“So long as the visit proceeds smoothly and Trump concludes he was treated respectfully, then the uneasy calm in the bilateral relationship will endure. If, on the other hand, Trump leaves feeling disrespected or trifled with, then he could have a change of heart,” says Ryan Hass, Director of the John L Thornton China Centre at the Brookings Institute.

Twelve hospital staff at Radboud University Medical Centre will be in isolation for six weeks after failing to follow strict PPE protocols when treating a hantavirus-infected patient evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius

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A dozen hospital workers in the Netherlands face quarantine after flouting strict PPE protocols while treating a patient who had been aboard the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, the MV Hondius.

The Netherlands’ Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc) confirmed on Monday that 12 members of staff had put themselves at risk of contamination by failing to adhere to specific, rigorous protocols when handling blood and urine samples from an infected individual who had been aboard the virus-plagued vessel.

Despite the risk of infection being deemed low, the 12 healthcare workers will remain in “preventive quarantine for six weeks as a precaution,” the hospital confirmed.

The patient, who contracted the rodent-borne virus, has been receiving hospital treatment since Wednesday following a medical evacuation from the ill-fated Dutch vessel, which has been at the centre of an international health emergency in recent weeks.

Blood samples were taken from the patient and processed using standard safety measures. “Due to the nature of the virus, this blood should have been processed according to a stricter procedure,” a hospital spokesperson confirmed on Monday. “In addition, it became clear on Saturday, May 9, that the most up-to-date international regulations had not been followed during the disposal of the patient’s urine.”

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Staff members will be provided with any necessary support while in isolation, the university medical centre confirmed, with Radboudumc board chair Dr Bertine Lahuis seeking to reassure the public that the risk to the wider community remains minimal.

“Despite the fact that the chance of actual infection is very small, these measures have a significant impact on all those involved. We regret that this has happened at our university medical centre,” she said, adding that a careful investigation is coming to “learn from this and to prevent it from happening in the future” once again.

Her public statement follows days after the infected patient was first assessed at the hospital, with the Dutch medical centre having previously assured the public that its staff had the hantavirus containment measures firmly under control.

A spokesperson said at the time: “On the ward where the patient is admitted, appropriate isolation measures have been taken to prevent spread, in accordance with internationally agreed protocols.

The team is specialised and trained in the care of patients with severe infectious diseases.” The patient at Radboudumc was among three individuals who were medically evacuated from the MV Hondius while the vessel was docked off the coast of Cape Verde last week.

They were transported back to the Netherlands, along with another patient who has since been admitted to Leiden University Medical Centre.

A third person evacuated from the ship was taken to a hospital in Germany, and has since tested negative for hantavirus.

Three people lost their lives following a recent hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel, which had 147 passengers and crew members on board. Two of the fatal victims were identified as a man and woman from Friesland in the Netherlands, while the third was reported to be a German woman.

The remaining passengers still aboard the Dutch-flagged ship were finally able to disembark on Monday, bringing weeks of uncertainty to a close.

The Moon in Pisces angles towards a charged Jupiter, heightening emotions throughout the day ahead. Go easy on yourself.

Gemini, Taurus and Aries, don’t be afraid of your own company today. You always look outward; make some room for intropection.

Protect your energy within this raw cosmic shift, and be sparing with your interactions. Really feel all that this placement has to offer.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday May 12, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Your abode really can be a place of refuge today. Some new soft furnishings can tempt too. The Moon in your sector of escapism and gentle healing could also see you in the mood to book a therapeutic treatment, a spa day, or to luxuriate later in the day in a deep, hot bath, with all the candles and personal care goodies to make it particularly soothing and nurturing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

A sense of flow can just seem to smooth your path. Things that can sometimes snag likely will not, and even the usual awkward things that can snare can just go your way. The lovely thing about today’s celestial influences is that you may be in the mood to share the vibe with friends or a loved one, and you may be fortunate to receive a really thoughtful gift or text.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

You can be one of the most effervescent of signs. But today, you may be happier cocooning yourself away with your private thoughts and ruminating on recent events. That does not mean to say you will not necessarily be busy. Your mind can still be active, perhaps processing sensitive issues or, in a more practical sense, conducting much-needed research.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancerian people can often be among the most effective leaders, as you have an innate gift for managing both people and practical matters astutely. So if you are collaborating with others today, you may find yourself being in demand because others can be keen for your important perspective and perhaps even guidance. Mind, there can be some fun in the mix too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

The Part of Fortune is a very influential point in any person’s unique birth chart. And today, it is in a beautiful embrace with Venus, the planet of charm, in the part of your ‘scope to do with quick communication. This connection could be just as much in your professional or worldly interactions as in a social or romantic context, but it could prove helpful.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

