Plaid Cymru’s electoral hopes for May’s Senedd election are high. Polls suggest the party is competing with Reform UK to emerge as the largest group in the next Welsh parliament, putting it, for the first time, within reach of leading a government in Wales.

This marks a striking shift in Plaid’s electoral fortunes. At the first election to what was then the National Assembly for Wales in 1999, the party won 28.4% of the vote. That remains its strongest performance to date in what was widely described at the time as a “quiet earthquake” in Welsh politics.

Since then, Plaid has struggled to match that breakthrough in devolved elections. From 2011 onwards it has consistently been the third-largest party in the Senedd, behind Welsh Labour – which has led every government since devolution – and the Conservatives.

Even so, the arithmetic of Welsh politics has occasionally worked in Plaid’s favour. The party entered government in coalition with Labour between 2007 and 2011, and more recently struck a co-operation agreement from 2021 to 2024. But if Plaid ends up leading a government outright after May 7, it would truly set this election apart.

Positioning itself for power

Plaid Cymru’s strategy is to present itself as a credible government-in-waiting. Its focus is less about being a party of protest and more about delivery. In other words, what it would do in office, how it would tackle Wales’s major policy challenges, and how it would represent Welsh interests at Westminster after nearly three decades of Labour dominance.

In February, the party set out its plan for its first 100 days in government. This focused on improving healthcare, raising education standards, boosting the economy and reforming government.

Alongside these priorities, its manifesto calls for further powers to be devolved to the Senedd. These include greater tax powers, justice and policing, rail services and infrastructure, and the Crown Estate, which oversees things like the sea bed and mineral rights in much of the countryside.

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Yet there has also been a noticeable change in tone on the party’s long-term constitutional aims. Our research examined how Plaid Cymru covered these issues in the 2021 Senedd election. Compared with five years ago, Welsh independence is significantly less prominent in both its current manifesto and campaign.

The timetable has softened too. There’s no longer a commitment to holding a referendum on independence in its first term of government. Instead, Plaid describes Wales as being “on a journey” to independence. It has committed to producing a policy on Welsh independence but with no referendum timeframe.

By downplaying its long-term constitutional ambitions in this way, and focusing on the more immediate policy challenges facing Wales, Plaid Cymru is approaching this Senedd election as many other pro-independence parties have done across Europe. A similar strategy helped the Scottish National Party win power in 2007 and remain in government for the next 19 years.

From polling strength to political power

Strong polling does not guarantee power, however, and Plaid faces several obstacles. Opponents continue to highlight its commitment to independence.

Support for independence among the Welsh public remains relatively low – only 26% of respondents in a recent YouGov poll agreed that Wales should be an independent country. Plaid’s challenge is to persuade sceptical voters that this isn’t the most important issue in Wales for the next four years.

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The new electoral system also presents fresh uncertainties. This election will use a fully proportional model, with 96 members elected across 16 constituencies. Success will now depend on broad support across Wales. That’s a test for a party whose organisational strength has traditionally been concentrated in the north and west.

The new system is also likely to produce a more fragmented Senedd, with a wider range of parties represented. That could make post-election negotiations decisive, shaping who is able to lead a government and how stable it is.

The Moon in Libra opposes Saturn in Aries, putting emotions at the heart of all things today. Words are weighty, so use them carefully.

Aries, Taurus and Gemini, the day ahead gives you the opportunity to discuss something important with someone close to you. Don’t shy away from building bonds.

Sensitivity, perceptiveness and vulnerability will work in your favour. Go forward as your most true self.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday April 28, 2026.

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To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

A relationship can reach a thoughtful place today as the Moon in Libra goes face-to-face with stern Saturn in your sign. And with Venus, the planet of relating, also linking powerfully to deep Pluto, what gets said or discussed could have a profound impact on you and the other person. Ironically, whilst it may seem flirty at first, it could lead to something much more meaningful!

