Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the First Minister is only talking to one half of Scotland with his indyref2 call.

John Swinney’s call for immediate indyref2 talks if the SNP wins an outright majority is a high stakes gamble that could easily backfire.

Most opinion polls show the SNP falling short of their leader’s aim, with some snapshots showing him hitting the magic number of 65 MSPs.

Senior SNP sources believe they are within the margin of error for a majority and are focusing their efforts on a small number of seats.

Swinney’s strategy is based on motivating his core vote by squeezing them as hard as possible.

The SNP are not as popular among the pro-indy contingent as he would like and he sees value in making outlandish promises about what will happen after polling day.

The First Minister’s team also believes there is limited value over the three remaining campaign days to woo soft Unionists who are scunnered with Keir Starmer.

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Swinney’s problem is that making further progress with pro-independence voters may be outweighed by losses caused by an inevitable backlash.

Scotland has a sophisticated electorate that knows how to play Holyrood’s voting system.

Pro-UK tactical voting deprived Nicola Sturgeon of a majority in 2021 and could also be the undoing of Swinney

The central concern for Scots is the cost of living crisis, not a second referendum.

They want to feel better off now and would reward any Government for making life more affordable.

Despite this fact, Swinney says he wants an immediate summit with Downing Street on indyref and a day one vote at Holyrood.

His top priority – and you can see this in his first 100 days plan – is constitutional conflict with Westminster.

Swinney is giving an incentive to the anti-SNP majority in every constituency to unite behind the party best placed to stop his indyref2 plan.

His call in today’s Record for talks with Starmer will help the Lib Dems in the Highlands and Labour across the central belt.

It will fire up the Tories in the south of Scotland and encourage a ‘lend your vote’ strategy across the country.

Swinney has insisted he will fight the 2031 election, but even his allies believe this is bluster.

This is his last shot at moving the dial indyref2 and he is resembling like a man in a hurry.

He has given his opponents another reason to stop him in his tracks on Thursday.

There was a major change of direction in the Premier League relegation battle this weekend and emotions are running high.

West Ham’s 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Brentford on Saturday opened the door for Tottenham and they accepted the invitation. Roberto De Zerbi’s side came out swinging on Sunday, racing into a 2-0 lead at Aston Villa before conceding a late consolation goal.

Spurs’ second straight win moved them one point ahead of the Hammers into 17th place with three games left to play. Tottenham were full of energy and good value for their win, yet Villa’s flat performance and third straight loss raised eyebrows.

With Villa fairly comfortable in fifth place and prioritising the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest, Unai Emery made seven changes to his side. That decision perhaps played into the hands of Spurs and, for some, raised questions of sporting integrity.

So was there something untoward about the scenes at Villa Park on Sunday? Or was it a simple case of squad rotation? Here the Mirror Football writers give their take on the issue.

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John Cross

Let’s be absolutely clear: Aston Villa’s so-called “performance” on Sunday night was probably the worst I’ve seen from a Premier League team this season. And yes, I’ve watched a lot of games. And if I’m Nottingham Forest or West Ham then I would be screaming: that stinks.

Tottenham were excellent. The best I’ve seen them play by far. They thoroughly deserved to win. But Villa did make it easy for them. They made seven changes. Would Spurs have won if Villa had not been playing the stiffs? Maybe. But the fact is we’ll never know.

We’ll never know whether in the second half a first teamer would be caught offside in Sunday League fashion at a short corner routine. Or whether they would have chased the ball Jadon Sancho gave up on. It’s clear he won’t be playing Thursday.

Here’s the thing. There’s more onus on relegation-threatened Forest to get a result at Chelsea on Monday. And that’s three days ahead of Forest’s Europa League semi final second leg at… you’ve guessed it: Aston Villa. Forest can’t rest any players. That’s why we’re using the word integrity.

West Ham sank into the bottom three after Villa rested seven players. How can that be right? During the game a contact from another club – with absolutely no skin in the game – messaged me about it. Could see it a mile off. Afterwards, an ex-player got in touch. “What about Forest?”

People in the game know the score. Emery will argue he’s within his rights to make changes. But my God, he’d be moaning if he was Forest boss. It’s not right.

Jeremy Cross

Unai Emery is the manager of Aston Villa. Which means he can pick whatever side he wants, for whatever game he wants. He is paid the big bucks to make decisions which are in the best interests of his team.

