Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

NewsBeat

Lamine Yamal baby photo with Messi resurfaces before 2026 World Cup final

Published

on

Belfast Live

A remarkable photo of Lionel Messi cradling a baby Lamine Yamal has resurfaced ahead of the 2026 World Cup final — taken 19 years ago at Camp Nou when Yamal’s family won a raffle to meet a Barcelona player.

Advertisement

Lionel Messi is poised to go head-to-head with Spain’s teenage prodigy in the World Cup final – 19 years after their first extraordinary meeting.

In 2007, the parents of Spain’s Lamine Yamal secured a competition prize to meet a Barcelona player when their son was merely five months old. That player turned out to be Messi, who was 20 at the time and already establishing himself as a rising talent for both Barcelona and Argentina – the same country that eliminated England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.

Photographer Joan Monfort documented the encounter in a collection of memorable photographs. They resurfaced two years ago when Yamal played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, after his father posted one of the images online with the words “The beginning of two legends”.

In the photographs, a smiling Messi can be seen holding and bathing a tiny infant who would later trace such a strikingly similar path in his football career.

“It is a true miracle of destiny,” Monfort said. “It is serendipity – when you find something extra special, so much bigger than you ever thought. If you wrote this in a film it would not seem possible.”, reports the Mirror, reports the Irish Mirror.

The photoshoot took place in the away changing room at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, with Yamal’s family having won a competition to be there. His parents – Moroccan-born Mounir Nasraoui and Sheila Ebana, originally from Equatorial Guinea – met after both moved to Barcelona as youngsters.

Yamal is their firstborn child, and shortly after his arrival, the couple entered a raffle organised by Catalan newspaper Sport in conjunction with Barcelona shirt sponsor and global children’s charity Unicef.

Advertisement

Those picked at random would have professional photographs taken of their newborn alongside a Barcelona first-team player. Yamal was among those chosen, and on the day the family turned up, they were paired with Messi entirely by chance.

“I had no idea it was Yamal in the photo until one my friends called me in 2024 and told me his father had posted it to Instagram,” Monfort recalled. “Messi is a really introverted guy, very timid and shy.

“He came into the dressing room and suddenly had to take these photos with a little baby – not even a kid, a proper baby and his face changed like he had no idea what to do! It is difficult for a young man, but Lamine was a very happy, smiley little baby.

Advertisement

“His mum Sheila helped us, she was a young girl and they were a very poor family, but they were very nice to work with.

“Messi was always a professional in these kinds of things and he adapted to the situation very quickly.”

At the time in 2007, Messi still sported the number 19 shirt for Barcelona, only taking on the iconic number 10 jersey a year later following Ronaldinho’s exit from the club. By the time he reached his 19th birthday, Messi had scored 11 career goals and secured La Liga and the Uefa Champions League once each.

Now having celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, Yamal has already amassed a remarkable 56 goals, alongside three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and Euro 2024.

Yamal isn’t actually the player’s surname, but the second of his two given names. His full name is Lamine Yamal Naraoui Ebana, and he wears the first two on his shirt for both Barcelona and Spain as a mark of respect to two people who helped his family around the time of his birth.

Spanish media have widely reported that Yamal’s father vowed to name him after two friends who offered financial support to the family, allowing them to pay their bills during a spell of financial difficulty.

Lamine is a common male name in Arabic. It means honest or trustworthy in English.

Yamal is a variant of Jamal, meaning elegance or beauty.

Advertisement

He grew up in Rocafonda, a working-class neighbourhood in Mataro, 20 miles north of Barcelona. Yamal has celebrated some of his goals by forming a 3-0-4 sign with his fingers, a nod to Rocafonda’s postcode.

Speaking to El Pais earlier in the tournament, Yamal said: “What my mother has done, what my father has done, I couldn’t have done that for anyone who is not my child. If you don’t have money, it’s very hard to help your child play football.

“And my parents managed to make all that happen. It’s something I’ll never be able to repay them for.”

