This means the next Scottish Government will have to take another 111,000 children out of poverty if the target is to be met.
Anti-poverty groups believe the SNP administration is on course to fail and more needs to be done.
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Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is first out of the traps with a bold commitment to meet the target.
He says a focus on “structural” poverty – boosting skills, childcare and employment – is the best approach, not a benefits top up.
However, he is also committed to the SNP Government’s successful Scottish Child Payment, which means he accepts social security has an important role to play.
SNP leader John Swinney has said child poverty is his top priority in Government and his party’s manifesto will be launched on Thursday.
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The reality is the SNP and Labour – two parties of the centre left – have more in common on anti-poverty policies than they would ever admit.
Hitting the 2030 target is difficult, but would be manageable if there is a political will.
Regardless of who wins next month, progressive parties should come together to give these children a better future.
Following a challenging period at the Theatre of Dreams, Casemiro’s purple patch for United has arrived at an opportune moment, with vital contributions keeping their European ambitions alive. He also scored the goal as 10-man United chased a point against Leeds.
A Telegraph report from early 2023 revealed that United’s poor start to that campaign, including losses to Brighton and Brentford, spurred the five-time Champions League winner to swap Madrid for Manchester.
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The Brazil international finalised a £70million summer switch to the Premier League, bringing an end to his trophy-laden stint at Los Blancos. Casemiro’s time in the Spanish capital concluded after Real signed of Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco.
Following a dismal 4-0 loss to the Bees, the then-30-year-old is said to have messaged his agent: “Tell them I’ll fix this.”
Casemiro’s journey during his four-year spell at United has been anything but straightforward, with him facing criticism from the likes of Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
The former Liverpool defender, in particular, delivered a damning assessment of the Brazilian’s stint at Old Trafford, calling for Casemiro to quit the Premier League. However, this season’s performances have forced Carragher to backtrack and acknowledge the midfielder had silenced his doubters.
Confirming his impending exit, he said: “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life. From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.
“It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”
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In a recent question and answer session with the club, he added: “The affection they have for the club is what I will miss most. Of course, the club, but the fans are so connected to the club regardless of the result.
“Next game, they will be there supporting the players and the club, that is what I will miss most.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Everything you need to know as MPs to debate rising home heating oil costs | Belfast Live
Need to know
Heating oil dependency is exceptionally high in Northern Ireland, where nearly half of all households use it as their sole heating source.
MPs are set to debate the cost of home heating oil on Wednesday(Image: Getty Images)
Everything you need to know:
A Westminster Hall debate is scheduled for Wednesday, 15th April, to discuss government support for households facing soaring heating oil costs. This issue is critically important for rural properties that are entirely disconnected from the main gas grid.
Heating oil dependency is exceptionally high in Northern Ireland, where nearly half of all households use it as their sole heating source. In stark contrast, only a small fraction of homes in England, Wales, and Scotland depend entirely on this fuel.
Unlike electricity and mains gas, heating oil prices are not regulated by Ofgem and do not fall under the standard energy price cap. The government currently opposes introducing such a cap, warning it could drive suppliers out of the market if wholesale costs exceed the capped limit.
Global prices have skyrocketed throughout March and April 2026 due to conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping route handles a quarter of all global seaborne oil shipments, making it highly sensitive to international instability.
Across the broader UK, the average price of home heating oil has roughly doubled, jumping from approximately 60 pence per litre to over 120 pence. In Northern Ireland specifically, local data indicates that average consumer prices increased by 85 to 95 per cent in just a few weeks.
To mitigate this crisis, the UK Government recently announced £53 million in emergency funding to assist low-income households reliant on heating oil. £17 million of this total UK fund has been specifically allocated to support households in Northern Ireland.
Beyond immediate financial aid, the Competition and Markets Authority has launched a formal review into potential breaches of consumer law within the sector. Depending on the findings of this ongoing market study, the government has signalled it may introduce strict new consumer protections.
This situation mirrors the market shocks of 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted similar government interventions for off-grid homes. During that previous crisis, households received direct financial relief through the Energy Bills Support Scheme and dedicated Alternative Fuel Payments.
OK, Venice for a honeymoon is a bit of a cliché, but when you’re checking into this epic, freshly opened masterpiece, who cares? Housed within 15th-century Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, at the corner of two waterways just off the epic Grand Canal, its 47 rooms are dripping in La Serenissima elegance with elaborate fresco, ornate sculpture, embossed leather, gilded mirrors and a general more-is-more aesthetic that will set your senses scintillating. Defiantly anti-modern and anti-minimalist, it’s the ideal stay for a couple who want a full and luxurious immersion in Venice’s theatrical past.
YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has partnered with Manchester United Gary Neville in a business venture
Mark Goldbridge has been a prominent football YouTuber for over a decade. The Manchester United personality has earned millions of subscribers through sharing his live reactions and opinions on games.
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The 47-year-old is best known for his United content, with The United Stand being his most popular channel. Primarily producing fan media, Goldbridge also moved into a more traditional role by joining talkSPORT in 2022.
Two of Goldbridge’s YouTube channels, The United Stand and That’s Football, have been acquired by The Overlap, which club legend Gary Neville co-founded. MEN Sport take a closer look at the football media personality’s career and previous run-ins with pundits.
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Real name
While Goldbridge has become somewhat synonymous with football fan media, he works under an alias. The United fan’s real name is Brent Di Cesare but he chose to be known as Mark Goldbridge after starting his YouTube channels while working for the police.
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Previously explaining the reason for his alias, Goldbridge said: “When I started on YouTube, my job would not have allowed me to use my real name, hence the name was created.”
Net worth
Goldbridge has forged a lucrative career as a content creator. The United Stand boasts 2.2 million YouTube subscribers, with That’s Football commanding a further 1.4 million subscribers.
The Overlap have reportedly acquired the channels for a seven-figure sum. Goldbridge’s high profile was previously demonstrated by That’s Football being awarded the rights to broadcast a selection of Bundesliga games this season.
In December, the Daily Mail reported that, through his OMS Investments Limited company, Goldbridge had paid himself £1.5million between December 2023 and December 2024. However, the report added that the company accounts did not relate to The United Stand.
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Spats with pundits
Several pundits have taken issue with Goldbridge’s work over the years. The Ovelap co-founder Neville admitted to previously criticising “those bloody YouTubers” until launching his own channel. Meanwhile, former United star Paul Parker has questioned Goldbridge’s affinity for the club in the past.
“I don’t like what Mark Goldbridge is doing,” Parker told Bonus Code Bets in 2023. “It’s a problem. Everyone has to make a living but you have to be very, very thick-skinned to make money off the back of something you don’t like.
“He has no relationship to Man United, he is a Nottingham Forest fan. It’s an incredible skill to do that, actually… to make money on the back of something you don’t like.
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“He is attacking the club, the manager and the owners of a football club that you don’t even love. He has no inner feeling with the club and it’s a scary but incredible feeling to have to be that invested in a club that you don’t support.”
The YouTuber was raised in Nottinghamshire. However, he has repeatedly denied suggestions that he is not a United fan.
Gary Neville U-turn
The Overlap’s acquisition of The United Stand and That’s Football represents a major shift from Neville. Following his “bloody YouTubers” admission, a reported seven-figure deal has been struck as the pundit looks to expand his media network.
In a statement, Neville said: “We are building what we believe will become one of the most exciting Independent football communities in the world – one that gives fans direct, personality-led content. The United Stand and That’s Football are two of the best-known football channels on YouTube, and our intention is to develop them into the most compelling Manchester United and football news channels in the market.”
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On working with Goldbridge, he told Broadcast Now: “Mark has criticised me more than most, but we don’t have to agree. He knows what he does and he’s got to carry on criticising me. That’s how the world works.”
Two new formats on The United Stand have been announced: Stick to United, featuring ex-pros and journalists, and The Daily United. That’s Football will also be relaunched as a daily news podcast. These changes are expected to be launched in the summer.
In a statement about the deal, Goldbridge said: “I’ve spent the last 10 years building The United Stand for Manchester United fans and That’s Football for all fans, and I’m prouder of that than anything I’ve ever done. This deal is about what comes next. The Overlap has the ambition, the credibility, and the resources to help me take what I do to the next level.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
US Vice-President JD Vance has taken issue with Pope Leo, after his public sparring with Donald Trump about the war in Iran.
A heckler in the crowd at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia shouted as Vance chided the pontiff to “be careful when he talks about matters of theology”.
Pope Leo – the first American Pope – has repeatedly condemned the war in Iran, saying it has led to “absurd and inhuman violence”.
The pope said on Monday that he has “no fear” of the Trump administration or “speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do”.
