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Sunak Accuses Labour of ‘Energy Surrender’ Over North Sea Oil Plans

Sunak Accuses Labour of ‘Energy Surrender’ Over North Sea Oil Plans

Prime Minister claims Labour’s energy policy is influenced by eco-activists, warning it could benefit autocrats like Putin

Rishi Sunak has lashed out at Labour’s energy policy, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of allowing “eco-zealots” to dictate the party’s approach to North Sea oil and gas exploration. The Prime Minister described Labour’s proposal to end new oil and gas licences as an “energy surrender” that prioritises ideology over job security and energy independence.

Sunak’s comments follow Labour’s commitment to halt new oil and gas exploration in the UK, a stance that has sparked backlash from the energy sector and unions. The Prime Minister suggested that such a policy would only benefit foreign autocrats, particularly Vladimir Putin, while undermining Britain’s energy security.

Speaking during a trip to Washington, Sunak stated, “The only people that benefit from Keir Starmer’s energy policy are dictators and autocrats like Vladimir Putin.” He also criticised the approach as “bizarre” for blocking domestic oil and gas production, while allowing imports from less friendly nations. He emphasised the importance of focusing on energy security and sustainable energy investments.

Labour’s energy policy has drawn attention due to the influence of green entrepreneur Dale Vince, who has donated £1.5 million to the party and is also a supporter of the Just Stop Oil campaign. Sunak suggested that Vince’s support for green causes had a disproportionate impact on Labour’s strategy.

In response, a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer denied any connection between Vince’s donations and the party’s policy, insisting that Labour would continue to use oil and gas as part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. Starmer himself has previously condemned Just Stop Oil, calling their disruptive actions dangerous to lives and livelihoods.

Labour is set to unveil the full details of its green energy plan next week, which will outline the party’s long-term approach to the UK’s energy future.

Tupac Shakur Honoured with Posthumous Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Tupac Shakur Honoured with Posthumous Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The legendary rapper’s legacy and passion were celebrated at an emotional ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard

Tupac Shakur was posthumously honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a moving ceremony on Wednesday, where his sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, praised his “work and passion” that defined his short yet impactful life.

Shakur, who tragically died in 1996 at the age of 25, is widely regarded as one of the most influential rap artists of all time. Despite a brief five-year career, he sold over 75 million records worldwide and remains a cultural icon. His albums All Eyez On Me and Greatest Hits have both been certified Diamond, solidifying their place among the top-selling albums ever.

In an emotional speech, Set Shakur shared her memories of Tupac’s ambition from a young age, revealing that even as a teenager, he dreamed of one day receiving a star on the Walk of Fame. She said, “Tupac knew deep down that he was always meant for something great. And as his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold.”

Ms Shakur was joined at the ceremony by film director Allen Hughes and writer Jamal Joseph, with the event hosted by US radio personality Big Boy. Shakur’s legacy continues to resonate, from his groundbreaking hologram performance at Coachella in 2012 to his posthumous influence on contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar.

In addition to his musical success, Shakur also made a mark as an actor, starring in films such as Juice and Poetic Justice. His work continues to be celebrated, with a new biography titled Tupac Shakur: The Authorised Biography set to be released in October 2024.

Shakur’s star is the 2,758th on the Walk of Fame and is located at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard

West Ham Claim Europa Conference League Glory with Dramatic Bowen Winner

West Ham Claim Europa Conference League Glory with Dramatic Bowen Winner

Jarrod Bowen’s late strike secures West Ham’s first major trophy in 43 years, defeating Fiorentina 2-1 in the final

West Ham ended a 43-year wait for a major trophy as they triumphed 2-1 over Fiorentina in a thrilling Europa Conference League final. The match, held in Prague, saw a tense first half with few clear chances. The closest either team came was Luka Jovic’s disallowed goal just before the break.

West Ham took the lead with a brilliant penalty from Said Benrahma on the hour mark, after a handball by Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi. However, Fiorentina responded just five minutes later, with Giacomo Bonaventura’s stunning strike leveling the score at 1-1.

As the game looked set for extra time, Jarrod Bowen became the hero. Lucas Paqueta played a perfectly timed pass through to Bowen, who coolly slotted the ball past the Fiorentina keeper, securing a dramatic late winner for West Ham. The goal sparked wild celebrations as the Hammers secured their first European trophy in 47 years.

The match was briefly interrupted in the first half after plastic cups were thrown at Fiorentina’s Biraghi, resulting in a cut to his head. Declan Rice and other West Ham players urged fans to stop the disruptive behaviour.

