Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

Countries face energy triage as the Iran war escalates

Published

on

Countries face energy triage as the Iran war escalates

BANGKOK (AP) — The escalating war with Iran is pushing parts of the world into energy triage, forcing governments to choose where to cut demand or absorb costs, while prioritizing dwindling supplies.

Asia is the most exposed since it relies heavily on imported fuel, much of it shipped through the now-blockedStrait of Hormuz. The narrow passage offshore from Iran is the main route for shipping a fifth of global trade in crude oil and liquified natural gas.

Governments in the region are scrambling to adjust — tallying oil reserves, conserving energy, competing for supplies and trying to blunt prices. That brings difficult trade-offs: saving power may slow business activity. Prioritizing cooking gas for households can hurt restaurants and other businesses.

“Even relatively modest constraints on energy use can create a drag on industrial activity,” said Linh Nguyen, with the consultancy Control Risks. She pointed to Vietnam’s energy-intensive export industries and warned that higher fuel costs or conservation measures could quickly raise production costs or slow factory output.

Analysts warn the same hard choices could soon spread beyond Asia to fuel-importing economies in Africa and elsewhere as countries compete for scarce supplies.

“The situation is common across the board,” said Putra Adhiguna of the Jakarta-based Energy Shift Institute. “There is no easy decision for the short term.”

Advertisement

Southeast Asia is rationing scarce energy

With oil prices surging despite releases of some reserves, Southeast Asia is stretching dwindling energy reserves by urging households, businesses and government agencies to slash power use.

In the Philippines, officials have switched to a four-day workweek to cut back on fuel consumption and reduce the government’s energy use by a fifth. Office have been told to switch off computers during lunch breaks and keep air conditioning no lower than 24°C (75°F). Vietnam has urged people to work from home. While in Thailand, the prime minister has even asked officials to take the stairs instead of elevators.

A security guard walks along offices at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority closed due to the implementation of four-day work week as part of a government drive to conserve energy amid the continued oil price hike on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Pasig, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favilal)

A security guard walks along offices at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority closed due to the implementation of four-day work week on March 13, 2026 in Pasig, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favilal)
Advertisement

Desks remain at an empty office at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority closed due to the implementation of four-day work week on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Pasig, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favilal)

Desks remain at an empty office at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority closed due to the implementation of four-day work week on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Pasig, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favilal)
Advertisement

Advertisement

But this comes at a cost.

Dieu Linh, a vegetable seller in Hanoi, said even a 10% rise in fuel costs will eat into her thin margins. “If my costs go up by even a little, the profit is almost gone,” she said.

At the same time, countries in the region are competing for limited supplies at higher costs.

Vietnam has asked refineries and fuel distributors to keep fuel supplies high, while Thailand is stretching its roughly two-month oil reserve and seeking other domestic energy sources. Both are using price supports to shield households from rising costs.

Advertisement

Thailand halted exports to protect its limited reserves, contributing to shortages that have closed nearly a third of Cambodia’s roughly 6,000 gas stations.

East Asia searches for new energy suppliers and sources

More than 80% of the liquefied natural gas, or LNG, that passed the Strait of Hormuz in 2024 went to Asia, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and much of it to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Japan’s first line of defense is its vast strategic oil stockpile, amounting to around 254 days’ worth of supplies. This system was set up after the shocks from the 1970s Arab oil crisis.

Japan began releasing about 45 days’ worth of oil reserves this week to prevent fuel prices from surging as crude oil imports slow. It last released reserves after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

This will help keep Japan’s energy-intensive industries running, from automobiles to steel manufacturing and heavy machinery. Companies like Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nippon Steel depend on steady fuel supplies.

Advertisement

South Korea plans to release 22.46 million barrels from its reserves under the International Energy Agency ’s largest-ever coordinated stock draw.

But analysts said that tapping reserves isn’t a longterm solution.

It will give refineries “some buffer” against disruptions. But this does not increase a country’s overall supply unless it can buy oil released by other nations, said Muyu Xu of the energy consultancy Kpler.

If the crisis drags on, crude oil shortages could return. The releases may keep refineries running for another few weeks, but companies may need to slow production if disruptions continue, she added.

“The fundamental difficulties will not be solved by this action,” said Mika Ohbayashi of the Renewable Energy Institute in Japan, adding that renewable energy was a long-term solution but the Japanese government was uninterested.

