“Petrol and diesel prices across the north have risen by between 20% and 40% in just a matter of days”

Stormont’s Economy Minister has urged the UK Government to immediately slash fuel duty as prices spiral.

Caoimhe Archibald said she raised concerns over the impact of petrol and diesel prices during discussions with the Cabinet Office on Thursday morning, and also in a letter to Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle.

She pointed to action which has been taken by the Irish government to temporarily reduce excise duty for motor fuels as the impact of the war in the Gulf continues.

READ MORE: Mapped: The areas of Northern Ireland where petrol prices have increased the mostREAD MORE: Minister says ‘fuel continues to be delivered as normal’ amid concerns of shortages

“Fuel duty must be reduced as a matter of urgency,” she said.

“Petrol and diesel prices across the north have risen by between 20% and 40% in just a matter of days, creating sudden and unmanageable costs for households and businesses.

“The Irish government has already acted by reducing Mineral Oil Tax across petrol, diesel and marked gas oil.

“That action has been widely welcomed by consumers and businesses in the south.”

Ms Archibald said the UK Government “must now act with the same urgency”.

“Alongside an immediate reduction in fuel duty, the planned fuel duty increases due to come into effect from September must be withdrawn if fuel prices remain elevated,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Treasury said: “We have the right economic plan for a more volatile world, taking a responsible approach to supporting working people in the national interest.

“Fuel duty is frozen until September and we’re enabling targeted support for those facing higher heating oil costs. We’re also acting to protect people from unfair price rises if they occur and to bring down food prices at the till.”

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The Fish Shack in the coastal town of Amble, Northumberland was approved by Si King from County Durham and the late Dave Myers during their visit in 2021, which featured on their self-titled BBC series Go North.

The foodie duo tucked into a platter of fresh seafood from the North Sea as part of their Northumberland adventure, just a few years before Dave sadly passed away.

As they chatted to owner Martin Charlton at the time, regular customer Si shared: “I’ve been in here hundreds of times, it’s fabulous.”

Northumberland seafood restaurant loved by The Hairy Bikers

Also revealing why The Fish Shack is one of the best fish and chip spots in the county, Visit Northumberland details: “As reviewed by The Hairy Bikers themselves, The Fish Shack in Amble provides passersby with fish and chips, locally smoked seafood, and freshly steamed mussels overlooking Amble’s beautiful harbour.

“It’s rustic and cosy, offering beautiful views, high-quality service, and a relaxed atmosphere.

“If you’re looking to go all-out on your visit, they even offer ‘The Fish Shack Seafood Sharing Platter’.

“You’ll find a selection of dressed crab, roasted sea bream, tiger prawns, cod goujons, mackerel pate, north Atlantic prawns, furikake squid, Lindisfarne oysters, Scottish mussels, along with hot and cold smoked salmon.

“That’s without the included sides, sauces and dips!

“Don’t worry — they also offer small plates, big plates, and even pizza, so you can take the whole family knowing they’ll be well-fed.”

Just one menu offering fish lovers can tuck into is the prime fillet of North Sea haddock, beer battered with local Buston Farm twice-cooked chips, with mushy peas and homemade tartar sauce (a gluten-free alternative is available on request).

On its website, The Fish Shack says: “From fish and chips, locally smoked seafood and freshly steamed mussels to an array of delicious seasonal specials, Fish Shack welcomes all.

“Situated on Amble’s beautiful harbour, Fish Shack is a cosy, rustic eatery that was purpose built using the old ‘Sea Quest’ boat.

“Fish Shack boasts amazing views and great service in a relaxed atmosphere.”

You can’t beat a view like this with your fish and chips (Image: Tripadvisor)

Visitors have praised The Fish Shack over on Tripadvisor, and it currently boasts a “good” 4.2 rating based on 1,379 reviews – 841 of which are rated as “excellent”.

Someone who stopped by after seeing The Hairy Bikers’ review wrote: “I discovered the Fish Shack last year while searching for good fish and chips in Northumberland.

“After reading a review by The Hairy Bikers, I decided to give it a try.

