During his historic State Visit, King Charles addressed a joint session of Congress in Washington DC, delivering a speech applauded 22 times whilst calling for a renewed UK-US special relationship over America First policy
Emma O’Neill Content Editor and Russell Myers in Washington DC
22:01, 28 Apr 2026Updated 22:01, 28 Apr 2026
The King has called on Donald Trump to move away from his America First stance and pledge himself to a renewed partnership with Britain for the benefit of the world.
Charles was given multiple standing ovations during a stirring speech at a joint session of Congress, where he spoke of the shared principles underpinning the “special relationship”.
The monarch highlighted the profound bonds built between previous Kings, Queens and Presidents, and argued that in these shifting and frequently turbulent times, Britain and the United States must “stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm”.
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Charles’ moving and contemplative address this afternoon came after a triumphant official ceremonial welcome at the White House, where President Trump lavished praise on the bond between our two countries built up over centuries.
The landmark State Visit had been thrown into uncertainty in recent months owing to Trump’s relentless stream of attacks on the UK, alongside allied reluctance to support his war in the Middle East.
However, in a striking shift, the President told those assembled on the White House lawn at the official ceremonial welcome: “Americans have had no closer friends than the British.”, reports the Mirror.
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Championing the “special relationship” between America and the UK, Trump turned towards the King who listened closely throughout his 20 minute address and said: “We hope it will always remain that way”. The King’s most diplomatically delicate overseas trip to date unfolds against a background of criticism directed by Mr Trump personally at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer regarding the conflict in Iran. Officials at Downing Street have been banking on the royal family’s soft-power diplomacy to mend the divide, and make progress towards building a fresh, united path forward.
During his address, which prompted members from both chambers to rise to their feet and applaud 22 times, Charles remarked he felt “the weight of history on my shoulder”.
Referring to the shocking attempted assassination of the President last Saturday, when a heavily armed gunman tried to break into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington—an incident that cast further doubt over the visit—the King said: “We meet in times of great uncertainty; in times of conflict from Europe to the Middle East which pose immense challenges for the international community and whose impact is felt in communities the length and breadth of our own countries.
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“We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation and to foment wider fear and discord. Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed.
“Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries.”
Charles also took a moment to reflect on his late mother’s visit in 1991, when she became the first British monarch to address Congress, yet made clear that Britain and the US must now look ahead to a fresh chapter.
He said: “Our shared values prevailed. Today, we find ourselves in a new era, but those values remain. It is an era that is, in many ways, more volatile and more dangerous than the world to which my late Mother spoke, in this Chamber, in 1991.
“The challenges we face are too great for any one Nation to bear alone. But in this unpredictable environment, our Alliance cannot rest on past achievements, or assume that foundational principles simply endure.
“As my Prime Minister said last month: ‘Ours is an indispensable partnership. We must not disregard everything that has sustained us for the last eighty years. Instead, we must build on it’. Renewal today starts with security. Drawing on these values and traditions, time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together.”
The response to Charles’s address, drafted with input from the Government, will not have gone unnoticed by Downing Street, who, despite the seemingly strained ties with Washington, were eager to deploy the royals in a bid to shore up the special relationship. For weeks, the State Visit had been mired in controversy surrounding the war in Iran, Trump’s tariff threats, and even his intervention in Britain’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
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The royals had also faced criticism for refusing to meet victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the former close associate of the King’s brother, Andrew. Royal sources indicated the King wished to recognise the victims’ suffering alongside others facing hardship across the globe, emphasising the importance of international cooperation.
He said: “In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.”
This sentiment of shared heritage and warmth had been repeated just hours earlier on the White House lawn, with Trump speaking about his family’s fondness for the royals and even disclosing his mum had a crush on Charles as a young man.
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Senior figures from Mr Trump’s administration were amongst the attendees, including Vice-President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Steve Witkoff, special envoy for peace missions.
Numerous military units participated in the ceremonial welcome, from the United States Marine Corps Honour Guard to the United States Space Force Honour Guard, who performed despite the rain, which ceased before the royals’ arrival. Trump declared: “In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British.” He described it as a “tremendous privilege to host” Charles and Camilla, branded the King a “very elegant man”, paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II as a “very special woman” and disclosed his mother, Mary, had a “crush” on the King during his younger years.
“She really did love the family but I also remember her saying very clearly, ‘Charles, look young Charles, he’s so cute’. My mother had a crush on Charles – can you believe it? Amazing how… I wonder what she’s thinking right now?”
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The royal visit had been in the pipeline for months – possibly years – to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. Yet it’s arrived at a significant moment in our collective history.
