The Department for Work and Pensions has appointed a steering group of 12 members with lived experience of disability to lead the first comprehensive review of Personal Independence Payment

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever comprehensive review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with the appointment of 12 members to its steering group. The selected members will bring personal experience of disability or long-term health conditions, as well as direct experience of working within Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

DWP Minister Sir Stephen Timms informed Parliament on Monday that the PIP review is currently “under way at the moment”. He told MPs: “We have a steering group of 12 individuals, almost all of whom are disabled people, plus me and two other co-chairs, and we had our third full-day, in-person meeting last week.”

The group’s experience spans welfare policy, accessibility and advocacy, and includes members with a background in co-production, governance, and leadership. The group will provide strategic direction and help set priorities and a work plan for the Timms Review, alongside the Review’s three co-chairs – Sir Stephen Timms, Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.

The group will examine the role of PIP in enabling disabled people to achieve better health and live independent lives, the PIP assessment criteria for daily living and mobility and how the assessment could provide access to the right support across the benefits system.

Claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have surged in recent years. In 2019, there were two million working-age people receiving PIP, but that figure has risen to over 3.9 million by the end of October 2025, reports the Daily Record.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has projected that the number of PIP claimants will surpass four million by the close of the decade.

The aim of the Timms Review is to ensure that PIP is equitable and future-proof – accurately representing individuals’ conditions and their aspirations, whilst considering societal changes since its inception.

The DWP noted that since the introduction of PIP in 2013, there have been evolving trends in long-term health conditions and disability. More individuals are living with a disability, yet the rise in the number receiving disability benefits is twice the rate of increasing prevalence among working-age adults in England and Wales.

It’s crucial to note that in Scotland, PIP has been superseded by Adult Disability Payment, and the Scottish Government has previously declared it has no intentions to reform the devolved benefit.

The Timms Review is set to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Autumn 2026, with an interim update anticipated before then.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, recently stated: “Disabled people deserve a system that truly supports them to live with independence and dignity, and that fairly reflects the reality of their lives today.

“That’s why we’re putting disabled people at the heart of this Review – ensuring their voices shape the changes that will help them achieve better health, greater independence, and access to the right support when they need it.

“We’re delighted to announce the appointment of the steering group members, who alongside myself and the Review’s co-chairs will report back to the Secretary of State in the Autumn.”

Co-chair Sharon Brennan stated: “The group we have chosen shows our commitment to ensuring this review is co produced with people from a diversity of backgrounds including lived and living experience, protected characteristics, geographies and professions.

“But 15 people can’t represent everyone, which is why our work will be part of a wider engagement process to ensure we hear from many more voices throughout the review.”

Co-chair Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE commented: “Personal Independence Payment plays a vital role in enabling disabled people to live independent lives. This Review will listen closely to lived experience, test whether the system is fair, and ensure PIP reflects the realities of disability in the modern world.”

A coalition of charities has welcomed the inclusion of disabled people in the steering group, but warned “it cannot become about making cuts”.

The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) – a coalition of over 100 charities, including the MS Society, Scope, Parkinson’s UK and Mencap – has stated that the review provides an opportunity for “real change” to a system of assessments which are “not only stressful, they fail to recognise the impact of fluctuating and progressive conditions like MS – often denying people the support they need to live independently”.

Charles Gillies, DBC policy co-chair and senior policy officer at the MS Society, described it as “undeniably positive that most members of the new steering group have lived experience of disability or claiming Pip”.

He further commented: “This review must now engage meaningfully with the steering group and disabled people more generally, and remain laser-focused on improving the fairness of PIP assessments – or we risk this vital opportunity being wasted. And crucially, it cannot become about making cuts.”

One runner who didn’t receive a medal, said that she “won’t be entering again”

Runners in the Cambridge Half Marathon that were left without a medal say the shortage was ‘inexcusable’ and left a ‘dampener’ on event.

Around 15,000 people took part in the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday, March 8 along the 13.1 mile (21.1km) route through the city centre, Trumpington and Grantchester. Those taking part are treated to beautiful landmarks during the run, including King’s College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

Many runners have said that they did not get a medal or goodie bag due to a shortage which left a “dampener” on the event.

