The BBC expert said: “Do not get seduced by this.”
BBC’s Dr Xand has issued a serious warning as a new health trend has been gaining traction online, promoting testosterone tests, supplements and medications to both men and women. The doctor clarified that, while it can offer benefits for certain people, others may be exposing themselves to “fatal” consequences.
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The expert warned on Morning Live: “The bad news is that it does not seem to have the benefits that are claimed for it.” He clarified that it may only provide genuine benefits for people whose bodies are not physically producing sufficient amounts of the hormone.
Dr Xand delivered his scathing assessment of a recent claim that testosterone could ‘defy ageing’ for both men and women: “That headline is not just misleading, it is completely incorrect, wrong and dangerous.”
The doctor explained the medication can be “seductive” to people as many may feel they are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone.
Common symptoms of low testosterone include:
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Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Mood changes
Low libido
Losing muscle and bone strength
Hair changes
He added: “That’s sort of most middle-aged men. Most people can look at that list and go; ‘yeah, a lot of days. I feel a bit like that life gets a bit tougher’. The answer is that it does not solve those problems.
“Those problems are caused by stress, lack of exercise, poor diet, poor sleep, all these things that all of us have in our lives that are hard to solve and those things will lower your testosterone, but pushing your testosterone levels up does not seem to fix it.”
A further worry for Dr Xand is the potential for people to exceed recommended doses: “Then it becomes dangerous. The side effects of testosterone, even at low, doses can include headache, acne, irritability, and aggressiveness mood changes, infertility is probably the biggest one.”
The specialist noted that consuming testosterone at any dosage could permanently impair a person’s fertility and might result in them developing a dependency on the substance.
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He added: “If you are taking it as a sort of improvement, wellness, bodybuilding, sports drug, you’re at risk of very severe heart disease. Even fatal side effects. So this is why I think it’s very dangerous. You can manipulate your blood tests so that you can get a low result and get a big prescription from a wellness clinic and that can lead you down a very dangerous road.”
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The hormone can significantly influence numerous essential bodily functions, ranging from bone density and muscle mass to hair growth and mood. Both sexes produce the hormone, though women typically require lesser quantities, and testosterone medication was originally intended to assist those whose bodies were unable to produce sufficient levels naturally.
However, it has also been utilised as an anabolic steroid that gained popularity within gym and bodybuilding circles, though it carried a well-documented range of side effects. Only in recent times has it begun to be promoted as more of a holistic wellness product.
Dr Xand explained: “15 years ago, there were lots of concerns with it. We didn’t really know much about it was thought it might increase cancer it might increase heart disease, but it also might do all kinds of great things for you.
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“Since then, there have been a couple of big trials that have looked at testosterone therapy in thousands of men in multiple countries in Europe. And so now we have some answers and the good news is that this is an inexpensive drug that does seem to be safe so it doesn’t seem to drive a lot of cancer.
“It does increase your risk of a few non-fatal heart conditions, but at the kind of doses you might get on the NHS it’s not hugely dangerous.”
Historically, women had no dedicated testosterone prescription available to them and were required to use men’s products when prescribed. However, there is potential evidence that testosterone therapy can work well for women during menopause.
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Despite this, Dr Xand stressed: “It’s not for everyone and your GP can guide you through it. The marketing is designed to sell you a test to sell you a drug and then to send you all sorts of other things, all of which you should be going to your GP for and looking at.
“Do not believe it. Do not get seduced by this, if you are having a hard time with any aspect of your health, talk to your GP. The NHS is not against using testosterone, it will use it appropriately. Please, please, please do not go to a wellness clinic.”
Planning on getting out and about with your four-legged friend? Well, you’ve been warned.
Several instances could put pets at risk during long walks, garden gatherings and days out near lakes or rivers.
As warmer weather encourages more time outdoors, Darren Beale, CEO of Years, the fresh dog food brand, says the long weekend can create a “perfect storm” for dogs.
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“Bank holidays usually mean longer walks, busier parks, BBQs, garden time and trips to lakes or beaches,” says Darren.
“That is great for dogs, but it also increases the chance of them eating, drinking or stepping on something they shouldn’t.”
Bank holiday risks dog owners should watch for:
Lakes, ponds and stagnant water
Dogs should not be allowed to drink from stagnant water, ponds, canals or lakes, especially in warmer weather.
Some water can contain bacteria, parasites or blue-green algae, which can be dangerous.
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“Always take fresh water with you on walks,” says Darren.
“If your dog is thirsty, they are much more likely to drink from puddles, lakes or standing water before you can stop them.”
