The "council for the progressive majority" is being instigated by Compass, a centre-left thinktank whose founder Neal Lawson is an influential supporter of the Greater Manchester mayor. The council will be comprised of two leading figures from each of the progressive parties in the UK - Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, the SNP and Plaid Cymru. Voters from these parties make up what Compass calls the "progressive majority" over the Conservatives and Reform and its previous incarnations. The thinktank argues closer collaboration is needed, as while the progressive majority has won the largest share of the vote in 10 of the 11 elections since 1979, there have only been four electoral victories under the first past the post system. There have been no official appointments to the council yet, but as well as Mr Burnham, figures Compass are close to include Green Party leader Zack Polanski and former Green MP Caroline Lucas. They are both due to speak at an event on Saturday hosted by Compass called Mobilising the Progressive Majority. Mr Burnham dropped out due to campaigning in the Makerfield by-election. However in a recent Observer interview, he did not rule out a pact with the Greens - something Mr Polanski has also suggested he is open to if Mr Burnham succeeds Sir Keir Starmer, who is facing threats of a leadership challenge. Compass wants people on the council who can be close to or act as proxies for their party's leadership - so this could be former leaders or ex-MPs as well as senior sitting MPs. It will have a chair that is non-party aligned, such as an academic or a senior civil society figure. Appointments are due to be made by the end of the summer, with the group expected to meet four times a year to discuss and organise all options for how the "progressive majority" can prevent a Reform UK victory at the next general election. This will include discussions around electoral pacts as well as hosting joint conversations and data sharing, it is understood. Mr Lawson told Sky News that Britain's fractured political landscape has ended the "century-long two-party order" and we are now "staggering into a two-bloc system, with up to seven political parties holding power". He said the progressive majority "could be a long-term transformative force in British politics" but it must "actively be formed into a progressive bloc both before and after the next general election". He added: "As the potential for electoral and political chaos - in which the populist right prosper - comes into view, there is a requirement to think through and plan for effective mobilisation of the progressive majority into a force that is capable of defeating Reform and the causes of Reform. "This is why Compass... is now instigating the council for the progressive majority as a key institutional space where leading politicians and influencers can assess the need for the effective mobilisation of this majority, and examine the tactics and strategy necessary to build progressive electoral and governing prowess." Read more from Faye Brown:Union to double strike fund to prepare for Reform governmentBurnham allies meet to discuss forcing PM to set exit date Mr Lawson will be speaking in a joint discussion with Mr Polanski at Saturday's event, which will host panels on how progressive parties can find common ground on policies and values, including immigration. Labour speakers include the soft left MPs Clive Lewis and Alex Sobel, as well as senior backbencher Stella Creasey. The event will also hear from Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, who has recently said her party needs a strategy for coalition. With Reform UK leading in the national polls, there has long been talk of electoral pacts at the next election to stop the left vote splitting. However the idea is divisive within all parties. Mr Burnham was criticised by some Labour MPs for initially being due to speak at the event with Mr Polanski. Many Labour MPs on the moderate wing believe there is a reputational risk to working with the Greens, who have been dogged by allegations of antisemitism recently. The Greens are also split on the issue. Some back the idea if Mr Burnham takes over from Sir Keir, given his support for proportional representation aligns with their long-standing party policy. But others have argued against giving him an easy ride, stating that it is the Greens' role to challenge Labour rather than assist it regardless of who is at the top.

