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Stella McCartney, a renowned luxury fashion designer known for her commitment to sustainability, has partnered with Swedish retail giant H&M; to launch a new eco-friendly clothing collection. The collaboration, set to hit stores in May, aims to make sustainable fashion more accessible to a wider audience. The collection includes a range of stylish pieces, such as a 'Rock Royalty' T-shirt (£37.99), a grey oversized pinstripe blazer (£259.99), and matching trousers (£139.99) made from wool that meets responsible wool standards. A vegan version of her iconic Falabella bag will also be available for £189.99, crafted from recycled polyamide to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. McCartney emphasized her desire to break down barriers in the fashion industry, stating, 'I hate how elitist the fashion industry is. I want a younger and wider audience to have access to my stuff.' The collection's focus on sustainability is reflected in its use of eco-friendly materials, such as beads made from 80% recycled glass and a python-effect jacket crafted from plastic derived from recycled vegetable oil and agricultural waste. While some critics have accused McCartney of 'greenwashing' by collaborating with a fast-fashion brand like H&M;, which produces 3 billion garments annually, McCartney defended her decision, saying it's better to 'infiltrate from within and have conversations with people who are like 'the devil' in a sense and then try to change them into a more conscious way of working.' This collaboration marks McCartney's second effort with H&M;, following a successful partnership 21 years ago. The collection's emphasis on transparency is evident in the swing tags on each piece, which will disclose the materials used. By working together, McCartney and H&M; aim to promote sustainable fashion practices and make eco-friendly clothing more mainstream.

Europe is projected to run out of jet fuel in about six weeks, according to the head of the International Energy Agency, raising the spectre of widespread flight cancellations.Fatih Birol told the Associated Press that without a rapid restoration of oil shipments from the Middle East, airlines could soon be forced to drop routes, warning that “some flights from city A to city B might be cancelled as a result of lack of jet fuel.”The shortage stems from the US‑Israel war on Iran, which has snarled global energy markets since the initial strikes in late February. In retaliation, Iran has effectively sealed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for Gulf oil exports.Although a two‑week ceasefire was recently brokered, negotiations to end the hostilities have stalled, leaving the supply disruption unresolved.Meanwhile, Brent crude futures are trading more than 30% above pre‑war levels, intensifying pressure on fuel prices and adding to political scrutiny in the United States.Jet‑fuel shipments that departed before the conflict have largely arrived in Europe, but the remaining reserves are rapidly being drawn down, leaving the continent vulnerable.Airports Council International Europe has warned EU energy and transport commissioners that the region could face fuel shortages within three weeks, echoing industry norms that typically maintain about six weeks of fuel on hand.Birol warned that the situation represents a “dire strait” with serious ramifications for the global economy, noting that prolonged disruption would exacerbate inflation and dampen growth worldwide.The anticipated fallout includes higher petrol, gas and electricity prices, with the impact expected to be uneven across different regions.Airlines are already scrapping marginally profitable routes, especially those without robust hedging strategies, and even carriers with hedged fuel costs may need to reconsider schedules.Despite the broader concerns, British low‑cost carrier easyJet asserted it has sufficient fuel visibility through mid‑May and does not anticipate supply‑related issues in the near term.

Young Vic artistic director Nadia Fall insists that theatres facing fiscal pressure must rely on daring, crowd‑pulling programming to restore solvency. Announcing a fresh slate of productions, she highlighted an anti‑Trump musical adaptation of Thelma & Louise as a flagship effort to attract diverse audiences. Since assuming leadership in 2025, Fall has overseen a £500,000 deficit that forced staff reductions. She stresses that while increased philanthropy is essential, the director’s most immediate lever is the choice of shows that can “program our way out of the crisis.” The upcoming musical, set to open on 3 September, features a score by Grammy‑winning Neko Case of the New Pornographers, and benefits from the involvement of original screenwriter Callie Khouri. Fall hopes the production’s feminist angle—positioned against the backdrop of “Trump’s America” and rolling back of women’s rights—will resonate with audiences. Other autumn highlights include Shedinburgh, an immersive showcase bringing Edinburgh Fringe talent such as Sara Pascoe and Inua Ellams to London for the first time, and Eurotrash, starring Ben Whishaw and Kathryn Hunter, adapted from Christian Kracht’s dark novel about a mother‑son road trip in the Swiss Alps. Fall also confirmed her direction of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and the South London staging of Tiago Rodrigues’ father‑daughter drama La Distance. Additionally, a world premiere of Debbie Tucker Green’s near‑future dystopia Dissent will explore themes of surveillance and censorship that echo contemporary societal concerns. Her remarks came as a new Arts Council England report revealed a 64% decline in the number of plays touring England since 2019, underscoring the sector’s precarious state. While past successes—such as James Graham’s Punch, which earned two Olivier Awards—demonstrate the potential of strong programming, Fall warns that the split of box‑office receipts and Theatre Tax Relief often deters collaborative ventures across the country. Calling for “government‑level incentives” to make nationwide partnerships viable, Fall concluded that the future of UK theatre hinges on a combination of bold artistic choices, private investment, and supportive public policy.

