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Sir Keir Starmer has insisted it would “cost the taxpayer a fortune” if he were to watch Arsenal from the stands after it emerged he had accepted thousands of pounds worth of free football tickets.

The prime minister has faced criticism after Sky News’ Westminster Accounts project revealed he had received two-and-a-half times more gifts and hospitality than any other MP, totalling £107,145, since December 2019.

Sir Keir declared £12,588 of gifts from the Premier League; including four Taylor Swift tickets during the election campaign worth £4,000; two Euros finals tickets worth £1,628; and numerous tickets spanning several Arsenal matches adding up to well over £6,000.

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Government officials are worried the prime minister’s willingness to accept hospitality to go to football matches could amount to a conflict of interest given plans to overhaul the sport’s regulator which many clubs oppose.

Asked about his relationship with Arsenal Football Club, Sir Keir said he has attended matches as a season ticketholder for years.

But now he is prime minister, Sir Keir told ITV London the “security advice is that I can’t go to the stands”.

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The prime minister added that if he did, it would “cost the taxpayer a fortune” on “additional security”.

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Sir Keir Starmer is a regular at Arsenal home and away matches
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Sir Keir Starmer is a regular at Arsenal home and away matches

He said: “I’ve been offered tickets elsewhere in the ground where it’s more secure.

“We don’t have to use taxpayer money on additional security. And that’s why I’ve taken the decision that I have.”

Asked if he is worried about the optics of taking so many hospitality tickets, which cost hundreds of pounds each, Sir Keir said he thinks “most people” would agree his argument for doing so is “fair”.

Former Labour MP Harriet Harman has urged Sir Keir to stop trying to “justify” accepting free gifts as it is “making things worse” on the latest episode of Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast.

The baroness said the row was “out of line” for the prime minister and he should change his approach rather than “doubling down”.

She told the podcast: “You can either double down on it and try and justify it or you can just say it was probably a misstep, if I had my time again I wouldn’t do it and therefore I’m going to auction for charity or something.

“It’s not a hanging offence, but I think doubling down and trying to justify it is making things worse.”

Most of Sir Keir’s gifts and hospitality – £86,708 of the £107,145 – were accepted in the last parliament, but £20,437 was declared in this parliament for accommodation that straddles the two periods.

The biggest donor of gifts and hospitality is Labour peer Waheed Alli, who gave the equivalent of £39,122.

Speaking to regional broadcasters on Thursday, Sir Keir also insisted he is “completely in control” following a row within government over his top adviser’s pay.

The prime minister was asked why chief of staff Sue Gray was getting paid more than him, and told BBC South East: “I’m not going to get into discussions about individual salaries about any members of my staff. I’m sure you wouldn’t expect me to.”

Pressed on whether he had a grip on his team following briefings on the matter, Sir Keir said: “I’m completely in control. I’m focused and every day the message from me to the team is exactly the same, which is we have to deliver.”

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Second teenager dies after car crash in West Midlands – as two others suffer serious injuries

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Second teenager dies after car crash in West Midlands - as two others suffer serious injuries

Two teenagers have died and another is fighting for his life after a late night car crash in Shropshire.

A collision involving a silver Audi A1 occurred shortly before 11.15pm on Friday in Offoxey Road, Tong – near the town of Shifnal, West Mercia Police said.

It has since been confirmed an 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 17-year-old boy died in hospital.

Another 17-year-old boy is still being treated in hospital and is in a critical condition after sustaining life-threatening injuries in the crash.

A fourth, also a 17-year-old boy, sustained what has been described as “life-changing” injuries but is in a stable condition, police said.

“Officers investigating the collision are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have information about the incident to get in touch,” a police spokesperson said.

Anyone with information is footage is asked to contact DC Rich Owen on 07814773916 or SCIUNorth@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 554 of 14 March

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Newcastle United beat Liverpool to win Carabao Cup – ending 70-year wait for domestic trophy

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Newcastle United beat Liverpool to win Carabao Cup - ending 70-year wait for domestic trophy

Newcastle United have won their first domestic trophy in 70 years after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.

Tens of thousands of Magpies fans flooded the capital to watch their team end their drought against last year’s winners at Wembley.

TV presenters Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin were among fans rejoicing in the stands, while celebrations erupted across Newcastle.

