Dubai has been hit by overnight flooding after “intense downpours” hit several cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), prompting officials to issue warnings.

Dramatic pictures were posted online by the Dubai Media Office and others of lightning striking the 829m/2,722ft Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Authorities in the UAE activated emergency measures and issued safety alerts across the country, Gulf News said.

Iran war latest – ‘Reckless’ strikes condemned

“Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds” swept across large parts of the UAE from Thursday into early Friday.

An unstable weather system caused “lightning, booming thunder and intense downpours in several cities”, as well as “dust-raising winds and reduced visibility”, the outlet said.

Dubai’s police force said on X its efforts had intensified, with specialised teams helping make roads safe so as to “keep traffic moving smoothly”.

Police, pumping crews and recovery vehicles were out before dawn to try to clear the water and deal with the aftermath of the unusual conditions, AOL said.

Other videos showed people walking through standing water in Sharjah, where passengers planning to use the airport were advised check the latest information, as weather conditions may affect flights.

Travellers should contact their airlines directly before heading to the airport.

On Thursday, the office issued a warning of “unstable conditions” until Friday morning, predicting rain of “varying intensity, at times accompanied by lightning and thunder”, plus “occasionally strong” winds and reduced visibilty from dust and sand it raised.

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war with Iran, Dubai has come under frequent attacks from Iranian missiles and drones, with strikes on the airport and other targets.

Authorities did not give details of what, if any, damage the weather had caused, or of any deaths or injuries.

Mo Salah is due to leave Liverpool at the end of the season and his former boss Jurgen Klopp has given an honest take on the Egyptian bringing to an end his glittering spell at Anfield

Jurgen Klopp texted ‘irreplaceable’ Mo Salah straight after he found out that he would be leaving Anfield. The Egyptian winger confirmed earlier this week that he would be departing Merseyside in the summer, despite having a year left on his contract.

Salah, 33, enjoyed his best football under former Liverpool boss Klopp. And with the German set to return to Merseyside for a legends game against Borussia Dortmund this week, he has revealed that he got in touch with his former star once the announcement was made.

“I text with players,” Klopp said. “Less so in not so good times, let me say it that way! ‘Keep your head up’ or whatever doesn’t go down particularly well!

“It’s exactly like that. I heard that he was going to leave. Then I saw the video. I thought I will call him or text him or whatever. I didn’t know whether I would reach him.

“We have the same physio, by the way. I loan him my physio! Chris Rohrbeck is treating my hip. Anyway, I had to process a little bit to think what it means that Mo goes.

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“I am already in a different perspective because I watch from the outside. I have this distance if you want. So I text him what I thought in that moment. I can sum it up: I am really happy and proud that I was part of the whole journey.”

Liverpool now have a huge task on their hands in replacing Salah’s contributions. The former Roma star has scored 255 goals for the club since arriving from the Italian side.

And Klopp believes the Reds have an impossible job in finding Salah’s successor. He added: “This specific kind of player is irreplaceable. That’s always how it is.

“There will be a void that somebody will fill. It’s always in our minds how much time, how much space – yeah, how much time do we give to whoever is going to play there in whatever system the manager will play?

“But the specific player, Mo Salah? I’m not sure there is even another one existing out there. There are other people playing on that wing with different strengths, different qualities, but it is the numbers he produces – they are unmatched from that position.

“I don’t know if there was ever any player who had that (from there). You tell him he is a winger or a striker he says: ‘No, no, no I am a winger’. The numbers for a winger [are] ridiculous. For a striker, they are pretty much unmatched. That’s how it is.

“So, if it is impossible, why should you try? I’m not in the role to advise anyone. But just bring players in and play the kind of football which can be successful. That is pretty much everything.

“We lost Sadio Mane. We could sing a song about him. What a player he was! Bobby Firmino – Oh. My. God. On the day Gini (Georginio Wijnaldum) went, probably none of you thought: ‘That’s a big miss’, until he was not there anymore and then you thought: ‘Oh! He was the combination of technique, power, tactical discipline and all these kinds of things’.