Advertisement

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is due to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month and Japan’s plans to buy more American LNG and restart nuclear power plants are likely to be on the agenda, analysts say.

Populous nations

prioritize homes, but face price pinch

India is prioritizing household needs for its limited supply of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, which is used for cooking and to power cars.

It has absorbed more than half of the increase driven by global market disruptions under a federal scheme to keep prices low for poor households, said Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

But shortages are already seeping into restaurants and hotels in the world’s second-largest LPG importer, as eateries shorten hours, close temporarily or trim long-simmered curries and deep-fried snacks from their menus.

Advertisement

The scale of demand in India, the world’s most populous nation, limits how long it can cap prices to shield consumers. The situation could worsen within a week if government subsidies lapse, said Duttatreya Das of the think tank Ember, noting gas supplies were the most immediate concern.

Advertisement

“You can’t store a lot of gas,” Das said, adding that fertilizer factories and small industries will feel the pinch first.

Indonesia, a country of 287 million people and Southeast Asia’s most populous nation, also faces hard choices.

While the government has promised to maintain fuel prices throughout Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, Adhiguna of the Energy Shift Institute said there is “no clarity about what will happen after that,” adding that this implies fuel prices could increase.

People carry their belongings as they arrive for a free bus trip to their hometowns organized by the Jakarta provincial government in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The annual exodus out of the capital and other major cities in the world's most populous Muslim country is underway as millions of Indonesians are leaving for their home villages to be with their family members to celebrate Eid-al Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

People carry their belongings as they arrive for a free bus trip to their hometowns to celebrate Eid-al Fitr, organized by the Jakarta provincial government in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Advertisement

Bus crew wait for passengers as the mass exodus out of Jakarta and other major cities is underway ahead of Eid al-Fitr in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Bus crew wait for passengers as the mass exodus out of Jakarta and other major cities is underway ahead of Eid al-Fitr in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Advertisement

Advertisement

Thailand is also caught in a dilemma. If it ends subsidies that keep prices low, living costs will jump and that could spark a panic if reserves fall further, said Areeporn Asawinpongphan of the Thailand Development Research Institute.

If the conflict continues, Indonesia will have to choose between keeping the subsides that protect customers or cutting funding to keep to budgetary limits. However, this could fuel inflation. Given Indonesia’s limited 20-day reserve, Adhiguna warned that price fluctuations in Indonesia’s fuel market will be swift.

“It will eventually reach a breaking point,” Adhiguna said.

Europe feels the squeeze, too

The European Union is doubling down on its long-term clean energy strategy to cut consumption and rein in prices across the 27-nation bloc that have risen sharply since the war’s start. Officials met in Brussel this week, where they considered ways to improve the region’s energy security.

Advertisement

“We are looking at how we can reduce people’s energy bills,” said European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen. “We are working on immediate measures to help businesses and our most vulnerable citizens.”

___

Ghosal reported from Hanoi, Vietnam. Associated Press writers Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok, Thailand, Sam McNeil in Brussels and Piyush Nagpal in New Delhi, India contributed to this report.

___

Advertisement

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Wireless Festival faces fresh blow after Kanye West ‘shock booking’

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Kanye West’s headline slot at Wireless Festival this year has sparked backlash, with leading sponsor Pepsi MAX pulling out of being associated with the event

Kanye West’s “shock” booking for Wireless Festival could face another setback. The rapper has sparked backlash since it was revealed he would be headlining all three nights of Wireless this year.

West, known as Ye, hasn’t performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury Festival 11 years ago. But while he was once one of the most decorated musicians, the decision to host him at Finsbury Park has sparked controversy, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it “deeply concerning”.

However, in recent days, the leading sponsor, Pepsi MAX, informed The Mirror that they had decided not to be associated with the festival in the wake of booking West. The festival was titled “Pepsi MAX presents Wireless Festival.” Diageo, the company behind Captain Morgan and Johnnie Walker, has also pulled out of the association.

Advertisement

Reports claim West had hoped to perform a string of shows at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium, but bosses swiftly said no, given their association with London’s Jewish community. “It feels there’s an element of shock value in booking Kanye,” celebrity publicist and talent agent Dermot McNamara told the Mirror.

He added: “He hasn’t performed at a festival for a while and I think organisers wanted to capitalise on that, especially as he does remain one of the biggest music artists in the world. However, I think they underestimated the response this would generate, and however big his fame is, his comments are far worse and while there’ll be some who will still buy tickets and love him, the vast majority won’t.”

