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The Lead: Starmer’s Emergency Advisory TeamKeir Starmer has appointed former prime minister Gordon Brown and veteran MP Harriet Harman as unpaid advisers in a bid to defuse mounting calls for his resignation after Labour’s disastrous local election results.Strategic Roles for Brown and HarmanBrown will serve as Starmer’s envoy on global finance, tasked with shaping financial partnerships that could underpin defence‑related investments, especially with European allies. Harman will focus on women and girls, targeting violence prevention and economic opportunities.Election Fallout NumbersLabour lost over 1,400 councillors across England.In Wales, the party fell to nine Senedd seats, overtaken by Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.Labour also ceded ground in the Scottish Parliament, with significant seat losses.Implications for Labour’s Leadership CrisisThe appointments are largely symbolic, but they signal Starmer’s attempt to rally senior party figures and project stability. Critics within the party, including MPs Clive Betts and Debbie Abrahams, continue to demand a clear timetable for a leadership transition.What Comes Next for Starmer and the PartyAnalysts warn that without a decisive plan, Labour risks further erosion ahead of the next general election. The coming months will likely see intensified pressure from both reformist factions and the party’s traditional base, testing whether the advisory team can translate symbolism into tangible political support.

The Quest for a Winless, Point‑Free Season While point deductions are a common way for clubs to end a campaign on zero, a far smaller group have hit the rock bottom purely by losing every single fixture. The Guardian’s Q&A; explores which sides have actually finished a full season with 0 points on the books. Record‑Breaking Zero‑Point Campaigns Across the Globe Antigua Barracuda – 2013 United Soccer League (USL) season: 26 matches, 0 wins, 0 draws, 0 points. The club operated on a shoestring, with unpaid players and long minivan trips to games. Woodford United – Southern League Division One Central, 2012‑13: 42 league defeats, 0 points. Budget cuts forced youth coaches to field a makeshift squad, resulting in a record 185 goals conceded. Longford AFC – Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two, 2015‑16: 30 losses, 0 points. Even a cameo from former England star Stuart Pearce could not spark a goal. Gibraltar Phoenix – Gibraltar Premier Division, 2013‑14: 14 games, 0 points in the league’s inaugural UEFA‑recognised season. Grêmio Barueri – Campeonato Paulista, 2016: 19 matches, 0 points despite playing in a 31,000‑seat stadium. Glasgow Women FC – Scottish Women’s Premier League, 2022‑23: 22 defeats, 0 points, 6 goals scored. Billericay Town Women – Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, 2022‑23: 0 points in a similar fate. Yeni Malatyaspor – Turkish TFF First League, 2022‑23: 38 straight losses, 0 points amid financial collapse. Numbers That Define the Infamy The raw statistics underline the severity of these campaigns. The longest winless streak recorded in the list is 42 matches (Woodford United), while the highest goals‑against tally sits at 185 in the same season. In the United States, the 26‑game USL season of Antigua Barracuda remains the only professional league where a club finished with a perfect loss record. What Zero‑Point Seasons Reveal About Club Viability Across continents, the common thread is financial distress. Unpaid wages, inadequate travel budgets, and stadiums that outsize the fanbase all contributed to on‑field collapse. These seasons often trigger relegation, loss of league licences, or outright dissolution, highlighting how fragile lower‑tier football ecosystems can be. Will Modern Football Prevent Another Point‑Free Year? Governance reforms—stricter licensing, financial fair‑play checks, and emergency funding mechanisms—aim to stop clubs from reaching such extremes. However, as long as revenue gaps persist between elite and grassroots levels, the risk of another zero‑point season remains, especially in leagues with limited oversight.

The LeadThis felt a hugely significant victory in the Scottish title race. Celtic require only two more of them to successfully defend the league. For the Rangers manager, Danny Röhl, yet another second-half capitulation will only increase murmurings about his capability of delivering success at Ibrox. Rangers will end this season trophyless and third in a two-horse race – remarkably, given the tens of millions spent on assembling their squad.The Title Race ImplicationsCeltic have moved to within a point and three goals of Hearts. Next stop for Martin O'Neill and his players is Motherwell on Wednesday evening. With Hearts hosting Falkirk at the same time, there is the increasing possibility of the title being decided when the Edinburgh club visit Celtic Park on Saturday. Supporters of Celtic and Hearts are likely to have run out of fingernails by then.Maeda's Match-Winning PerformanceCeltic anxiety here was confined to a first-half spell. Mikey Moore had sent Rangers in front, the Tottenham loanee pouncing after Youssef Chermiti's shot was blocked into his path. Impatience was rising among the home support as Yang Hyun-jun pulled Celtic level. Yang met an Arne Engels cutback, with Rangers appealing in vain for offside against Benjamin Nygren.The teams traded chances for the remainder of the first period but it was Celtic who rose to the occasion thereafter. Daizen Maeda stole in front of Emmanuel Fernandez to prod O'Neill's team in front. Rather than offer a strong response, Rangers wilted. Maeda's second of the game was a stunner, the Japanese flicking the ball up before producing an outrageous overhead kick that looped over Jack Butland. A Bojan Miovski header that hit the bar in stoppage time was the sum of Rangers' reply.Rangers' Season WoesFor Rangers, this defeat represents another significant setback in what has been a disappointing season. Despite substantial investment in their squad, they find themselves trophyless and third in a league that should have been a two-horse race. Manager Danny Röhl faces increasing pressure as questions mount about his ability to deliver success at Ibrox, with this second-half capitulation likely to intensify those concerns.