US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that Mr Trump's name had been added illegally, and that the Kennedy Center board's 16 March vote to close the facility was "ill-informed and seemingly preordained", with no regard for its legal obligations. He concluded that the board had "overstepped its statutory bounds" by unilaterally adding Mr Trump's name to the centre, saying that it could only be changed with congressional approval. Judge Cooper wrote: "Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it." The Trump administration has been ordered to take down ​all physical signage bearing Mr Trump's name, and to eliminate any references to a "Trump Kennedy ‌Center" from official materials, within 14 days. Responding to the ruling in a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump accused the judge and political opponents of preferring to the venue "DIE than have President Trump transform it". President Trump's plan to renovate the centre is part of a broader push by the Republican leader to reshape Washington's monuments. He also intends to erect a 250ft (76m) arch, and to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House. Those efforts also face court challenges. 👉 Follow Trump100 on your podcast app 👈 The administration's planned two-year closure of the building has also been halted by the judge, who said his order does not prevent ​the Kennedy Center from moving forward with planned repair work. However, the board could still close the centre, Cooper wrote, "should it come to this decision anew after independently balancing its multiple obligations to the Center in a prudent fashion". Ohio Democratic US Representative Joyce Beatty, a member of the Kennedy Center's board by ‌virtue of her position in Congress, had brought the lawsuit. Rep Beatty said in a statement after the ruling that the "Kennedy Center is an institution that belongs to the American people, not to Donald Trump". The politician sued the Trump administration in December, calling the ⁠renaming of the building "a flagrant violation of the rule of ​law" that "flies in the face of our constitutional order". And the setback comes as the administration's plans to mark the 250th anniversary of the US have also run into trouble. Anniversary celebration setback A number of musical artists have cancelled their appearances at a Donald Trump-linked US celebration in Washington DC. Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and the Commodores and are among those who have dropped out of the celebrations, which are designed to celebrate the US's 250th birthday. This summer's The Great American State Fair shows on Washington's National Mall are being organised by Freedom 250. It is described as a "non-partisan" organisation, but was launched last year by President Trump and is headed by Keith Krach, a first-term Trump appointee for the State Department. The organisation had only announced the appearances of McBride, Michaelson and the Commodores on Wednesday. Why are artists cancelling? Some of those cancelling their appearances said they were misled about the theme of the shows, or were wary of being affiliated with a political party. In an Instagram post, Michaels wrote that he had thought his show would be a chance to "honour our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life". But he concluded that the event had "evolved into something much more divisive". McBride also issued an Instagram statement, saying she had been "presented with an opportunity to perform at a non-partisan event, but that turned out to be misleading". Young MC, another artist scheduled to perform, expressed similar sentiments in an Instagram post, while the Commodores released a brief statement saying they chose "not to publicly affiliate with any single political party". Some of those who are still set to perform at the events as of Friday morning include Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, the Grammy-winning duo who were discredited after reports that he and fellow frontman Rob Pilatus did not sing on the records and lip-synced on stage. Morvan told the AP news agency in an emailed statement that he was "here to entertain and unite people, not divide them". Read more from Sky News:US treasury designs $250 bill featuring Trump imageFive killed and 35 injured after Virginia bus collision A representative for Vanilla Ice said that the "Ice Ice Baby" rapper was "proud to help celebrate America's 250th Anniversary!". A rocky relationship Despite gathering some high-profile entertainment industry figures, such as Sylvester Stallone and Nicki Minaj, Mr Trump has had a rocky relationship with many others. Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro, Billie Eilish and Bruce Springsteen are among those who have endorsed Democrats and or condemned Mr Trump, while Elton John, Kenny Loggins and others have objected to their music being used in Trump rallies or videos. It's not the only time that President Trump-related plans for the country's 250th birthday have caused headlines. US Treasury officials said on Thursday that they are preparing to print a new $250 bill depicting the president, pending legislation changes. Under current mandates, no living person can be depicted on banknotes. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that his department designed the bill because "we have to be prepared" in case lawmakers decide to pass the stalled bill that would change that.

