3 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to call for windfall taxes on oil and gas firms to be scrapped to avoid ‘killing’ the industry
PA
TORY leader Kemi Badenoch due to call for windfall taxes on oil and gas firms to be scrapped to avoid “killing” the industry.
She was also set to demand fresh drilling licences in the North Sea in a blast against Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s decision to ban them in the name of Net Zero.
Kemi Badenoch is due to call for windfall taxes on oil and gas firms to be scrappedEPA
The Energy Profits Levy was first introduced by the Conservatives to tax companies revelling in record revenues while families struggled with soaring bills.
At the last Budget Rachel Reeves increased the tax by three points to 38 per cent of profits for the next five years.
But Ms Badenoch will today warn these massive profits have “long gone” and the longer the tax remains “the more damaging it becomes”.
She will tell the Scottish Tory conference: “Labour have extended and increased this tax. They are killing this industry.
“And frankly if it is allowed to remain in place until 2030, as is Labour’s current plan, there will be no industry left to tax.
“Thousands will have been made unemployed and all while we import more gas from overseas – from the very same basin in which we are banned from drilling.”
Mr Miliband is pledging £500million to invest in hydrogen, claiming it will create thousands of jobs in the transition to “clean energy”.
He says it will cushion the blow from sectors like iron, steel, glass, chemicals and ceramics whose factories are exposed to higher energy costs.
The Energy Secretary said: “By building hydrogen networks, we are securing homegrown energy that will power British industry for generations to come.”
PAThe Tory leader will also demand fresh drilling licences in the North Sea[/caption]
3 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Forget Thomas Frank, it’s Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta who’s under real pressure in North London
THOMAS FRANK knows what he is getting into at Tottenham.
But it could now become a lot tougher for Mikel Arteta.
Thomas Frank has officially been named the new Tottenham managerArsenal boss Mikel Arteta needs trophies in his sixth season
Plenty of Tottenham supporters will now be demanding that Ange Postecoglou’s replacement proves he is a level above the Aussie who ended the club’s 17-YEAR trophy drought.
Yet while the Dane will need to have some “frank” conversations, that Europa League victory in Bilbao will have an equally big impact six miles down the Seven Sisters Road.
Suddenly, after Son Heung-min lifted the trophy into the Basque night air, Spurs are not Spursy any more.
Rival supporters can no longer mock their empty trophy cabinet.
It might have been the worst European final in history, secured by the scrappiest of goals, against a Manchester United side destined to be remembered only for their ineptitude.
Yet Spurs are proven winners, at last.
But there is one club in the capital which does appear to have forgotten how to get over the line.
Arsenal have been London’s best, by a street, for three seasons.
Boss Arteta has fostered a sense of purpose building a formidable unit and restoring, even enhancing, the bond between the club and its fans — however much pre-game anthem “North London Forever” can grate.
Yet while Spurs, Chelsea and Crystal Palace all lifted silverware this term, just as West Ham did in 2023, the Gunners’ best shots have fallen a fraction short of their targets.
Plenty of Arsenal fans will insist they do not care. Of course, they will.
Arteta’s men have come close to lifting the Prem crown, twice shaded out by Manchester City before being the only threat to champions Liverpool over the past ten months.
It was Arsenal who went deepest in the Champions League, too, putting Real Madrid to the sword before being ousted by Paris Saint-Germain, the new kings of Europe.
There comes a point when being the best of the rest is not enough.
And those trophy lifts by Son, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Guehi mean that moment may have been reached.
Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought with the Europa League in MayCole Palmer lifts Uefa Conference League trophy for ChelseaArsenal were dumped out of the Champions League quarter-finals to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain
Arteta’s faith in the underlying numbers, in the expected goals metric and other analytical and statistical tools, is unquestioned.
But he appears to be a believer in the “one more heave” theory of football management.
A couple of key additions — with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Leipzig strikerBenjamin Sesko clearly identified as the priority acquisitions for around £115million for the pair — to bolt on to what he has, and that will be enough. Except it might not be.
