Latest news with #TheTimes
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Rod Stewart says UK should 'give Farage a chance'
Rod Stewart has called on Britain to "give Nigel Farage a chance" as he revealed how close he came to pulling out of his Glastonbury appearance. The 80-year-old singer backed the Reform UK leader ahead of appearing in the festival's afternoon legends slot on Sunday, 23 years after he headlined the Pyramid Stage. "I've read about (Keir) Starmer cutting off the fishing in Scotland and giving it back to the EU. That hasn't made him popular," he told The Times. "We're fed up with the Tories. We've got to give Farage a chance. He's coming across well. Nigel? What options have we got? "Starmer's all about getting us out of Brexit and I don't know how he's going to do that. Still, the country will survive. It could be worse. We could be in the Gaza Strip." Admitting his wealth ensures "a lot of it doesn't really touch me", he insisted he is not out of touch and expressed his support for Ukraine - criticising US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance for their treatment of Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky on his visit to the White House - and Gaza. "It's depressing, what's going on in the Gaza Strip," he said. "Netanyahu doesn't realise that this is what happened to his people under the Nazis: total annihilation. And Trump is going to turn the Gaza Strip into Miami?" Stewart said a prolonged bout of flu, which forced him to cancel five shows in the US, nearly forced him to withdraw from a Glastonbury appearance he described to ITV as his "World Cup final". "This time last week I was thinking of cancelling," he told The Sun, crediting his wife Penny Lancaster with nursing him back to health. "I have had Influenza A. It's been so terrible. It's the worst thing anyone could possibly have, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. "Apart from (Vladimir) Putin. I'd wish it on him." Stewart told The Sun he had negotiated an extra quarter of an hour on top of the allotted 75 minutes for his set. He confirmed he will be joined at Glastonbury by former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood, Simply Red's Mick Hucknall and Lulu, as well as performing the song Powderfinger by Saturday headliner Neil Young.
Metro
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Sir Rod Stewart sparks outrage after saying 'give Farage a chance'
Sir Rod Stewart has sparked outrage by speaking out in favour of controversial Reform leader Nigel Farage. Ahead of his imminent slot at this weekend's Glastonbury, the 80-year-old rocker has opened up to The Times about his support of the right-wing politician. In an interview with The Times, the Maggie May singer spoke of his frustration with the state of current politics, suggesting voters should 'give Farage a chance.' 'I've read about (Sir Keir) Starmer cutting off the fishing in Scotland and giving it back to the EU. That hasn't made him popular,' he told the publication. He continued: 'We're fed up with the Tories. We've got to give Farage a chance. He's coming across well. Nigel? What options have we got?' 'I know some of his family, I know his brother, and I quite like him,' he added. This has sparked outrage from fans, who have branded him 'out of touch' and motivated – as he admits himself – by his 'great wealth.' 'Rod Stewart [says] It's hard for me because I'm extremely wealthy, and I deserve to be, so a lot of it doesn't really touch me. But that doesn't mean I'm out of touch. Yes it f**king does, Rod. Completely out of touch,' wrote blondsteve on X. More Trending 'Sir Rod Stewart is in need of retirement. The very last thing this country needs is @Nigel_Farage anywhere near power,' said PJDawe. 'You mean the ex Tory Rod Stewart wants to pay less tax? How surprising,' said ChrisEmmin56954. This bombshell comes as Sir Rod is preparing to take the stage at Glastonbury today, where he'll perform in the coveted tea-time legends slot. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Holly Valance splits from billionaire husband after 13 years of marriage MORE: Keir Starmer feels pressure after poll shows Reform would win election today MORE: What is Nigel Farage's £250,000 Britannia card and how would it work?