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Argentina stadium erupts as ITV commentators stunned by Henry Pollock reaction

Published

on

Wales Online

The divisive England back-row was met with a remarkable reaction during the Nations Championship

Henry Pollock was met by a chorus of boos as he stepped onto the pitch during England’s Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Santiago del Estero.

Advertisement

The Northampton Saints flanker was already a divisive figure in Argentina, having been filmed goading football fans ahead of the World Cup semi-final between the two countries on Wednesday.

Steve Borthwick had to step in to defend the 21-year-old later in the week, after he was filmed shushing supporters from the team bus in Buenos Aires.

Argentina were mounting a comeback when England turned to the divisive Pollock from the bench.

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

Advertisement

Having been 19-3 up at half-time, Argentina got the scoreline back to 19-17 – with England losing two to the sin-bin in relatively quick succession.

The second yellow card for Alex Coles handed Argentina a penalty try to close the gap to two points.

Amid the celebrations in the ground, England brought Pollock – who scored a hat-trick against Fiji last week – on, with the back-row’s introduction met by boos.

“Henry Pollock comes on and listen to the boos,” said ITV commentator Nick Mullins.

Advertisement

“His reputation has travelled far and wide. They all saw the photograph from the team bus before the football on Wednesday.

“Boos now mingling with celebration and this place is soudning like an Argentinean sports stadium.”

“England are bang up against it now. I know they’re still in front but the momentum is now going Argentina’s way,” added David Flatman.

Pollock would have the last laugh, with his carry leading to England’s fourth try for Marcus Smith minutes later as Argentina lost two of their own to the line.

Advertisement

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Andy Burnham’s pledge to unite Labour branded ‘dead on arrival’ amid mounting mayhem over who will serve in his Cabinet

Published

on

Andy Burnham's pledge to unite Labour was branded 'dead on arrival' on Saturday

Advertisement

Andy Burnham‘s pledge to unite Labour was branded ‘dead on arrival’ last night, amid mounting mayhem over who will serve in his Cabinet.

At the centre of the chaos is the divisive figure of Ed Miliband, whose hopes of becoming the next Chancellor appeared to have been dashed last week following briefings that Mr Burnham was planning to give the job to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

However, Ms Mahmood is now being accused by Burnham allies of trying to ‘brief herself into the job’. In his coronation speech on Friday, Mr Burnham pledged to end factionalism and the ‘insidious’ briefing culture in Westminster, saying: ‘We won’t beat Britain’s new Right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions’.

But the fierce resistance to Mr Miliband’s proposed appointment has already served to poison relations. And a source said: ‘There’s a lot of anger at Shabana and her team for the Treasury briefing. Andy and James [Purnell, the new No 10 chief of staff] were furious.

Advertisement

‘It’s why he included the line about not having made any decisions in his Friday speech, with her sitting there. They felt it was a naked attempt to bounce him into appointing her.’

A second source added: ‘Shabana tried to convince Andy and James she wasn’t behind the briefings. She claimed she was in the Home Office secure room for four hours when the briefings were happening. But no one believed her. It’s well known among Home Office staff that she hates that room.’

Burnham allies also claim that the new Northern Secretary could even rank ahead of the Chancellor in the Cabinet pecking order, something the all-powerful Treasury is likely to resist.

To add further to the chaos, Sir Keir Starmer’s remaining rump of supporters in the Commons are lying in wait to ambush his successor. His allies were said to be angry at Mr Burnham’s claim on Friday that he had ‘supported all our Labour leaders in my lifetime’, and had played no role in Sir Keir’s ousting.

Advertisement

Andy Burnham’s pledge to unite Labour was branded ‘dead on arrival’ on Saturday 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was accused by Burnham allies of trying to 'brief herself into the job' of Chancellor

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was accused by Burnham allies of trying to ‘brief herself into the job’ of Chancellor

One senior MP said last night that was ‘manifestly untrue and Keir’s people will be very angry with it’. He added: ‘Andy may be the King of the North and South just now but the Starmer loyalists will be lying in wait for him.

