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by Staff February 2, 2023

Five new railway stations could open to boost England-Wales journeys – Evening Standard

Five new railway stations could open to boost England-Wales journeys  Evening Standard

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by Staff February 2, 2023

UK and Welsh governments to explore new rail links between south … – GOV.UK

UK and Welsh governments to explore new rail links between south …  GOV.UK

Latest News

Five new railway stations could open to boost England-Wales journeys – Evening Standard

February 2, 2023

UK and Welsh governments to explore new rail links between south … – GOV.UK

February 2, 2023

Welsh rugby legend launches new sports programme at University … – Nation.Cymru

February 2, 2023

Transforming the Economy Across the South Wales Region – Business News Wales

February 2, 2023
by Staff February 1, 2023

Wales rugby choirs banned from signing ‘Delilah’ at Principality … – South Wales Guardian

Wales rugby choirs banned from signing ‘Delilah’ at Principality …  South Wales Guardian

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Choirs have been banned from singing the Tom Jones hit ‘Delilah’ during their performances on rugby international matchdays at the Principality Stadium.

The song’s lyrics include reference to a woman being murdered by her jealous partner.

The Welsh Rugby Union – the governing body which has recently been hit by sexism and discrimination allegations – took the song off its half-time entertainment and music playlist during Test matches in 2015.

And guest choirs have also been asked not to feature the song.

All the things they need to do and they do that first….😶

— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) February 1, 2023

“Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium,” a Principality Stadium spokesperson said.

“The WRU removed the song from its half-time entertainment and music playlist during international matches in 2015.

“Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games.

“The WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind.

“We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song, and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter.”

Wales kick off their Guinness Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.

Allegations of a “toxic culture” at the WRU were aired in a television documentary last week, resulting in the resignation of chief executive Steve Phillips on Sunday.

An independent taskforce is to be set up to tackle the allegations, with Sport Wales – a Welsh government-funded body – advising on the make-up and remit of the panel.

Delilah was a hit for Tom Jones (Matt Crossick/PA)

The allegations have rocked the whole sport in Wales to its foundations.

In a tweet posted on Wednesday afternoon, Wales international wing Louis Rees-Zammit said: “All the things they need to do and they do that first….”

Welsh Conservative Sports Minister Tom Giffard said: “The decision is a wrongheaded one that amounts to simple virtue signalling, designed to ease the pressure the WRU are currently under. Calls to ban the song span at least the last decade, yet the WRU have chosen now to act.

“What people have been calling for is institutional change, improved working practices and a better complaints process for the WRU, but instead they are choosing to ban a much loved Tom Jones song. This action will solve nothing.”

by Staff February 1, 2023

WATCH: Truck Spills 6 Tons of Paint on South Wales Highway – NowThis

WATCH: Truck Spills 6 Tons of Paint on South Wales Highway  NowThis

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A truck spilled 6 tons of paint onto a local highway in Thirroul, New South Wales, Australia, on January 31 — turning the road into something akin to a Jackson Pollock painting!

NSW Fire & Rescue personnel were quickly deployed to the scene. Luckily, the driver was not injured and responders were able to address the spillage.

“Paint is regarded as an environmental pollutant and would have caused significant damage to the local area if not contained,” NSW Fire & Rescue said in a statement on its website.

Subscribe to NowThis on YouTube.

by Staff February 1, 2023

South Wales Police investigating ‘grossly offensive’ messages to … – Nation.Cymru

South Wales Police investigating ‘grossly offensive’ messages to …  Nation.Cymru

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Alex Davies-Jones during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons. Photo UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor

Police are investigating “abusive and grossly offensive” messages sent to Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones, who said they followed her speaking out against the divisive online influencer Andrew Tate.

Ms Davies-Jones told the Commons on Tuesday she has been “bombarded” with messages containing death and rape threats after she made comments critical of Mr Tate, who has a large social media following.

A South Wales Police officer said the force was “investigating the origins of abusive and grossly offensive social media messages and emails aimed at a local MP”.