“Then Hendo (Jordan Henderson) left. Some thought: ‘Good! It’s time!’ Milly (James Milner) went and did all these kind of things. That’s just how it is. But other players came in: Macca (Alexis Mac Allister), Ryan (Gravenberch), Dom (Dominik Szoboszlai). That’s how it is. Don’t try to chase the shadows. Find a new way and play.”

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England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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Even though this week has served us all four seasons before lunchtime (classic Britain), nothing is stopping me from stomping down the high street or doom‑scrolling my way through the internet for the best high‑street finds. Rain? Sunshine? A rogue blizzard? I simply don’t know her.

Yes, I’m back again (soz, but also… not soz) with another edition of Trend Trove – and yes, I’m still deep in my Harry Styles album era. Again…

The sunshine did briefly grace us with her presence, and the moment she peeked out, pub gardens started whispering our names at Metro HQ. Garnier’s spray SPF immediately took up permanent residency on our desks and in our handbags. And honestly? That tiny weather window has us thinking about one thing and one thing only: festival season.

Speaking of which – the countdown to Coachella has officially begun, but we’re also gearing up for the UK’s own big moments… starting with BST Hyde Park. And in iconic news, Duran Duran have just been announced as the next headliner for American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2026. They’re returning to the Great Oak Stage on July 5, with Scissor Sisters joining as special guests. Imagine the sheer camp, the hits, the choreo, the nostalgia. Fresh off Vegas residencies, international shows and sold‑out tours, Duran Duran are coming home – and they’re bringing brand‑new 2026 music with them. Tickets hit general sale April 1, 10am, and you absolutely know they’re going to vanish instantly.

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And while we’re already screaming into the void about music news – Tiësto is making his first major return to London in eight years, taking over Silverworks Island on July 12. He’s going back to his early‑era sound (prepare for goosebumps), diving into deep cuts and classics across his insane catalogue. Forty million albums sold, billions of streams, a GRAMMY… the resume writes itself. Silverworks Island is about to have its main character moment.

Not into music? Fine. Because the Taste of London countdown is also officially on. Returning to Regent’s Park June 17-21, it’s five sunshine-soaked days of restaurant pop-ups, live demos, fire‑cooking wizardry and over 160 artisan producers ready to feed you silly. This year features cult newcomers like Harry’s, Hakkasan and Ixchel, plus faves such as Los Mochis, and star demos from Big Zuu, Melissa Thompson and Natty Can Cook. You can sip St‑Germain spritzes, hop aboard a Miraval yacht in VIP (casual), and dive into sustainability‑focused drinks sessions. And new for 2026? Taste of the City – a week of one-off dining events across London, kicking off with a rooftop Fire Feast at JOIA in May. Basically: summer = sorted.

Parents, don’t think I forgot about you. M&S is cutting prices across 400+ kids’ clothing essentials – meaning spring wardrobe refreshes no longer need a mortgage. Tees from £3.50, dresses from £4, and everything backed with their 12-month quality guarantee. These are the pieces built to survive playground chaos, spaghetti stains, and at least three hand‑me‑downs. Plus, M&S continues to support parents via The Parent Hood, the UK’s fastest‑growing baby club, with rewards, advice and 10% off for new members. Love.

TALA has teamed up with Kiss the Hippo on a limited‑edition graphic tee, launching March 19 alongside a special ‘TALA Hojicha Cappuccino’ available exclusively at the coffee brand’s Soho café. The collab lands just in time for marathon season, pairing feel‑good merch with a functional, pre‑ and post‑race brew. TALA’s bestselling SkinLuxe also returns with improved performance and fresh colourways, perfect for everything from training runs to your post‑race coffee stop.

Over in the beauty world, Remi Cachet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust with a limited‑edition red Blow Dry Brush raising funds for the Change a Girl’s Life campaign. Founder Victoria Lynch received a small but life‑changing Prince’s Trust loan back in 2003 – and now she’s leading the UK’s top luxury hair extensions brand and has just earned B Corp certification. With 20% of each brush going directly to supporting young women facing barriers, it’s the kind of beauty purchase that looks good and does good.

Now for the part you’re really here for: the shopping. As always, I’ve been unleashed into the wilderness (aka the high street) to find the pieces you’re going to fall hard for.

And let me tell you: my hands have been BUSY.

