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Bank of England interest rate decision confirmed: how it affects your finances

Jeffrey Bailey — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:15:03 +0000

MILLIONS of households will breathe a sigh of relief after the Bank of England left interest rates unchanged again today.

The decision-makers at the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have now kept interest rates at 5.25% for the fifth time in a row.

The Bank of England has maintained its base interest rate for the fifth time in a row

The bank rate has risen fourteen times since it reached an all-time low of 0.1% in December 2021

Banks and lenders use the Bank of England’s (BoE) base rate to set the interest rates it offers customers on mortgages, loans and savings.

BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said: ‘In recent weeks we have seen further encouraging signs that inflation is easing.

‘We have again kept interest rates at 5.25% today because we need to be sure that inflation falls back to our target of 2% and stays there.

“We are not yet at the point where we can lower interest rates, but things are moving in the right direction.”

At the last meeting, the MPC voted by a majority of 8 to 1 to maintain the bank rate at 5.25%.

One member preferred to reduce the bank rate by 0.25 percentage points to 5%.

It comes just a day after the CPI measure of inflation fell to 3.4% last month – down from 4% in January and the lowest since September 2021.

Most economists had expected interest rates to be 3.5%.

It means inflation is now closer to the BoE’s 2% target.

Inflation is a measure of how much the prices of everyday goods such as food and clothing, and services such as train tickets and haircuts, are now compared to a year earlier.

Economists generally agree that interest rate cuts will happen later this year.

And the Bank has indicated at recent meetings that cuts are likely in the future.

It would reverse a four-year trend of raising rates or leaving them unchanged at each Bank meeting.

An interest rate cut is expected to reduce mortgage costs for millions of households.

This comes after bank interest rates rose from an all-time low of 0.1% in December 2021.

What is inflation and what does it mean for me?

It was increased to tackle rising inflation.

High interest rates are intended to dampen demand and spending, thereby reducing inflation.

Since September, the bank rate has been held at 5.25% as inflation has declined, easing the burden on mortgage holders.

We explain below what exactly a new rate pause means for your finances.

What does it mean for my mortgage?

When interest rates rise, it usually means that your mortgage costs will increase, depending on the type you have.

Those with fixed rates are usually safe until they remortgage.

However, other mortgages, such as tracker mortgages or standard variable rate (SVR) mortgages, could be immediately affected.

Homeowners with an adjustable-rate mortgage may not see their payments increase immediately, but they are likely to increase shortly after interest rates increase.

But the exact amount depends on your loan and your loan-to-value.

However, if the BoE freezes the current interest rate, your lender may choose to do nothing.

This will come as a huge relief to those who have experienced fourteen consecutive increases in their mortgage bills.

Either way, your bank should warn you of any increase in your rate before it goes up.

We’ve also explained how to find the best mortgage rate.

What is the base interest rate and what impact does it have on the economy?

NINE members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee meet eight times a year to set the base interest rate.

Any change in the Bank’s interest rate can have far-reaching consequences as it directly affects:

The costs that lenders charge people to borrow money
The amount of savings interest that banks pay to customers.

When the Bank of England cuts interest rates, consumers tend to increase their spending.

This can directly impact the country’s GDP and help move the economy into growth and out of recession.

In this scenario, the cost of borrowing is typically cheap, and the biggest winners are first-time buyers and homeowners with a mortgage.

But those with savings tend to lose.

However, when more credit is available to consumers, demand can increase and prices tend to rise.

And if inflation rises significantly, the Bank of England could raise interest rates to drive prices down again.

When the cost of borrowing rises, consumers and businesses have less money to spend, and in theory prices should also fall as demand for goods and services falls.

The Bank of England is tasked with keeping inflation at 2%, and raising interest rates is one way to achieve this goal.

In this scenario, the losers are the ones in debt.

First-time buyers will lose out on cheaper mortgage rates, and those with variable rate tracker or standard mortgages will usually be hit immediately by base rate increases.

Those with fixed-rate contracts are generally safe if they enter into a contract when interest rates are lower, but their bills can increase dramatically when it comes time to remortgage.

The cost of borrowing through loans, credit cards and overdrafts also increases as the base interest rate rises.

However, the winners in this scenario are those who can save money.

Banks tend to enter the fray by offering market-leading savings rates when the base rate is high.

What does this mean for credit card and loan rates?

Again, if the base rate is increased, the cost of borrowing through loans, credit cards and overdrafts could increase as banks are likely to pass on the increased rate.

Certain loans that you already have, such as a personal loan or car financing, usually remain the same because you have already agreed on the rate.

But rates on future loans could be higher, and lenders could increase rates on credit cards and overdrafts – although they should let you know in advance.

But if interest rate hikes are halted, nothing will likely change.

However, you can still cancel a credit card and have 60 days to pay off the outstanding balance.

What does it mean for my savings?

Savers are the largest group that has actually benefited from the last fourteen interest rate increases at the banks.

That’s because banks tend to enter the fray by offering market-leading interest rates.

Although banks typically act much slower than passing on higher interest rates.

If the base rate does not rise, banks will probably benefit from this and also leave their interest rates unchanged.

Anyone currently getting a low rate on easy-to-access savings might find it worth shopping around for a better rate and moving their money.

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Tiger Woods’ Masters comeback CONFIRMED as he is named in the field at Augusta

Jeffrey Bailey — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:48:50 +0000

TIGER WOODS makes its comeback next month in Augusta.

The fifteen-time Major winner last played competitively in February at the Genesis Invitational.