With the victory, West Ham’s fans will celebrate their long-awaited success, as the club sets its sights on next season’s Europa League campaign.

Photographers for MGN Allegedly Engaged in Illegal Practices to Capture Prince Harry’s Private Moments

Photographers for MGN Allegedly Engaged in Illegal Practices to Capture Prince Harry’s Private Moments

Prince Harry’s 16th birthday and other incidents highlighted as part of unlawful tactics used by MGN photographers

It has been revealed that photographers working for the media group MGN were allegedly involved in illegal activities to ensure they were in the right place at the right time to capture images of their high-profile targets, including Prince Harry.

In court, Mr. Sherborne presented a story from September 2000, which detailed Harry’s 16th birthday. Despite the visit being “unexpected,” even to the guests present, a photographer was strategically positioned to capture the moment as the Prince arrived at a pub lunch with friends.

The case suggests that MGN journalists not only used unlawful methods to secure exclusive stories but also to “stand up” stories from competing newspapers or to gain fresh angles on existing stories.

Prince Harry is set to begin his testimony in the ongoing case on Tuesday morning. MGN has denied any involvement in phone hacking against the Prince and has either denied or not admitted to any unlawful actions, with the exception of one incident involving Harry.

Leicester’s Summer Exodus: Tielemans Among Seven Key Departures

Leicester’s Summer Exodus: Tielemans Among Seven Key Departures

Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans to leave Leicester on a free transfer after club’s relegation

Leicester City have officially confirmed that seven first-team players, including Youri Tielemans, will be departing the club following the expiry of their contracts this summer. The Belgian midfielder, who has been frequently linked with a move to North London in recent seasons, will leave Leicester on a free transfer after the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Despite a 2-1 win over West Ham on the final matchday, Leicester’s relegation was confirmed, marking the end of their Premier League run, which had lasted since 2014. Their fall from the top-flight was a bitter blow, especially after a historic title victory in 2016. The appointment of Dean Smith in April failed to spark a revival in form, and Leicester’s inability to stay afloat resulted in their drop to the second tier.

Tielemans has long been a target for Arsenal, and now, with his contract expiring and Leicester’s relegation sealed, he is set to leave without a transfer fee. Along with the Belgian, Caglar Soyuncu, Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Ryan Bertrand, Ayoze Perez, and Tete will also be departing the King Power Stadium.

Leicester have, however, confirmed that they are still in discussions with club captain Jonny Evans over a potential extension, while Hamza Choudhury’s contract has been extended by another year.

Decluttering My Emotional Baggage: A Fresh Start in Romance

Decluttering My Emotional Baggage: A Fresh Start in Romance

How Letting Go of Past Relationships Can Open the Door to New Beginnings

This summer, I decided to take a page from Marie Kondo’s book and apply her decluttering philosophy to my love life. The act of tidying up the physical space around me had already been transformative, so why not extend that concept to my emotional and romantic past? At 33, I realised it was time to clear the digital clutter — old photographs, messages, and memories of former partners — that had been lingering on my phone and in my mind for far too long.

Marie Kondo’s method involves going through your possessions and asking if they “spark joy.” If not, you discard them. While the approach is usually applied to material possessions, I’ve found it incredibly relevant when it comes to letting go of past relationships. Modern life, especially with digital technology, can easily fill our spaces — both physical and emotional — with things that no longer serve us. For me, that meant deleting old photos, unfollowing ex-partners on social media, and finally letting go of the notion that I could be friends with people I’ve shared intimate connections with.

In my twenties, I spent most of my time in long-term relationships, and as I entered my thirties, I cycled through a number of short-lived flings. My phone became a digital archive of memories from every relationship I’d been in — images, messages, and even old emails. While some of these brought back happy memories, most were reminders of disappointments and unfulfilled hopes. Swiping through my gallery, I was confronted by images that once held promises, but were now painful reminders of why each relationship had ended.

The process of deleting these items wasn’t easy. Some images brought back happy times, but they were overshadowed by the reasons things went wrong. For example, one ex had cheated on me, another had lied about having a girlfriend, and yet another had serious jealousy issues. But I realised that holding on to these images — even the happy ones — was just preventing me from moving on. As Charlotte Fox Weber, a psychotherapist, puts it: “The tiny bit of hope can leave us weighed down with fragments of messy half-relationships, failed romances, incomplete dalliances.” These fragments of past relationships clutter our emotional lives, and holding onto them can prevent us from creating new, healthier connections.