From the cutest Gail’s tote bag, to Terry De Havilland metallic sneakers that will perk up even the plainest outfit, to a July suitcase with built‑in tracking (no more airport panic sweats) – plus homeware, fashion, beauty and accessories you’ll instantly want in your basket… I’ve gathered the absolute crème de la crème.

Get ready to scroll, add‑to‑cart and justify every purchase with ‘it’s basically spring cleaning’.

July Carry On With CaseSafe

Luggage hasn’t changed much in decades – lighter here, stronger there – until now.

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July has created the first suitcase with fully built‑in tracking tech, marking a new era of smarter travel.

Designed to be virtually un‑losable, the tracking is seamlessly integrated into the case itself, so there are no tags to attach, no extra gadgets to faff with – just effortless, always‑on peace of mind wherever you fly.

Perfect for a 5–7 day trip, the suitcase offers room for 6–8 outfits, making it the ideal week‑away companion.

Smart, sleek and stress‑free: this is the future of travel, packed into a carry‑on.

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The Body Shop Butter Me Up Fragrance Mist

Butter Me Up is a cosy, feel‑good perfume mist that smells like warm buttery popcorn, creamy milk and roasted cashews – the ultimate sweet, comforting scent to wrap yourself in.

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KG Kurt Geiger Fairy Shoes

This pair of Fairy heels from our fave Kurt Geiger come in a bone‑tone leather alternative and are finished with delicate floral embroidery across the upper shoe.

Buy Now for £149

Jones Road Lip Recharge

Lip Recharge is a hardworking lip treatment that instantly smooths, hydrates and refreshes thanks to a blend of antioxidants, moisture‑boosting peptides and a cooling metal applicator.

Available in nine sheer, universally flattering shades, it gives lips a hit of nourishment with a subtle tint and shine – perfect for everyday swipe‑and‑go wear.

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Gail’s Hot Cross Bun Tote Bag

GAIL’s has launched a limited‑edition Hot Cross Bun Tote Bag for spring, embroidered with a cute hot cross bun design and available in four pastel shades.

Made from regenerative organic cotton in partnership with social enterprise Re‑Wrap, the £15 tote is available both online and in GAIL’s bakeries.

They’ve landed just in time for Easter, celebrating the return of the bakery’s seasonal Hot Cross Buns.

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Superdry Athletic Essentials Flag Embroidered Sweatshirt

This Athletic Essentials Flag Embroidered Sweatshirt is an easy win for your cosy rotation, thanks to its oversized fit and relaxed dropped sleeves.

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The simple silhouette keeps things effortless, while the embroidered detailing adds a subtle hit of personality. A comfy, everyday staple with just the right amount of style.

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Le Specs Lucia Tortoiseshell Sunglasses

The ALÉMAIS x Le Specs Luxe collaboration delivers a statement pair of shades in the LUCIA cat‑eye silhouette.

With bold angular lines, a sharp upswept shape and a flat browline, they bring a confident, sculptural edge to any look.

Finished with thick temples and exaggerated outer corners, the design creates a naturally lifted, ultra‑directional finish.

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Nobody’s Child Beige High Waisted Trousers

The Nobody’s Child beige High Waisted Trousers are a pure‑cotton, wide‑leg style cut to sit high on the waist, with soft pleats, side pockets and turn‑up hems for an easy, structured look.

Finished with belt loops and a concealed hook‑and‑bar fastening, they’re designed for relaxed everyday wear, with the brand recommending your usual size.

Buy Now for £75

Jojo Maman Bebe Pink Bella Bunny Soft Toy Plushie in Egg

This sweet Easter surprise is perfect for any egg hunt – crack open the pastel floral egg to reveal a tiny, soft Bella Bunny plush hiding inside.

With a pink gingham lining and a huggable, pocket‑sized bunny made for little hands, it’s a cute alternative to a chocolate egg and a keepsake they’ll love long after the weekend is over.

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Ideal for baskets, hunt prizes or gifting, it encourages gentle, imaginative play and is suitable from birth.

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Primark By Coleen Textured Knit Short Sleeve Cardigan

Primark’s By Coleen Textured Knit Short Sleeve Cardigan is a polished everyday layer, made from a soft cotton‑rich knit with a subtle textured finish.