Tiger Woods is playing at the Masters this yearCredit: The Mega Agency

However, his comeback was short-lived as he withdrew due to illness after just six holes of the second round.

As the 48-year-old continues his recovery from ankle surgery last year, it has been revealed he will play at the Masters from April 8 to 14.

He has won the event five times and last wore the green jacket in 2019.

Woods returned to Augusta in 2022 and finished 47th, just 14 months after nearly losing his leg in a car accident.

And last year he withdrew in the third round due to back pain.

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Fans are facing travel chaos over a big Prem weekend, as the latest train strikes have confirmed

Jeffrey Bailey — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 12:50:41 +0000

TRAIN STRIKES will plunge Premier League fans into chaos next month.

It has been confirmed that the latest series of strikes will take place between Friday, April 5 and Monday, April 8.

Train strikes will wreak havoc among football fans in the first weekend of AprilCredit: Getty

Drivers from Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine will strike on Saturday when seven Premier League matches take place.

Of those matches, the disruption is expected to mainly affect Newcastle’s trip to Fulham – kick-off at 3pm.

Walkouts over the weekend will also affect fans making the trip to see Sheffield United vs Chelsea at Bramall Lane.

But the fans who will suffer the most are those going to Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest in North London on Monday night.

That’s because the list of notables includes c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway mainline and depot drivers and the SWR Island Line.

And that is not the only disruption, because on the same day drivers of the London Underground, who are members of the Aslef union, will also strike.

It comes after 98 percent of drivers voted in favor of action – with a second strike on Saturday, May 4, when another series of Premier League matches take place.

The above-ground strike is taking place due to a long-standing dispute over wages.

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The underground strike is the result of employees contesting their terms and conditions.

The latest travel scare comes after Chelsea fans faced cancellations ahead of their trip to Manchester City last month.

Each Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby, one of which has more than 130 local drinking establishments

And in January, Arsenal fans suffered the consequences of tube attacks on the day of their 3-1 win over Liverpool.

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Shoppers left devastated as M&S confirmed ANOTHER store closure

Jeffrey Bailey — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 11:13:37 +0000

Shoppers are devastated after M&S confirmed it could close another city center store following a wave of closures.

Marks and Spencer plans to close one of its stores in east London.

Marks and Spencer is discussing proposals to close its Ilford storeCredit: Avalon.ed

A spokesperson for M&S confirmed this The Romford recorder that it is discussing the proposed closure of its Ilford store and broke the news to staff last week.

There is no estimated decision date in mind yet on whether or not to close the store.

Reacting to the news on Facebook, one M&S fan said: “Ilford is as**thole.

‘Full of junk shops run by idiots.

‘The whole area is so**thole.

“M&S was the only decent store left there.”

Another said: ‘You might as well close the whole of Ilford, it’s not so sad anymore.’

It comes after M&S, which has 405 stores across the country, closed a series of branches across the country in a blow to shoppers.

In 2022, the retailer announced plans to close 67 “lower productivity” stores as part of a five-year plan to shake up branches.

Some, including in Manchester, Swindon and Birmingham, closed their doors for good between August and November last year.

Sainsbury’s is facing a major ‘technical problem’ in its UK stores, leaving frustrated customers without groceries

In addition, 40 M&S clothing stores closed between November 2016 and July 2023.

Branches in Andover, Basildon, Edinburgh, Middlesborough and Stockport all pulled down their shutters for the final time.

But it’s not all bad news for the retailer: in January 2023, it announced it would open 20 more stores over the course of the financial year.

At the same time, it said it will open 104 new “bigger and fresher” food stores.

The company previously said it would reduce the number of clothing and home furnishings stores from 247 to 180 and expand its Simply Food stores from 316 to 420.

In the past 12 months the company has opened 22 locations, including in Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester, a spokesperson said.

Retailers will close stores in 2024

RETAILERS have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic, as shoppers cut back on spending due to the rising cost of living.

High energy costs and the switch to online shopping are also taking their toll, and many high street stores are struggling to continue.

Here’s a list of all the major brands closing their stores this year:

Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone stores in the UK last year as it looks to break away from the high street and focus on expanding its supermarket presence.
B&V – The chain has over 300 stores across the UK, so there’s a good chance there’s one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
Boots – The health and beauty chain announced last July that it would close 300 stores. The closures are ongoing and will reduce the retailer’s store count from 2,200 to 1,900 stores.
Clintons – Clintons late last year considered plans to close 38 stores in an effort to avoid bankruptcy. We have listed the affected stores.
Costa coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 locations nationwide, so there’s a good chance there’s one near you. The chain recently closed the doors of dozens of locations. We’ve revealed which stores are closing this year.
Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores, but closed almost twenty locations in 2023, and more select stores will close.
Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing store locations, causing a number of stores to close. But the retailer also wants to open twelve new supermarkets.
MRS – M&S, which has 405 stores across the country, has closed a string of branches across the country in a blow to shoppers. But it’s not all bad news, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new stores.
Offence – The company announced in July last year that it would close six branches, but more are in the pipeline.
W.H.Smith – The retail giant, which operates more than 1,100 stores, has closed eight stores since March 2023, but more are on the way.

Why do retailers close branches?

Recent figures from the Center for Retail Research show that more than 10,000 stores closed their doors for the last time last year.

Meanwhile, the foundation found that almost 120,000 workers lost their jobs in the same twelve-month period.

It comes amid a turbulent time for the high street, with businesses struggling with high energy and wage costs and expensive business rates.

