Wes Streeting has branded Donald Trump’s language as “incendiary, provocative, outrageous” – but insisted people must draw a distinction between what the US president “says and what he does”.

The health secretary launched a tirade against the US president on Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme as he reacted to the rapidly changing picture in the Middle East following the collapse of talks between the US and Iran.

Mr Streeting, who is still being seen as a potential leadership candidate to replace Keir Starmer, praised the prime minister’s refusal to enter the war.

But, unlike Sir Keir, who simply criticised Mr Trump’s values, the health secretary did not hold back on recent statements made by the US president.

The health secretary said: “Over the course of the last week, President Trump has said some pretty bold – in Yes Minister language – incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media.

“I think we’ve all come to learn that you judge President Trump through what he does, not just what he says.”

Mr Streeting was also critical of the way the US president has focused very personal attacks on the prime minister, such as comparing him to Neville Chamberlain and saying “he is no Winston Churchill”.

The senior minister said: “You’ve seen some of the criticisms he’s levelled at this country.

“The prime minister has sought throughout the time they’ve both been in office simultaneously to influence effectively, to make sure we’re leveraging the bilateral relationship.”

The health secretary described Nigel Farage as a “plastic patriot” and attacked the Reform UK leader and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch for initially wanting to join Trump in his attack on Iran.

But Mr Streeting admitted disagreements over the Iran war, Greenland and the Chagos Islands deal had “undoubtedly strained things with the Trump administration”.

He added: “But on so many other things, our interests as the UK and the US are intertwined. We are old and close friends, and we’ve got a shared outlook as democratic countries, and we’ve got shared security interests.

”So all of that work, all of that partnership continues to go on. And the point I’m making is you have to distinguish between some of the rhetoric, which people might find shocking, and then the reality.”

It came as Mr Streeting insisted that the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, which has already been delayed by six months, will be published “shortly”.

He told the BBC that he would not agree to money being redirected from health spending to defence to fund an increase to 3 per cent of GDP to boost military readiness.

He said: “The defence investment plan is coming. It will be published when it is ready, when it is robust, and it is a plan that can be delivered.”

He contrasted that with the “pie in the sky promises” made by the previous Tory government, saying Labour “do action, not words”.

Asked when the spending document will be published, Mr Streeting said: “Shortly. I understand it is being finalised.”

The building society recently issued an update

Nationwide Building Society has shed light on a rule that affects customers accessing services online. The update after a query was raised by a member on social media.

The customer explained that they had switched to a new phone several weeks prior and were unable to activate biometrics on their new device. They asked: “How long is the waiting period to get these back?” Biometric authentication is a security feature that uses a unique personal identifier to verify account access. This can include fingerprint scanning or facial recognition to confirm a user’s identity. In response to the question, Nationwide stated: “If you get a new phone, you’ll need to wait to re-qualify for biometric authentication on that device.”

Regarding how long this can take, the group said: “There’s no set timescale, and we’ll usually notify you by text message when it becomes available.” The building society also pointed the customer towards an information page on the Nationwide website detailing how to set up biometric authentication.

The feature can be set up for everyday banking purposes, allowing customers to log into the app and authorise both small and recurring payments through either the app or internet banking portal. Biometrics can also be used to verify your identity when logging into internet banking.

Customers also have the option to set up biometrics within the app, to provide an extra layer of security for more sensitive transactions. This includes larger payments or resetting your passnumber.

With account biometrics enabled, there will be no need to use your card reader or debit card to log in or make payments. Nationwide recently issued guidance on how to identify counterfeit currency, following reports of fake notes appearing at one of its branches.

Counterfeit cash warning

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a rise in scammers using fake banking notes to pay people for goods and would urge consumers to always check. Suspected counterfeits should be reported to the police, and guidance is available on the Bank of England website.”

Counterfeit notes frequently feature a thick plastic sticker concealing the hologram, which if peeled away may reveal the words: ‘for props only’. Another indicator that a banknote is fraudulent is if some of the UV numbers can be easily scratched off.