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Why this eclectic seaside town is the best in Scotland
However, North Berwick in East Lothian stands out amongst the rest thanks to its "eclectic" mix of shops, "pristine" beaches and wonderful eateries. Located around 20 miles from Edinburgh, the town was an important ferrying hub for pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Andrew during the Middle Ages. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the development of the whaling industry as well as the golfing and holiday sectors, which are still huge today. North Berwick is located around 20 miles from Edinburgh (Image: Getty Images) Why North Berwick is the best and prettiest seaside town in Scotland North Berwick has been widely recognised as one of Scotland and the UK's best and prettiest seaside towns, with both The Times and Time Out commending the location. In its recent ranking featuring places across the country like Brighton and Margate, Time Out said it is easy to see why the seaside settlement in East Lothian is one of the best. Discussing what's on offer here, the magazine said the beaches, which are dotted with "glistening" rock pools, are "bliss". The town is said to have an 'eclectic' mix of shops (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The high street also boasts a number of "charming" cafés, gift shops and art galleries This was echoed by Visit Scotland, which told travellers that North Berwick is home to an "eclectic" mix of shops and businesses. There are also a number of excellent restaurants popular with both locals and visitors. One of these includes the Lobster Shack, an eatery that was recently included in a list from The Times of the best places to eat by the sea. The newspaper said that this beloved seafood restaurant on the harbour front is "the jewel in the crown" of this stunning seaside town. Recommended Reading: Patrons who have come here have raved about its haddock tacos, lobster rolls and fish cakes. When talking about the famous town, it is impossible to ignore the many natural features nearby, such as the North Berwick Law, an extinct volcano with "sweeping views", and the Bass Rock, a former Jacobite prison that is home to a large gannet colony. The former was recently named the best budget-friendly walk in Scotland based on data produced by Trainline.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New Look closing another store after already shutting 32 shops this year
It comes after The Times reported earlier this year that New Look was looking to 'accelerate future store closures' when leases expire New Look is closing another store next weekend - after already shutting 32 sites. The fashion retailer is closing its shop in Neath, Wales on August 6. The news was shared on social media, with a photo that shows a closing down sign in the store. The sign reads: 'Thanks for having us, Neath. This store will be closing on Wednesday, 6th August. 'Don't worry, you'll still be able to find us at with 100s of new styles dropping every week.' Disappointed New Look shoppers have been reacting to the news online. One person said: 'There be nothing in Neath soon.' Another commented: 'It'll become a ghost town soon.' A third said: 'Unfortunately it's the same everywhere. Online shopping has killed the high street.' It comes after The Times reported earlier this year that New Look was looking to "accelerate future store closures" when leases expire. The newspaper said this was due to the tax increases revealed in October's budget. According to the report, around a quarter of its 364 UK stores - around 91 sites - could be at risk of closure. New Look did not confirm this report at the time. The rate of National Insurance paid by firms increased from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025. The earnings threshold for when employers start paying National Insurance was also lowered from £9,100 per year to £5,000. At the same time, minimum wage went up by 6.7% - so for someone aged 21 and over, minimum wage is now £12.21 an hour. New Look has closed 32 stores in recent months, including Northfield shopping centre in Birmingham and Willow Place shopping centre in Corby, which both shut in June. Its branches in St Austell and Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, closed in May, while locations in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wickford, Essex, have also shut. In February, New Look also exited the Republic of Ireland which resulted in the closure of 26 stores. At the time, the company said: 'Due to the increasingly volatile trading conditions we needed to expedite our existing plans, which included conducting a review of our operations in the Republic of Ireland. 'Following this review, the group regrettably concluded it was no longer viable to continue trading here, so it has made the difficult but necessary decision to enter liquidation in this market.' The company said its Irish operation has struggled for some years, impacted by a range of factors including 'supply-chain and in-market costs, and squeezed consumer spending'. New Look employed a total of 347 people across its network in the Republic of Ireland.
The Herald Scotland
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Rod Stewart says country should ‘give Farage a chance'
'I've read about (Sir Keir) Starmer cutting off the fishing in Scotland and giving it back to the EU. That hasn't made him popular,' he told The Times. 'We're fed up with the Tories. We've got to give Farage a chance. He's coming across well. Nigel? What options have we got? Rod Stewart has called on Britain to give Reform UK leader Nigel Farage a chance (PA) 'Starmer's all about getting us out of Brexit and I don't know how he's going to do that. Still, the country will survive. It could be worse. We could be in the Gaza Strip.' Admitting his wealth ensures 'a lot of it doesn't really touch me', he insisted he is not out of touch and expressed his support for Ukraine – criticising US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance for their treatment of Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky on his visit to the White House – and Gaza. 'It's depressing, what's going on in the Gaza Strip,' he said. 'Netanyahu doesn't realise that this is what happened to his people under the Nazis: total annihilation. And Trump is going to turn the Gaza Strip into Miami?' Stewart said a prolonged bout of flu, which forced him to cancel five shows in the US, nearly forced him to withdraw from a Glastonbury appearance he described to ITV as his 'World Cup final'. 'This time last week I was thinking of cancelling,' he told The Sun, crediting his wife Penny Lancaster with nursing him back to health. 'I have had Influenza A. It's been so terrible. It's the worst thing anyone could possibly have, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. 'Apart from (Vladimir) Putin. I'd wish it on him.' Stewart told The Sun he had negotiated an extra quarter of an hour on top of the allotted 75 minutes for his set. He confirmed he will be joined at Glastonbury by former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood, Simply Red's Mick Hucknall and Lulu, as well as performing the song Powderfinger by Saturday headliner Neil Young.
