Latest from Metro
Metro
7 minutes ago
- Metro
UK bus is 'world's most confusing' and leaves at different times each day
If you're taking a trip on the 477 bus, you'll need to plan your journey carefully, because the timetable changes every day. The 477 bus serves the famous Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumberland. It's one of the UK's 43 'sometimes' islands that are only accessible at low tide. As such, the timetable is dependent on when the causeway to the island isn't submerged by water during high tide. For example, if you want to travel to Holy Island on Wednesday July 2, you'd hop on the bus at the Causeway End stop, on the mainland, at 12:54am. But if you did the same journey a week later, on Wednesday July 9, you'd have to go to the same bus stop at 10:54am instead. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And crucially, you need to make sure you can get off the island, before the tide rises and you're trapped. The Met Office warns that 'each year, lots of people get cut off by the tide and need to be rescued' — and that's certainly the case for Holy Island. Northumberland County Council say that 'around 10 to 20 vehicles are stranded each year' on the causeway. The bus, which travels from Berwick-upon-Tweed, operates mainly on Wednesdays and Sundays, with some additional days thrown in on extra days. It usually makes one or two journeys per day. Operated by Borders Buses, the 477 has been dubbed 'baffling' and 'the world's most confusing' by YouTuber Tom Scott. And, in a list of the 10 most beautiful bus routes in the UK, The Telegraph dubbed it 'stupendously complicated'. Reddit users have also confirmed that it's no easy feat to plan a trip to Holy Island by bus, with one person advising travellers to 'get a catapult' instead. Another said: 'For the full experience I recommend you simply swim through the tide.' Once visitors do make it onto Holy Island though, they're in for a treat. More Trending The island itself is beautiful, with the stunning ruins of Lindisfarne priory and Lindisfarne castle. It's rich with history. In 635AD Saint Aidan travelled from Iona and founded his monastery on the island, making it a centre point for Anglo-Saxon Christianity. The saint is buried here, and there's a museum to explore too. Sandham Bay, North Shore and Coves Haven are just some of the islands beaches to visit, and you can't visit Holy Island without sampling some Lindisfarne Mead in the quaint village before you head back to the mainland. Just make sure you check the bus timetable for your return journey, or you'll be stuck there for the night. The UK's cheapest train ticket costs just 10p, but it doesn't really get you anywhere. A 'Platform Ticket' grants you access to the station platform for 60 minutes after being issued. They're not valid on trains and are only good for the station where they were issued. Flixbus has launched a new route connecting London and Brighton for as little as £4.49. The twice-daily FlixBus service, which welcomed its first passengers on June 13, does take a little longer than the train at around 2 hours and 25 minutes, but is considerably cheaper than most train fares to the seaside. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@
Metro
16 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I'll be watching Kneecap's 4pm prime time Glastonbury set - they deserve to be t
Like 209,999 other people, I'm at Glastonbury Festival this weekend. In fact, it's my 20th visit to Worthy Farm. Among my bucket hats and raincoat – which I'm hoping I won't need – I've packed my Palestine T-shirt and flag. I'll be proudly wearing and waving them when I go to see Irish rappers Kneecap. Kneecap are playing the West Holts stage at 4pm today – Saturday June 28, 2025. Their set will last for an hour, ending at 5pm and can be watched live or streamed on the BBC I will be there, no matter how much it might annoy Keir Starmer and other politicians who think their appearance at the festival is 'not appropriate'. For those who missed the controversy, it all started when Kneecap made pro-Palestine statements at Coachella in April this year. Critics like Sharon Osbourne decried Kneecap's set as 'promoting terrorist organizations or spreading hate'. Around the same time, resurfaced footage of a 2024 Kneecap gig in London caused controversy – with band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh currently on bail following a court appearance when he was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. Keep up to date with Metro's Glastonbury live blog here So when Keir Starmer was asked recently if he thought Kneecap should still play Glastonbury, he responded: 'I don't think that's appropriate'. As the band themselves put it on X: 'You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir?! Arming a genocide…' I couldn't agree more. So I'll be waving my Palestine flag at most of the gigs that I catch over the weekend, just like I and hundreds of others did at last year's Glastonbury. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video At its heart, Glastonbury is political. For the Prime Minister, who should have enough on his plate, to try to say that any band performing is 'not appropriate', it's laughable. Every year, festival goers wear T-shirts and wave flags highlighting issues they feel strongly about, including racism, trans rights, climate justice, women's reproductive rights, and safe routes for immigrants. And this year, I imagine many more, in the crowds and on the stage, will call out the actions of controversial political figures, such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Freedom of speech and discussing social and political issues is a huge part of the festival, which hosts countless talks across the site. Guest speakers this year include outspoken TV pundit Gary Lineker, Zarah Sultana MP, drag queen and model Bimini Bon Boulash, author and activist Reni Eddo-Lodge, political commentator Danny Price, fast fashion activist Venetia La Manna, political satirist and comedian Munya Chawawa, political journalist Ash Sarkar, and Palestine and Climate direct action group Youth Demand – to name just a few. In my two decades of attending, I've never felt like the political content was 'not appropriate.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In fact, since 1992, the festival has partnered with Greenpeace and the organisation's message at the festival this year is to highlight the 'democratic right to protest and to call out the big polluters to stop drilling and start paying'. With politicians trying to dictate which bands should play, that first point in particular seems timely. Glastonbury and the right to voice your political beliefs go hand in hand – and have done since the festival's inception in 1970, where there was a large 'anti-Vietnam War' crowd, at what was then the Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival. In 1981, the festival donated profits to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). While in 1984, the festival introduced the Green Fields – dedicated to environmental and social issues. The festival has been part of the 'Make Poverty History' campaign, the 'I Count campaign' – which highlighted the need to address climate change – and also the 'White Ribbon Alliance's Million Mums' campaign – aimed at ending the needless deaths of women in childbirth. It's a big part of the festival, and a big part of the appeal for me. In 2016, Blur frontman, Damon Albarn, claimed that 'democracy has failed us' after the Brexit results. He also made a surprise appearance at last year's festival, expressing his support for Palestine and also talking about the upcoming US elections. On top of that, the main Pyramid stage has seen powerful political speeches and performances from everyone from Jeremy Corbyn to David Attenborough and Stormzy to Kendrick Lamar. So, for Keir Starmer to be weighing in and saying that it's 'not appropriate' for Kneecap to perform makes no sense at all. People might wonder why the Prime Minister of this country is even getting involved with who should be on the Glastonbury line-up. I know exactly why – because it's a distraction from the real story: The thousands of people being slaughtered in Gaza. More Trending A distraction from what I believe is the UK Government's complicity in what is being described by humanitarian groups as a genocide. And a distraction from their refusal to fully ban arms sales to Israel or place serious sanctions on the state. Instead, Keir Starmer is pointing the finger at a young band who stand firm to their beliefs and are calling out the atrocities that he won't talk about. So I'll be attending Kneecap's Glastonbury performance to show solidarity with them. If that makes me 'inappropriate' – so be it. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Glastonbury viewers vent over 'hopeless' The 1975 set as one thing ruins it MORE: Glastonbury fans are fuming after struggle to stream Other Stage on BBC iPlayer MORE: The 1975's Glastonbury glory is overshadowed by Matty Healy's problematic past
Metro
28 minutes 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?