The V‑neck silhouette and short sleeves keep it light and easy to style, while the molten‑effect metal buttons give it a more elevated feel.

Designed in a regular fit, it’s available in classic shades like blue and ecru and sits neatly over denim, trousers or skirts for a simple, put‑together look.

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Next Natural 3D Shaped Biscuit Cushion

The Next Natural 3D Shaped Biscuit Cushion is a fun, novelty home accessory designed to look like a classic biscuit, made entirely from recycled polyester for a soft, plush feel.

Measuring 15cm x 32cm x 50cm, it’s a cute statement piece for a sofa or bed, and is easy to maintain with sponge‑clean care.

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M&S Easter Rose & Hyacinth Bouquet with Scrummy Munch

Bring a burst of spring indoors with this chic Easter bouquet, filled with sunny yellow roses, fragrant white hyacinths and ruffled white parrot tulips.

The mix of warm tones and soft textures gives it an effortlessly seasonal feel, and it even comes with a Scrummy Munch treat for an extra‑sweet touch.

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Perfect as a gift or a centrepiece for your long‑weekend table, with colours varying slightly as the season unfolds.

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Oliver Bonas Red & Ecru Striped Cropped Denim Jacket

This Oliver Bonas red‑and‑ecru striped denim jacket is the statement layer your spring wardrobe has been waiting for.

Cut with a collarless neckline and a cropped silhouette, it features pleated shoulders, brass‑toned buttons and two chest pockets for that laid‑back, vintage‑meets‑modern feel.

Throw it over your everyday outfits for an instant lift, or go all in and pair it with the matching striped jeans for a double‑denim moment that does all the talking.

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Essence Glow Like Honey Serum Spray 50ml

Give your skin an instant hit of radiance with the essence Glow Like Honey Serum Spray.

This bi‑phase mist blends an oil and water layer to refresh, hydrate and leave your complexion dewy with a soft honey scent.

A few spritzes deliver that fresh, healthy‑skin look in seconds. Inspired by K‑Beauty and fully vegan, it pairs perfectly with the Glow Like Honey Primer for a sweet, luminous finish that lets your natural glow shine through.

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Astrid & Miyu Pavé Chain Link Necklace in Gold

Say hello to your new standout piece: the Pavé Chain Link Necklace in gold.

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This bold, hardware‑inspired design mixes chunky chain links with rhodium‑plated pavé detailing, giving it maximum shine and a cool, modern mixed‑metal edge.

Each link is uniquely crafted for A&M and designed to work seamlessly with their Clip Charms, making it a versatile statement you can style your way.

Buy Now for £156 (was £195)

Blue Lagoon Skin Science Silica Mud Mask

This purifying face mask is packed with bioactive Blue Lagoon Silica to deeply cleanse and strengthen the skin.

It works as an instant reset, refining the complexion and minimising the look of pores for a fresh, clarified finish.

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The result: skin that feels smoother, clearer and beautifully renewed.

Buy Now for £80

Mango Oval Shoulder Bag

The Mango Oval Shoulder Bag is a sleek, medium‑sized everyday bag with a smooth oval silhouette, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a top zip closure for a clean, minimalist look.

Inside, it’s fully lined and roomy enough for daily essentials without feeling bulky.

Made from polyurethane with a polyester lining, it comes in neutral shades like off‑white and beige.

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M·A·C VIVA GLAM x Conner Ives ‘Protect the Dolls’ Shirt

M·A·C has teamed up with designer Conner Ives to relaunch his viral ‘Protect the Dolls’ T‑shirt alongside a new VIVA GLAM lipstick for Trans Day of Visibility.

The original tee became a global movement, raising over $600,000 for trans‑focused charities, and 100% of proceeds from this new drop will also support organisations worldwide.

The capsule includes a black organic‑cotton tee and a universally flattering pink‑beige lipstick, with campaign ambassadors such as Dominique Jackson fronting the launch.

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Fnction Calm 7 Day

Fnction’s Evening Stress Relief and Sleep Support drink is a calming nightly blend designed to help dial down stress, soothe your nervous system and support deeper, better‑quality sleep.

