Party leaders, with the exception of the SNP’s John Swinney, took part in the BBC Question Time debate in Aberdeen. We gave them a mark out of five.

With two weeks to go until the Holyrood election, opinion polls show the SNP with a strong lead over their rivals.

Labour and Reform appear locked in a battle for second place, with Greens, the Lib Dems and the Tories fighting it out on the lower rungs.

Tonight’s BBC Question Time debate in Aberdeen featured five party leaders – Anas Sarwar, Gillian Mackay, Russell Findlay, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Malcolm Offord – but no John Swinney. SNP candidate Mairi McAllan took his place.

Around half of the programme focused on the plight of the North Sea oil and gas industry, and the six politicians traded blows on the cost of living crisis and independence.

Here is how they fared and the rating given to them by Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon.

Anas Sarwar

A quieter night for the Scottish Labour leader compared to the fireworks of the Channel 4 debate, where he was accused by Reform leader Malcolm Offord of plotting a secret deal.

The future of North Sea oil and and gas is a weakness for Labour and the dominance of the issue during the debate could have proved awkward for Sarwar.

But he put enough distance between himself and the UK Government to neutralise the issue and pivot onto nuclear power.

He also had the best line of the night – it was a shortlist of one – when he said he wanted Reform UK to get “absolutely pumped”.

3/5

Mairi McAllan

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The polls show the Tories in line for huge losses on May 7th and Findlay was in desperate need of a strong showing in Aberdeen.

Findlay put in a typically no-nonsense performance which will appeal to some voters.

But the issue for Findlay is as it always has been: credibility.

When he spoke of ending waste and being careful with public money, McAllan reminded viewers he backed the disastrous Liz Truss.

It’s a torpedo that never misses.

2/5

Alex Cole-Hamilton

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader delivered a performance that was entirely in keeping with previous efforts.

He sounded plausible without saying anything memorable and viewers likely switched off without having a view on him one way or another.

He was able to find the space during the debate to trot out his core messages on public service investment, and for that he will be grateful.

A gaffe free, highlight free night for ACH.

2/5

Gillian Mackay

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The Scottish Greens co-leader did not have as much air time as her rivals and this was probably a blessing.

With so much time devoted to the oil and gas industry, a North East audience was unlikely to be receptive to a candidate hostile to more drilling.

When the time came, she played the usual Green tunes on wealth, fairness and a better society. A pedestrian showing.

2/5

Malcolm Offord

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Reform UK’s leader enjoys talking about energy policy and was at ease with the debate’s focus on the oil and gas industry.

But Offord is poor on almost every other subject and comes across as a bar room bore who loves the sound of his own voice.

He even had the audacity to again peddle a fantasy tax cut that has been panned by experts.

Not his worst night, but that is not a high hurdle to clear.

2/5

Police have told motorists to expect dispruption from 1pm

There has been a warning of potential disruption to traffic due to a parade taking place in Belfast City Centre on Saturday.

The parade by the ROSA Socialist feminist movement will take place at 1pm on April 25 in Victoria Street before moving to Belfast City Hall via High Street and Donegall Place. The parade is expected to end by 3pm.

Police have said that officers will be in the area to assist with traffic management during the parade.

In a brief statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Road users are advised to expect disruption in Belfast City Centre this Saturday, 25th April, due to a planned parade. It will commence at 1pm in Victoria Street and culminate at Belfast City Hall. Police will be present in the area in order to assist with traffic management.”

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The DVLA have now explained to drivers that there are “no shortcuts” when bringing a vehicle back into use after declaring it off the road under a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

The agency said: “Want to use your vehicle again after telling DVLA it’s off the road (SORN)?

“You have to tax it first.”

Want to use your vehicle again after telling DVLA it’s off the road (SORN)?

You have to tax it first – get it sorted online at https://t.co/2blbaeYWTv #DVLADigital pic.twitter.com/J1vZb4MOla

— Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (@DVLAgovuk) April 22, 2026

What to do if your car has been unused

Even if your car has been sitting unused in a garage or on a driveway, you cannot start driving it again.

Drivers must first go through the official process to tax the vehicle before it is legally allowed back on the road.

And this rule applies even if no payment is due.

The DVLA warns: “You must tax your vehicle even if it is exempt from vehicle tax, meaning there is no charge to pay.”

How to tax your vehicle

Motorists can tax their vehicle using a reference number from one of the following:

• A recent DVLA tax reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter
• The vehicle log book (V5C), which must be in your name
• The green ‘new keeper’ slip if you have just bought the vehicle

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If you do not have any of these, you will need to apply for a new logbook – although you can still tax the vehicle at the same time.

Payments can be made by Direct Debit or card, while a 24-hour phone service is also available.

Drivers can also visit a Post Office that handles vehicle tax.

Have you got an unused car? Let us know in the comments.

Experts have discovered evidence of ‘vibrio vulnificus hotspots’ in various ponds around Long Island, New York, with those infected facing a ‘20% chance of dying within 48 hours’

Researchers are warning about a terrifying flesh-eating bacteria found in bodies of water across an area of New York – which could kill those infected “within 48 hours”.

