NewsBeat
What does the EU’s new entry-exit system mean for British travellers?
The EU plans to take fingerprints and facial biometrics from British travellers to Europe are supposed to be complete – but there are many teething problems. The long-awaited “entry-exit system” (EES) was due to be rolled out over the course of 180 days from 12 October 2025 to 9 April 2026. It applies to all “third-country non-visa nationals” including UK passport holders.
The aims of the EES are:
- To identify suspected criminals.
- To combat identity fraud.
- To police the limit on stays of 90 days in any 180 days that applies to UK and other nationalities.
The entry-exit system was initially developed while the UK was a member of the EU. After Brexit, Boris Johnson’s government negotiated for British travellers to become “third-country nationals”, and therefore subject to the EES.
The entry-exit system applies to the Schengen Area, comprising all EU nations except Ireland plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
British travellers, like other third-country nationals who enter without a visa, are restricted to 90 days’ stay in any 180 days within the Schengen area. But enforcement previously depended on checking passport stamps and is applied haphazardly.
The entry-exit system is supposed to connect every frontier in the Schengen area with a central database.
Any UK citizen with the good fortune to have an Irish (or other EU) passport can use that document: skip the queues, swerve the fingerprinting.
The procedure for Irish citizens has not changed. When entering or leaving the Schengen Area, they will simply be matched with their passport or passport card – no fingerprinting or facial biometric, and fast-track processing.
What is the “entry-exit system”?
“The most modern digital border management system in the world,” according to the European Commission. “An automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals who are travelling to the EU for a short stay.”
The system aims to capture data from all “third-country nationals” when they either enter or leave at an external Schengen border – such as flying from the UK to Spain or crossing by road from Greece to Turkey. It is not used at internal frontiers within the Schengen Area.
EES registers the date and place of entry or exit. The first time a traveller encounters the entry-exit system, they are supposed to provide fingerprints and a facial biometric. But as The Independent revealed, demands for biometrics at every frontier have been quietly dropped by Brussels.
This procedure, says the European Union, replaces “the current system of manual stamping of passports, which is time-consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings, and does not allow a systematic detection of overstayers”.
How do the border checks work?
Inbound and outbound passengers go through the formalities at airports, land borders and ports in the Schengen area on arrival and departure.
Three locations in the UK have “juxtaposed” border controls, with French frontier police conducting checks on British soil: at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal and the Eurostar hub at London St Pancras.
There is a supposed to be a difference between the first time you cross a Schengen area frontier where entry-exit system is in operation and subsequent entries and exits.
- Initial crossing: Registration of your personal details, including fingerprints (not for under-12s) as well as a facial biometric.
- Subsequent entries and exits: Facial biometric only.
But many British travellers report being asked for both face and fingerprints on multiple occasions.
How long does registration last?
Each new visit triggers another three years of validity of the initial registration. In other words, if you don’t cross a Schengen area frontier for three years, you will need to register again. It has been suggested that registration runs out when your passport does, but my reading of the legislation indicates that is not correct.
Unlike many border arrangements, the entry-exit system is concerned with the person, not the passport. The EES database has a record of Simon Peter Ritchie Calder, born in Crawley on Christmas Day 1955, with fingerprints and facial biometric ascribed to that person. The biographical information is extracted from whichever passport I happen to provide at the moment of registration.
On subsequent visits, the EES is agnostic about the passport I provide with name plus place and date of birth, so long as the biometric (overwhelmingly likely to be face rather than fingerprints) matches the record of that person.
This makes sense as it should end an illicit practice. At present people with two passports (whether both UK, or one British and one Australian, Canadian, etc) can stay more or less permanently – making judicious side-trips out of the Schengen area on one passport and back again on the other. Truck drivers in the Balkans have reportedly been caught using such techniques.
There are also reports of multiple registration being required in locations including Spain, Greece. Belgium and Switzerland.
Do I need to pay anything to use EES?
No, payment starts, in theory, later in 2026 with the Etias permit (see more below). Etias is dependent on the entry-exit system running smoothly.
When I get a new passport, must I register again?
Not according to the official Procedures for entering data in the EES. It says that if “the third-country national presents a valid travel document which differs from the one that was previously recorded” (ie a new passport), the individual’s online file will be updated with the fresh details.
I am only changing planes at an EU airport. Must I go through the entry-exit system?
It depends on your routing and final destination, and also on the way you have booked the travel.
You will not need to go through the entry-exit system if the answers to the following are both affirmative:
- Flying from the UK into Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris CDG or another hub, and connecting straight to a destination outside the Schengen area.