“I don’t usually eat fish and chips these days, the vile stuff served up by so many ‘chippies’ I find to be inedible.

“So I felt some trepidation when we arrived at The Fish Shack last year.

“I need not have worried because the food was an absolute delight.

“The batter was crispy and light and full of beautifully moist fish.

“Gorgeous homemade tartare sauce and delicious chips. The only problem was, I couldn’t eat it all, it was so huge.”

They continued: “The staff are lovely and service was quick.

“The whole place has a good, buzzing atmosphere, honest, down to earth and no gimmicks.

“Set on the harbour, with views of brightly coloured fishing boats and seabirds all around. I love it.”

Another put: “Lovely place – hairy bikers visited, so we thought we should pop in for a coffee… will be back for some of the amazing looking food later!

“Great service, friendly staff – perfect stuff!!!”

One happy customer complimented: “As fab as the Hairy Bikers promised!

“Gorgeous seafood restaurant! Had the seafood platter and it didn’t disappoint!

“The chips also reminded us of our grandparents chips and were delicious.

“Would definitely return and recommend.”

Meanwhile, this person agreed: “Having seen it on the Hairy Bikers Go North we were excited about going and we’re expecting a no-frills eatery that focuses on quality fish.

“Sure enough, the food is a fish lover’s paradise and the atmosphere is also a delight; the place is cosy, really friendly and somewhere we can’t wait to go back to. Fantastic!”

Will you be heading to The Fish Shack anytime soon or have you already been? Let us know in the comments below.

Yellow warnings for wind and snow have been issued for Saturday night and Sunday with a deep area of low pressure expected to pass across the north-west of the country.

Damage, power cuts and travel disruption are likely.

It is just one part of a very mixed Easter forecast which will bring heavy downpours alongside spells of warm sunshine.

Huge temperature contrasts across the USA and Canada have helped to supercharge the jet stream – the flow of strong winds high in the atmosphere that spins up weather systems and guides them around the globe.

And confidence is growing that this will propel a deep area of low pressure towards the UK on Saturday.

Numerous yellow warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Saturday and Sunday (Image: Social media)

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind covering all of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as large swathes of northern England and north Wales.

The warnings are valid at various times on Saturday afternoon, overnight and into Sunday.

Widespread gusts of 50-60mph (80-97km/h) are expected with the chance of 70mph (113km/h) gusts in exposed areas, especially around coasts.

Central and northern parts of Scotland could see winds peaking at 80-90mph (129-144km/h) with large waves bringing dangerous conditions along the coasts.

Winds as strong as these bring the threat of damage, power cuts and significant travel disruption.

Some roads and bridges could close, which could have major impacts on what is predicted to be the busiest Easter in four years for drivers

Disruption to train and ferry services is also possible.

Numerous yellow warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Saturday and Sunday

A Met Office warning for snow has also been issued for parts of north-west Scotland during Saturday evening and overnight.

5-10cm (2-4in) of snow may accumulate, mainly over high ground above 200m (650ft) elevation, with a small chance of 20cm (8in) in a few locations.

Coupled with the strong winds this could give blizzards, drifting and blowing snow, and very poor visibility on the roads.

Crumbs Cupcakery, in College Street, has announced it will be closing its doors next month after owners – twin sisters Charlotte and Jennifer Davison – have sold the business.

First opening its doors in 2018, the bakery specialises in cupcakes but offers a range of bakes including custom wedding and birthday cakes, alongside a range of gluten-free options.

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In a Facebook post, the sisters shared news of the closure and thanked customers for visiting the shop over the years. She said: “After eight amazing years, it’s time for us to say goodbye.

“What started as two twin sisters with a love for baking turned into something we could have only dreamed of. From early mornings to late nights, thousands of cupcakes, and so many memories with all of you — this little shop has meant everything to us.

“We wanted to let you know that we’ll be selling the business, with our final day being tentatively the 31st of May.

College Green, outside York Minster (Image: Google Maps)

“This isn’t an easy decision for us to make, however we’re so grateful for every single person who has supported us, visited us, and been part of our journey over the years.
We’d love to see as many of you as possible before we close this chapter.”