The "council for the progressive majority" is being instigated by Compass, a centre-left thinktank whose founder Neal Lawson is an influential supporter of the Greater Manchester mayor. The council will be comprised of two leading figures from each of the progressive parties in the UK - Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, the SNP and Plaid Cymru. Voters from these parties make up what Compass calls the "progressive majority" over the Conservatives and Reform and its previous incarnations. The thinktank argues closer collaboration is needed, as while the progressive majority has won the largest share of the vote in 10 of the 11 elections since 1979, there have only been four electoral victories under the first past the post system. There have been no official appointments to the council yet, but as well as Mr Burnham, figures Compass are close to include Green Party leader Zack Polanski and former Green MP Caroline Lucas. They are both due to speak at an event on Saturday hosted by Compass called Mobilising the Progressive Majority. Mr Burnham dropped out due to campaigning in the Makerfield by-election. However in a recent Observer interview, he did not rule out a pact with the Greens - something Mr Polanski has also suggested he is open to if Mr Burnham succeeds Sir Keir Starmer, who is facing threats of a leadership challenge. Compass wants people on the council who can be close to or act as proxies for their party's leadership - so this could be former leaders or ex-MPs as well as senior sitting MPs. It will have a chair that is non-party aligned, such as an academic or a senior civil society figure. Appointments are due to be made by the end of the summer, with the group expected to meet four times a year to discuss and organise all options for how the "progressive majority" can prevent a Reform UK victory at the next general election. This will include discussions around electoral pacts as well as hosting joint conversations and data sharing, it is understood. Mr Lawson told Sky News that Britain's fractured political landscape has ended the "century-long two-party order" and we are now "staggering into a two-bloc system, with up to seven political parties holding power". He said the progressive majority "could be a long-term transformative force in British politics" but it must "actively be formed into a progressive bloc both before and after the next general election". He added: "As the potential for electoral and political chaos - in which the populist right prosper - comes into view, there is a requirement to think through and plan for effective mobilisation of the progressive majority into a force that is capable of defeating Reform and the causes of Reform. "This is why Compass... is now instigating the council for the progressive majority as a key institutional space where leading politicians and influencers can assess the need for the effective mobilisation of this majority, and examine the tactics and strategy necessary to build progressive electoral and governing prowess." Read more from Faye Brown:Union to double strike fund to prepare for Reform governmentBurnham allies meet to discuss forcing PM to set exit date Mr Lawson will be speaking in a joint discussion with Mr Polanski at Saturday's event, which will host panels on how progressive parties can find common ground on policies and values, including immigration. Labour speakers include the soft left MPs Clive Lewis and Alex Sobel, as well as senior backbencher Stella Creasey. The event will also hear from Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, who has recently said her party needs a strategy for coalition. With Reform UK leading in the national polls, there has long been talk of electoral pacts at the next election to stop the left vote splitting. However the idea is divisive within all parties. Mr Burnham was criticised by some Labour MPs for initially being due to speak at the event with Mr Polanski. Many Labour MPs on the moderate wing believe there is a reputational risk to working with the Greens, who have been dogged by allegations of antisemitism recently. The Greens are also split on the issue. Some back the idea if Mr Burnham takes over from Sir Keir, given his support for proportional representation aligns with their long-standing party policy. But others have argued against giving him an easy ride, stating that it is the Greens' role to challenge Labour rather than assist it regardless of who is at the top.

It was a truly dramatic affair in what marked a trilogy Premier League final between the world No 1 and No 2. Littler took glory in 2024, with Humphries hitting back in 2025. 'The Nuke' reclaimed the trophy with a match average of over 111. The win sees him take home £350,000, while runner-up Humphries collects £170,000. Premier League Finals Night: As it happened!Premier League darts: Full results ✅Darts in 2026: Key dates, calendar, results 📅Got Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app 📱Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺 With the victory, Littler now holds eight major titles - the World Darts Championship, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam, Players Championship, UK Open, World Masters and now the Premier League. Both players sealed their spots in the final after last-leg epics. Littler survived what was an almost almighty comeback from 9-4 down from Gerwyn Price in the opening semi-final, while Humphries managed to win his last-four tussle with Jonny Clayton 10-9. Remarkably, all 59 possible legs were played on Finals Night with all three matches going all the way. Littler was visibly emotional following his victory and admitted the Premier League campaign had taken its toll with the crowd often against him. The boos he has been receiving stemmed from an incident with Gian van Veen in Manchester when the Dutchman took issue with Littler celebrating a missed match dart. "It was a rollercoaster first four weeks, bottom of the table, but then the fifth night I won my first