- Travelling on a “through ticket”, eg Manchester-Munich-Mumbai on Lufthansa or Bristol-Paris-Dubai on Air France.
But you will need to go through EES if any of the following applies:
- You are connecting to a final destination in the Schengen area, eg KLM from Newcastle via Amsterdam to Rome.
- Your routing involves a segment wholly within the Schengen area, eg Edinburgh-Frankfurt-Munich-Seoul (where the Frankfurt-Munich leg triggers the entry-exit system).
- You are “self-connecting”, eg flying London-Lisbon on easyJet and transferring onwards to the Cape Verde islands, also on easyJet. You must go through Portuguese immigration, including EES, before beginning the departure process again.
I am on a cruise from a British port. When do I register?
If you are returning on the vessel to the UK, probably never. The Home Office says: “Sailings that start and finish their journey outside of the Schengen area (for example, at a UK port) will generally be exempt from EES checks, including for any day trips into the Schengen area that are part of their itinerary.”
If you leave the ship in a Schengen area port, you will need to go through the entry-exit system at that location.
Is it all going according to plan?
No. The Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar have invested heavily and now believe they can handle outbound passengers without undue delay. Eurotunnel expects the procedure to add two minutes per traveller using LeShuttle between Folkestone and Calais, and that it can process 700 cars per hour. But motorists and passengers at these departure points are being processed manually, rather than using the kiosks.
At London St Pancras International, three locations have been set up with EES kiosks for registration of passengers’ documents. But none of these facilities is currently being used.
Across the Schengen area, biometric checks can be suspended if queues build up. Greece has gone one better (or, from Brussels’ point of view, worse) by declaring British passport holders are now exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.
Eleni Skarveli, the director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, says this unilateral move, “is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports”.
Must I provide proof of travel insurance?
The standard Schengen area requirements are unaffected by the introduction of the entry-exit system. A third-country national must:
- Justify the purpose of the intended stay (for example tourism, business or a family visit).
- Demonstrate sufficient means of subsistence for their stay.
- Provide evidence that they will return to their country of origin – or continue to a third country where they are sure to be admitted.
Each member state can set its own criteria for the amount of funds the traveller must have available. France has chosen to resurrect a “dormant demand” for travellers to possess medical insurance. It is the only Schengen area country that requires insurance.
What is ‘Etias’ and when does it start?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is the next step in tightening frontier controls. It is an online permit, price €20 (£17), for third-country nationals who do not require visas. It is similar to the US Esta scheme, but valid for longer: three years. While those under 18 or over 70 will still need to apply for and hold an Etias, it will be free.
In order to work, Etias requires EES to be fully operational. Once the entry-exit system is completed and is running smoothly, Etias is set to follow six months later.
But initially a six-month grace period will be granted – so it will not be mandatory for prospective UK visitors to apply online for permission to enter the Schengen Area for at least a year after the complete introduction of EES, which may be some time in 2027.
Is Etias a visa?
Officially, no. Europe says that Etias is “a pre-travel authorisation system”. It is a similar concept to the US Esta, the Canadian eTA and the British ETA, which are not technically visas. They are issued to international travellers who do not require a full visa.
But as Etias requires visitors to apply in advance, provide lots of personal information, pay money and be issued with a permit to cross a border, it is not surprising that it is commonly termed a “euro-visa”.
How will I apply?
When finally the EU is ready, at the heart of the system is an Etias app and website.
You must provide all the usual personal details: name, date and place of birth, gender, home and email addresses, phone number(s), passport number and expiry date.
In addition you must give:
- Your parents’ names.
- Your level of education.
- Your current occupation (including job title and employer, or educational establishment if you are a student).
- The reason for the journey (holiday, business, visiting family, etc)
- The country, and specific address, of your first night’s stay in the Schengen area.
(On the last point, the European Union helpfully points out that you are not bound to stick to that nominated location: “Once you have your travel authorisation in hand, you can change your plans.”)
You are required to reveal:
- Any criminal convictions
- Past travels to war or conflict zones
- Whether you have recently been deported from the Schengen area.
I have a criminal conviction from long ago. Will I face problems?
Nothing will change with the entry-exit system. The EES is nothing more than the long-overdue digitisation of frontiers of the Schengen area, and personal background is not relevant. But in October 2026, if all goes according to plan, one’s history becomes of interest with the introduction of Etias.