Not that any of this has any bearing on the souvlaki. Mine was almost upsettingly delicious, the pita warm and soft, curling pillow-like around skewered pork that glistened with fat and melted with flavour. A thick layer of tzatziki covered the meat before thinly sliced onions, juicy tomatoes, and a blanket of crisp, golden fries. I happen to think Greece is home to the best French fries in the world. Something to do with the oil, I guess. To see this souvlaki before the rippling sea, not a cloud in the sky, made it all the better. And there are few dishes better suited after swimming, by the way. It beats the leisure centre cafe.
Manchester City are battling Arsenal for the Premier League title heading into the final few weeks of the season.
Manchester City’s showdown with Arsenal on Sunday has rightfully been billed as a title decider. Should the Gunners prevail, they would move nine points clear with the Blues having just five further games to erode that deficit.
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Mikel Arteta’s men would surely go on to win the Premier League if they win at the Etihad this weekend. Conversely, a City win reduces the gap to three, with Pep Guardiola’s men having the chance to go top if they follow that up with a win at Burnley on Wednesday.
A draw favours Arsenal but leaves plenty to play for in the final month of the season. Guardiola knows the importance of Sunday but is placing an emphasis on performance rather than magnitude. And he knows there is enough quality elsewhere in the top flight that beating Arsenal does not guarantee future wins.
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“Arsenal is a final for us, for them as well,” Guardiola said after the win at Chelsea on Sunday. “But don’t tell me Brentford at home will be easy, go to Bournemouth to win, win at home to Aston Villa.
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“There are still many things that are going to happen. That’s why after the result yesterday I said relax guys, don’t think much. All you have to do is how we will perform today against Chelsea. That’s the only thing you have to think about.”
If Guardiola highlighted three potential banana skins for his side, those pitfalls will also face Arsenal in the run-in. While the fixtures for the Gunners look kinder on paper, the pressure and magnitude of what is at stake will play a part.
After the trip to City, Arsenal welcome Newcastle to the Emirates. Eddie Howe’s side are on a dreadful run of domestic form but the Gunners’ loss to Bournemouth last time out showed a vulnerability on their own patch with the tension in the stands and on the pitch clear. Newcastle have also shown countless times this season that they can get themselves into a winning position; they have squandered more points in that manner than anyone else but that tide has to turn.
Arteta’s men also have a tricky-looking trip to West Ham next month. The Hammers are in the thick of the relegation battle and are likely to need points when they host Arsenal on May 10. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have shown their quality on more than one occasion in recent weeks and they have at least a puncher’s chance against the leaders.
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Guardiola is aware it is not all about Sunday at the Etihad. Arsenal will know it too.
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Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick was left furious by decisions made during the 2-1 defeat to Leeds on Monday night
Michael Carrick cut an angry figure at full time as Manchester United returned to Premier League action with a defeat to Leeds. The interim head coach’s major gripes came with referee Paul Tierney and his team, including VAR’s John Brooks. The interim head coach was angered by the decision to send off Lisandro Martinez after he was adjudged to have pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
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However, Carrick was also furious Noah Okafor’s first goal was allowed to stand after Calvert-Lewin collided with Leny Yoro in the build-up. “He [Martinez] gets an arm in the face to start with, so he’s off balance and they’re grappling, and then he almost just goes to touch him and grab his shirt,” Carrick said.
“And he ends up catching his hair, and touching the back of his hair. Then the bobble comes out and you get a red card for it. It’s not aggressive, there’s no jolt, no tug, no sudden movement, he kind of touches it, glances through it, and we’ve got to be careful with where the game is going if you’re getting red cards for that.
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“But then you can do two arms in the face for the first goal, and that is deemed alright. It’s a shocking decision, an absolutely shocking decision.
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“When you go one-goal down, it makes it a little bit more difficult, and I have to say the goal itself, Leny Yoro gets an arm smashed in the back of his head. That’s worth looking at again if you haven’t seen that.
“I don’t know how that doesn’t get overturned as a goal, it’s a clear smash in the side of his head, so that first goal shouldn’t stand, and it puts us in a difficult situation. It’s two decisions for me, the first goal, if that is overturned, it’s a massive moment, he’s kind of gone like that [gestures a push] to Leny’s head. But the red card, I have to say, that is really concerning.”
So with this in mind, MEN Sport has asked our United writers for their verdicts on the two decisions.