The post has attracted hundreds of reactions with people wishing them the best and sharing how much they will miss their cakes.

Before Donald Trump delivered his prime-time address to the American people on April 1, many commentators predicted he would claim victory and signal that the US air campaign against Iran would be wound down – even without a deal with Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz. As it turned out, Trump said he would double down on the violence, promising to hit Iran “extremely hard” in coming weeks.

The White House simultaneously released a document headlined: President Trump’s Clear and Unchanging Objectives Drive Decisive Success Against Iranian Regime. “From day one,” it stated, “the objectives have been clear: obliterate Iran’s missiles and production, annihilate its navy, sever its support for terrorist proxies, and ensure it never acquires a nuclear weapon.” These objectives, Trump said, were nearly complete and he expected to finish the job “very fast”.

For the US president, the key marker of the success or otherwise of this foreign policy gambit will come in November’s midterm elections. So his strategic decisions are likely to be heavily influenced by the need to be able to claim victory, while also limiting any negative outcomes from the energy price shock engulfing the world. To do this, he must declare victory fairly soon.

But Trump’s partner in the war, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has a markedly different set of strategic priorities (although electoral politics will also play a big part in his thinking).

Launching Israel’s air campaign on February 28, Netanyahu said the goal was to “put an end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran”. He framed this as having been an existential threat to Israel for all of the 47 years that the Islamic Republic had been in existence, insisting that regime change was “not the objective, but … could certainly be the result”.

In the five weeks of the conflict, Israel’s strategic goals have both widened and lengthened. In Iran, while clearly working in partnership with the US, it wants to reserve the right, unilaterally, to “go back and hit Iran every time the nuclear and missile programmes are being rebuilt”.

Meanwhile, Israel has responded to attacks from Hezbollah forces in Lebanon by occupying the southern part of the country up to the Litani river. This area was designated by UN security council resolution 1701 in 2006 as a buffer zone in which only the Lebanese national army and UN peacekeepers were authorised to operate.

The Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, has warned that Lebanese citizens who had fled would not be allowed to return “until the safety and security of northern Israeli residents is ensured”.

It appears that Israel plans a long-term occupation of the region. It already maintains a buffer zone in southern Syria, which it occupied after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. This, it says, is also to deter Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel.

Netanyahu’s war aims

The focus of Netanyahu’s security policy has consistently been directed at Iran and its proxies. My research with Amnon Aran has demonstrated that in perpetuating an “Iran-as-evil” framing, the Israeli prime minister effectively precluded any possibility of engaging with the regime diplomatically.

Netanyahu’s political worldview has been enormously influenced by the founder of Revisionist Zionism, Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Under Jabotinsky’s “Iron Wall doctrine”, reinforcing the might of Israel is the only responsible response to the threat posed by Iran and its proxies. It is a strategy of strength first, diplomacy second.

In the past, Netanyahu has talked of defeating Israel’s enemies as his “supreme objective”. But more recently, analysts are describing what they refer to as the “Netanyahu doctrine”. According to this security stance, Israel must be prepared to launch “pre-emptive” attacks against any perceived threats, maintaining a permanent readiness for war.

So regime change of the Islamic Republic is not a direct goal – even if, as noted, the Israeli prime minister believes it might result from the pressure he is putting on Tehran. He is aiming to “create conditions that will enable the brave Iranian people to cast off the yoke of this murderous regime”.

But there is another important dimension to this “permanent conflict”. Netanyahu must call a national election before October. Polls suggest Israeli public support for the war in Iran could give him a boost in time for the election. Unlike the war on Gaza, which polls showed a majority of Israeli citizens wanted to end, there has been overwhelming support in Israel for the war on Iran.

Even ministers in Netanyahu’s government recognise that domestic politics has formed a big part of his motivation for launching this conflict now, saying that – as far as Netanyahu is concerned – “the road to the polling stations runs through Washington and Tehran”.

So far, however, there is little evidence that support for the war is translating into electoral support for Netanyahu. A lot depends on how the conflict plays out. A long war with heavy casualties and significant damage to civilian areas in Israel has the potential to damage Netanyahu’s election chances.

