Coleen Rooney Reveals Press Schemes to Cause Trouble on Wayne’s Stag Do

Coleen Rooney Reveals Press Schemes to Cause Trouble on Wayne’s Stag Do

In her latest appearance on I’m A Celebrity, Coleen discusses attempts to set up her husband Wayne during his stag do and the pressures of early pregnancy news.

Coleen Rooney has opened up about how the press allegedly tried to sabotage her marriage by orchestrating a honeytrap on her husband, Wayne, during his stag do. The 38-year-old, currently a contestant on I’m A Celebrity, shared this personal revelation with campmates Oti Mabuse and Tulisa Contostavlos during Thursday night’s episode.

She explained how individuals were reportedly flown out to influence Wayne’s behaviour, attempting to manipulate the situation and make it look as though he had cheated. “Wayne went on a stag do, and they flew people out to try and get him to sway,” Coleen said, detailing the press’ tactics to create drama.

Additionally, Coleen revealed that she was forced to announce her pregnancy with her first child earlier than planned, as she feared the news would leak to the press before she was ready to share it.

Warm Welcomes and Emotional Moments as Irish Peacekeepers Return from Lebanon

Warm Welcomes and Emotional Moments as Irish Peacekeepers Return from Lebanon

More than 200 Irish Defence Force members are greeted with heartfelt reunions after a six-month deployment in southern Lebanon.

Emotions ran high as over 200 members of the Irish Defence Forces arrived home on Monday morning after completing a six-month mission with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil). The scene at Dublin Airport was filled with cheers and tears as families and friends gathered at Terminal 1 to welcome their loved ones back from the volatile region of southern Lebanon.

Banners reading messages like “Welcome home son” and “Sgt Molloy report for daddy duty” were held aloft, while children waved Irish and UN flags in anticipation of seeing their returning heroes. As the doors opened, a wave of emotion swept through the crowd, with many parents, spouses, and children rushing to embrace their loved ones.

The Irish peacekeepers were stationed at Camp Shamrock (United Nations Post 2-45), located near the Israeli border, where they narrowly avoided injury in a rocket attack last month during clashes between the Israel Defence Forces and Hezbollah militants. Despite the risks, the troops completed their mission safely.

The troops were part of the 124th Infantry Battalion, deployed in May as part of Unifil’s Chapter 6 Peace Support Operations. The battalion, drawn from the 7th Infantry Battalion in Dublin, worked alongside personnel from Malta, Poland, and Hungary.

The soldiers, aged between 19 and 58, included 92 individuals who were deployed abroad for the first time. Among the excited families waiting at the airport was Private Jack Cassidy’s family, who proudly waved a Co Meath flag while holding a “Home Sweet Home” sign. Cassidy’s grandfather expressed immense pride in his grandson, who had always dreamed of helping others.

For many families, the uncertainty of the soldiers’ safety during their deployment was difficult to bear. Daniel Keenan, a member of the Defence Forces from Belfast, spoke about the mental toll on the families back home. “It’s harder on them. When we’re out there, we’re focused on the mission, but our families are left wondering,” he said.

For Calvin Conway, the reunion was particularly special as he embraced his young son Rian and partner Nicole after six months apart. He joked about the family’s plans for Christmas shopping and expressed his gratitude for being home safe.

The troops’ return marked a proud and emotional moment for both them and their families, as they were finally reunited after months of separation and uncertainty.

Enzo Maresca Reflects on Leicester’s Promotion and Praises Jamie Vardy Ahead of Chelsea Return

Enzo Maresca Reflects on Leicester’s Promotion and Praises Jamie Vardy Ahead of Chelsea Return

Maresca recalls the bond with his former Leicester players and shares admiration for Vardy’s exceptional talent.

Enzo Maresca has opened up about his time at Leicester and the unforgettable promotion celebrations before his summer move to Chelsea. The Italian manager guided the Foxes to the Sky Bet Championship title last season, securing their return to the Premier League.

In an interview ahead of his return to the King Power Stadium with Chelsea, Maresca fondly remembered the team’s celebrations, particularly the surprise party at his home. After securing promotion, Maresca said the squad showed their strong connection by arriving at his house uninvited at 2am to celebrate together.

“The best gift from last season was when the entire team turned up at my house,” Maresca recalled. “They could have gone anywhere, but they came to me, showing the fantastic bond between us. It was an incredible moment, and I will always be grateful for it.”