And if he thinks resting some of his stars will give Villa a better chance of overcoming Nottingham Forest in the semi finals of the Europa League this week, then so be it. Because if Villa can go on and win the Europa League, it will be a much bigger achievement than finishing in the top four.

Villa will have another European trophy to boast about, not to mention be in the Champions League. Emery is being selfish. Which makes all those complaining about him damaging the integrity of the Premier League, one of the greatest ironies of all. Because when it comes to the top flight of English football, every club takes care of itself at all costs.

James Whaling

Villa were awful. Abject. It happens. But the fact they made seven changes makes it seems a whole lot worse. Unai Emery picked a team flooded with internationals that was more than capable of beating a Spurs side languishing at the wrong end of the table.

Those who perhaps haven’t seen as much game time as they’d have liked this season had an opportunity to stake a claim and they wasted it. Emery knows what he’s doing. He’s won the Europa League four times before and Villa are favourites to give him a fifth.

The wider debate should probably be on the over saturation of football that made Emery deem it necessary to make such sweeping changes. This has only been brought into sharper focus because it affected Spurs and their bid to stay in the division and avoid what would be the biggest relegation in the history of the Premier League.

Emery doubtless did them a favour. But he shouldn’t have to answer to anybody.

Conor Mummery

This is not the first time a team has made changes for a Premier League game ahead of a big European tie, and it won’t be the last. It is, however, the first time a team with the opportunity to have a big hand in sending Tottenham Hotspur down to the Championship has done so.

West Ham fans are naturally unhappy about Emery’s selections given the result sent them back into the bottom three, but they were more understanding when David Moyes made six changes for the Hammers’ 2-1 defeat at Leicester back in 2023, 10 days before their Conference League triumph in Prague.

If Aston Villa had made similar changes for a match against Crystal Palace or Sunderland, it would’ve gone largely unnoticed in comparison. But fans want Spurs down. And it’s understandable. Seeing a ‘Big Six’ side in genuine danger of being relegated to the Championship is unprecedented and opposition supporters are naturally revelling in it.

Villa fielded as many regular starters in their line-up as Spurs did. The difference being the decision was taken out of Roberto De Zerbi’s hands given Tottenham’s ludicrous injury crisis. If fans want to criticise Emery’s players for a perceived lack of effort and having one eye on Thursday’s huge semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, that’s another debate. But to question the Villa manager’s integrity for rotating his team four days out from one of the club’s biggest games in the modern era is disingenuous at best.

Felix Keith

Oliver Glasner made five changes to his Crystal Palace side to face Bournemouth on Sunday. They were thrashed 3-0 and no-one seemed to mind, given the second leg of their Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk is around the corner. “Bournemouth’s semi-final was today. Ours is Thursday,” Glasner admitted afterwards.

To my mind, the situation is exactly the same, it’s just that Palace weren’t playing a side involved in the relegation battle. But what makes it even more ridiculous is that, as Emery himself pointed out in his post-match interview, Villa had lost their last two matches ahead of facing Spurs.

Why shouldn’t Emery change things up after watching back-to-back 1-0 losses against Fulham in the league and Forest in the Europa League? It’s not like he put out a team of academy players. It’s a complete non-issue.

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Nathan Ridley

I can understand why West Ham and Nottingham Forest fans might feel frustrated, but Aston Villa did nothing wrong. Unai Emery’s side have earned the right to prioritise the Europa League by giving themselves breathing room in fifth place.

If they get knocked out by Forest on Thursday and finish outside of the Champions League places, then questions can be asked. But not in relation to the relegation battle.

Whoever Villa were scheduled to play on Sunday would’ve faced a rotated team. The opposition happened to be Tottenham – just like when it was Brentford who got the benefit of facing a weakened West Ham XI between the Irons’ Conference League semi-final fixtures in 2023. It’s just how the cookie crumbles.

The only problem West Ham and Forest supporters should have is with their own results over the course of the whole season.

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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.

Three people have died amid a suspected Hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship anchored off Cape Verde. The rare disease is typically contracted by inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva.

The company operating a cruise ship where three passengers have lost their lives during a suspected Hantavirus outbreak – which has also left a British tourist critically ill – has confirmed that two crew members require “urgent medical care”.

Oceanwide Expeditions has revealed it is dealing with “a serious medical situation” aboard the MV Hondius following the deaths of three Dutch passengers, including a married couple aged 69 and 70.

A British national remains in critical condition at a Johannesburg hospital, while two crew members aboard the ship are in need of immediate medical attention.