A poll taken on March 19 found that while the prime minister’s Likud party would receive the most votes, he would find it difficult to form a ruling coalition. And if he loses power, there is the prospect of his corruption trials proceeding.

So, a lot hangs on the outcome of this conflict. An early and decisive victory might have given Netanyahu the confidence to call a snap election. But this now looks unlikely. And if Trump decides to bring an end to hostilities without achieving the far-reaching change Netanyahu has promised, things could go badly for Israel’s longest-serving leader.

Last Friday, the Defence Forces confirmed it carried out an operation to transport key battalion personnel to UN Post 2-45 in Lebanon, known as Camp Shamrock, and to return communications specialists who had been performing critical maintenance to communication systems and infrastructure.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the UK, with around 10,500 new cases diagnosed each year

People born before 1966 are being urged to remain vigilant for a potentially “serious” symptom that could indicate a deadly disease. Experts warn that one subtle yet significant sign – frequently overlooked – could be a sign of pancreatic cancer, which is more prevalent in people aged 60 and above.

The NHS says identifying symptoms early could prove life-saving, yet the condition is notoriously difficult to detect. That’s because early warning signs are often vague, meaning numerous cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said pancreatic cancer can easily remain undetected in its early stages: “Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because symptoms can be vague or non-specific, which is why understanding the lifestyle factors linked to risk is so important.

“Small, consistent habits over time can have a significant impact,” Dr Maula added, highlighting risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption and diet. One of the less recognised symptoms is yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, known as jaundice – one of the most obvious early warning signs.

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According to the NHS, jaundice is often easier to identify in the eyes, particularly in people with darker skin. It develops when a substance called bilirubin accumulates in the body, which can be triggered by serious conditions including liver disease, gallstones, or pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is amongst the most lethal forms of cancer in the UK, with approximately 10,500 new cases diagnosed annually, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK. The charity states that over half of cases affect people aged 75 and above, highlighting the importance of vigilance among older adults.

Survival statistics remain sobering, with less than 10% of patients living five years or longer following diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK. Delayed detection is a significant contributing factor, as symptoms including fatigue, weight loss and digestive complaints can be easily confused with less severe conditions.

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The NHS advises watching for additional symptoms such as loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness and elevated temperature. Digestive disturbances including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion may also present, alongside pain in the upper abdomen or back.

Medical professionals emphasise that while these symptoms are widespread and frequently associated with other conditions, changes that seem abnormal should never be dismissed. Individuals are urged to seek medical attention if symptoms continue, deteriorate or feel unusual for them.

Urgent guidance is unambiguous: anyone experiencing jaundice, prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea should contact their GP or NHS 111 immediately. Prompt medical checks could exclude serious illness – or guarantee swifter treatment if required.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of the 165,000-student University of Wisconsin system is fighting attempts by the board of regents to force him to retire or face being fired.

The surprise effort to remove Jay Rothman from the post he has held since 2022 was detailed in letters Rothman sent to regents over the past week that were obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

Here is what to know about the situation:

What’s the president’s job?

The president of the Universities of Wisconsin oversees the entire university system, which includes the flagship Madison campus, 12 other universities and several other branch campuses.

The president reports to the 18-member board of regents. Vice presidents and chancellors who run the campuses, including the main one in Madison, report to the president.

The president also oversees staffing at the system’s administrative offices and directs work done there.

Rothman is the eighth president of the UW System, which was created in 1971 by the state Legislature.

Why is this happening?

It came as a surprise that the board of regents wanted to remove Rothman.

Details emerged in two separate letters Rothman sent to regents he met with. No concerns had been aired publicly by regents about Rothman’s performance. According to Rothman, no regent has explained to him why they want him out.

“When I asked you to articulate reasons for the Board’s conclusion and apparent lack of confidence in me, you merely noted that each Regent has his or her own perspective on the matter,” Rothman wrote in a March 26 letter to the board president. “You did not provide any tangible reasons for the Board’s determination.”

The AP contacted all 18 board members on Thursday, and they either did not respond to emails or had no comment.