Long walks in warmer weather
Owners planning longer bank holiday walks should avoid the hottest part of the day and watch for signs of overheating.
“Dogs do not always know when to stop,” Darren explains.
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“Heavy panting, slowing down, drooling or seeming disoriented can all be warning signs.
“Shorter, shaded walks are often safer than pushing for a big route in warm weather.”
BBQ scraps and picnic food
Cooked bones, skewers, onions, corn on the cob, fatty scraps and dropped food can all cause problems for dogs.
“Bank holiday food is one of the easiest risks to overlook,” says Darren.
“Dogs will scavenge if they get the chance, so BBQ areas, picnic blankets and bins need to be kept out of reach.”
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Grass seeds and sharp debris
After walks through long grass, fields, or parks, owners should check paws, ears, and coats for grass seeds, thorns, or sharp debris.
“Grass seeds can lodge in paws, ears or skin and sometimes need veterinary treatment,” Darren says.
“A quick check after a walk can prevent a small irritation from becoming a bigger issue.”
Garden chemicals and compost
Compost, mulch, fertilisers and slug pellets can all be dangerous if eaten, particularly during spring when gardens are being refreshed.
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“Dogs are drawn to strong smells, so compost and garden products can be tempting,” says Darren.
“Anything used in the garden should be stored securely and kept well away from pets.”
Darren’s bank holiday safety checklist for dog owners
Take fresh water on every walk
Avoid letting dogs drink from lakes, ponds or stagnant water
Walk earlier or later in the day if it is warm
Keep BBQ food, skewers and bins out of reach
Check paws, ears and coats after walks
Store compost, fertilisers and slug pellets securely
Keep dogs supervised around unfamiliar gardens, lakes and picnic spots
“Most bank holiday risks are avoidable,” Darren adds.
“The key is planning ahead and seeing the day from your dog’s perspective.
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“What smells interesting, what looks edible, and what might they run towards before you have time to react?”
What are you doing this weekend? Let us know in the comments
Some people like to look out at a star-studded sky and marvel at how many others might be gazing up with them, unaware they’re sharing the beauty of nature together.
Me? Well, when I’m on the tube, I sometimes look around and think “statistically, one in seven of you people are constipated.”
If the NHS numbers are anything to go by, backed-up Brits are in dire need of a little loo advice. Thankfully, pelvic floor expert Heather Foord revealed to Femail that one gut-clearing secret is surprisingly easy.
What is it?
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The Core Restore Co pelvic floor specialist says that mooing while you’re pooing might make the job go faster (yes, really).
She recommends we “start by breathing in deeply so that your belly relaxes and gets big. As you exhale, let your belly relax back.”
“Repeat this breath (with the belly growing big as you inhale) five times. Now, make an ‘Mmmmm’ sound. This action helps your waist widen and creates pressure to help the bowel movement,” she added.
Then, “Bulge your belly out (really let it go) by saying the ‘Ooooo’ sound. This helps your anal sphincter open. Keep going with the ‘Mmmm’ and ‘Oooo’ to continue generating pressure.′
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Bizarre as it might sound, Foord isn’t alone. Pelvic physiotherapist Elaine Miller wrote in the medical blog Evidently Cochrane that “Leaning on the elbows and making a “moo” (or other) sound reduces the urge to strain.”
So, er… why?
As Miller said, it helps to reduce the amount of straining involved when evacuating your bowels as the pressure comes more from your stomach than by bearing down.
That’s a good move, because “Straining increases your intra-abdominal pressure and causes congestion of the soft tissues. So, you are more likely to develop piles, prolapse or vaginal varicose veins.”
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To make this even easier, try “Raising the feet so that the hips are flexed beyond 90 degrees. [This] straightens out where the colon and rectum join and allows poo to pass more easily.”
So there we have it; squat and moo for the best number two of your life. Bodies are wild, aren’t they?
“Crass, tactless and completely tone deaf” is how slain Alistair Wilson’s son described an award for the officer who lied to the dead banker’s wife.
The family of murdered banker Alistair Wilson have slammed an award given to a senior police officer previously found to have lied to them about the arrest of a suspect.
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Detective Chief Supt Paul Livingstone won the “Contribution to Policing” prize at a two day conference of senior investigating officers (SIO’s) from across Scotland earlier this month.
The accolade said Livingston has delivered an “exceptional and nationally significant” contribution to policing, transformative leadership. operational excellence and “unwavering commitment” to justice. It also described him as setting the benchmark for investigative standards.
However the award has angered Alistair’s family who have made several recent complaints about Police Scotland’s handling of the murder investigation, including the one upheld against DCS Livingstone.