Hantavirus is usually transmitted through breathing in infected rodent urine, faeces or saliva. Although uncommon, human-to-human transmission can occur, potentially causing severe and life-threatening respiratory failure.

Oceanwide released a statement saying: “During this voyage, three passengers have passed away. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care.”, reports the Mirror.

“As of 23:00hrs CET on 3 May 2026, no authorization from Cape Verdean authorities has been given to disembark guests requiring medical care or to support with medical screening.”

The company explained that Cape Verdean health authorities have yet to reach a decision on transferring the two unwell individuals to medical facilities in Cape Verde.

The statement continues: “Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort in organizing the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals on board m/v Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands.

“The body of the deceased individual is also planned to be included in this repatriation, along with a guest closely associated with the deceased. This individual is not symptomatic.

“This repatriation depends on many factors, including the authorization and support of local Cape Verdean health authorities for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from m/v Hondius.”

Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed it is collaborating closely with both local and international authorities, amongst them the WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We are currently establishing the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening, and next steps. We will provide a further update as soon as more information becomes available,” the statement adds.

Hantavirus is the very same illness that claimed the life of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, in February last year.

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Nests and dead rodents were discovered in outbuildings at the property where Ms Arakawa resided with her Oscar-winning husband, according to records held by the New Mexico Department of Public Health.

US authorities confirmed that Ms Arakawa, 65, passed away from a respiratory illness connected to hantavirus, a week prior to her husband, 95, who had been in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The couple were discovered at their home in February last year. A message delivered to travellers aboard the MV Hondius has revealed they are essentially trapped on the ship as it remains “anchored offshore of Cape Verde and awaiting approval […] to disembark.”

Staff have acknowledged there remains no certainty about when assistance will arrive, according to MailOnline. “At this stage, we do not have any information regarding the timeline moving forward,” the letter says.

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Lots of people suffer with hay fever at this time of year, but they’ve been urged to stop making a common mistake when taking their medication. It’s vital they take the advice on board

Millions of people across the country struggle with hay fever, and there are straightforward methods available to help ease symptoms effectively. However, what many may not realise is that taking medication incorrectly can have a significant impact, potentially leaving sufferers feeling gloomy.

Timing is more important than you might think, and there are several things worth knowing when it comes to getting the most out of your medication for the benefit of your health. If you have been reaching for your hay fever tablets only once the sneezing begins, you are already too late, according to pharmacist Seema Khatri at Roseway Labs.

This is not the first piece of expert guidance of this nature to have emerged recently either. Just weeks ago, sufferers were also encouraged to avoid making another error.

“Antihistamines work best when taken preventatively, not reactively,” said Seema. “Many people assume one pill gives instant relief, but the reality is, timing and technique really matter.”

For those who are out and about during the day, taking your medication in the morning allows it sufficient time to take effect before pollen levels peak, which typically occurs between late morning and midday. Non-drowsy options such as loratadine or cetirizine generally take between 30 and 60 minutes to begin working, with their effects lasting for 24 hours.

Sneezing, itchy eyes or congestion during the night can be triggered by indoor allergens such as dust mites or pollen drifting in through open windows. If this sounds familiar, taking an antihistamine at bedtime — particularly mildly sedating varieties such as chlorphenamine — can prevent symptoms from disturbing your sleep.

Taking hay fever medication at the incorrect time can hinder symptoms from being adequately managed. This may lead to heightened symptom levels throughout the day, potentially leaving you feeling considerably worse.

She added: “Food can delay absorption. Unless your medicine says otherwise, take it with water at least an hour before or two hours after food for faster relief.”

Many people only reach for antihistamines when symptoms flare up, but by that point your histamine response is already well under way. Taking them daily throughout allergy season helps maintain consistent levels, blocking histamine before it has the chance to cause problems.

Reactions such as bloating, rashes or itching may in fact be caused by excipients — the inactive fillers, binders or dyes used in tablets — rather than the active ingredient itself.

“Sometimes people assume they’re reacting to the medicine, when they’re actually reacting to additives,” Seema said. “A compounding pharmacy can create antihistamines without lactose, dyes or other triggers.”

Persistent or deteriorating allergies may indicate an overactive immune system, fuelled by stress, inadequate sleep, digestive problems or inflammation. Watch for fatigue, brain fog, skin flare-ups or food sensitivities, and consult your pharmacist or GP to explore the underlying cause.

Seema continued: “The immune system is complex, and if it’s overreactive, antihistamines can only do so much. Understanding why your body is reacting more than usual is the key.”