Sharon Hall, who ran the half marathon, was one of the “unlucky ones” who didn’t get a medal, but she came home to find that her daughter had kindly made her one instead.

Treeza Rayner, who also took part in the event, said that she felt “terribly sad” to have not got a medal or goodie bag at the finish line. Treeza said that it was “inexcusable” especially “for a first and challenging 21km run.”

Another person shared that their partner, who had completed their first ever half marathon, also did not get a medal.

They said: “How can you run out of medals when you know how many runners there are? Very upsetting and left a dampener on the event for my partner.”

Stephanie Emma said that “she won’t be entering again” after not receiving a medal due to the shortage.

The organisers of the event have been approached for comment.

Three fire engines attended the scene

Neighbours watched on in the street after a fire erupted in a Salford house. Crews, police and paramedics attended Ukraine Road, in Lower Kersal, at around 10.35pm last night (March 10).

Images show a crowd watching on in Ukraine Road as firefighters work at the scene. Three fire engines attended the incident for more than an hour.

The property is understood to be a house of multiple occupancy (HMO). One person was treated for smoke inhalation following the fire, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said.

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A spokesperson for GMFRS said: “Shortly after 10:36pm yesterday evening (Tuesday 10 March 2026), three fire engines from Salford and Broughton fire stations were called to reports of a house fire on Ukraine Road, Salford. Crews arrived quickly at the scene.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to extinguish the fire and prevent any further spread. One person was clear of the house when crews arrived, and was transferred into the care of North West Ambulance Service for treatment of smoke inhalation.

“Firefighters were in attendance for around one hour and 15 minutes and worked with colleagues at Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe.”

The raspberry and white chocolate pastry is back on the menu at Carrs from this week.

And those with a sweet tooth can take advantage of a special officer, with Carrs offering two for £2 which can be mixed and matched with the sweet apple pasty too.

Carrs describe it as the ‘perfect sweet snack’.

The raspberry and white chocolate pasty was first introduced in the summer of last year.

And alongside the savoury treats, the steak pasty, the cheese and jalapeno, their sausage rolls and it is designed to provide the perfect dessert.

Carrs Pasties got the seal of approval from a renowned chef at last year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

Marco Pierre White, who has just this month visited Bolton again, declared the iconic Carrs Pasties “the best in Britain” during his first visit to the town.

The Bolton News reported recently that the family-run business has been chosen as one of 16 ‘extraordinary’ businesses , as part of a campaign to celebrate Greater Manchester as the best place in the UK to do business.

The business has been specially recognised for its efforts to support staff wellbeing and a commitment to creating a great place to be and work.

Matt Carr, owner and director of Carrs Pasties said at the time: “Being recognised as ‘extraordinary’ means a lot, especially as it comes from people who know the region and its businesses. Carrs Pasties is only as extraordinary as our people – they are helping us build a place where everyone feels they can do their best.”

Chancellor was responding to questions in the Commons on the issue hitting 60 per cent of homes as residents described ‘in immediate crisis’

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given an update around a crippling 81% increase in a week of home heating oil – used by more than 60 per cent of Northern Ireland homes. At Treasury questions the Chancellor was challenged over her response to the situation which has left thousands struggling to afford to heat their homes.

And she told MPs there was ‘no reason’ a company should have doubled prices – and pledged action. Previously Stormont’s Finance Minister John O’Dowd called for direct support from the UK Government to people in Northern Ireland struggling with the rise in the cost of home heating oil

At the Commons Liberal Democrat John Milne asked: “Even while sitting here, I have had word from a constituent whose heating oil cost has risen, in one go, to 129.9p plus VAT per litre. I recognise that the Chancellor has been pressed by a number of Members on this. Can she assure us of immediate action, as vulnerable residents are in immediate crisis? “

Ms Reeves replied: “While only 4% of people in Great Britain use heating oil, I recognise that this is a particular issue for many constituents, and in Northern Ireland the figure is more than 60%. We are working closely with the Competition and Markets Authority to stop price gouging. There is no reason why a company should be charging twice as much as it was for heating oil; we need to put a stop to those practices.”