You may also want to look out for features such as the hologram and colour-shifting inks on the bank note, to make sure they appear exactly as they should.

The Point-to-Point meeting has been taking place for more than a century in various locations around the Bedale area, before settling in the parkland of Hornby Castle in 1947.

It takes place each year and sees a series of races with the first being held at 12.30pm.

There was entertainment for all with food vendors, a beer tent and a bouncy castle for kids, with coverage of the Grand National at Aintree as I Am Maximus won the coveted race.

Organisers once again put on a successful event, with the Point-to-Point continuing to prove a popular day out for both racing fans and families alike in the region.

(Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

(Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Issey Gill, Lucy Gloag, Yasmin Bell, Annabel Hill, Helen Peach, Amy Simes, Clara Levitt and Charlotte Martinson. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Graham and Lizzie Schofield and Sophie Pedlar. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Rob Blakey, Alex Dobson and Lydia Wormald. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point. From left, Freya Williams, Isobel Hart, Caroline Hartley, Anabel Nuttall, Evie Boon, Maddie Sinclair, May Smith, Senara Laity, Bethan Robinson, Jess McLeod and Phoebe Eglington. 11.4.2026. Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Northern Echo (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Ruby Wilkinson and Lauren Milner. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Jess Seed, Olivia Greensmith and Holly Scott. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Ellie Greenway, Abigail Sutton, Harriet Hymas and Lily Watkinson. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Rupert and Lisa Scales, Jonathan Lawson-Brown and Martin Williams. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Natasha Ropner, Darcy Wyvill, Mellissa Wyvill, Henry Ropner and Imogen Wyvill. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, Emma Jenks, Arthur York, Alexander and Rose Wyvill. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Gerry and Janet Tvedt (Image: STUART BOULTON)

From left, June, Peter, Eliza and Charlie Barker. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Bedale point to point 2026. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The clock was unveiled to the public in 2008 and still gathers crowds who are drawn to its uniqueness

Cambridge is full of many weird and wonderful things. One that can’t be missed is a large gold clock with a grasshopper on top, on the corner junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street.

This is the Corpus Clock, one of the city’s most unique landmarks. Crowds always gather around the clock to admire this striking time piece. It was created by Dr John C Taylor, who studied natural sciences at Cambridge University. It was officially unveiled to the public by Professor Stephen Hawking in September 2008.

What makes the clock unusual is the large grasshopper on top of it, also known as Chronophage or time eater. The large insect on top is an example of the grasshopper escapement mechanism invented in the 1700s by John Harrison, who also invented the marine chronometer that meant sailors could work out longitude.

The clock mouth opens at 30 seconds past each minute, but then closes when the minute is over. Then, when it strikes on the hour, it doesn’t chime like people may think. Instead, its chains rustle and a hammer hits a wooden coffin. Unlike a normal clock, the Corpus Clock has no hands or digital numbers. Instead, it has Vernier slits cut into its face.

In 2023, the clock was vandalised when the glass protecting it was smashed with a hammer. After it was damaged, the landmark was left out of action for nearly two months. However, it made its triumphant return in June of that year. Since then, crowds continue to gather every day to admire this unusual piece.

Marie-Louise Eta has made history by becoming the first woman to take charge of a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five football leagues, after being appointed head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

The groundbreaking appointment follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart on Saturday, after his side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bundesliga strugglers Heidenheim.

Eta, 34, a Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam in 2010, has been serving as Union Berlin’s under-19s coach this season.

She is also slated to lead the club’s women’s team from the summer.

Her previous experience includes working as an assistant to former men’s head coach Nenad Bjelica, and she notably handled media responsibilities during a Bundesliga game in 2024 while Bjelica served a touchline ban.

Her immediate task is to revitalise a struggling Union Berlin side, who have secured just two wins from their last 14 league matches, leaving them seven points clear of the relegation play-off position.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” Eta said on the club’s website.

“I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations. And, of course, I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team.”

Union director of men’s football Horst Heldt said: “We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season so far and will not allow ourselves to be blinded by our league position.