Dr Christopher Gobler, an ecologist from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, said his team discovered evidence of “vibrio vulnificus hotspots” in various ponds around Long Island. Those who are infected with the bacteria could face a 20% chance of dying within 48 hours, he warned.

This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.

A 10-year-old girl who found an endangered Mexican axolotl while on holiday in Wales has told the BBC about the moment she found and caught the amphibian.

It is the first documented discovery of an axolotl in the wild in the UK, with only 50 to 1,000 left globally, according to experts.

Evie was playing in the shallows of the River Ogmore in Bridgend when she spotted the axolotl nestled in the rocks.

The family decided to cut their trip short to take the animal back to their home in Leicester, naming it Dippy as a tribute to where Evie found it.

“I think it’s a really nice change to the family,” Evie said about having Dippy.

Chris Newman, the National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW) director, said the manner in which Dippy was found suggested its previous owner had released it due to a “change in circumstances”.

The 16-year-old should not have had the vehicle on the road

A 16-year-old was stopped by police after driving a tractor on the M1 on a journey from Co Cavan to Ballymena.

The teenager was stopped by officers from the PSNI Road Policing Strategic Unit near Lisburn on Wednesday, April 22, as the vehicle should not have been using the motorway.

The driver was found to have only a provisional licence from the Republic of Ireland and was not allowed to drive on any Northern Ireland road with officers saying his parents would have to travel three hours to “deal with the matter”.

READ MORE: Man jailed after becoming volatile and threatening to kill mother of his childrenREAD MORE: Two men arrested after east Belfast security alert

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers from Road Policing Strategic Unit – Mahon Road – stopped a tractor on the M1 Motorway near Lisburn, earlier today.

“The tractor was travelling to Ballymena from County Cavan. This tractor should not be on the motorway – tractors are not allowed to use motorways.

“The driver, who was only 16 years old and only had a provisional entitlement in the Republic of Ireland, should not have been driving on any road in Northern Ireland. His parents now have a three hour journey to come to Lisburn and deal with the matter.”

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Social media is saturated with menopause solutions: powders for brain fog, gummies for sleep or capsules promising hormonal balance. Supplements such as magnesium, lion’s mane, creatine and collagen are being marketed as must-haves for perimenopause and menopause. But how much of this is actually grounded in science?

During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating and declining oestrogen levels can trigger symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, anxiety, brain fog, joint pain and changes in muscle mass and body composition.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the most effective treatment for many symptoms, but not everyone can or wants to use it. This is why alternative remedies attract so much attention.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a role in more than 300 metabolic processes, including muscle relaxation, nerve signalling and blood pressure regulation. Several menopause-related symptoms overlap with areas where magnesium has effects.

For instance, many menopausal women experience sleep problems. Clinical trials in adults, including older women, show magnesium can improve how fast you fall asleep and reduce insomnia severity.

Anxiety can also be an issue for menopausal women. Meta analyses show magnesium supplements can modestly reduce anxiety symptoms – particularly in people with low magnesium levels. However, this research wasn’t specifically done in menopausal women.

Menopause also places women at higher risk of osteoporosis (weakened bones). As oestrogen levels fall during menopause, certain bone cells become more active, causing bone to be lost faster than it’s rebuilt.

But magnesium contributes to bone density by encouraging the formation of new bone. Given some older women may have low magnesium levels and low bone density, this supplement may help address this menopause-related issue.

However, magnesium has not shown benefit for hot flushes, weight changes or cognitive symptoms.

The type of magnesium you take matters. Magnesium citrate and glycinate tend to be better absorbed by the body, while magnesium oxide is absorbed less efficiently.

It’s also important to note high doses can cause diarrhoea and may affect the heart and nervous system. People with kidney disease should avoid supplementation unless medically supervised.

Lion’s mane mushrooms

Lion’s mane mushroom is promoted to help with brain fog, a common complaint for women going through the menopause.

Animal studies suggest lion’s mane extract may stimulate new brain cell growth and support the hippocampus – the brain structure involved in memory and emotional regulation.

A different animal study also showed the supplement reduced depressive-like behaviour in menopausal rats.

But the small human trials that have been done show mixed results – with only some reporting mood improvements. Importantly, none of these studies involved menopausal women.

If you’re still keen to try the supplement, it’s usually well tolerated – though those with mushroom allergies should avoid it.

Creatine

Although researchers have studied creatine for decades, most of that work has focused on men. But emerging research suggests it has many benefits for women in perimenopause and menopause.

A 14-week study found creatine supplementation significantly increased lower body strength and improved sleep quality in perimenopausal women. These improvements in muscle strength are notable, given the increased risk of sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and function) during menopause.

However, evidence in post-menopausal women is mixed. One review found creatine may offer minor short-term benefits in post-menopausal women, but sustained supplementation didn’t produce significant muscle or bone health improvements.

Creatine may also support the brain. Growing evidence suggests it may support memory, focus and mood – particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuation or mental fatigue. However, more research is needed specifically in menopausal women.