While Charles spoke of “one of the greatest alliances in human history”, Trump suggested the event should serve as an opportunity to look ahead.
He said: “So today we look back on 250 years. Let us remember what has made our countries the two most exceptional nations the world has ever known.
“And together let us go forward with even stronger resolve to carry on our sacred devotion to liberty and to the traditions of excellence that have been our shared gift of all mankind. Your Majesties, thank you once again for making this important visit. We are so honoured.” On Wednesday, Charles and Camilla head to New York where they will lay a wreath at the 9/11 memorial in the lead-up to the 25th anniversary of the atrocity.
Ready for a new month? (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
May brings growth, vitality and grounding energy, helping us to plant our feet in the right foundations and put our weight to something meaningful.
The opening of a Full Moon in Scorpio, bringing hidden truths to the surface and asking for emotional honesty, especially around power, trust and what we’re ready to release.
Just days later, Pluto turns retrograde, nudging us into a quieter, internal transformation. This is shadow work territory: subtle, profound, and ultimately empowering.
Mid-month, the New Moon in Taurus offers a welcome reset. After the emotional intensity, we’re invited to slow down, stabilise and focus on what truly sustains us — financially, physically and emotionally.
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Looking for more insight?
Join my magical, mystical tarot club – where we explore the cards through challenges, lessons, guided meditations, and rituals. Metro readers can enjoy a free month at Insider level using this link.
Then, as Venus moves into Cancer, love softens and connections deepen, so by the time Gemini season begins, the mood lifts.
The month closes with a Full Moon in Sagittarius, reminding us to zoom out, seek meaning, and trust the bigger picture.
Let the tarot guide you through this journey from depth to lightness, from release to renewal. May is going to be fulfilling.
Aries
March 21 to April 20
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Act on that wanderlust (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Aries for May: The Hierophant, The Chariot, Five of Cups
Meaning: There are two good ways to ‘get over something’, Aries. The Five of Cups shows you’re right at the tail end of that process, feeling like this is the final dark before the new dawn… and you’re right.
First piece of advice comes from The Hierophant — seek to understand the deeper lessons and wisdom from your experience. Enough time has passed that you can examine things more dispassionately and find a fresh angle. There are learnings here that will help and uplift you.
Second piece of advice comes from The Chariot — go on an adventure, a journey, a trip, a quest into the unknown, a change of scene and landscape. New territory = new opportunity. You are ready to branch outside of your current comfort zone, routine and everyday habitat and find new places to grow, roam and enjoy different experiences. Travel changes you. Seek this route.
Look back to move forward (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Taurus for May: The Magician, Ten of Swords, Six of Cups
Meaning: The past is calling your name… and something is going to return to your life, but not as you once knew it. This will be a reimagined and fit-for-purpose now version.
The Six of Cups is the nostalgia and childhood memory card, or inner child yearnings. Something is nagging at your memory, and is ready to be acknowledged and reinvented. The Magician is your powerful creative side coming to life, as a result of this memory. You realise you always liked or were good at something and this is perhaps the key to your happiness and success now, in the present.
Realising this and activating it enables you to cut ties with a chapter you’ve long since tired of. Maybe this is about changing what you do at work, where you live, your social or leisure time pursuits, your friendship circle, or even your love life. The past holds the answers and the key. Go back to Memory Lane and discover what’s been lost.
Death is the tarot’s transformation card (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Gemini for May: Death, Page of Coins, The Fool
Meaning: You have reached the end stages of a long chapter in your life, as shown by the transitional Death card, and it’s time to embrace a fresh start. This could be linked to anything, but you will know it because the energy is fading, false or turning negative. The ‘good stuff’ has been used up, the natural life cycle is waning.
The Page of Coins hints at this linking to work, wealth, home or health, and also hints that your current priority is to research, study and learn about your next option. There is some homework to be done (good; you love it) so you can plan a shrewd pivot move.
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The Fool says that things will be kicking off before the end of Spring- this might involve travel or new technology — but it will all happen, once it starts, quickly and escalate fast. This is a whole new era, and maybe your most successful yet! Be led by your best hopes.
Now is about creating solid foundations (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Cancer for May: Six of Wands, Nine of Coins, Ten of Wands
Meaning: May holds a great deal of good luck for you, so take chances, play bold hands and embrace risky moves — they may well pay off handsomely.
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The Six of Wands gifts you with the presence of Lady Luck for all of May and half of June. Right up to your birthday season! And what you pursue here should be for long-term gain. The Nine of Coins asks you to think about the long game, the coming decade, the foundations you can start building now that will last and grow long into the future.