West has shared antisemitic views on social media, including a post claiming he wanted to “death con 3” on the Jewish community. West also went on to release a track titled Heil Hitler – as well as releasing t-shirts with a swastika on, leading Shopify, which hosted his site, to pull the platform.

Advertisement

Dermot added: “It’s not surprising to see sponsors pull out. The signing of Kanye to the festival was already controversial. Brands want to be associated with PR friendly events that bring people together.

“Festivals are usually a great way of reaching a huge demographic, across various ages, genders, sexualities, races and religions and at some point, Kanye has said something offensive about most groups.”

Reflecting on Pepsi and Diageo pulling out, Dermot of Candid Publicity stated: “Brands are extremely important to festivals, as they will often provide much-needed cash flow to put on the show in the first place. There’s a mutual benefit from generating coverage and clicks on social media.

“There’s an entire industry built around which festivals brands sponsor. Depending on the scale of the relationship, brands will often have a say in which artists get booked, but in this instance, it’s fair to say they weren’t happy with Kanye being booked. Another element to this issue will now be safety. Given Kanye has offended many communities, can his safety or festivalgoers’ safety, or the safety of locals in the area, who may be affected by his views, be guaranteed?”

A source told the Mirror previously: “Following the mounting backlash surrounding the announcement and Sir Keir Starmer speaking out, Pepsi’s position as festival sponsor became untenable. Festivals are about bringing people together; the only decision was to withdraw with Kanye West topping the bill.”

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” Keir said. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe.”

A spokesperson for Haringey Council said: “Festival Republic, who are the licensee responsible for hosting the event, must meet several conditions. This includes ensuring performing acts do not offend or denigrate any race or religion and we’ll be seeking assurances from Festival Republic that they’ll be reminding all artists of this condition prior to them performing this summer.”

Advertisement

West has since apologised for antisemitic comments in a full-page advert hosted by the Wall Street Journal. He said he was in a “four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.” In his letter, he said he wasn’t looking for “sympathy or a free pass,” adding that he wanted to “earn forgiveness”.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Female entrepreneurs remain ambitious but scaling requires better financial education, new research shows

Published

on

Wales Online

The research gathered by Small Business Britain, in partnership with Starling Bank, found that more than eight in ten (82%) aim to grow their business in the next 12 months

Female entrepreneurs are not short on ambition and resilience, with many continuing to grow their businesses, despite operating at a small scale with limited access to structured support, new research from Small Business Britain, in partnership with Starling Bank reveals.

Advertisement

As part of a partnership aimed at boosting UK female entrepreneurship, the research gathered from more than 1,000 women found that more than eight in ten (82%) aim to grow their business in the next 12 months, with over half (53%) reporting increased revenue since 2025.

While this reflects strong confidence and momentum, there is a clear opportunity to better support women in scaling their businesses and strengthen income security, as just over half (51%) do not plan to hire in the next year and 51% report their household incomes are lower than before starting their business.

The research demonstrates UK female entrepreneurs are ambitious, resilient and growth-focused. However, their clear long-term goals are tempered by financial literacy, as 44% have not received financial education and over half (56%) rate themselves as beginner or intermediate in financial confidence. This highlights the importance of embedding practical skills into mainstream business support, as two in five (40%) of female entrepreneurs are unaware or have not used government support systems to help grow their business.

The findings also shed light on the transformative role female entrepreneurs play in the UK economy, leading many of the nation’s 5.6 million small businesses. However, with just over half (52%) of female solo entrepreneurs not planning to hire, it’s vital to provide tailored pathways to support female entrepreneurship and convert ambition into scalable growth.

Based on the report, the following recommendations have been made to government to support female entrepreneurs on their growth journey.

  • Prioritise financial education to improve financial literacy
  • Implement segmented and targeted support to move women from sole trader to employer
  • Prioritise the adoption of digital financial tools to support productivity

“Female entrepreneurs play a vital role in the UK’s economic ecosystem and across the country, their ambition and contributions, often alongside significant caring responsibilities, do not go unnoticed,” said Michelle Ovens, CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain.

“However, our research demonstrates a growth gap holding women back. There is a huge opportunity to support female entrepreneurs to scale their businesses with confidence and unlock financial success through clearer pathways to support. By providing women with the right tools and resources, we can level the playing field, boost entrepreneurship and enable more women to grow their businesses while continuing to benefit from flexibility and freedom taking the leap into entrepreneurship offers.”