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Andrew Wilson, who as only four at the time of his fathers’ death, said: “As a family we are shocked and disgusted to learn that DCS Paul Livingstone has won an award for his ‘Contribution to Policing’.
“To read quotes that he has an ‘unwavering commitment to justice’ and that he was ‘setting the benchmark for investigative standards’ is crass, tactless and completely tone deaf.”
Alistair, a business manager at the Bank of Scotland, was shot dead on the doorstep of his home in the seaside town of Nairn, in November, 2004 and the case remains unsolved more than 21 years later.
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The family were told that an arrest of a suspect was to take place on May 15, 2023 only to learn it had been halted on the instructions of senior police officers and the Crown Office.
Alistair’s widow Veronica then complained that DCS Livingstone, who is head of major crime, lied to her at a meeting in Glasgow nine days later when he said he wasn’t aware that an arrest date had been set.
A subsequent investigation by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) found DCS Livingstone was ‘incorrect’ and Veronica’s complaint that he had lied was upheld in March 2024.
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In November that year Veronica was then told in a phone call that a misconduct finding had been made against DCS Livingstone, though she was not given any further information.
Police Scotland had been ordered to review Veronica’s complaint against DCS Livingston by watchdog body PIRC after she was unhappy with an earlier investigation.
The second probe found against Mr Livingston after it received an audio recording of a meeting from April, 2023, appearing to show him being told about the planned arrest on May 15.
Last August the Wilson family hit out at reports that DCS Livingstone was being considered for promotion
Andrew, who is now 26 and works as an engineer, added:” Paul Livingstone is a senior Police Officer who has not only lied to us on multiple occasions, but has also lied to Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department to cover up his actions.
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“It took Police Scotland about 18 months to finally discipline him for these lies.
“In the subsequent 18 months it appears the senior leadership of Police Scotland has tried to put him on promotion courses and now they have nominated him for an award.
“Integrity is supposed to be at the heart of everything Police Scotland do. It appears that does not apply to Senior Police Officers. It appears they are promoted and rewarded for being dishonest.”
Andrew continued:”The award raises further integrity issues around which senior leader must have nominated Paul Livingstone for the award, knowing he had recently been disciplined for lying.
” It appears the award occurred at a recent SIO’s conference that Chief Constable Jo Farrell and DCS Paul Livingstone were both speaking at.
“Surely the Chief Constable must have known that DCS Paul Livingstone was recently disciplined for dishonesty when presenting him with an award.”
A letter in March 2024 from Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston confirming the finding against DCS Livingstone said:”On 24 May, 2023 he was incorrect when he told you that he was not aware that 15 May had been set as the date of the arrest.
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“Please accept my sincere apologies in relation to this. “I recognise that incidents such as those severely impact the trust and confidence members of the public have in the police.”
Police Scotland also issued an ‘unreserved apology’ in relation to two other complains which were upheld.
ACC Houston found there had been a disregard for Veronica’s ” emotional well being” over the progress of the case and a failure to provide a further update on why the arrest had not taken place.
On the evening he was murdered Veronica Wilson had answered the door to a mystery man who asked for Alistair by name.
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Alistair, then 30, went to speak to the man and was handed a blue envelope with the name ‘Paul’ on it.
He went back inside his house briefly, before returning to the door, where he was shot dead. The gun used to kill him, a
German pocket pistol from the 1930s, was found in a nearby drain ten days later.
At the time of the murder Alistair had been getting his his two young sons, including Andrew, ready for bed.
The Wilson’s have a number of other complaints ongoing over the conduct of senior officers and the murder investigation.
The SIO conference earlier this month under the theme “Cracking Complexity in Serious Crime Investigations” involved more than 120 police officers and staff as well as 50 delegates from across the UK.
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An SIO is the lead investigator in cases of murder and other serious crimes.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At the recent Police Scotland SIOs’ Conference, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone was presented with an award which recognised his exceptional contribution to policing, distinguished by transformative leadership, operational excellence and unwavering commitment to justice.
“As Head of Major Crime, he has led the most serious homicide investigations, securing justice for victims and ensuring safer communities in Scotland.
“His most significant national contribution has been the transformation of Disaster Victim Identification into one of the strongest capabilities in UK policing.
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“Our thoughts remain with the family of Alistair Wilson.”
This intense Full Moon, in Scorpio on May 1, exposes secrets, desires and emotional blind spots.
Full Moons are always illuminating phases of truth and self reflection, and Scorpio is a fearless analyst and probe to whatever lies hidden beneath the surface (albeit not for much longer).
Expect to receive new information, a new level of self awareness, a secret revealed in its full glory, or a revelation that hits you in the heart.