“Our situation remains precarious and we urgently need points to secure our place in the league. Two wins from 14 matches since the winter break and the performances shown in recent weeks do not give us the confidence that we can still turn things around with the current set-up.

“We have therefore decided to make a fresh start. I am delighted that Marie-Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before becoming head coach of the women’s professional team in the summer as planned.”

Carolina Morace became the first woman to manage a men’s professional team in Europe when she took charge of Italian third division side Viterbese in 1999.

In July 2023 Forest Green appointed Hannah Dingley as caretaker boss, although she did not take charge of a competitive fixture.

Rory McIlroy surrendered a six-shot lead to leave the defence of his Masters title in the balance and headed straight to the range to find a fix ahead of the final round

Rory McIlroy made a beeline for the practice range to work on his game after squandering a six-shot lead, leaving his Masters title defence hanging in the balance.

Just 24 hours prior, the Northern Irishman had appeared set to dominate the field, having established the largest 36-hole lead in the tournament’s storied history.

While his rivals were posting impressive scores — the nine players immediately beneath him all carded sub-70 rounds — the world number two could only manage a one-over 71, having come unstuck at Amen Corner.

The persistent tee troubles he had been carefully managing throughout the week proved costly, and he wasted no time heading to the range to seek a solution ahead of his final-group pairing with Cameron Young, who fired a Masters-best 65, on 11 under.

“The course was obviously gettable, there was a lot of good scores out there, and the quality of the chasing pack is obvious,” McIlroy acknowledged.

“There’s a lot of guys in with a chance tomorrow. I’m still tied for the best score going into tomorrow, so I can’t forget that, but I do know I’m going to have to be better if I want to have a chance to win.

“I’m in the final group. I just need to go to the range and try to figure it out a little bit.”

McIlroy had entered Augusta National’s notoriously demanding Amen Corner stretch at 13 under, holding a three-shot advantage but showing signs of vulnerability. He finished one stroke behind Young after a difficult stretch that saw him take a double bogey, bogey and par, having pulled a seven iron into the water at the 11th, failing to find the green at the 12th and driving into the trees at the 13th.

“When you’re not quite feeling it, you struggle. You have to dig deep and I felt like I did that on the front nine and made a lot of good par saves,” he added.

“I missed a couple of chances on eight and nine and then I thought I turned the round around with the birdie on 10.

“I felt like I hit a pretty good second shot on 11 but it just drifted on the wind a little bit and went in the water. Those two holes (11 and 12) weren’t great.

“But again I felt like I bounced back pretty well with the birdies on 14 and 15. It would have been nice to play those last few holes and not make that bogey on 17 but, you know, I still have a great chance.”

Meanwhile, Shane Lowry, renowned for his knack for aces, celebrated his “wild” hole-in-one at the Masters, which propelled him into contention ahead of the final day.

The Irishman boasts an impressive array of aces throughout his career, and this marked his second at Augusta National, making him the first player to achieve this distinction.

Lowry’s tee shot at the 190-yard sixth saw him leap from six to eight under, and he concluded on nine under following a 69, sitting just two shots behind the leader.

“That’s wild, isn’t it? I made one a couple of weeks ago in Houston. You don’t ever expect to make a hole-in-one, I just couldn’t believe it,” remarked the former Open champion, whose previous ace here came at the 16th during the final round in 2016.

“Obviously you’re out there and you’re in the hunt at the Masters and you’re making hole-in-one, it’s pretty cool.

“The walk down the sixth hole with everyone around 16 and the sixth was very special. I’ll remember that for a while. It was obviously amazing.

“It gives you obviously a huge kind of boost. You go from six-under to eight-under and then all of a sudden you’re only four back.

“It’s getting real now. I felt like I did a great job of calming myself down afterwards.”

Lowry has also recorded aces at the 17th at Sawgrass in 2022 and the seventh at Pebble Beach in January 2025, two of golf’s most iconic par threes.

