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No Writer
Sep 11
First arrest over anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth - as police say anyone wearing masks could be detained

Hampshire Police said the man from Paulsgrove area of the city was arrested on Friday morning on suspicion of violent disorder and assaulting a police constable, and is currently being held in custody. The force said a "small number" of police officers were injured and vehicles damaged during an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth on Sunday as demonstrators clashed with police after an RNLI boat carrying more than 100 migrants arrived in the city. They blocked roads leading to the port for hours and vowed to stay all night, with around 200 people being dispersed at around 4am on Monday morning. The incident was the second major anti-migrant protest in two days, following a similar demonstration in Dover on Saturday, when crowds of masked men blocked road access to the Port of Dover. On Friday the force also announced that officers will use new powers banning face coverings at another anti-migrant protest planned for Portsmouth this weekend. It means mask-wearers could be arrested in the area designated by the order. Hampshire Police said it will use this new tactic under the Crime and Policing Act to "allow peaceful protest and prevent violence". Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said: "Where a minority of people try to take advantage of the situation to cause violence and disruption, it is right that we use all our policing powers robustly to protect the local community as well as the right of others to peaceful protest. "We have listened to the concerns of our communities and know how intimidated they feel when they see masked groups descend on their neighbourhoods. "This is why we are making use of these new policing powers, to ensure we have every tactic at our disposal, should we need it." Groups from South Coast Patriots have called for a peaceful march in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday afternoon, while Stand up to Racism will host a counter protest march. Anyone in the designated area wearing a face covering will be committing an offence and could be arrested for concealing their identity, the force said. It comes as a 42-year-old man became the first to be arrested as part of an investigation into violent disorder in Portsmouth last weekend. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said: "I want to be really clear to all of those involved, this arrest is the first of what we fully anticipate to be a number of arrests as we identify those responsible for any assaults to officers, criminal damage to vehicles, or other criminal offences committed on Sunday evening." He went on to say that "violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest" and that police would "investigate incidents like this thoroughly and take robust action against those responsible". "Clearly events on Sunday evening were not peaceful protest, rather violent public disorder, and this will not be tolerated," he added. The constable explained that it is not always possible to arrest suspects at the time of public order policing, particularly when there is a need to review evidence to identify those involved. Hampshire Police said since the incident, detectives have been reviewing hundreds of hours of footage to identify offences that were committed and so far 75% of the footage has been assessed. Mr Rowlinson said the arrest sends a "clear warning" to anyone else intending to cause disruption and disorder at future events, as protests are set to go ahead in the port city this weekend. Read more from Sky News:El Nino risk of flooding across UKRemembering 9/11 25 tears on The arrest comes a day after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood met police bosses to get reassurance they were ready to move quickly in dealing with far-right groups seeking to intimidate communities following last weekend's events. How Sunday's protest unfolded Eight boats carrying a total of 625 people crossed the Channel on Sunday, according to Home Office data. The boat that arrived in Portsmouth left from the Jobourg region of Normandy and reportedly had about 140 people on board. The boat was met in the Channel by two RNLI boats, who took the migrants to Eastney harbour in Portsmouth, after requests to land at other ports were refused. Demonstrators clashed with police after the boat carrying migrants arrived in the city before being dispersed. Following the incident, the RNLI has advised its staff and volunteers to choose carefully when to wear its uniform after what it described as "unacceptable abuse".

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No Writer
Sep 9
EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to drink-driving

The 62-year-old, best known for playing Alfie Moon in the long-running soap, faces a trial next year. He appeared by video-link before Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday under his real name, Shane Roche. The actor spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter his plea. The video-link to the court briefly dropped out, but when the connection returned he said: "Sorry, I'm in a hotel up north." Richie, of Tadworth, Surrey, is accused of driving a white Hyundai car in Church Langley Way, Harlow, Essex, while above the legal limit for alcohol on 29 July. He is alleged to have provided a breath sample of 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol. Vladimir Silea, prosecuting, said police attended a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way at 11.15pm where Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station. Read more from Sky News:Oil rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalates'Very hot' drinks can increase risk of cancer, study finds He said that officers "commenced the drink and drug-driving procedure" at the police station, and the lower reading provided was of 65 micrograms of alcohol. Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard bailed Richie until 17 November 2027, when he is due to stand trial at the same court. Richie, who came fourth on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, has also hosted a number of TV game shows and appeared in pantomimes.