None of this is necessarily positive or negative. Truth is neutral because it has many facets, can impact differently on different folk over time, and doesn’t serve any master.
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This tarot horoscope will reveal the unavoidable truth heading to you this Full Moon, and how you can use it to build a stronger platform for a successful month ahead.
Looking for deeper insight?
My truthful direct tarot reading lets you ask any 3 questions and get an answer within 24 hours. Or, come join my magical, mystical tarot club, free for a whole month when you sign up using this link.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
This needs to be aired (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Aries for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Five of Wands
Meaning: Something said in anger or frustration strikes a chord. It’s not just passion or rage that has unleashed this honesty, it’s a need for it to be out there and said, so don’t gloss over it or push it back down. Pay attention, acknowledge it, and then sit a while before you respond. Let this sink in.
It’s likely that this truth will reveal the real root cause of a long-standing, low level simmering tension or feud between you and someone, and now you know it, you can tackle it. Maybe an apology is due, or a better offer, or a revelation of why you did what you did. Up to you how to handle it, but you can handle it, and better now, because you know what’s behind it.
Tarot card for Taurus for theFull Moon in Scorpio: Five of Coins
Meaning: We all love and lose. We all regret, bear guilt and shame for things we’ve said and done. It’s part of the human condition and experience. But these emotions can get very heavy when kept under wraps or buried beneath a façade.
This Full Moon, you will let them out, you will let them surface, you will turn your gaze to what you’ve pushed down in your psyche and you will probably cry, wallow and vent. And this is good! Others can empathise, others have been through it too, others have support and advice to offer, or just a patient, compassionate shoulder to cry on. Release what burdens you emotionally. You can put it down and walk on lighter, happier.
You can only control your own reaction (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Gemini for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Eight of Swords
Meaning: The unavoidable truth revealed by this powerful Full Moon is that you have overthought yourself into a corner. You have assumed and analysed and projected onto others so much that you’ve lost sight of the real issue or facts underneath all your (albeit fascinating) theories and hypotheses.
So, cut away all the assumption. Go back to the bare facts. And just be there. No more spiralling. No more projecting motives or actions or emotions onto other people. Only invest in what you did, said or thought. This will be like going on holiday, a total rest and relief from the weight and pressure you pile on your overworked mind. Simply, take a break from overthinking. Get a hobby, read a book, listen to music!
It’s nowhere near as tough as you fear (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Cancer for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Nine of Wands
Meaning: You’ve decide that something necessary is too difficult to do right now, and have abandoned the project. But that is the wrong move, and, deep down, you know it. The Nine of Wands wants you to look in the mirror this Full Moon and reassure yourself you can do this, you’ve got this, you are capable and available to tackle this ‘thing’.
If you do that, and then take some necessary steps, I promise things will go a lot better, easier and faster than you dread or fear right now. The Universe is backing you up. Don’t talk yourself out of action, don’t retreat back to your comfort zone without overcoming this issue. This is the time to rise, act, and prove your mettle. You can do this.
Is your heart really in this? (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Leo for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Page of Swords
Meaning: The truth you don’t wish to see, but have evidence all around you to prove it, is that you can be fickle and you can blow hot and cold, which does have an impact on your relationships, roles and outcomes. When you’re 100% into something, you’re unstoppable — truly. A motivated Leo is a force! But a distracted, 60%, ‘hedging bets’ or wishing for better Leo… well, that Leo can cause problems.
The only thing you need to do is take this on board and slim down your priorities or commitments, in terms of volume and time spent or promised. You know you love new news, so don’t over-commit to long-term projects or situations that you already suspect will bore you pretty soon. Manage yourself better and you can achieve everything on your list!
Tarot card for Virgo for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Six of Swords
Meaning: The Six of Swords is a departure card. This Full Moon, you will accept and maybe even activate an ending, exit or withdrawal that has, honestly, been a long time coming. Consequently, it’s not really even a sad event. You know, in your bones, this is over, it has run its course, reached a natural conclusion.
All you need to do is clarify and confirm it openly. Folk won’t be surprised or even upset. Maybe everyone is hoping you, with your sharp mind and practicality, will be the one to turn off the lights and close the door. Come around to realising it’s the right time.
Get the popcorn out… and the tissues (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Libra for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Eight of Wands
Meaning: Scorpio is your neighbour on the zodiac wheel, which is why its Full Moon has a bearing on you. Being the most diplomatic sign makes you the mediator right now, because so many folk are uncovering secrets that impact them. You do enjoy others’ drama, so pull up a chair and watch the show. You also offer comfort and wise counsel, so do your bit for those you love and like.