Shoppers are increasingly turning to online retail, forcing retailers to close their branches.

A number of notable brands have gone bankrupt, including Wilko and Paperchase.

Last month, The Body Shop confirmed it would close almost half of its portfolio of 198 stores after calling in administrators last week.

But it wasn’t all bad news, as a number of retailers expanded their physical presence in the UK.

Asda is expanding its portfolio of smaller Express stores, with plans to open 110 stores by the end of February.

In February, Primark confirmed plans to open and invest in new branches and renovate more than a dozen existing stores.

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Kate Middleton will attend Trooping the Color on June 8: the Princess of Wales’s first official role since abdominal surgery was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense

Albert Elence — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:39:50 +0000

The Princess of Wales will attend Trooping the Color in three months as part of her comeback to royal duties after Easter following abdominal surgery.

The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that Kate Middleton will be at the parade on Saturday 8 June from 10.30am at the Horse Guards Parade in Westminster.

Although this is Kate’s first official role since undergoing surgery, Kensington Palace has not yet confirmed her participation in the final rehearsal.

And a royal source told MailOnline that William or Kate’s presence at events will be announced by Kensington Palace, which ‘was not consulted’ in this MoD update.

More than 1,400 soldiers from the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will take part, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands.

They will parade on Horse Guards for the second of two formal talks, while 250 Foot Guards soldiers will also line the route along The Mall.

Two more Trooping the Color parades are being announced by the Ministry of Defense – one reviewed by Major General James Bowder on June 1 and another by King Charles III on June 15. Buckingham Palace has not yet confirmed the monarch’s presence.

Also this morning, the King was photographed with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of tomorrow’s Budget at a meeting in his private audience room at Buckingham Palace.

The Ministry of Defense today confirmed that Kate will attend Trooping the Color on June 8

2023 — Prince William and Kate with their children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at Buckingham Palace for Trooping The Color in London on June 17 last year

2023 — Glorious scenes on the Mall during Trooping the Color in London on June 17, 2023

When Kate attends Trooping the Colour, it will be almost exactly the same as when the King discusses the parade – except for the fact that there will be fewer mounted officers riding.

The general public can watch Horse Guards Parade from the stands by requesting tickets via the MoD website, which cost £15. The parade ends at 12.25 pm.

From 9am there will also be limited visibility from public viewing points on The Mall or on the edge of St James’s Park overlooking Horse Guards Parade.

Charles is being treated for cancer and Kate is recovering from abdominal surgery, but it is understood that planning for major royal events continues and organizers remain flexible in case of potential changes.

2022 — William, Kate and their children attend Trooping the Color in London on June 2, 2022

2021 — Trooping the Color was held at Windsor Castle for the Queen on June 12, 2021

Trooping the Color has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for more than 260 years. The parade brings together more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians each June for a display of military precision and fanfare.

Trooping the Colour: 1,400 soldiers and 200 horses in parade for Sovereign’s birthday

Trooping the Color has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for more than 260 years.

During the parade every June, more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians take part in a display of military precision and fanfare.

Crowds line the streets with flags as the parade travels from Buckingham Palace through The Mall to the Horse Guards Parade, with members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.

A royal salute greets the Sovereign as they arrive at the Horse Guards Parade before inspecting the troops dressed in the ceremonial uniform of red tunics and bearskin hats.

The escorted Regimental Colour, or flag, then travels through the ranks of soldiers, with the commanding officer directing the soldiers with more than 100 command words.

The Foot Guards march past the Sovereign before returning to the palace at the head of the soldiers.

The display ends with a Royal Air Force flypast, watched by the Royal Family from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. A 41-gun salute is also fired from Green Park.

On a ticket booking website for Trooping the Colour, the Ministry of Defense said that Kate, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, will carry out the inspection at the event on June 8.

A section on the event information stated: ‘Trooping the Color judged by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales is identical to Trooping the Color judged by His Majesty the King, with the exception that some additional mounted officers ride when His Majesty the King is present is .

More than 1,400 soldiers from the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will take part, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands, all of whom will parade on Horse Guards for the second of two formal reviews.

‘Trooping the Colour, judged by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, will also include 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards who will line the procession route along The Mall.

‘The soldiers will be inspected by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, Colonel Irish Guards.’

Kate will not return to her official duties until after Easter and William has temporarily stepped back from his royal role to juggle caring for her and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The princess was admitted to the London Clinic on January 16 for a planned operation and left the hospital on January 29 – almost two weeks later.

The 42-year-old then returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor to be reunited with her three children. Details about the princess’s condition have not been released.

However, Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wanted her personal medical information to remain private.

A week after the princess left hospital, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment.

2019 — William and Kate at Trooping the Color with their children in London on June 8, 2019

2017 — Philip speaks to William and Kate at Trooping The Color in London on June 17, 2017

Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, are said to be currently active in helping the Waleses.

Yesterday, TMZ published a photo of Kate near Windsor Castle in the passenger seat of a black Audi car driven by her mother Carole Middleton.

The photo of the princess, who wore dark sunglasses, is the first of Kate since she was photographed walking on Christmas Day in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Meanwhile, Kate’s ‘black sheep’ uncle Gary Goldsmith – Carole’s brother – praised her as ‘perfect’ as he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night.

Kate was last seen at a royal event on Christmas Day 2023 with her family at Sandringham

King Charles is pictured today with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt at Buckingham Palace in London

He added that she could watch the new ITV program ‘behind a sofa’.