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It’s also boosted with marine collagen to aid skin, joint and muscle repair while you rest – the definition of beauty sleep in a bottle.

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Glossier You Soie

Glossier You Soie captures that dreamy, sun‑warmed holiday moment just as day turns to dusk.

It’s a creamy, skin‑enhancing solar scent that opens with cool bergamot before softening into rice milk, tiaré water and evening jasmine.

Finished with a warm, musky Ambrox base that sits close to the skin, it wears differently on everyone – making it feel beautifully personal.

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Terry De Havilland Jogger Bolt Silver Sneakers

The Silver Jogger Sneaker channels vintage 1970s style with a modern edge, crafted in metallic silver leather and finished with Terry de Havilland’s signature lightning‑bolt detail for a bold yet easy‑to‑wear look.

Designed to take you from day to night, it mixes retro sport influences with the brand’s rock‑and‑roll DNA, thanks to its clean lines and standout sheen.

Each pair is handmade in Spain, fully leather‑lined and created using premium, responsibly sourced materials, complete with an embossed heel tab and durable rubber sole for everyday comfort.

Buy Now for £185

Belvoir Farm 750ml Raspberry Lemonade Drink

Belvoir Farm’s Raspberry Lemonade is the fruity upgrade your fridge deserves.

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Made with real pressed raspberries, fresh lemon juice and pure spring water, it’s a 100% natural twist on classic lemonade – refreshing, vibrant and genuinely made from the good stuff.

Belvoir prides itself on doing things the long way round: traditional methods, real ingredients, no shortcuts. It might not win them business awards, but it has won them a stack of great‑taste accolades – and that’s exactly the point.

Even better, for 2026 Belvoir Farm will donate a minimum of 5% of profits from this drink – at least £16,000 – to the Lady Garden Foundation, supporting vital gynaecological health work across the UK.

A delicious drink and a good cause? That’s a toast we can get behind.

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Images of never-ending security lines at U.S. airports and frustrating tales of missed flights are pushing panicked travelers to show up way before their departures. But some airports where the wait times have been manageable are telling passengers to stop arriving so early.

In Ohio, John Glenn International Airport in Columbus says early birds — reacting to the funding standoff on Capitol Hill that’s creating crowded security checkpoints — are making things worse by creating bottlenecks during peak times.

“Arriving too early can actually create longer lines right when we open,” the airport said in a social media post Thursday. “Spacing out arrival times helps keep things moving smoothly for everyone.”

The airport even created a chart showing when to arrive: “90 minutes before departure is all you need.”

What’s confusing for air passengers, though, is that it’s hard to predict which airports will be plagued next by security lines spilling out of terminals.

The government shutdown straining Transportation Security Administration staffing has ballooned checkpoint wait times beyond two hours at some major airports. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston has become the biggest chokepoint for travelers with four-hour security lines.

Those are by far the worst-case scenarios. Many airports — like the one in Ohio — have been seeing wait times comparable with those in normal times. That’s why airlines say the best advice for passengers right now is to check TSA wait times before their scheduled departures.

In some ways, it’s a bit reminiscent of the days of “ panic buying ” during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“It’s human nature. You don’t have control over what’s going on at an airport,” said Shari Botwin, a Philadelphia clinical social worker who counsels people about anxiety.

“There’s so much media attention about the chaos at airports,” she said. “They might not trust when someone says, ’Well, you don’t need to come out early anymore.’”

___

Associated Press reporter Ed White in Detroit contributed.

Pro-Iranian hackers say they’ve infiltrated the account of FBI director Kash Patel after posting his personal photos and documents online.

The release included years-old pictures of Mr Patel, along with a work CV, and other personal records – many of them seemingly more than a decade old.

In a message posted on Friday, the hacker group Handala wrote: “Kash Patel, the current head of the FBI, who once saw his name displayed with pride on the agency’s headquarters, will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims.”

In a statement, the FBI said: “The FBI is aware of malicious actors targeting Director Patel’s personal email information, and we have taken all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks associated with this activity.”

The bureau added: “The information in question is historical in nature and involves no government information.”

A Department of Justice official told Reuters the material appeared to be authentic.