Tory John Lamont added: “Over 50% of properties in the Scottish Borders are not on the mains gas grid and are completely dependent on heating oil. They are being hammered by the increase to the price of heating oil over the last week or so, and they need to see concrete action from this Government to stop the excessive prices and the profiteering. What are the Government going to do?”

Ms Reeves said: “I agree with the hon. Gentleman. We are trying to de-escalate the conflict in the middle east, because if we can get vessels moving again through the strait of Hormuz, we will deal with a lot of these problems. I am working closely with both Lloyd’s of London—I met its representatives yesterday—and my G7 colleagues to ensure that those vessels can get moving again.

“At the same time, I think that everybody has heard the stories in this Chamber and from our constituents about the problems of price gouging. “

Paul Waugh, Lab Co-op said: “My constituent in Rochdale, Louise Marshall, wrote to me this weekend because she is worried sick about the massive price rise she is facing for heating oil. Can the Chancellor assure me, notwithstanding the meeting we are all going to have with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, that we can be absolutely crystal clear that under this Government, we will not tolerate price gouging or war profiteering from oil companies that try to rip off their customers?”

Ms Reeves said: “I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. The price gouging that we see is totally unacceptable, which is why we have already asked the Competition and Markets Authority to look at this. Whether we are talking about petrol at the pumps or heating oil, there is no excuse for any business to use this as an opportunity to rip off customers.”

The situation has also been raised by personal finance expert Martin Lewis, who said on X: “The home heating oil situation is terrible for many unlucky enough to be about to refill. The solutions of ‘comparison’ and ‘collective buying’ are weak at this time. The outrage is this is an unregulated, unprotected, market (we’ve long called for that to change). We are subserving many, especially those who live in rural communities.”

John O’Dowd said the powersharing Executive does not have the financial “firepower” to fund any relief scheme. The minister said he believed the cost of any such initiative could run into hundreds of millions of pounds.

Mr O’Dowd said he had written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray to ask for direct engagement with the Stormont Executive. He said: “The Executive is best placed to represent the people here and put across the case for supported interventions in that matter.

“The Minister for the Economy (Caoimhe Archibald) has also been in regular contact with ministers both in London and Dublin in relation to the ongoing energy crisis and the call for direct intervention from the British Government in relation to support for businesses and homeowners here in relation to the ongoing crisis in relation to the significantly rising cost of home heating oil.

“We will continue that engagement, it is vitally important that that support comes from Westminster. The Executive simply does not have the ability to intervene at the scale of challenges that are being faced at this stage.”

Mr O’Dowd said he believed a relief scheme was necessary and that it is the “responsibility of the British Government to fund that scheme”.

The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase is the feature race of Day Two at the Cheltenham Festival

The action continues at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday with another seven races taking place.

JP McManus landed a 208/1 Festival double on his birthday yesterday and is hoping to win the Champion Chase for the first time this afternoon.

Majborough looks set to go off the shortest priced favourite of the week so far for the day two feature and should be very hard to beat if he can keep his jumping together.

The supporting card is very strong also, with the opening two races (Turners’ and Brown Advisory) extremely competitive, big fields.

Here is the race card in full, as well as a tip for each race:

1:20pm Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 5f

1 Act of Innocence (IRE) 6 11 7 Gordon & Su Hall Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville 7-1

2 Ballyfad (IRE) 5 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Jack Kennedy 11-1

3 Bossman Jack 6 11 7 M W Lake & Exors of the Late N W Lake Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 8-1

4 Came From Nowhere (IRE) ts 7 11 7 On A Mission Jeremy Scott Lorcan Williams 50-1

5 Fortune Timmy (IRE) 6 11 7 A J Pegley Chris Gordon Freddie Gordon 80-1

6 Free Spirit (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins Ireland Mark Walsh 80-1

7 Hurricane Pat (IRE) 6 11 7 Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate – Hurricane Gary & Josh Moore Caoilin Quinn 40-1

8 I’ll Sort That (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr David Needham Declan Queally Ireland Mr D. Queally 18-1

