Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon said Anas Sarwar has opted for a cautious policy programme and he tries to topple the SNP

Anas Sarwar is running against the SNP and his own party in his campaign to become First Minister.

Scottish Labour’s manifesto launch in Edinburgh was unveiled in nightmare circumstances.

With less than a month to go, Labour are over 20 points behind the SNP and taking the flak for the chaos in Downing Street.

The party backdrops at the Edinburgh University venue had an SNP vibe to them – a big Saltire and repeated references to “Scotland”.

You would have required a microscope to locate the word “Labour” when Sarwar took to the stage.

Keir Starmer, whose terrible start as Prime Minister has done so much damage to Sarwar, was nowhere to be seen in the 94 page document.

One senior party figure said: “We would be more likely to put a picture of Peter Mandelson in the manifesto than Starmer.”

READ MORE: John Swinney ‘blagging’ SNP supporters on independence as ‘he knows he’s not going to win a majority’READ MORE: John Swinney put on the spot over SNP record on NHS and energy by angry debate audience

The launch confirmed the progress Scottish Labour has made in the last few years on patriotism.

Sarwar’s party was previously open to the accusation that they were more loyal to UK Labour than to Scots.

His call for Starmer to quit as Prime Minister killed that toxic claim stone dead.

Sarwar was also at his best talking about the country he wants to lead. “Scotland first, everything else after,” he declared.

He also confirmed a shopping list of policies that put the cost of living crisis at the centre of the election.

Boosting tax free childcare, creating 9,000 new apprenticeships and building 125,000 more homes are intended to help people cope with everyday life.

Backing income tax cuts for Scots earning £33,500 or more, as well as a £100m package of support in response to the Gulf crisis, will speak directly to mainstream voters.

Promising to slash NHS waiting times, end the 8am rush for a GP appointment and create a new mental health emergency service also hones in on the SNP’s weakest area – health.

But there is a feeling inside Labour that the manifesto lacked ambition after nearly 20 years in the doldrums of Holyrood politics.

Sarwar has committed to keeping every one of the SNP’s universal benefits, from free prescriptions to no university tuition fees.

Some of the anti-poverty policies, such as on breakfast clubs in primary schools and generous payments for babies, were cut and pasted from the SNP Government Budget.

The manifesto showed Sarwar is promising to be a better custodian of Scotland’s status quo, rather than going for the jugular and backing a fundamentally new approach.

In the question and answer session with journalists, he responded tetchily to the suggestion he was offering “new management” by reeling off all the times the media had predicted a fall for Labour.

“Now you are telling us we can’t win this election. I look forward to proving you all wrong on the 7th of May,” he said, to applause.

But everything about Sarwar’s campaign, from his spring conference in Paisley to the manifesto, shows he is focused on voters’ minds, not their hearts.

He is asking Scots to “hold their nose” and vote Labour tactically, rather than do so with any enthusiasm.

Sarwar is of the view that Alex Salmond’s victory in 2007 is a template of success for him.

Nearly twenty years ago, Salmond tapped into a vibe of change and promised a series of inexpensive but eye-catching populist policies.

Salmond’s energy also led to the SNP beating Labour by a single seat, a result that changed Scotland forever.

Sarwar’s problem is he possesses Salmond’s drive but lacks the pledge card-style policies the former SNP leader had in droves.

The Glasgow MSP believes that once voters are interested in the campaign, they will see Labour as the best option to call time on two decades of SNP rule.

He is confident switchers will deliver him ten to fifteen SNP constituencies.

But anger with the UK Government means he still has three mountains to climb to win the election.

Sarwar has to claw back support lost to Reform, eat into the SNP’s huge lead and halt the rise of the Greens. All in less than 25 days.

If the pro-UK parties pull off a majority, which no poll is showing, Sarwar would then require Reform support to become First Minister.

The best Sarwar can hope for is sneaking a narrow win and crawling into the Bute House.