US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his key European allies, over her stance on the conflict with Iran. In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong.”Trump's criticism centers on Meloni's refusal to join the US-Israel coalition against Iran, a stance that has put her at odds with Trump. “She’s unacceptable because she doesn’t mind that Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if they had the chance,” Trump said. This statement underscores the deepening divide between the US and Italy on the issue.Meloni, who has been Italy's leader since October 2022, was once considered one of Trump's closest allies in Europe. However, their relationship has soured recently. Trump noted that they had not spoken in a long time, adding, “She doesn’t help us with NATO. She doesn’t want to help get rid of a nuclear-weaponed Iran. Very sad … She’s much different than I thought,” highlighting his disappointment in Meloni's shift away from his policies.The rift between Trump and Meloni comes as Italy has suspended a defense agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research. This move follows accusations by the Italian government that Israeli forces fired warning shots at a convoy of Italian peacekeepers in Lebanon. Tensions between Italy and Israel have been escalating, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.In response to Trump's comments, Meloni's allies and political opponents rallied to her defense. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized Italy's commitment to Western unity and mutual respect, stating, “We are and remain staunch supporters of Western unity and steadfast allies of the United States, but this unity is built on mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty.” Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, condemned Trump's “serious lack of respect” and reiterated Italy's constitutional repudiation of war.

England's women's football team is on a roll, maintaining a 100% record in their World Cup qualifying group after a win against Spain. While their target is to win a first world title, the journey is long, and several players have enhanced their prospects of selection. Eight players from the recent match against Spain look set to be in the first-choice XI for the World Cup, including Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, and Lauren Hemp. Senior players like Leah Williamson and Ella Toone will also be key when they return from injuries. Three players who started against Spain have significantly boosted their chances. Centre-backs Esme Morgan and Lotte Wubben-Moy were exemplary, helping England keep a clean sheet against the world champions. Morgan, 25, and Wubben-Moy, 27, have had to be patient during Sarina Wiegman's tenure but did not look out of place. Morgan said she was proud of the team's concentration and organisation, while Wiegman praised them, saying, 'They showed up today. It says a lot about them. They should be proud of themselves.' Another player who impressed was Lucia Kendall, the 21-year-old Aston Villa midfielder tasked with taking on Barcelona's Patricia Guijarro. Despite a quiet evening, Kendall worked hard and nearly scored from close range. Wiegman also displayed trust in Laura Blindkilde Brown, who came on as a 72nd-minute substitute to help close out the victory. Her contributions to Manchester City's likely title success will enhance her chances for 2027. The upcoming match against Iceland will provide further opportunities for players like Jess Park, who has been in inspired form for Manchester United. New faces Erica Meg Parkinson and Keira Barry have received their first senior call-ups and will look to make an impression.

Moya Brennan's voice was a remarkable instrument that captivated audiences worldwide, particularly with Clannad's hit song Theme from Harry's Game, which reached No 5 in the charts in 1982, sung in Irish Gaelic.Her distinctive voice, described as light as a leaf, provided a sacred counterpoint to the band's layered harmonies and Prophet 5 synthesiser sounds, guiding them to new musical territories.Brennan's impact extended beyond music, influencing the transportive possibilities of traditional music in film and TV soundtracks, including Robin of Sherwood, Titanic, and the King Arthur film adaptation.Her singing and harp-playing, nurtured in her parents' remote tavern in County Donegal, formed the foundation of Clannad's unique sound, characterised by 'blood harmony' with her siblings and uncles.Brennan's legacy paved the way for global success of artists like Enya and influenced Kate Bush's The Ninth Wave and The Beloved's The Sun Rising.Throughout her career, Brennan collaborated with various artists, including Bono, Bruce Hornsby, and the Blue Nile, and continued to perform and record music until her terminal diagnosis with pulmonary fibrosis.Her final performance, an a cappella rendition of Clannad's Gaoth Barra Na dTonn on a RTÉ show, was profoundly moving, showcasing her enduring spirit and vocal talent.