When asked by presenter AJ Odudu if Kate would be watching, Mr Goldsmith, 58, said: “If she is, it will be behind a sofa I think… It will be a fun one in a nice house, I can . guarantee that.’

In a pre-recorded interview that aired before he entered the house, Goldsmith said, “She’s just perfect.”

‘The first time I met William, Catherine was cooking and William said, ‘Hello, would you like a cup of tea?’ Very normal.’

Towards the end of the programme, he told housemate Fern Britton: ‘I absolutely adore my family’, after the TV presenter praised his decision to come on the show.

Speaking to The Sun before entering the house, Goldsmith described his niece as a ‘loving mother’.

“She’s beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside and she’s a really loving mother… so the way the monarchy is developing is family-oriented.”

He added that he became “angry” at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “because you don’t stick a stick in that spoke and reinvent history.”

“Throwing your family under the bus just seemed inappropriate, especially what happened to the Queen. “I just thought it was completely unnecessary,” he added.

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The clash between Sheff Utd and Chelsea has been moved and the unique new kick-off time has been confirmed

Jeffrey Bailey — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:06:45 +0000

CHELSEA’S visit to Sheffield United now starts at 5.30pm.

The match was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 7 at 1:30 PM.

Sheffield United vs Chelsea starts at a different timeCredit: Getty

But after consultation with Chelsea FC, the Premier League, Sheffield Council and South Yorkshire Police, the Blades have decided to change the time.

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Mia Regan looks downcast as she is pictured out three days after shock split from Romeo Beckham was confirmed – as he likes a slew of Australian model’s scantily-clad snaps

Sabir Ansary — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:37:53 +0000

Mia Regan looked downcast as she was seen out and about in west London on Wednesday – three days after Romeo Beckham confirmed their five year romance had ended.

The model, 21, looked upset in the wake of her heartache, after it was claimed she and Romeo had a big argument which brought their romance to a close.

Mia went barefaced while out and about with her friend Charlotte Smurfit as the pair headed for dinner.

Keeping it casual, the star threw on some baggy jeans and leather jacket and hoody for the outing as she linked arms with her supportive pal.

Covering her hair in a silk bandana, Mia enjoyed some time with Charlotte after it was revealed Romeo has been liking a slew of sizzling snaps of a racy Australian model Liv Grivas in the wake of their split.

Mia Regan, 21, (right) looked downcast as she was seen out in West London on Wednesday – three days after her split from Romeo Beckham was confirmed

The model put on a sombre appearance while out and about with her friend Charlotte Smurfit as the pair headed for dinner

Romeo and Mia were together for five years which no doubt made the fact he has been liking a slew of sizzling snaps of racy Australian model Liv Grivas since they split more painful

On Sunday evening, the son of David Beckham, who had been dating model Mia, 21, since 2019, addressed the split speculation surrounding their relationship – which came after he failed to post a Valentine’s Day tribute to her.

It is claimed the couple went their separate ways after an argument, with Mia moving out of the home they shared together.

Following their split, it has been revealed that Romeo has been getting click happy on Liv’s profile, liking a number of shots from earlier this month, including racy shots as well as fun-loving images of cocktails.

Stunning Liv boasts a whopping 407k Instagram followers, 109k TikTok followers and is the founder of Elaai, a fashion brand specialising in swimwear and club looks.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for the Beckhams’ for comment.

Footballer Romeo, 21, confirmed their separation on Sunday, writing on Instagram: ‘Mooch and I have parted ways after 5 years of love, we still have a lot of respect for each other, and still hold a strong friendship and always will.’

Sharing a picture of herself with Romeo on her Instagram Stories, Mia wrote: ‘This is an Ro, we have grown up with each other since we were 16!! Love takes different forms & paths as you mature.

‘We aren’t tougher romantically but we do share lots & lots of love for one another… after 5 years we friendzoned each other.’

Mia linked arms with her pal who rested her head on Mia’s shoulder, with Mia moving her head closer in return

Something caught Mia’s attention and she looked off to the other side of the road while Charlotte looked at the floor

Keeping it casual, the star threw on some baggy jeans and leather jacket and hoody for the outing

Mia focused intently on a phone call as she went about her business holding something firmly in her left hand

She and Romeo began dating in 2019 when they were just 16 years old. She refers to him as ‘Ro’ and he to her as ‘Mooch’

Mia was part of the furniture at the Beckham households and they are said to be devastated by the split

She acted as the big sister Harper 7, the youngest Beckham child and only girl, never had, entering her life when she was just 8

Mia enjoyed the evening out with Charlotte and the two grabbed some Asian food as Mia tried to take her mind off the split

The model and TikTok personality split from Romeo once before – in the summer of 2022 – but they quickly reconciled

Though only time will tell, it seems that this split is the real thing and Mia will need the support of friends like Charlotte

Charlotte is a firm friend of Mia’s, and she is often seen attending high profile events in London with Mia

She enjoys a following of her own, with over 70,000 on Instagram alone, and Mia will comment sweet messages to her

Mia’s ring adorned hand pointed at something while she maintained a straight face and Charlotte took a look

Mia looked off into the night as they approached their destination, and said something to Charlotte

Mia said something to Charlotte and she listened intently, her head sweetly back on Mia’s shoulder

Charlotte closes her eyes but keeps a hand on Mia’s arm and her other hand maintains a tight grip on her phone

It was clear that Charlotte was playing a vital role in helping Mia overcome her post-break up blues

News of their split emerged on Saturday, before Romeo and Mia issued their statements.