One of the hacked photos showed Mr Patel standing beside an antique sports car; another showed him with a cigar in his mouth.

Many of the records released appeared to relate to his personal travels and business in years past, before he was appointed to head the bureau.

It’s not clear when the infiltration occurred, but Mr Patel was reportedly informed by the FBI in December 2024 that he had been targeted as part of an Iranian hack.

Handala, a pro-Iranian, pro-Palestinian hacking group, also took credit this month for a cyber attack on Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology company.

Read more:
Foreign Office data compromised by hackers in cyber breach
Does America think they’re fighting a ‘holy war’ in Iran?

They said it was in retaliation for US strikes that they claimed had killed Iranian schoolchildren.

The group was singled out by the Justice Department when it announced last week it had seized four web domains tied to Iranian hacking schemes.

Alan Shearer has suffered several cuts to his arms and legs after he was involved in a bike crash.

The Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer revealed the extent of his injuries on Friday and said he had fallen off his bike after hitting a pothole.

The two images Shearer shared showed multiple cuts to his arms and legs, as well as swelling on his upper chest.

Shearer accompanied the images with the caption: ‘Ouch. Pot holes on a bike are not good!!!’

The 55-year-old, who scored 260 Premier League goals in his career, is currently a pundit for the BBC, Amazon Prime and Premier League Productions.

The former Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and England striker is also part of The Rest Is Football podcast alongside former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and Micah Richards.

This is not the first time Shearer has been involved in a bike crash as the former striker required surgery following an accident while on holiday in Portugal in 2017.

Shearer needed a metal plate inserted into his broken wrist after falling off his bike.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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Head of the Civil Service Jayne Brady declined to confirm or deny to Belfast Live whether an HR investigation had taken place

Education Minister Paul Givan has rejected allegations of bullying, stating he has never been the subject of any formal investigation, following renewed questions around the circumstances surrounding a senior civil servant’s departure from the Department of Education.

The issue resurfaced during Topical Questions in the Assembly earlier this week, when Sinn Féin MLAs pressed the minister on whether he had faced an investigation into claims of bullying within his department. The intervention follows long-running speculation about the senior civil servant’s departure from the department.

Last year, the Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady, declined to confirm or deny to Belfast Live whether an HR investigation had taken place, amid claims that the senior official involved had raised concerns about alleged ministerial conduct.

In a formal Written Ministerial Statement issued to the Speaker of the Assembly on Friday for inclusion in the Official Report of the Assembly, Mr Givan said: “In the House on 23 March during Topical Questions, I was asked by a number of Sinn Féin MLAs whether I had ever been subject to an Investigation in relation to allegations of bullying within the Department of Education. Given the repetition of such innuendo outside the House, I want to restate unequivocally that I have never been the subject of any such Investigation.”

He added that the line of questioning in the Assembly appeared to be based on “a false premise”, and said he had not been provided with any specific allegations when he sought clarification from those raising the issue.

“When I sought clarification from the MLAs about the basis for their questions, no details or specific allegations were provided. On further reflection, it is possible they were alluding to a confidential NICS HR Review into the conduct and performance of a civil servant. However, because the questions were based on a false premise, I cannot be certain that this was, in fact, what was being referred to.”

The minister said it was possible that MLAs were referring to a confidential Northern Ireland Civil Service HR review, but stressed that the process related solely to the conduct and performance of a civil servant and not to any ministerial role.

“The Head of the Civil Service has confirmed that the matter referenced was led by her, in her capacity as Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and it concerned internal management/HR matters.

“It was neither a disciplinary determination nor a legal process. She further confirmed that the issues being progressed are management, organisational and NICS policy matters, and do not relate to any individual Minister.”

Mr Givan said he had participated in that review only as a witness and insisted he was not under investigation at any stage. He also addressed claims made by the civil servant after they had left his department.

“The civil servant concerned, at a time when they were no longer working with or to me, in fact some nine months later, made assertions that my concerns, raised by me with the Head of the Civil Service, about their conduct and performance, constituted bullying.

“These assertions were never part of the Review’s Terms of Reference, which were settled in December 2024, and in any event, I understand that the reviewer rejected these assertions.”