Don’t overdo it, or think that Rome should be built in a day. The Ten of Wands just wants you to make initial moves, put down markers, pitch and apply. This whole project may takes months and years to complete, and that’s okay, you have time. No pressure or rush or stress. Mindful moves in pursuit of something long-term that might require a bit of luck to get it moving (because fortune favours you right now).
Go your own way (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Leo for May: Four of Cups, The Hermit, The Emperor
Meaning: We often spend much of our life running away from our true calling or nature. Perhaps trying to be someone else, impress others, compare and copy their best traits whilst suppressing our own worst ones. It’s all pointless — you are who you are, my friend, and Leo you are a born leader!
The Four of Cups asks you to zoom in on your regal, authoritative and powerful side. It’s there! It’s a gift from the cosmos and it’s time to bring it to the foreground and work with it. The Emperor is your tarot talisman or ally at this time. He brings an invitation to mimic and mirror your leadership idols, to make different moves to shift the power dynamics in your relationships and career circles. He wants you to rise, take control, accept ownership.
The Hermit shows this is a period of deep personal growth and transition, shining a light on many things in your past and present, and will take from now until October to fully manifest. A work promotion or even self employment opportunity feels very likely too.
Try to learn from this (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Virgo for May: Five of Wands, Queen of Coins, Four of Coins
Meaning: Dissatisfaction is an uncomfortable, sometimes unwelcome, feeling but it serves a great purpose. It directs our focus to what we could change, remove or improve upon to restore a sense of pride and contentment.
Use this feeling as a messenger and guide. The Five of Wands reveals it is calling on you. And it’s likely that this is something linked to work, wealth, home or health as shown by the Queen of Coins, and maybe something you’ve not taken fully accountability for, maybe left for someone else to manage or sort out. But they’re not doing it. Or not doing it to your standard, more likely.
So… the Four of Coins asks you to step in and shake it all up. Don’t just ‘take it back’, try to find a new way forward that uses the best that you each have to offer and tackles this in a totally new way. This will be inventive, successful, and renewing. It could lead to more shared projects, that actually work.
Who’s the backstabber in your circle? (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Libra for May: Three of Swords, Ten of Coins, Queen of Coins
Meaning: This card trio makes me think ‘there’s a fly in your ointment’. So while everything is going to turn out great, feels hopeful, and the potential is all there for success and prosperity, first, you really should remove that fly!
The Ten and Queen of Coins see you setting yourself up for long-term wealth, home, work and health success. You’re doing all the right things, or trying to, and it’s already yielding results. You feel you know what the right alchemy and mix of activity and priority is for you right now. It’s just a matter of sticking to it.
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Back to that fly… The Three of Swords is a betrayal/backstabber/unkindness card, and suggests something small but spiteful in your realm that requires nipping in the bud, before it grows any bigger and can do any real harm. You know what it is. I suspect you wish it would take care of itself or fade away, but it’s won’t. You need to acknowledge it and oust it. Then, all will be well and you will feel in control, powerful and validated in your position. Take this step.
It might be time for some Sun (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Scorpio for May: Page of Wands, The Sun, Four of Wands
Meaning: You have outgrown certain surrounds or situations (you’ll be feeling frustrated, bored or irritated in these places, or with these folk) and you’re ready for the next level, a bigger space, a new role, as shown by the promoting Four of Wands. Time to rise, Scorpio!
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The Page of Wands asks you to embrace this leap and try lots of different ways and means to do it, there’s always more options than you think. Don’t be put off by first impressions or initial explorations — keep at it, something will move and reveal the right opening for you alone.
The Sun blesses this upwards climb with great joy, luck, success and prosperity — this is exactly what you’re meant to be doing right now, this is your ideal path. Onwards and upwards. And, as a reward, maybe The Sun also thinks you should book a holiday!
Action is needed, not just wishes (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Sagittarius for May: Nine of Cups, Nine of Swords, King of Swords
Meaning: You are a natural and powerful manifester but you need to remember that actions count, they are what really make the difference in generating momentum and change. You can’t just ‘wish something away’, and though you know this, you still do it anyway!
The Nines of Cups and Swords sees you hoping your worst fears would evaporate, take care of themselves, or be removed by a saviour. None of that will happen, but the King of Swords visits with you this May to bring the strength of intellect and rationality. You feel dispassionate enough to look these worries full in the eye, and decide what to do about them. None are as bad or scary as you fear — your mind has played tricks on you.