Mia travelled alone to Italy this week and was seen without Romeo at the Missoni show during Milan Fashion Week on Saturday

It came just a few hours before the sad news of their second split was reported, their first split coming in the summer of 2022.

Giving more insight, an insider told the Mirror: ‘Romeo and Mia had a fallout… they aren’t together at the moment.

‘They were living together, but Mia has apparently moved out of the place they shared and is staying with her parents.

‘They’ve split up in the past and got back together again, but this time it feels more serious – Mia moving out obviously points to it being more than just a tiff.’

The last time the long-term couple were seen together was at the British Fashion Awards in London in December 2022.

Before Sunday, neither of them had posted pictures of each other on their social media pages since.

Footballer Romeo, 21, confirmed their separation on Sunday, writing on Instagram: ‘Mooch and I have parted ways after 5 years of love, we still have a lot of respect for each other’

Following their split, it has been revealed that Romeo has been getting click happy on Liv Grivas’ profile, liking a number of shots from earlier this month, including racy shots as well as fun-loving images of cocktails

She looked sensational in the images which featured the superstar offspring’s likes

Stunning Liv boasts a whopping 407k Instagram followers, 109k TikTok followers and is the founder of Elaai, a fashion brand specialising in swimwear and club looks

Romeo sparked rumours he had split from Mia after he didn’t post a social media tribute for Valentine’s Day.

The footballer son of David Beckham has been dating Mia since 2019 – but the pair went on a break in 2022.

However the pair, who usually love to gush over one another on social media, have not posted pictures of each other in recent weeks, prompting fans to ask if they had split up.

Instead of Mia, Romeo, 21, spent Valentine’s Day with his mother Victoria.

The fashion designer, 49, was joined by her second eldest child for a meal at Dorian bistro in Notting Hill, west London.

It was also noted that Romeo had been following stunning models on Instagram during the same time period, according to The Sun.

Under a picture Romeo shared of himself and his brother Brooklyn, 24, last Wednesday, one fan wrote: ‘No valentine message for Mia then.? Have they split up?’

While under a photo shared later that day of Romeo, Brooklyn and Cruz, 18, another fan asked: ‘What about Mia? Are they still together?’

Footballer Romeo sparked rumours he had split from Mia, 21, after he didn’t post a social media tribute for Valentine’s Day last week (pictured in December last year)

The pair often gave fans an insight into their romance but were silent when it came to Valentine’s Day, which prompted speculation they had split

And another said: ‘Have you and Mia broken up?’

‘@mimimoocher @romeobeckham please don’t tell me you’ve both split up,’ someone else wrote, with another replying to the comment saying: ‘I’m wondering too. No comments or photos together recently.’

The rumours come after Romeo moved out of the £31million family London townhouse and into a new apartment with Mia.

Sources said in January that Romeo and Mia wanted their own space – despite the Beckhams’ home boasting six bedrooms and an indoor pool.

The couple showed off their new home in a TikTok video, which Mia captioned: ‘Roomies and I.’

But the departure of Romeo means all three Beckham sons have now moved out, with only Harper, 12, at home to keep Mum and Dad company.

Cruz and Brooklyn both live in LA.

A friend of the Beckhams said at the time: ‘David and Victoria miss them dreadfully. There are jokes that they are almost empty-nesters.’

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O’Sullivan confirmed for Saudi tournament, but still has to practice with bizarre rule

Jeffrey Bailey — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:16:55 +0000

EIGHT STARS have been confirmed to fly to Saudi Arabia next week – but they still have to practice with the ‘Golden Ball’.

The first Riyadh season World Masters of Snooker will be held from March 4 to 6 and will have a pool pot of £789,000.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has not yet had the chance to practice the new Golden Ball formatCredit: Getty

The World Snooker Tour field will feature reigning world champion Luca Brecel, world number 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Allen, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams and Ali Carter.

There will be two local wildcards involved in the 10-man invitational event which will be shown in Britain on Eurosport.

On Monday evening, seeds seven (Williams) and eight 8 (Carter) will play the two local boys, with the winners progressing to the best-of-seven frames quarter-finals.

The final is best of nine frames.

A controversial 20-point Golden Ball will come into play once someone accumulates a maximum break of 147 – meaning a world record 167 break is possible.

Details about the prize money and where the extra 23rd ball will be placed on the table will be announced in the coming days.

One player has told SunSport that it can be placed in the center of the barrier pad, which would make the feat “difficult” to accomplish.

It is believed that the cueists have not had a chance to practice with the ball and that will happen when they arrive in the Middle East.

Most read in Other sports

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O’Sullivan was on a 16-game winning streak before he was brutally dismantled by Selby in the Players Championship last week.

The Leicester star scored breaks of 105, 91, 81, 65 and 59 in the Telford quarter-finals.

Allen was ultimately crowned the winner of the tournament after defeating Zhang Anda in a grueling final.

Ronnie O’Sullivan reveals his ‘golden rule’ live on ITV during Players Championship

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Aldi has confirmed it has made a major change at the checkout after shoppers left in confusion

Jeffrey Bailey — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 09:30:40 +0000

ALDI confirmed it has made a huge change to its checkout after a customer said: “It would be nice to know this in advance.”

One customer wondered why Aldi had introduced a 20 item limit on their self-service checkouts.

The retailer is known for its competitively priced groceriesCredit: Getty

Aldi started rolling out self-service checkouts in 2019Credit: Getty

They wondered why the supermarket giant had failed to use an old-fashioned sign to notify customers.

The customer’s tweet read: “Since when did you have 20 items or less at your self-service checkouts?

