It comes as another commercial partner distanced itself from the festival on Monday amid strong criticism over the US rapper's previous antisemitic comments, including from the prime minister. Calls have been growing for Wireless organisers to cancel West's booking and for the government to ban the rapper from entering the country, after it was announced last week that he would headline all three nights of the event in London in July. While the government has not been made aware of immediate plans for the musician to travel to the UK, his permission to enter is currently being reviewed by ministers. Sky News also understands that Rockstar Energy has withdrawn its sponsorship, after Pepsi and fellow drinks company Diageo pulled out at the weekend, and that payment partner PayPal will not appear in any future promotional materials. Then Belgian drinks giant AB InBev, which owns Budweiser and Beatbox, also announced it was pulling its sponsorship of the festival. A spokesperson for the company said: "We have decided to withdraw our sponsorship of this year's Wireless Festival." Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was "deeply concerning" that West had been booked "despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism". The Conservative Party is among those calling on the government to refuse entry to the UK. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the musician's previous comments as "not a one-off lapse, but a pattern of behaviour that has caused real offence and distress to Jewish communities". He added: "At a time when antisemitism is rising in the UK, allowing someone with his track record to headline a major public event sends entirely the wrong message." 'He shouldn't be performing' On Monday afternoon, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described comments made by West in the past as "completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting". Asked if the rapper, also known as Ye, should be blocked from coming to the UK, she said: "I don't think he should be performing at the music festival, but I can't comment on specific individual cases that will be considered in line with immigration rules. But there is no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism from him or from anyone else." Wireless Festival is yet to comment on the backlash, and West remains listed as headliner for the event. Read more from Sky News:Kim Jong Un's daughter 'could be successor'Savannah Guthrie to return to Today show West, 48, has not performed in the UK since his headline slot at Glastonbury in 2015. Since then, the rapper has drawn criticism for antisemitic posts on social media, a Super Bowl advert directing people to a swastika T-shirt, and a song referencing Hitler. He has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions, and also lost a partnership with Adidas after comments he made in 2022. West's apology In January, the rapper took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: "To Those I've Hurt." "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," it said. "I love Jewish people." He blamed his behaviour on his bipolar-1 disorder, something he said resulted from a car accident 25 years ago. "I lost touch with reality," he said. "Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret." At the time, the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) charity said it was "hard to keep up with Kanye West's apologies and relapses". A spokesperson said: "We hope for his sake - and for Jewish people worldwide who have enough antisemitism to worry about right now - that he will show some real change." The CAA is now among those backing a ban on West entering the UK. The charity added: "The government can ban anyone from entering the UK who is not a citizen and whose presence would 'not be conducive to the public good'. Surely this is a clear case." Jewish community organisations have criticised the festival, with Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, saying bookers had made the "wrong decision". Sky News has contacted organisers of Wireless Festival for comment.