Everything has a solution, a way through, an exit. Find the ‘playbook’ to your troubles and play the right moves and, by June, you could be free of all of this angst and moving ahead with shrewd plans and schemes. Let the King of Swords lead.
Help make this right (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Capricorn for May: Five of Swords, Judgement, Justice
Meaning: You are the bringer of justice this May, Capricorn, and you get to pass the judgment, execute the amendments, and enjoy the benefits of taking responsibility for this mess! Folk will respect how you handle it, and that will pay back in unexpected ways down the line.
The Five of Swords shows there is a conflict in your realm, a fundamental schism of opinion. Judgement reveals you can see why each person holds their position and what the appropriate compromise or truce position would be, and you hold the necessary respect of each person to suggest and broker this proposal. So do it.
Justice shows a good outcome will emerge, order will be restored, wrongs will be righted, and people will feel that you did them a good turn with your subtle intervention.
Don’t be too proud to change your mind (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Aquarius for May: The High Priestess, Temperance, King of Wands
Meaning: A change of heart, at a very deep and lasting level, stabilises your mind and clears away all the fog. Once you can see clearly, you can think clearly, and this leads to a new purpose that feels totally authentic and aligned with right where you’re actually at (vs wish to be, or hoped to be). Reality bites!
The High Priestess and Temperance work together to bring you a soulful shift or change of perspective which casts new light on where you’re at, and why. And it’s helpful. This new understanding makes you feel stable, secure, ‘right’ about things.
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Then, with this solid foundation, the King of Wands is unleashed! Purpose, power, adventure, magic energies and forces. You feel like you’re ready to embark on a new quest because the challenge and goal is so obvious and clear to you. This is going to be great!
Make a wish, Pisces (Picture: Kerry King/@inlovewithcameras)
Tarot cards for Pisces for May: Seven of Cups, Ace of Wands, The Star
Meaning: Miracles and magic for you this May, Pisces! How delightful! The Star is a miracle card, bringing you a dream come true, a wish fulfilled and fully granted by your own personal genie (can you see him yet?). Look out for sparkles, glimmers, flashes, comet trails and fairy lights. They’re a signal that you can make your wish and take a step towards it!
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The Seven of Cups brings your imagination to its full force, which is some going! You’re one of the most creative star signs and naturally artistic. The Ace of Wands has you starting a new creative class, project, role, or challenge.
Get busy doing something expressive and whimsical, something that puts an enchanting layer of meaning over the top of everyday life, a hyper-real filter and glow up. You can make everything feel more alive and interesting. This is your gift to share with others.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
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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.
The pre-school was previously rated as requires improvement in 2025
A pre-school where children have a “sense of belonging” has improved its Ofsted rating. In March 2025, Cracker Jacks Pre-School in Kester Way, St Neots, was rated as requiring improvement across all areas by Ofsted.
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Inspectors said the quality of education across the nursery was “not consistent” and organisation of nursery activities and routines required improvement. Following its latest inspection in February, the pre-school has improved its rating to expected standard.
It has been rated as an expected standard in all areas, including: achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; children’s welfare and wellbeing; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; and leadership and governance.
The report said children who attend “achieve well” from the start, and gaps in children’s learning were “closing consistently”. Babies were said to “smile with delight” at the nursery.
Kim Seaman, nursery director said: “We are absolutely delighted that our nursery has now been recognised as achieving an expected standard, a result that reflects the passion, dedication and hard work of our entire team.
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“After an unexpectedly early inspection in 2025, shortly after opening our new setting, we felt we had not yet been given the time many new provisions need to fully settle, embed routines and showcase everything we knew we could offer. Rather than allowing that to define us, our team remained committed to creating the warm, nurturing and inspiring environment our children deserve.”
Inspectors said staff have “high expectations” of the children’s behaviour, and they set clear and age appropriate boundaries for this. Staff were also said to create a “warm and nurturing environment”. Inspectors praised leaders for demonstrating an “understanding of curriculum quality and teaching” in its latest inspection.
The report added: “They make informed decisions to drive improvement as they regularly review and refine the curriculum in response to children’s needs.” It was also said that children show a “sense of belonging” when attending the nursery.
To improve its rating, Ofsted recommended a number of next steps. These were:
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Leaders should support staff to consistently allow younger children to demonstrate and practise their independence, giving them more opportunities to complete tasks on their own before providing support;
Leaders should continue to build on staff practice to support older children to develop their critical thinking skills;
Leaders should have a more focused approach to increasing children’s awareness of a healthy lifestyle.
Ms Seaman added: “This achievement is a wonderful recognition of how far we have come and the determination of everyone involved. It celebrates not only our staff, but also the incredible support of our families and local community who have believed in us every step of the way.