It will be incumbent on the prospective visitor to answer truthfully on “details about any past criminal convictions”. But every indication is that only serious crimes (which I infer as those with a substantial prison sentence attached) and terrorist offences could result in an application for Etias being rejected. This is in marked contrast with the US Esta, for which convicted criminals cannot register.
What happens to the information I provide?
Every Etias application will be checked against EU and relevant Interpol databases, as well as “a dedicated Etias watch-list”.
The system will be tuned to pick out individuals suspected of being involved in terrorism, armed robbery, child pornography, fraud, money laundering, cybercrime, people smuggling, trafficking in endangered animal species, counterfeiting and industrial espionage.
Is Etias going to be the next online scam?
Yes, As with other online travel permits, commercial intermediaries are allowed – but according to Frontex, the EU organisation implementing Etias, there are many scam sites out there that are likely to apply fees way above the basic €20.
Any site other than europa.eu/etias is unofficial and should not be trusted.
One “imposter” site, based in California, claims “Etias will be operational from 2025”.
Another site offers a 40 per cent discount for early applications. Some use the EU logo, which is illegal.
Frontex, the EU border control agency, also warns about the risk of identity theft if you provide personal information to an imposter site.
How far in advance must I apply?
The European Union says: “We strongly advise you to obtain the Etias travel authorisation before you buy your tickets and book your hotels.”
The aim is for an Etias to be granted within minutes, though even a straightforward application could take up to four days.
If an application is flagged (ie there is a “hit” with one of the databases) the applicant may be asked to provide additional information. Alternatively, says the EU, the applicant may be asked “to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to additional 30 days”.
Assuming yours is granted, there is no certificate issued, and nothing needs to be printed. The frontier guard will get the information he or she needs from the passport you used to apply.
In a case of mistaken identity, will I be able to appeal?
Yes. Details of how to appeal will be included with the notice of rejection.
Once I have an Etias, am I guaranteed admission to the Schengen Area?
No. “Mere possession of a travel authorisation does not confer an automatic right of entry,” says the EU. As with the US, travellers can be turned away for any reason.
There is likely to be a mechanism in place for an Etias to be rescinded.
Do I need to apply for an Etias every time I travel to Europe?
No. The permit will be valid for three years, or until your passport runs out, whichever is the earlier.
Will I need an Etias to travel to Ireland?
No. The Common Travel Area incorporating the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands transcends European Union rules, and in any event, Ireland is not in the Schengen area.
If I have a long-stay permit from one of the EU nations, must I obtain an Etias?
No.
How are people without internet access supposed to apply?
They will be expected to get a friend, a family member or a travel agent to make the application for them, in the same way as the US Esta and similar schemes.
Just remind me about the 90/180 day rule?
This rule, to which the UK asked to be subject after leaving the European Union, means that British travellers cannot stay more than 90 days in any stretch of 180 days.
As an example of what it means: were you to spend the first three months of 2026 in the Schengen area, you would have to leave on 31 March and could not return until 90 days later, ie 30 June.
Is the UK being punished because of Brexit?
No. Work on strengthening the European Union’s external border began a decade ago. British officials participated in initial planning for the entry-exit system and online registration for third-country nationals.
The UK asked to be subject to all the extra red tape that everyone already knew was on the horizon. The EU agreed. So Brussels is delivering exactly what the British asked for.
Had we remained in the EU but outside Schengen, would we still be subject to all the new red tape?
No. Were the UK still in the EU, neither EES nor Etias would affect British passport holders.
Citizens of Ireland, which is in the EU but outside Schengen, need not go through the entry-exit rigmarole nor get an Etias. They simply have their passport/ID checked on arrival and departure, usually via a fast-track line.
That’s what the UK chose to give up.
What’s the back story behind the delays?
Originally the entry-exit system was due to start in 2021. But the body responsible for implementation – the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (EU-Lisa) – has repeatedly pushed back the date because the database was far from ready.
In August 2024, the EU’s Home Affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, said: “I have decided that the entry/exit system will enter into operations on 10 November. That will be a great day – entry-exit system day.” But a month before the big day, ministers decided to postpone the introduction.
Many airports, ports and railway stations have already installed expensive equipment, which has been lying unused. Officials in Brussels then kicked the can down the road to October 2025 – with a full roll out due to be completed by April 2026. But this latest deadliine has also been missed, with 7 September 2026 the new latest date for 100 per cent EES compatibility.
This piece was first published in August 2025 and is kept updated with the latest information
Additional research by Dr Nick Brown
Former world number one Mark Allen produced a superb potting display as he fought back from 6-4 down to beat China’s Zhang Anda 10-6 in the first round of the World Snooker Championship.