The club lifted the European Inter-City Fairs Cup in 1969 but haven’t won a domestic trophy since their 1955 FA Cup victory.

Newcastle win Carabao Cup. Pic: PA
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Newcastle win Carabao Cup. Pic: PA

TV presenters Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin celebrate in the stands. Pic: Reuters
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TV presenters Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin celebrate in the stands. Pic: Reuters

Fans celebrate in a pub in Newcastle. Pic: Reuters
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Fans celebrate in a pub in Newcastle. Pic: Reuters

Liverpool, who have won 38 major trophies since the Black and Whites last got their hands on any silverware, went into the match as heavy favourites.

The last time the teams met, in the league last month, Liverpool eased to a 2-0 win – and they sit comfortably top of the Premier League table, seemingly headed for the title.

But Newcastle had the best of the first half and got their reward as local hero Dan Burn headed home from a corner just before half time, sending supporters into dreamland.

They found the back of the net again early in the second half, but the celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed for offside.

Dan Burn (left) and Fabian Schar celebrate winning the Carabao Cup. Pic: PA
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Dan Burn (left) and Fabian Schar celebrate winning the Carabao Cup. Pic: PA

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Minutes later, Alexander Isak struck and this time it did count, doubling Newcastle’s lead and sending the Geordie faithful in the crowd wild once more.

Liverpool gave themselves a lifeline in stoppage time with a goal from Federico Chiesa – after a tense VAR check – but Newcastle held on to secure the win.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates. Pic: PA
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates. Pic: PA

Bruno Guimaraes (left) and Anthony Gordon celebrate. Pic: PA
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Bruno Guimaraes (left) and Anthony Gordon celebrate. Pic: PA

‘For them it’s like the World Cup’

Eddie Howe, who became the first English manager to win a domestic trophy since Harry Redknapp in 2008 in front of a crowd of 88,513, told Sky Sports he was “very emotional”.

“We just knew what was at stake today for all the people here, all the people back in Newcastle and we just wanted to do them proud,” he said.

“We were desperate to try and win the trophy after all the years of hurt. I’m so pleased not just with the result, but with the performance. I thought we deserved the win today.”

Bruno Guimaraes described his side’s win as “one of the best days” of his life, telling Sky Sports: “It’s a lot for these fans, they deserve everything.”

“For them this is like the World Cup. People have not seen Newcastle as champions. We are here to make history and I’m very happy. We deserve this, this is unbelievable.”

Liverpool’s League Cup loss comes just days after the Premier League leaders were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris St Germain (PSG) on penalties.

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Prince Harry immigration files must be made public next week, US court rules

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Prince Harry immigration files must be made public next week, US court rules

Prince Harry’s immigration files must be made public by this Tuesday, a US court has ruled.

Judge Carl Nichols ordered documents relating to the Duke of Sussex‘s US visa application to be released as part of an ongoing Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The FOI request was brought by conservative US think-tank the Heritage Foundation, which alleges the duke may have concealed past drug use and that should have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa.

Judge Nichols ordered the US Department of Homeland Security to release a redacted version of the documents no later than Tuesday, according to court filings dated 15 March.

However, in September 2024, the same judge previously said that the public did not have a strong interest in the disclosure of Harry’s immigration records.

But the Heritage Foundation wanted the judgment changed.

It questioned why Harry was allowed into the US in 2020 after the royal referenced taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in his book Spare.

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In his memoir, Harry said cocaine “didn’t do anything for me”, adding: “Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me.”

The foundation also said that answers about his prior drug use in his visa application could raise questions over the US government’s integrity.

Despite refusing the previous FOI request, lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security agreed in February to release redacted versions of the forms.

“Specifically, Defendant would propose redacting all information in these items that would reveal information that the Court has determined Defendant can withhold,” department lawyer John Bardo wrote in a court filing.

In February, President Donald Trump ruled out deporting Harry from the US, telling The New York Post: “I’ll leave him alone.”

He added: “He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has been a vocal critic of Mr Trump and called him “divisive” and a “misogynist”.

Mr Trump, in a GB News interview with Nigel Farage in March last year, also said Harry should not receive preferential treatment.

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He said: “No. We’ll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they’ll have to take appropriate action.”

The royal moved to the US in 2020, following a brief spell in Canada, with his wife Meghan, after the couple’s split from the rest of the Royal Family. They have lived in California ever since.

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