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Bethany Minelle, news reporter
Sep 13
Backlash grows over Trump's 'completely wrong' comments on Irish reunification

Mr Jenrick told Sunday Morning with... Rachel Johnson on Sky News that Reform "firmly disagree" with the US president's calls for a united Ireland. Reform UK's treasury spokesman said: "We're a unionist party, the clue's in the name Reform UK, and we'll always support the union. "I went to Northern Ireland to reaffirm that message just a few weeks ago, and Nigel [Farage] couldn't have been clearer yesterday that there may be some things we agree with the United States on. We firmly disagree with Donald Trump on this one…" Mr Jenrick added: "Under a Reform government, Northern Ireland will always be part of the United Kingdom, but under the conditions of the Good Friday Agreement - if there's a majority on both sides. "We're going to make sure we support the Good Friday Agreement. We're going to defend Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom." Mr Jenrick was reacting to Mr Trump's remarks on Saturday - the first day of his two-day visit to Ireland - when he said he would "love to see" a unified Ireland. The US president had been asked by a reporter for his views on Irish reunification. Mr Trump said: "It's going to happen eventually. He said it would be "a great feather in everyone's cap", later adding: "How can it be bad?" Mr Trump doubled down on his comments while speaking at the US embassy in Dublin afterwards. "I actually said it would be, I think, a very cool thing," he said. "To be honest with you, I think it would be cool." Tom Tugendhat: Trump's comments 'unhelpful' Also speaking on Sunday Morning with... Rachel Johnson, shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat called Mr Trump's comments "unhelpful". He said: "US presidents have traditionally supported the right of the people of Northern Ireland to determine their own future. That's how we got to the Good Friday Agreement. "I knew he was a Republican, I didn't know he was that kind of a Republican. But, you know, this is not quite what we expect allies to be into playing with." Also speaking on the programme, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said of the US president's remarks: "Donald Trump is Donald Trump, and the president will speak his mind as he sees it. "But look, we're really serious about the Good Friday Agreement. "We're very proud of our history there and working with Ireland to make sure that we implement the Good Friday Agreement and we continue on that path." Trump to visit his Doonbeg golf resort Earlier this year, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham sparked a political row after saying a referendum on reunification was "off the table". Under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the UK's Northern Ireland secretary can decide to hold a border poll and is obliged to call one if they believe a majority would vote for Irish reunification. To effect constitutional change, the people of the Republic of Ireland must also vote in favour. On Sunday, Mr Trump, who met Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House on Saturday, will be watching the final round of the Irish Open at his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare. His visit has prompted what has been described as one of the biggest security operations ever put in place by the Irish police service. Protests have taken place in Dublin, with further demonstrations planned in Doonbeg and at Shannon Airport.

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No Writer
Sep 13
'I made a promise': Celine Dion moved to tears during Paris comeback concert

Performing in Paris on Saturday to a sold-out crowd of tens of thousands, an emotional Dion told her adoring fans that it was "amazing we are all together". "I made a promise. I made a promise to come back and to be back on stage," she added. "Here I am singing for you, and singing for me. "Thank you so very much for your support, your patience. I am everything I am because you love me. "The path was rocky, the road was longer ​than planned, but I held on." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute to her return on social media by referencing one of her biggest hits. "It's all coming back," Mr Carney wrote on X. "Congratulations on an incredible return to the stage after six long years." The French-Canadian singer took a break from performing after revealing her stiff person syndrome (SPS) diagnosis in December 2022, which forced her to cancel a world tour. SPS is a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive muscular stiffness and spasms. According to the NHS, there is currently no cure for the autoimmune disease. The five-time Grammy winner's long-awaited comeback was revealed on her birthday on 30 March, when she posted on social media, expressing her excitement in a video message. Dion extended her residency at the La Defense Arena to 16 concerts due to popular demand, with further shows taking place until 14 October, and a further 10 dates in 2027. She will perform her biggest hits in both French and English during the concerts. Fans were also quick to praise Dion over her health issues, with British fan Catherine Rushforth telling Reuters as she was leaving the arena: "She didn't shy ‌away from what she suffered, and she shared it with her audience." More from Sky News entertainment:'We're all on our Andy': SNL UK is back - with a new leading manEastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to drink-driving The 58-year-old previously cancelled her Las Vegas residency due to health concerns in 2021, revealing her SPS diagnosis the following year. During her break from performing, Dion had a brief cameo singing in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in 2024 and had repeatedly expressed her desire to return to the stage.