9 King Rasko Grey (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins Ireland Paul Townend 13-2

10 Klimt Madrik (FR) 6 11 7 Alex And Janet Card Toby Lawes Kevin Brogan 40-1

11 Laurets d’Estruval (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland Brian Hayes 40-1

12 No Drama This End (IRE) 6 11 7 McNeill Family and Chris & Giles Barber Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 9-4

13 Riskaway (FR) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Sam Ewing 80-1

14 Saint Baco (FR) 5 11 7 Mr Michael Hilary Burke W. P. Mullins Ireland Sean O’Keeffe 33-1

15 Shuttle Diplomacy (FR) ts 6 11 7 Mr Ciaran John Mooney Thomas 25-1 Cooper Ireland Daniel King 25-1

16 Skylight Hustle (IRE) 6 11 7 Robcour Gordon Elliott Ireland Danny Gilligan 14-1

17 Sober (FR) 7 11 7 OTI Racing & The Why Knot Partnership W. P. Mullins Ireland Patrick Mullins 13-2

18 Soldier Reeves (IRE) ts 5 11 7 Mr Des Grech Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell 50-1

19 Sortudo (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Michael Feeley W. P. Mullins Ireland Danny Mullins 11-1

20 Taurus Bay (IRE) 5 11 7 Redknapp and Hill Ben Pauling Ben Jones 22-1

21 Walks In June (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe 50-1

22 Zeus Power (GER) 5 11 7 Power Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland J. J. Slevin 33-1

Tip: No Drama This End

2:00pm Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f

1 Argento Boy (IRE) 7 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins Ireland Danny Mullins 50-1

2 Final Demand (IRE) 7 11 7 Bryan Drew/Prof. Caroline Tisdall W. P. Mullins Ireland Paul Townend 11-2

3 Joystick (FR) 7 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland Brian Hayes 66-1

4 Kaid d’Authie (FR) p 6 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Ireland Mark Walsh 11-2

5 Kitzbuhel (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins Ireland Harry Cobden 16-1

6 Koktail Divin (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe 7-1

7 Now Is The Hour (IRE) 9 11 7 BDS Syndicate Gavin Cromwell Ireland Keith Donoghue 50-1

8 Oscars Brother (IRE) 8 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Connor King Ireland 14-1

9 Predators Gold (FR) 7 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud W. P. Mullins Ireland Patrick Mullins 50-1