A man in his 20s and a woman in her late teens were pronounced dead after the crash on the C267 School Lane around Derwent Reservoir, by Winnows Hill Farm, on Sunday (April 12).

Police say the VW Polo was driving north on the road when it left smashed into a tree just before 6pm.

A third occupant of the car, another man in his 20s, was taken to hospital and the road remains closed.

Sergeant Craig Bartle, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts are firmly with the family and loved ones of the man and woman who have sadly died as a result of this traffic incident. 

“We will continue to offer their loved ones all of the support they need as we begin our investigations and seek to provide them with answers.”

“We are now appealing for any information and in particular, anyone with dashcam footage of the incident, or the moments leading up to it. 

“We are particularly keen to speak with anyone who was travelling in the area in either direction and who may have seen what happened.

“If this was you, or you were in the area around the time of this collision, please come forward and speak with us.

“Any information you are able to provide could prove crucial to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, use the live chat and report forms on the force’s website, or call 101 quoting reference NP-20260412-0711.

The Love Island star spent the weekend partying at the well known music festival, held in Los Angeles, and shared plenty of snaps with pals including Millie Court posing up a storm throughout their trip

Advertisement

Chloe Burrows left her Kiss Breakfast Show co-host Tyler West to hold the fort on Monday morning after claiming she was “stuck” at Coachella. The Love Island star spent the weekend partying at the well known music festival, held in Los Angeles, and shared plenty of snaps with pals including Millie Court posing throughout their trip.

In one photo, Chloe could be seen sitting on the bonnet of a pink car as she modelled a white crop top, some shorts and boots. Tyler left listeners in stitches when he called up Chloe live on-air to “check in” with her. Sounding groggy, Chloe seemed confused, asking “Who is this?” followed by “What do you mean Tyler?” She then said she was “stuck” at the music festival.

Chloe found fame on season seven of Love Island back in 2021. She was coupled up with Toby Aromolaran but the pair split soon after living the villa.

She made a comeback to the All Stars edition of the series in February to offer her friend Millie advice via a video link. Following her initial stint in the villa, Chloe has appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Celebrity Mastermind, and Celebs Go Dating.

She appeared to be all geared up for Celeb SAS, but abruptly ripped off her armband after the second episode while declaring that the series was: “The worst thing I’ve ever done in my whole life!”

Fans were shocked by Chloe’s decision, however the podcast host later explained why she chose to quit in a straight-talking post on Instagram.

Chloe said: “As much as there’s not the nicest comments about SAS, I’m overwhelmed by how many of you have been lovely.

“For context, girl had done EIGHT DAYS in Ibiza and then went straight from there to film the Sideman Show for a week and then STRAIGHT from there to film SAS.

“I was f*****g exhausted and wanted my own bed and a cuddle from my mum. Forgive a girl for being so naive, but jumping at opportunities I’d never thought possible.”

Chloe ended her post, calling out ‘weird, older women’, saying: “Also surprised at how many older women are commenting awful things with their kids in their bios. Weird x.”

As the celebrities, which previously included Hannah Spearritt and Louis Spence – who quit after the first episode – were tasked with hiking up a ravine, Chloe was seen struggling and had already told her co-stars she couldn’t handle the intensity of the show.

She complained about the conditions as she was heard moaning before she declared: “I can’t do it”. However, the Special Forces staff were predictably pushing all the contestants, and the DS yelled at Chloe: “Can’t do what? We’ve walked 300 metres up a f*****g hill!”.

The DS then told his recruit she was “wasting a massive opportunity”, but Chloe had already made a decision and said through her tears: “I’m done, I’m done.”

Chloe then handed over her arm band and started walking in the opposite direction, back down the hill. She was upset as she declared: “F*** off, this is the worst thing I have ever done in my whole life!”

* Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Over the past four days when McIlroy built a six-stroke advantage at halfway without playing at his very best, he showed a freedom that had eluded him for much of his chase to complete a full set of majors.