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Bethany Minelle, news reporter
Sep 13
Backlash grows over Trump's 'completely wrong' comments on Irish reunification

Mr Jenrick told Sunday Morning with... Rachel Johnson on Sky News that Reform "firmly disagree" with the US president's calls for a united Ireland. Reform UK's treasury spokesman said: "We're a unionist party, the clue's in the name Reform UK, and we'll always support the union. "I went to Northern Ireland to reaffirm that message just a few weeks ago, and Nigel [Farage] couldn't have been clearer yesterday that there may be some things we agree with the United States on. We firmly disagree with Donald Trump on this one…" Mr Jenrick added: "Under a Reform government, Northern Ireland will always be part of the United Kingdom, but under the conditions of the Good Friday Agreement - if there's a majority on both sides. "We're going to make sure we support the Good Friday Agreement. We're going to defend Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom." Mr Jenrick was reacting to Mr Trump's remarks on Saturday - the first day of his two-day visit to Ireland - when he said he would "love to see" a unified Ireland. The US president had been asked by a reporter for his views on Irish reunification. Mr Trump said: "It's going to happen eventually. He said it would be "a great feather in everyone's cap", later adding: "How can it be bad?" Mr Trump doubled down on his comments while speaking at the US embassy in Dublin afterwards. "I actually said it would be, I think, a very cool thing," he said. "To be honest with you, I think it would be cool." Tom Tugendhat: Trump's comments 'unhelpful' Also speaking on Sunday Morning with... Rachel Johnson, shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat called Mr Trump's comments "unhelpful". He said: "US presidents have traditionally supported the right of the people of Northern Ireland to determine their own future. That's how we got to the Good Friday Agreement. "I knew he was a Republican, I didn't know he was that kind of a Republican. But, you know, this is not quite what we expect allies to be into playing with." Also speaking on the programme, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said of the US president's remarks: "Donald Trump is Donald Trump, and the president will speak his mind as he sees it. "But look, we're really serious about the Good Friday Agreement. "We're very proud of our history there and working with Ireland to make sure that we implement the Good Friday Agreement and we continue on that path." Trump to visit his Doonbeg golf resort Earlier this year, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham sparked a political row after saying a referendum on reunification was "off the table". Under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the UK's Northern Ireland secretary can decide to hold a border poll and is obliged to call one if they believe a majority would vote for Irish reunification. To effect constitutional change, the people of the Republic of Ireland must also vote in favour. On Sunday, Mr Trump, who met Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House on Saturday, will be watching the final round of the Irish Open at his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare. His visit has prompted what has been described as one of the biggest security operations ever put in place by the Irish police service. Protests have taken place in Dublin, with further demonstrations planned in Doonbeg and at Shannon Airport.

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David Currie at Edgbaston
Sep 12
England clinch Test series sweep of Pakistan: Joe Root and Jordan Cox steer hosts to eight-wicket win at Edgbaston