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No Writer
Sep 11
Why did Burnham choose Israel for his biggest moment yet?

Ed Milliband made a bold statement in the Commons this week - UK government sanctions on Israeli settlements. But is there more to the timing of this? Harriet makes the case for why it's principled rather than political, and Beth, Ruth and Harriet dig into another question underneath the policy - is this a rebuke of Keir Starmer, and did his government simply not move fast enough? And the response from Britain's Jewish community, and whether Ed Miliband needs to do more on this now. We also go further into Reform's woes, following on from our members' episode this week. As the Metropolitan Police widens its investigation into party donations after Channel 4's undercover documentary, former Conservative-turned-Reform member Tim Montgomerie joins the ladies fresh from quitting the party to explain why he thinks the court around leader Nigel Farage is starting to crack, and whether Reform has already peaked. To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes, and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.

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No Writer
Sep 11
Man Utd vs Man City: Kings of Manchester hotly debated ahead of Old Trafford derby showdown

That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports. Is Anderson right? Does City's huge recent success mean they rule the roost? Or are Manchester United still No 1? What did Anderson say? Anderson was asked about the Manchester derby during an interview with Manchester City's official club website this summer. "It's one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I've known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester," Anderson said. "It'll be a great fixture and I can't wait to be involved in something like that." Maresca 'excited' by 'special' Manchester derby Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says Anderson's verdict rings true in recent years. "Probably the reason why Elliot said that was that he grew up in the last 15 years, Manchester City were unbelievable with what they achieved. It's normal Elliot said that," said Maresca. "If you go back, then it's a different picture but when he grew up Manchester City were dominant." Premier League fixtures & scores | FREE PL highlights▶️Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺 Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Maresca outlined the importance of these Manchester match-ups to all involved. "It's special because it's two teams in the same city. It's special for the fans, the club, for everyone," said Maresca. "I'm very excited. These are the games I like. These are the games we want. We know it's going to be a tough game. Since Michael [Carrick] took over they're doing a fantastic job. We can show respect in the derby by trying to be ourself and go there to try to win." Carrick on how the derby changed Michael Carrick was a Manchester United player when City were labelled "noisy neighbours" by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. But the current United head coach says City's subsequent Premier League wins and triumphs in the derby have ramped up the rivalry. Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick said: "When I first came to the club, to be honest, it wasn't like it is now. "In 20 years, it's kind of grown, it's developed, it's changed a little bit over the years." Carrick pinpoints Vincent Kompany's derby winner in April 2012 - a month before City's last-day Premier League title triumph - as a key moment in the duel for supremacy in Manchester. "The one where we ended up losing the league, when Kompany scored the header towards the end of the season. We had a bit of a lead and then we lost it, and then we lost it at the end of the season. That felt quite a big moment," he said. "That's just the one that we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most." There have been glorious derby days for United, too, which Carrick remembers more fondly. "Probably the [2010 League Cup] semi-final is up there, when we won late and I scored and Wayne [Rooney] scored a header. That was a good day. "Robin [Van Persie] scoring in the last minute [in the Premier League win at the Etihad in December 2012] the last time we won the league. "When Michael [Owen] scored that one at the Stratford End [in September 2009]." "Wayne's overhead kick in 2011? I forgot about that one! That was a special one." Carrick is now hoping to add to that list. "There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday." Expert view: Man Utd season in the balance, says Merson Sky Sports' Paul Merson: Manchester United have got the Manchester derby - and their season is in the balance too. If you beat Manchester City, you're flying. If you get beat by Manchester City, here we go again. It would be one point from two games including the Everton game. And other teams are winning around you. So I am worried - and this is why I didn't put Manchester United in my top five at the start of the season. Nothing's changed for me since then. When you draw games, it hurts you. Your Views... shree: City have won a lot recently and you know it's all because of oil money and a world class coach. United haven't been best in recent years but the point we are still doing this comparison itself shows how great a club Manchester United are which City won't be able to be. Argyle loyal: At this moment in time it's definitely City, the days of United being kings of Manchester went when Fergie left. Aaron s: I think it has to be Man U. Look at their history. Man U just played and won their 300th Champions League game. Look at the amount of trophies they have won compared to Manchester City. City may have become bigger recently but Man U are and will always be the kings of Manchester. PeteUK: Remember when United fans jumped on Liverpool fans for 'living in the past'? How the tables have dramatically turned, United are Kings like Arthur: relegated to history books. Woop: I think City are the better side and have been over the last 15 years but Manchester United are a bigger football club. I don't see United winning a league for a long time though whereas city will. Shanepancho778: As a lifelong Liverpool fan it's nice to finally say that Manchester is definitely blue and will be for the foreseeable future. Those glory days left in 2013 when Ferguson retired.