10 Romeo Coolio h 7 11 7 KTDA Racing Gordon Elliott Ireland Jack Kennedy 9-4

11 Rushmount (IRE) 9 11 7 Apex Flight Syndicate Jonathan Sweeney Ireland Sean O’Keeffe 80-1

12 Salver (FR) p 6 11 7 Mr Keith Graves Gary & Josh Moore Caoilin Quinn 40-1

13 Thomas Mor (IRE) 9 11 7 Wayne Clifford & Ian Gosden Philip Hobbs & Johnson White Ben Jones 66-1

14 Wendigo (FR) 7 11 7 RC Syndicate I Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan 9-1

15 Western Fold (IRE) 7 11 7 Weld-Spec (Glasgow) Ltd/Dee L’Estrange Gordon Elliott Ireland Danny Gilligan 14-1

16 The Big Westerner (IRE) 7 11 0 Coolmara Stables Ltd Henry de Bromhead Ireland M. P. O’Connor 12-1

Tip: Romeo Coolio

2:40pm BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 2m 5f

1 The Yellow Clay (IRE) p 7 12 0 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Michael Kenneally (5) 15-2

2 Ballyadam (IRE) ts 11 11 11 Cheveley Park Stud Henry de Bromhead Ireland P. M. O’Brien (5) 22-1

3 Storm Heart (FR) 6 11 10 Gigginstown House Stud W. P. Mullins Ireland Danny Mullins 5-1

4 Lucky Place (FR) 7 11 10 Mrs G. Van Geest & Mr M. George Nicky Henderson Brian Hughes 20-1

5 Buddy One (IRE) p 9 11 8 E. Lynch/T.C.Quinn/John J. McGrath Paul John Gilligan Ireland Jack G. Gilligan (5) 40-1

6 Farren Glory (IRE) p 9 11 7 Easyfix Gordon Elliott Ireland Jack Kennedy 18-1

7 Colonel Mustard (FR) 11 11 7 Mrs A.Frost/P.G. Davies/R.H. Fowler Mrs Lorna Fowler Ireland John Shinnick (3) 28-1

8 Puturhandstogether (IRE) 5 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland J. J. Slevin 11-1

9 Kopeck de Mee (FR) 6 11 4 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Ireland Mark Walsh 6-1

10 Jingko Blue (FR) 7 11 3 Countrywide Park Homes Ltd Nicky Henderson James Bowen 9-1

11 Iberico Lord (FR) 8 11 3 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville 8-1

12 Guard Duty 9 11 1 Owners Group 074 Emma Lavelle Ben Jones 18-1

13 Chart Topper (FR) p 7 11 0 Aisling Byrne/Paul Raleigh/M. Cunningham W. P. Mullins Ireland Brian Hayes 28-1

14 Kateira 9 11 0 Mr Stephen Bough & Dan Skelton Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 13-2

15 Sony Bill (FR) ts 5 11 0 The Why Knot Partnership W. P. Mullins Ireland Sean O’Keeffe 33-1

16 Give It To Me Oj 5 10 13 Mr Omar Jackson Gary & Josh Moore Caoilin Quinn 40-1

17 Rambo T (IRE) 9 10 13 Mpb Contractors Limited Olly Murphy Sean Bowen 50-1

18 Dargiannini (IRE) ts 11 10 13 Mr Andrew Mitchell Harry Derham Paul O’Brien 50-1

19 Franciscan Rock (IRE) 9 10 12 Michael O’Flynn/John F O’Flynn M. F. Morris Ireland Josh Williamson (5) 40-1

20 Beckett Rock (IRE) 7 10 12 Mr M. O’Flynn Henry de Bromhead Ireland M. P. O’Connor 22-1

21 Bunting (FR) 6 10 12 Tony Bloom W. P. Mullins Ireland Harry Cobden 14-1

22 Minella Rescue (IRE) 8 10 12 Mr Simon Boucher Gary Hanmer Gavin Sheehan 66-1

23 Forty Coats (IRE) p 7 10 11 C. Jones Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe 12-1

24 Hms Seahorse (IRE) bl 8 10 11 Buckley & Coffey Families Paul Nolan Ireland Eoin Staples (5) 50-1

Tip: Kateira

3:20pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (A Limited Handicap) 3m 5f 56y

1 Stumptown (IRE) bl 9 11 10 Furze Bush Syndicate Gavin Cromwell Ireland Keith Donoghue 3-1

2 Favori de Champdou (FR) bl 11 11 5 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Jack Kennedy 5-2

3 Final Orders 10 10 9 C. M. D. Syndicate Gavin Cromwell Ireland Conor Stone-Walsh (3) 13-2

4 Vanillier (FR) bl,ts 11 10 7 Mrs H. M. Keaveney Gavin Cromwell Ireland Sean Flanagan 8-1

5 Conflated (IRE) ts, p 12 10 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Danny Gilligan 25-1

6 Pied Piper ts, p 8 10 7 Mrs M. Roden & Mrs R. Nolan Gordon Elliott Ireland Sam Ewing 22-1

7 Fakir d’Oudairies (FR) ts 11 10 7 Mr John P. McManus Enda Bolger Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe 20-1