Hearts Secure Crucial Point at MotherwellHearts drew 1‑1 with Motherwell at Fir Park, ensuring a minimum one‑point cushion heading into the penultimate round of the Scottish Premiership. The result keeps them four points clear of Celtic, who still have a chance to narrow the gap.Shankland’s Half‑Time Strike Offsets Own‑GoalThe match opened with a setback for the visitors when Stephen Kingsley inadvertently turned an Emmanuel Longelo cross into his own net, marking the fifth consecutive game Hearts have fallen behind early. Lawrence Shankland restored parity just before the break, heading in a cross to make it 1‑1.Later, Derek McInnes protested a denied penalty after Alexandros Kyziridis went down in the box, but referee Steven McLean upheld the decision.Points Gap and Title MathematicsHearts: 71 points (after the draw)Celtic: 67 points – can reduce the deficit to one point by beating Rangers on SundayRemaining matches for Hearts: two (against Falkirk and one other)Remaining matches for Celtic: two (vs Rangers and final game)Implications for Celtic, Rangers and the Title ChaseThe draw means Celtic must win their upcoming clash with Rangers and hope Hearts drop points to keep the title within reach. A win for Rangers would further widen the gap, potentially handing the championship to Hearts before the final round.Injury concerns also loom large: defenders Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard left the Motherwell game with serious‑looking injuries, likely sidelining them for a significant period.What Lies Ahead for Hearts and Their Injured DuoManager Derek McInnes emphasized that the squad cannot dwell on the missed penalty or the injuries. If Hearts can maintain their form and secure a win against Falkirk, they could clinch the title with a game to spare.However, the loss of Halkett and Leonard will test the team’s depth, especially in a defensive unit that has been pivotal throughout the season.

The Lead: Celtic's Title Charge AcceleratesCeltic took a significant step toward securing the Scottish Premiership title with a commanding 3-1 victory over their arch-rivals Rangers in a dramatic Old Firm encounter. The result leaves Brendan Rodgers' side just two wins away from lifting the trophy, with Japanese forward Daizen Maeda producing a match-winning performance that included a spectacular bicycle kick.The Event Details: Maeda's MasterclassThe match showcased the best of Scottish football's fiercest rivalry, with Celtic ultimately dominating proceedings after a tense first half. Maeda's intervention proved decisive, as he scored twice in the second half to seal the victory. His second goal, a remarkable bicycle kick, will surely be remembered as one of the finest goals in the history of the fixture. The technical quality of Celtic's performance, particularly in the final third, demonstrated their championship credentials.The Data Analysis: Points and Title Race MathematicsWith this victory, Celtic now sit firmly in the driver's seat of the title race. The three points gained from beating Rangers have created a significant gap between the Glasgow rivals. Celtic now require just six more points from their remaining fixtures to mathematically secure the title, while Rangers face an increasingly difficult task to catch their opponents. The goal difference between the two teams has also swung in Celtic's favor, giving them an additional advantage in the title race.The Impact Analysis: Shifting Power DynamicsThis victory represents more than just three points—it signifies a shift in power dynamics within Scottish football. Celtic's performance demonstrated their tactical superiority and squad depth, particularly in key positions. For Rangers, the defeat raises questions about their ability to challenge Celtic consistently. The psychological advantage gained by Celtic from this Old Firm victory could prove decisive in the remaining fixtures, as they now approach their matches with increased confidence.The Prediction: Celtic's Inevitable Title TriumphBased on current form and the psychological advantage gained from this victory, Celtic appear destined to retain their Scottish Premiership title. Their remaining fixtures, while challenging, are all winnable given their current momentum. The only potential obstacle could be complacency, but Rodgers' experience in managing title races suggests he will keep his team focused. Rangers, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to secure second place and European qualification, with their focus shifting to next season's challenge.