Arsenal under Arteta are all about control and, at times it feels, to the exclusion of imagination and spark.
But their rivals might be breaking the glass. City’s £108.4m early summer spending spree has been a statement of intent.
3 days agoNew York StateComments Off on How ‘frightening’ Liverpool may have found Mo Salah replacement and who gets Viktor Gyokeres – transfers exposed
LIVERPOOL are set to splash over £300million this summer and could become unstoppable.
GettyBradley Barcola could be heading to Anfield this summer[/caption]
AFPBarcola could be Mo Salah’s long-term replacement[/caption]
While Viktor Gyokeres’ rumoured strike and Jack Grealish’s uncertain future have also hit the back pages.
Our very own Will Pugh and Dean Scoggins share their thoughts on all the deals and speculation in The Sun’s new show Transfers Exposed.
‘Be afraid of Liverpool’
The Reds are prepared to battleBayern Munichfor the £100m-rated winger Barcola, 22.
Liverpool have also not given up on signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle – though if the Toon stick to their £150m price tag – Barcola will be the alternative.
And if you’re looking for a long-term replacement for Mo Salah, not this season necessarily, Barcola could be the guy.
Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are PSG’s first choice front three.
It means Barcola could want out – especially with a World Cup on the horizon.
Arne Slot is building a versatile group of attackers that can play anywhere along the front in Salah, £126m man Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
Reports from Lisbon claim the Swedish striker is considering going on strike to force an exit.
Gyokeres, 27, is furious with Sporting for going back on their word over a transfer promise to him.
He believes he had a gentleman’s agreement to leave for £50million with a further £8million in add-ons.
That claim has been rubbished by Varandas and good on Sporting for standing firm with their price.
They know a sale is coming but will not be bullied into cashing-in on the cheap.
Gyokeres will likely have the choice between Man Utd and Arsenal.
And there should not be concern about Gyokeres’ fit for the Premier League should it be a move to Old Trafford or the Emirates.
GettyViktor Gyokeres is considering going on strike to leave Sporting[/caption]
Ruben Amorim believes he can produce one touch finishes and be a big enough physical presence in leading the line – they did effectively together at Sporting.
As for Arsenal, they just need someone with a proven track record of putting the ball in the back of the net.
97 goals in 102 Sporting games suggests Gyokeres can do that.
If the Gunners can add a top-quality left-winger to their squad as well, a move to North London would be the smarter choice over the circus in Manchester.
Gyokeres deserves a Premier League chance. But don’t expect Erling Haaland numbers straight away.
The Greal Deal
A changing of the guard is happening at Man City after the signings of Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders.
Cherki, 21, will get fans off their seats and the ex-Lyon man will be the wildcard Pep Guardiola has been missing.
GettyJack Grealish’s days at City are numbered[/caption]
City became a bit predictable last season, but trickster Cherki can do anything with the ball at his feet from rainbow flicks over defender’s heads to goals from anywhere with either feet.
Let’s hope Pep does not take the creativity and excitement out his game like he has done to Grealish, who will leave after being left out their Club World Cup squad.
Newcastle, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Napoli have all been linked with a move for him in the region of £40m-£50m.
And the Toon should go all out to bring the 29-year-old to St James’ Park.
They will have dreams of winning the Europa League and could do with another wide man to compete with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy, while Grealish could also play just behind Isak as a No10.
Newcastle have the money, their fans love a maverick and Eddie Howe is the type of boss to get the best out of him.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
3 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Love Island fans beg producers to step in and remove lad after ‘disgusting’ behaviour
LOVE Island fans have insisted that one Islander should be removed from the villa after his ‘disgusting’ behaviour.
30-year-old Harry has come under fire after his shock betrayal on the show after ditching partner Shakira in bed for a night of passion with Helena in the Hideaway.
Love Island fans want Harry out of the villaErotemeThey have hit out at his behaviourEroteme
But his antics have been slammed by viewers who have called upon show’s producers to step in and have him removed from the villa.
Many fans have been left unhappy with the way he disregarded Shakira’s feelings and how he continued to say one thing to her and another to Helena as he attempted to bat their feelings off one another.