night. I had to pick myself up, some tough times," Littler told Sky Sports. "I think I had a 79 average in Brighton or something like that and it was tough. But I am here with the trophy. "After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was sat at home saying to Faith [his partner] 'I don't want to do it any more, just the crowd every week'. I said to her 'I'm down bad'." Littler and Humphries put on a show in world-class Premier League final The trilogy encounter was one of the most brilliant Premier League finals we have seen as Littler and Humphries went toe to toe in an intense 21-leg battle. The first session was all about Humphries as he averaged 114.73 and put on what can only be described as a masterclass of finishing with a 134 tops-tops finish, 112, then 121 on the bullseye in consecutive legs to move 6-3 in front. Indeed, it took an 11-darter from Littler to stop the rot as he went in at the break 6-4 behind. Littler always says that he comes back out after a break improved and that showed once again as the contest truly became nip and tuck - an 11-dart break of throw from Littler was followed by Humphries hitting back to lead 7-5. Humphries then spurned a number of chances as the world No 1 levelled things at 7-7 before they edged closer to the finish with the score primed at 9-9. Littler looked like he had things wrapped up when he found six perfect darts for a 10-dart break of throw that moved him one leg from victory, but Humphries showed nerves of steel to take out a pressurised D4. However, Littler did not back down and nailed tops to claim a second Premier League title. Littler comes through epic against Price Despite Price being the heavier scorer in the opening exchanges of their semi-final, Littler looked the most in control and rattled off five legs in a row to move 9-4 in front and one leg from another Premier League final. However, Price then found his groove and remarkably took five successive legs of his own, hitting a sensational 124 finish on the way, to level it at 9-9. There was some drama in the 15th leg when Price hit a 170 mid-leg and jokingly reeled in 'The Big Fish' to the crowd. The world No 1 was not impressed with the celebration in his eyeline and complained to referee Huw Ware. Ware then warned Price who quickly apologised to his opponent, putting his arm around Littler. In spite of the dramatics, the final leg saw normal service resumed and, with Price's scoring eluding him at precisely the wrong moment, Littler took out his seventh match dart on D16 to ensure he was in 'the big dance'. Humphries shows class in battle with Clayton In a similar showing to the first semi-final, Humphries and Clayton traded blows in the opening exchanges that saw the world No 2 go in 6-4 up at the break, but, as has been evident across this Premier League, the Welshman kept coming. That fighting spirit buoyed 'The Ferret' throughout the contest and, after bringing the score to 7-7, a 10-darter and break of throw moved the Welshman one leg from victory. However, Humphries has also been renowned for his resilience this Premier League campaign, battling hard to make it to Finals Night, and that had to come to the forefront once again as he clinched victory in some style, retaliating with three legs in a row, including a clutch 121 finish, to ensure he had the chance to retain his title. It was a bitter ending for Clayton who looked upset at some suspected whistling during his match darts. Sky Sports is once again the home of the World Cup of Darts, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and more! Stream darts and more top sport with NOW

Hollie Dance, 50, tailed the victim for miles before running him off the road in October 2022. Her son, Thomas Summers, 26, then "rammed into [the man] and sent him into a bush", Basildon Crown Court heard on Friday. Dance and Summers were jailed for four years and five years respectively. The incident happened just two months after Archie's life support was withdrawn. Archie had been found unconscious with a ligature around his head after a "prank or experiment" gone wrong, an inquest later ruled. The case sparked a national debate, with Dance arguing against switching her son's life support off. Bibi Ihuomah, for Dance, said her life had been "profoundly damaged" by her son's death. "The night before the offences she had been assessed regarding her mental health status," he added. Emily Lauchlan, for Summers, said it was an "impromptu pursuit without forward thinking or planning". The pair had followed their victim from Southend to Basildon in Essex, the court heard. Prosecutor Richard Scott said the pair believed the victim had been involved in a bottling incident in which "another member of their family had been hurt". He said the victim suffered injuries including a fractured and dislocated shoulder, and a fracture to his foot. Both defendants were found guilty after an earlier trial of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Dance pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, and was also found guilty of possessing a prohibited weapon - a gas canister. Summers pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and was found guilty of affray. Mr Scott said Dance had previous convictions, including for actual bodily harm in 1996 and drink-driving in 2017. Read more from Sky News:Man, woman and child die after falling from flatMurder accused avoids court over 'mental health' The judge, recorder Peter Clark, told the defendants the loss of Archie was "desperately sad", but the pair's behaviour had been "completely unlawful". He acknowledged that Dance's daughter had indeed been hurt in the bottling incident, but the pair had sought "revenge against a person wrongly identified as the perpetrator". Dance was also banned her from driving for 43 months. while Summers was given a four-year driving ban. Dance blew a kiss to the public gallery as she was led to the cells on Friday, while Summers made a peace sign when he was led down separately afterwards.