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Jo Robinson, weather producer
Sep 11
Atlantic Ocean has seen no hurricanes so far this season - all due to El Nino

Typically at this time of year, there would have been three hurricanes and eight tropical storms forming out to sea and churning towards the US coastline. But so far there have just been five storms - Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly and Edouard - and no hurricanes at all. None of the storms have reached hurricane strength, making this season record-breaking, Sky News' weather producer Joanna Robinson says. September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from 1 June to 30 November. In the satellite era, the latest first Atlantic hurricane formed on 11 September, a record set in both 2002 and 2013. The National Hurricane Centre says no storms are expected over the next seven days. A quieter season was forecast due to the 'historic' El Nino event taking place in the Pacific. In the Atlantic, El Nino increases wind shear - changes in wind speed and direction with height - which can disrupt thunderstorms before they develop into tropical storms or hurricanes. Read more: El Nino raises risk of wetter autumn and flooding across UKThree hurricanes in Pacific show the power of El Nino Dry, dusty air across the region is also limiting storm formation. In contrast, El Nino has likely helped boost hurricane activity in the Eastern Pacific. The basin has recorded 14 tropical storms, five of which became hurricanes, including three major hurricanes of category 3 or higher. Last week, hurricanes Lowell, Karina and Marie were all active at the same time across the central and east Pacific. Hurricane Lowell caused significant impacts across Hawaii's western islands.

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No Writer
Sep 9
Channel 4 confirms cut to a quarter of its workforce under 'transformation' plan

The broadcaster said it had done a "comprehensive review" earlier in the year and found a need for a "change in how the organisation operates". It said its new structure would "greatly reduce non-programming spend" and reduce management layers, simplify decision-making and remove duplication. The changes come nearly two years after it axed 200 roles under Alex Mahon's leadership. Current Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra - who joined from Sky in March - said the broadcaster was a "precious asset which plays a unique role in the UK". "We need to secure and own our future so we can continue to make shows others won't, reach audiences others can't, and thrive as a distinctive and disruptive British voice for future generations," she said. Ms Dogra said Channel 4 needed a "fundamental transformation in how we work" to deliver programmes audiences want to watch and "deliver its future strategy". She added: "I know the proposals we are announcing today will be very difficult for many colleagues and will have a significant impact across the organisation. Many talented people who have made an enormous contribution to Channel 4 will be leaving as a result." The cuts equate to 28% of the company's workforce. Read more:Hundreds more UK flights cancelledBody found in search for missing teen Ms Dogra said the job losses had not been taken lightly but were needed "to create a simpler, more focused and more sustainable Channel 4". Channel 4's chair, Geoff Cooper, said it would mean a "more sustainable and resilient organisation" that could maximise investment in content. A formal consultation with staff over the cuts will take place and the broadcaster said more details on its future strategy would be shared in the coming months.

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Faye Brown, political reporter
Sep 11
Andy Burnham eyes expanding support for fan-owned sports clubs

