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No Writer
May 19
Married at First Sight allegations prompt government to warn of 'consequences'

Channel 4 has said "very serious allegations of wrongdoing" have been made against a small number of past participants in the reality TV series. The broadcaster said it had removed all previous seasons of MAFS UK from its streaming platforms. The move follows an external review, commissioned by the broadcaster in April, into the welfare of participants on the programme. The BBC has reported allegations from two women who alleged they were raped during filming of the show. A third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act. They all alleged the show did not do enough to protect them. The government has said all the allegations must be investigated and that "there are consequences for criminality or wrongdoing". Shona Manderson - the third of the three women making allegations about their time on the Channel 4 show, and the only one who is named - said she "completely lost her light" while appearing in the series. Talking to BBC Panorama on camera, she said she deserved better welfare from production company CPL after she alleged her partner, Bradley Skelly, took things too far during sex. In a statement to the programme, he said he categorically denies "any allegations of sexual misconduct, or that he was controlling". In a post on Instagram, Ms Manderson said she hopes to contribute to a wider conversation about welfare and positive change on the programme. "I decided to take part (in Panorama) because I hoped in doing so that sharing my story, it will contribute to a wider conversation about welfare and positive change," she said. One woman alleged to Panorama that her onscreen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack. A second said she told both Channel 4 and CPL about being allegedly raped by her onscreen husband, but that her episodes were still aired. In a statement on Monday, Channel 4 said: "In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied. "The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations. "Related to those allegations, Channel 4 was asked to respond to claims of failures in welfare protocols. Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time. "Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary." Priya Dogra, chief executive of Channel 4, said: "I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married At First Sight UK. The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance. "It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors. "Those allegations - which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused - are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on. "We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved. "On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre." Read more from Sky News:London Tube strikes planned for this week are called offIran school strike: Still no answers from Trump administration The show, which is produced for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL, sees single people matched by experts to "marry" strangers who they meet for the first time on their wedding day. Lawyers for CPL said in a statement to the BBC that its welfare system was "gold standard" and it had acted appropriately in all the reported cases. Sky News has contacted CPL for comment. A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport told the BBC: "All allegations must be referred to the appropriate authorities and investigated with the full co-operation of those involved, with action taken to ensure that the highest standards are upheld and there are consequences for criminality or wrongdoing."

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No Writer
May 19
Married at First Sight allegations prompt government to warn of 'consequences'

Channel 4 has said "very serious allegations of wrongdoing" have been made against a small number of past participants in the reality TV series. The broadcaster said it had removed all previous seasons of MAFS UK from its streaming platforms. The move follows an external review, commissioned by the broadcaster in April, into the welfare of participants on the programme. The BBC has reported allegations from two women who alleged they were raped during filming of the show. A third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act. They all alleged the show did not do enough to protect them. The government has said all the allegations must be investigated and that "there are consequences for criminality or wrongdoing". Shona Manderson - the third of the three women making allegations about their time on the Channel 4 show, and the only one who is named - said she "completely lost her light" while appearing in the series. Talking to BBC Panorama on camera, she said she deserved better welfare from production company CPL after she alleged her partner, Bradley Skelly, took things too far during sex. In a statement to the programme, he said he categorically denies "any allegations of sexual misconduct, or that he was controlling". In a post on Instagram, Ms Manderson said she hopes to contribute to a wider conversation about welfare and positive change on the programme. "I decided to take part (in Panorama) because I hoped in doing so that sharing my story, it will contribute to a wider conversation about welfare and positive change," she said. One woman alleged to Panorama that her onscreen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack. A second said she told both Channel 4 and CPL about being allegedly raped by her onscreen husband, but that her episodes were still aired. In a statement on Monday, Channel 4 said: "In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied. "The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations. "Related to those allegations, Channel 4 was asked to respond to claims of failures in welfare protocols. Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time. "Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary." Priya Dogra, chief executive of Channel 4, said: "I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married At First Sight UK. The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance. "It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors. "Those allegations - which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused - are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on. "We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved. "On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre." Read more from Sky News:London Tube strikes planned for this week are called offIran school strike: Still no answers from Trump administration The show, which is produced for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL, sees single people matched by experts to "marry" strangers who they meet for the first time on their wedding day. Lawyers for CPL said in a statement to the BBC that its welfare system was "gold standard" and it had acted appropriately in all the reported cases. Sky News has contacted CPL for comment. A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport told the BBC: "All allegations must be referred to the appropriate authorities and investigated with the full co-operation of those involved, with action taken to ensure that the highest standards are upheld and there are consequences for criminality or wrongdoing."