8 Velvet Elvis (IRE) v 10 10 5 Mr D. Kierans John McConnell Ireland Gavin Sheehan 50-1

9 Desertmore House (IRE) ts 11 10 5 O. B. P. Carroll/Anthony Vaughan Martin Brassil Ireland Ricky Doyle 4-1

10 Horantzau d’Airy (FR) ts 9 10 5 Mr Jim Gill Stuart Edmunds Charlie Hammond 50-1

11 Minella Crooner (IRE) p 10 10 5 Dr Belinda Rose Sarah Humphrey James Best 125-1

12 Latenightpass 13 10 5 Mrs P. A. Ellis Tom Ellis Miss Gina Andrews 50-1

13 The Goffer (IRE) ts, p 9 10 5 Mr Allan Snow Gordon Elliott Ireland Josh Williamson (5) 14-1

14 Famous Bridge (IRE) p 10 10 5 Hemmings Racing Nicky Richards Sean Quinlan 50-1

Tip: Fakir d’Oudairies

4:00pm BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) 1m 7f 199y

1 Brookie (IRE) ts 9 11 10 Miss A F Rugg Anthony Honeyball Sam Twiston-Davies 125-1

2 Captain Guinness (IRE) p 11 11 10 Declan Landy Henry de Bromhead Ireland Jordan Gainford 50-1

3 Found A Fifty (IRE) 9 11 10 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Jack Kennedy 33-1

4 Il Etait Temps (FR) ts 8 11 10 Hollywood Racing & Barnane Stud W. P. Mullins Ireland Paul Townend 4-1

5 Irish Panther h 9 11 10 Jennifer Coyle/Brian P Whelan Eddie & Patrick Harty Ireland Kieren Buckley 12-1

6 L’Eau du Sud (FR) ts 8 11 10 MasonHogarthFergusonHalesThelateJHales Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 9-2

7 Libberty Hunter 10 11 10 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams Sean Bowen 66-1

8 Majborough (FR) p 6 11 10 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Ireland Mark Walsh 5-6

9 Quilixios 9 11 10 Cheveley Park Stud Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe 11-1

10 Saint Segal (FR) ts 8 11 10 Culverhill Racing Club V Mrs Jane Williams Ciaran Gethings 40-1

Tip: Majborough

4:40pm Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 1m 7f 199y

1 Touch Me Not (IRE) 7 12 0 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Josh Williamson (5) 25-1

2 Calico (GER) ts, p 10 11 12 Mr John J Reilly Dan Skelton Harry Atkins (7) 22-1

3 Rubaud (FR) 8 11 7 Mr Brendan McManus Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 20-1

4 Be Aware (FR) 7 11 6 Mr Andrew L. Cohen Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 4-1

5 Inthepocket 9 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Henry de Bromhead Ireland Mark Walsh 8-1

6 Boothill (IRE) ts 11 11 4 Brian & Sandy Lambert Harry Fry Bryan Carver 40-1

7 Addragoole (IRE) ts 7 11 4 Addragoole Partnership Gavin Cromwell Ireland Keith Donoghue 16-1

8 Jazzy Matty (FR) p 7 11 2 Top Man Racing Syndicate Cian Collins Ireland Danny Gilligan 5-1

9 Vanderpoel (IRE) 7 11 0 Lady Dulverton Ben Pauling Ben Jones 8-1

10 Western Diego (IRE) h 9 11 0 Templebloodstock Western Diego Syndicate W. P. Mullins Ireland Brian Hayes 22-1

11 The Other Mozzie (IRE) ts, p 7 11 0 Mr J. Fyffe L J Morgan Brian Hughes 40-1

12 Special Cadeau 8 11 0 Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd Henry de Bromhead Ireland M. P. O’Connor 28-1

13 Martator (FR) bl 9 10 12 Camilla Norton Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch 50-1

14 Ballysax Hank (IRE) 7 10 12 Mr Martin Gowing Gavin Cromwell Ireland James Bowen 12-1

15 Personal Ambition (IRE) bl 7 10 11 Mrs L. Maclennan Ben Pauling Kielan Woods 18-1

16 Jour d’Evasion (FR) ts 7 10 10 C Daly & Pilkingtons Henry Daly Sam Twiston-Davies 14-1

17 Break My Soul (IRE) ts 7 10 9 Matthew Rogers Ian Patrick Donoghue Ireland Sam Ewing 16-1

18 Relieved of Duties (IRE) ts 7 10 9 Robcour Gordon Elliott Ireland Jack Kennedy 10-1

19 Jasko des Dames (FR) ts 7 10 9 Mr Basil Holian Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe 18-1

20 Release The Beast (IRE) h,ts 7 10 9 Coffey & Buckley Families Paul Nolan Ireland Sean Flanagan 10-1

Tip: Inthepocket

5:20pm Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory of Sir Johnny Weatherby) (Grade 1) 2m 87y