“Most importantly, this result reflects what we see every day – happy children, thriving in a safe, caring and stimulating environment. We are immensely proud of this milestone and excited for the future as our nursery continues to grow from strength to strength.”
“The language that once survived in whispers now thrives in classrooms, murals, and music”
Chloe McKinley, Graduate Journalist
22:03, 28 Apr 2026Updated 22:22, 28 Apr 2026
Violins and acoustic guitars are the typical sounds that come to mind when discussing traditional Irish music however this traditional perspective has shifted to trap beats and rap verses in the year 2026.
The modernisation of the language through music is something that has taken the industry by storm. And the global phenomena of West Belfast and Derry trio Kneecap are at the very heart of it.
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Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próv aí are using Irish and English, humour and hard-hitting lyrics to drive a political message ranging from language rights and media representation to working class youth culture and stereotyping.
Mo Chara, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, and Naoise Ó Cairealláin’s music has resonated with the youth with hard-hitting influential topics taking priority in their lyricism.
And whether you think they are saints or sinners the group have left in a cultural legacy after signing with Heavenly Recordings in 2023. A Heavenly Recordings representative said: “So working with Kneecap has been completely different to working with any of our other artists.
“Obviously they’re political and the’re very upfront in what they think and what they do. They’re very creative in what they do. It makes campaigns a lot more interesting. It makes them different to the kind of standard rollout of something.
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“At its core, Heavenly Recordings has always been a political label. Back in 1990, Heavenly were the, first label to sign the Manic Street Preachers, they were an anti-capitalist band known for supporting the labour party at a time when left-leaning leadership was dictating. Being signed to a label that wouldn’t censor their political stance was extremely important to Kneecap, as if there is one thing kneecap are not, it is censored.
“So, for them it is a priority to be signed to a record label that allows them to be unapologetically themselves and express their distaste for political injustice.”
Kneecap released their first single C.E.A.R.T.A in the winter of 2017, the song controversially called out anti-police narratives throughout the debut single. The song blends Irish street slang with a hip -hop beat. The modernisation of the language through the trio’s unique style made for a shift in language representation, as now it was not just being showcased through old history books, but it is now being represented in the form of modern media on a global scale, by a group of West Belfast young men.
The group have even created their own words in the language to ensure they could fluently express themselves in the modern day. A lot of kneecaps lyrics revolve around the use of party drugs, with Irish being an older Celtic language they often found themselves at dead ends when trying to depict party scenes in their native tongue.
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They solved this issue by work using words that are similar for example, capaillin’ which means small horse instead of the word ketamine as it does not exist in direct Irish translation. These small details are what make kneecap influential in the modern language as they are pushing boundaries and modernising the use of Gaelige.
Prominent Irish teacher Maighréad Ní Chonghaile explains the process: “Their work challenges outdated stereotypes that Irish is a ‘dead’ or purely academic language and helps young people see it as something they can engage with confidently and creatively.”
Belfast City Councillor and Kneecap fan Eamonn McLaughlin also addressed the rise of the trio: “Kneecap are one of the most important cultural forces in recent years. I listen to their music and saw the film! They make the language feel bold, modern and exciting.
“Their influence has clearly encouraged young people to learn Irish, boosted interest at GCSE level, and brought Gaeilge into mainstream pop culture. They’ve made the language accessible – and cool.”
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Kneecap’s influence on Belfast’s cultural relationship does not go unnoticed, murals and graffiti are displayed across town, confidently expressing the city’s love for the trio as they strive to normalize and actively modernise the language.
The pride in which their hometown projects is loud, however that does not mean their art has stayed confined within Belfast. Even though they tackle community wide topics while rapping in their native tongue the language and topics transcend the linguistic and cultural barriers and that is what sets the trio apart.
The Heavenly Recordings representative added: “We’ve witnessed them play a first on main stage festival slot to thousands of people, headline a hometown show in Belfast to a sea of 10,000, and perform in a packed-out sweaty basement at The Social in London to friends and family — who needed no persuading to turn out in force. Their name is known on both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond, Kneecap fill what was once a gaping Irish language rap-shaped void in our roster, and we can’t wait to share their spark with the world.”
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And it was a good thing they didn’t buckle as Kneecaps 60-minute set attracted tens of thousands of ticket holders last summer.
Lead vocalist Mo Chara took to the stage and stated, “Us three have no right to be on this stage in front of this many people, rapping predominantly in a language that even people at home don’t even speak.”