Earlier this month, at a session of Prime Minister’s Questions, Ms Davies-Jones raised concerns over the impact of Mr Tate’s content on schoolboys.

She said: “Teachers are now having to develop their own resources to re-educate boys who are being brainwashed online by his deeply toxic messaging.”

Death threats

On Tuesday she told the Commons “my own inbox and my office have been bombarded with death threats, rape threats”, which she said occurred “after I have spoken out about the horrendous abuse and behaviour of Andrew Tate online”.

Local policing Inspector Leigh Parfitt, of South Wales Police, said: “We are investigating the origins of abusive and grossly offensive social media messages and emails aimed at a local MP.

“Keeping people safe and confident in their homes and communities is a key priority for us and we take all reports of online abuse and malicious communications extremely seriously.

“Before sending any form of communication, members of the public are advised to consider whether their post, text message, letter or phone call could be breaking the law.”

Mr Tate, 36, a former kickboxing world champion, amassed millions of followers across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok for his controversial content, before his arrest in Romania, where he is being detained.

He is facing allegations of human trafficking and being part of an organised crime gang, allegations he denies.

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by Staff February 1, 2023

Australian foreign minister tells Britain to confront its colonial past – The Times

Australian foreign minister tells Britain to confront its colonial past  The Times

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Britain must be prepared to confront its “uncomfortable” colonial past if it wants a closer relationship with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia’s foreign minister has said.

Penny Wong, a Labor Party politician who was born in Malaysia, said that being open about its history would help the UK to find “common ground” with countries in the region.

On her first visit to Britain since she was appointed foreign minister last May, Wong told an audience at King’s College London that the relationship between the two nations had changed.

Wong met the foreign secretary, James Cleverly, in London, as well as Ben Wallace, the defence secretary

STEFAN ROUSSEAU/PA

“Today, as a modern, multicultural country, home to people of more than 300 ancestries and the oldest continuing culture on Earth, Australia sees itself as being in the Indo-Pacific and being of the Indo-Pacific,” Wong said.

by Staff February 1, 2023

Politics news latest: Downing Street’s defence of Dominic Raab … – Sky News

Politics news latest: Downing Street’s defence of Dominic Raab …  Sky News

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Former prime minister Boris Johnson is currently in the US.

He is stateside as part of a push to maintain the West’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion.

The ex-PM has been speaking at the Atlantic Council, a think tank in Washington DC, this afternoon.

Mr Johnson said there is “no conceivable grounds for delay” from Western countries – days after Germany was criticised by some for appearing slow to decide on providing tanks to Ukraine.

Western allies should “give the Ukrainians the support they need to finish this war”, Mr Johnson said, adding: “Let’s give them those tools now.”

He added that if Ukraine is able to take back the strip of land in southern Ukraine between Mariupol, the Donbas and Crimea, this will help to end the war. 

“If they can take back Melitopol and Berdiansk and Mariupol, get back those areas, it’s game over for Putin,” he said.

Returning to his arguments later in the discussion, he said it would be a “false economy to let Putin win”. 

This, he said, would be “burdening future generations with the massive expense of trying to protect the whole area”.

We reported earlier on comments from Mr Johnson to Fox News in the US, with the former PM calling for Western leaders to send fighter jets to Ukraine.

Downing Street has said Mr Johnson’s visit to Washington was “not on behalf of the UK government” and has distanced itself from the former leader’s comments on fighter jets.

Mr Sunak’s official spokesman said: “The prime minister welcomes all colleagues’ backing for Ukraine and is pleased the former prime minister is continuing his staunch support of the United Kingdom’s efforts to help Ukraine secure a lasting peace.”

But he said Mr Johnson is “acting in his own capacity”.

On the possibility of sending jets, the official said: “It’s currently not practical to send UK jets. 

“We will continue to work closely with the Ukrainians to understand their needs and how allies can further support them.