1 Bass Hunter (FR) 6 11 7 The Morestead Hubertus Syndicate Chris Gordon Freddie Gordon 9-1

2 Boycetown (IRE) ts 5 11 7 Parklodge Developments Limited Gavin Cromwell Ireland Keith Donoghue 33-1

3 Broadway Ted (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr David L’Estrange Gordon Elliott Ireland Sean Bowen 16-1

4 Charismatic Kid (IRE) 5 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Sam Ewing 22-1

5 Chicker 5 11 7 Actionclad 2001 Ltd Fergal O’Brien Jonathan Burke 40-1

6 Diamant Dore (FR) h 5 11 7 Mr Garry Wilkie Wilson & Andy Finneran Adrian Keatley Brian Hughes 33-1

7 It’s Only A Game (FR) ts 5 11 7 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Martin Brassil Ireland Mr J. L. Gleeson 16-1

8 Keep Him Company (FR) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Jack Kennedy 6-1

9 Love Sign d’Aunou (FR) 5 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland Patrick Mullins 4-1

10 Of Land And Sea (IRE) 5 11 7 Evegallahoo Racing Syndicate P. Hennessy Ireland Richard Condon 50-1

11 Tally Ho Back 5 11 7 Whettam and Old Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies 66-1

12 The Irish Avatar (IRE) 5 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud W. P. Mullins Ireland Harry Cobden 9-1

13 The Mourne Rambler (IRE) 5 11 7 Mr P. L. Polly Noel Meade Ireland Colin Keane 8-1

14 The Skecher (FR) 5 11 7 Dove Valley Holdings Ltd Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell 40-1

15 The Wager (IRE) 5 11 7 Luke McMahon W. P. Mullins Ireland Jody Townend 25-1

16 Vango Can Go (IRE) 5 11 7 Simon & Lisa Hobson Dan Skelton Charlie Todd 66-1

17 Wilde’s Legacy (IRE) 5 11 7 Ye Maa Partnership Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan 33-1

18 With Nolimit (FR) 5 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Harry Swan 28-1

19 Moonverrin (IRE) 5 11 0 Mr Ned Morris Martin Hassett Ireland Mr Finian Maguire 28-1

20 Our Trigger (IRE) 4 10 11 Bronsan Racing & Kirwan Group W. P. Mullins Ireland Danny Mullins 14-1

21 Quiryn (FR) 4 10 11 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins Ireland Paul Townend 8-1

22 Mets Ta Ceinture (FR) 4 10 4 Mrs Lindy OHare Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 11-1

Tip: Love Sign d’Aunou

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US President Donald Trump has said Iran are “welcome” to take part in this summer’s World Cup despite the countries being at war, according to Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

Posting on Instagram, Infantino said he met with Trump on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the tournament, which is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico and gets under way on 11 June.

Infantino said he and Trump “spoke about the current situation in Iran”.

Iran are scheduled to play three matches in the US, but their participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched strikes on the country this month, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries which host US military bases – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said.

“We all need an event like the Fifa World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”

Anthony Russell, 43, is due before magistrates charged with murdering the 52-year-old at HMP Frankland, in Durham.

Huntley was reportedly attacked with a metal bar in a workshop at the maximum security jail on February 26.

The ex-school caretaker was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, where he died on Saturday morning.

Ian Huntley died on Saturday, March 7 (Image: Toby Melville/PA Wire)

Russell will appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon via a videolink.

Christopher Atkinson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We have worked closely with Durham Constabulary as they carried out their investigation.”

The CPS said it was “vital” there was no “reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings”.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Sarah Sackman denied that the state would be paying £3,000 towards the cost of Huntley’s funeral.

Speaking to LBC, she said: “It’s a basic funeral.

“And this man, Ian Huntley, doesn’t deserve anything more than the absolute bare minimum.

“We’re not spending £3,000.”

Huntley murdered Holly and Jessica after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002. He dumped their bodies in a ditch 10 miles away.

They were not found for 13 days, despite a search involving hundreds of police officers.