This Full Moon will bring you both entertainment and the chance to do good for those around you, so I think you’ll have fun this week — and rack up some good karma credit if you exercise your tact, diplomacy and charm. People need you to help smooth ruffled feathers and furrowed brows. Do your magic, Libra!
Let them see behind that tough exterior (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Scorpio for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Six of Coins
Meaning: Why have you been hiding your kindness and generosity towards someone? Sometimes you deliberately project a mean and moody exterior that isn’t really reflective of the big softie you truly are underneath. Do you not want other folk taking advantage of you? Or maybe avoiding jealousy from others who have not received such kindness from you?
Whatever the reason, I think the cat will be out of the bag this Full Moon! And that’s a good thing, so people can celebrate your good nature and helpfulness, can realise who you really are, and come to rely on and trust you in the future. Let your good deeds speak for themselves, let your positivity and care towards others lead the way and be seen. Stop pretending to be such a villain, Scorpio! We know the truth.
You know what they say about doors closing (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Sagittarius for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Nine of Cups
Meaning: Something you really, really wanted is not going to pan out, and you’ve tried really hard to pretend you’re not bothered… but you are, and that’s okay. You need to grieve this setback or loss, and you need to name and release that feeling of disappointment.
There will be other chances. There are a lot more fish in the sea. Chalk this one up to experience, chat about it this Full Moon and tell your story. I have a funny feeling that, within 10 days, a new and even better opportunity will, as a result, swing into view!
It’s okay not to have all the answers (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Capricorn for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Two of Wands
Meaning: The truth is, Capricorn, you are not sure. Certainty and clarity are BFFs of yours, and when they wander off, you hide it so others won’t know or sense your vulnerability. And, sure enough, they soon return and on we go.
But, this time, you need to say you don’t know, aren’t sure, feel confused, need more time — or however you position it. Clarity can’t be forced. It requires a combination of knowledge, intuition, and reflection, that takes time (maybe as much as a fortnight here). Give yourself permission, space and peace to do that mental homework. It will be worth it.
Tarot card for Aquarius for the Full Moon in Scorpio: Ten of Cups
Meaning: Just tell them how much they mean to you, Aquarius! The Ten of Cups shows that the secret in play this Full Moon is the depth and intensity of your true feelings, and you think you’re hiding it well but… folk can see it! And it’s a lovely thing too, so just be open and honest and tell them what they mean to you.
I think the feeling is very much reciprocated. I think you will find this is a memorable week marked by falling (deeper) in love or enjoying a spiritual bond or a close friendship or family tie. You deserve and desire love, don’t hide it.
Be their shoulder to cry on (Picture: Getty/Metro)
Tarot card for Pisces for the Full Moon in Scorpio: King of Cups
Meaning: Your job this week is to be the counsellor and confidant to a great many folk affected by this striking, secret-revealing Full Moon. The King of Cups describes your powerful emotional intelligence, ability to ‘get’ people, and also to know just how they need handling. You do this naturally, it’s a god-given gift.
Draw closer wherever you sense stress, vulnerability, or need for attention. Do what feels right. Offer comfort and compassion, that might be all that is needed. Most folk don’t want advice or highfalutin words when they’re upset, they just want a quiet presence, to know they’re heard and valued and understood. Share your magic.
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.
“Bills can’t be allowed to spiral out of control. And hopefully the billions paid by energy giants in windfall taxes can help ordinary households cope with the cost of living crisis.”
Scottish Power is raking in huge profits as a result of energy prices soaring. Yet many Scots are stuck in fuel poverty unable to pay sky-high bills.
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That’s why UK Government plans to raise the tax on excess profits made by some electricity generators are welcome. Utilities giants like ScottishPower are raking in scarcely believable amounts of money at a time of conflict in the Middle East caused by Donald Trump.
The company’s Spanish owner yesterday reported profits of £1.6billion for the first quarter of this year. This is at a time many Scots households are struggling to pay fuel bills.
The sun might finally be shining after a cold start to spring, but the cost of energy is an ever-present fear for many. The UK Government will soon charge a tax rate of 55 per cent of excess profits, up from the current 45 per cent.
Labour ministers remain fearful that the overall cost of living could spike sharply due to events in Iran. If it does, the demand for government intervention will grow louder. And a tax rate of 55 per cent will seem overly generous.
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John Swinney has demanded Holyrood is given powers over the energy market. But the chances of that happening in the medium term are zero. Action is required in the here and now.The same goes for calls to bring utilities firms back under public control.
