent results this May 7.”

Green Party leader Zack Polanski visits Darlington. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Labour

The Labour Party is projected to have a troublesome May, with seats up for election that they last contested at the height of the Boris Johnson Partygate scandal.

Sir Keir Starmer’s party has slid down the national opinion polls since it was elected to government in 2024, becoming the third most popular party in many UK-wide polls. And it looks set to lose control of Sunderland, Gateshead and Newcastle councils in what would be a huge blow for the party given its historic ties to the region.

Despite this, Labour says it is “fighting hard for every vote” in the North East.

“Labour councils in the North East have a proud track record of delivery and now working with a Labour government we’re making changes that will lift children out of poverty, back local businesses and strengthen communities across the region,” a spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Potential results

Poll aggregator, PollCheck, has said these could be the most likely results on May 7, based on current opinion polls.

Gateshead – No overall control (was Labour)

Newcastle – No overall control (was Labour)

Sunderland – Reform (was Labour)

South Tyneside – No overall controll

North Tyneside – Labour hold

Hartlepool – Labour minority

It was always going to be difficult for the second period to match the high-octane tempo of the first, and instead the decisive moments, both mad and magnificent, were compacted into the final few minutes.

With extra time looming, substitute Camavinga was dismissed for two yellow cards within 24 minutes of coming on. The first was for a foul on Jamal Musiala in the 78th minute and the second for taking the ball and delaying a Bayern free-kick following a foul on Kane.

The red card was to prove costly for him, and his team as the hosts made the most of their advantage.

Luis Diaz struck in the 89th minute to make it 5-4 to Bayern on aggregate, before Michael Olise put the icing on the cake in stoppage time.

With Guler also sent off in the aftermath, Real boss Alvaro Arbeloa admitted: “With the red card everything was over.

“It’s unbelievable to send off a player for this action. It’s not possible in a player like that, match like that. We feel really upset, really angry, really disappointed. We feel all of this is a bit unfair.”

For Bayern, a semi-final against holders Paris St-Germain will follow and boss Kompany said: “The boys were mentally strong to recover from setbacks.

“The fans helped us as well. We stayed calm and always felt that our moment would come. The boys deserved this win.

“We showed absolute belief and will to fight our way back into the game.”

Gerrard, a 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool, described it as “an incredible game of football, end-to-end, fascinating tactical approaches”.

“Extra time was looking likely, but one moment of madness, indiscipline and silliness has cost Real the chance of getting to the last four,” he added.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock told Match of the Day: “Both teams were brilliant going forward, but defensively both have been poor.

“If you want to win the Champions League, can you play like that? It is going to be fascinating to see how that pans out when Bayern face Paris St-Germain.”

Rev. Franklin Graham, the son of the late Billy Graham and a leading evangelical figure close to Donald Trump’s administration, doesn’t believe the president “knowingly” depicted himself as a Christ-like figure in a now-deleted AI-generated image.

In a post on his Truth Social account on Sunday, Trump depicted himself in a white robe and red sash with a glowing outstretched hand placed on the forehead of a man in a hospital bed. The president later said it showed “me as a doctor.”

In a statement shared with The Independent, Graham condemned what he called “ill-intended speculation” about the president’s image, standing in stark contrast to backlash from other faith leaders — including conservative evangelicals — who accused him of grotesque blasphemy and making a mockery of holy symbols to serve a political agenda.

“When I looked at the illustration, I didn’t jump to the same conclusion as some,” Graham said.

“There were no spiritual references — no halo, there were no crosses, no angels,” he added. “I think this is a lot to do about nothing. There is so much ill-intended speculation. I think his enemies are always foaming at the mouth at any possible opportunity to make him look bad.”

Graham said he did not believe Trump “would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ — that would certainly be inappropriate.”

“I’m thankful the president has made it very clear that this was not at all what he thought the AI-generated image was representing — he thought it was a doctor helping someone, and when he learned of the concerns, he immediately removed the post,” Graham added.

Graham, a prominent evangelist and president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, has been allied with the president through both of his administrations.

He recently appeared at the White House with other Christian pastors, including Robert Jeffress, one of Trump’s longtime religious advisers who leads First Baptist Church in Dallas, to celebrate Easter.

On Palm Sunday, Trump shared a letter from Graham on his social media platform that addressed the president’s suggestion that he thought he was going to hell. “I don’t think there’s anything gonna get me in heaven, OK?” Trump speculated on Air Force One last year.

In response, Graham wrote: “Maybe you responded in jest, but it is an important issue to know for certain that your soul is secure and will spend eternity in the presence of God.”

At last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas, Graham said, “love Donald Trump” and “we’ll never get another president” like him.

“That’s why it’s important that we do everything that we can to try to get him reelected,” he said.

Graham said he “misspoke” in a statement immediately after his remarks.

His latest comments follow a wave of bipartisan outrage from conservative Christian commentators and pastors who have otherwise aligned with the president’s agenda.

But evangelical figures close to the president have thus far either declined to weigh in publicly or have opened the door for Trump to consider the episode a teachable moment.

A fragile alliance between conservative Catholics and evangelicals has been increasingly tested by the president’s growing hostility towards Pope Leo XIV and Catholic leadership as well as the administration’s characterization of war with Iran as a Christian calling.

“I’m not a Catholic, I’m an evangelical, but I appreciate how President Trump has defended religious freedom for people of all faiths, including millions of evangelicals and Catholics in the U.S. and around the world,” Graham said in his statement.

“He is the most pro-Christian, pro-life president in my lifetime and he doesn’t shy away from it,” he added. “I would hope that the President and Pope Leo can meet at some point, and that the Pope would have the opportunity to thank the President for his efforts to protect religious liberty.”