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

The last week has given you a chance to get on the front foot with key plans, and you may feel more energised. But it could also have seen you having to consider what some of your goals and ambitions are. Details do matter, and you may find that if you rush something today by trying to be ultra productive, a small but important piece of information could be missed.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

With three air-based planets, including Venus in your sign, and forging a wonderful triumvirate today, what will be most effective is if you can ease into the open a sensitive issue with a friend or associate that has been lingering in the background over the last three or four days. If you can come across with sincerity as well as with great charm, this is a potent mix, Gemini.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Your natural appreciation of home, family and quieter moments could call out to you. As much as you can be in demand with your friends or professional interests, some moments of quiet and peace can be evocative. If this is more difficult to do, treat yourself to an indulgent deep soak in the bath later on. Some gentle music and scented candles will also be soothing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Others are often drawn to your charisma, but today, your words can just seem to have that much more impact. People will know that what you say is really what you mean, but that doesn’t mean to say that you can’t adopt your usual warm and personable ability to convey these in a way that lands softly, but also effectively. One bond can grow stronger, too, Leo.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Few zodiac signs appreciate the minutiae of situations as much as you, but it’s important to know when to set the record straight and when to let things go; otherwise, you can come off as being somewhat picky. Yet there’s no doubt that your observations are so often what keeps many situations ticking over in a very efficient way, and it can be so around finances.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

If you recall, a month ago, the Full Moon in your sign pushed you to stand up for your interests and not be so inclined to attune to the needs of others. It can feel a little bit like Groundhog Day, but the difference now is the energy you’re receiving from the electric Uranus in Gemini and deep Pluto in Aquarius – your effervescence will be difficult to resist

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

That deep and thoughtful side of your nature can be to the fore today, Scorpio. This may be around a connection, but what you’re yearning for at the moment can be something that really has a resonance that goes beyond just attraction. Taking some time for yourself can prove to be therapeutic and give you the space to process the sensitivities you’re likely feeling.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

The planet of affection, Venus, aligns with the planet of change, Uranus, both now in your sector of relating, but arcing to the transformational Pluto. And a powerful conversation is possible today, but also an electric attraction. The last couple of years may have dulled your confidence. But now you can feel that your spark is back and that you are truly irresistible.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

It’s not usually your style to be too free and easy with your emotions, but however you feel now, the chances are they’re likely to come more into the open. But one of the things that can really inspire you is using your artistic talents, especially if you enjoy making and creating. When combining your flair with your practicality, it can prove to be especially satisfying.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

We can go through phases when we think life is not working to our advantage. However, now is one of those other times when everything can just flow so marvelously well for you. It’s not just your forward thinking and humorous sides that can sparkle, Aquarius, you can also be very solid in your approach too. This can make you effective, particularly if your ideas shine through.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

You can find yourself weighing up the pros and cons of key strands, and your consideration can be thoughtful. But if you are exploring new potential ways of earning money, don’t discount what you can utilise from your past skills and experiences. Something from this can be applied in a fresh way, and from the comfort of your own home. Given time, it can grow.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

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.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of April here.

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Rescuers are battling to reach trapped passengers after two trains crashed at Bekasi Timur Station outside Jakarta, leaving four people dead and 38 injured, officials said

At least four people have been killed and dozens more left trapped after two trains collided in Indonesia.

One train ploughed into another at a station on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, leaving passengers stranded in a severely mangled carriage, officials confirmed.

State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia announced in a statement that four fatalities had been confirmed, with around 38 passengers transported to hospital for treatment.

The long-distance Argo Bromo Anggrek train struck the rear carriage of a commuter service that had been stationary at Bekasi Timur Station. The stricken carriage had been designated as women-only – a widely used measure introduced to help tackle harassment on public transport.

Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to reach five passengers still trapped inside the commuter carriage, with authorities warning the death toll may yet rise. Witnesses reported hearing screams from passengers as the two trains collided, reports the Mirror.

Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by the extent of the damage to the carriages, which has restricted access to the crash site, forcing emergency workers to slice through mangled metal to reach those still trapped.

Authorities also temporarily cut overhead electrical power along the Cibitung–East Bekasi line to guarantee the safety of those involved in the evacuation operation. Injured passengers have been transported to nearby medical facilities, including Bekasi Regional Hospital, where casualty departments have reportedly been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients. Initial reports indicate that many of those hurt were women making their way home from work, with some sustaining fractures.

