Author: News Desk

Thousands rally in NZ in support of Māori rights Thousands of people participated in protests across New Zealand on Thursday, expressing anger over what they say is a government erosion of Māori rights. The demonstrations coincided with the centre-right coalition government’s announcement of its first budget, which included tax cuts and outlined savings in sectors such as housing and conservation. The finance minister rejected claims that funding cuts targeted programs benefiting Māori, asserting that the new initiatives would benefit all New Zealanders. However, since the government took office in October, it has faced allegations of undermining the agency of Indigenous…

Netherlands goalkeeper Justin Bijlow admits it is flattering to be linked with ‘very nice clubs’ Liverpool and Arsenal and has refused to confirm he will remain at Feyenoord beyond the summer. Bijlow, 26, has emerged as a target for Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window. Speaking to Dutch outlet Voetbalzone, he said: ‘Would I stay at Feyenoord? You never know, do you? That’s football. You don’t know that. ‘I’m ambitious, I’ve always said that. If the opportunity presents itself and a good club comes from abroad, I am open to it. I’ve always said…

Wayne Rooney has revealed who he ranks as England’s greatest player of all time to a surprised Gary Neville. With 53 goals and 120 appearances – tallies bettered by just two players – Rooney is certainly in the conversation as the best player to ever put on the Three Lions shirt. Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore, World Cup winners in 1966, are widely considered two of the greatest players England have ever produced. Then there are modern-day stars such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who all earned over 100 caps to establish themselves as England greats despite…

Denmark fans were left stunned after struggling Manchester United star Christian Eriksen was named in their Euro 2024 squad. His inclusion comes at the expense of in-form Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, with many supporters furious at his omission. On Thursday, Kasper Hjulmand named his final 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament in Germany, with Denmark set to take on England in the group stage. On the surface, it is perhaps not surprising to see Eriksen included given his status as one of his country’s greatest ever players, with only captain Simon Kjær and the legendary Peter Schmeichel winning more than…

Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Jude Bellingham’s younger brother and Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham, according to reports. Real Madrid star Jude is back in England as his side prepare to take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on Saturday. The midfielder, arguably one of, if not the best player in the world right now, will then link up with the England team as they finalise their plans for Euro 2024. But his brother may also be in for a busy summer, with several Premier League clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old after an impressive season…

Enzo Maresca will sign a five-year deal with Chelsea with the option of a further year with his arrival set to be confirmed by the end of the week. The Italian will succeed Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge having led Leicester City back to the Premier League after winning the Championship. The Daily Telegraph report a deal between the club and Maresca is being finalised by lawyers with an announcement possibly to be made on Friday. A five-year deal with the option of another 12 months represents a significant show of faith from US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly…

Boxing has always been regarded as the loneliest sport. Going into battle on your own is the every day reality but in a unique twist on Saturday, a team dynamic will be in play in the Matchroom vs Queensberry ‘5 vs 5’ showcase. A year ago, the mere suggestion of Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren collaborating to put together one of the biggest shows of the year would have had you laughed out of the room. For decades, the disdain has been as genuine as anything in the ring. British boxing’s biggest power-brokers refused to directly do business with each…

Hunt challenged over consecutive Tory VAT increases | News Jeremy Hunt was confronted over the Conservatives’ increases to VAT over the years during a live interview with Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4 on Thursday, 30 May. It came as the Tories and Labour ruled out hikes if either party wins the General election. “I am not pretending that there haven’t been times when Conservative governments haven’t put up taxes,” Mr Hunt said. Margaret Thatcher’s government increased VAT from 8 per cent to 15 per cent in 1979. It was then increased to 17.5 per cent, remaining at this figure…

Tory fury as Sunak allies ‘parachuted’ into winnable seats Rishi Sunak’s allies have been accused of “operating a chumocracy” in ”parachuting” special advisers and people close to the inner circle around the prime minister for winnable seats in the General election. David Goss, the prime minister’s deputy political secretary, became the latest high profile figure from Downing Street to be selected for a winnable seat in Wellingborough and Rushden, recently lost to Labour in a gruelling by-election. He followed former army officer James Clark, a special adviser to defence secretary Grant Shapps, being selected for Great Yarmouth last night. Others…

Ex-Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen says she faced campaign of’ racism, Islamophobia and bullying’ from inside party A left-wing candidate dropped by Labour claims she faced “a systematic campaign of racism, Islamophobia and bullying from some within the party”. Faiza Shaheen said she was considering legal action against the party after it blocked her on Wednesday from standing at the General election. In a statement hitting out at Labour insiders, the former candidate claimed there had been numerous examples of how she had been singled out for unfair treatment. Ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn with Faiza Shaheen, who has been stopped from…