Northern Ireland’s Allen, a two-time Crucible semi-finalist, had not made a single break of 50 in Saturday’s first session but looked a different player on Sunday.
The 40-year-old produced a magnificent clearance of 140 in frame 11 to start his recovery, following that with a break of 109 in frame 12.
His third century in five frames came in frame 15 with an effort of 129 to move one away from victory, which he sealed with a break of 81 in the 16th frame.
Zhang, who has lost in the first round on all of his six Crucible appearances, scored only 42 points in the last six frames as Allen stormed into the last 16.
Allen will play either 2024 champion Kyren Wilson or 19-year-old Stan Moody in the next round.
By choosing, out of pure hatred for CM Punk, to go after the world heavyweight championship, it means the ‘Original Tribal Chief’ will main event a sixth WrestleMania in a row, taking his record to 11 overall.
Jade Cargill looks to improve her WrestleMania winning streak to 3-0 (2-0 in singles competition) as she defends the women’s championship against 2026 Elimination Chamber winner Rhea Ripley.
Jade Cargill will walk into WrestleMania 42 as champion
WWE
Trick Williams, on his WrestleMania debut, is out to capture the United States title against Sami Zayn. Meanwhile, Penta puts the WWE Intercontinental championship on the line in a six-pack ladder match against rising star Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev and Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.
Speaking of Mysterio, his son Dominik, may have bitten off more than he can chew by summoning the ‘Demon’ Finn Balor as the former stablemates aim to settle a score.
Perhaps the most anticipated match on the entire WrestleMania card sees two giants collide as Oba Femi has accepted Brock Lesnar’s open challenge, seeking revenge after being eliminated by ‘The Beast’ in the Royal Rumble match.
Here’s everything you need to know about where to watch night two of WrestleMania 42…
How to watch WWE WrestleMania 42
Live stream: In the UK, WWE WrestleMania 42 night two can be watched and streamed live on Netflix.
The show is scheduled to start at 11pm BST.
A membership costs £5.99 a month and the subscription can be cancelled at any time.
Arne Slot’s side visit the Hill Dickenson Stadium for the very first time since its opening, and the reigning Premier League champions sit fifth in the table.
The Reds were dumped out of the Champions League in midweek by Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated the Merseyside outfit at Anfield in their second leg on Tuesday.
Ousmane Dembele hit a double as Liverpool’s underwhelming campaign sunk to a new low.
The Reds’ Premier League title defence has flattered to deceive, as they lie 18 points off league leaders Arsenal with just six games to play.
Poor runs of form throughout the season – combined with some bad fortune on the injury front – has seen Slot’s men fail to keep pace with the frontrunners at the summit.
Everton, meanwhile, are on an unlikely European hunt themselves, chasing either the Europa League or Conference League.
The Toffees have 47 points, and are eighth in the table.
They are level with seventh-placed Brentford, who currently occupy that Conference League qualfication place, while sixth-placed Chelsea are just one point better off.
How to watch Everton vs Liverpool
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 1pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert insight from Oli Gent.
The beach at Runswick Bay is nestled between Sandsend and Staithes, and has just been highlighted by outdoor experts.
Runswick Bay itself is known as being a “picture postcard” village situated along the North Yorkshire coast near Whitby, with its mile of “secluded bay and gorgeous beach,” and quaint fishermen’s cottages.
It comes as the team at GO Outdoors analysed average spring temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours, and reviews of beaches with fewer than 500 reviews on Google to reveal the handful of “hidden gem” spring beaches across the UK, which include the likes of Druridge Bay and Bamburgh in Northumberland.
The ‘hidden gem’ North Yorkshire beach you need to visit this spring
Many visitors seem to agree that Runswick Bay is a secret spot in general, as the coastal location has recently been described as the county’s “best hidden coastal village” and one of Yorkshire’s “prettiest little villages” in several videos by travel enthusiasts on TikTok.
Others have said Runswick Bay is their “happy place” and somewhere they like to go to “prioritise their peace”.
Meanwhile, on Tripadvisor, the village and beach currently have a “very good” 4.5/5 rating based on 431 reviews – 291 of which are rated as “excellent”.
Additionally, over on Google, Runswick Bay only has 56 reviews, but an impressive 4.8/5-star rating.
Someone who is quite the fan of the area shared: “This is the third time visiting this beautiful bay, and once again I leave a piece of me behind!