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Viral sensation Ronnie Pickering, famous for his ‘Do you know who I am?’ rant, has been subject to false death rumours – but his family have now debunked the claims

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Britain’s most unlikely internet sensation, Ronnie Pickering, has once again found himself making headlines – though this time for entirely different reasons.

The man behind one of the web’s most memorable meltdowns was falsely reported dead yesterday, with thousands of posts on social media paying tribute to the Hull man, claiming he had passed away on Friday aged 64.

Ronnie’s family have roundly condemned the “fake news”. One relative wrote: “People believing this fake news and making a laugh and joke about it are disgusting and disrespectful. He’s a lot more than just an internet meme. I’m not just gonna have people disrespect a member of my family to this extent.”

Pickering rocketed to worldwide fame in 2015 following a road rage confrontation with a moped rider. In the now-legendary clip, he repeatedly demanded: “Do you know who I am?” – only to be met with the now-iconic confused reply: “No.”

The extraordinary exchange transformed him into an overnight meme, with millions tickled by the sheer absurdity of the incident. From that moment on, “Ronnie Pickering” became a household name – even if nobody could quite explain why.

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Pickering later confessed he regretted the outburst, acknowledging he was “spouting gobbledegook” and having a difficult day. He previously stated: “To be honest, I was just spouting a lot of gobbledegook. I said things I wouldn’t normally say. I now wish I had never said all that but what can you do?”

Pickering, who claimed years ago that he “never made a penny” from the footage, added: “People have rows like that all the time but they are not always filmed. The guy wanted a reaction and he got one.

“I now see the funny side. It has become a comedy video really. There were unpleasant words had but there was no violence. It made a lot of people laugh. It has stayed with me but I do not revel in it. It is certainly not something to be proud of.

“You just have to get on with it. One day I was just me and the next everyone knew the name Ronnie Pickering. Some people still come up to be and say ‘do you know who I am?’ but I don’t mind and I have a laugh about it.”

Yet the clip has refused to fade away, securing his position in British internet history.

Charts have revealed exactly when and where warmer conditions will pick up again for the country – though not without a cooler period first

The UK’s recent warm spell which saw highs of 26C in parts earlier this week is set to disappear briefly before making a sharp rebound, new weather maps show.

Charts have revealed exactly when and where warmer conditions will pick up again for the country – though not without a cooler period first.

Maps by WXCharts show as of Wednesday (April 15), a cooler airmass will cast across the country with maximum temperatures to sink between 10C to 13C for most. The South and South-east will be slightly warmed at 14C to 17C while the cooler snap will be felt more keenly across Scotland and England, where highs plummet to 7C and 11C.

Fortunately, the forecast indicates the cooler air is short-lived as by Sunday next week (April 20), temperatures will start to pick up again.

The maps show southern England, including London and the South East, could reach 17C to 19C, while the Midlands and Wales are forecast to sit around 14C to 17C. Further north, temperatures remain more subdued, ranging from 9C to 12C.

The warm air continues into Tuesday, April 21, with much of southern England climbing to 18C to 20C. Central areas are expected to reach 16C to 18C, while northern England and Scotland lag slightly behind at 10C to 13C.

The broader pressure chart for mid-April supports this shift, showing cooler air dominating around April 15 before milder conditions push back in from the South.

The Met Office long-range forecast also predicts some mixed conditions that shows signs of improving later into the month. The forecasters find from April 15 to April 24, conditions will be “changeable” at first, with low pressure bringing showers or longer spells of rain, particularly in the North-west, alongside some strong winds.

Meanwhile, the South-east is likely to stay drier and brighter, and later in the period, weather may turn more settled, especially in northern areas, though parts of the South could still see rain at times.

Temperatures overall are expected to be near or slightly above average, reinforcing the signal from weather maps that any mid-month cool spell will be temporary, with milder spring conditions quickly returning.

‘Perfect if you’re short on time but still want a flawless result’

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With spring now well underway, it’s the perfect opportunity to achieve sun-kissed skin. But attaining a bronzed appearance doesn’t require booking an overseas holiday, as there are numerous tanning lotions and formulas beauty enthusiasts can apply at home.