Advertisement

The research showed that many female entrepreneurs are resourceful in navigating limited access to financial literacy and rely on variation platforms for financial advice:

  • 26% turn to accountants for financial support
  • 15% rely on Google
  • 12% use AI tools such as ChatGPT
  • 6% rely solely on their own judgement

Michele Rousseau, Chief Marketing Officer at Starling, said: “The demand for business and financial education is strong and we were blown away by our webinar series for female entrepreneurs, delivered in partnership with Small Business Britain, being heavily oversubscribed.

“Starling is committed to helping small businesses grow and we’re playing our part in publicising the digital financial tools that can help save them time and money, as well as supporting projects to help them get to the next level.

“We help entrepreneurs move beyond manual, time-consuming processes to digital tools, with in-app insights and free solutions to allow real-time financial clarity. This enables them to focus on converting their strong ambition into scalable business success.”

Becky Barnes, Founder of Becky Barnes Style – a sustainable stylist – said: “Being part of the Female Fundamentals programme has helped me feel more confident navigating the financial side of my business which is something many of us aren’t taught but are expected to lead on. It’s given me a clearer understanding of growth, pricing and long-term sustainability. As my business continues to grow, I’d welcome more support around scaling in a way that feels aligned, without compromising the values that sit at the heart of what I do.”

Advertisement

To celebrate female entrepreneurs across the country, Small Business Britain and Starling gathered more than 100 women at Emirates Stadium. As an official partner of Arsenal, Starling hosted the networking event ahead of Arsenal Women’s WSL fixture against Tottenham Hotspur Women. Many attendees were graduates of the free six-week Female Founder Fundamentals programme, focused on building confidence, growth and financial skills.

Small Business Britain has a stated mission to increase the number of female small business owners from 15% of all entrepreneurs to 30% by 2030. As part of this mission Small Business Britain will be working with Starling Bank to offer a range of support for female founders across the country.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

I’m a Celebrity’s Beverley Callard clears up ITV show confusion after cancer diagnosis

Published

on

Wales Online

The former Coronation Street legend posted a message to I’m A Celebrity South Africa fans ahead of the launch show on ITV

Beverley Callard has clarified any potential confusion surrounding her I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! comeback. The former Coronation Street star is due to return to TV screens on Monday, April 6 as one of 12 celebrities participating in the second series of the ITV reality programme’s spin-off, I’m A Celebrity South Africa.

However, this follows her January announcement of an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, which came just before she filmed her debut scenes on Irish drama Fair City, where she currently portrays Lily Patterson.

Beverley, who originally featured on I’m A Celebrity in 2020 when the programme moved to Gwrych Castle in North Wales during the Covid pandemic, used Instagram late on Sunday (April 5) evening to remind followers that the series is pre-recorded rather than broadcast live like the main programme, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Adam Thomas’ life from famous siblings and stunning wife to eye-watering net worthREAD MORE: Jimmy Bullard’s age, net worth and famous son as he enters I’m A Celebrity 2026

She stated: “Well, I’ve just got to, first of all, I’ve got to say Happy Easter – even though it’s a bit late – to everybody. Not a bad day today, but I didn’t eat chocolate because I just didn’t fancy it. And also, I want to remind everyone that tomorrow at 9pm, Easter Monday, I’m A Celebrity…South Africa begins.

“And I know everybody thinks I’m suddenly going away to South Africa. I’m not. We did film it a little while ago. So please watch it because it’s frightening, wonderful, horrifying, funny – it was terrifying, exhilarating, everything. But believe me, it’s great television, honestly, so I hope you enjoy it.”

Advertisement

At the weekend, Beverley also opened up about her struggles following a delay to her surgery results caused by a backlog. The actress, who has moved to Ireland with her husband Jon McEwan while appearing in the soap Fair City, shared a video on Instagram saying: “Well, I had to do a photoshoot yesterday and on the way there – it was for a magazine about Fair City – and on the way there, Jon was driving, and I was in the passenger seat.

She said: “My phone rang, and it said the caller ID. Usually, it’s the hospital or one of the consultants from the hospital and I thought ‘Okay, this is it, my results.’ It was one of the amazing cancer care nurses from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, they are fantastic. She wanted to know how I was doing.