“Given the complexity of UK fighter jets and the length of time required to train them, we do not currently think it is practical to do so.”

Downing Street said the RAF’s Typhoons and F-35s are “extremely sophisticated” pieces of equipment.

You can follow further live updates in our dedicated Ukraine blog here:

by Staff February 1, 2023

Who are the Premier League’s winners and losers after transfer … – South Wales Guardian

Who are the Premier League’s winners and losers after transfer …  South Wales Guardian

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Premier League clubs invested a record £815million during the January transfer window to strengthen their squads for battles at both ends of the table.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the winners and losers when the deadline passed.

Winners

Chelsea

The Blues were the biggest spenders of the January window, as Todd Boehly’s consortium laid out in excess of some £300m.

A British-record £106.8m deal for Enzo Fernandez from Benfica was finally confirmed by the west London club on Wednesday morning to further bolster the options for head coach Graham Potter.

However, with the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, who arrived for £88.5m from Shakhtar Donetsk amid interest from rivals Arsenal, and Joao Felix to fit into the side along with the likes of winger Noni Madueke and centre-back Benoit Badiashile – not to mention the potential of youngsters Andrey Santos, Malo Gusto and David Datro Fofana – then Potter certainly has his work cut out to keep everyone onside and mould them all into a winning team.

Arsenal

💬 “Jorginho is a midfield player with intelligence, deep leadership skills and a huge amount of Premier League and International experience. He has won in his career, but he still has the hunger and huge willingness to contribute here.”

The boss on Jorginho 💪 pic.twitter.com/8bsP2e2rT9

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 1, 2023

Arsenal may have missed out on Mudryk as well as Moises Caicedo, with Brighton standing firm to keep hold of their wantaway Ecuador midfielder, but it was nevertheless a very positive January window at the Emirates Stadium.

In a largely unexpected deadline day move, the Gunners switched attentions to land Italian defensive midfielder Jorginho from Chelsea, which supplemented the other arrivals of Leandro Trossard, who was allowed to leave by Brighton, and Poland centre-back Jakub Kiwior.

Whether or not sporting director Edu has given Mikel Arteta enough for his side to last the distance in the Premier League title race remains to be seen, but the couple of shrewd additions mean they certainly should give title rivals Manchester City a run for their money through to May.

Wolves

Our January six. 😍

🗓☑️ pic.twitter.com/BIfCuRHjEP

— Wolves (@Wolves) February 1, 2023

New Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui was determined to freshen up the squad during January to kick-start their survival battle.

Looking to get an edge on some of their relegation rivals, Craig Dawson from West Ham adds some experience to the backline while it is hoped forwards Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha can provide a cutting edge in the final third.

Brazilian Joao Gomes also came on board ahead of the deadline to add some flare to the midfield as the influence of former Spain and Real Madrid boss Lopetegui on the side continues to show positive progress.

Losers

Everton

Getting started. pic.twitter.com/xkCxyY3QUM

— Everton (@Everton) January 30, 2023

With Everton sacking manager Frank Lampard and turning to Sean Dyche, it was perhaps unlikely to expect major transfer moves during January – well, incomings anyway, as Anthony Gordon was sold to Newcastle for £45m.

Nevertheless, despite the timing of the change in the dugout, beleaguered Toffees fans would have hoped for at least one new face to bring into the ranks for the relegation dogfight.

Dyche has been here before though and Everton will be counting on the former Burnley boss to make a swift impact with the players he has got and on a squad which was much in need of a lift well before the transfer window opened.

Liverpool

Dutch forward Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven (Mike Egerton/PA)

Over at Anfield, it has hardly been a hive of transfer activity either.

Liverpool did get some business done early, with Dutch forward Cody Gakpo coming in from PSV Eindhoven when he had been expected to head to rivals Manchester United.

It was, though, not just in attack where Jurgen Klopp’s squad could have done with an extra impetus.

Central midfield was one area which some felt should have been strengthened, and England international Jude Bellingham was said to be the primary target.