“I was glad last year that the whole Grand Slam thing was done because that was what I was chasing,” he said.

“And now going forward it’s just, you know, everything is icing on the cake or a cherry on top, all gravy, whatever you want to call it.

“But I feel like I can just go and play my game and have a chance to win a lot more majors.”

Having watched his absorbing battle with Cameron Young, the plucky and unlucky veteran Justin Rose and world number one Scheffler – who all threatened McIlroy’s title defence – it seemed as though he was relishing the contest.

It was less stressful than previous years, more a sporting contest to be enjoyed. “I definitely felt more comfortable in the battle this year on the back nine than last year,” McIlroy said.

“It is a want more than a need. I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. I want to win Ryder Cups. I want to win majors.

“At this point in my career, that is what drives me forward. I think it would have really stung if I hadn’t gone on to win this tournament after building such a commanding lead over the first two days.

“It would have stung, but at the same time I would have dusted myself off and I would have come back for the PGA at Aronimink, US Open at Shinnecock or [Open Championship] at Birkdale or whatever.

“But it’s such an amazing start to the major season and I can’t wait for what lies ahead.”

“I just hope that the folks up on the hill will provide the finances to push this forward”

An integrated Lisburn school is set for a major redevelopment with a “doorway to the community” pledged at its new facilities.

Forthill College will now undergo construction of a new post-primary and primary school as well as a nursery unit with sustainable travel as a key element of the designs.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee unanimously signed off on the Education Authority application this week.

READ MORE: Suggestion box on fate of Lisburn’s ‘Prince Andrew’ tree closes

READ MORE: Ulster Irish Dance Championship funding plea to host Lisburn event

Agent for the applicant, Chris Byrson said: “Traffic around schools is just one of those things. This proposal will look to encourage more pedestrian use and traffic safety.

“It will encourage sustainable travel with 116 bicycle spaces as well as a dedicated drop off point for parents. Continuing education during the demolition and construction periods will be quite a challenge.

“It will be a matter of managing the accommodation of pupils around that time.

“There is some room to play with. This is a working document, so we might have to shift a few things around.”

School principal Colin Millar added: “When I was first interviewed for a teaching position at the school 10 years ago, the principal at the time talked about the plans to build the new school.

“I would, however, hesitate to say we can expand the school capacity as the numbers would be capped.

“There is very limited space on site, but the provision of education will have better quality surroundings and the community will also benefit from its use, which at the moment we cannot offer. The new school will provide a doorway to the community.”

A council officer alluded to the current school having been built in the “1960s” with the plans providing a new “21st century building” as well a new playing pitches to be accessed by the local community for sports activities.

Lisburn North UUP councillor Nicholas Trimble said: “I have no hesitation in voting for this. I will though have to go home and tell my wife our old school’s days are numbered.”

Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney added: “It has been a long time of over 10 years for this school to be built.

“The people of Lisburn North have a serious need for a school they are entitled to and to be brought up to modern standards as at the moment it is cramped.”

Downshire West Alliance Alderman Owen Gawith said: “I absolutely couldn’t find any cons with this application, but plenty of pros.”

Downshire West UUP councillor Alan Martin added: “This will be good for the city of Lisburn. I just hope that the folks up on the hill (Stormont) will provide the finances to push this forward.”

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

Alison Hume said the “thoughts of everyone across Scarborough, Whitby and the villages” are with Aran Sadler’s loved ones after his death on Saturday (April 11) at Oliver’s Mount.

Mr Sadler, from County Durham, died after he came off a Kawasaki ZX636 on the track in Scarborough at 3.20pm.

He had been racing during the Bob Smith Spring Cup and was pronounced dead at the scene.

North Yorkshire Police has urged any spectators who saw the crash and are yet to speak to the force to come forward.

Ms Hume, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of Mr Sadler’s death, adding: “Aran was clearly a loved and respected figure in the racing community, and will be greatly missed.