All 240 passengers aboard the Argo Bromo Anggrek train were confirmed safe, according to officials. Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri told reporters at the scene that officers were looking into the cause of the collision.

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Footage broadcast on local television and circulated across social media showed passengers at the station in a state of panic, while dozens of anxious relatives descended on the station seeking news of loved ones. The state-owned rail operator issued an apology to its customers.

Crashes are far from uncommon on Indonesia’s ageing rail network. In January 2024, two trains collided in West Java province, claiming at least four lives. On that occasion the Turangga express train carrying 287 passengers was travelling from Surabaya, the capital of East Java province, when it ploughed into a Bandung Raya commuter train with 191 passengers heading to Padalarang from Haurpugur station at about 6.03am.

Back in October 2013, a passenger train ploughed into a minibus at an unguarded level crossing in West Java, leaving 13 people dead. In 2010, a train from Jakarta crashed into the rear of a stationary train at a station in Central Java province, killing 36 people.

Mark Selby was furious at the state of the tables in both of his matches at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible

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The World Snooker Tour have responded after Mark Selby launched a stinging attack on the Crucible table. Selby criticised the ‘horrific’ state of the Crucible table after crashing out of the World Championship in a 13-11 defeat to China’s Wu Yize.

Four-time champion Selby drew on his years of experience to push Yize all the way but ultimately cut a frustrated figure as Wu held his nerve to book his place in the last eight. However, he was left less than impressed with the conditions of the table.

But in response, a World Snooker Tour spokesperson said: “There are always challenges in providing the best possible conditions for players as there are many factors which affect this.

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“Our dedicated team of table-fitters work tirelessly in delivering the best possible conditions and they are constantly monitoring the tables. We have systems in place where players can give feedback after every match.”

Speaking after his defeat to the 22-year-old, Selby said: “I felt like I let the table get to me a little bit. The conditions were probably as bad as I’ve experienced here at the World Championships, for sure.

“Even the [first-round] game against Jak Jones, I felt like the table was absolutely horrific. Jak said the same to me. Last night they re-covered it and I still felt it was really heavy and pingy as well.

“That’s not the reason why I’ve lost, but it’s just disappointing to come to a tournament which is the pinnacle of our sport and you think like the conditions are going to play really good and I’ve played anything but.

“I don’t know what it is because I have my practice table re-covered quite a lot of the time and it never, ever plays to the level of that, especially like how it just flies off the cushions.

“Whether it’s too hot in the arena, I don’t know. You probably have to speak to the table fitters. They do the best job possible they can, but something needs to happen because it’s just so inconsistent from one tournament to the next.

“I got to 11 [frames] and I played absolutely atrocious apart from probably four frames and I don’t think he played great either.

“I was not comfortable with what I was doing and obviously I let everything else get to me and stuff and the table and everything. Yeah, it was just an absolute car crash out there.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

The monarch has arrived in Washington DC for the first day of a whirlwind state visit, with a body language expert saying the monarch appeared different in light of the recent shooting

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Washington DC to kick off a whirlwind four-day state visit, where they were officially welcomed by President Trump and First Lady Melania at the White House.

The King and Queen arrived in the US capital on Monday, where Donald and Melania Trump welcomed the couple, as Melania and Camilla shared a warm embrace while Trump and Charles shook hands. While Charles is no stranger to state visits, a body language expert believes the monarch seemed different during the welcome to the US.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle shares cryptic message about ‘ending the hardest seven years of life’READ MORE: Queen Camilla’s brooch sends message of unity as she meets Donald Trump

The state visit has been a point of contention in recent weeks, with controversy reaching a high over the weekend after a shooting occurred at the White House Correspondents dinner, in which Trump was targeted.

As a result, body language expert expert Bruce Durham from Huddle Culture believes Charles was more distracted and reserved than he has been in the past, perhaps feeling a level of unease in the wake of the shooting.