How to identify the root cause

Begin by maintaining a symptom and lifestyle diary. Monitor your sleep, diet, stress levels and any other persistent symptoms such as bloating, skin rashes or low energy. This can help identify patterns or triggers beyond pollen exposure.

Functional tests, including gut health panels, nutrient screenings or hormonal assessments may also prove useful in determining whether deeper imbalances are contributing to histamine sensitivity. Consult a medical professional to establish what might be appropriate in your case.

Seema noted: “You don’t have to just put up with seasonal symptoms. When we look beyond the surface, we often find answers that make a real difference.”

If you are struggling with hay fever, or your health in any other respect, contact your GP. This is the best place to go to for medical advice.

Laura Norton and Mike Parr have helped raise awareness

Emmerdale are marking the UK’s annual Deaf Awareness Week with the help of co-stars Laura Norton and Mike Parr.

The week runs from May 4-10, and Emmerdale have released four informative videos featuring actor Laura Norton (Kerry Pollard) teaching her co-star Mike Parr (Ross Barton) British Sign Language (BSL).

Laura Norton explains: “I was thrilled when the idea for these videos came up. Deaf Awareness Week is important to us, as both of our children have been diagnosed with hearing loss. And they both wear hearing aids.

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“Every deaf person’s experience is different, but one thing that we wanted to do as they got older was learn sign language and teach them to use it as well.

“It’s a wonderful skill to have and it’s a beautiful language and Deaf Awareness Week promotes awareness and inclusivity for the deaf community. I’m also hopeful these videos, although a bit of fun, might encourage people to think about learning to sign too.”

Fellow actor Mike Parr was keen to get involved, adding that he was interested in learning after hearing Laura had been taking lessons.

Mike Parr added: “I was only too happy to agree when I was asked to create a video learning how to sign. Laura is one of the nicest, kindest, most warm, and caring people I’ve ever met. I was already aware that her two children had Usher Syndrome, and I know how important this is to her and her partner Mark.

“Laura is a great teacher, and I found our session quite easy to pick up, although I know I’ll have to practice to retain the information. My beautiful little daughter attends baby sensory classes where they are learning Makaton, so my family – myself, Izzy, and Susie will definitely try and keep it up as much as possible.

“I strongly believe we should learn sign language at school; it would be valuable and as useful as learning French, German, Spanish, or Latin. I’ve loved this experience, and I hope that we could even start a little web series or do a few more instructional videos together. There is a website https://www.british-sign.co.uk/ where you can easily start your BSL journey.”

Both of Laura’s children were diagnosed with Usher syndrome. It causes impairments to hearing and vision, and currently has no cure. Laura and Mark (Jordon) have continuously expressed their dedication to finding a cure, and work closely with the charity Cure Usher, that was founded by Jo Milne.

The actress has previously shared: “In the beginning, it was about our babies. And then you meet other families going through the same thing and it becomes about everyone else.

“It’s such a rare condition and so many people have never heard of it and this community deserves to have people fighting for them and helping raise funds.”

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.

At least three people were killed when a driver lost control and ploughed into spectators at a monster truck event.

Harrowing footage showed the vehicle bouncing over a line of scrap metal before veering right and hurtling into the crowd.

Screams rang out as it mowed down several spectators who were attempting to scramble out of the way.

The incident happened at a monster truck exhibition in Popayan, Colombia.

The driver is believed to have lost control as the modified vehicle landed from a jump, sending it forward, where it hit a light pole.

Bystanders rushed to help the injured as emergency crews went to the scene, where a minor was pronounced dead.

Two others later died in the hospital, and at least 38 people have been injured and taken to hospitals across the city.

Local media had not reported the identities of those involved at the time of the latest update.

Popayán’s mayor, Juan Carlos Muñoz Bravo, said in a statement: ‘We’re deeply saddened by the accident in the Boulevard Rose area, which has so far left more than 38 people injured and three dead.

‘From the outset as mayor, I’ve made all available resources available to support the victims and their families.

‘We’re working closely with hospitals, emergency services and the authorities to ensure people receive prompt, compassionate and dignified care at this difficult time.

‘I’ve given clear instructions for a thorough investigation.. This should never have happened, and the facts will be established with full responsibility and transparency.’

In 2015, a similar incident happened when three people died and 15 more were injured after a monster truck crashed into a crowd of spectators.

Video footage showed the truck breaking through the safety fence just as it was wheeling round and revving its engine in preparation to drive over multiple parked cars.