“My heartfelt sympathies are with his family, his partner Lorna, and all who knew and raced alongside him at this incredibly difficult time.

“I hope they can take some comfort from the knowledge Aran obviously brought so much joy to so many people.”

Mr Sadler was a former race winner at Oliver’s Mount and had previously competed at road racing events on the Isle of Man and in Northern Ireland.

He died after the incident in the SuperSport A Race 1 during Saturday’s Spring Cup, according to the 243 Road Racing Association, the club that runs road racing at Oliver’s Mount.

In a statement, the association said Mr Sadler was “attended to immediately and treated by on-site medical personnel”, but “unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the scene. The relevant authorities have been notified.”

An Oliver’s Mount spokesperson said Mr Sadler was an “ever-present competitor and very much part of our paddock family”, adding: “Our thoughts remain with his partner Lorna and Aran’s family.”

Volunteers with organisations based all over Stirling have been put forward for recognition at the awards.

Dedicated volunteers across Stirling have been recognised after being shortlisted in this year’s Inspire Volunteering Awards.

Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise has revealed the line-up for the awards, which celebrate the dedication, compassion and impact of local volunteers across Stirling.

The awards recognise individuals and groups who go above and beyond to support their communities, highlighting the vital role volunteering plays in improving lives and strengthening local connections.

Kindly sponsored by NHS Forth Valley and supported by the Stirling Council Civic Hospitality Fund, the awards will take place at Stirling County Rugby Club during Volunteers’ Week in June.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Natalie James, Glasgow-based singer and performer, bringing together nominees, organisations and community members for an evening of recognition and celebration.

Ross McGuffie, Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley, said: “Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the delivery of health services across NHS Forth Valley as well as helping to improve the health and wellbeing of people of all ages in our communities.

“It is great to see so many local groups, clubs, individuals and organisations being recognised at these awards, and I would like to wish them all the very best of luck for the awards ceremony on June 3.”

The judging panel for this year’s awards was Maggie Gorman, SVE Chair, Natalie Masterson, SVE CEO, Baillie Alasdair Tollemache and MSYPs Lieke Van De Coterlet and Sophie Kerrigan.

The panel faced the difficult task of selecting a shortlist from more than 80 nominations across all categories.

Natalie Masterson, SVE CEO, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to review the nominations for the Inspire Volunteering Awards.

“The standard of volunteering in our communities is truly exceptional, and making the shortlist was no easy task.

“Every nominee demonstrates dedication, passion and a real commitment to making a difference, which made the judging process both challenging and inspiring.”

The winners will be announced at the Inspire Volunteering Awards ceremony.

The 2026 shortlist is:

Community Champion sponsored by the Thistles, Stirling

– Creative Stirling Volunteer Steering Group

– Richard McLennan, Safebase

– Cowie Rural Action Group

Culture, Arts and Faith

– Emma McGlary, Emma’s Crochet Club

– Ryan Cotter, Stirling Community Media

– 15th Stirling Brownies/Guides Leaders

Environment and Heritage sponsored by FEL Scotland

– Stirling Archaeology Volunteers

– Fallin Community Garden

– Amy and Gail Hanlon, Stirling Reuse Hub

Health, Wellbeing and Sport sponsored by NHS Forth Valley

– Jamie Cramb and Liz Howie, Dementia Friendly Dunblane

– Equi-Power Riding for the Disabled Group

– Dunblane Sports Club

Heart of Gold sponsored by Scottish Fire and Rescue

– Penelope Little, PLUS Forth Valley

– Fiona MacDonald and Ian McFarlane, Change Grow Live

– Lucie Miller, Forth Valley Welcome

Outstanding Trustee sponsored by STEP

– Naomi Ross, Fallin Community Voice

– Scott Bottomley, Dunblane Soccer Club

– Ian Carmichael, Forth Valley Sensory Centre

Young Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

– Millie Boo Smith, Equi-Power RDA

– Alex Russell, Doune & Dunblane Cricket Club

– Ellie Welsh, Scottish Sports Futures/Bannockburn RFC

England’s already-depleted squad have suffered a double injury blow as it was confirmed scrum-half Natasha Hunt and second row Morwenna Talling are out of the remainder of their Women’s Six Nations title defence.