Recalling his time as a player, Maresca said he never would have considered visiting a manager’s house to celebrate a victory, which made the gesture even more meaningful to him. “It’s a special feeling when your players want to celebrate with you, especially when they arrive without even knocking, just showing up in the garden.”

This celebration came after Leicester secured their promotion, not through their own match, but by Leeds’ loss to QPR. “I was watching the game at home, and when it ended, all the staff came over, followed by the players. They didn’t even knock—they were outside knocking on the window. I don’t even remember what time they left!”

As for the team’s star player, Jamie Vardy, who continues to impress at 37, Maresca spoke highly of the striker’s abilities. While acknowledging the talents of England’s all-time top scorers, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney, Maresca said, “People don’t realise how good Vardy is. In my opinion, he’s the best.”

This Saturday, Maresca will return to Leicester for the first time as Chelsea’s manager. However, he will be without Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Liberty Voices Concerns Over Assisted Dying Bill, Citing Safeguarding Risks

Liberty Voices Concerns Over Assisted Dying Bill, Citing Safeguarding Risks

Human rights group urges MPs to oppose the Bill, highlighting flaws in its safeguards for vulnerable groups.

Liberty, a leading human rights organisation, has expressed support for the principle of assisted dying but raised significant concerns about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is set to be debated in Parliament. The Bill, which will be voted on November 29, could be the first time the controversial topic is addressed in the Commons in nearly ten years.

Akiko Hart, Director of Liberty, warned that while the organisation agrees with assisted dying in principle, the Bill’s “principles-first, details-later” approach presents serious risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. Hart argued that the Bill fails to provide sufficient safeguards, leaving too many crucial details unaddressed. She stated, “There are too many aspects of the Bill that have not been scrutinised properly and are simply not precise enough, which raises serious concerns.”

The proposed legislation, backed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, has been described as one of the most rigorous worldwide, with multiple layers of scrutiny, including sign-offs from two doctors and a High Court judge. Leadbeater has emphasised that the Bill would make coercion a criminal offence, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.

Despite these measures, Liberty remains unconvinced, with Hart stressing the disproportionate impact that such decisions could have on marginalised groups, including disabled people and communities of colour. “The safeguards are not robust enough,” Hart warned, “and we know that those most likely to be affected by these decisions are already facing inequalities in healthcare.”

Liberty also raised concerns about the potential for the Bill to evolve in unforeseen ways, with some individuals from vulnerable communities possibly feeling pressured to pursue assisted death. Hart insisted that the human rights issues associated with the Bill are not being adequately addressed, urging MPs to vote against it if they find it lacking.

Kim Leadbeater has dismissed accusations that the Bill has been rushed, claiming that the time between the Bill’s full wording being published and its expected debate is “sufficient” and within the normal parliamentary timeline. If the Bill passes its first reading, it will move to committee stage for further amendments before facing additional scrutiny in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Leadbeater also suggested that even if the Bill progresses, it may not be enacted for another two to three years, allowing for further consultation to refine its details. However, some of Parliament’s longest-serving members, including Sir Edward Leigh and Diane Abbott, have urged their colleagues to reject the Bill in its current form, citing the complexity of the issue and the need for more time to ensure its effectiveness.

Craig Bellamy Proud to Showcase a Different Side of Himself in Wales’ Dugout

Craig Bellamy Proud to Showcase a Different Side of Himself in Wales’ Dugout

Wales’ victory over Iceland boosts World Cup hopes, while Bellamy expresses relief at proving critics wrong.

Craig Bellamy has expressed his satisfaction with not only guiding Wales to Nations League promotion but also showing a more composed side of himself in the managerial role. After overseeing an impressive 4-1 win over Iceland, which extended his unbeaten streak to six matches as Wales manager, Bellamy reflected on the importance of proving he is more than just his fiery temperament, often questioned throughout his playing career.

The result, which saw Wales overcome an early deficit, was further boosted by Turkey’s surprising loss to Montenegro, allowing Wales to top Group B4 and enhance their 2026 World Cup qualification chances.

Bellamy, who is no stranger to controversy on the pitch, noted: “It was important to demonstrate that I’m not a lunatic, that I’m quite sane. People used to expect me to lose control, push referees or get sent off. I wanted to show them the other side of me.”

He continued, “I understand the media’s concerns, but now you’re seeing a calmer and kinder version of me, even when things go wrong. It’s a difficult time for me emotionally, but I know I must stay composed.”

Despite the calmness he is portraying, Bellamy did receive a booking during the match for protesting to the fourth official, though his team’s performance was far from troubled. Liam Cullen netted a brace in his first international goals, with Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson adding further strikes to secure the win.