It comes as another commercial partner distanced itself from the festival on Monday amid strong criticism over the US rapper's previous antisemitic comments, including from the prime minister. Calls have been growing for Wireless organisers to cancel West's booking and for the government to ban the rapper from entering the country, after it was announced last week that he would headline all three nights of the event in London in July. While the government has not been made aware of immediate plans for the musician to travel to the UK, his permission to enter is currently being reviewed by ministers. Sky News also understands that Rockstar Energy has withdrawn its sponsorship, after Pepsi and fellow drinks company Diageo pulled out at the weekend, and that payment partner PayPal will not appear in any future promotional materials. Then Belgian drinks giant AB InBev, which owns Budweiser and Beatbox, also announced it was pulling its sponsorship of the festival. A spokesperson for the company said: "We have decided to withdraw our sponsorship of this year's Wireless Festival." Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was "deeply concerning" that West had been booked "despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism". The Conservative Party is among those calling on the government to refuse entry to the UK. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the musician's previous comments as "not a one-off lapse, but a pattern of behaviour that has caused real offence and distress to Jewish communities". He added: "At a time when antisemitism is rising in the UK, allowing someone with his track record to headline a major public event sends entirely the wrong message." 'He shouldn't be performing' On Monday afternoon, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described comments made by West in the past as "completely unacceptable and absolutely disgusting". Asked if the rapper, also known as Ye, should be blocked from coming to the UK, she said: "I don't think he should be performing at the music festival, but I can't comment on specific individual cases that will be considered in line with immigration rules. But there is no place for that kind of hatred, bigotry or antisemitism from him or from anyone else." Wireless Festival is yet to comment on the backlash, and West remains listed as headliner for the event. Read more from Sky News:Kim Jong Un's daughter 'could be successor'Savannah Guthrie to return to Today show West, 48, has not performed in the UK since his headline slot at Glastonbury in 2015. Since then, the rapper has drawn criticism for antisemitic posts on social media, a Super Bowl advert directing people to a swastika T-shirt, and a song referencing Hitler. He has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions, and also lost a partnership with Adidas after comments he made in 2022. West's apology In January, the rapper took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: "To Those I've Hurt." "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," it said. "I love Jewish people." He blamed his behaviour on his bipolar-1 disorder, something he said resulted from a car accident 25 years ago. "I lost touch with reality," he said. "Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret." At the time, the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) charity said it was "hard to keep up with Kanye West's apologies and relapses". A spokesperson said: "We hope for his sake - and for Jewish people worldwide who have enough antisemitism to worry about right now - that he will show some real change." The CAA is now among those backing a ban on West entering the UK. The charity added: "The government can ban anyone from entering the UK who is not a citizen and whose presence would 'not be conducive to the public good'. Surely this is a clear case." Jewish community organisations have criticised the festival, with Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, saying bookers had made the "wrong decision". Sky News has contacted organisers of Wireless Festival for comment.

Launched in 2023, the alerts warn people of a danger to life in their area. Testing has seen mobile phones play siren-like sounds with messages displaying on screens. Now, research from the PA news agency has uncovered when the alerts were almost sent for real. The most notable of these was the Southport riots in the summer of 2024. Widespread unrest erupted following the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July of that year. After the killings, and following online rumours that the perpetrator was a small boat migrant, violent rioting broke out in several locations. Mosques, community centres, libraries and hotels housing asylum seekers were all targeted. A recent government analysis found the situation was "largely instigated" by far-right groups. British-born Axel Rudakubana later admitted to the murders. According to the information obtained by PA through a Freedom of Information request, the situations "represent 'near misses' where the Cabinet Office has considered the use of the Emergency Alerts capability, which was ultimately stood down". Another time, the government considered sending every phone in the UK a message was earlier in 2026. It was thought debris from the Chinese Zhuque-3 space rocket could land on Britain after re-entering the atmosphere. This was wide of the mark, as the wreckage ended up hitting the water more than 1,000 miles south of New Zealand, near the Antarctic. The government said they considered the alert "due to the size of the debris, which was larger than usual". Back in May 2024, an outbreak of the parasite cryptosporidium contaminated tens of thousands of people's drinking water in Devon, with some left requiring hospital treatment. The government considered using the emergency alert to tell residents to boil water before using it. Read more from Sky News:At least eight dead in Afghanistan-Pakistan earthquakeWorld's tallest building hit by lightning In September 2025, there were concerns that the Kilroot gas power station in Northern Ireland might have to be shut off as it was nearing its yearly running limit. Having been told power shortages might be on the cards, the Cabinet Office looked into warning people via their mobiles - but decided against it. Alerts were also considered for severe weather during Storm Babet in 2025, and during rain and wind in Scotland and the North East of England in 2023. A government spokesperson said: "As the public rightly expects, the government actively considers how to respond to a wide range of potential events. "The emergency alerts system is a vital public safety tool designed to be used sparingly. Its activation threshold is very high and strictly reserved for threats to life."