“I told her that I’ve got quite a lot of soreness, which I’ve not had for ages but it came on a few days ago. She said I could be overdoing things, hopefully I’m not, I’ve had a lazy day today. But then she said ‘No results yet because there is a backlog,’ so hopefully I will get them next week.”

Advertisement

Beverley continued: “You know when your heart is in your mouth? You think ‘This is it. It’s coming now, any minute,’ and then, no, nothing. Obviously, we were still moving in the car, and I just thought ‘I can’t do this now, I cannot paint a smile on my face again.’ Anyway, I did it. You just do, don’t you? Then we went out for some dinner and it was really nice.”

Despite her ongoing health concerns, Beverley was effusive in her praise for her husband Jon, to whom she has been married since 2010. She said: “The other thing I was thinking was that Jon’s painting the bedroom in our new home and doing all that so it will be lovely for me for radiotherapy, etc, if I am tired, and I just thought ‘Oh, I could not go through this by myself.’

“I really feel for anyone who is going through it by themselves, I really do. If you are, you’re much stronger than me, that is for sure, and I’m sending you so much love.”

Advertisement

Beverley recently disclosed her relief at not requiring a further operation, having already undergone the removal of two lymph nodes as a precautionary measure to prevent the cancer from spreading. She is currently awaiting test results that will determine whether she has been given the all-clear.

I’m A Celebrity South Africa is on ITV1 at 9pm and ITVX

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Sort Your Life Out fans ‘can’t wait’ as expert shares huge announcement

Published

on

Wales Online

Sort Your Life Out star Dilly Carter has been a fan-favourite on the programme since it began back in 2021

Fans of the BBC’s Sort Your Life Out have reason to celebrate as organisation specialist Dilly Carter has announced an exciting professional development.

Sort Your Life Out Unpacked, a podcast inspired by the programme, debuts on Tuesday, April 7. The series will feature Dilly in conversation with celebrity guests, each bringing three undisclosed items from their residence.

Advertisement

Each episode will conclude with BBC audiences discovering whether the guest chooses to retain, donate or recycle their belongings in authentic Sort Your Life Out fashion.

Promising emotional moments, laughter and unexpected revelations throughout, Dilly offered a glimpse of what listeners can anticipate in a behind-the-scenes sneak peek.

On Sort Your Life Out’s official Instagram account, the BBC presenter appears in a studio setting, announcing: “Finally, I can reveal what I’ve been up to!

READ MORE: This Morning guest thought she had stomach pains until she gave birth to babyREAD MORE: Scott Mills’ replacement for Race Across the World podcast revealed after BBC axe

“I am going to be the host of a brand new podcast called Sort Your Life Out Unpacked. Look at my beautiful set.”

During a studio tour, viewers spotted a scaled-down Sort Your Life Out house – regularly featured in the warehouse on the main programme – accompanied by a photograph of fellow team members, including Stacey Solomon, Robert Bent and Iwan Carrington.

Elaborating on the podcast’s format, she revealed that the celebrity items will remain completely unknown to her until they’re presented.

Advertisement

Dilly continued: “This is going to be the celebrity podcast that teaches you all about celebrities’ homes. It’s the one you don’t want to miss.”

The post was captioned: “We can’t wait for you to listen to the brand new Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast with our very own Dilly Carter! Coming tomorrow on @bbciPlayer and tune in on @BBCSounds #SYLO #Podcast #SortYourLifeOut #DillyCarter.”

Responses flooded in shortly afterwards, with numerous people expressing their enthusiasm about the announcement, reports the Mirror.

Advertisement

One viewer commented, “Congratulations, lovely lady. Exciting, can’t wait!” Another wrote: “OMG I NEEDED THIS!!!!!!!!!!! Dilly, I will be listening to it on repeat.”

Reacting to the news on the BBC social media page last week, one follower stated: “We can’t wait to listen!” while another added: “So proud of you xx”

The description for the new podcast series states: “Amongst funny anecdotes and personal revelations, we learn how to organise and sort our own lives out.

Advertisement

“Celebrity guests include Elizabeth Day, Lorraine Kelly, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Kerry Katona, Eddie Kadi, Dr Alex George, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sort Your Life Out’s own Stacey Solomon and many more.”

Sort Your Life Out Unpacked launches on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer on April 7.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Inside Scotland’s most notorious prison as new series reveals life behind bars

Published

on

Daily Record

A gripping new series goes inside Scotland’s largest prison, exposing the tensions, dangers and fragile hopes behind its walls

Inside Barlinnie returns for a second series, offering a powerful and unfiltered look at life inside Scotland’s largest prison. The BBC Scotland documentary, filmed over the course of a year, captures the daily realities faced by inmates and staff within a system under constant strain.