Bruce told the Mirror : “What’s really interesting here is there’s a deviation in King Charles ’s behaviour. King Charles is ingrained in, conditioned in, and brought up in formal displays of royal behaviour. Protocol, etiquette — call it what you want. It has been King Charles’s full life of how to behave, how to act, when to speak, and when to be silent.

“What we see here is that Charles, on a number of occasions, is showing signs of not being fully focused on the task at hand. Just after he arrives, what you see is what we call the tortoise effect. Now, Charles has been in thousands of engagements like this. He knows what to do. He knows where to stand. He would have been briefed by his staff. Yet when Camilla comes across to engage and greet Donald Trump, Charles puts his head down.

Bruce continued: “This is the tortoise effect. This is exactly what we do when we have either fear, doubt, or a lack of self-confidence. There is no reason for Charles to put his head down. He has been in this engagement many times before.

“What this is, is an activation of what we call the sympathetic nervous system—the amygdala, the fight-or-flight response firing. In that particular moment, Charles is physically present, but his mind is absent somewhere else.”

According to the expert, this instinctive act “could genuinely be due to the recent shooting at the Whitehouse correspondents address.” Bruce explained that Charles performed a subconscious ritual during the meeting, in an attempt to calm his mind and re-centre his thoughts and actions, by quelling potentially intrusive thoughts.

He said: “Shortly after this, you see Charles perform a self-soothe with his left hand on his thigh. That is to tell himself that he’s OK. Whatever is going on in his mind, he is telling himself it’s OK, it will be fine, calm down—you’re OK right now. That’s when you then see the self-soothe with his left hand, and then immediately he puts both hands behind his back, as if he has remembered what to do.

“Then, when they are just about to turn and walk into the White House, you see Charles start to become more like the King Charles that we know and are familiar with. What this is, is an activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.”

Bruce explained that the recent shooting was likely at the front of the King’s mind, especially given how high profile his appearance at the White House was, regardless of how unlikely it might seem that the monarch might be targeted by a gunman.

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“Charles may be aware of a threat,” Bruce said. “He may be uncomfortable, perhaps thinking – logically – that there could be a shooter in the crowd. But we all behave in this way, because after a certain time, even if we perceive a threat, that threat could be many things in daily life. It could be an email from a boss, someone standing next to you, or being in the sea and thinking you see a shark – whatever it may be.

“After a while, if that threat does not materialise or act in the way your subconscious anticipates, the parasympathetic nervous system starts to take over. We begin to breathe easier, reduce our heart rate, and adapt to the perceived threat.

“That is why you see Charles start to return to the King Charles we recognise, with the protocol, the gregariousness, and sometimes humour. His normal baseline behaviour returns.”

“While we can’t say for sure what Charles is focusing on, his mind does appear to be elsewhere while his body is physically present. That is unusual for him. We could logically assume that his mind, given recent events, may be on a potential threat. Eventually, he adapts.”

The body language expert said that this jittery and uncertain behaviour is unusual from the King, but given the divisive nature of the state visit, it is no wonder why Charles might be hyper aware of a possible threat.

Bruce said: “That’s what we’re seeing from King Charles, which is why you get a baseline behaviour that is noticeably different at the start, transforming into the King Charles we recognise once he has been there for a period of time.

“For sure, he displays a behaviour in my world where we say ‘his mind is not where his feet are’ but this – at the start, without doubt, he is physically present, but mentally he is thinking of something else. It would be logical to think of the recent shooting. His base line behaviour had changed. Charles has done this thousands of times, so the the change? The answer could be fear.”

If form in this season’s Champions League was the benchmark, then Arsenal would be home and dry with 10 victories and two draws in 12 games – and they beat Bayern in November.

But the Gunners have not been in a final since 2006 – when they were beaten by Barcelona in Paris – and competition pedigree plays a role in the Champions League.

The north Londoners finished top of the league phase and had been handed a favourable path to Budapest as a result, with wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting in previous rounds.

Just three of the previous 20 champions have been first-time winners – making it even more of an uphill task for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners will take on a resurgent Atletico Madrid, who are the surprise package in this year’s competition.