It took place at a rally in Haaksbergen, a town in the eastern Netherlands.

Haaksbergen’s mayor, Hans Gerritsen, told local media that one of the fatalities was a child, according to Sky News.

Geerlof Kanis, one of the rally’s organisers, told RTV Oost that the safety fences were placed sufficiently far away from the vehicles to keep the crowd safe.

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King Charles is said to be ‘delighted’ over the news

Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank are “very pleased” as Buckingham Palace have announced that the pair are expecting their third child.

The King is said to be “delighted” over the news that the couple will welcome another child this summer. Their sons August, five, and Ernest, two, are also “very excited” with the announcement of a younger sibling.

Eugenie and Jack married in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in October 2018, and welcomed their first child, August, on February 9 2021. His younger brother Ernest was born on May 30 2023.

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On Monday (May 4), Eugenie shared a photograph of Ernest wearing a Chelsea football kit and August donning a long-sleeved grey t-shirt while holding a picture of a baby scan.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their third child together, due this summer.

“August (aged five) and Ernest (aged two) are also very excited to have another sibling join the family.

“His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news.”

The baby will be born 15th in line to the throne, marking them the 15th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II – marking him or her the third to be born since her death in 2022.

The new arrival will be the fifth grandchild of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following the birth of Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena Mapelli Mozzi in January last year.

Mr Brooksbank celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday, with Eugenie marking the happy occasion of sharing photographs of her husband spending some time relaxing on a beach as she gushed: “happy 40th my love”.

A shooting at a “Sunday Funday” party near Oklahoma City has left at least 12 people in hospital.

Police raced to the scene near Arcadia Lake, a popular spot for camping and water sports, around 9 p.m. after reports shots had been fired.

“This is obviously a very terrifying situation, and we understand the concern from the public and those involved, and we are working extremely hard to find the suspects,” said Emily Ward, a public information officer from the Edmond Police Department said Sunday. ​

Police have yet to reveal the ages of those attending the Sunday Funday party last night, although Ward described the attendees as “young adults.”

Police reportedly told Fox 25 that ‘two men in ski masks’ opened fire at a gathering. ​No suspects have been arrested, and authorities are reviewing footage from Flock license plate reader cameras in order to identify those responsible. ​

“I didn’t see anything, I was in the woods helping a female who said that she got hit,” Armani Kessee, a witness, told News 9.

According to him, the female had been hit by a “stray bullet.”

“We were shining the flashlight on her, trying to check her out,” he said. “It just didn’t work out.”

Kessee added, “It’s very sad to see someone that you know, or that you love just…it’s a very hard thing.”

At least a dozen people were rushed to nearby hospitals, with Ward describing them as being in “various conditions.”

However, the number of those injured could climb as some victims are understood to have driven themselves to get medical attention.​

One victim drove themselves to a nearby OnCue convenience store while seeking help, Fox 25 report.

Patients were still being assessed late Sunday night, a hospital system spokesperson told The Associated Press.

Nine patients were taken to Integris Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, with three others being taken to Integris Health Edmond Hospital.

The Edmond Police Department were joined by Oklahoma City Police, the Edmond Fire Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol at the scene.

Ward told reporters that there was no reason to believe that there was a threat to the public. ​

Arcadia Lake is located 13 miles north of Oklahoma City and is a hotspot for fishing and boating. The artificial reservoir is located in Edmond, a suburb of Oklahoma City.

The Independent has contacted the Edmond Police Department for comment.

“In football, it is difficult to say that one manager inspires you,” began the 36-year-old Davide. “You take things from different managers.

“Pep Guardiola was cutting edge, a pioneer. You cannot forget Jurgen Klopp in the high pressing, in the triggers. If we speak about superiority, you have to mention Roberto de Zerbi in how to find the third man, the small details that he discovered. I am fascinated by the defensive phase of Diego Simeone, by Unai Emery and, of course, my father.

“My father came from the school of Arrigo Sacchi, the zonal defence, the 4-4-2.

“And all of these ideas have influenced my own identity as a manager. This process of creating my own identity as a manager is always an ongoing one. For some people I am like my father, but in truth, I am not exactly like him. I have a similar character, but I am a different kind of manager.

“I don’t think a manager has to be one thing or another. There is always a point in the middle. You adapt to the players, and sometimes to the opponent, but you also need clear ideas on what you like as a manager.

“In the end, the team will become what you emphasise and you emphasise the things you like.”