Mikel Arteta called on his side to show what they are made of after the FA Cup loss at Southampton followed a Carabao Cup final defeat to Man City - but his selection options are significantly limited amid an injury crisis. Arteta's causes for concern with City on the charge and Arsenal wobblingGot Sky? Watch Arsenal games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract📺 Eleven Arsenal players ruled themselves out of international duty during the March break. That led to some jibes about the Gunners saving their energies for club football. But Arteta's selection at Southampton and a subsequent open training session on Monday suggested the Arsenal boss has serious problems on his hands. With Sporting away in the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday and then Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in a tricky Premier League encounter on Saturday, Arteta may need to delve deep into his squad to find solutions amid a season-defining run of games. Goalkeeper Arteta was criticised for selecting Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Carabao Cup final, in which Arsenal's back-up keeper made a big error for Man City's opener. But he doubled down on backing Kepa by picking him again at Southampton, where Arsenal's defence was poor and shipped two goals to go out of the FA Cup. First-choice David Raya was an unused sub in both games and will surely come back in against Sporting and Bournemouth. Who starts vs Sporting? The smart money will be on Raya. Right-back Ben White made an error for Southampton's first goal on Saturday. The England international only came back into the starting XI after Jurrien Timber's ankle injury. But Arteta is hopeful Timber, who will miss the Sporting first leg, will return on Saturday for the Premier League home game against Bournemouth. But for now, Arteta has no obvious alternative to White for the trip to Sporting. Who starts vs Sporting? It looks like White will get the nod again. Centre-back "When a player is asking to be substituted, it's never good news," said Arteta after Gabriel limped out of the tie with Southampton, immediately casting doubt on his availability to face Sporting. Gabriel had ice on his left knee, having missed Brazil duty with pain in his right knee, but was back in full training with his team-mates on Monday and is available for Tuesday's game. His regular centre-back partner William Saliba replaced Gabriel but had missed France duty himself. Is he able to play a full 90? Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori are the other options in that position. Who starts vs Sporting? Arsenal's first-choice pair of Saliba and Gabriel look like they will be fit to resume their partnership, but Calafiori may be otherwise required in Portugal. Left-back Piero Hincapie had established himself as Arsenal's first-choice left-back but suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Ecuador during the international break, wasn't involved at Southampton and has not returned to training. Myles Lewis-Skelly played on Saturday, with Calafiori the other possible fit option. Who starts vs Sporting? It looks like Calafiori or Lewis-Skelly will take up the spot. Midfield Arsenal fans will be boosted by the return of Declan Rice on Tuesday, after he was back on the grass alongside his team-mates ahead of the trip to Portugal and confirmed to be available. Arteta suggested Rice and Bukayo Saka had been at "70 per cent" and "on the edge" when explaining why they pulled out of England duty and they subsequently weren't involved at St Mary's. Martin Zubimendi came on as a sub at Southampton having experienced knee pain with Spain, while Martin Odegaard made his first start since January with Christian Norgaard fielded too. Eberechi Eze is still unavailable due to a calf injury, while Mikel Merino is in a race to feature again this season after his foot surgery in February. Who starts vs Sporting? Arteta may have to risk Rice, while captain Odegaard and Zubimendi are likely required to go again. Wingers Saka's absence will continue against Sporting for the first leg, but Arteta is hopeful he will return for the visit of Bournemouth on Saturday. With that in mind, the return of Leandro Trossard for the Sporting clash is a boost following his hip issue. Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman and Gabriel Martinelli played the full 90 at Southampton. Noni Madueke avoided a bad knee injury while with England and came off the bench at the weekend. Who starts vs Sporting? Can Madueke start in the absence of Saka? Surely Dowman won't be asked to start again after a full shift at Southampton - but Martinelli might get another run-out on the left, with Trossard returning from injury. Up front Viktor Gyokeres made a goalscoring contribution from the bench at Southampton and will be itching to face his former club Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday. Kai Havertz, who played an attacking midfield role at Southampton, is another option at No 9, as is Gabriel Jesus, although he has largely had a bit-part role in Premier League and Champions League games of late. Who starts vs Sporting? Back in Portugal, Gyokeres is surely nailed on for a start against his old side. That would give Havertz a reduced workload, with the German potentially coming back in against Bournemouth at the weekend.