There is a really bubbly set of influences impacting your zodiac sign at the moment, Virgo, all of which are encouraging you to socialise, plan exciting adventures, holidays, or big nights out. And it can be just the tonic you need, as you are often so very conscientious. Give yourself permission for some escapism; it can recharge you for the daily grind.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

If you work in a business role, either for an organisation or in your own enterprise, your acumen can be particularly good today when a balance of shrewdness and positivity could see you make some very astute decisions. You may also be alert to developing trends, yet as much as this can be financially beneficial, it may also show up in fashion and music too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

The Moon, in the most social part of your chart, links to the upbeat Jupiter, in the most enthusiastic area. Perfect if you choose to get together with friends. However, your relationship sector continues to sparkle, and this bubbly vibe can give you extra confidence if you meet someone new. You can be cautious in these situations; today, though, you may more than likely just go with it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Your ruling planet, Jupiter, is the traditional guide of Pisces, where his role is largely about faith and emotional wisdom. Currently domiciled in the homely Cancer, he is helping you to think about long-term finances, property, and family hopes. Yet with your practical sector supported by the Sun and sharp-eyed Mercury, your grasp of details is heightened too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Every now and again, the planets align to give us a wonderful platform to sparkle. We do not have to embrace it, of course, and particularly if we are concentrating on important worldly or practical strands. However, if you do get some space today to connect with friends, spend quality time with a partner or family members, and enjoy some jolly exchanges, then do.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Your home or family time can prove to be productive. Whether it is catching up on neglected domestic chores, a DIY project that has stalled, or decluttering and freeing up more space, it can be very therapeutic. You may want to turn up the music, or you may want total peace and quiet, but either way, if you put your mind to it, you can get a lot done and feel good for it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

The Moon in your sign angles towards your traditional ruler Jupiter, in a really harmonious way. He is in Cancer, another Water sign, and he can give you a sense of fun or an appreciation for the arts and creativity. And with the Sun and Mercury joining in the chattiest part of your Solar chart, there is likely a lot for you to enthusiastically share or discuss.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of May here.

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The 2028 election is more than two years away, but speculating about who will be the first person in over a decade not named Donald Trump to appear atop the Republican ticket appears to be the 47th president’s favorite parlor game.

Trump on Monday conducted an informal straw poll of visiting law enforcement officials and other allies whom he’d gathered for dinner on the slate patio where the White House Rose Garden was until he tore it up and paved it over last year.

The question? Whether they prefer Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the next GOP presidential candidate.

After opining about the current state of the Democratic Party’s bench and laying into California Governor Gavin Newsom over a months-old interview, Trump dismissed the potential 2028 opposition to a MAGA successor as “a lot of beauties.”

Turning to Vance, Trump said: “JD, I envy you — and other people.”

“I don’t know who’s it going to be — Is it going to be JD, is it going to be somebody else? I don’t know,” he said.

The president then turned to his guests for their views.

“Okay, who likes JD Vance?”

After diners responded with tepid applause, Trump asked another question: “Who likes Marco Rubio?”

The crowd’s response was slightly more muted.

At that point, Trump appeared to have had his fun, telling the loyalists arrayed before him that a Vance-Rubio ticket sounded good to him.

“JD, this is a perfect that was a perfect ticket. By the way. I do believe that’s a dream team, but these are minor details,” he said.

But lest his vice president get any delusions of grandeur, the president then cautioned him: “That does not mean you have my endorsement under any circumstance!”

Trump’s dinner emcee act echoed what The New York Times has reported to be a familiar survey he’s put to guests at his Mar-a-Lago club during his frequent visits there, asking his friends and colleagues to pick which of the two top officials should succeed him.

Vance, 41, is largely considered the frontrunner to take the reins of Trump’s legacy due to his popularity among moderate Republicans. But 54-year-old Rubio’s decades of political experience and multifaceted role in the current administration have resonated with many voters.

The president only poses the question for fun, Trump advisers have said, according to the New York Times, and often suggests the two men, whom he refers to as “kids,” should run on the same ticket.

But the consistent conversations around Vance and Rubio have ignited debates, especially as both men take on more public-facing roles.

Vance has taken a larger step into foreign affairs, helping lead so-far unsuccessful peace negotiations with Iran and attempting to rally support for Viktor Orbán, the former Hungarian leader who lost his re-election bid.

Recently, Vance has been deployed to rallies in the Midwest to connect with voters ahead of the midterms. The vice president’s background growing up in a white working-class Appalachian family has helped him engage with voters. But his recent stumbling through a speech in Iowa attracted negative attention.

Once a self-described “never Trump guy,” Vance’s progression to becoming Trump’s running mate mirrors much of the Republican Party’s feelings toward Trump between 2015 and now.

After being heckled at a Turning Point USA event in April, Vance struck an understanding tone with young voters who disagree with the administration’s stance on the Iran war.