Steven Railston
Carrick was adamant that Leeds’ first goal should have been chalked off for a foul on Yoro. Calvert-Lewin’s arm is slightly raised, but it doesn’t look obvious when the replay is shown at normal speed. I’d argue that Yoro had to be stronger, and someone like Harry Maguire would have cleared the header.
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The second incident, the Martinez red card, has dominated headlines because the decision is very soft, but the precedent set by the PGMOL means that he was bound to be sent off once VAR had spotted it. The hair-pulling debate came to the fore in 2022 when Tottenham captain Romero pulled the hair of Chelsea defender Cucurella at a corner. Mike Dean was on VAR, and he failed to send referee Anthony Taylor to the monitor.
That was deemed a mistake by the PGMOL. Southampton defender Jack Stephens was shown a straight red card for a hair pull in December 2024. Everton defender Michael Keane was also sent off for a hair pull in January.
It was daft from Martinez to pull on Calvert-Lewin’s ponytail. It might have been accidental, but you’re leaving yourself open to a sending off if you touch an opponent’s hair.
Having said that, it’s obvious that Martinez’s action was not violent conduct. The action was not forceful, and seemingly not intentional.
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Jack Flintham
I am not convinced the first one is anything more than a soft foul, if that. We all know Calvert-Lewin is a physical striker with a similar style to Benjamin Sesko.
If it is given as a foul, I don’t think it would have been overturned but, likewise, VAR is not getting involved with that decision to prevent Okafor’s opener. The two players come together and he does impede Yoro but I can see why VAR did not get involved to avoid re-refereeing the game.
Initially, I thought Martinez was rightfully sent off. The defender does grab Calvert-Lewin’s hair, intentionally or otherwise.
But, the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) rules state it is a red card, unless the force is ‘negligible’. In my opinion, the tug was not prolonged, he was not dragged to the ground aggressively and while the bobble was removed, it seems harsh to send him off for that.
Dr Ann Burgess is a pioneering criminal profiler who inspired characters in iconic shows and films like Mindhunter, The Silence of the Lambs and Law and Order SVU.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
21:50, 14 Apr 2026
Dr Ann Burgess lent her expertise to investigations involving some of America’s most notorious serial killers, including Ted Bundy, Ed Kemper, and Dennis Rader.
BBC Two airs the opening episode of Mastermind: To Think Like A Killer tonight, Tuesday, April 14, a three-part documentary series examining the life of Dr Ann Burgess.
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Originally trained as a psychiatric mental health nurse, Burgess became one of the FBI’s most valuable assets, transforming criminal profiling and helping to apprehend killers throughout the 1970s and 1980s – work that remains vitally important to this day.
Her contributions proved so significant that she served as the inspiration for Netflix‘s acclaimed crime thriller Mindhunter, with psychologist Dr Wendy Carr from the FBI’s Behaviour Science Unit (BSU) modelled on Burgess.
Where is Dr Ann Burgess now?
At 89-years-old, Dr Ann Burgess shows absolutely no indication of stepping back, as she continues her profiling work.
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Rather than focusing on serial killers, however, Burgess has redirected her efforts towards profiling school shooters, collaborating with her granddaughter Alex, according to CBS.
Together, they gather data drawn from shooters’ manifestos, hoping to develop a profiling technique that enables teachers and others to identify students displaying worrying behavioural signs.
Burgess told CBS that the motivation “always includes a grievance”, as she continued: “And then they start researching and developing their plan.
“Law enforcement is onto this, and I think that they are making great strides on the cases that don’t turn out to be lethal.”
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Beyond this work, Burgess also dedicates her time to training nurses in Boston to identify indicators that women with dementia have been subjected to sexual assault in care homes.
Burgess is notoriously private, with little known about her personal life. Her husband Allen, a computer engineer, was an ardent supporter of her FBI work.
Holding a pilot’s licence, Allen would fly her to and from Quantico, Virginia, to conduct her research, until Burgess eventually obtained her own licence.
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The couple have four children together – two sons and two daughters – and Burgess now collaborates closely with her granddaughter Alex on her most recent project.
Mastermind: To Think Like A Killer is available to watch on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
“You’ll be aware of his majesty’s clear constitutional position, not least with regards to the judicial process, and even though the risk may be small that a meeting or any public comments could impact on those inquiries, or the proper course of the law, that is a risk that we simply can’t take, for the best interest for the survivors themselves.”
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