“Runswick has become such a special place. It’s not massively busy, has a vast beach that is enveloped by beautiful big cliffs that nestle a few large caves.
“The pretty little cottages are all stacked on top of one another down the left hand side of the cliffs, with beautiful little paths and walkways that allow you to walk around the cottages and high up in to the hillside, offering stunning views down to the bay.
“Other places may boast gift shops, amusements and lots of other establishments that bring out the rowdier crowd, but the fact that the bay itself has but one coffee/gift shop and one pub tells you that the place is pretty tranquil.
“The pub is lovely, and the cafe sells amazing ice cream.”
They added: “Other than that, young fossil hunters will enjoy themselves here as we found a couple of fossils.
“All in all, a gem of a location, and one which I hope to visit many more times in the near future.”
Another wrote: “We walked here from Staithes, lovely walk with amazing views (steep in places).
“Well worth the walk! Cafe at Runswick Bay was lovely, great coffee and cakes, lovely place to sit and relax before walking back.
“We had our dog in tow and she was made welcome at the cafe.”
This person commented: “Absolutely stunning! Well worth a walk along the beach and doing a bit of fossil hunting, glass spotting, shell collecting. Lovely ice cream.”
One happy visitor said: “We are here for easter weekend, we visited the lovely modern cafe just on the beachfront, delicious cakes and light bites and beverages.
“Lovely staff and plenty of seats although we imagine it will get busy.
“Will definitely be back as its [sic] perfectly positioned to sit eat a slice of yummy cakes and a cuppa tea while u admire the views.
“The beach was great so happy to see so many dogs enjoying themselves and not a poo bag in sight as mentioned previously.
“We found so [sic] lovely fossils so interesting.”
A popular foodie spot in Runswick Bay is The Royal Hotel, which is “a traditional British pub overlooking the stunning bay and cliffs”.
North Yorkshire travel content creator @adventures.in.yorkshire posted as part of a TikTok video: “It’s the kind of place that feels cosy in every season – roaring fires and hearty food in winter, or a cold pint in the beer garden with those incredible sea views in summer.
“The menu is packed with local favourites, think crispy fish and chips, Whitby scampi, homemade pies, sandwiches and salads, plus a selection of changing specials that make the most of fresh, local ingredients.
“There’s even an extensive children’s menu and locally sourced desserts (definitely worth saving room for!).
“Expect generous portions, great value, and a warm Yorkshire welcome.”
The pub is also dog-friendly and family-friendly before 9pm.
To help you stay safe when visiting Runswick Bay’s beach this spring. Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors advises: “When planning your spring beach trip, keep in mind that British weather can still be unpredictable.
“Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry in case of sudden showers, choose supportive, waterproof footwear for any slippery sand or rocks, and layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.”
Are there any other “hidden gem” beaches you want to rave about in North Yorkshire, or do you want to keep them a secret? Let us know in the comments below.
Kanye West has been spotted looking downcast after being banned from the UK and having four shows cancelled in the past few weeks.
Earlier this month the American rapper, 48, came under the spotlight following backlash to him being announced as the headliner to the Wireless Festival in London.
Although the organisers doubled down on the decision to book the controversial musician – who in recent years has been slammed for making antisemitic, racist, sexist, and homophobic comments – they eventually had to call it off after the Home Office refused to grant West a UK visa.
It said the permission had been denied because his ‘presence would not be conducive to the public good’.
Within days the rapper announced he was postponing a show in France following calls from him to also be banned from entering the country.
In the past few days, he’s since had two more shows cancelled – in Poland and Switzerland.
West – who recently dropped his latest album Bully – had been due to play at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów on June 19, his first performance in Poland in 15 years.
However, this weekend the venue announced it would no longer take place ‘due to formal and legal reasons’.
That cancellation came after the country’s culture and heritage minister Marta Cienkowska described the decision to book West as ‘unacceptable’.
‘We are talking about an artist who has publicly made antisemitic views, downplayed crimes and profited from selling swastika T-shirts. These are not “controversies”. This is a deliberate crossing of boundaries and the normalisation of hatred,’ she posted on X.
Since then, Swiss soccer club FC Basel has also pulled the plug on an upcoming concert as it was not ‘in accordance with our values to provide a platform for the artist in question within this context’.
Following the cancellation of four of his concerts in the past two weeks, West was seen publicly for the first time this weekend.
Doing his best to keep a low profile wearing a hoodie and keeping his head down while being snapped attending a dentist appointment in Los Angeles, the rapper was seen wearing a brown tracksuit set and did his best to avert his eyes from waiting photographers.