He concluded by saying he would welcome the publication of all material relating to the HR review, adding that he wanted “to set the record straight” on the matter.

Commenting on the statement, FDA National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh said: “This is a confidential matter in which the civil servant involved is not in a position to respond publicly due to their professional obligations. The Civil Service Code restricts civil servants’ ability to speak publicly on any issue.

“Where one party is able to comment openly in those circumstances, it creates a clear and unacceptable imbalance and risks undermining confidence in how such situations are handled.

“Any public account given on that basis cannot be fully tested or treated as complete, particularly when others are effectively prevented from offering their perspective.

“Those in positions of authority have a responsibility to respect both the letter and the spirit of confidentiality, especially where their words carry significant weight and cannot be answered, this is affirmed in the Ministerial Code.

“Likewise, there is a clear responsibility under the Ministerial Code and accompanying guidance on ministers to uphold the political impartiality of the civil service. This includes treating civil servants with consideration and respect and not commenting publicly on individual staffing matters.

“Failing to uphold these principles risks damaging confidence not only in this case, but in the wider protections staff rely on. Government can only work effectively if there is trust between ministers and civil servants. That trust includes recognition of the restrictions on civil servants to defend themselves publicly and the obligation that places on ministers to deal with issues confidentially.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

If approved, the bar could create up to 18 new jobs

A former department store could be turned into a sports bar and restaurant. Baileys Bar is seeking a change of use for the former Beales store in St Neots High Street.

The applicant proposes to change the first floor of the building into a sports bar and restaurant, and use the second and third floors for access and ancillary use. The change is intended to “secure the viable use of an underutilised upper floor within the town centre”.

Beales has been closed for several years. Part of the wider building is already used by other businesses, including a gym on the ground floor.

The first floor is vacant and the second floor is used as staff offices. If approved, the sports bar will include a restaurant with bar seating, dining areas, games, entertainment zones, a kitchen and toilets. The applicant also wishes to hold “occasional” live music events, background music during normal operating hours and karaoke facilities within acoustic pods.

The plans added: “Live music will take place on an occasional basis only and will be managed as part of specific events rather than as a continuous late-night music venue. The karaoke pods are self-contained and designed to contain sound internally, significantly limiting breakout into surrounding areas.”

The proposed opening hours are 9am until midnight from Mondays until Saturdays and 10am until 11pm on Sundays. On selected Saturdays, the bar could stay open until 1am. The bar could create up to 12 jobs for front of house staff and between three and six jobs in the kitchen.

To manage the club’s operations and avoid disruption, there will be: supervision of entry and exit points, management of dispersal at closing time, control of music levels and no dedicated external entertainment areas.

The applicant will not have to create new openings, as they will use existing ones. They added: “Customer access is via the existing Huntingdon Street entrance and stairwell.

“This entrance is already established and avoids introducing new openings or circulation routes within the listed fabric. An existing passenger lift provides access for customers between floors, ensuring inclusive access to the first-floor venue. Servicing and deliveries will continue to take place from the rear service area via Tebbutts Road, utilising the existing service lift to the first floor.”

Disability rights campaigner Flick Williams said City of York Council risked a potential legal challenge unless it exempted Blue Badge holders from a ban on private cars driving through Rougier Street and George Hudson Street.

York City Taxi Association Chair Arshad Mahmood said some of their trips could take up to 20 minutes longer and almost double in cost unless hackney carriages are exempted.

But Tom Horner, the council’s travel behaviour lead, said the way York city centre traffic is managed had to change though officials were open to tweaking the Rougier Route plans.

The comments at the council’s Place Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, March 24 follow a consultation on the proposals which ran from November to January.

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The proposals would see traffic barred from driving from Rougier Street to Micklegate except for buses, cyclists and emergency services vehicles.

Private traffic turning onto Rougier Street from Station Road would have to turn onto Tanner Row and travel along a new one-way loop via Toft Green to get to Micklegate.

A bus lane would be put in George Hudson Street running southbound and a ‘bus gate’ would be imposed from the road’s junction with Micklegate to the latter’s junction with Skeldergate and North Street.

Blue Badge holders and delivery drivers would still be able to enter the area to park.