“There is no sign stating this. It is nice to know in advance which self-service checkout I can go to.”

Aldi responded to the customer saying: “All stores currently have a 20 item limit at self-checkouts.

“This change is designed to make it easier and more efficient for you to shop with us. All customers can still use the checkouts managed by our wonderful colleagues.”

Aldi began rolling out self-service checkouts in 2019, introducing the kiosks in London, Manchester and Leicester.

The new look of the cash registers sparked discussion among Aldi customers.

One shopper wrote on Facebook groups for Aldi fans: “I’ve just been to Hednesford Aldi, the self-service checkouts are a win-win for me!!!”

While another said: ‘I suppose it’s inevitable but one of the last strongholds of checkout service Aldi has resorted to installing self-checkout tills in Trentham.

“Bad show Aldi. I may come across as a Luddite but I don’t work for Aldi or any of the other supermarkets that expect you to do their job for them. This should be progress!”

One user wrote: “Robot cashiers take a job away from a human cashier. Boycott.”

While another said: “I hope ours doesn’t get them. I love Aldi but don’t do self-service.”

The German retail giant takes its stores seriously and sometimes closes them in order to renew and renovate them.

Aldi will close its store in Erskine from March 14 to 21.

A spokesperson for the German retail giant said it was “renovation work”.

They added: “When we reopen at 8am on Thursday, March 21, the store will be in our new layout.”

This provides “more space” for the fresh, refrigerated and food-to-go range.

In addition, the entire store will be “much brighter with simpler layouts,” Aldi pointed out.

The retailer announced plans to open its new £9 million store in Neats Court, Queenborough, in April.

The new multi-million complex is located opposite the Queenborough retail park and will be a third larger than the existing building with 134 parking spaces – 59 more than in Sheerness.

After the major retailer opened its 1,000th store, Aldi announced plans for its next phase of expansion, which will include a further 500 stores.

The retailer said: “It is a long-term goal and does not put a ceiling on our ambition to have an Aldi store close to everyone in Britain.”

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Tragic victims of the Valencia fire: Parents die alongside newborn baby and daughter, three, along with elderly couple who cowered with their dog in the bathroom are among ten confirmed dead

Albert Elence — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:29:10 +0000

A family of four with two young children, including a newborn baby, and an elderly couple are among the 10 people who are confirmed to have died in a deadly blaze that consumed a block of flats in Valencia last night.

Firefighters and police, currently on the fourth floor of the 14-storey block of flats, slowly made their way up the apartment block in the upmarket Campanar neighbourhood of Valencia and have confirmed that ten is the final death toll of the deadly blaze.

The bodies of four people who died, spotted on terraces by firefighters who sent up a drone late last night, have not been identified and remain in the building, home to 138 flats and more than 400 residents.

Officials have today confirmed that a family, made up of a newborn baby, a three-year old girl and the mother and father, perished in the blaze.

El Diario Vasco reported that one of the children studied at the Sant Pau nursery school in the Campanar neighbourhood.

Photos show a black veil being hung up, a sign of mourning, outside the entrance of the school today, and it was reported that the Spanish Red Cross has sent emergency counsellors to the school.

An elderly couple, who have not yet been identified, are understood to have died in the blaze while cowering in their bathroom with their dog.

Authorities later said that the death toll has risen to ten, with a government spokesperson saying: ‘The scientific police had 14 people unlocated. During the morning we have located four people, therefore we can say that those 10 people who remained unlocatable coincide with the bodies that have been found in the building and that are currently being transferred by those responsible.’

The blaze engulfed the apartment building in the Campanar neighbourhood of Valencia

Debris falling on firefighters as they work at a burned block building in Valencia, Spain

Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez speaks to the media as he visits the building involved in the fire

Neighbours from surrounding buildings donated clothes to victims who had lost their homes and belongings

The facade of the building was almost completely burned

Firefighters said earlier today there was no risk of the building collapsing

Firefighters and police are still trying to put out the fire

Police later said that there are no more missing people, as everyone who was in the building has now been confirmed to be dead or alive.

Valencia’s mayor Maria Jose Catala said today: ‘We have this information from relatives who are contacting us and saying they can’t locate their loved ones.

‘We know there are foreigners and the information we have is likely to change during the day.’ No nationalities have been released by officials yet on those feared dead.

Asked if the foreigners staying there could have been renting holiday let-style apartments for just a few days, the mayoress replied: ‘It’s possible.’

Mayoress Jose Catala said: ‘At the moment we know there are 14 people who are unaccounted for but we know that process is variable and there are people who are foreigners who were spending a few days in Valencia and that can make things more complicated.

‘Until we can enter the building, we won’t know the true situation.’

Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez travelled to the scene today, and said in a speech in front of the ruined building: ‘The priority now is the search for victims and without a doubt trying to safeguard the safety of public servants.

‘I would like, on behalf of the Government of Spain and I believe on behalf of Spanish society as a whole, to convey our solidarity, affection and empathy to the families of the victims already known by this terrible fire.’

He also thanked the emergency services who have been dealing with the blaze: ‘These are times when we value the work of public servants much more.’

Officials have confirmed all 14 people injured, including six fire fighters, will pull through and none of their conditions are life-threatening. Only six are believed to remain in hospital.