This could take years, if not decades. Bills can’t be allowed to spiral out of control. And hopefully the billions paid by energy giants in windfall taxes can help ordinary households cope with the cost of living crisis.
This is about basic fairness. Energy giants have a social responsibility as well as one to their shareholders. Households should not be scared of running a hot water tap while thousands are plunged into poverty.
King takes lead
King Charles is reported to have impressed Donald Trump during frank discussions on the Iran war. Both heads of state agree, says Trump, Iran should not have nuclear weapons.
Most sane people around the world would agree with that position. Unfortunately, Trump’s disastrous Iran war has done little to dent Iran’s nuclear ambitions and has plunged the world into a fresh economic crisis.
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But the King has skilfully tiptoed through the challenges of dealing with Trump during the state visit. He has reminded our US allies there is plenty to unite us across the Atlantic.
And he has reinforced the message that the world is a better, safer place when the UK, Europe and US act together.
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Richard Miles set out to find a job after his release from a Texas prison in 2009 with a collection of newspaper clippings about his wrongful murder conviction as his resume. No one would hire him, including warehouses and fast-food restaurants.
It was a period of painful rejection that is familiar to exonerees. Some see their own struggles reflected in Calvin Duncan, who won elected office in New Orleans after clearing his name but likely won’t serve. Louisiana lawmakers sent a bill to the governor’s desk Wednesday abolishing his job.
“We’re still kind of like looked at as an inmate that did a particular crime. It further deteriorates our ability to believe that the system can heal itself,” said Miles, who eventually found a job through a minister at his church. “When cases like in Louisiana occur, it just shows us that the system is not healing itself.”
The fight in Louisiana has touched a nerve among exonerees in the U.S. who see Duncan’s plight as reflective of the biases and stigmas they have to confront as they try to rebuild their lives.
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Duncan served nearly 30 years in prison before his murder conviction was vacated in 2021 after evidence emerged that police officers had lied in court. He was elected to become the Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court in November, vowing to fix the system that failed him. He had been set to take office May 4.
Louisiana Republicans who want to dissolve the office say it isn’t about Duncan’s past but a necessary step toward government efficiency.
“Even if they are seen as somebody who is exonerated, there is still a stigma as somebody who has been in prison,” said Jon Eldan, the founder and executive director of After Innocence, a California-based nonprofit.
Nonprofits and others offer help to exonerees
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According to the National Registry of Exonerations, more than 3,800 people have been exonerated in the U.S. since 1989.
But unlike those released on parole or probation, exonerees don’t have access to government-provided services such as employment or housing assistance and mental health services.
“I was turned down by many prisoner reentry organizations because they said, ‘Look, you’re not on parole, you’re not on probation,’” said Jeffrey Deskovic, who was wrongly convicted of rape and murder in Peekskill, New York, and spent 16 years in prison before being freed in 2006.
Thirty-eight states have laws that compensate wrongfully convicted people. But it can be years before they receive that money.
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After Innocence works to connect exonerees with organizations that help with job training, housing, medical and dental care. It also tries to clean up their records to accurately represent what happened in their criminal cases, Eldan said.
Miles, who spent more than 14 years in prison, now runs Miles of Freedom, a nonprofit in Dallas that helps formerly incarcerated individuals, including exonerees, rebuild their lives.
The challenges Miles faced as an exoneree looking for employment — including a lack of work history, viable skills and training — are not unusual, but it also appears some employers simply don’t want someone who has been behind bars on their workforce.
There are no government statistics that track the employment rate of exonerees. Multiple studies have shown the unemployment rate for people who were in prison is much higher than the national rate. A 2018 study from the Prison Policy Initiative found that formerly incarcerated people are unemployed at a rate of over 27%. A 2021 Bureau of Justice Statistics study found that 33% of federal prisoners released in 2010 did not find employment for four years. Nationally, the unemployment rate in March was 4.3%.
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Finding employment remains a challenge
Deskovic used the compensation he received five years after his 2006 release from prison to start the Deskovic Foundation, a New York-based nonprofit that helps free wrongfully convicted people. He later got a law degree so he could represent them in court.
Exonerees tell Deskovic little has changed since the years following his release when he applied for jobs, including as a doughnut shop worker and a weekly newspaper reporter, but could never find consistent work.
Supporters of exonerees point to Duncan as someone who has rebuilt his life and won elected office but still faces pushback about his innocence and post-incarceration accomplishments.
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“If he wasn’t an exoneree, would they be doing this to him? I’m sure that they would not,” Deskovic said.
Groups push for legislative help for exonerees
Eldan’s organization worked with a state senator to help write and pass a law in Delaware that provides compensation for wrongful imprisonment, as well as a stipend and help with housing, food benefits, and health and dental insurance. It also provides exonerees with a certificate from the state saying they were wrongly incarcerated and found innocent.