Following the result, Wales are now essentially assured of a World Cup play-off spot, thanks to being the seventh-best Nations League group winners.

Looking ahead, Bellamy remarked, “We want to be at the World Cup, and we’re determined to compete if we get there. The players deserve it; they’ve shown great commitment.”

The victory also underscored the team’s unity, with Bellamy citing the collective spirit within the squad, including a poignant gesture when players donated to a colleague’s family following a loss. He concluded by admitting he hadn’t realised Wales had topped the group until hearing the fans’ chants, adding: “It was a good night, especially after going 1-0 down and still managing to play our way.”

Two Arrested in Connection with Theft of Rare Blue John Mineral in Peak District

Two Arrested in Connection with Theft of Rare Blue John Mineral in Peak District

Derbyshire Police recover 60kg of the semi-precious mineral following arrests linked to suspicious activity in Castleton.

Two men have been taken into custody under suspicion of stealing Blue John, a rare mineral native to the Peak District. Approximately 60kg of the semi-precious stone, known for its striking purple-blue and yellow hues, was recovered by Derbyshire Police’s Rural Crime Team during a search of a property in the Greater Manchester area on Tuesday evening.

The investigation followed a series of suspicious events in Castleton, Derbyshire, where Blue John is found in limited locations. This mineral, a form of fluorite, has been historically prized for use in jewellery and ornamental pieces.

The area where Blue John is naturally occurring is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it illegal to quarry the mineral. Police have confirmed that the two suspects have been released while further inquiries continue.

Post Office Unveils ‘Transformation Plan’ Amid Job Cut Reports and Branch Closures

Post Office Unveils ‘Transformation Plan’ Amid Job Cut Reports and Branch Closures

The UK’s postal service outlines a major restructuring to tackle financial issues, with over 100 branches potentially closing, threatening more than 1,000 jobs.

The Post Office is preparing to announce a comprehensive “transformation plan” aimed at addressing its financial challenges, amid reports of significant job cuts and branch closures. The restructuring could see up to 115 loss-making branches shut down, with more than 1,000 employees at risk of losing their jobs, including staff based at the company’s headquarters.

Chairman Nigel Railton is set to present the plan at the Post Office’s London headquarters on Wednesday, where he will address postmasters, retail partners, and staff. The Post Office currently operates a network of 11,500 branches across the UK, with 115 of these being Crown Post Offices, which are situated in city centres and staffed by Post Office employees.

In a bid to cut long-term financial losses, the Post Office is exploring the possibility of closing these Crown Post Offices or converting them to alternative franchising arrangements. A spokesperson for the company noted that the new plan, which follows an earlier strategic review, aims to significantly increase postmasters’ share of revenue, improve the efficiency of the branch network, and enhance services for local communities. The plan also proposes a new operating model designed to ensure the Post Office remains sustainable in the future.

The government is reportedly involved in discussions with Railton regarding a potential shift in ownership, with the idea of transferring control of the network to thousands of subpostmasters across the country. A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade confirmed that talks are ongoing to place postmasters at the centre of the organisation and strengthen the Post Office network for its long-term survival.

These developments come in the wake of the Horizon IT scandal, in which hundreds of subpostmasters were wrongfully convicted of theft due to defects in the Post Office’s Horizon accounting system. Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, addressed the ongoing issues during a public inquiry into the scandal, stating that the business model of the Post Office needed significant reform to ensure postmasters receive fair remuneration for the services they provide.

Retail partners, including major chains like WH Smith, Tesco, Morrisons, and the Co-Op, manage about 2,000 branches within the network. Meanwhile, independent postmasters operate approximately 9,000 other locations, contributing to the diverse structure of the UK’s Post Office network.

Scottish Heroes Who Died Serving Their Communities Honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem

Scottish Heroes Who Died Serving Their Communities Honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem

Seven Scots, including police officers and firefighters, are the first to be awarded the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross for their sacrifices.

Seven Scots, including police officers and firefighters, will be among the first to receive the newly introduced Elizabeth Emblem, an award created to honour public servants who lost their lives in the line of duty. This emblem serves as the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the Armed Forces who have died in service, either in action or due to terrorism.

The award aims to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those in professions such as policing, firefighting, and healthcare, and the first recipients include individuals whose families have waited decades for this recognition. Seven of the 30 honorees are from Scotland, with their relatives set to be awarded the emblem.