Officers were called to a report of an assault outside MyBar in Charminster Road at about 3am on Monday. A man in his 40s, from Christchurch, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dorset Police said two men, aged 37 and 46, from Bournemouth and a 34-year-old man from Poole have been arrested. Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly died and a detailed investigation is under way to establish what happened. "An extensive cordon has been put in place and I would like to thank the public for their understanding while vital work at the scene is carried out." The officer added: "We know there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed what happened and we would ask them to please get in touch. "I am also appealing to anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam fitted to their vehicle to please check it for any relevant footage." Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police.

"Here we go, ready or not," Ms Guthrie said as the show opened. "Let's do the news." After running through a series of news headlines, Ms Guthrie said, "we are so glad that you started our week with us and it's good to be home". Her co-host, Craig Melvin said, "it's good to have you back at home". She greeted long-running co-worker Al Roker with "Good morning, Sunshine", when he said it was good to see her on the set. At the end of the first 25-minute section of the show, she offered Mr Melvin a high-five. Ms Guthrie became overwhelmed by emotions before the last half hour, when she joined colleagues in front of fans gathered at the show's Rockefeller Center studio. She fought back tears when one fan was seen with a "Welcome home Savannah" shirt, and grabbed hold of colleague Jenna Bush Hager's arm, thanking people for their support. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona home on 31 January and was reported missing the following day. Officials say her blood was found on the front porch. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but deadlines for paying have passed. Read more from Sky News:Hiker fighting for his life after bee attackSponsors withdraw from festival after Kanye booking Authorities believe she was kidnapped or abducted. During the investigation, the FBI released surveillance videos showing a masked man on the porch that night. Today co-anchor Ms Guthrie, 54, has acknowledged she's a changed person since her mother's disappearance and that it's difficult to press ahead without knowing what happened to her. Despite a search that involved thousands of federal and local officers and volunteers, there has been no sign of the mother-of-three since she went missing. In a video message released by her New York church on Easter Sunday, Ms Guthrie said she felt "moments of deep disappointment with God, the feeling of utter abandonment". But she said the resurrection is not fully celebrated "if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain, and yes, death". "Perhaps this is too dark a message to share on Easter morning, but I have long believed that we miss out on fully celebrating resurrection if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain and, yes, death," she said. "It is the darkness that makes this morning's light so magnificent, so blindingly beautiful." In her closing message, she said: "I see a bright vision of the day when heaven and Earth pass away because they are one, on Earth as it is in heaven. "When we celebrate today, this is what we celebrate, and I celebrate, too. I still believe. And so I say with conviction, 'Happy Easter.'" Ms Guthrie, one of US morning television's most recognisable faces, has been a co-anchor on Today since 2012. There had been a great deal of speculation about whether she would return to the show. Nancy Guthrie made occasional appearances on Today over the years, once taking part in a cooking demonstration and surprising her daughter on set. When Savannah Guthrie returned to her hometown of Tucson last year for a segment recorded for the show, the pair attended one of their favourite restaurants and talked about their love of Arizona. The Guthrie family has offered a $1m (£754,000) reward for information leading to the return of their mother. The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department both said late last week that they had no updates. Early on, some media outlets reported receiving ransom messages linked to the case. Ms Guthrie said she and her siblings responded to two they believed to be real and offered to pay. Ms Guthrie said her celebrity status might be the reason her mother was taken, but that possibility was "too much to bear".