Taking to X – formerly Twitter – one fan grumbled of Harry: “Harry is disgusting.”
A second went on to pen: “Harry’s acting like this and hes…thirty?”
Someone else wrote: “Harry.. you lie now but trust your time will come when movie night arrives.
“Switching the script on every convo you have is gonna come back to BITEEEEE.”
“Harry is NOTTTTT the man i thought he’d be, he is a walking, talking RED FLAG,” added a fourth.
As another insisted both he and Helena should be removed for their antics, saying: “I want Helena and Harry OUT. Out NOW!!!!
“Love island producer you know you see knocking the door b****!”
The duo were seen planning their rendezvous earlier in the evening and Harry is seen telling Helena to tap his foot on the way out of the bedroom.
A source previously told The Sun: “This is the fastest sleepover in the Hideaway in Love Island’s twelve series history – and what a gorgeous pair to do so.
“In the past, producers had to invite Islanders to use the breakout bedroom which meant the love nest was generally not used until couples became more established.
“But producers have changed the rules of the breakout bedroom so it can be used at any time, without an invite.
“It means Helena and Harry could take advantage of the ‘no invite needed’ and explore their connection.
“The scenes will play out later this week, but bosses are unlikely to show anything too naughty, as is the show’s usual approach.”
Love Island 2025 full lineup
Harry Cooksley: A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare.
Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident.
Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads.
Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa.
Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish.
Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition.
3 days agoNew York StateComments Off on How employers can help support Britain’s ‘invisible army’ of three million carers
EACH week, around three million people clock off from their jobs and start a second, unpaid, role as a carer.
This unsung and often invisible army of helpers keeps the nation functioning, providing vital support to elderly or disabled family members and friends.
SuppliedRumana Akthair is an IT security apprentice for Virgin Media O2 and a carer[/caption]
Estimates vary but between seven to nine per cent of the workforce also have caring responsibilities, with charity Employers For Carers saying that 59 per cent of these are women.
Not-for-profit organisation Carers UK estimates that two-thirds of us will become a carer at some point in our lives, with up to 600 people a day quitting work to do this.
However, juggling such responsibilities with work is a huge challenge.
Studies show that 44 per cent of carers in employment have developed mental or physical health conditions, while a quarter have reduced their working hours in order to cope.
It is Carers Week, with employers being urged to identify carers within their workforce and put support in place to retain them.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “It takes two years on average for someone to identify themselves as a carer.
“As a result, they often don’t come forward for support in the workplace and can miss out on vital help.
“This is why we encourage employers to raise awareness among managers and staff.”
This year’s Carers Week theme is Caring About Equality, highlighting that those looking after family members or friends face a greater risk of poverty, social isolation and poor mental and physical health.
Helen added: “One of the main drivers of poverty is the difficulty of combining paid work with unpaid care.
“We are urging more employers to go further in adopting more carer-friendly measures in the workplace and make a difference for those able to juggle work and care.”
One of the main ways employers can support staff is with flexible working.
Research from insurance agency the Phoenix Group found that two in five working carers would not have a job without flexible working.
Alongside this, an increasing number of firms are offering paid carer’s leave.
While the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 gives employees the right to five days of unpaid leave, Virgin Media O2 offers five paid days while the TSB gives 70 hours each year.
Rumana Akthair is an IT security apprentice for Virgin Media O2 and a carer.
She supports her dad who has mobility issues, a heart condition and diabetes, and also helps her mum, who is a carer herself and lives with arthritis.
Rumana, 35, from London, said: “Co-ordinating medication, attending appointments and managing day-to-day care requires flexibility, often during working hours.
“However, my employer is incredibly supportive, and with the flexibility afforded, the impact on my work is limited.
“We need broader recognition that caring comes in many forms and can include supporting friends, neighbours and extended family.
“The level of understanding and support has made a real difference, not just to my professional growth, but to my overall wellbeing.”