Can the board do this?

It is unclear whether the board can fire the president without cause. A spokesperson for the university was checking on what the law allows.

Rothman said in his letter to the board president that he had not been “provided any substantive reason or reasons for the Board’s finding of no confidence in my leadership.”

Because of that, Rothman said, “I am not prepared, as a matter of principle, to submit my resignation.”

It has all been done in secret, until now

The board of regents met behind closed doors on Wednesday to discuss personnel matters. But until Rothman’s letters were obtained by the AP on Thursday, there was no inkling that the meeting was about his future.

Rothman said in a letter sent Wednesday to two regents that they told him if he didn’t resign they were prepared to meet over the weekend to fire him.

Who is Jay Rothman?

Rothman spent his career as an attorney, rising to become chairman and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner law firm before being hired as UW president. Foley & Lardner has 1,100 attorneys and 22 offices nationwide.

Regent Karen Walsh, who led the presidential search committee, in 2022 called him a “servant leader” who builds consensus. She declined to comment when contacted Thursday.

Rothman holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee and a law degree from Harvard University.

What did he do as UW president?

Rothman’s tenure has been marked by his efforts to increase state funding amid federal cuts, debates over free speech on campus amid pro-Palestinian protests, and declining enrollment leading to eight branch campus closures.

Rothman raised the possibility of resigning in 2023 when the board of regents rejected a deal reached with the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature over diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The board later reversed its vote and approved the deal.

The fight over Rothman’s future comes as the university will need to replace the chancellor of the flagship Madison campus this year. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin is leaving to take the job as president of Columbia University.

Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI after flipping his car near his home in Florida, and the golf icon called President Donald Trump shortly after the incident

President Donald Trump reportedly received a phone call from Tiger Woods moments after he overturned his Land Rover near his Florida home, before being charged with a misdemeanour DUI with property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

Woods is facing a number of charges following the car incident, with local sheriff John Budensiek claiming he displayed signs of impairment, though not as a result of alcohol. Woods has since confirmed he will withdraw from golf and has been granted permission to leave the US to seek treatment abroad.

Bodycam footage of the arrest was released on Thursday, capturing Woods undertaking a field sobriety test before apparently falling asleep in the back of a police vehicle. Prior to the golf legend being arrested, he was spotted talking on the phone and informed an officer that he was speaking with President Trump.

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Following the crash, a significant police presence descended on the scene. An officer summoned Woods as he walked away to take a private phone call. As Woods made his way towards the officer, he was heard saying: “Thank you so much. All right. You got it. Bye.”

When the officer asked Woods to remain close by, the golfer responded: “Yeah, I was just talking with the President. Was just trying to get away”, reports the Mirror US.

Woods and Trump remain firm friends, with the golfer currently in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr. Woods has maintained a close friendship with Trump for several decades, with the US President a passionate golf enthusiast. Given their close friendship, Trump was quizzed about the situation shortly after Woods was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. “I feel so bad. He’s got some difficulty — there was an accident, and that’s all I know,” Trump said.

“A very close friend of mine, he’s an amazing person, an amazing man. But some difficulty. I don’t want to talk about it.”

Woods crashed his vehicle after colliding with a lorry near his home on Jupiter Island, but passed a breathalyser test. Nevertheless, the sheriff maintained that he displayed signs of impairment, and Woods declined to provide a urine sample.

The golf legend is next due in court in May and has agreed to cooperate with all further court proceedings. However, Woods is set to temporarily leave the US after his solicitor, Douglas Duncan, submitted a request that a judge approved. Duncan applied for Woods to leave the US to “begin comprehensive inpatient treatment.”

The filing read: “Based upon the Defendant’s treating physician, the out-of-country treatment facility recommendation is based upon the Defendant’s complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised.”

Duncan argued that the high-profile nature of the case means Woods could find it difficult to complete his recovery in the United States. He also suggested that exposure to the public could even “result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.” Since the accident, Woods has told the PGA of America that he no longer wants to be considered for the captaincy ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup. Woods had also been planning a remarkable return at the Masters, but he has since stepped back from the sport entirely.