Advertisement

‘His hopes of ending the infighting are dead on arrival.’

There are also nerves within Whitehall over plans to establish the new No 10 North by abolishing Liz Kendall’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), transferring officials to the new Northern department and handing its responsibilities to the Business Department.

Amid all the jostling for position, Labour sources claim that Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds has already called current Business Secretary Peter Kyle to request ‘access talks’ about his plans – because he had been promised the job.

It has led to concern about disruption to DSIT’s work on the social media ban and AI, with one source saying: ‘I know he [Burnham] wants to take Britain back to the 1970s, but trying to pretend the internet doesn’t exist is going a bit far.’

Advertisement

Housing Secretary Steve Reed, an ardent loyalist of Sir Keir, is expected to leave Government along with Attorney General Lord Hermer and David Lammy, the hapless Deputy PM and Justice Secretary.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Northumberland village people pass by on the way to Alnmouth

Published

on

Northumberland village people pass by on the way to Alnmouth

Lesbury sits on the north bank of the River Aln, around three and a half miles south-east of Alnwick, on the main coastal road that runs towards Alnmouth and the sea.

Half a mile away at Hipsburn is Alnmouth railway station on the East Coast Main Line, linking the village directly to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London, which makes Lesbury one of the easiest rural bases in mid-Northumberland to reach without a car.

Historic heart and ancient church

At the centre of the village stands the Anglican Church of St Mary, thought to sit on an original Saxon site and first mentioned in medieval records.

Advertisement

The present building is largely Norman in origin, dates back to the 12th century, and is now Grade II* listed, with a simple stone tower and churchyard that look out over the river meadows.

St Mary’s has long served a wider parish that historically included Alnmouth and several surrounding townships, which is why old parish records here are a rich source for local family history.

Everyday life in a small rural community

Today, Lesbury remains a small rural village of stone houses and cottages, sitting in the lands once held by the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland.

Advertisement

There is a village pub, the Coach Inn, which serves both locals and passing visitors, along with active community groups and an outdoor bowling green that help give the place its lived-in feel rather than a purely tourist one.

Why people love Lesbury

For visitors, the appeal is in the mix: quiet riverside walks along the Aln, easy access to the golden beaches at Alnmouth and the wider Northumberland Coast National Landscape, and a fast rail link from Alnmouth station that makes weekend trips straightforward.

The village’s position also means Alnwick’s attractions — from the castle and gardens to shops and restaurants — are a short drive or bus ride away, while smaller coastal villages such as Boulmer and Craster are close enough for day trips.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Argentina v England ends in fury as officials argue and players seething

Published

on

Wales Online

It was a chaotic ending to the summer’s final Nations Championship Test, with England barely hanging on for victory in Santiago del Estero

Argentina were controversially denied a draw against England in their Nations Championship clash in Santiago del Estero, following a lengthy TMO check that left the home side furious.

Advertisement

Los Pumas winger Bautista Delguy thought he had scored in the corner at the end of a pulsating 22-phase attack as Argentina looked for a try that could level the scores, having been trailing England 31-24 in the dying seconds. However, English duo Noah Caluori and Henry Slade did just enough to make referee Angus Gardner go upstairs.

The referee did award the try on-field, but decided to go up to the TMO to check at the end of a dramatic and action-packed match that contained eight tries and seven yellow cards.

“Angus Gardner thinks it’s a try so we need evidence that it isn’t,” said ITV commentator Nick Mullins.

After spending a few minutes trying to find a conclusive angle that showed Delguy’s left hand hit the touchline before he grounded it, Gardner seemed set to stick with his on-field decision of try.

Advertisement

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

However, his video referee Brett Cronan was adamant that it wasn’t a try.

“I’m going frame-by-frame here,” said Cronan. “His hand is up at the moment. It’s still up and then that ball is then grounded against the corner post and the tryline at the same time, meaning it is no try and the end of the game.”

However, Gardner wasn’t convinced – taking issue with his TMO.

