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Thousands more construction workers promised as Education Secretary pledges to ‘make trades great again’

RED tape is being slashed to train more British builders instead of relying on migrants – as the Education Secretary pledges to “make trades great again”.

Bridget Phillipson last night announced 10,000 more apprentices will be qualified each year by scrapping the requirements on them to pass English and Maths. 

Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson MP at a construction site.
Simon Jones
The Sun’s Jack Elsom with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson[/caption]
Secretary of State for Education laying bricks at a construction site.
Simon Jones
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson visiting a building site[/caption]

Backing our Builder Better Britain crusade, she said: “It’s time as a country that we took skills a lot more seriously. 

“The Sun’s campaign has really shone a light on the challenge we face, but also the opportunities that are there for more young people to have the chance to get a trade.”

Channelling Donald Trump, she added: “And I think it’s time that we make trades great again.”

Ms Phillipson confirmed our exclusive last week that she is letting bosses award apprenticeships even if they have not passed Level 2 English and maths.

She is also shortening the minimum duration of a course from 12 months to eight months to boost the workforce quicker.

It is hoped this will drive home-grown talent in key sectors like construction, social care and healthcare that are currently heavily dependent on migrant workers.

Dismissing fears of “dumbing down”, the Education Secretary told The Sun: “We need to get boots on the ground.

“I know Sun readers want more opportunities for young people to take on a trade, but alongside that the need to reduce migration numbers.

“Unless we get serious about investing in our young people and our home-grown talent, we will remain dependent on foreign labour and we’ve got to break that cycle and provide more training opportunities and great careers for few people here in this country.”

By JACK ELSOM, Chief Political Correspondent 

KIDS must be taught about Britain’s “proud history”, the Education Secretary has decreed after work charities pushed to scrap classes on the Empire.

Bridget Phillipson last night slapped down calls for schools to ditch lessons that praise our imperial past.

She is currently carrying out a sweeping review of the national curriculum that is collecting views from Brits.

The Bell Foundation reportedly made a submission proposing “moving away from the greatness of the British Empire”.

Ms Phillipson told The Sun: “It’s essential that all young people have a strong foundation in our country’s rich history, and there is so much to take pride in in terms of what we’ve achieved as a country. 

“I also think that whilst it’s great to look to the past in our proud history, I want more opportunities for young people, because I think our best days as a country lie ahead of us.”

Ms Phillipson also insisted her VAT raid on private schools will not overwhelm the state sector.

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Holly Willoughby accused of ‘spoiling’ Dancing On Ice as she reveals her upset over exit

HOLLY Willoughby has been accused of “spoiling” Dancing On Ice – after revealing the skate off results online.

The ITV presenter posted about being sad to lose Chris Taylor from the competition after coming off air.

Woman in a gold sequined gown backstage.
Holly Willoughby posted a snap from backstage at the Dancing on Ice studios

But some fans complained they’d seen her message before catching up on ITVX.

Holly posted a photo of herself backstage in a stunning gold-sequinned dress, writing: “Night all… thank you for watching Dancing On Ice.

“Sad to see Chris Taylor leave, those skate offs are brutal…

“So happy for Anton Ferdinand though… See you next week for 80s week.”

One fan commented: “I was about to watch it on catch-up lol, spoiler alert x.”

Another added: “SPOILER ALERT.”

Chris became the fourth star to be eliminated from Dancing On Ice in the first skate off of the series against Anton Ferdinand.

Ashley Banjo chose to save Anton and Annette, with Oti Mabuse agreeing.

Christopher Dean also saved Anton and Annette, sealing Chris’s fate.

Jayne Torvill would have had the deciding vote if it was a tie, although on this occasion her vote didn’t change the result.

She revealed, however, that she also would have saved Anton and Annette.

Asked how he felt to leave by host Holly, Chris joked: “To be honest, I shouldn’t have feng-shuied my caravan today!”

Screenshot of a man and woman ice skating competitors.
ITV
Chris Taylor was axed from Dancing On Ice[/caption]
Screenshot of two dancers on a television show.
ITV
He faced Anton Ferdinand in the skate off[/caption]

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Horse racing tips: ‘Recent winner has loads more to come’ – Templegate’s Tuesday NAP

TEMPLEGATE takes on Tuesday’s racing looking for winners.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

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ROCK ON JET (3.10 Ayr, nap)

He showed plenty of promise at novice level but really came into his own on handicap hurdle debut here last month. He went from the front over this trip and and didn’t see another horse in running out a comfortable six-length winner. It’s interesting to see him quickly switched to chasing with former champ Brian Hughes on board. That looks like a recipe for even more improvement.