Nisha Marwaha, a director at Virgin Media O2, said: “Carers already have a lot on their plates and we want our people to be able to support friends and family without worrying about taking time off work or not getting paid.
“This support is vital to creating an environment where everyone can be their best at work and help their loved ones when they need them.”
Encourage employees to identify themselves as carers. Include questions about caring in staff surveys or enable self-declaration through a self-service HR system or online form.
lAsk carers about their support needs, including what type of help they would like in the workplace.
lUse a clear definition of caring and carers – and include this in workplace policies to encourage take-up of support.
Introduce a carer policy in your company or organisation, outlining in one place all the support available.
Educate managers so they are equipped to identify and support carers in their team. Include caring in manager training and create a line-manager toolkit with guidance on what to do if an employee has caring responsibilities.
JOBSPOT
PARCEL delivery firm Evri is hiring for 5,000 new courier roles.
PATERNITY leave in the UK is the worst in Europe, according to campaign group The Dad Shift.
New fathers are entitled to a fortnight off at £187.18 a week, though many firms pay more.
SuppliedMike Shepard, management director, of the Britain’s most family-friendly firm Mars UK[/caption]
Mars UK was recently recognised as our most family-friendly firm, offering dads 26 weeks off at 90 per cent of normal pay.
Ahead of Father’s Day, Mars revenue management director Mike Shepard, dad to Sterling, four, and Conrad, seven months, shares his advice for firms to get it right.
EVOLVE WITH THE PARENTING JOURNEY: From navigating school commitments to becoming a grandparent, the parenting journey spans decades, so flexibility isn’t a one-time fix, it’s a continuous dialogue.
It’s one thing having an enhanced parental leave policy, but leaders’ active encouragement is key to removing any stigma.
CHAMPION MEANINGFUL LEAVE: Business leaders can lead where policy lags by introducing enhanced time off and normalising fathers to take it.
REDEFINE THE RETURN-TO-WORK EXPERIENCE: Coming back from parental leave isn’t about “slotting back in”. It’s an emotional, mental and logistical adjustment.
Start conversations early about flexibility, priorities and working style, leading with what will best suit a family’s new reality.
MAXIMISE PERFORMANCE AND WELLBEING: It’s hard to support what you don’t know, so encourage open dialogue.
Vital to the success of my own team’s productivity is them feeling safe voicing what works for them, whether it’s flexible hours, hybrid working or changes in responsibility.
USE PEER GROUPS TO DRIVE CHANGE: Internal parenting networks are powerful tools.
Foster these groups to build a community and spark ideas that can drive meaningful change from within.
LOVE ISLE IS A TITLE MYSTERY
LOVE ISLAND, hosted by Maya Jama, is back on our screens and it is not just the hot bods grabbing our attention – but also their day jobs, and what they mean.
Online searches for “marketing engineer”, “payroll specialist” and “energy broker” jumped more than 5,000 per cent last week, according to data from jobs forum RateMyApprenticeship.
Shutterstock EditorialThe careers of Love Island contestants are leading to new job searches[/caption]
Co-founder Oliver Sidwell says: “Seeing someone on screen talk about a job you’ve never heard of sparks curiosity, and that’s what we’re seeing now.
“Roles like marketing engineer or energy broker are not on the radar for most school leavers, but should be.
“These are well-paid, in-demand jobs and don’t always require a university route.”
JOBSPOT
ASDA has more than 400 jobs available nationwide, including for section leaders, cleaners, pharmacy staff and customer delivery drivers.
Search at asda.jobs.
IT’S BEST TO ASK … AND FAST
JOB applicants should try to ask questions early in an interview to steer it in a direction that plays to their strengths.
That is the advice from Dr George Sik, of psychometric testing firm Eras, as the number of job vacancies in the UK plunged to its lowest level in four years with just 781,000 up for grabs.
As competition for positions intensifies, Dr Sik suggests good questions to put to your potential employer, which include, “What are the most important goals for this role in the next six to 12 months?”, “What challenges or changes is the team currently navigating?” and, “What makes someone exceptional in this role, as opposed to just good?”