The thought of England losing the Test match would have been unthinkable when Ollie Robinson reduced the visitors to 0-2 on the second evening - Pakistan still trailing by 320 at the time - but it looked a genuine possibility when the hosts themselves lost two in their first over to start the fourth morning. Ben Duckett (0) signed off a miserable series by nicking off first ball to Mohammad Abbas (2-27), who added Emilio Gay (0) lbw to finish a stunning opener. Scorecard: England vs Pakistan, third Test at EdgbastonEngland vs Pakistan - as it happened on day four in BirmingamListen to episodes of the Sky Sports Cricket PodcastNot got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream cricket with no contract But any fears of England succumbing to a calamitous defeat were soon dispelled by their skipper as Joe Root (62no) struck a fine fifty, sharing an unbroken 128-run partnership with Jordan Cox (59no), who notched his third half-century late on, to secure victory in 24.2 overs. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be left wondering would could have been, had Mohammad Ali not overstepped when bowling Root for 23 - dragging onto his stumps off a no-ball - with England just 35-2 at the time. Will England stick with Cox for South Africa? Cox's knock will have aided his hopes of retaining a spot in England's starting XI when the Test team are next in action for the three-match tour of South Africa, starting on December 17. Jacob Bethell - injured for the Pakistan series - is expected to return to the side, but could he or Cox open the batting instead of Gay? And were Gay to retain his place at the top of the order, Cox could yet fill in at wicketkeeper instead of Jamie Smith, who didn't keep during Pakistan's second innings due to an injured finger - though he has three months for that to sufficiently heal. Pakistan were briefly hopeful of successfully defending a total of 130 or less in a Test match for the first time since 1993, when New Zealand were bowled out for 93, chasing 127, at Hamilton. The last such instance of 130 or less being defended in England was when England set Australia 124 in the 1997 Ashes at The Oval and bowled them out for 104. Pakistan unearth gem in Razaullah after series of struggles In what has otherwise been a dismal series for Pakistan, they at least leave having shown some fight in this final Test by taking things into a fourth day and setting a target that briefly troubled England. Also, in 21-year-old Razaullah, they have certainly unearthed a raw gem. The debutant knocked over England's all-time leading run-scorer Root in the first innings with just his fourth ball in Test cricket, on his way to a four-wicket haul, while his exploits with the bat on the third evening will live long in the memory. When Pakistan's eighth second-innings wicket fell, they still trailed by two runs - England looking set to clinch their series sweep inside three days - before Razaullah proceeded to smash 81 off only 63 balls, clearing the ropes a staggering nine times to equal Tim Southee's record for a debutant. Ultimately though, England are well deserving of the 3-0 series scoreline to herald Root's return as Test captain following Ben Stokes' international retirement earlier in the summer. Root pleased with how England have dealt with 'chaos' England Test captain Joe Root: "The amount of uncertainty, noise and I guess chaos there was coming into the series, the way the guys have dealt with that - being so clinical with what we've had in front of us - and be stood here with a 3-0 win is really pleasing. "We were clinical towards the back end there, a big partnership to see us home. It's exactly the sort of thing we're after and puts us in a nice place going into the winter. "From 2-2, to be able to see that home with two guys set at the end, is a step forward in the right direction. "The fact that everyone is contrubuting shows that they're good enough to perform at this level, which is a really good thing. "We'll have different challenges in the winter and different surfaces, but can we keep taking strides forward as a group? Guys going on and making big contributions [hundred] will be one of them. That being said, we still made 400 twice in these testing conditions." Butch: A lot of good things about England Sky Sports Cricket's Mark Butcher: "They were made to sweat for it at times, which is a good thing. "It gave England pause for thought at times when it comes to differing conditions in Test matches - particularly with regards to South Africa and the ball not moving laterally as much. "Perhaps a slight concern about the lack of centuries by the batters, but there was a lot of good things about England this Test match series. "They weren't given much of a challenge for most of it, which is why yesterday was such a pleasing day as far as the summer is concerned." Urooj: Major problems for Pakistan cricket Sky Sports Cricket's Urooj Mumtaz: "There are problems with Pakistan cricket, major problems. They lost this series, drew in the West Indies, lost to Bangladesh at home, where their record isn't particularly good. "They have now lost 11 out of 12 away from home and 15 out of the last 20 Test matches. Those are telling figures, as were the size of England's wins. "Pakistan maybe had just one good day of cricket in the Test series. There are ingredients to work with but a lot needs to be done right for longer periods of time if there is to be a brighter Pakistan future." England vs Pakistan - series resultsFirst Test (Headingley) - England won by innings and 103 runsSecond Test (Lord's) - England won by 194 runsThird Test (Edgbaston) - England won by eight wickets Watch every England match during the international summer live on Sky Sports, including the white-ball series' against Sri Lanka, starting with the first T20I on Tuesday. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.