Firefighters expect to find 14 more bodies when they today enter a Spanish apartment block gutted by fire (pictured last night) in a Grenfell Tower-like disaster

Dramatic video shows the moment residents trapped in a tower block inferno in Spain were rescued from their balcony last night, as flames closed in around them. Crews have been unable to enter the twin multi-storey towers that form part of the building since the devastating blaze broke out just before 5.30pm yesterday

More dramatic footage from the scene shows a man jumping several floors onto an inflatable mat to escape the raging fire, while other homeowners were seen awaiting rescue on their terraces as the flames closed in around them

Flaming debris come crashing down around firefighters as they have been working to extinguish the inferno that began at around 5.30pm on Thursday

Firefighters on cherry pickers work to put out the flames in the building in Valencia last night. The official death toll stands at four based on the number of bodies spotted on balconies by a drone put up by emergency responders late yesterday

Firefighters work at the site during the building fire in Valnecia on February 22, 2024

Residents were trapped on their balconies – just metres from the flames – as they waited for firefighters to rescue them from the inferno

The apartment block in Valencia caught fire at around 5.30pm on Thursday. The fire continued to rage on into the early hours of Friday morning, leaving a ‘skeleton’ of a building behind

Building manager and resident Adriana reacts at the scene of a fire of apartment building in Valencia last night

Firefighters check the facade of a building after a fire, in Valencia, Spain, February 23

The building in Valencia was covered in russ this morning as firefighters get ready to enter and look for those missing and feared dead

The injured people included nine men aged 25 and 57, four women aged between 27 and 81, and a seven-year-old boy.

The death toll is expected to rise rapidly once firefighters have cooled down the outside of the building enough.

The Minister of Justice, Elisa Núñez, said today she has sent out between four and eight teams to carry out autopsies on the bodies of those who have died in the deadly fire.

Núñez has also contacted local duty courts to help facilitate the autopsies, and added: ‘We have made the victim care network available for psychological care and a team of 24 psychologists.’

The city of 800,000 on the east coast of Spain came to a standstill last night, as sirens blared through the streets.

As the sun rose over the coastal city and crews prepared to go in, more details began to emerge this morning of the miracle rescue of a couple trapped on the seventh-floor in images that went around the world.

With flames closing in, the man and woman were trapped on their balcony for almost two hours before being plucked to safety by firefighters in cherry pickers.

They covered their faces with scarves and woolly hats to protect themselves from the flames, smoke and intense heat.

A huge fire rages through a multistorey residential block in Valencia on February 22, 2024

Firefighters work at the site during the building fire on February 22, 2024 in Valencia

Police officers work at the scene of a fire of the apartment building in Valencia, February 22

Firefighters were still trying to put out the fire at the apartment building this morning

Firefighters work at the scene of a fire of apartment building in Valencia, February 22, 2024

Firefighters check the facade of a building after a fire, in Valencia, Spain, February 23

The inferno left at least four people dead and the building burnt out (pictured above)

Firefighters continue to assess the damage caused by the devastating blaze before entering today to look for those still missing

At one point they were even filmed trying to jump over a partition wall separating their balcony from their neighbour’s terrace before being dissuaded by the fire crews trying to reach them who focused on dousing the outside of their flat with water to try to keep the flames away and make reaching them possible.

The couple were heard shouting for help as their rescuers tried to calm them down and darkness descended on the area.

They were plucked to safety around 8pm, with onlookers fearing a fatal outcome cheering as they were brought to the ground.

They received emergency medical attention following their rescue but are not thought to have needed hospital treatment.

Their whereabouts this morning was unknown. Other survivors are being put up in hotels or staying with family and friends.

Other dramatic footage shows a man jumping several floors onto an inflatable mat to escape the raging fire, while other homeowners were seen awaiting rescue on their terraces as the flames closed in around them.

The blaze, Valencia’s worst-ever fire, is thought to have started on an eighth-floor.

The probe into the cause will begin once firefighters and police can enter the building but is already being linked to a possible electrical fault.

Residents who managed to make it out alive said last night the fire had spread through the entire two residential towers affected in the 30 minutes after the first flames were detected.

The fire raged late into Thursday night and left the building as little more than a shell

Firefighters worked through the night to put out the huge inferno, which left the building completely gutted

The tower block before the fire. Construction began on the building in 2005 and it was completed around 2009

Firefighters were lifted up to extinguish any remaining fires in the building

Smoke was still rising from the building this morning as firefighters tried to extinguish the remaining fires

The site of the tower block fire in the Campanar area of Valencia on Avenida Maestro Rodrigo, at the junction with General Aviles

The now burnt out building in Valencia hosted 138 flats and over 400 residents

In June 2017, a fire ripped through Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey high-rise in west London, killing 72 people

Devastated residents evacuated from the burning apartment building watch on helplessly as the fire continued to rage on

A woman called Maite, who lives opposite the apartment block, told local press: ‘I saw people being burnt and shouting for help from balconies, a couple and a child. I’m feeling devastated.

‘I left my home and went down into the street in case the flames jumped to our building. I just grabbed hold of my handbag, nothing else.’

Valencia City Hall has declared three days of mourning.

Speaking late last night after a drone put up by firefighters sighted four bodies and it was ascertained the blaze had caused fatalities, Jorge Suarez, sub-director of emergencies for the regional Valencian government, said: ‘We have to confirm the worst of the hypotheses that were on the table.

‘Four people have died. We can now confirm that but we can’t give out any more information at the moment.

‘Firefighters are still working exclusively outside the building on tasks related to extinguishing the blaze.

‘The characteristics of the building make it impossible to carry out any such work inside the structure so the work being done at the moment is focused on cooling down the outside and that’s going to be the focus over the next few hours.