Perimenopausal women have about a 40% higher risk of developing depressive symptoms or receiving a depression diagnosis than premenopausal women (premenopause is the period before any menopausal changes; perimenopause is the transition phase leading to menopause, when symptoms begin to appear). Some limited data suggests that taking creatine alongside an antidepressant can accelerate symptom improvement in women.

Creatine is generally safe, though those with kidney disease should seek medical advice before taking it.

Collagen

Collagen supplements are widely marketed for skin elasticity, joint health and healthy ageing.

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, giving structure to bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles and skin. As we age, collagen-producing cells become less active. This contributes to visible skin ageing and weaker bones that are more prone to fracture.

A year-long trial in postmenopausal women found daily collagen supplementation led to small but significant increases in bone mineral density compared with a placebo. This suggests collagen supplements may help counter age-related bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Research also indicates collagen supplements may ease joint discomfort and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis. This could be relevant for menopausal women as many experience the onset or worsening of joint issues during this time. However, more robust research in needed in menopausal women.

It’s important to note that collagen supplements differ widely due to how they’re produced and the source they come from. This makes the evidence hard to interpret.

This means different products can behave very differently in the body. Grouping them together can therefore obscure important differences in how they work. For instance, hydrolysed collagen is absorbed far more easily than the collagen molecules found in food. This means collagen is more likely to reach tissues where they may support skin, joint and muscle health.

Side effects tend to be minimal, although people with liver or kidney conditions should consult a doctor or pharmacist first.

Final verdict

So, are supplements worth it? Based on the current evidence out there, magnesium and creatine seem to be the most beneficial. However, it’s clear more research is needed. Supplements can also be expensive – and their quality can vary widely.

While supplements can feel empowering, until stronger evidence emerges proving their benefits, a healthy lifestyle remains the best, evidence-based way to navigate perimenopause and menopause.

Regular exercise (especially strength training), good sleep habits, balanced nutrition, limiting alcohol and managing stress all support menopausal wellbeing. These approaches also improve long-term health outcomes, including heart and bone health.

“The Britain that I want is a Britain where people can practice their religion, their faith, in safety and security, and we must stand with and alongside our Jewish community here, and that’s amongst the reasons I wanted to come here personally myself this afternoon to hear first hand from the people affected by the attack this weekend.”

It happened on Cumberland Road in Middlesbrough on Thursday (April 23).

Police arrested three men aged 30, 34 and 42 on suspicion of affray on Beverley Road a short time later.

Superintendent Emily Harrison of Cleveland Police said: “We understand residents may have been concerned however I’d like to reassure them that the incident was brought to a safe conclusion with no current reports of any injuries.

“I’d also like to thank local people for their co-operation while we provided an immediate response to the report.

“Our investigation is now continuing and I’d urge anyone with information which could help us, to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 076270 or to speak anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”

President Donald Trump is basking in a rare moment of praise from a perennial thorn in his side who he once called “a wiseguy with no talent” and “the most overrated joke on television” — The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.

Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday to amplify a clip of Stewart’s most recent turn hosting the Monday edition of the long-running program in which the comedian started his monologue by giving Trump “credit where credit is due” for having done “a solid over the weekend.”

Stewart was referring to Trump’s surprise Saturday morning Oval Office appearance alongside podcaster Joe Rogan, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Texas congressman and ex-Navy SEAL Morgan Luttrell and other MAGA-aligned personalities and administration officials, at which Trump signed an executive order intended to “accelerate medical treatments for serious mental illness” using psychedelic drugs.

Such substances, such as Ibogaine and MDMA, have long been thought to have benefits for people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder but they have also been nearly impossible to access because they are banned under federal drug laws in most cases.

Stewart quipped that Trump “signed an executive order in front of his fraternity brothers, fast-tracking the FDA process for novel psychedelic drug treatments for veterans suffering from all forms of PTSD and other psychiatric conditions, including addiction.”

He then played a clip of Trump awkwardly pronouncing the name of the drug “ibogaine” before stopping himself and apologizing for “falling into hold habits” by mocking the president.

“It’s good. You did a good thing. I’m nitpicking. I apologize. A lot of the people are going to get the help they need,” he said.

Stewart’s kind words for the president’s executive action were a sharp contrast to many of the things Trump has said about him over the years.

The 47th president was a frequent target for the comedian’s mockery when he was in the midst of his first campaign for the presidency against Hillary Clinton, and Trump more often than not responded in kind, usually on his Twitter account in the wee hours of the morning.

Over a three-day period from May 30 to June 1 in 2015, Trump posted about Stewart nine separate times, referring to him as “a dummy,” “a joke,” as well as “not very bright and totally overrated.”

He also poked fun at the comedian’s use of “Stewart” as a stage name in place of his family name, Leibowitz, in a tweet in which he claimed he “would never” attack the Daily Show host for “his phony last name” even though it is an alternative spelling of his middle name, Stuart.

But Thursday’s Truth Social post was not the only time he has amplified an instance of Stewart giving him plaudits for something that he’s done as president.

According to CQ Roll Call’s FactBase archive of Trump’s social media output, he tweeted — then deleted — a retweet of a post by a Twitter user @rcale1776 which quoted Stewart as saying Trump’s first-term justice department had done “an excellent job administering the 9/11 compensation act.”