He adds: “These questions show initiative and let you reframe the interview.”
But leave it too long into the chat, and Dr Sik warns: “By that point, it’s too late to influence the direction of the conversation.”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme –Sun Club.
3 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Czech Republic U21 1 England U21 3: Harvey Elliott sends message to Slot as Three Lions get Euros defence off to flyer
HARVEY ELLIOTT reminded Arne Slot of his capabilities after his stunner for England U21s helped get their Euros defence off to a flyer.
The star, 22, has warned Liverpool he’s not prepared to “waste” his career sitting on the bench.
GettyHarvey Elliott celebrates his opener as he showed what he can do[/caption]
ReutersCharlie Cresswell soared to nod England’s clincher[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialAlex Scott wore a chin strap to protect his injured jaw[/caption]
And he showed his potential suitors exactly what he is capable of as his strike helped down Czech Republic at the MOL Arena in Dunajska Streda, Slovakia.
Elliott ensured England led at the break and Jonathan Rowe doubled their advantage shortly after the restart.
But Czech hit back instantly to set up a tense second period, but the Young Lions secured the 3-1 win thanks to Charlie Cresswell, who along with Elliott are the only survivors from the triumphant 2023 team.
Omari Hutchinson looked the liveliest as Lee Carsley’s side started strongest but they failed to build on that as momentum swung for the Czechs.
Alarm bells were ringing when Vaclav Sejk just missed Martin Suchomel’s low cross and they survived another scare when James Beadle pushed over the unmarked Stepan Chaloupek’s header.
There was another let-off when a corner found Patrik Vydra free in the box and his strike deflected off Jarrell Quansah but Beadle came to the rescue again.
But England took the lead against the run of play thanks to great work from skipper James McAtee.
The Manchester City ace kept alive Tino Livramento’s looping cross and he pulled it back from the byline for Elliott to run on to and rifle home.
ReutersEngland skipper James McAtee fends off Vaclav Sejk[/caption]
England beat Czech Republic 2-0 two years ago to begin their journey to European glory and the omens were looking good for a repeat moments after half time.
Twinkle-toed Livramento, the best performer for the Young Lions, produced a bit of trickery before his low cross was flicked towards goal by Rowe.
It looked to be a relatively comfortable stop for goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, but instead he bundled it into his own net.
However, hopes of a seventh-straight Euros clean sheet were quickly extinguished as Czech produced an instant response.
A dangerous cross from captain Vaclav Sejk was nodded home by Daniel Fila and suddenly the Young Lions were on the back foot.
Carsley’s men stood firm to weather the storm and began to look lively on the counter after the introductions of Ethan Nwaneri and Jay Stansfield.
Arsenal teen Nwaneri was straight into the twists and turns as Carsley’s men started to turn the screw.
And they got their reward when Cresswell rose highest to head home Alex Scott’s corner late on to get England off to a winning start.
Bournemouth midfielder Scott certainly let his feet do the talking – as he played with a chin strap o protect his broken jaw.
They now travel to Nitra on Sunday knowing a victory over Slovenia would cement them a spot in the knockouts.
ReutersJarell Quansah and Tino Livramento hail Jonathon Rowe’s goal[/caption]
3 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Dad, 25, played on phone as he was quizzed over death of baby girl from ‘violent shaking,’ murder trial hears
A FATHER played on his phone in a “good mood” while being quizzed by cops over the death of his baby daughter, a court heard.
Thomas Holford, 24, is accused of shaking his baby girl to death.
SWNSEverleigh Stroud died a year after being rushed to hospital in Kent[/caption]
Thomas Holford, now 24, is accused of killing his daughter Everleigh
The five-week-old baby was rushed to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital after the ordeal at her home in Ramsgate, Kent.
Everleigh Stroud remained there in a vegetative state until she died over a year later in 2022 – aged 14 months.
Her dad had been living with her 16-year-old mum at time and pleaded guilty to manslaughter in November last year.
He denies murder and causing actual bodily harm.