Eldan said his group is working with several other states, including California and New Mexico, to get laws passed to provide similar innocence certificates and update exonerees’ criminal records.
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More states should fund programs to help exonerees after their release, Eldan and Miles said.
“But it’s hard to write into a statute, something that actually translates into real benefit for these people,” Eldan said. “It’s not because the state is bad, but because the state just is not particularly good at delivering those services.”
Ben Spencer spent 34 years in prison for a murder in Dallas he didn’t commit before being exonerated and released in 2021. He applied for jobs at an Amazon warehouse and as an airport baggage loader but failed to secure a position.
Eventually, someone who had taken an interest in his case helped get him a job as a facilities engineer, doing repairs for a company. He’s worked there five years.
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“I think I’m kind of settling in a little more now. I’m still trying to figure out the cellphone and computers,” Spencer said. “When I walked out of the jail, it was like waking up out of a coma or a bad dream. And of course, I still had to try to get some financial stability. I guess I won’t say I’m there now, but I’m closer to where I wanna be now than I was.”
One claimed: “It’s better than the Karcher in almost every respect. It’s small, sturdy, doesn’t fall over and provides plenty of power.”
Laura McKenna and Kieran Isgin Tech & gaming affiliate writer
04:50, 30 Apr 2026
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With the summer months just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get gardens into shape for the season ahead. From muddy pathways to grimy gutters, a pressure washer can take much of the hard graft out of refreshing outdoor spaces.
For those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank, the Bosch High Pressure Washer EasyAquatak 110 has been reduced on Amazon to £60.49, down from £89.99. A 33% saving on what buyers have described as ‘an outstanding bit of kit’, the portable cleaning tool can tackle everything from stubborn dirt to everyday cleaning tasks.
The compact design makes this pressure washer straightforward to move around the garden, while built-in accessory storage keeps everything neatly in one place. It’s built with convenience in mind, meaning you can get straight down to cleaning right out of the box.
The portable high-pressure washer works by pulling in water and pushing it out at high speed through a small nozzle, creating a powerful jet that blasts away dirt and grime. It’s easy to use and much quicker than scrubbing by hand, making outdoor cleaning feel far less of a chore.
A selection of nozzles combined with a 110-bar pump delivers flexible cleaning power for a range of jobs from rinsing down surfaces to tackling tougher dirt. The 450ml high-pressure detergent nozzle helps cover surfaces with soap quickly, saving time on bigger clean-ups.
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The EasyAquatak 110 unit comes complete with a high-pressure gun, a lance, a three-meter hose and multiple nozzles. A water filter is also included, the Express reports.
If this make and model isn’t quite what you are looking for, Argos is selling the Karcher K3 Classic Pressure Washer with £20 off RRP. On sale for £110, Karcher is one of the biggest names in home power washing, with this particular model offering a 1600W motor that delivers 120 bar pressure for effective cleaning, a power lance and accessories.
For buyers on a budget, the Living and Home Electric Handheld Pressure Washer Cleaner is now £23.99 at Yimbly (the online store owned by Reach plc). Fuss-free but effective, the high-power hand tool attaches directly to the hose pipe and can be used for smaller chores like washing the car, cleaning gutters or giving outdoor furniture a good going over.
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Shoppers have been raving about the impressive capabilities of the Bosch High-Pressure Washer. With over 12,000 reviews on Amazon, the garden tool has been given a 4.5 out of five-star rating.
One customer who left a five-star review said: “My first time using a power washer. I wanted one that was easy to work with and light enough. This machine is perfect. Love using it. Easy to put together. Done the front of my house and done tarmac a bit too, so far.”
Another added: “I’ve had a few pressure washers over the years, but this Bosch Aquatak 110 is by far the best. I’ve cleaned the patio and block paving. Also comes with a handy car wash brush.”
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A third buyer compared it to a brand leader, saying: “It’s better than the Karcher in almost every respect. It’s small, sturdy, doesn’t fall over and provides plenty of power. All attachments are secure without being a pain to get on and off. Nozzles are very easy to adjust. Simple operation and no leaks.”
Some buyers were less impressed, however, with one saying: “Seemed excellent for domestic use. Cleaning patio and cars etc. But I found that the gun had become faulty and leaked.”
Another glowing review, however, exclaimed: “Was not expecting too much for the price, but wow was I surprised. Its an outstanding bit of kit. Well pleased.”