The future of the LIV Golf series hangs in the balance after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) signaled a possible withdrawal of its multi‑billion‑dollar support. Executives were summoned to a high‑stakes meeting in New York this week, a development that follows growing speculation that the rebel tour could be shut down. While the fifth season’s sixth event in Mexico City is set to proceed on Thursday, the tournament is being eclipsed by reports that PIF intends to cut the tour’s funding. The tour has already faced challenges securing a merger with the PGA Tour despite a three‑year “framework agreement,” and the funding pull would exacerbate its financial strain. According to the PIF’s newly released five‑year economic strategy, the fund is prioritising sustainable domestic investments and has omitted sport from its seven key focus areas. This shift signals a move away from the “free‑spending, disruptive internationalism” that characterised the launch of LIV Golf in 2021. Since its inception, PIF has poured over $5 bn into the tour, but this year prize money and bonus payouts have already been slashed. High‑profile players such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Sergio García and Bryson DeChambeau initially defected from the PGA and DP World Tours, yet recent defections back to the PGA—including Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed—highlight the tour’s precarious position. DeChambeau has yet to sign a new contract. A source familiar with the Saudi Ministry of Sports confirmed that the fund is redirecting its sports budget toward football and esports, with golf no longer a priority. The same source noted that PIF is ending its partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association, and the three‑year WTA Finals deal in Riyadh will not be renewed after its November expiry. The rumours ignited on Tuesday after journalist Ryan French posted on X that multiple sources warned of a “bombshell announcement” on LIV’s future, later suggesting the tour might be shutting down. LIV officials and players have not received any formal update. In Mexico, Sergio García told reporters they have only heard the same message from PIF chief Yasir al‑Rumayyan at the start of the year: that the project is a long‑term commitment, and that rumours are inevitable. Technical glitches, including an alleged power failure at the venue, forced the cancellation of pre‑tournament press conferences on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the pro‑am competition resumed on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. local time, indicating that day‑to‑day operations continue despite the uncertainty. The outcome of the New York meeting could determine whether LIV Golf survives as a viable alternative to traditional tours or becomes another casualty of shifting Saudi investment priorities.

The Italian comedy-drama Diamanti is set in a costume atelier in 1970s Rome and features a predominantly female ensemble. While it may be light on comedy, the drama is decidedly on the melo end of the scale, making it a sumptuously soapy dramedy. The film's strength lies in its luscious-looking period costumes, which specialize in 18th-century silhouettes and 1970s prints.Director Ferzan Özpetek brings his love and sincerity to the film, which is inspired by his visits to costume studios around Rome in the 80s. The story follows sisters Alberta (Luisa Ranieri) and Gabriella (Jasmine Trinca) as they run a studio staffed by dozens of seamstresses. The film's framing device features Özpetek himself gathering his cast for a read-through, where one character describes the female assemblage as a “vaginodromo”.The film explores various subplots, including girl-on-girl tension among the staff, a battered wife urged to defy her husband, and a political protestor with a gift for passementerie and decoupage. The costumes designed by Stefano Ciammitti convince throughout, and the film's 135-minute runtime feels breathless, never draggy.Diamanti is set to release in UK and Irish cinemas from 17 April. With its stacked cast and Özpetek's direction, this film is sure to delight fans of period dramas and costume films.

Leeds, the largest European city still without a mass‑transit system, may finally see a tram line – but not before the late 2030s. The latest West Yorkshire Mass Transit plan, championed by combined‑authority mayor Tracy Brabin, received a fresh £200 million in development funding, part of a broader £2.1 billion allocation for the region.City council leader James Lewis, who began his career on a 1993 work‑experience placement with the council’s highways department, says the new scheme differs from past attempts. Instead of squeezing trams onto existing bus routes, the proposal envisions a dedicated line that could “float over or under the M621 motorway, similar to the Docklands Light Railway,” linking the White Rose shopping centre, Elland Road stadium, Leeds railway station and St James’s Hospital.The Treasury’s independent review, however, forced the government to demand a fresh business case that proves the need for trams rather than buses. This procedural hurdle has added roughly two years to the timetable, pushing the projected opening into the late 2030s. Brabin acknowledges the setback, noting critics now claim the project is effectively “cancelled,” but she insists the work is merely delayed, not abandoned.Leeds’ transport woes date back to the removal of its historic double‑deck tram network in 1959 and the construction of the M621, which many locals blame for isolating the city’s south side. A 2025 Treasury review warned that previous “Supertram” proposals failed because they could not demonstrate sufficient value for money, leading to the withdrawal of funding in 2005 and the abandonment of a trolley‑bus plan in 2016.Supporters argue the tram is essential for unlocking massive regeneration. Leeds United investor Pete Lowy predicts the line could catalyse up to £1 billion of investment, including 2,500 new homes, retail and leisure space, and a 15,000‑seat stadium expansion. Northern Powerhouse Partnership chief executive Henri Murison points to the emerging South Gateway development in Bradford as evidence that transport‑led investment is already materialising.Critics remain sceptical. Leeds University transport professor Greg Marsden questions how an 18‑year‑long project can still be justified, while local residents voice doubts that a tram can ever be built in a city they consider “not big enough.” Tom Forth, co‑founder of data‑city firm Information Group, blames centralised decision‑making in London, arguing that devolved funding would accelerate delivery.In the meantime, the council is focusing on improving bus services, which will come under public control in 2027. Centre for Cities analyst Rob Johnson notes that increasing bus frequencies could immediately benefit the 390,000 residents currently poorly connected, potentially delivering more mobility gains than a tram in the short term.Nevertheless, Brabin maintains that trams are “more attractive, carry more passengers, and generate more jobs and growth” than buses, and she reaffirms her promise: “I promised a tram, and a tram is what we’re going to get.” The pledge to have “spades in the ground” by 2028 for preparatory works remains on the table, even as the project navigates the Treasury’s stringent process.