Despite a lack of more fresh faces, fully expect Klopp to battle on, looking to both recapture the team’s form as well as silence the critics.

West Ham

Will the pressure continue to mount on West Ham manager David Moyes? (Mike Egerton/PA)

Like Everton, the Irons are embroiled in a fight for survival, sitting just a point clear of the relegation zone heading into the next round of Premier League fixtures.

A January move for veteran forward Danny Ings for £12m from Aston Villa looked a positive step, only for him to get injured when making his debut.

Hammers boss David Moyes has seen his plans derailed somewhat by such injury problems all season – but that will count for little if the team fail to move up the table and the pressure mounts for a change in the dugout.

by Staff February 1, 2023

Premier League clubs spend record £815m in January transfer … – South Wales Guardian

Premier League clubs spend record £815m in January transfer …  South Wales Guardian

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The gross spend for 2023’s window was 90 per cent higher than the previous record of £430m in 2018 and almost triple the previous January window (£295m).

The record for a full season had already been broken by a £1.92billion summer outlay, with that mark soon extended through £2bn for the first time and to an eventual total of £2.8bn – a new all-time high.

Calum Ross, assistant director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, told the PA news agency: “Record transfer spend in January, surpassing the previous record of £430m in January 2018.

“(In terms of) a seasonal spend in 2022-23, Premier League clubs are now over £2.5billion which highlights the level of capability of spend that they’ve got in the market at the moment.”

Premier League clubs also set a record for net transfer expenditure during a January window with a net spend of £720m, eclipsing the previous record set in January 2022 (£180m).

Chelsea’s £300m-plus outlay alone would rank behind only 2018 among Premier League winter transfer windows (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

As has been the trend in recent seasons, the English top flight far outpaced the rest of Europe – even the other members of the so-called ‘big five’ leagues in Spain, Italy, France and Germany.

Ross added: “When you look at the January transfer window alone, Premier League clubs have spent three times more than the other ‘big five’ leagues combined.

“And then when you look at seasonal spend, again, when you combine those other big five leagues together, the Premier League is spending more than all of those combined, which is just incredible.

Liverpool welcomed the signing of Cody Gakpo (Barrington Coombs/PA)

“You have the spend of the Premier League on a net basis at £1.5bn over the course of the season and then when you look at the other big five leagues as a collective, they’re actually in a net receipts position – so they’re actually receiving more from the sale of players than what they’re spending on players, which is quite stark (compared) to what you see in the Premier League.

“The Premier League was the only league of the big five that actually increased its media rights in the latest cycle, all the others either declined or stayed flat.

“There are obviously other things that come into that as well, when you look at new ownership at certain clubs, and also on-pitch performance is a big factor – whether that’s pushing for European competition or league titles, and then at the other end, just maintaining a place in the Premier League, is obviously a key driver of what’s going on across the market.”

Chelsea, under their new ownership group headed by Todd Boehly, continued to lead the way by signing World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez for a British record £106.8m while forward Mykhailo Mudryk joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal reportedly worth up to £88.5m.

Enzo Fernandez’s move set a new British record (Nick Potts/PA)

The Blues’ £300m-plus outlay alone would rank behind only 2018 among Premier League winter transfer windows, and is more than the combined spend of all other clubs in the big five leagues this month.

Newcastle spent a reported £40m initial fee to bring forward Anthony Gordon from struggling Everton – who were the only club not to make a January signing – while Liverpool spent £38m on Netherlands international Cody Gakpo and Leeds broke their transfer record with a £35m move for Hoffenheim’s Georginio Rutter.

The previous record season saw £1.43bn spent in the summer of 2017 with the January window’s £430m making for a total of £1.86bn.

Anthony Gordon was presented to the Newcastle fans at their Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton (Owen Humphreys/PA)

This campaign has blown that out of the water and Ross sees no let-up in the near future.