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James Sillars, business and economics reporter
May 19
Unemployment rate ticks up to 5% and wage growth slows

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) had been expected to show no movement in the unemployment rate over the three months to March from the 4.9% reported last month. These were the first figures to take in the first weeks of the US-Iran war that prompted a sharp rise in oil and gas costs, with the resulting lift in fuel prices hurting businesses and families almost immediately. Money latest: Average income of British retirees revealed The ONS said that average weekly wage growth, excluding the effects of bonuses, slowed to 3.4% from 3.6%. That maintained a pattern of easing at a time when the pace of price growth is likely to pick up in the months ahead, assuming no immediate end to the tensions in the Middle East and the effective Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route. ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, said: "Latest figures suggest the labour market remains soft, with vacancies at their lowest level in five years and unemployment higher than a year ago. "The number of payroll employees continued to fall in the three months to March, while regular wage growth slowed further. "Lower-paying sectors such as hospitality and retail have seen some of the largest falls in vacancies and payroll numbers, both in recent months and over the last year. "Early estimates of the number of people on payroll in April point to further weakness. However, at the start of the new tax year, these figures carry greater uncertainty and have often seen larger than average upward revisions." The data was released as recent surveys covering the UK's employment outlook signal troubles ahead due to the threat of rising prices adding to business costs. The most recent study, by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) this week, showed confidence within firms hovering close to a record low, with companies prioritising cost management over investment. It suggested that pay rises would come in around 3% on average - below the forecast rate of inflation ahead - but that the effects of the Iran war were yet to hurt hiring intentions. The CIPD's findings were taken just before the onset of the political crisis that followed Labour's election results. The prospect of a leadership battle ahead brings further uncertainty for businesses, just as higher costs, only some linked to the war, begin to bite. The rate of inflation covering the 12 months to April, due to be released on Wednesday, is tipped to ease to 3% due to a lower energy price cap covering April-June, but then accelerate towards 4% by the end of the year. It is expected to weigh heavily on demand over the second half of 2026, threatening to overcome the brighter start to the year for the economy than many had expected. Patrick Milnes, head of policy for people and work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said of the ONS figures: "With unemployment at 5%, the expectation is that it will rise this year as business uncertainty grows amid the UK's political unrest and the Iran War. Our latest forecast expects it to increase to 5.5%. "A further drop in vacancies, now at their lowest outside the pandemic for more than a decade, suggests businesses are pausing recruitment. This is unsurprising as labour costs remain a key concern. "But with the conflict in Iran likely to drive higher inflation later in the year, as unemployment also rises and growth remains weak, the possibility of stagflation is very real."

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No Writer
May 19
Premier League permutations: How Arsenal can win title, Tottenham relegate West Ham and Liverpool secure Champions League on Tuesday night

Bournemouth host title-chasing Manchester City at 7.30pm before Tottenham look to secure their top-flight status at London rivals Chelsea at 8.15pm, with major implications at both ends of the table. Here's what can be settled tonight... Got Sky? Watch PL games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺Watch every remaining Premier League game live on SkyPremier League fixtures & scores | FREE highlights▶️ The title race Arsenal moved five points clear with victory over Burnley on Monday Night Football and it means Manchester City must win at Bournemouth to send the title race to the final day or the Gunners will be champions. A draw isn't enough for City as they would be four points behind with one game left. If Pep Guardiola's side win, they would then have to beat Aston Villa on Sunday and hope Arsenal don't win at Crystal Palace to snatch the title. The race for Europe Arsenal, Man City, Man Utd and Aston Villa have all confirmed their places in the Champions League and Liverpool will join them if Bournemouth lose tonight. A draw also suits Liverpool as it would leave Bournemouth needing to win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday and Arne Slot's side to lose to Brentford with a six-goal swing in goal difference. However, it would mean Bournemouth only need a point on the final day to secure sixth, which could result in a Champions League place. But a victory for Bournemouth would move them just a point behind Liverpool, guaranteeing at least sixth place and blowing the race for the fifth wide open. If Aston Villa do not win the Europa League or don't finish fifth, then sixth and seventh in the Premier League will qualify for the Europa League, and eighth will qualify for the Conference League. If Aston Villa win the Europa League final on Wednesday and finish fifth in the Premier League, then the top six will all qualify for the Champions League, with seventh going into the Europa League and eighth qualifying for the Conference League. So that means Chelsea still have a very slim chance of qualifying for the Champions League. They would need to win their final two matches and hope for a host of results to go their way, with Brighton and Brentford also still vying for sixth place. Realistically, Chelsea are playing for seventh and can move a point behind Brighton, who currently occupy that place, with a victory tonight. The relegation battle Tottenham can secure their Premier League status and relegate West Ham with a victory at Chelsea. A win would move Spurs five points clear of the bottom three with just one game remaining. A draw would all but save Tottenham too. West Ham would need to beat Leeds on Sunday, hope Spurs lose to Everton and overturn a 13-goal swing in goal difference. Put simply, West Ham need Tottenham to lose their final two matches to give them a chance of staying up on Sunday. Watch every remaining Premier League game live on Sky