The prime minister released his statement as is traditional from Downing Street. He said that in 'times when some seek to divide, the government is committed to working across faiths and differences, to build a country that is more resilient, inclusive and connected'. This follows a row earlier last month over whether Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square as part of Eid constituted a "domination" of public space, as argued by the shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy and agreed by Reform. A Passion of Jesus performance, showing the story of the crucifixion, was put on in the square on Good Friday. Sir Keir also addressed the impact on cost of living from the war in the Middle East. In his Easter message, Sir Keir said: "Easter is a celebration of hope, new life and renewal. "Across the country, churches and Christian communities quietly and tirelessly support families, children and neighbours - offering comfort, bringing people together, and standing alongside those who need it most. "It is precisely that spirit of service which exemplifies national renewal, and reflects the very heart of Christ's example. "This Easter comes at a time of real anxiety for many people. Conflicts abroad, pressures at home, and uncertainty about the future weigh heavily on families and households. "In moments like these, faith offers reassurance and grounding - a reminder that we are not alone, and that hope can still take root even in difficult soil." Read more:Weather warnings over Easter weekendBeatrice and Eugenie to miss Easter church service The prime minister added: "Our country is at its best when we choose community over division, kindness over indifference, and service over self‑interest. "I thank everyone who gives their time through churches and Christian charities, and wish Christians across the UK and around the world a very happy Easter filled with peace, hope and the promise of new life." Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch also shared a message, describing Easter as "a reminder that even in the darkest times, renewal is possible and that light can overcome darkness". "At the heart of the Christian faith is a story of redemption, of second chances, of perseverance and of the belief that better days lie ahead," she said. 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 "In a world that can often feel uncertain, perhaps even bleak, with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and challenges at home, that message matters more than ever. "Across the country, we also see the cultural value of Christianity in the quiet, everyday impact of that faith in acts of kindness, service and sacrifice in our communities. I wish Christians and all people across the United Kingdom a very happy Easter."

McIlroy returns as a Grand Slam champion It's rare for Rory McIlroy to feel new experiences heading into a tournament but it's something he's fully relishing this week, as he makes his first major at Augusta National as a Grand Slam winner. McIlroy's lifetime exemption at The Masters is confirmed after last year's dramatic play-off win, ending an 11-year wait for the elusive fifth major and giving him extra privileges at this year's contest. The Masters LIVE! Latest build-up and headlinesWhen is The Masters live on Sky? Key TV timesWho has qualified for The Masters? Full 2026 fieldGet Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract The Northern Irishman has embraced the spectator role at the Augusta National Women's Amateur and the Drive Chip and Putt National Finals over the weekend, appearing at both in his Green Jacket ahead of him hosting the Champions Dinner for the first time on Tuesday evening. McIlroy will have the opportunity to join other exclusive clubs with a successful title defence, which hasn't been achieved since Tiger Woods did it in 2002, while another win would see him equal Sir Nick Faldo's tally of six major titles. Form and fitness have been question marks for McIlroy heading into the tournament, having withdrawn mid-event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month and failed to contend at The Players, but the world No 2 remains among the favourites. While the pressure to complete the career Grand Slam and conquer his golfing Everest has been achieved, the golfing world will want to keep seeing McIlroy contending for more major success. Don't rule it out again this week. Scheffler on the slide ahead of major season? It seems ludicrous to suggest a player who hasn't finished outside the top 25 of a tournament in 18 months is 'out of form', although Scheffler's failure to contend in recent starts has been a far cry from his traditional dominant best. The world No 1 heads into this week having failed to post a top-10 finish in his last three PGA Tour appearances, his worst run of results in nearly four years, although he remains the pre-tournament favourite to win his fifth major in as many seasons. Scheffler's drop-off has predominantly come from his iron play - a key attribute around Augusta National - as he currently sits 80th on the PGA Tour for strokes gained approach and outside the top 130 for