Kneecap further detail Belfast’s relationship with the language, throughout their 2014 comedy-drama film. The film did exceptionally well and as a result was nominated for a range of awards throughout the award season. Due to the success the movie went on to win seven awards including a BAFTA.
Sean Mac Dermott stated “The language that once survived in whispers now thrives in classrooms, murals, and music. What we are witnessing in West Belfast is more than linguistic growth; it is the reclaiming of identity. The resurgence of Irish demonstrates that culture cannot be erased — it adapts, endures, and ultimately reasserts itself.”
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When asked about what is next for Kneecap, Heavenly Recordings highlighted the roll out of their new album ‘Fenian’ which dropped on April 24. A rep said: “Their first album Fine Art is not necessarily an album that you would listen to at home, Fenian is a bit more like that and a bit more serious in tone.”
With language the theme – the final word goes to Mo-Chara who, when asked about the renaissance of Irish throughout Ireland, told me: “I think the resurgence has given Ireland a breath of fresh air.
“When you lose a language you lose a understanding of the land, your history and yourself.”
*Astro line horoscopes are updated every Thursday. Calls cost 65p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge and will last approximately five minutes. You must be over 18 and have the bill payer’s permission. Service provided by Spoke. Customer service: 0333 202 3390
Killian Smith was reaching near the double the speed limit when he crashed into Jawar Khan who was crossing Bradford Street,
The horrific crash happened on April 19, 2024 when Smith was behind the wheel of a BMW.
Smith, 34 of Newby Road, Breightment, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He was further sentenced to another 27 months for a separate incident of coercive and controlling behaviour that occurred later, to be served concurrently.
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This involved Smith’s then-partner.
Also appearing alongside him was Jamie Mallen, who the court heard was speeding on the same road, although he did crash into anything or anyone.
Bolton Crown Court heard both men were driving at around 56/57mph in a 30mph zone.
Mallen, 29, of Tulip Avenue, Kearsley, who drove the red Ford which did not hit Mr Khan, was sentenced to nine-months in prison for driving dangerously, suspended for 18 months.
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Addressing Smith, Recorder Andrew Long said: “The three-year sentence which should be the starting point is subject to reductions due to your guilty plea and other personal aggravating matters.”
Recorder Long was referring to the death of Smith’s mother, which the defendant had been out commemorating at the time of the collision, as well as an earlier incident in which his brother died by suicide.
Recorder Long then turned to Mallen: “You performed the same manoeuvre at the same time, and it is only by the grace of God that that you did not injure anybody else.”
Barrister Adam Brown, who prosecuted the case, explained that the cars were first seen by another driver on Bradford Street on the date in question.
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The driver said that he saw the blue BMW pull up next to him while he was in traffic then speed off, followed by the red Ford, which did the same thing.
He then heard a loud bang, which he soon found out was the blue BMW – driven by Smith – hitting Mr Khan.
Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)
Smith came to a complete standstill upon colliding with Mr Khan, and remained at the scene, making no attempt to flee, which Recorder Long said indicated genuine remorse.
The red Ford driven by Mallen continued on – he was later found to have a small amount of cannabis in his system, and was driving on a provisional licence.
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Paramedics were called to the scene, and another witness saw a young woman shouting ‘it’s my dad, it’s my dad!’
This young woman was Mr Khan’s daughter Sophia, who witnessed her father being hit by Smith’s BMW.
Mr Brown read out a statement by Ms Khan: “My father was departing from mosque with his brother-in-law when he was hit by the car while crossing Bradford Street.
“Even though I had seen him after his stroke, I immediately knew this time was it was more serious.
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“He was treated in hospital by medical professionals until December 4.
“He was found to have a traumatic brain injury due to the collision caused by his brain rotating in his head. We were told it is not likely to heal.
“From leaving the hospital to now his condition has only deteriorated.
“He was initially able to take his medication orally, but now it has to go in through a drip – he used to respond to us speaking to him, he now doesn’t.
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“He used to have very healthy teeth, but his teeth are now black and crumbling due to the medication.
“He used to be very independent, now he relies on his wife and children and needs 24-hour care.
“My mother provides 90 per cent of the care, which is impacting her health – she is now confined to the house as much as my father is.”
Recorder Long also described the abuse that Smith subjected his then partner to, which led to her getting a restraining order against him for 10 years.
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On one incident, he pushed her against a wall, injuring her head in the process, causing her to ring the police against him.
Smith’s defence barrister Richard Brigden explained that, at the time of the collision, Smith had been out for an event commemorating the death of his mother.
Mr Brigden brought up other mitigating circumstances which were affecting him at the time of the domestic violence, including finding the body of his brother.