Among those being remembered is Pc George Taylor, who was killed while on patrol in November 1976. Pc Taylor was attacked by two escapees from the State Hospital at Carstairs in Lanarkshire. His widow, Sally Taylor, will receive the emblem on his behalf. Additionally, the award will also honour Neil MacLellan, a nursing officer killed alongside a patient in the same incident, whose son, Archibald MacLellan, will accept the recognition.

Another recipient is firefighter William Crocket, who tragically died in an explosion at the Cheapside Street Whisky Bond in Glasgow on March 28, 1960. More than 60 years later, his son William Cruickshank, who was only six years old at the time, will receive the Elizabeth Emblem. Cruickshank, now 71 and living in the Cotswolds, expressed his pride in the award, although he lamented that it would have been meaningful for his late mother to have received it instead.

Further honorees include firefighter Dudley Grant, who died in 1965, police constable Edward Barnett, who passed away in 1970, detective sergeant William Hunt, who died in 1983, and police constable Lewis Fulton, who was killed in 1994. The families of these heroes will also receive the emblem later this year from the King.

The design of the Elizabeth Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, symbolising remembrance, encircling a Tudor Crown. The inscription reads “For A Life Given In Service,” reflecting the deep gratitude owed to these individuals for their ultimate sacrifice.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed the importance of never forgetting those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others, acknowledging that while families cannot replace their loved ones, the Elizabeth Emblem serves as a fitting tribute. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray echoed these sentiments, recognising the selfless bravery of these seven public servants and offering heartfelt thanks to their families for the courage and dedication shown in their service.

This new recognition underscores the nation’s appreciation for the individuals who risked everything to safeguard their communities, ensuring that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Starmer’s Strategy for Tackling Small Boat Crossings: Will His Approach Work?

Starmer’s Strategy for Tackling Small Boat Crossings: Will His Approach Work?

Labour’s New Border Security Plan Could Offer a Solution to the Ongoing Channel Crisis

As international attention shifts elsewhere this week, Sir Keir Starmer has seized the opportunity to push forward with his strategy aimed at tackling the persistent issue of small boat crossings in the English Channel. On Monday, he unveiled an additional £150 million in funding for his crime-fighting border security command, aimed at addressing the growing crisis, though experts remain sceptical about its potential impact on reducing illegal migration and small boat arrivals.

This announcement comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to visit Hungary to discuss new agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, focusing on increasing intelligence-sharing to combat organised immigration crime. Yet, questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of these approaches.

The Conservative government’s previous tactics have yielded mixed results. While the threat of deportation to Rwanda failed to significantly reduce the number of people attempting the perilous Channel crossing, a partnership forged with Albania showed some promise. In 2022, over 12,600 Albanians arrived in the UK via small boats, a sharp increase from 800 in the previous year. However, in 2023-2024, this number decreased following the signing of a bilateral agreement between the UK and Albania, though experts caution that the drop could be due to a range of factors, not solely the deal.

Building on this success, Labour plans to enhance international collaboration on irregular migration and increase funding for border security, with the goal of further curbing illegal crossings. This issue has been a priority for successive Conservative governments, but the number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK continues to rise. In fact, more than 5,400 people crossed the Channel in small boats just last month—the highest number since October 2022.

Under Sunak’s leadership, the government has allocated £500 million to the French police for enhanced border surveillance equipment, including drones, binoculars, and dash-cams. Despite this, migrants have adapted by launching boats from less-patrolled beaches along the coast, increasing their journey’s danger. As a result, 2024 has become the deadliest year on record for Channel migrant deaths, with over 65 fatalities.

In northern France, charities report escalating violence against migrants, with police routinely dismantling their makeshift camps. This harsh treatment often prompts more people to take the dangerous journey across the Channel, in search of safer conditions. Some local aid organisations argue that the real solution would be offering migrants safe, legal pathways to apply for asylum in the UK, which would eliminate the need for smugglers and the risk of dangerous boat journeys.

However, both Labour and the Conservative Party have dismissed the idea of providing safe routes for small boat migrants to apply for asylum, citing the political infeasibility of such measures. Critics, such as the charity Care4Calais, have labelled the new border security plan “expensive, unworkable, and deadly,” warning that the ongoing crackdown is failing to address the root causes of migration and is leading to more suffering for those caught in the system.

As the UK grapples with its approach to managing small boat crossings, the question remains: will Starmer’s plan bring the change that’s needed, or will it merely continue the cycle of failed tactics in tackling the Channel crisis?