My decision to declutter my love life was also inspired by a conversation with Morag, a woman I met at a child’s birthday party. Morag, married for 40 years, recently embarked on a similar decluttering project, removing old ex-boyfriends from her photo albums. She explained how she would tear up photos of men who no longer played a part in her life, keeping only those that held positive memories. It made me realise that decluttering doesn’t just clear space in your home; it creates emotional space for new opportunities and helps you let go of the past.

In today’s digital age, the concept of emotional clutter is even more relevant. Many of us hold onto old messages or photos from ex-partners, and studies show that this can have a negative impact on our mental health. Charly Lester, a dating expert, explains that deleting old texts and photos can help us move on from the past and open ourselves up to new relationships. This “clean break” is not just symbolic; it’s also practical. It removes the temptation to revisit old conversations or text an ex when feeling lonely, or to compare past relationships with new ones.

Jade Thomas, a psychotherapist, explains that decluttering your digital space can be a way of achieving emotional closure. “Spring-cleaning your phone can bring emotional and psychological closure that a relationship has ended,” she says. It’s a sign that you’re ready to move on and start a new chapter in your life, free from the ghosts of old relationships.

While deleting photos and messages can feel like a difficult task, the benefits are clear. By clearing out the emotional clutter, we can make space for new, positive experiences and healthier relationships. As Chance Marshall, a therapist, points out: “By addressing the baggage, we create better opportunities for personal growth, self-awareness, and the ability to embrace new connections with more openness and authenticity.”

This process of digital decluttering hasn’t been without discomfort, but it’s been incredibly worthwhile. It’s allowed me to make space for a fresh start — and to embrace the idea that it’s time to move on from past loves. As I continue this journey, I feel lighter and more open to the possibilities ahead. I can’t help but wonder how different my approach to dating might have been if I’d done this years ago.

If you’re looking for a way to move on from past relationships and open your heart to new experiences, I encourage you to try Marie Kondo-ing your love life. It may feel like a small gesture, but the emotional benefits of decluttering your digital space could be just what you need to create a fresh, exciting future.

Air Filters Could Uncover Local Biodiversity Through DNA Analysis

Air Filters Could Uncover Local Biodiversity Through DNA Analysis

New Research Reveals Environmental DNA Captured by Air Quality Monitors

Scientists have discovered that air quality monitoring stations, designed to test for pollution, are also capturing significant amounts of DNA that can indicate the presence of various plants and animals in the vicinity. This innovative method may provide a solution to the ongoing challenge of monitoring biodiversity, as detailed in a recent study published in Current Biology.

The research indicates that biodiversity data has been inadvertently collected on a vast scale for decades, unnoticed until now, according to Elizabeth Clare, a biologist at York University in Canada and one of the study’s authors. As animals and plants live and die, they leave traces of their genetic material—such as scales, fur, feathers, and pollen—in their environments.

While scientists have long utilised environmental DNA in aquatic settings to track species in lakes and rivers, obtaining genetic information about terrestrial organisms has proven more difficult. Kristine Bohmann, an expert in environmental DNA from the University of Copenhagen, noted the challenges of gathering genetic data from land-dwelling species.

In 2021, both Bohmann and Clare conducted similar experiments to determine if it was possible to extract animal DNA from the air. Using vacuum pumps in local zoos, their teams successfully sequenced DNA from numerous species. “You can actually, in a Ghostbuster kind of way, vacuum DNA out of the air,” Bohmann remarked.

Building on this foundation, Clare and her team conducted a larger-scale study involving air filters from two monitoring stations in London and Scotland, part of a national pollution testing network. After extracting DNA from the filters, they identified over 180 different species of plants and animals, as noted by Joanne Littlefair, a biologist at Queen Mary University of London.

The filters revealed a diverse array of wildlife, including grasses, fungi, deer, hedgehogs, and various songbirds—along with the ever-present pigeon, as Littlefair pointed out. The researchers aim to extend this method to monitor ecosystems globally, addressing the pressing issue of biodiversity decline, which is difficult to assess on a large scale.

With existing air quality monitoring systems already in place, the potential for this approach is significant. James Allerton, an air quality scientist at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory, highlighted that many countries maintain networks for air quality testing and often archive old filters for extended periods. These archives could provide valuable insights into how ecosystems have evolved over time.

Further research is necessary to determine whether the data obtained from these filters can reliably indicate long-term biodiversity trends. Fabian Roger, working on a similar initiative at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of using established systems to monitor wildlife effectively.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, with all content produced solely by the AP.