Advertisement

“No, hang on, are you sure because the on-field decision is a try so we’ve got to make sure. To me, it looks like it hits the ground first.

“That looks like a try to me, mate. You’ve got a HD screen, but that ball looks down to me, mate.

“It’s got to be conclusive evidence to overturn. That looks like a try to me.”

However, Cronan remained adamant that the score shouldn’t be given.

Advertisement

“That is clearly grounded on the touchline,” reiterated the TMO.

Surprised by the interaction, Mullins chimed in: “Well, the referee and TMO having a barney about whether Argentina have scored a try to give them a kick to save a draw at the death.”

“I don’t think the stadium is going to take this very well,” said former England wing Chris Ashton on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Having then explained his decision to chalk off the try, Gardner blew for the full-time whistle.

Advertisement

That left the Argentina players furious, with fly-half Tomas Albornoz appearing to make contact with Gardner as he protested the decision.

With the home crowd showing their “undisguised fury” as Mullins called it, a member of Argentina’s support staff had to step in to keep the players away from Gardner and the other officials.

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Update on food van fire at busy Cambridge train station

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

Photos show the extent of damage to the food van involved in the fire

A food van has been destroyed in a fire near a busy Cambridge railway station. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to the blaze at Cambridge North train station at around 3.37pm on Friday (July 17).

Advertisement

A food truck caught fire on Cambridge Square. A fire spokesperson confirmed the fire was accidental and they will not be carrying out any further investigations.

A fire spokesperson said: “At 3.37pm on Friday, a crew from Cambridge and the south roaming fire engine were called to a fire on Cambridge Square in East Chesterton ward, Cambridge.

“Firefighters arrived to find a food van well alight. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels. The cause has been recorded on the incident log as accidental. There isn’t any further investigation planned from our officers.”

Photos captured by people at the scene show the truck completely destroyed as a result of the fire. Trains were not disrupted while the fire was dealt with.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in .

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

BBC to air Bonnie Tyler tribute as family confirms Swansea ‘celebration’

Published

on

Wales Online

The BBC is set to air a one-off special tribute to the late Welsh icon Bonnie Tyler who died earlier this month.

Bonnie Tyler has died aged 75 after suffering a medical emergency

The BBC is preparing a one-off special dedicated to the legendary Total Eclipse of the Heart singer Bonnie Tyler.

Recognised as an iconic 1980s powerhouse, the Welsh vocalist died at the age of 75 earlier this month following emergency intestinal surgery.

The star succumbed to complications arising from the procedure carried out in Faro, Portugal, in May, with her death occurring several weeks afterwards.

A tribute is now set to honour the icon with the special titled Bonnie Tyler at the BBC, broadcasting next Saturday, July 25, at 8.30pm on BBC Two.

Advertisement

It has been described as a “celebration” of the artist’s “incredible 50-year career as fans come to terms with the sad news of her death”.

The official description adds: “The only Welsh performer to have a US Number 1, Bonnie’s distinctive husky vocals and powerful performances made her one of Britain’s best-loved and most enduring artists.

Advertisement

“This collection from the BBC archive showcases some of her biggest and very best moments from over the decades.”, reports the Express.

Among the footage scheduled to appear are performances from numerous programmes including Top of the Pops, The Late, Late Breakfast Show and Saturday Night at the Mill.

The tribute will also feature “the song frequently voted the greatest power ballad in pop history, Total Eclipse of the Heart”, taken from her Tim Rice TV Special performance in 1983.

Advertisement

It has been announced that the star’s coffin will arrive at her Mumbles residence on Saturday, August 15, at 3.30pm, with supporters encouraged to “pay their respects” by gathering along Newton Road from 3.15pm.

A celebration of her life will take place at St Mary’s Church, Swansea, on Monday, August 17, at 12pm, before she will “return to her hometown” of Skewen, Neath Port Talbot for a private family service.

Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was among the first to pay tribute, writing: “A one of a kind artist, who so easily could have been a comedian because she was one of the funniest people I ever met.