Earlier this month West performed two sold-out concerts at LA’s SoFi Stadium, but soon after the furore over his Wireless Festival booking erupted.
Last year West released a song titled Heil Hitler, also wearing selling a T-shirt with a swastika on it after declaring himself a Nazi.
However, in January this year he took a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, in which he issued an apology and said he was ‘deeply mortified’ by his past behaviour.
Attributing his actions to bipolar disorder, West declared he was ‘not a Nazi or an antisemite’ and that he ‘loves Jewish people’.
He had previously launched into online rants praising Hitler, opposing abortion and gay marriage, supporting gun rights, and endorsing US President Donald Trump.
When defending the decision to book him as the only headliner for Wireless Festival, organisers addressed the backlash and shared a statement which read: ‘Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this, still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.’
Before the shows were cancelled, West issued a brief statement in which he said his ‘only goal’ was to ‘come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music’.
‘I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.
‘I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here. With love, Ye.’
His three headlining shows were due to take place at the Finsbury Park festival in July, with the appearance estimated to have earnt him well over an estimated £1million per night.
However major sponsors including Pepsi, Rockstar Energy, PayPal and Diageo, which owns Captain Morgan rum and Johnnie Walker whisky, then all dropped out and announced they would remove all branding and support.
West is next due to play in New Delhi, India, on May 23. Subsequent shows are set to be held in Istanbul, Arnhem, Reggio Emilia, Madrid and in the Algarve.
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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
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A spokesperson for the CST, the charity which monitors antisemitism and provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, said: “We are aware of another attempted arson, this time targeting a synagogue in north London, following similar recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon.
NewsBeat
Everton v Liverpool LIVE: Team news as Alexander Isak starts for injured Hugo Ekitike in historic Merseyside derby
Everton v Liverpool team news
It’s certainly an attacking line-up from Arne Slot today! Alexander Isak starts up tip but Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz are all in the team as well.
It looks like Dominik Szoboszlai will be the fill-in right-back once more (although feasibly, Curtis Jones could slot in there) and Alisson is still not fit enough to return, so Giorgi Mamardashvili continues between the sticks.
Everton line up pretty much as expected, with Dwight McNeil, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye providing the creative ingenuity behind Beto.
Everton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Luke Baker19 April 2026 13:03
Everton team news
And here’s how Everton will line up. Beto leading the line for them
Luke Baker19 April 2026 12:52
Liverpool team news
Here’s the Liverpool team for this afternoon. We’ll have full analysis shortly but Alexander Isak starts up top in place of Hugo Ekitike
Luke Baker19 April 2026 12:50
Team news incoming
We’re a couple of minutes away from today’s team news. The big question of course is who will start up top for Liverpool in place of the injured Hugo Ekitike.
After a season-ending achilles injury to Ekitike, Arne Slot must now weigh up the risk of starting Alexander Isak, who is not ready to play 90 minutes, or use Cody Gakpo from the outset.
Luke Baker19 April 2026 12:43
Atmosphere building ahead of Merseyside derby
It should be a cracking atmosphere for the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium today.
Fans are flooding the streets around the ground already and anticipation is rising
Luke Baker19 April 2026 12:34
Key battle: James Garner vs Dominic Szoboszlai
One of the more intriguing contests today could be the middle of the pitch, with in-form James Garner up against Dominic Szoboszlai.
Liverpool will hope to win in this key area to act as the platform for a derby victory.
Both men have great engines, but its their passing that could also prove decisive.
The Hungary international is third in the league on 2.0 key passes per game, whike Garner has 1.4 per game.
While the England international has 3.0 tackles per game on average, putting him joint-second.
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 12:22
Could Everton launch late bid for Champions League football?
With all the talk about Liverpool and qualifying for the Champions League again after their quarter-final exit midweek against PSG, could Everton suddenly find themselves in the hunt?
A win today against the Reds takes them within two points of their rivals in fifth. Here’s how their run-in looks:
- Liverpool (H)
- West Ham (A)
- Man City (H)
- Crystal Palace (A)
- Sunderland (H)
- Tottenham (A)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 12:10
Liverpool’s run-in to secure top five and Champions League football
With a four-point gap to Chelsea in sixth, Liverpool only need 12 points to guarantee Champions League football next season.
And with six games remaining, four wins will be enough, though they do play Chelsea at Anfield, meaning they could only need two more wins outside that contest.