Those pressed for time or unfamiliar with self-tanning may prefer the Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse from celebrated beauty brand Coco & Eve. It’s quick-developing and features a customisable colour intensity to match each individual’s preferred appearance.

The £29 formula claims to provide a deep, beach-bronzed tan in just under an hour (including wash-off time), and will continue to intensify over the following 24 hours. It’s an ideal option for busy mums, spontaneous evening plans, or for those who prefer not to sleep while wearing a tan.

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Coco & Eve offer a variety of tanning products, several of which are presently discounted. One promotional highlight features the best-selling Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, now £20.80, reduced from £26.

Marketed as an ‘anti-ageing self tan’, it’s formulated using the brand’s distinctive ‘Cellushape’ formula, which claims to moisturise and firm the skin. It’s a quick-drying tan that develops within six hours, and comes in three shades: medium, dark and ultra dark, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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£29

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Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse

Beauty enthusiasts can also discover offers on skincare products, including 50% off this Daily Water Gel SPF50+ Sunscreen, now £11.50, was £23. It’s a hydrating, lightweight SPF with a silky texture.

In line with Coco & Eve’s SPF collection, this newly launched Highlighter Body SPF50 (£33) would be a gorgeous addition to any holiday beauty bag. It features delicate pearlescent shimmer, a serum-like consistency and is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients.

Elsewhere, Boots also stocks an extensive range of tanning and SPF products, including the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body (£30). It delivers an adjustable tan year-round and is formulated with 99% natural-origin ingredients.

Meanwhile, LookFantastic carries Tan-Luxe’s Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion (£25). This is a lightweight oil-lotion hybrid that promises a ‘natural, buildable tan with a luminous glow’.

Coco & Eve’s Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse holds an overall rating of 4.8, based on more than 110 reviews. One customer remarked: “This mousse is a standout. It develops quickly, giving a natural, even glow without orange tones.

“The lightweight mousse applies smoothly, dries quickly, and blends effortlessly – perfect if you’re short on time but still want a flawless result. What really sets it apart is the antioxidant infusion.”

They concluded: “My skin feels hydrated and comfortable, not dry or tight like with some express tans. The colour continues to deepen evenly, fades naturally, and doesn’t go patchy. Ideal for last-minute events or anyone who wants a streak-free, bronzed finish with added skin benefits. This has become a go-to in my tanning routine.”

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Another satisfied customer wrote: “Love Coco & Eve. By far my favourite self-tanner! Doesn’t smell, and the colour comes out of my clothes and sheets if I happen to get it on them. Definitely recommend!”

Not every review is favourable, with one customer highlighting some drawbacks, writing: “Went on pretty patchy and definitely on the orange side. Tan lasted pretty long but faded patchily.”

One reviewer had greater success, commenting: “The colour is perfect, the smell is great, and the foam is easy to put on, and fades nicely. I am not looking like a body full of freckles.”

A final customer observed: “Love it! It looks natural and goes on very smoothly.”

Police and paramedics were called to Marsh House Avenue in Billingham, near the Knole Road junction, around 7.30pm on Saturday (April 11). 

An off-road bike collided with a grey Peugeot at the junction, flinging the 25-year-old rider from the bike. 

He was treated by paramedics before being taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for treatment for punctured lungs and a broken arm and leg, Cleveland Police said.

Police in Billingham following a ‘serious’ crash (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The male driver of the car was left with whiplash and was checked over at the same hospital before being discharged. 

The road was closed for several hours on Saturday evening, with officers erecting a cordon across the busy road and nearby Knole Road. 

Pictures taken from the scene showed several officers standing on Marsh House Avenue beside the damaged grey Peugeot. 

Police in Billingham following a ‘serious’ crash (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The car can be seen with its main driver door off and bonnet up, and it appears as though its airbags have been deployed.

Cleveland Police says enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are now ongoing and is appealing for witnesses. 

The force said it wants to speak with anyone who saw the bike being ridden prior to the crash, or anyone with relevant footage is asked to contact Cleveland Police via 101, quoting reference 007485.