The 21-year-old defendant, known only as Beran A, was accused of planning to use knives or homemade explosives to kill people at one of the singer's shows in the capital in August 2024. The plot was thwarted but authorities still cancelled Swift's three concerts at the Ernst Happel Stadium. Many fans were travelling from outside the country for the US star's Vienna shows. Referred to in court as Beran A due to Austria's privacy laws, he pleaded guilty to the main concert plot charges when the trial began last month. Prosecutors said he attempted to buy weapons, including a machine gun and hand ‌grenade, and used an Islamic State video to try to make explosives. The video was called "Make a bomb in the kitchen of your mom". Beran A also networked with IS members ahead of the planned attack and swore allegiance to the militant group, it was alleged. Authorities searched his apartment on 7 August 2024, and found bomb-making materials. The concerts were scheduled to begin the next day. Beran A was accused at the same trial of plotting separately, with two school friends, to carry out a solo attack earlier in 2024 in separate Middle Eastern cities. He and co-defendant, known only as Arda K, admitted they travelled to Dubai and Istanbul respectively to carry out attacks but then did not follow through. Beran A said he roamed Dubai, in March 2024, in search of victims to stab but then had a panic attack when he tried to strike, the state court heard in Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna. When he returned to the Austrian capital, he resolved to go further and eventually chose the concert as his target. Read more from Sky News:Sprinter in court over alleged cryptocurrency scamNATO planning 'large-scale conflict in the east' Beran A covered his face ​with a ring binder as he entered the courtroom to avoid being identified in pictures. Before the verdict, the man told the court he was sorry. In short final words to the court before it was adjourned, Beran A said: "I would just like to say that I am sorry." His defence lawyer, Anna Mair, said her client was "not an ideological mastermind". Arda K was given a 12-year jail sentence.

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Djokovic suffered a 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-5 defeat to the world No 30, making this the 39-year-old's worst finish at a Grand Slam since the US Open in 2024. Djokovic knocked out of French Open by teenager Fonseca Who will win the men's singles title after Djokovic's exit?Latest French Open scores, results and upcoming matchesFrench Open: Order of Play and second-round draw, resultsDownload Sky Sports app for analysis, news and video When asked by a reporter if he would be returning for next year's tournament, the three-time French Open champion responded, saying: "I don't know." Asked whether he would be happy to end his career at the French Open following today's loss, he replied: "I don't know." "Tough to reflect on this right now, if you all would understand me," he later added when asked about his legacy at Roland Garros. "But at the same time, there were a couple of times where I felt like I was barely standing on my legs towards the end of the match, and looking at the crowd and seeing them lift my spirits and support me was something really magical, honestly. "So when I take out all the disappointment and negative thoughts about the match, you know, there's a lot to be proud about, what I've been through, what I experienced, you know. I'm very grateful for this kind of experience, yeah." Djokovic has previously insisted that he has no intention to retire while he's still motivated to keep competing, telling reporters at Indian Wells: "Why stop as long as I still have the fire, the flair, the quality and the motivation?" However, the world No 4 has previously hinted that he could look to hang up his racket after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. His last Grand Slam title came at the US Open in 2023, with Djokovic, who has the third-most career wins in the history of the ATP Tour, 101, narrowly missing out on claiming his elusive 25th Slam title to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon in 2024 and at this year's Australian Open. On Friday, Djokovic was also asked whether his "mind had begun to think about the rest of the tournament" after world No 1 Jannik Sinner was knocked out by Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Alcaraz had withdrawn before the Grand Slam through injury. The Serbian shut down the question immediately, saying: "I don't care. I don't care. I'll stop you right there. No. Just lost the third round. Let's just talk about something else. Thank you." Djokovic advanced to the third round by beating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round, before besting Valentin Royer over four sets. "The amount of hours I've played in three matches here felt like I played every tournament in the last three months, to be honest," he said. "I think I was playing good tennis, really good level. Considering I was injured for three months and trying to come back and then, you know, going pretty much straight into Grand Slam on this surface that is very demanding and, for me, takes more time to get used to, to kind of find my groove. "You know, taking everything into consideration and all the circumstances, I think the level was really good. I mean, I was happy with my level." Djokovic lauds Fonseca after his huge win The Serbian was seen sharing a moment with Fonseca after their match. Fonseca rose to stardom last year, beating some big opponents, including Alex de Minaur, and has continued to perform in 2026, besting world No 10 Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters, and now Djokovic. "I congratulated him and told him that he deserved to win and played an unbelievable match, and he should be proud of himself and wished him good luck for the rest of the tournament," Djokovic said, reflecting on the moment. "The kind of level of tennis we've seen him play created a lot of hype around him, and I think we have all seen today why there is hype around him. So, yeah, just the level was amazing." Watch ATP and WTA Tours live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+, NOW and the Sky Sports app. Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract More to follow...