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Phoebe Southworth, Multi-Platform Reporter
May 19
Up to 57 people could be charged over Grenfell Tower fire as police reveal timeline

The inferno was the UK's deadliest residential fire since the Second World War. Seventy-two people were killed when the blaze ravaged the north Kensington building on 14 June 2017. At Scotland Yard today, the Metropolitan Police said up to 57 individuals and 20 organisations are so far suspected of criminal offences. One person was arrested and released under investigation, and others have been questioned under caution but not arrested. Potential charges include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, serious health and safety offences and misconduct in public office. The final charging decisions will be revealed by 14 June 2027 - exactly a decade on from the fire. Grenfell Tower is the largest and most complex investigation in the history of the Metropolitan Police. The force has spent £150m so far, combing through millions of records and taking thousands of statements. Any criminal trials are unlikely to take place before 2029, but police are preparing by building a smaller replica of Grenfell Tower to show potential future juries how the fire spread. The original building can no longer be used as it has been partially deconstructed. This replica has cost the force £2m. Police would not reveal where it is being built or how big it will be. In 2024, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry concluded that opportunities were missed to prevent the blaze, and commercial interests had been prioritised over fire safety. Cladding was at the heart of the inquiry The tower was built with combustible materials, which allowed the fire to quickly spread through its 24 storeys. The Metropolitan Police have so far submitted 15 early investigation advice files to the Crown Prosecution Service, and say 30 September this year is their deadline for submitting the remainder. They said today that the fact that an inquiry was held first had slowed down the pace of their criminal investigation. Read more:Reform UK housing chief sacked over Grenfell commentsGrenfell Tower deconstruction begins A spokesman for Grenfell United, which represents some of the families bereaved by the disaster and survivors, called for no further delay. The group said: "Today's update from the Metropolitan Police marks an important step in a process that has already taken far too long. "Nearly 10 years after the Grenfell Tower fire claimed the lives of 72 people, bereaved families, survivors and residents are being told that files will begin to be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in September 2026, with charging decisions expected before the tenth anniversary. "For our community, this is not news we meet with celebration. We meet it with caution, grief and determination. We have waited almost a decade for accountability. "No family should have to wait over 10 years for justice for their loved ones, if it comes at all. "The final report of the Grenfell Inquiry laid bare the shocking failures, dishonesty and disregard for human life that led to the fire. Grenfell was not a tragedy without cause. "Those responsible must now be held to account. "But after waiting nearly 10 years, our community cannot be expected to endure years more of delay. "The Ministry of Justice and the Government must ensure the courts are properly resourced so that any prosecutions linked to Grenfell are heard swiftly. "Justice delayed any further would be unacceptable."

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Gemma Peplow, culture and entertainment reporter
May 18
Shakira acquitted of tax fraud in Spain

The Colombian singer said the decision marked the end of "brutal public targeting" and "sleepless nights" that impacted her and her family. The ruling relates to a dispute over the 2011 tax year, with the Madrid-based court concluding that Spanish tax authorities did not prove the singer was a resident of the country during that time. Spain's treasury has now been ordered to hand back more than 55m euros in wrongly imposed fines, plus interest, according to legal documents. Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, had always denied any wrongdoing and said her "name and public image" had been used "to send a threatening message" to other taxpayers in the country. "After more than eight years of enduring brutal public targeting, orchestrated campaigns to destroy my reputation, and sleepless nights that ultimately impacted my health and my family's well-being, the National High Court has finally set the record straight," she said in a statement sent to Sky News. "There was never any fraud, and the administration itself could never prove otherwise, simply because it wasn't true. Yet, for nearly a decade, I was treated as guilty." Shakira was previously in a relationship with Spanish footballer Gerard Pique, the father of her two children, and the case hinged on where she was living and how much she earned during certain periods. For a person to be considered a tax resident in Spain, they must spend more than 183 days in the country in any year. Spanish authorities were only able to prove Shakira lived in Spain that year for a total of 163 days, the High Court said. Representatives for the star said she was on a world tour in 2011, performing 120 concerts across 37 countries, and had no home in Spain at the time. Authorities first announced investigations into the star in 2018, accusing her of failing to pay income tax while living in Barcelona during a different period, between 2012 and 2014. In November 2023, Shakira reached a deal with prosecutors to avoid a trial over those charges. Read moreBulgaria beats Israel to win Eurovision song contest - as UK comes lastCasting for new James Bond under way The new ruling can still ‌be appealed before the Supreme Court and does not affect tax years after 2011. Shakira, who rose to global fame after her fifth album, Laundry Service, in 2001, is known for hits including Hips Don't Lie, Whenever, Wherever, Underneath Your Clothes, and Beyonce duet Beautiful Liar. She and her children moved to Miami in 2023 following her split with Pique.