‘I can’t say at the moment when they’re going to be able to go inside the building.’

Picture shows the aftermath of a huge fire that yesterday raged through a multistorey residential block killing at least four people, in Valencia

Firefighters work at the burned-out block building in Valencia this morning

Fire crews have been unable to enter the building so far amid fears of structural damage

Firefighters are seen working at the burned building in Valencia, Spain this morning as they prepare to enter to search for victims of the huge blaze

The official death toll stands at four based on the number of bodies spotted on balconies by a drone put up by emergency responders late yesterday

14 people who lived in the building in Valencia, home to 138 flats and more than 400 residents, remain unaccounted for and have been declared missing

Firefighters inspect the aftermath of a huge fire that yesterday raged through a multistorey residential block killing at least four people, in Valencia on February 23, 2024

Firefighters inspect the aftermath of the huge fire in Valencia this morning

Pictures of the building before the blaze

Construction began on the building in 2005 and it was completed around 2009, with the construction company boasting at the time that it was built with ‘the highest quality materials’.

More than 20 fire crews were involved in tackling last night’s blaze, with their efforts being hampered by the wind and soaring temperatures of the fire.

Witnesses said that firefighters managed to rescue several people, including a father and daughter, teenage boy and a couple, from their balconies.

Speaking to EFE, Esther Puchades, who is deputy head of Valencia’s Industrial Engineers Association (COGITI), blamed the building’s cladding for the fire’s ferocity and said that the tragedy may mark ‘a turning point’ in Spain.

Images recalled the London disaster in June 2017 when a fire ripped through Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey high-rise in the west of the British capital, killing 72 people.

The blaze spread rapidly due to the highly combustible cladding on the block’s outside walls. A public inquiry into the disaster is still ongoing.

Speaking to Valencian TV on Thursday, Puchades explained that when construction began on the now destroyed building, ‘the bad reputation of polyurethane was not so widespread’ as it is now, in the wake of Grenfell and other disasters around the world.

‘Today it is not used, at least not in that way,’ she added, referring to increased safety measures around its usage in Spain.

Firefighters attempt to rescue two stranded residents who fled to the balcony as the building was engulfed

Emergency services work at the scene of a fire of apartment building in Valencia

Multiple fire pumps are at the scene battling the blaze, which reportedly spread from one residential building to another

The building in the Campanar area of the port city has been completely gutted

Devastated residents comfort each other at the scene of the huge fire in the Campanar area

Residents were pictured watching on in horror tonight as their homes were destroyed in front of their eyes

The multistorey building was left completely gutted, with crowds seen gathering to watch the destruction unfold

Spanish rescue services members take care of a person affected by a fire in a 14-story residential building in Valencia

A general view of the facade during the building fire on February 22, 2024

A black cloud of smoke entirely engulfed the building on Thursday evening and flames

The fire is believed to have broken out at around 5.30pm on one floor before quickly spreading to the rest of the block

Firefighters have been using cranes to help rescue people from the burning building

Engineer David Higuera also told Spanish newspaper El País that the building’s cladding may have been the cause of the rapid spread of the fire.

The material is ‘very good at insulating against heat and cold, but very combustible,’ he said.

Dozens of residents were pictured watching on in horror tonight as their homes were destroyed in front of their eyes.

A resident who lives on the second floor of the building told TV channel La Sexta that ‘the fire spread in a matter of 10 minutes’ after it broke out.

He speculated that material on the facade of the building may have enabled the flames to move through the building so quickly.

A resident who lives in the building opposite told RNE radio what she saw when the fire broke out.

‘At first the fire came out of the balconies and parts of the facade fell down,’ she said, adding that wind had blown parts of the cladding off in recent years and that it had needed to be repaired.

Spain’s TVE public television said there were more than 130 flats in the building.

Television images showed the entire facade of the building ablaze as burning segments fell to the pavement below and small explosions were heard inside.

A woman who runs a nearby flower shop told public television the building was no more than 14 years old and had more than 100 flats, all of which were occupied.

‘What caused the fire to spread was mostly the wind,’ she said, describing scenes of ‘chaos’ as the blaze took hold, snarling traffic and sending clouds of smoke everywhere.

A field hospital was set up near the scene in case possible victims required treatment.

Local media reported several residents calling for help from the balconies of their apartments.

Experts have blamed the Valencian building’s flammable cladding in a tragedy reminiscent of the Grenfell Tower disaster in London in 2017 (pictured)

The 14-storey flat has reportedly been ‘reduced to a skeleton’ while a nearby building has also been consumed by the flames

A firefighter works at the scene during the building fire on February 22 in Valencia, Spain

Dramatic footage shows two residents desperately trying to shelter from the fire. A number of people have been rescued from their balconies by firefighters

Firefighters work to extinguish the flames as they continue to rip through the residential block

The cause of the fire is unknown and it is not known if there are any victims

Images showed flames and vast clouds of black smoke engulfing the building

Firefighters have been battling the blaze as it rages through the residential block in the eastern port city

Ana Mari Gonzalez, who works in a nearby clinic, told TVE she could see firefighters working to rescue a teenage boy trapped on the building’s first floor.

‘Please stay away from the area of the fire to let the emergency services do their work,’ Valencia’s mayor Maria Jose Catala wrote on X.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was ‘shocked by the terrible fire’ and was in contact with the mayor and the region’s leader ‘to offer whatever help they needed’ and extending his condolences to everyone affected by the blaze.

The Spanish Royal family sent their support to emergency services and added: ‘Our hearts are with the Valencians.’

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