- Everton (A)
- Crystal Palace (H)
- Man United (A)
- Chelsea (H)
- Aston Villa (A)
- Brentford (H)
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 12:00
Pundits claim Liverpool are now ‘underdogs’ for Merseyside derby
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has claimed that Liverpool could be underdogs for this weekend’s Merseyside derby against Everton after the Reds were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot’s men have six games left of the domestic season and the first one comes this weekend in a Merseyside derby, though Fowler and former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney think that the champions could be “underdogs” heading into that game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“Obviously the form in the last month, I know the Galatasaray [win was] a great result but I don’t think Galatasaray are great, so they’ve been turned over by Brighton, beat by Man City. I think Liverpool go into this game as probably underdogs,” said Fowler on Amazon Prime Video after the full-time whistle at Anfield.
“It’s the first time in a long time I’ve spoke to so of many friends who are Liverpool fans and they’re a little bit worried about the Merseyside derby,” explained Rooney.
“We’ve seen this Liverpool team all season not give as much as they can, I believe. And I think this derby game has come at the wrong time for Liverpool,” he added.
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 11:47
Could Beto be the danger man for Everton against Liverpool?
Beto is in fine form for the Toffees, with a surge of goals in 2026.
After a lean period to start the season, scoring just once in 19 games, the Brazilian has six goals in 13 games in 2026.
He’s now at an impressive 83 minutes per goal, up from 782 from August to December 2025.
Jack Rathborn19 April 2026 11:35
At this year’s London Marathon — on Sunday, April 26 — over 59,000 runners will pound the capital’s pavements, hoping to beat their personal best.
Participants of all ages and abilities have taken on the 26.2-mile challenge — including Fauja Singh, who was 100 years old when he broke records as the oldest person to ever do so, having only picked up the sport at 89.
That said, how fast and well you can run does naturally change as you get older.
And whether you prefer to stick to 5Ks, or train for longer races like marathons, keeping an eye on your mile pace is a great way to measure your fitness, especially for beginners.
When it comes to running, personal trainer and nutritionist Joseph Webb, tells Metro: ‘Age can guide expectations, but with smart training and recovery, you might surprise yourself at what you’re capable of.’
So, just how fast should you be able to run a mile according to your age?
Ages 20-39: 7-10 minutes
‘Average healthy adults in this bracket typically run a mile between seven to 10 minutes. Trained runners may push under six to seven minutes,’ Joseph says.
He adds that aerobic capacity (the amount of oxygen your body can utilise during exercise) is at its peak at this age, and you’re also likely to have better joint and tendon resilience to support faster speeds.
What is your ideal running goal for a mile?
But how often should you be running? Joseph suggests three to five runs per week for most healthy adults is a good number, depending on their goals and experience. He advises a mix of long runs, moderate runs and interval speed sessions.
‘Recovery is quicker in this age group,’ he explains. ‘There’s potential to build a good aerobic base and speed.’
Ages 40-59: 9-12 minutes
A realistic time for runners in this age category to complete a mile is nine to 12 minutes. At this age, Joseph says that ‘muscle mass and aerobic capacity naturally decline, unless you counteract with regular training’.
He adds: ‘Recovery takes longer, but with consistency, many in their 40s-50s run similar times as those in their 30s.’
Signs you’re pushing yourself too hard
Many runners feel inclined to push themselves to beat personal records and better their times. However, if you’re dealing with any of these issues, you might want to rethink your training.
- Sleep disturbance or mood swings
- Sharp or stabbing pains rather than a more dull soreness
- Swelling or joint instability
- Extreme fatigue lasting beyond 48 hours
- Elevated resting heart rate (a sign of poor recovery)
He advises those aged 40-59 to set themselves two to four runs per week, a mix of long moderate and interval sessions. This, he says, is the ‘sweet spot’ to balance fitness and recovery.
Joseph explains: ‘Recovery starts to slow, so quality over quantity is key. Longer runs are still possible, but you should be flexible based on how you’re recovering. Strength training becomes vital here to preserve muscle and protect joints.’
Ages 60+: 11-15 minutes
Joseph advises his clients aged 60 and over aim for a mile pace of 11 to 15 minutes. He says two to three runs maximum is ideal for this age category.
At this age, he says: ‘Joint and tendon recovery slows, and impact tolerance can reduce.
‘Maintaining aerobic fitness, balance, and joint mobility is the priority, not accumulating big mileage.’
He adds: ‘Aerobic capacity, muscle strength and joint health naturally shift with age. But training history, nutrition and lifestyle all matter just as much.
‘I have coached clients in their 50s and 60s who outperform sedentary 30-year-olds.’