At his first meeting with Co-operative Labour MPs, the prime minister pointed to the Supporters Direct organisation he chaired early in his career and said the government should "look to work on it again", sources who were present told Sky News. Supporters Direct helped set up more than 200 supporters trusts for football clubs, giving fans a voice and financial stake in how they operate. The movement saved many clubs from ruin with around 50 football clubs now fully or partially fan-owned, including EFL clubs AFC Wimbledon and Exeter. Under fan-owned models, financial surplus is traditionally reinvested back into the club rather than paid out as dividends to outside shareholders. No clubs operate this way in the Premier League but it has been praised as a solution to stop exploitation lower down in the game. One MP present at the meeting said fan-owned sport was "definitely a personal passion" of the prime minister, although they conceded the "list of pressing issues is a long one". Another said: "I think it is a passion and he saw the value around Supporters Direct. Definitely an appetite for change from the PM and MPs." Mr Burnham, a life-long Evertonian, supported the inception of Supporters Direct when working as a special adviser in Tony Blair's government and chaired the body between 2001 and 2005 after being elected as the MP for Leigh. In a book about the commercialisation of football published in 2001, he wrote: "I have always believed that football clubs belong more to their supporters than their shareholders. Some people have bits of paper to say they own a club's assets - stadium, training ground, brand - but the heart and soul of every club is the property of its fans." He has used similar language in response to the row over the World Cup sell-off plan. While it's not clear how the prime minister might take fan ownership forward formally, he is understood to have taken an interest in a recent report by the Co-operative Party, which proposed creating a "Supporters Direct 2.0". The initial body was amalgamated with other organisations in 2018 to create the Football Supporters' Association, which advocates for football supporters in England and Wales. However, the Co-op report says that while there have been strides to strengthen the voice of fans, such as the Independent Football Regulator, an explicit focus on ownership has been lost. Their report proposed a new agency that would provide support for fan ownership beyond football, highlighting increasing financial instability afflicting Rugby Union, Rugby League and cricket. Cricket clubs have traditionally operated as member owned, but a number of high-profile clubs are exploring breaking away from that model. Sceptics of fan-owned structures argue that while they can protect community roots and keep prices down, they can often struggle to compete with billionaire-owned clubs and attract financing. One Labour source said they were "unsure fan ownership is feasible at the top level". It is understood there is not active DCMS work to expand fan-and community owned sports clubs. Grassroots clubs The Co-operative's report also said the new agency could help communities take over grass roots local sports clubs to save them from closing down due to financial pressures. It pointed to the recently passed Community Right to Buy, which gives community groups a first right of refusal when eligible assets become available to buy, including sports clubs. The report suggested funding the agency through a partnership between government and professional sport, similar to the initial Supporters Direct. The Co-operative Party is a sister party to the Labour Party and advocates for businesses owned by local customers and staff. Around 40 Labour MPs are dual members, including Mr Burnham, making him the UK's first Co-operative prime minister. The party is led by Joe Fortune, a close ally of the PM's who is tipped to be in the running to be Labour's next general secretary. If confirmed, that could indicate a greater push toward co-operative models of ownership. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is also a Co-op MP. Caitlin Prowle, assistant general secretary of the Co-operative Party said clubs "across sport are facing financial precocity". She told Sky News: "We need to think seriously about who owns our sporting assets and who gets a say in their future. "Andy Burnham was a driving force in shifting sports ownership during the last Labour government and now he has the opportunity to do it again, with a renewed focus on co-operative ownership that puts fans and communities in control." A DCMS spokesperson said: "This government is firmly on the side of fans. We set up the independent football regulator to put supporters back at the heart of our national game and it is now written in law that they must have a say in major decisions at their clubs."

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David Currie at Edgbaston
Sep 10
England vs Pakistan: Ollie Robinson strikes twice in first over of second innings as hosts dominate day two of third Test at Edgbaston