Both Hunt and Talling suffered leg injuries in the 33-12 victory over Ireland in Twickenham on Saturday, leaving Allianz Stadium on crutches.

Head coach John Mitchell has opted against direct positional replacements, with Trailfinders’ uncapped 21-year-old back row Haidee Head and Saracens’ Sydney Gregson, who plays both centre and wing and won her most recent cap against France in the 2024 Six Nations, being called up in their place.

Hunt was England’s first-choice scrum-half through the Rugby World Cup-winning campaign last year, while Talling had been set for a key role during the Six Nations with fellow locks Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan all pregnant.

England are stretched at scrum-half, but still have Lucy Packer, who started the World Cup final in 2022 and was picked ahead of Hunt to start against Ireland, backed up by Exeter’s Flo Robinson and the versatile Claudia Moloney-MacDonald. Helena Rowland has also trained at nine.

However, with Talling joining those on the sidelines, there is a real dearth of experience at second row.

Lilli Ives Campion, who has only six caps, is the most senior of the second-row options in Mitchell’s squad.

Nineteen-year-old Haineala Lutui, who usually plays back row, was brought off the bench to replace Talling and win her first cap against Ireland.

Bristol duo Demelza Short and Christiana Balogun and Saracens’ Jodie Verghese are also options at second row, but none have yet made their senior England debut.

England could instead deploy one of their back rows alongside Ives Campion, with Alex Matthews and Maddie Feaunati the likeliest candidates.

A Chinese artificial intelligence system has solved a decade-old problem proposed by an American mathematician, according to a new study.

The algebra conjecture was first posed in 2014 by then University of Iowa professor Dan Anderson, who died in 2022.

An AI system developed by a Peking University team processed decades of mathematical literature to crack Anderson’s problem and verify its own findings without any human intervention.

“Using this framework,” the team said in a yet-to-be peer-reviewed study posted in the arXiv repository, “we successfully solved an open problem in commutative algebra and automatically formalised the proof with essentially no human intervention.”

Scientists observed that the AI system could perform mathematical tasks faster than any human, including independently doing work that normally required collaboration between different field experts.

“This work provides a concrete example of how mathematical research can be substantially automated using AI,” the researchers, led by Peking University mathematician Dong Bin, said.

AI systems are being trained across the world to solve mathematical problems, but they still require a large amount of human supervision to crack math problems. “Mathematical proofs demand complete rigour, yet even expert-written proofs may contain subtle flaws and proofs produced by LLMs, which are prone to hallucination, are far less reliable,” the Chinese scientists wrote in the latest study.

“Motivated by this, we propose a framework for autonomously tackling and verifying research-level mathematics that integrates a natural language reasoning agent with a formalisation agent.”

The new AI applies a reasoning system called Rethlas, which draws from the maths theorem search engine, or Matlas, to explore strategies for solving a problem, following a workflow similar to what mathematicians use.

When Rethlas comes up with a potential proof, a second system called Archon uses another search engine called LeanSearch to transform the proof into a project for an interactive theorem prover.

This theorem prover, Lean 4, is also a programming language with a community-maintained library that has hundreds of thousands of theorems and definitions.

Researchers used the new AI system to solve Anderson’s algebra conjecture within 80 hours of runtime.

“No mathematical judgment was required from the human operator,” they wrote.

However, researchers found that they could speed up the process if a mathematician guided Archon.

“Our work illustrates a promising paradigm for mathematical research in which informal and formal reasoning systems, equipped with theorem retrieval tools, operate in tandem to produce verifiable results, and substantially reduce human effort,” they noted.