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No Writer
May 19
How can Starmer's cabinet look each other in the eye?

Andy Burnham makes his opening pitch to the voters of Makerfield but is he already in campaign mode for PM, as well as MP? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss his launch video. Back in London, there's a cabinet meeting this morning. Just how awkward will that be for Sir Keir Starmer? Especially with those who were pushing him to have a plan to leave office. And what happens over the next few weeks in government if a minister has said that they don't want the PM, and Sir Keir does not have confidence in a minister?

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No Writer
May 19
Bournemouth vs Man City: Mikel Arteta says he's going to be the biggest Cherries fan ever as Arsenal can win title on Tuesday

The Gunners' 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday Night Football means Arteta's Arsenal will be crowned champions if Manchester City do not win at Bournemouth, live on Sky Sports. In City's way is Bournemouth head coach and Arteta's childhood friend Andoni Iraola - who grew up with and played in the same youth team as the Arsenal manager in the Basque Country. And after City boss Pep Guardiola supported West Ham against Arsenal last week, Arteta has shown his support for Bournemouth, who are currently on a 16-game unbeaten run, the longest of its kind in Europe's top five leagues. Live Premier League table | Watch FREE PL highlightsGot Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺 "The biggest ever!" said Arteta if he's going to be a Bournemouth fan on Tuesday. "For Andoni, and all the players and all the supporters of Bournemouth, I think we are all [Bournemouth fans] because we know what it means if they get a result." Asked if he will send Iraola any message or advice, Arteta said: "I don't think it's needed. "What he's done in that football club, the transformation, what they are playing for, I don't think they need anything else. "When you look at how Burnley played today, the spirit that they show, how difficult they made it, imagine [Bournemouth]." Arteta has admitted he will not watch the game with the Arsenal players tomorrow, but he will have it on at home while spending the evening with his family "I don't know how long I am going to watch it," he said. "I will be there in front of the TV but I don't know how much I am going to be able to watch it, that is the reality." Arteta: This job is going to test how much hair I have! Arteta's Arsenal had another nervy night at the Emirates. Kai Havertz put Arsenal in front on the stroke of half-time - but the German forward then avoided a red card for a high challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu. "Well I was certainly worried when they were checking it," said Arteta about the call. "When I looked at the bench they said it wasn't, but I haven't had a look at the action." Arsenal produced their eighth 1-0 win of this Premier League season - with 'One Nil to the Arsenal' being the second-most common scoreline in the top-flight this term. Asked how he handles the nerves, Arteta replied: "I don't know. I thought that the amount of hair that I have, it is never going to go away. But I think this job is going to test it to the limit." Analysis: This was the story of Arsenal's season Sky Sports' Sam Blitz at the Emirates Stadium: It was a match that sums up Arsenal's entire Premier League season. Set-piece goal, clean sheet, a little bit nervy. But they came out with a win. Now they have Manchester City where they want them. On Tuesday night, Arsenal will sit back in their homes and see if Pep Guardiola can break the longest unbeaten run in Europe at Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola's side have not lost in the last 16 matches - ahead of his final home game in charge of the Cherries. What a difference a month makes for Arsenal. On April 19 they had been beaten by Manchester City. Erling Haaland was in a singing mood about City's title chances - and a banner branded 'Panic on the Streets of London' was unveiled by the City fans. On May 19, they could be crowned champions. As Arsenal fans unveiled before the game, it's actually 'Party on the Streets of London'. Arsenal have not conceded a goal from open play since that City game. The defensive solidity is set to get the Gunners over the line. They are 180 minutes - or possibly just 90 - away from glory. Neville and Carragher on if the title will be decided on Tuesday Sky Sports' Gary Neville: "From a Man City side, that result can hurt them because it is just two games to go for them and one for Arsenal now. "They may go to the game tomorrow feeling a little bit disappointed with the result today." Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher on Arsenal's final day game at Crystal Palace: "You think of the Aston Villa situation, if they win the Europa League and celebrate what are they then like against Man City? "The last time Oliver Glasner was in a European final, the game before, four days before, he only changed one player. "Palace don't have a huge squad, so if you go back on what Oliver Glasner's done in the past, he played pretty much a full-strength team. "The nerves will really kick in for Arsenal this week if Man City win tomorrow. You saw tonight - it was a little bit edgy. "It might do them a little bit of good being away from home. You can feel the tension in the stadium."

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