His character since the arrest was also brought up as indicative of positive change.
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The court heard how Smith acts as a mentor for young prisoners, and how he is undergoing therapy which has helped him understand his previous criminal actions.
Ms Tanya Elahi, the defence barrister for Mallen, spoke about the defendant’s issues with cannabis, for which she requested he undergo a cannabis awareness course.
Recorder Long gave Mallen a nine-month suspended sentence, less than ‘most judges’ would have given in a similar situation, he said.
America’s only “special relationship” is probably with Israel and not Great Britain, according to the UK’s new ambassador to Washington.
Christian Turner, who replaced disgraced ex-Labour peer Peter Mandelson in the plum diplomatic role in February this year, was recorded making the controversial remarks shortly after starting in the role.
According to the Financial Times, Turner told a group of UK students visiting Washington: “I think there is probably one country that has a special relationship with the United States – and that is probably Israel.”
He made his remarks shortly before Donald Trump and Israel launched joint air strikes on Iran on February 28.
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But they appear to have been leaked to coincide with King Charles’s state visit to America and cause maximum embarrassment to Keir Starmer.
Turner said he disliked the phrase “special relationship”, which has been used to describe UK-US ties for decades, saying it is “quite nostalgic, it’s quite backwards-looking, and it has a lot of baggage about it”.
However, Turner insisted the UK’s links to Washington were still “so strong”, adding: “There is a deep history and affinity between us. Particularly on defence and security, we are intertwined.”
The senior diplomat said: “The relationship will carry on, if you want, being ‘special’, but I think it’s going to have to be different.”
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Turner said the two countries must “work to redefine” the relationship, particularly when it comes to defence.
He also expressed surprise that the scandal surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had not “touched anybody” in the US, especially after it “brought down” Mandelson and “potentially the prime minister”.
Turner was outspoken about the PM too, admitting he was “on the ropes” earlier this year due to the chaos triggered by Mandelson appointment, and that his future looked “quite touch and go”.
The ambassador speculated that Labour MPs could “remove” him after May’s local elections.
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He then claimed Labour Party rules state 80 MPs are needed to oust the PM by publicly signing a letter “which is like signing a death warrant”.
Turner called the Mandelson saga a “crisis”, which “has nearly brought down the government and ended the prime minister’s tenure”.
But he described the interest in Mandelson’s failed security vetting as “a bit of a red herring”.
“The problem was he had a bunch of associations that were embarrassing to him and the government that had not been revealed,” Turner said.
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“And, arguably, once they were uncovered, the prime minister moved to sack him.”
Turner also acknowledged that the US legislators have tried to “bring to account some of those senior figures” linked to Epstein, including inviting Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify before Congress.
A Foreign Office spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “These were private, informal comments made to a group of UK sixth-form students visiting the US in early February. They are certainly not any reflection of the UK government’s position.”
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Mulgrave has finished building four energy-efficient homes in Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton.
The site, named Apletona, is located off Hornby Road on a 1.26-acre plot at the western edge of the village.
Debbie Foster, sales director at Mulgrave, said: “We began work at Apletona in October 2024 and the site team has successfully delivered an exclusive collection of high-quality, low-carbon homes within a sensitively designed extension to the village.
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“These spacious, energy-efficient homes will help to meet the recognised local demand for bungalows, enabling retired households to downsize and free up housing for families seeking to live in the area.
“There is a particular need for two-bedroom bungalows and these are the first two-bedroom properties to be built in Appleton Wiske for more than 20 years.”
The development includes two- and three-bedroom bungalows, ranging from 1,300 to 1,700 square feet.
Homes are fitted with air source heat pumps and high-quality glazing to improve energy efficiency.
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A contribution of £50,700 has also been made to North Yorkshire Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy to support local services and facilities.
The bungalows have been designed to complement the character of Appleton Wiske, using red multi-brick and grey roof tiles.
The overall landscaping provides a gentle transition from the village to the surrounding countryside.
Native hedgerow and species-rich grassland have been planted, with swift and bat boxes integrated into each property to boost biodiversity.
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Ms Foster said: “Apletona has been created in a sustainable location with the local pub, post office, and village hall all within a short walk of the new homes, giving residents easy access to local amenities without having to use a car.”
One of the three-bedroom bungalows and both two-bedroom homes are currently available for reservation, with prices starting at £500,000.
More information can be found by visiting the Mulgrave Properties website.