Advertisement

Commonly known in Scotland as ‘The Big Hoose’, Barlinnie houses more than 1,400 prisoners across five vast Victorian halls. Behind its ageing walls, tension is ever-present, with the threat of violence or crisis never far away. The series explores how both prisoners and officers navigate this challenging environment, balancing control, rehabilitation and survival.

Life inside is unpredictable, according to Prison Governor Mick Stoney, who begins the series by describing the volatile atmosphere inside the prison walls. He states: “Barlinnie is iconic, notorious, infamous. Things can be calm, but it can go from zero to 99 at any second.”

The programme also looks beyond the prison gates, following inmates as they attempt to rebuild their lives after release. These journeys are often fragile, marked by uncertainty as individuals try to reconnect with loved ones and adjust to life on the outside.

Advertisement

The two episode BBC Scotland series sheds light on how difficult it can be to break the cycle of reoffending.

One of the most difficult challenges explored in the series is the flow of drugs within the prison. As drug smuggling methods continue to evolve, from visits to drone drops, the rise of synthetic substances has heightened the risks. These drugs are linked to increased violence, erratic behaviour and serious mental health issues among inmates.

The first episode presents a series of stark and eye opening storylines. JP, a known drug user, is rushed to hospital after collapsing from an overdose in the exercise yard, showing the dangers of substance misuse within Scotland’s largest prison.

Meanwhile, inmate Norry reaches a breaking point as he struggles with his past and threatens to take his own life, reflecting the mental health pressures within the prison system.

Advertisement

Additionally, inmate Ryan – who’s known as RJ in Barlinnie – one of Scotland’s most dangerous prisoners, turns to religion in a bid to transform himself. As he prepares to stand trial for another violent offence, he clings to the hope of staying sober and rebuilding his future.

Produced by Friel Kean for BBC Scotland, the series provides a stark insight into one of the country’s most infamous institutions.

The official BBC synopsis for Inside Barlinnie reads: “Inside ‘The Big Hoose’. The reality of life behind the bars of Scotland’s infamous prison. As it finally closes its doors, staff and inmates reflect on a violent, chaotic history.”

Advertisement

Inside Barlinnie is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 7 April, both episodes will be available to stream.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Manchester United confirm 25-man squad for Ireland training camp

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Man Utd are flying to Dublin on Monday afternoon as they embark on a short training camp ahead of their return to Premier League action against Leeds next week.

Lisandro Martinez is part of the Manchester United squad travelling to Dublin for a training camp on Monday, with the centre-back eyeing a return to action against Leeds next week.

United have named a 25-man group that will fly to Ireland on Monday for a short training camp ahead of the game with their Yorkshire rivals on April 13.

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have also been included after withdrawing from international duty with Cameroon and Slovenia, respectively, and they will be in contention to face Daniel Farke’s side. Matthijs de Ligt is absent as he continues his recovery from injury, while Diogo Dalot and Tom Heaton miss out through illness.

Advertisement

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Patrick Dorgu has been going through individual training at Carrington recently as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury and he too has been named in the travelling squad, though the 21-year-old won’t be fit enough to return to the squad against Leeds.

Michael Carrick has also included academy youngsters Fred Heath, Yuel Helafu, Jim Thwaites and Victor Musa in his squad, with the training camp lasting until Thursday. Harry Maguire is also part of the squad, despite being suspended for the visit of Leeds.

Up to 70% off Man United kits and merch

Advertisement
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image

Various Prices

Fanatics

Buy Now on Fanatics

Fanatics has slashed the price of Man United kits and merch with up to 70% off select items.

United’s last fixture was the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday, March 20, and the international break and scheduling of the FA Cup quarter-finals means they have 24 days without a game.

The players have been given some time off during that period, while the internationals were also granted a couple of days off at the end of last week, before regrouping at Carrington on Monday and heading to Ireland.

Advertisement

Training camp squad

Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee, Fred Heath.

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Yuel Helafu.

Midfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Jim Thwaites.

Advertisement

Forwards: Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Victor Musa.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Why is I’m A Celebrity South Africa not aired live?

Published

on

Why is I'm A Celebrity South Africa not aired live?