The Humanitarian Crisis in the Strait of HormuzStranded at an Iranian port for nearly 10 weeks, Indian seafarer Anish has unintentionally become a firsthand witness to the Iran war. Anish arrived in the Shatt al-Arab waterway on a cargo ship days before United States President Donald Trump launched "Operation Epic Fury" on February 28. He has been stuck on the vessel ever since, facing dangerous conditions and uncertainty about when he can return home.Civilian Crews Caught in Military Crossfire"We've faced the whole situation here, the war, the missiles," Anish, who was granted a pseudonym after agreeing to speak on condition of anonymity, told Al Jazeera. "Our minds are terribly distracted." Some of his fellow Indian seafarers have been able to return home by crossing Iran's 44km land border with Armenia, but many others have remained because they are still waiting to get paid. "Some are stuck because of their Indian agents; they are not getting their salaries," Anish said, referring to the middlemen who recruit seafarers, manage payrolls and take care of other employee matters on behalf of shipping firms.The Scale of the Maritime StandstillAnish's predicament is one faced by an estimated 20,000 seafarers stranded since Iran in effect shut the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the United States and Israel's attacks on the country. Before the war, the strait functioned as one of the world's most critical shipping routes, carrying about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, and one-third of the seaborne fertiliser trade. Despite the announcement of a tenuous ceasefire between Washington and Tehran on April 7, maritime traffic has remained at a standstill amid recurrent attacks in and around the waterway.Economic and Human Toll of the ConflictThe United Nations International Maritime Organization estimates that at least 10 seafarers have been killed since the start of the war. Iran's merchant marine union reported that at least 44 Iranian seafarers, including dockworkers and fishermen, had been killed as of April 1. While seafarers on board vessels operated by major international shipping lines have been receiving hazard pay and other assistance, some seafarers working with smaller operations are struggling to get paid or have their basic needs met, according to labor groups.Global Supply Chain DisruptionThe strait's closure has created significant disruptions to global supply chains. Lloyd's List reported that at least four commercial ships were fired upon in recent days, while a container ship operated by French company CMA CGM reported coming under attack while crossing the waterway. The longer the war drags on, the higher the risk that ship operators will abandon their vessels without settling all outstanding pay, according to seafarers' advocates.Psychological Impact on SeafarersSteven Jones, the founder of the "Seafarer Happiness Index," said seafarers' self-reported wellbeing score has fallen about 5 percent during the war. Seafarers have described seeing Iranian drones and missiles flying at low altitude. "One told us: 'What scares me the most is the thought of an intercepted drone or missile falling on us,'" Jones said. Other seafarers have reported dwindling food supplies and preparing escape plans.The Legal and Logistical ChallengesCrew rotation has become a major pressure point for ships. Under the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention – an international treaty ratified by 111 countries, including China, India, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom – the maximum time a seafarer can be required to serve on board is 12 months. While seafarers have a legal right to leave their vessel beyond this period, unstable conditions have made repatriation a complicated and expensive prospect.Mine Warfare in Critical WaterwaysFor the stranded seafarers, there is also the question of finding a safe route out of the strait, where Iran has reportedly laid sea mines. US officials told The New York Times last month that Tehran had laid the mines haphazardly and was unable to locate all of them. "There has been a lot of speculation about more precise numbers, but the fact is that we don't know; uncertainty is central to mine warfare, and creating uncertainty about risk is part of the point of conducting it," Scott Savitz, a senior engineer at the US-based Rand Corporation who has studied naval mine warfare, told Al Jazeera.Uncertain Path Forward for SeafarersEven if the strait were to reopen tomorrow, trade flows would take some time to return to normal due to damaged regional infrastructure, maxed-out storage facilities across the Gulf and a backlog of exports, according to shipping and logistics experts. The IMO announced in late April that it was working on an evacuation plan that prioritizes ships based on humanitarian need, but that "all parties" involved in the conflict would need to refrain from attacks for such an operation to proceed.Personal Stories of Stranded WorkersAnish, the Indian seafarer, said he has not been paid by his Dubai-based agent for nine months. He is supposed to receive a payment in US dollars later this month, but he is worried that his company may withhold the sum. "My contract finish date is the 20th of May," Anish said. "Maybe the company will provide my salary after that," he said. "I don't know."Future Outlook for Global Maritime Trade"It's a very dangerous moment," the ITF's Cotton said. "We're all saying the same – don't transit unless you know it's safe – but I don't think anyone really knows what's safe any more." Savitz said that it would be possible to establish an exit corridor in a few days, but clearing the strait of mines could take weeks or even months. "Iran has stated that it has laid mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz, but it's possible that they have laid them in other areas," Savitz said.