Advertisement

“Thank you Bonnie for the joy you brought so many. Sleep tight beautiful lady.”

Shakin’ Stevens described her as “a true professional, and a bright, shining light”, posting on X: “She loved life and inspired the rest of us to do the same.”

Meanwhile, Sir Cliff Richard said he was mourning “another wonderful friend gone too soon”.

Bonnie Tyler at the BBC premieres on Saturday, July 25, at 8.30pm, on BBC Two.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Family tribute to mum, 24, killed in her home as man charged with her murder

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Kirandeep Kaur came to London looking for a better job so she could support her family, her sister has said

The family of a 24-year-old woman killed in her home have paid an emotional tribute to the young mum. Kirandeep Kaur, who was originally from India, was fatally attacked at her home in Hayes.

A man has been charged with Kaur’s murder. Speaking through a translator from the Majha region of Punjab, India, her sister Gursharan told the BBC her sibling was ‘everything’ to her.

Gursharan, who is 21, said her sister came to London looking for a better job so she could support her family.

Advertisement

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral arrangements.

It reads: “Kirandeep Kaur was a 24-year-old student from Punjab, India, who came to the UK with hopes of building a better future for herself and the family she had left behind.

“Kirandeep’s sudden death has left her young baby without a mother and her family in India devastated, burdened by grief and the significant debts incurred to support her future.

“Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall is bringing the local community together to offer practical and financial assistance during this unimaginable time.”

Advertisement

Daniel Sean James, 46, allegedly attacked 24-year-old Kirandeep Kaur in her own home in Hayes, west London, on the morning of July 12, reports The Mirror.

He then allegedly jumped out of a window and broke both ankles before being detained by police nearby, the Old Bailey was told.

Before the incident, James allegedly walked through a playing field in Hayes dressed all in black and carrying a large knife.

He was caught on CCTV and doorbell cameras approaching three different addresses before coming up behind a man in his 20s in the street and stabbing him in the back, it is claimed.

Advertisement

Minutes later, at around 7.51am, he allegedly kicked at the door of the home Mrs Kaur shared with her husband and three-month-old baby, and broke in while they were asleep in bed.

The husband awoke to the sound of a scream from his wife and saw a figure leaving the bedroom, prosecutor Charlene Sumnall said.

Two minutes later, James exited the property on Uxbridge Road by jumping out of a window from the kitchen-living room area, the court heard.

Having broken both ankles, he allegedly tried to flee but collapsed after 10 metres.

Advertisement

From the first alleged sighting of the defendant, the arrival of police at the scene took around 24 minutes, the court was told.

Mrs Kaur suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 8.26am.

The Old Bailey was told that both victims were complete strangers to the defendant, who was treated in hospital before being taken into custody.

He was subsequently charged with the murder of Mrs Kaur, attempted murder and having a blade.

Advertisement

On Thursday, James, of Mercer Place, Pinner, west London, appeared in Court One of the Old Bailey by videolink from Wormwood Scrubs.

Judge Nigel Lickley KC set a plea hearing for October 1 and a provisional three-week trial from April 5 next year.

James spoke only to confirm his identity and was remanded into custody.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Battle against two major moorland fires rages on, and it isn’t expected to end soon

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

It is a week since the moorland fire began at Dovestone, while crews have been battling the Tintwistle fire for three weeks

Firefighters are set to remain at the scene of moorland fires into next week.

Advertisement

Crews have been tackling blazes near Dovestone reservoir in Oldham and at Tintwistle in Derbyshire. Despite the huge emergency services response, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said people had been seen visiting Dovestone and lighting barbeques.

GMFRS said: “Our firefighters continue to tackle two major moorland fires at Swineshaw and Dovestone. This weekend, we have already seen people visiting the area and lighting BBQs.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

“People must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames.”

Advertisement

It is more than a week since the moorland fire began at Dovestone, while crews have been battling the Tintwistle fire for three weeks.