Pakistan's score at stumps actually represented somewhat of a recovery after their prospects looked even gloomier than the darkening skies overhead when reduced to 0-2 in Ollie Robinson's first over. Robinson (2-10) saw off Saim Ayub first ball - the opener, one of four players flown straight into the team after seven were axed from the touring squad, out for a pair - before Abdullah Shafique also nicked to the slips three deliveries later. Scorecard: England vs Pakistan, third Test at EdgbastonEngland vs Pakistan - as it happened on day two in BirmingamListen to episodes of the Sky Sports Cricket PodcastNot got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream cricket with no contract It means that Robinson now has 28 wickets across his four Test appearances this summer, taking them at a staggering 7.75 apiece. In this series that improves even further to 6.66. Joe Root's grab at slip to send back Shafique moved him one clear of Australia's Steve Smith and onto 220 in their personal battle to claim the most catches by an outfielder in Test cricket. The clatter of wickets didn't follow as it had in Pakistan's first innings, with Azan Awais (29no) and Shan Masood (21no) sharing a fifty stand before the rain arrived - albeit Masood was put down on 13 by Ben Duckett, his third spill of the Test, off the unfortunate Gus Atkinson. Brook, Lawrence and Smith all miss out with Test tons looming Earlier, England were bowled out for 452, earning a 320-run lead on first innings as Dan Lawrence (65), Jamie Smith (69) and Robinson (50) added half-centuries to those notched by Emilio Gay (60) and Harry Brook (75) on day one. Brook added 23 to his overnight total before he was the first wicket to fall on the second morning, just at the point where he and Dan Lawrence - who had stormed through to a 47-ball fifty - had seemingly broken Pakistan's spirits with 73 scored off the opening 10 overs of the day. The breakthrough was a gift, Brook practically running himself out as he called for a risky single to midwicket, where Masood did the honours with a direct hit. The scoring didn't slow as Smith joined Lawrence at the crease, the pair putting on 64 together before Lawrence was left kicking himself as he chopped one from Mohammad Imran (2-47) back onto his stumps just before lunch. Smith was the next through to fifty - off 54 balls - but failed to convert as, after Gus Atkinson (19) was bowled by a beauty from Imran, Smith chipped one back to the fired-up Razaullah (4-148). While he was okay to bat, Smith would later be absent from the field - Jordan Cox subbing in at wicketkeeper - with the regular gloveman nursing an injured finger from the first day. Robinson, hitting a second Test half-century, and Jofra Archer (32no) had some fun lower down the order, finding the boundary - or clearing it - with regularity as England pushed their total above 400 and lead beyond 300 before the innings was finally ended. Pakistan carried their increasingly timid approach in the field over into the start of their second innings, and a two-day finish briefly looked a possibility after Robinson's double strike in the first over, before Azan and Masood showed some much-needed resilience and the rain intervened. Lawrence 'gutted' to miss out on century Lawrence was "gutted" at blowing the prospect of a first international century. The 29-year-old, who made 51 at Headingley and 54 at Lord's in this series, said: "I'm obviously gutted that I didn't kick on and make a really big score, but I was pretty happy with how I did overall. "I felt like I was playing really nicely and it was a really good surface to bat on against the tiring attack. I thought I was going to make a really big score to be honest, but it wasn't meant to be. "I've missed out on two chances to make really big scores and really big contributions - at Headingley and here. "But I'm quite happy with how I've played. I've got three fifties in four innings (in this series), which is pretty good. I think if I was offered 65 at the start of the day, I'd have taken it." Meanwhile, seamer Robinson has been the star of the series with 21 wickets at a preposterous average of 6.66 - when he dismissed Shafique for the fifth time in six innings, it was 6.19 - and Lawrence, one of England's slip fielders, admitted the cordon have to be on red alert when the seamer is bowling. Lawrence added: "When he's bowling, when he's putting it in the same spot pretty much every ball, you always feel in the game. "The wickets have offered quite a lot to us as well and all the seamers. You certainly do feel in the game behind the stumps, especially when you've got someone pretty much at the peak of his powers." Nasser: Ayub shouldn't be here Sky Sports Cricket's Nasser Hussain: "Saim Ayub, in particular, struggled. The truth is he shouldn't be here. He came from the CPL [Caribbean Premier League] and hasn't played first-class cricket in 11 months. "I don't know who thinks it's the right thing to fly someone over from foreign conditions, and think they'll be fine in these conditions against a Duke's ball and Ollie Robinson's bowling attack? It's showing disrespect to Test match cricket. "The players who are here, their friends and room-mates have been axed. People who have got five-fors have been axed. "How you treat players is so important. It's a two-way thing when players are presented with a Test cap. You're expected to meet the core values of representing Pakistan, but the team needs to look after the players in return. "That goes the moment you send seven people home. People start looking after themselves. Why should I bother about a team that doesn't bother about me and has sent my team-mates home between Tests? "This Pakistan side, not only are they in poor form, they look like a team that says, 'what will be, will be', and just looks after itself." Watch day three of the third Test between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15am on Friday. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW England vs Pakistan - results and schedule All games live on Sky Sports First Test (Headingley) - England won by innings and 103 runsSecond Test (Lord's) - England won by 194 runsThird Test (Edgbaston) - September 9-13

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