proximity to the hole. "He [Scheffler] seems to be a little frustrated on the course every now and then, which is a side of him we didn't see [in recent season]," Butch Harmon said ahead of The Masters. "But he's still Scottie Scheffler and he's a phenomenal competitor. "Whether he has his A game, his B game, his C game, it doesn't matter; he gives you 110 per cent. I think if you're looking for the automatic favourites, it is probably going to be Rory [McIlroy] and Scottie." Only eight players in history have won The Masters on three or more occasions. Despite his recent dip, it would be no surprise to see Scheffler - who became a father for the second time last month - add to that tally. A new English winner of the Green Jacket? This year's edition marks the 10th anniversary of Danny Willett capitalising on a back-nine collapse from Jordan Spieth to join Faldo as the only English winner of The Masters. Willett returns among an eight-strong contingent of Englishmen in this week's field, with Justin Rose looking to go one better than last year's runner-up finish and claim an elusive second major title. Rose is already a winner on the PGA Tour this season at the Farmers Insurance Open and has an impressive record at Augusta National, with former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick also impressing with his Valspar Championship victory last month. "He [Rose] just took Torrey Pines - a very hard golf course - apart and won easily," Harmon added. "He has gained some distance with his driver, he's playing with a tremendous amount of confidence and he has a good track record here. I think if you're looking for someone other than the two favourites, that's who I would say." FedExCup champion Tommy Fleetwood has four top-10s in his last five starts and has previously finished tied-third at The Masters, while Harry Hall and Marco Penge are among the debutants looking to become the first-time winner since Fuzzy Zoeller. Tyrrell Hatton and Aaron Rai complete the English line-up and will both be looking to become the first player to make The Masters their maiden major title since Scheffler's dominant win in 2022. England won the football World Cup in 1966, while Faldo's last Masters win came in 1996 before Willett's win in 2016. Could another year ending in six bring another English champion? DeChambeau ready to challenge as Rahm looks for more DeChambeau arrives with back-to-back wins in his last two LIV Golf League starts and believes his game is in a 'great place' to challenge for a maiden Masters win, 12 months after missing out to McIlroy. The two-time US Open champion has posted top-10 finishes in six of his last eight majors and has been no worse than sixth in his last two starts at Augusta National, with DeChambeau backed by many to avenge last year's disappointing Sunday. "Look, his game suits it there [Augusta National] and he hits the ball a long way," Harmon said about DeChambeau. "He's a tremendous competitor. He putts well. When you look at guys going to Augusta, you look at who's hot coming in there, and obviously he is. "The scores he's shot on LIV have been really low to win. People say, 'well, the competition isn't the same', but a win's a win. The more you win, the more confidence you have." DeChambeau only trails Jon Rahm in this season's LIV Golf League individual standings and is among 10 players from the circuit involved this week, with Rahm feeling confident of contending for a third major title. "I'm really happy with all parts of my game," Rahm insisted on Monday. "I've been playing really good golf, the swing feels great, physically I feel good and mentally I feel really good. At that point, it just becomes execution." New era with Woods and Mickelson absent The last time The Masters was held without either Phil Mickelson or Woods in the field, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player were both still competing and Scheffler wasn't even born. Jose Maria Olazabal's 1994 victory was the last time both were absent, with Woods unavailable after 'stepping away' from golf - following last month's car crash - and Mickelson missing due to a 'personal health matter' in his family. Woods had been targeting a first competitive start since July 2024 but withdrew shortly after his car crash on March 27, the second successive year he's missing from The Masters, with the 15-time major champion unable to attend as McIlroy host the Champions Dinner for the first time. "Unfortunately, there'll be a couple of guys that won't be in that room, which is a shame," Mcllroy added. "I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well - they've been two of the greatest champions that The Masters has ever seen." Although two of golf's greats will not be part of this week's field, a world-class line-up will still be gathered for the opening major of the year. Excitement is building and this year's champion seems harder to predict than ever. Who will win The Masters? Watch the opening major of the year exclusively live from April 9-12 on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the first round begins on Thursday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.