Rising Incidents of Disruption on Flights Linked to Vaping

Rising Incidents of Disruption on Flights Linked to Vaping

IATA Reports Significant Increase in Unruly Passenger Behavior

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed a troubling increase in disruptive incidents aboard flights, with vaping identified as a contributing factor. Last year saw nearly a 30% rise in reports of unruly behaviour among passengers compared to 2022.

The data indicates that non-compliance with flight regulations, particularly the use of e-cigarettes in cabins and restrooms, is a frequent violation. Other common issues include neglecting to fasten seatbelts when instructed, failing to store luggage appropriately, and consuming alcohol brought from outside the flight.

The statistics show one incident of disorder for every 568 flights globally, a rise from one in 835 in 2021. This escalation is unexpected, especially as a decline in air rage was anticipated following the removal of mask mandates.

Conrad Clifford, Deputy Director-General of IATA, voiced his concerns over this trend, emphasising that all passengers and crew members deserve a safe and pleasant flying experience. He remarked, “It is unacceptable that a small yet persistent minority of passengers disregard safety regulations meant for everyone’s protection.”

IATA is calling for stricter legal actions against disruptive passengers, regardless of where their flights originated. Clifford stated, “We will not apologise for our commitment to tackling the misconduct of a few individuals who create discomfort for the majority.”

Balvinder Bir, the national officer for civil aviation at the Unite union, reflected on the report’s findings, noting that airline staff have long dealt with the challenges posed by unruly passengers. He highlighted that the situation has not improved as the aviation industry seeks to recover from the pandemic.

As the sector moves forward, addressing the rise in air rage remains essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travellers.

Man Charged After Protest at Epsom Derby Appears in Court

Man Charged After Protest at Epsom Derby Appears in Court

Ben Newman Pleads Not Guilty to Causing Public Nuisance

Ben Newman, a 32-year-old man, has appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court facing charges of causing public nuisance following a protest at the Epsom Derby. During the event on Saturday, Newman was filmed running onto the track as the race commenced, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

In court, Newman pleaded not guilty to the charges. The incident occurred despite The Jockey Club having secured an injunction against the Animal Rising group, which aimed to prevent disruptions at the event. Newman was one of 31 individuals arrested during the protest, with 12 arrests made directly on the racecourse.

After the disruption, police chased Newman through the crowd, which reacted with jeers, before officers apprehended him. Newman has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at Guildford Crown Court on July 6. The case has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions about protests and animal rights in the context of horse racing.

Keir Starmer Faces Growing Pressure Over ‘Anti-Democratic’ Blocking of Mayor’s Candidacy

Keir Starmer Faces Growing Pressure Over ‘Anti-Democratic’ Blocking of Mayor’s Candidacy

Labour leader criticized for barring Jamie Driscoll from running in the North East, with unions and MPs expressing concern

Keir Starmer is facing increasing scrutiny over the controversial decision to block North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll from running for re-election in the newly expanded authority. The move has been labelled “anti-democratic” by Driscoll and key figures within the Labour Party, with concerns raised about the transparency and fairness of the decision.

Unite, Labour’s largest union donor, warned of “serious consequences” over what it called a “major mistake” in barring Driscoll, a left-wing figure, from standing in the selection process. Driscoll, who is often described as the “last Corbynista in power,” was excluded from the longlist after it was revealed he had shared a platform with filmmaker Ken Loach, who was expelled from Labour in 2021 over antisemitism concerns.

Driscoll defended his record and questioned the fairness of the process, stating it was “frankly shocking” that party members were denied a say in his candidacy. He described the move as “anti-democratic,” highlighting the broader issue of excluding socialist voices from the political arena. Driscoll also addressed the controversy over Loach’s involvement, asserting that the filmmaker had clarified his position on antisemitism, referencing a letter Loach wrote to the New York Times reaffirming his stance on the Holocaust.

Both Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotherham expressed concern about the decision, writing a joint letter to the Labour National Executive Committee (NEC). They argued that the lack of an appeal process for Driscoll and the exclusion of a sitting mayor was undemocratic and unfair.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham also criticized the decision, warning that if Labour continues to prioritize loyalty over policy, it will risk making further mistakes. She called on the party to ensure that selection processes are democratic and inclusive.

In contrast, shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the leadership’s position, insisting that the exclusion of Driscoll was necessary in light of his association with Loach. He reiterated Labour’s commitment to zero tolerance for antisemitism and said that the party was serious about rooting out discriminatory views.

Loach, who has been a vocal critic of Labour’s approach to antisemitism, called the decision to exclude Driscoll a “lame excuse” and a political manoeuvre to purge the left from the party. The controversy comes as the UK’s equality watchdog found that Labour was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, particularly around issues of antisemitism.