“I’m not saying you have to agree with me on every issue. What I am saying is don’t get disengaged because you disagree with the administration on one topic,” Vance said.

Rubio, an ex-Florida senator who unsuccessfully sought the presidency in the crowded 2016 primary that eventually crowned Trump as the GOP standard-bearer, has less of a high profile despite his years in public service in Florida’s legislature and the U.S. Senate.

But his time in the Trump administration has seen him become the subject of a running joke stemming from the many roles he fills while also serving as head of the State Department.

In addition to his Senate-confirmed job, making him fourth in line to the presidency, he is also the first person since Henry Kissinger to serve as both Secretary of State and the White House National Security Adviser.

But Rubio has also had stints, now complete, as acting Archivist to the United States and acting head of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Each time a new role opens up — in the White House or elsewhere — social media erupts with AI-generated images of Rubio taking on those roles, from the Secretary of Homeland Security or Attorney General to the Supreme Leader of Iran or head of Spirit Airlines.

His status as a wearer of many hats has cemented him as a trusted leader in the administration. Already, Rubio is intimately involved in foreign affairs, assisting in discussions with Iran and leading efforts to reform Cuba’s communist government.

And while he’s infamously been cut out of high-stakes negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine and Iran wars in favor of Trump’s friend Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Rubio has nonetheless stepped into a more public spokesman role recently by leading the White House press briefing with jokes and making a public display of amends with Pope Leo XIV.

But the Secretary of State, who remains a close friend of Vance’s from their shared time in the Senate, has publicly stated that he would not run against the vice president if he chose to seek the presidency.

“If JD Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said in a Vanity Fair interview last year.

Neidle, who has investigated the tax affairs of several politicians, looked into Polanski’s situation and wrote on his Tax Policy Associates website this week: “If, as seems likely, that was his main residence, then Mr Polanski and his partner should have paid council tax there.”

The UK’s local elections saw the Green Party gain 440 councillors across England and win its first two elected mayors. They will join many councillors from all parties who will have to confront the same question: what can any one local authority actually do about climate change?

If they ask what they are required to do, the answer is: surprisingly little. In the UK’s highly centralised system, most responsibility lies with central government. Local authorities in England have no specific climate duties or targets – even though they have asked for them.

Ask instead what councils can do, and the answer is very different. Powers over things such as planning, business development, transport and social care, open up a huge range of opportunities to contribute to climate action. There are hundreds of initiatives driven or supported by local politicians which could provide vital inspiration to newly elected councillors.

Global problem, local action

For instance, local authorities across Cambridgeshire have worked together on a plan to boost home energy efficiency, providing help and funding to householders to fit heat pumps, cut energy use and bills, and creating green jobs.

The Robin is a new transport service in rural Gloucestershire that can be booked on demand, to fill in gaps in formal transport provision and reduce isolation for rural dwellers who don’t have access to a car. Leeds City Council has partnered with private energy companies to develop Pipes, a city-wide district heating network. Some local authorities, including North Somerset and Sheffield, have even banned advertising of high-carbon products and services such as petrol cars and flights.

In Lawrence Weston, a relatively low-income area of Bristol, local government and a community organisation worked together to build the UK’s largest onshore wind turbine, which ploughs its revenues back into the community.

In Hull, an area prone to flooding, the council is working closely with local residents to protect them from increasingly extreme weather, through sustainable urban drainage systems, and a “floodmobile” which engages with local communities to discuss how best to protect households and gains vital feedback from people’s experiences.

People want more action

My local town council, Kendal, held a citizens’ jury in 2020, to ask residents what Kendal should be doing about climate change. It was one of the first of many local assemblies and juries to involve a randomly selected group of ordinary people in climate decision-making.

My research group has pulled together the findings of over 30 of these processes. It found that people want more action on climate and support more ambitious policies on transport, home energy and green space. They want the opportunity to be more involved in the decisions that affect them.

Since Kendal’s jury, the town council has used its very limited budget to create more allotments, set up a bike maintenance hub, and support a community-run café that uses surplus food from supermarkets to serve pay-as-you-can meals.

These examples, from cities, towns and rural areas, involving councillors of all political persuasions, show what can be done by a determined local authority. What they have in common is they connect climate goals to immediate local benefits: lower bills, better transport, more green space and help for families struggling to make ends meet.

But there are limits

While it’s important to celebrate these successes, there’s a need to attach a substantial health warning. Each initiative has relied on a determined council officials, elected members, and community and business support. Nearly all need external funding, which is increasingly hard to come by. Local councils’ own budgets are under constant pressure, and there are fewer staff in post. Funding per person has decreased by 18% since the 2010s. Remember that councils have no formal duties to reduce emissions – and it’s easy to understand why many feel they need to prioritise elsewhere.