Another buyer who compared it to a more expensive brand also made a comparison: “I love the Bosch, the power is excellent, the shape and size are great, and the fan of the spray made cleaning the patio a joy. If you’re moving from a Karcher and are concerned that it won’t be as good, or that it seems too cheap (as I did), don’t. It’s great, I think it’s better than my Karcher. Extremely pleased.”
The long-lost episode was thought to be lost forever and will broadcast on BBC Four onext month.
Tianna Corbin TV Reporter
22:30, 29 Apr 2026Updated 22:38, 29 Apr 2026
Fans of The Morecambe and Wise Show have reason to celebrate as a long-lost episode is scheduled to broadcast on the BBC imminently.
The episode, unseen for decades and presumed lost permanently, will air on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on 14 May.
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This transmission date marks what would have been Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday. Alongside the special episode, the broadcaster will also present The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to commemorate the occasion.
A charitable organisation called Film Is Fabulous! uncovered the lost episode within the estate of a former television industry professional. It has since been returned to the BBC.
The rediscovered episode is the third from Morecambe and Wise’s inaugural series, following their return to the BBC after a stint with commercial television, reports the Mirror.
It features sketches penned by Sid Green and Dick Hills, with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch situated in a nudist colony.
Additionally, Jenny Lee-Wright stars as Eric’s niece who is also a balloon dancer. BBC audiences will also enjoy a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who were prominent in the 1960s.
Discussing the rediscovered episode, Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, expressed considerable enthusiasm.
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They commented: “Morecambe and Wise are one of the UK’s most loved comedy duos. Thanks to Film Is Fabulous!
“We’re delighted to share this comedy gold that we thought was lost forever with viewers across the UK. It’ll be broadcast on BBC Four and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Thursday May 14.”
Gail, Eric Morecambe’s daughter, expressed her delight at the episode’s transmission, noting how marvellous it was that the broadcast aligned with her father’s centenary celebrations.
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She commented: “What a lovely surprise this is, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years. It’s excellent to hear that skilled people are actively going through the Archives and discovering ‘lost’ programmes.
“Not just Morecambe and Wise, of course. I am especially thrilled that it coincides with my father’s centenary year. Really wonderful.”
Gary Morecambe, Eric’s son, remarked: “I’m so thrilled and surprised by the discovery of a Morecambe and Wise show that hasn’t been seen since 1968. I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful.
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“Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was twelve years of age.”
The long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is available to watch on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer from May 14.
Benefit and state pension payments could be affected
Benefit recipients and state pensioners may notice several alterations to their payments in May, as annual uplifts come into force for the first time for some claimants, while bank holidays could result in thousands receiving payments several days ahead of schedule.
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The Department for Work and Pensions has announced which payment dates will be modified in May due to the two forthcoming bank holidays. Those awaiting payments on Monday 4th May and Monday 25th May might find themselves caught off guard as a consequence.
Since banks and DWP offices are normally shut on these dates, payments will not be processed and those expecting benefit or state pension instalments will receive their money on the final working day before the bank holiday instead.
For those scheduled to receive payments on 4th May, the final working day beforehand is Friday 1st May. Similarly, those due payments on 25th May will receive them on 22nd May instead, the DWP has announced.
Benefits that will be affected by both bank holidays:
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Universal Credit
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Child Benefits
Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance State pension payments will also be affected by both bank holidays. Those anticipating these early payments need not do anything, as their payments will return to their normal schedule from June onwards.
Managing finances can become considerably more difficult when payment dates are changed, meaning the same amount of money must stretch over four extra days before your regular payment date arrives, particularly given that April’s bank holidays also caused disruption.
The vast majority of benefits are paid out every four weeks, making it unlikely that a single person would be affected by both the April and May bank holiday disruptions. That said, those in receipt of the state pension could well be impacted.
Ordinarily, the state pension is paid every four weeks, although recipients can request weekly payments if they prefer. The day on which you receive your payment corresponds to the final two digits of your NI number.
Those with an NI number ending between 00 and 19 receive their payments on a Monday. Given that all of next month’s bank holidays fall on Mondays, weekly state pension recipients could find themselves affected on more than one occasion.
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Should the bank holidays pass without you receiving the correct benefit or state pension payment, you may need to get in touch with the DWP or HMRC helpline. The DWP does recommend thoroughly checking your award notice before making any contact.
Benefit payments and state pension rates officially increased on 6th April at the start of the new tax year, though some recipients may notice a mix of both old and new rates in their payments, as their benefit covers a four-week period.
Those on Universal Credit in particular are unlikely to see the higher rates reflected until their May or even June payments, as the updated figures only kick in once a full assessment period that began after 6th April has passed.
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