BBC’s new six-part drama Half Man stars Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and Billy Elliot legend Jamie Bell.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
23:35, 28 Apr 2026
Half Man: Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell star in trailer
Half Man has landed, delivering an “explosion of violence” to television screens following lots of anticipation.
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The BBC‘s newest hard-hitting drama chronicles the lives of mild-mannered Niall (portrayed by Jamie Bell) and volatile Ruben (Richard Gadd) across their complex three-decade relationship.
The opening episode begins at Niall’s wedding with a charged exchange between the pair who regard themselves as brothers, united not by blood but by shared experience.
The series subsequently transports BBC audiences back to their teenage years, examining how their friendship formed and where it fractured along the way.
When is BBC Half Man next on?
Half Man’s opening episode initially launched at 6am on Friday, April 24, before its BBC One debut this evening, Tuesday, April 28, at 10.40pm.
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Half Man will maintain this broadcast pattern throughout the remaining six-part series, with episode two becoming available on Friday, May 1, via BBC iPlayer and Tuesday, May 5, on BBC One, at the identical time.
Below is a complete guide to Half Man’s anticipated episode transmission schedule, assuming no unforeseen programming changes.
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BBC iPlayer:
Episode One: Friday, April 24
Episode Two: Friday, May 1
Episode Three: Friday, May 8
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Episode Four: Friday, May 15
Episode Five: Friday, May 22
Episode Six: Friday, May 29
BBC One:
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Episode One: Tuesday, April 28
Episode Two: Tuesday, May 5
Episode Three: Tuesday, May 12
Episode Four: Tuesday, May 19
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Episode Five: Tuesday, May 26
Episode Six: Tuesday, June 6
Richard Gadd’s Half Man comes after his worldwide sensation Baby Reindeer, which launched on Netflix two years ago.
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Before both programmes, Gadd had contributed briefly to series including The Last Leg, Netflix’s Sex Education and Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier.
As for his acting work, the 36-year-old has appeared in Humans, Code 404, Clique and Outlander, portraying a character named Duff in series five.
Half Man is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
In a speech before Congress on his first state visit to the United States, King Charles III notably praised NATO as a vital part of the alliance between the U.K. and U.S., at a time when President Donald Trump is repeatedly threatening to pull the the U.S. out of the international organization that is designed to maintain collective international security.
There has been just one ‘illegal wastewater’ conviction in Northern Ireland over five years
Concerns over Northern Ireland sewage pollution have revealed a “shocking” lack of prosecutions despite an estimate of thousands of illegal connections in the UK.
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Only one conviction in NI has been made of an unauthorised link up to the wastewater system in the last five years.
The enforcement statistics have been revealed through a Freedom of Information request to Northern Ireland Water by a Mournes elected member.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale said:”Only one prosecution in five years is a shocking figure.
“It clearly shows a need for more enforcement and funding around this particular area with NIW, which has such far reaching consequences for housing, construction and jobs.
“I requested this information because, illegal connections, be they through changes of use or an existing building or new projects without the necessary permissions, are a contributing factor to the overloading of the existing NIW infrastructure.”
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimates up to 500,000 UK homes are suspected to be illegally mis-connected.
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Pressures on the wastewater network have been publicly announced by NIW with major housing developments in multiple council areas now impacted.
In the last five years, the FoI also shows 12 continuing NIW investigations of unauthorised connections and one ongoing prosecution.
The water authority also listed five cases with insufficient evidence to proceed and three warning letters handed out as well as one formal caution.
The Department for Infrastructure is due to bring forward legislation under the Water Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill to address unlawful connections.
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In some instances foul water pipes can be connected to the wrong drainage system ultimately leading to the pollution and contamination of streams, rivers, and coastlines.
Councillor Truesdale added:”While the Bill is very welcome it lacks detail on funding and enforcement of illegal connections.
“Foul drainage connected to surface water is discharged at its final destination be this a river or the sea, without treatment, and surface water drainage connected to foul drainage would overload the system and require treatment so in effect money is being spent on treating rainwater.
“Illegal connections may cause pollution of watercourses as well as hinder development by overloading the system.”
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The FoI statement from NIW reads: “NI Water’s approach to enforcement is in line with the principles of better regulation.
“This will help consumers, both domestic and commercial, to understand the nature and extent of their responsibilities and comply with the law voluntarily.
“However, there are times when conformity with the law needs to be sought by formal enforcement action.
“The effective use of enforcement powers is important to secure compliance with the legislation and, where necessary, to ensure that consumers are held to account.
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“NI Water’s Enforcement and Prosecution Policy sets out the options available to the company.
“The options available to NI Water range from advisory letters and warning letters to formal cautions and prosecution.”
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