It’s also an uncomfortable, rarely discussed, truth that some things local councils do actually make it harder to meet our climate objectives. Examples include planning policies which increase car dependence through low-density housing and out-of-town developments, poor transport planning which makes walking and cycling more dangerous, and support for high-carbon industrial development. We may have a climate crisis on our hands, but with limited budgets and an increasingly fraught political arena, there is a huge temptation for local councillors to look the other way.

Given this mixed and confusing picture, one of the things a new councillor could do to have the most impact would be to lobby for clear climate-related responsibilities, targets and funding for local areas. This would provide firmer foundations for local areas to act, would raise the floor, to ensure that all local areas were playing their part, and would standardise reporting so that we could compare and learn what results in the best outcomes for climate, people and nature.

Perhaps targets, funding and reporting is not the best rallying cry for climate action, but it would be the best way to make sure that these exceptional initiatives that have sprung up across England could become the norm – not the exception.

Alice O’Keeffe, head of books for The Bookseller and chairwoman of the books of the year, said the judges “championed” Ms Giuffre’s memoir, adding: “With this award we recognise the late author’s extraordinary courage and determination, supported by (publisher) Doubleday’s sensitive campaign. #BelieveHer.”

Tucked away in Cumbria’s Lake District, the charming village has been named the UK’s fastest-growing travel hotspot for summer 2026 by TripAdvisor, and it’s easy to see why

The Lake District is a much-cherished national park that attracts thousands of visitors year after year, yet one of its more modest villages has largely flown under the radar for many of today’s travellers.

Despite being steeped in history and culture, Grasmere rarely features on the average tourist’s bucket list — certainly less so than the likes of Cornwall, Devon, or popular UK city breaks. Indeed, when it comes to the district’s 16 major lakes, Windermere remains the most visited and well-known, followed by Ullswater and Derwentwater.

Yet the quaint village appears to be enjoying something of a renaissance. TripAdvisor’s Summer Travel Index for 2026 has revealed the destinations proving most popular among British travellers next summer — and the charming village of Grasmere has been crowned the fastest-growing.

Nestled within Cumbria at the heart of the Lake District, this picture-postcard village has a great deal to offer those seeking a break immersed in nature, with just the right number of spots to sit back and recharge.

The founder of Lonely Planet described the village as an “absolutely beautiful corner of the world” — a sentiment apparently shared by many, including the celebrated poet William Wordsworth.

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He lived peacefully in Grasmere from 1799 to 1813, at Dove Cottage, alongside his well-known sister, Dorothy. It was here that the great writer drew inspiration for and penned some of his most celebrated works, famously describing Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.

The Lake

The lake itself sits beside the village that shares its name, ranking among the smaller stretches of water in the Lake District. Stretching just over a mile in length, it offers small rowing boats along its banks, allowing visitors to venture out and take in the lake from its very centre.

At the heart of the lake lies a tiny island, where it is believed Wordsworth would enjoy picnics. Now under private ownership and closed to the public, it nevertheless adds a rather charming touch to the already tranquil setting.

A recent visitor shared on Tripadvisor: “We added a little stroll along Lake Grasmere from Rydal water. Pretty easy walk, and mostly flat. Scenery was beautiful, water nice and calm and our dog looked a little swim in it.”

Another wrote: “I live in Western Australia now, but this is by far the most beautiful place I have ever swam. It’s a half mile walk from White Moss Car Park, and very worth it. The lake is calm and flat, so great for kids, however, gets deep very quickly. The water is crystal clear, and even in shallow water, fish are present.”

Places to eat and drink

Tucked within the village are a variety of charming and welcoming establishments, ranging from traditionally English pubs to trendy cafés and restaurants. For those seeking a more classic experience and somewhere to unwind with a cup of tea, Baldry’s Tea Room is the perfect choice.

Situated on Red Lion Square, the delightful spot is defined by its vintage décor and straightforward menu of scones, cakes, soups and sandwiches. One diner said: “If you get to visit Grasmere then you just have to visit Baldrys. The staff are very polite and helpful, food is beyond scrumptious and the place is very clean. 10/10 would visit again.”

For a more contemporary café experience, Freda and Ray dishes up wonderful coffee and a hearty brunch to set you up for a full day of exploring the national park. Equally, visitors have heaped praise on Lucia’s Coffee + Bakehouse, hailing it as a “fabulous” destination in Grasmere.

Yet the village’s passion for food doesn’t stop there – it’s also the birthplace of its own beloved creation: Grasmere gingerbread. This distinctive delicacy sits somewhere between a biscuit and a cake, delivering a spicy-sweet medley of flavours that draws visitors from far and wide.

Originally created in 1854 by Sarah Nelson, the time-honoured recipe is still sold at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, a compact building that once served as the village school where Wordsworth taught.

Whether you’re enticed by the culinary offerings, its literary heritage or the breathtaking natural beauty enveloping Grasmere, this Cumbrian village has far more depth than first impressions might suggest.