At the time, Huntley lived with Maxine Carr who was a teaching assistant at Holly and Jessica’s primary school.

He denied murdering the girls but was convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2003.

He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 40 years.

Carr gave Huntley a false alibi and was jailed for 21 months for perverting the course of justice.

She is now living under a new identity.

West End Girl tour rolls into Wales this March

Lily Allen’s latest tour in support of her West End Girl album is the hottest ticket in the UK at the moment and is coming to Wales next week.

The Cardiff date is on March 18 at the New Theatre and while it sold out months ago, there is still a way to get tickets for the first of two shows the Madeline singer is performing in Wales in 2026.

Allen, whose West End Girl album hit the top of the charts when it was released in October last year and was written following her split from husband, David Harbour, is also playing at the city’s Utilita Arena on Wednesday, June 24. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.

Tickets for the New Theatre show on March 18 sold out a while back but there are still options on resale sites like viagogo and Twickets.

So far there is a pair of tickets on sale at viagogo for £221 each. Twickets have none for sale at time of writing but it’s worth checking as the gig gets nearer.

There are cheaper tickets for resale for the Utilita Arena gig on June 24, though. Ticketmaster have them starting at £172 each, here.

Stubhub also have them on resale from £116, here.

Official retailers Ticketmaster and Seat Unique may still have tickets leftover for the UK tour as a whole, too. While the former sold out shortly after their release, the latter still has some VIP and hospitality tickets left over.

Here are the links:

TICKETMASTER – Buy Lily Allen tickets here.

SEAT UNIQUE – Buy Lily Allen tickets here.

One member of the Iranian women’s football team has decided to leave Australia, taking the number seeking asylum to six, amid fears they could be in danger after they did not sing Iran’s national anthem before a game.

They were in Australia for the Asian Cup when the Iran war began just over a week ago.

Two more women – a footballer and a member of staff – had decided to join five players who were granted humanitarian visas a day earlier and remain in Australia.

But one woman decided on Wednesday to return to Iran, taking the number seeking asylum in Australia from seven to six.

The change of heart highlights the difficult decision the footballers faced off the back of the Asian Cup competition in Queensland.

Australia’s home affairs minister Tony Burke told reporters that, after making security assessments, not everyone who applied for a visa was granted one.

“There is a reason why some people were not made a direct offer [to stay]. There were some people leaving Australia who I am glad are no longer in Australia,” he said, without giving further details.

The rest of the team departed from Sydney late on Tuesday to return to Iran.

The six team members remaining in Australia have received humanitarian visas for 12 months and can then begin the process to permanent residency.

Speaking after five people originally applied for visas, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They are safe here and they should feel at home here.”

The Australian government had been under pressure to protect the women after they were knocked out of the tournament.

The players were reportedly criticised on Iranian TV, with a commentator saying they had committed the “pinnacle of dishonour” for staying silent during the national anthem before their match on 2 March – two days after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.

“Traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely,” presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said, according to the Reuters news agency.

Some believed the team’s silence was an act of resistance, while others saw it as a show of mourning following the initial US-Israel attacks on their country.

The team has not made any specific comment on their stance.

They sang and saluted ahead of defeats to Australia on Thursday and the Philippines on Sunday, but there were concerns they had been ordered to do so.

The team failed to get past the group stage and players’ union FIFPRO said it was “really concerned” about their welfare and had been unable to contact them.

Dozens of people chanted “let them go” and “save our girls” as the team’s bus left the stadium on the Gold Coast after Sunday’s match.

Supporters said they could see at least three players making the international hand signal for help, according to CNN.

Before the rest of the squad left the country, some Iranian Australians held a protest at the team’s hotel and at the airport, seeking to prevent the women from leaving the country, citing fears for their safety in Iran.

Mr Trump posted on Truth Social about how some players felt they had to return “because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return”.

‘Ongoing threat’

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who lives in the US, said he had been told that Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi were now in a “safe location”.

He earlier said the team faced an “ongoing threat” after their “brave act” not to sing the national anthem.

“As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran,” he posted on social media.

The Australian Iranian Council had also urged the government to protect the players.

It launched an online petition asking authorities to “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain”.