Everleigh’s injuries, which ultimately led to her death in hospital on May 27, 2022, included catastrophic brain haemorrhages and multiple bone fractures.
Jurors heard that while it is accepted by Holford that he inflicted them, he disputes the prosecution case that he intended to kill Everleigh – or cause her really serious harm.
Holford also denies a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Canterbury Crown Court heard that mum Casey Stroud had left Everleigh in Holford’s care while she went to stay with a friend on the night of April 20 to celebrate her birthday.
When she returned, on the morning of her 17th birthday, she found her daughter grey in colour with marks on her face.
While Everleigh was rushed to hospital, Holford was questioned by police in the family living room.
But jurors heard that he was “very relaxed” and in “quite a good mood” while detailing the events of the previous night.
He repeatedly used his phone, and at one point in a conversation, the first-time dad asked a sergeant to pick a game for him to download from his app store.
PC Darren Smith, who recorded his interactions with Holford on his body-worn camera, told the court: “When he entered the room he seemed to be in quite a good mood.
“He didn’t seem to be showing any emotion. He was quite easily conversing with me.”
The court heard – and watched the footage – of Holford describing having fed Everleigh two or three times during the night and settling her to sleep.
Holford said he recalled hearing her “whimper”, but thought she was just dreaming.
The dad said he didn’t see any bruises on his daughter until a “very upset” Casey had woken him.
He also referred to his low mood and an upcoming appointment with the community mental health team.
Asked by prosecutor Eloise Marshall if the defendant’s demeanour had changed during their conversation, PC Smith replied: “Not to any drastic amount.”
Ms Marshall then asked: “What was he actually doing while you were talking to him?”
The officer responded: “Mainly playing on his mobile phone.”
In much of the footage, Holford could be seen holding the device between his hands.
At one stage, Holford recalled how he feared he had swaddled Everleigh “quite tightly” when she whimpered.
He then told PC Smith: “It’s weird. Before I had a kid, I just thought ‘kids are just kids’.
“Then, you have a kid and it’s like, ‘Woah, step back’. It puts everything into perspective, doesn’t it?
“Before, I didn’t feel like I had a purpose. I wasn’t working. But now I feel everything has just fallen into place.”
Holford also revealed that he had smoked cannabis at around 10am the previous day, and would use it daily in the morning for a stomach issue.
A small amount of herbal cannabis, along with a grinder, was found in the “untidy and crammed” bedroom he had shared with Casey and Everleigh.
Holford was arrested and taken to Margate Police Station.
PC Smith told the jury he heard the defendant “speaking freely” of how he was often told by his girlfriend on waking that he had been “verbally aggressive” towards her – but had no knowledge of doing so.
Sgt Benjamin Patterson also gave evidence about his interactions with Holford, who he described as being “very interested in his phone, very relaxed and distant”.
During cross-examination, Holford’s barrister, Jo Martin KC, suggested the dad’s presentation could have been “a delayed reaction”, which PC Smith agreed could be the case.
However, when she suggested Holford had been talking “randomly” while in the custody cell, PC Smith replied: “He was calm the whole time I was with him. I couldn’t work out his mindset at all.
“Over the whole day, he was on a level. I don’t remember seeing any emotion – something that seemed strange considering what had happened.”
Jurors also heard that in visits to the family home by health workers on March 30 and April 6, Casey said Holford was doing most of the night feeds so she could rest.
It was also noted that he “really helped out” and was happy to do so.
3 days agoMalaysian DramasComments Off on ما هو مرض الفنان طالب الربيعي.. من هو ويكيبيديا
ما هو مرض الفنان طالب الربيعي ويكيبيديا.. تعرف على الحالة الصحية للفنان العراقي طالب الربيعي المشهور بتجسيد شخصية “صبحي الاگرع” في مسلسل عالم الست وهيبة. وفي التفاصيل: ناشد “أحمد” نجل الفنان العراقي “طالب الربيعي” كل من يقدّر الفن وأهله، بسرعة التدخل الطبي العاجل من أجل إنقاذ والده من الحالة الصحية الحرجة التي يمر بها في …