Meanwhile, police said that two people who had been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire at Dovestone have been released on bail. A 19-year-old woman and a man in his 20s had been held.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said that crews are expected to remain at the scene in Tintwistle into next week.

“Firefighters and partner agencies are expected to remain at the scene of the Tintwistle Moor wildfire into next week,” they said. “They continue to work tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Advertisement

“Our efforts are currently focused on four key areas: Didsbury Intake, Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor and Crowden. The A628 Woodhead Pass remains closed so responders and vehicles can get to and from the scene safely.

“Two helicopters are dropping water on both the Tintwistle Moor wildfire and a separate wildfire across the border in Greater Manchester at Dovestone Reservoir and Swineshaw Moor. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service continue to lead their own operations while working closely together and sharing specialist resources.

“The current wind direction is carrying smoke from both incidents towards Manchester. However, forecast changes in wind direction early next week could mean smoke affects more communities on the Derbyshire side of the border, including Padfield and Hadfield.

Advertisement

“Residents and visitors are advised to avoid areas affected by smoke where possible. If you live nearby, please stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

“If you must travel through an area affected by smoke, keep your windows closed and use the recirculation setting in your vehicle to reduce the amount of smoke entering from outside.

“We would like to thank the public for their continued support and cooperation. We also remind anyone planning to visit the High Peak this weekend to avoid the wildfire-affected areas around Tintwistle and nearby communities.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Why Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are on the bench for England vs France | Football

Published

on

Why Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are on the bench for England vs France | Football

Close Overlay

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on ‘helping with cost of living’

Published

on

Andy Burnham in a suit and glasses. A close up of his face.

“This reprioritisation of public resource shows a change in direction towards improving everyday life and strengthening local economies over expensive national government schemes.”

Plans for a digital ID scheme had initially been introduced by Sir Keir ahead of Labour’s conference last year.

At the time, Starmer argued that mandatory digital ID for workers would make it easier to clamp down on immigrants working illegally and modernise the state.

As well as tackling illegal immigration, Starmer said a digital ID system would enable citizens to prove identity to access key services quickly instead of having to hunt for utility bills.

Advertisement

The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated last November that the programme would cost £1.8 billion over three years, but Downing Street rejected this figure.

In January, after nearly three million people signed a parliamentary petition opposing the introduction of digital IDs, the government changed its approach.

Instead, Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones unveiled a voluntary scheme, which he said could eventually allow people to do everything from managing their childcare to filling in tax returns on a “one stop” app.

Soon after, Home Affairs Committee Chair Dame Karen Bradley said the government was right to introduce digital ID but had botched the launch.

Advertisement

In a report setting out the committee’s investigation into the launch and subsequent changes to the digital ID policy, Dame Karen called attempts to set out the plans “nothing short of a fiasco” which “raised fears of government over-reach into people’s lives”.

Burnham will become prime minister after meeting with King Charles III on Monday, and his office said “one of the first things this government will do is put its focus where people need it right now”.

Scrapping digital ID, the spokesperson said, will mean “redirecting the resources earmarked for the scheme towards people’s everyday priorities”.

Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart said people would be “hugely relieved to know they are no longer set to be forced to hand over their data just to go about their daily lives”.

Advertisement

“We have long said the obscene sums earmarked for digital ID would be a huge waste of taxpayers’ money, and it’s a relief that Burnham has woken up to that” she said in a statement.

The update on digital IDs follows news that Burnham will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea after he becomes prime minister.

The Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto – which the new leader said he would follow – had pledged to not issue new licences but to honour existing ones.

While details of the oil and gas plans are not clear, the incoming prime minister is expected to uphold the manifesto commitment.

Advertisement

This means the Labour leader could pledge to speed up existing plans to drill more in the North Sea, where many oil and gas licences already approved in recent years remain largely undeveloped due to a variety of reasons.

As Burnham prepares to take office on Monday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned his plans for government are “airy fairy” in an interview for Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

She accused Burnham of not being aware of “what the country’s priorities are” and stressed the country needs a leader ready to “take tough decisions”.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025