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No Writer
Sep 13
Six dead and search under way for 130 missing from Indonesian passenger ship

At least 107 people were rescued as the search operation expanded in waters around the vessel's last known position. The country's search and rescue agency said the Virgo Transport 8 ship set sail on Saturday from Surabaya, East Java, to the South Kalimantan city of Banjarmasin on Borneo before losing contact. The ship was carrying 243 people, including 30 crew members, the agency said. The ship's captain had earlier reported rough seas with waves of up to 3m (10ft) before issuing a distress message, saying the ship was tilting, said I Putu Sudayana, who heads the Search and Rescue Office. Authorities later received information indicating the vessel had overturned, he added. The Search and Rescue Office in Banjarmasin said it received a report that the ship had experienced a communication failure, with initial information indicating the vessel's last known position was about 92 miles (148km) from one of the city's piers. The ship's operator, PT Virgo Yoel Rihi, reported the loss of contact and said the vessel had departed from Surabaya on Saturday at 10.13am local time. The Search and Rescue Office said it received a report two hours after contact was lost with the ship at around 2am on Sunday. A rescue team was dispatched to Banjarmasin's Basirih Search and Rescue pier, and a rescue ship headed to the vessel's estimated last known position. A helicopter, tugboats and other vessels were used in the recovery effort. Mr Sudayana said authorities were mobilising all available personnel and assets because of the large number of crew and passengers who were on board. He said the agency was coordinating with maritime authorities and other relevant agencies in the search, while closely monitoring weather conditions. Read more from Sky News:AI giants pledge to act over fears tech is developing too fastCeline Dion moved to tears during Paris comeback concert The incident comes a month after five people died when a ferry caught fire off Madura island, just across from Surabaya. Indonesia, an archipelago made up of around 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries to travel between islands, with sea routes more affordable and readily available than air travel. However, safety standards are not always strictly enforced, which results in a relatively high accident rate.

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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 13
Ryan Garcia finishes Conor Benn in just two rounds to defend WBC welterweight world championship in Las Vegas

Garcia successfully defended the WBC welterweight championship with a ruthless display of speed, power and precision, ending Benn's world title dream early in their Las Vegas showdown. Benn was stepping up to a new level in the first world title fight of his career as the UK star attempted to secure what would have been one of British boxing's biggest overseas upsets. Garcia, though, proved too much. 'Fight 100 per cent on!' - Cardiff emerges as potential venue for Fury vs AJUsyk's camp dismiss Fury's offer to be 'backup plan' for Joshua fightNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free on NOWDownload Sky Sports app for expert analysis, video and more Benn was fighting below the welterweight limit for the first time in over four years. Last year, after his provisional suspension for an anti-doping violation was lifted, Benn boxed family rival Chris Eubank Jr twice at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Both of those bouts were up at middleweight, with Benn avenging his loss in the first contest when he dropped and outscored Eubank in the second. He began moving back down to welterweight after that, meeting Regis Prograis in a catchweight bout, also at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, on the undercard of Tyson Fury's comeback earlier this year. He completed the challenge of boiling back down in weight but couldn't match Garcia. In his career Garcia has come up from lighter divisions, but has mixed in exalted company. He recorded a stunning win over Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell and lost to Gervonta Davis at lightweight. He dominated Devin Haney, although he came in over the super-lightweight limit for that fight. That result was changed to a no contest after Garcia failed a drug test. After a year-long ban, he lost to Rolando Romero in a Times Square event before getting a shot at then WBC champion Mario Barrios. Garcia dropped Barrios en route to winning a decision and claiming the belt. Benn was installed as his mandatory challenger but Garcia showed his calibre early on the fight. At the outset he shook up the Briton with a quick left hook. At the end of the first round Garcia unleashed hurtful back hands, while Benn tried to club back at him with his right. In the second round Garcia ripped his right across to drop Benn heavily. The Briton rose unsteadily. He needed to clinch to try to clear his head, but the American pinned him on the end of savage punches. Garcia tore into him, smashing him into the ropes. He hurt Benn to the body and then battered him round the head, his sheer speed clearly apparent. The referee then stepped between them to end it at 1:25 of the second round. "I kind of figured he would just come at me crazy," Garcia said. "Second round, I said I'm tired of him coming forward; I'm going stand my ground a little bit ... and then he got caught with a hellacious one." On the undercard Australia's formidable cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia continued his unbeaten run, dispatching WBC titlist Noel Mikaelian. In the ninth round the southpaw cracked Mikaelian with a left hook then an even harder right hook, leaving him stunned on the ropes. The strands held him up so the referee administered a count but Mikaelian could not continue from there and was stopped at 1:30 of the session.

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