It initially aired back in 2023, with it acting as an all-stars version of I’m A Celebrity featuring previous contestants.

One of the main differences between the programmes was the setting, with it moving from the Australian jungle to Kruger National Park in South Africa.

A synopsis for the second series shares: “Campmates have already proved that they can survive the Australian jungle, but this is I’m A Celebrity… on a whole new level, it’s where legends are made.

Advertisement

“The trials are tougher than ever and with that, so are the stakes.

“With relentless twists and turns, the campmates will never know what’s coming next.

“They will be faced with challenges at every turn, quickly learning that with big decisions come even bigger consequences.”

Outside of the change in setting, the show also has a major difference from the original as it is pre-recorded.

Why is I’m A Celeb South Africa not live?

Due to the 2023 series being pre-recorded, it meant that viewers weren’t able to vote for trials or the winner.

Advertisement

Usually, much of I’m A Celeb is filmed live with Ant & Dec appearing from the studio in Australia, with an 11-hour time difference.

The reason behind the South Africa show being pre-recorded was that it was reportedly made as a backup in case ITV were not able to film a regular series in Australia due to potential Covid restrictions.

ITV had filmed two series of I’m A Celeb in Wales to counteract this initially, but there hadn’t been a great desire to do it again.

An insider told The Mirror at the time: “This is a brilliant reserve plan in case Covid restrictions come round again in the Autumn and the cast and crew can’t get Down Under, as has happened for the past two years.

Advertisement

“There is no appetite to go back to Wales.

“It was great while it lasted but it’s just too dark and damp.

“Everyone’s had enough, including the viewers.”

Filming for the first South Africa series took place in July 2022, with it being broadcast in April and May of 2023.

Advertisement

Despite Covid restrictions now not being a major worry for TV productions, the decision was still made to pre-record the second series.

ITV have been contacted by Newsquest for comment.

Filming for the second series occurred back in September 2025.

Advertisement

I’m A Celeb South Africa final to be aired live

In a change from the first series, the final of I’m a Celeb South Africa will be aired live on Friday, April 24.

The Radio Times shares that rather than making the 12-hour flight back to Africa, the entire celebrity cast will instead gather in a UK studio.


Recommended reading:


From here, the public will be able to vote to crown this year’s I’m a Celebrity Legend.

Advertisement

Discussing the change, Ant & Dec said: “It’s going to be here in the UK, live on the television.

“We’re going to get all the cast back, we’ll have the finalists in the studio.

“It’ll be a live vote like we do in Australia and the public will decide their Legend.”

Will you be watching I’m A Celeb South Africa? Let us know in the comments.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Nicola Peltz ‘takes swipe’ at Beckhams’ Easter celebrations after Brooklyn snubs David’s Inter Miami stadium ceremony

Published

on

Nicola Peltz 'takes swipe' at Beckhams' Easter celebrations after Brooklyn snubs David's Inter Miami stadium ceremony

Earlier in the day, Victoria Beckham, 51, had shared the Beckhams’ Easter celebrations – which included personalised hampers for the Beckham family – including husband David, 50, daughter Harper, 14, sons Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21, as well as their girlfriends Kim Turnbull, 24, and Jackie Apostel, 30.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Green light for ambitious plan to transform East Kilbride town centre

Published

on

Daily Record

Councillors on South Lanarkshire’s planning committee unanimously approved the application for redevelopment of the Centre West site.

East Kilbride’s town centre transformation has taken a major step forward with the granting of planning permission in principle for up to 270 homes and a new civic building in place of Centre West.

Advertisement

Councillors on South Lanarkshire’s planning committee this week unanimously approved the application for redevelopment of the shopping centre site into a residential area, along with accompanying retail and healthcare spaces and a building for “assembly and leisure”.

Full details and plans for the homes and other facilities will later be submitted and approved through a series of subsequent planning applications, while early-stage demolition work is underway at the vacated shopping centre site after ownership passed to the council in December.

The approved proposal states that the shopping centre site will be transformed with “between 229 [and] 270 residential units”, plus around 890 square metres commercial space for uses including food and drink, retail and healthcare, and approximately 7000 square metres for the civic building.

Accompanying site layout illustrations indicate seven design zones within the site – with the civic hub shown allocated to the Queensway side of the site, closest to the remaining shopping malls, while the rest are allocated for the residential development.