Why does running feel more difficult as we age?
There are plenty of reasons why running feels more difficult as we get older.
Joseph explains: ‘Without strength work, we lose 1% muscle mass per year after 40, weakening running mechanics and increasing joint wear and tear.’
Joints and tendons also stiffen, collagen stiffens, tendons lose elasticity and cartilage thins.
There’s also a longer recovery time. ‘Older bodies take longer to repair micro-tears and inflammation.’
Joseph stresses the importance of recovery when running, explaining: ‘You should prioritise seven to nine hours of sleep per night and add in naps if you have the time and need to.’
He also advises taking rest days and eating adequate protein. He adds: ‘Use foam rolling, massage, stretching and hydration to aid recovery.’
Find running too challenging? Here are some alternative exercises
There are plenty of other exercises to build fitness that are less impactful than running. Joseph says:
- Yoga and Pilates improve flexibility, balance, joint control and breathwork.
- Brisk walking is easier on joints but still boosts heart and lung health.
- Cycling both indoor and outdoor is great for leg strength and endurance.
- Swimming or aqua jogging is a very joint-friendly, full-body workout.
- Rowing on a machine is an excellent combo of cardio and strength.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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Former US President Barack Obama and New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the first time on Saturday at a child care centre in the Bronx where they sang to preschoolers.
Obama and Mamdani led the group in singing Wheels on the Bus and the children taught them Soda Pop from K-pop film Demon Hunters.
“You made the mayor feel really old”, Obama joked as the children laughed.
“In between singing wheels on the bus, we discussed our administration’s vision for this City – one where New York’s cutest have the strongest start possible”, Mamdani said about the meeting on an Instagram post.
ANTALYA, Turkey (AP) — Iran is not yet ready to hold a new round of face-to-face talks with U.S. officials, a senior Iranian official said Saturday, citing Washington’s refusal to abandon “maximalist” demands on key issues.
In an interview with The Associated Press on the margins of a diplomacy forum in Turkey, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh also said his country will not hand over its enriched uranium to the United States, rejecting claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to United States,” Khatibzadeh said. “This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we’re not going to accept things that are nonstarters.”
On Friday, Trump said that the U.S. will go into Iran and “get all the nuclear dust,” referring to the 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium believed to be buried under nuclear sites badly damaged by U.S. military strikes last year.
Khatibzadeh said there have been many exchanges of messages between the sides but accused the United States of holding firm on demands Iran deems to be excessive.
“We are still not there yet to move on to an actual meeting because there are issues that the Americans have not yet abandoned their maximalist position,” Khatibzadeh said. Iran was seeking the finalization of a “framework agreement” before moving to an in-person meeting, he added.
The Iranian official would not go into specifics of the negotiations with the United States or say which issues remain unresolved but called on Washington to address Iran’s concerns, including sanctions imposed on Iran.
“The other sides also should understand and address our main concerns, which are illegal unilateral sanctions that Americans have imposed on Iranians and this economic terrorism which has targeted Iranian people to suffocate them and make them to revolt against the political structure inside Iran,” Khatibzadeh said.
Asked whether Iran would respond to renewed attacks by Israel on Lebanon despite the ceasefire, Khatibzadeh said: “Iran has no option, just to stop aggressors once and forever.”
Trump said that Israel is “prohibited” by the U.S. from further strikes on Lebanon and that “enough is enough” in the Israel-Hezbollah war.
The State Department said the prohibition applies only to offensive attacks and not to actions taken in self-defense.
The Iranian official renewed Iran’s position that Tehran’s actions were defensive and in response to unprovoked aggression occurring in the middle of negotiations.
He also reiterated Iran’s position that the ceasefire must extend to Lebanon, where Israel had been fighting with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
When the U.S. and Iran declared a temporary truce last week, Pakistan and Iran said it extended to Lebanon, but Israel — and later the U.S. — denied this. Israel then launched a series of airstrikes on central Beirut, prompting Iran to announce it was once again closing the Strait of Hormuz. Following implementation of a truce in Lebanon Friday, Iran said it had reopened the strait.
“Iran negotiated with good faith, accepted a ceasefire and told everybody that this ceasefire should include all countries, including Lebanon,” Khatibzadeh said. “Then the other side said that, it is not committed to this and then started atrocities.”
He said that a “new protocol” would be put in place for the Strait of Hormuz as part of the negotiations with the U.S. and it would “remain open and safe for all civilian passage.”
Trump has said a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain and attacks will resume if no agreement is reached with Iran.
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The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/
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