Metro
31 minutes ago
- Sport
- Metro
Benfica boss singles out two Chelsea players for praise ahead of Club World cup
Benfica boss Bruno Lage has singled out two key Chelsea players for praise ahead the Club World Cup last 16 tie. The former Wolves boss is now in charge of Benfica who made it through to the knockout stages after wins against Auckland City and Bayern Munich. Despite their impressive campaign thus far, the Portuguese club are significant underdogs heading into tonight's game in north Carolina. Lage is well aware of the threat Chelsea pose, particularly in attack with his compatriot, Pedro Neto, enjoying a fine tournament. Benfica will also come face-to-face with their former star, Enzo Fernandez, who has grown in stature over the course of the last six months, in particular, after a tough start to his Chelsea career. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'There was actually a rumour before Enzo came to Chelsea that he was going to join me at Wolves, so that was funny,' said Lage at his pre-match press conference. 'In terms of money, Chelsea have one of the best midfielders in the world. 'But the player I really know is Pedro Neto. He's one of the best wingers in the world. He's so dangerous because he can go either way on the ball.' Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, expects Fernandez to get even better as he prepares for a reunion with his former club Benfica. The 24-year-old scored in the opening win over Los Angeles FC and created two goals in as many minutes as the Blues beat Esperance Tunis 3-0 in their final group game on Tuesday. Maresca told reporters at his pre-match press conference: 'I'm very pleased with Enzo, especially because, first of all, he's a nice boy. He's polite, he's a good boy. 'Then he's worked very well in all aspects inside the pitch, outside the pitch. Our struggle at the beginning was (for him) to understand the way we want to play. 'But he is doing fantastic in terms of numbers, goal assists. This is what we want from our attacking players. 'I've said many times that I prefer to have the attacking players score 10-12 goal each, rather than just a striker with 40 goals. 'So his contribution this season has been top and I am sure next season will be even better.' Despite that, Fernandez could face competition for his place after Maresca suggested he sees Brazilian Andrey Santos more as an attacking player than a defensive one. More Trending The highly-rated 21-year-old has rejoined the club this summer after a successful loan spell at Strasbourg and made his debut as a second-half substitute against Esperance. Maresca said: 'His season has been very good but I think you need time to adapt. 'In terms of position, I see Andrey in this moment in more like Enzo's position than Romeo's (Lavia) position. 'The Premier League demands (players) to be physically strong. In this moment, I see Andrey more of an attacking player than defensive in the field.' MORE: Is there a third place play-off at the Club World Cup 2025? MORE: Enzo Maresca sends transfer message to Chelsea defender and confirms two clubs 'like him' MORE: Chelsea star could push for transfer after Arsenal and PSG interest
Metro
31 minutes ago
- Business
- Metro
The way you pay council tax could change - here's how
Households could soon see an easier way to manage council tax bills after the average payment hits more than £200. Through a consultation, the government has proposed four ways to make paying the instalments easier on those who are struggling to pay. This includes through differing payment schedules, easier signposting, and more lax enforcement rules. Here are the four ways we could soon see changes: The number of default instalments you make could be set to change. Council tax is usually paid in 10 instalments from April to January, but the consultation outlines plans to increase it to 12. This could then make it easier to manage monthly budgets. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video If you are part of the band D council tax bill, you pay on average £2,171, working out at £217 in 10 instalments. But paying in 12 instalments will bring the monthly bill down to £181. Households are still able to pay in 10 instalments if they wish. The government is considering 'a more appropriate and proportionate timeframe' before councils can demand a full bill from households. If a monthly payment is missed, you are given a reminder to pay, but if you miss this after seven days, they ask you to pay the full year's bill instead. The new consultation document says taxpayers are 'highly unlikely' to afford the full bill when they have missed a monthly payment. If it goes unpaid, the council can send bailiffs and can even pursue a prison sentence. The document goes on to say these types of 'aggressive recovery action' have sometimes been applied 'too quickly and too intensely'. The government is now proposing to increase the time before councils can take someone to court. Taxpayers can currently ask the Valuation Office Agency to review their band to try and reduce their council tax bill. But from April 2026, this will be scrapped and duties will be taken over by HMRC. It will be up to the taxpayer to prove they are in the wrong band, including checking what band your neighbours are in and working out what your home would have been worth in 1991. More Trending But the government has said there is no straightforward way to challenge your council tax band through the VOA, and they are asking the public to come forward to suggest how to make the process easier. The government is also asking taxpayers' opinions on whether council tax bills are clear enough. The consultation found that many of the details on the bills are too technical, and clearer information would help people understand what they are paying for. View More » It also recommends better signposting for people to know where to turn for help if they are struggling to pay their bills. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: My relationship got me into £18,000 worth of debt — then we broke up MORE: One in seven people lost money to fraud last year, survey finds MORE: Full list of DWP, PIP and Universal Credit payment changes on the way next year Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