Advertisement

It will include affordable housing and “an informal children’s play area for residents”, and detailed property designs will form part of later detailed planning applications along with information including parking and electric vehicle charging, pedestrian connections, construction traffic, waste, landscaping and lighting.

Councillors agreed with the planning recommendation that legal agreements are put in place regarding both developer contributions to local education provision to serve the new homes, and to determine the level of on-site affordable housing provision.

The planned civic hub is described as having “the potential to incorporate a number of functions such as a public hall, theatre, community centre, library and offices”, and the later full planning application will include details of its proposed uses and operation, opening hours, accessibility and car parking.

Centre West’s demolition and repurposing forms part of a major masterplan for redeveloping the town centre, which South Lanarkshire Council say will “enhance the physical fabric, vibrancy and feel of the town centre, delivering a high-quality urban environment”.

Planning committee members were told at their meeting: “This relates to the now-vacated Centre West; this applications is residential-led but seeks permission for a variety of uses, all of which are appropriate to a town-centre location.

READ MORE: “Business as usual” as work begins to deliver EK town centre visionREAD MORE: Next stage of masterplan to transform East Kilbride town centre is underway

“This permission in principle will establish parameters and design principles which provides a degree of certainty against which future schemes and investment proposals can be progressed; there were no objections to the application.”

Advertisement

Centre West is the newest part of the town centre shopping complex having been was completed in 2003, and a report for councillors noted: “The shopping centre entered administration in 2022 where administrators were appointed and earlier this year, ownership passed to South Lanarkshire Council.”

READ MORE: Comedy hit Celtic Da’s is coming to Hamilton Town HouseREAD MORE: Community spirit triumphs as Lanarkshire venue honoured

It added: “Demolition is only supported when appropriate justification can be provided.

“The shopping centre has seen a significant decline in usage over recent years due to changes in customer habits; while re-use of the existing building has been investigated, this has been shown to be economically unviable due to the costs of refurbishment to make [it] fit for purpose and meet sustainability requirements.”

Advertisement

Public access through Centre West ceased earlier this month, with shopping centre operators EK, East Kilbride posting on social media that this is “to allow for demolition works to progress”.

They added: “Access to the centre from Rothesay Street will now be through our new Plaza entrance.

“Access to Centre West from Plaza will remain open but will be limited to customers using Superdrug who continue to trade in Centre West until their relocation to Plaza in May.”

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

Advertisement

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: Funding launches for Lanarkshire’s biggest climate festival

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Award-winning Cambridgeshire park with zip-line, two huge play areas and 9 football pitches

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

The park is situated in 80-acres of scenic land and is full of things to do

We have finally entered the beautiful spring season where flowers begin to bloom, fields fill with colour, and the sun shines more and more. This can only mean one thing – a beautiful walk – and CambridgeshireLive have just the ideal place to recommend.

Priory Park is an award-winning park in St Neots with lots to offer. Situated amongst 80-acres of 18-th century parkland, this park offers five football pitches, four mini soccer pitches, two large children’s play areas, a zip-line, basketball, and space for a relaxing picnic with friends.

The site offers free parking for approximately 40 cars as well as a pavilion with changing rooms, a kitchen and a refreshment area. So, visitors have all the facilities they need for an enjoyable day out in the fresh air but without having to splash the cash.

Advertisement

Ideal for dog-walkers, friends catching up, and those who seek some peace and quiet, this park offers an extensive woodlands just waiting to be explored.

This high-achieving park, situated off Huntingdon Road, received the Green Flag status in 2022 which recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces in the country.

However, this park, offering scenic views, hasn’t just caught the eyes of the Green Flag Award scheme, it has also earned a highly reputable status online. Among over 250 reviews, the park has an average of 4.6 out of five stars on Google.

One person said they experienced a “wow moment” visiting the park especially because of the “neatly cut grass and swathes of uncut areas hosting thousands of wild flowers”.

Advertisement

Another visitor commented: “What a lovely hidden gem in St Neots. Nice and lovely park. Appreciate the fact that the park is always maintained well. A joyful, lush greenery routes if you go for a walk.”

Dating back to the 1700s, the land that is now Priory Park, was reportedly once used for farming by an attorney, William King. He acquired the land in the 1790s, creating a park for his new house at the top of the hill. The house was later demolished in the early 60s.

An underground ice-house was dug in the park just west of the house and local legend has it that Priory Hill was connected to the Priory (Waitrose Car Park site) by a tunnel.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025