The Week's Entertainment Highlights This week offers a diverse range of entertainment options across cinema, music, and art. From highly anticipated film sequels to live performances and immersive exhibitions, there's something for every cultural enthusiast. New Cinema Releases to Watch The entertainment landscape kicks off with several notable film releases. The most anticipated is The Devil Wears Prada 2, which brings back Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt to their iconic roles. This sequel has been eagerly awaited by fans since the original 2006 film became a cult classic. Other cinematic offerings include Hokum, an Irish haunted-house horror starring Adam Scott (Severance), and Wild Foxes, a French coming-of-age drama that premiered at Cannes last year. Anime enthusiasts can enjoy That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime: Tears of the Azure Sea, which bridges the gap between the third and fourth series of the popular Japanese TV show. Live Music Performances Not to Miss The music scene features several notable acts this week. London-based artist Tsatsamis is touring to showcase his mixtape Tsycophant, with tracks like the pensive 'Secret Boyfriend' and the energetic 'Angelina' drawing attention. Tame Impala begins an arena tour in support of their 2023 album Deadbeat, timed perfectly as the album's single 'Dracula' has gone viral on TikTok and gained international chart success following a remix with Blackpink's Jennie. Jazz legend Courtney Pine celebrates four decades in the industry with his 'Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Story' tour, while Glasgow hosts the Tectonics festival, showcasing cutting-edge classical compositions and experimental performances. Art Exhibitions Worth Visiting Art enthusiasts should make time for the Aleksandra Kasuba exhibition at Tate St Ives, running from May 2 to October 4. This marks the first UK show for the Lithuanian American artist, who pioneered immersive art environments long before the genre became mainstream. The exhibition features early paintings, mosaics, and proto-immersive installations exploring utopian ideals of social space.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has rolled out a new regulated service called "targeted support", allowing authorised banks and investment platforms to provide free, commission‑free investment and pension recommendations to eligible customers.Launch of FCA’s “Targeted Support” Free Advice ServiceThe scheme permits firms that are pre‑authorised by the FCA to pop up suggestions when a customer holds a sizable cash balance. Examples include prompts to consider a stocks‑and‑shares ISA or a pension plan, with direct links to the provider’s product range.Only firms with prior FCA authorisation may participate.Advice must be free; commission payments are prohibited.Recommendations are based on what the firm "would recommend to those in similar circumstances", not fully bespoke advice.Scale of Untapped Savings and Advice GapApproximately 7 million UK adults have £10,000 or more in cash savings that could be better invested.Fewer than 1 in 10 people obtain regulated financial advice.Nearly 1 in 5 investors turn to social media for guidance.Potential Shift in UK Retail Investment LandscapeGovernment aims to create "more of a culture in the UK of retail investing" as voiced by Rachel Reeves.UK currently has the lowest retail‑investment rate among G7 nations, limiting capital for businesses.Early adopters include Quilter and Royal London; Barclays has signalled intent to join.AI‑driven agents, such as the one trialled by Scottish Widows, may augment the service.What the Next Few Years May Hold for Savers and ProvidersIncreased confidence could lift the proportion of savers moving from cash to equities.Firms may compete on the quality of their free recommendations, driving innovation.Regulators will monitor outcomes to ensure advice remains unbiased and consumer‑centric.Successful uptake could prompt expansion of the model to other financial products.

The Marathon Match that Defined the WeekendLeeds Rhinos demonstrated remarkable resilience in a bruising encounter against Wakefield Trinity, securing a win that extends their unbeaten run. The match, which lasted well over two hours, was marred by a serious head injury to Wakefield's Cameron Scott, necessitating a lengthy stoppage in the early stages. Despite being reduced to 12 men on the field at various points due to sin-bins for Sivo and Ash Handley, Leeds held firm.Maika Sivo's Historic Scoring RateFijian winger Maika Sivo delivered a performance of sheer dominance, claiming a hat-trick that brings his season tally to 17 tries in just nine Super League games. His clinical finishing was the difference maker, with half-back Jake Connor providing the service. Sivo's efficiency places him among the elite goal-kickers of the modern era, making him a focal point of Leeds' attacking strategy.Connor's Case for England: A World Cup StatementWhile Sivo grabbed the headlines, Jake Connor's influence was equally pivotal. Providing four try assists, Connor orchestrated Leeds' attack with precision. His performance serves as a powerful rebuttal to his omission from last year's Ashes series, putting immense pressure on new England coach Brian McDermott to select him as the starting scrum-half for the Rugby League World Cup.Leeds Rhinos: The Title Contenders' ResilienceBrad Arthur's side has now won 8 of their last 10 games, keeping them ahead of St Helens on points difference. The victory underscores a growing trend: Leeds is not just winning, but winning ugly when necessary. Their ability to withstand Wakefield's fightback and maintain composure under pressure suggests they are the team to beat in the current Super League season.