Councillors agreed to support recommending an exemption for Blue Badge holders, hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.

A map showing the new one way system in Rougier Street, Tanner Row, Toft Green and Micklegate (blue) and bus gate in Rougier Street, George Hudson Street and Micklegate up to the North Street and Skeldergate junction. Picture is from York Council

A council report on the plans stated a Blue Badge exemption would require a registration system to be created costing an estimated £40,000.

The measures would be trialled for 18 months and Tuesday’s meeting heard changes could be made during that period if necessary in response to any issues which arise.

A reduction of speed limits to 20mph along the route could also be looked at along the route in the long term but they would not be part of the trial.

Council officials have said the measures are needed to speed up bus journeys and make them more reliable along the route which carries more than 1,000 services a day.

Roger French, of the York Bus Forum, said the measures were a crucial step towards creating a transport system that was more reliable, inclusive and sustainable for York’s growing population.

York Civic Trust’s Professor Tony May said the plans offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve public spaces on the route but said 20mph speed limits should also be brought in.

Green Party activist Andy D’Agorne said the measures should be in place all day, every day to stop alternative routes being used in the evening.

York Cycle Campaign’s Robyn Jankel said the measures would help save lives and urged the council to reserve it for buses, cyclists and walkers.

But disability rights activist Ms Williams said it was a leap of faith to think the measures would improve services and it would instead leave disabled people facing longer journeys.

York City Taxi Association’s Mr Mahmood said they understood and supported the council’s aims

But he added the changes could see a journey from St Saviourgate to York Station take 15 to 20 minutes longer and increase in price from about £5.80 to £10.40.

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Paula Widdowson said there was a concerning lack of detail in the proposals and clarity was needed on how potential exemptions would work.

Mr Horner said officials were not wedded to specific parts of the plans and would be open to changes.

He added bus companies could begin improving routes if services run better as a result of the measures but he currently had had no direct assurances of extra investment.

The council officer said: “Bus reliable really affects people, when there’s significant delays it brings more uncertainty into people’s lives and some just won’t take that journey at all.

“Doing nothing isn’t an option, we need to make sure people have confidence in buses because with the housing growth we have in York, North Yorkshire and neighbouring authorities if we can’t move more people onto buses we risk serious congestion.”

Two great bands played at YES for the second night of this year’s festival which is putting the spotlight on the city’s independent grassroots venues.

Walking into the Pink Room, SILVERWINGKILLER had just started playing and the floor was shaking – you could feel the bass in your chest.

SILVERWINGKILLER (Image: BBC Radio 6 Music)

The electronic duo of James Baca and Yushang Ni gave an energetic, fast-paced performance with breakbeats played on a live drumkit.

Rising stars of Manchester’s underground DIY scene, they really sold their brand of industrial-tinged electronic punk.

Mandy, Indiana headlined the night with another hard and heavy performance – these were two bands that definitely warranted the use of hearing protection.

Mandy, Indiana (Image: BBC Radio 6 Music)

The noise rock outfit did not disappoint and brought an energy to the venue that really got the crowd moving.

Lead singer Valentine Caulfield – who sings almost entirely in French – even invaded the crowd near the end of the band’s set.

At the same time, Band on the Wall hosted Kelly Lee Owens for a DJ set and R&B singer Wesley Joseph.

Wesley Joseph (Image: BBC Radio 6 Music)

Elsewhere in Manchester, 6 Music presenters SHERELLE and Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective each won a MOBO award – SHERELLE for Best Electronic Act and Ezra Collective for Best Jazz Act.

The 2026 edition of the festival places a spotlight on independent venues across Greater Manchester, with events running from 25–28 March at spaces including Band on the Wall, YES and, new for this year, the Eccles Town Hall Ballroom. 

The festival also features new partnerships with local promoters FaT OuT and Homobloc.

BBC Radio 6 Music remains the UK’s most listened‑to digital‑only radio station, reaching a weekly audience of 2.4 million. 

Performances and DJ sets from the festival will continue to be added to BBC Sounds, while highlights will appear on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Music YouTube channel. 

Short clips and updates will also be shared across 6 Music’s Instagram and TikTok accounts.