Many predicted Diego Simeone’s side would be sent packing by Spanish rivals Barcelona in the last eight, but the three-time finalists are back to their gritty best in this competition.

Atletico are way off the pace in the La Liga title race and recently had their hearts broken in the Copa del Rey final by Real Sociedad.

But in Julian Alvarez, Atleti have hope. The Argentine striker has netted nine times and registered four assists in 13 matches, making him the key for the Spaniards to reach the final.

Bayern Munich have already tied up the Bundesliga title and are purring under Vincent Kompany this season.

Bayern’s attack was in fine form as they beat Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate in a thrilling quarter-final. That took their European tally to 38 goals in 12 games – the best in the Champions League this season.

England captain Harry Kane has been at the forefront of everything special at Bayern. He looks to add to his 12 goals, while aided by game-changing widemen Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.

The six-time winners know more than most what it takes to lift this trophy.

And that leaves us with the holders, PSG.

The Parisians finally broke their Champions League hoodoo in May 2025 with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan – the biggest winning margin in a final.

Like last season, Luis Enrique’s side had to come through a play-off to reach the knockout stages. But, also like last term, they have dispatched of two English sides in Chelsea and Liverpool.

A 4-0 aggregate victory over the Premier League champions proves PSG are at their frightening best and now have the experience to boot.

Directed by New Zealand dancer and choreographer, Parris Goebel, the three-minute video opens in a black and white striped room with the two stars on separate platforms on opposite sides of the frame – Gaga in a bright yellow wig and royal blue gown with Doechii in an oversized pink hat and black skirt frame or crinoline – with the two surrounded by brightly dressed dancers.

Administrators for the fashion accessories chain said that around 1,300 workers will be made redundant as a result.

The move does not affect the retailer’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office.

It comes after private equity owner Modella Capital hired Kroll to oversee the administration earlier this year.

A spokesman for Kroll said: “As of April 27, all Claire’s standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading.

“All store employees have been advised of redundancy.

“We understand an interested party is in discussion with a number of landlords with a view to taking new leases for some of the sites.”

Last August, Claire’s appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business.

The US parent firm for the high street retailer said at the time that it had filed a formal notice to administrators from advisory firm Interpath.

Interpath then confirmed Will Wright and Chris Pole had been appointed joint administrators for the firm.

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At the time, Will Wright, UK chief executive at Interpath, said: “Claire’s has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.

“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company.

“This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand.”

Will you miss Claire’s? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

R&A chief executive Mark Darbon says that players guilty of on-course misconduct could receive a two shot penalty at the Open in July.

This follows a reprimand for Sergio Garcia at last month’s Masters where the Spaniard damaged a tee box with his club after an angry reaction to an errant tee shot on the second hole of his final round.

Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre was also warned by Augusta officials after microphones caught him swearing and gesturing angrily during a ruinous first-round 80 at the year’s opening major.

Both incidents brought player behaviour into sharp focus in a season where the four major tournaments, the Masters, US PGA, US Open and Open, have agreed to implement a new code of conduct.

The leading professional tours are expected to follow suit, but unlike the majors, their policies have yet to be formalised.

There has always been scope for a player to be disqualified for a serious breach, as Garcia was for furiously damaging a green in a DP World Tour event in Saudi Arabia in 2019.

But now there is scope for referees to impose shot penalties for players who seriously breach the etiquette of the game. It means that, for the first time, a fit of temper could affect a leaderboard at one of golf’s big four tournaments.

“I think first and foremost, you want passion,” Darbon told BBC Sport.

“You want passion from players, you want passion from spectators, but there’s a fine line, and one of the amazing things about this sport are the values and integrity that underpin it.

“So we will watch that line very closely. We, like many of the other major events, are looking to implement a new code of conduct policy that will be in place this summer here at Royal Birkdale.

“And it will give us another measure by which to help influence and control that behaviour.”

Asked how this might impact competitors at the 154th Open, Darbon said: “It will depend on the circumstance and a determination of what their actions may lead to, but you could well see a two-shot penalty, for example, being deployed.

“We will clarify all of those details in the buildup to the championship.”