“One of the good indicators is to look at the transfer spend as a percentage of revenue and on the net transfer spend, we’re looking at about a quarter of revenue being spent on transfers,” he said.

“That is a lot, it’s higher than it’s ever been, but I think – managed appropriately, with appropriate long-term business planning and financial control – I can see that continuing.”

by Staff February 1, 2023

Michigan moves for early slot for 2024 presidential primary | Ap … – Oil City Derrick

Michigan moves for early slot for 2024 presidential primary | Ap …  Oil City Derrick

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LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan House Democrats voted Tuesday to move the state’s presidential primary to the fourth week of February and become a part of a new group of states slated to lead off the Democratic party’s presidential primary starting next year.

The move, which was approved by the state Senate along party lines on Thursday, comes after a Democratic National Committee panel voted last month to approve a plan that would make Michigan the fifth state to hold its presidential primary in early 2024, and potentially, in years to come.

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by Staff January 31, 2023

Newport County sign Calum Kavanagh on loan from Middlesbrough – South Wales Argus

Newport County sign Calum Kavanagh on loan from Middlesbrough  South Wales Argus

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The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international becomes the second forward to head to Rodney Parade on deadline day, following Manchester United’s Charlie McNeill through the door.

Kavanagh, son of former Cardiff City great Graham, spend the second half of last season on loan at Harrogate Town.

The forward has been prolific at age-grade level for Middlesbrough and, like McNeill, will now aim to take that goal-scoring form into League Two.

“I’m delighted to get the move over the line, I’ve been wanting to get a loan this window and this managed to come around so I’m really happy,” said Kavanagh, who was born in Cardiff while his father was playing for the Bluebirds.

After scoring six goals in 13 games in the Under-18 Premier League, the striker signed professional terms at the Riverside in 2020.

His first professional season at Boro led to a successful season of 13 goals in 20 Under-18 Premier League matches as well as two in three in Premier League Two and three in three in the FA Youth Cup.

Last season, Kavanagh netted six times in as many games in Premier League 2 as well as five in four in the Under-18 Premier League, which earned him a January move to Harrogate Town where he scored once in 12 games.

His fine goalscoring carried on into this campaign with a further seven goals from 11 matches in PL2 while he scored once in four appearances for Republic of Ireland Under-17s.

by Staff January 31, 2023

Plenty to look forward to this year in Newport – South Wales Argus

Plenty to look forward to this year in Newport  South Wales Argus

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It was very exciting to see Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth medallists go head-to-head at this amazing venue which has helped Newport’s position as a host of major events.

This year’s events calendar is already looking healthy, and I know that we and many of our partners are putting plans in place for further events and activities that we will all be able to enjoy and will bring visitors and business to our city.

On Sunday, March 5, the Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon will celebrate its tenth anniversary with runners following an inspiring route which showcases some of the best landmarks of Newport.

We are very proud to be supporting this year’s event and the essential work of St David’s Hospice Care. I encourage everyone to show their support on the day.

The ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10K will also return for 2023 on Sunday, April 16. One of our biggest events, the marathon attracts runners and supporters from around the world for one of the fastest-paced races of its kind.

In May the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth will mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

An extra bank holiday has been confirmed for Monday, May 8, and many people will celebrate with street parties and events over the weekend.

We are currently planning our local events and putting in place plans to support those who may want to host community events – look out for more information on our website and on social media soon.

On Saturday, June 24, Newport will host Wales National Armed Forces Day. A range of events will be held in the city and it will be an excellent opportunity for everyone to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. More news on this is coming very soon!

Another successful event in 2022 was the inaugural Pride in the Port – we’re expecting some exciting news very soon on plans for 2023 and we can’t wait to show our support again.

And of course, our ever-popular food festival will return on the second Saturday in October. It was incredible to see the support for last year’s event after a few missed years. We can wait to see what treats and delights will be on offer this year!

More information will be available on all of the above very soon and remember, if you are hosting an event in Newport you can submit details on our online what’s on listing for all to see!

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