WALK ON QUEST (2.10 Ayr, nb)

Like many Lucinda Russell horses, has looked a different beast since going over fences. He kicked off with a debut victory at Kelso and took a step forward when following up at Carlisle in November. That was over two miles but this stiffer test of stamina looks more suitable and his rider’s claim accounts for a 5lb rise in the handicap.

AWORKINPROGRESS (2.55 Lingfield, treble)

He’s another who has taken his form to a new level since tackling the bigger obstacles. Nick Gifford’s hope has yet to taste defeat in three chases including his past two around here. He can improve past his rising mark with relatively few miles on the clock.

WONDER (8.30 Wolverhampton, Lucky 15)

Just ran out gas when second over 1m6f here last time.James Fanshawe wisely drops him back in trip today and that can make the difference at a track that suits.

Templegate’s tips

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Plane smashes into jet on runway at Arizona Scottsdale Airport as all flights grounded

AT LEAST person has been killed after a plane and a jet crashed on the runway of an Arizona airport.

All flights at the Scottsdale Airport have been grounded following the shock incident on Monday.

A private jet that has crashed at an airport.
citizen.com
At least one person has been killed in this runway crash[/caption]
Airport control tower and surrounding buildings.
scottsdale airport
The shocking crash happened at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona[/caption]

A multi-million dollar jet horrifically smashed into another business jet at around 2.45pm.

At least one person was killed following the deadly crash, according to AZ Family.

Three other people have been rushed to hospital and at least one person was being treated on the runway.

“We have five souls, one [dead on arrival], two immediate that have been transported to local trauma centers, one delayed stable to a local hospital, and this is still an active scene,” said Scottsdale Fire Department Captain Dave Folio.

“We are still working on extricating one soul out of one of the airplanes.”

“An accident has occurred upon arrival to runway 21,” the Scottsdale Airport said.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed two private jets collided and they have temporarily paused flights into the airport. 

“Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a Gulfstream 200 business jet on the ramp,” the FAA said.

It is currently unclear how many people were on board the two planes.

Terrifying footage caught the two jets mangled on the runway.

A video also captured ambulances and emergency crew rush to the crash site.

The FAA said it was temporarily pausing flights into the airport.

It is not yet clear when operations and flights will resume.

An investigation has been launched into the horror airport incident.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

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Trump’s chilling ultimatum to Hamas as he calls for all Gaza hostages to be freed this week or ‘all hell break loose’

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas as he warns all hell is going to break out if they refuse to hand over the final hostages.

The Republican said the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel should be cancelled if the remaining hostages are not all released by 12pm on Saturday.

Close-up of Donald Trump.
AFP
Donald Trump has said the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel should be cancelled if the remaining hostages are not all released by Saturday[/caption]
President Trump signing an executive order in the Oval Office.
Reuters
Trump made the comments to reporters as he signed a huge number of executive orders in The White House[/caption]

He told reporters at The White House: “If they are not released by 12 noon on Saturday, I say call it off [the ceasefire] and then everything is open… let all hell break loose.”

Speaking directly on the hostages, Trump added: “I don’t want a trickle. Not three and then two. I want them all.”

Despite the chilling ultimatum, Trump also said he fears that many of the remaining captives could be dead.

He ended the powerful statement by saying any move is ultimately up to Israel.

His comments come just hours after terror group Hamas announced they are delaying any further hostage releases.

They accused Israel of violating the fragile ceasefire pact which only started three weeks ago.

Hamas’ top brass claim Israel has been dragging its feet on allowing aid into Gaza – a charge Israel has rejected as untrue.

The major confrontation comes just half way through the agreed six-week deal which should see 33 hostages ruthlessly snatched on October 7, finally returned home to their loved ones.

So far, 16 captives have been safely handed over since January 19 in five separate groups.

As well as five Thai hostages who were returned in an unscheduled release.

In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of prisoners and detainees, ranging from prisoners serving life sentences for deadly attacks to Palestinians detained during the war and held without charge.

Over a dozen hostages are still yet to be freed with fears increasing every day about the condition of those still being held.

Serious concerns are starting to grow over the youngest hostage, baby Kfir Bibas.

Kfir was only nine months old when he was barbarically forced to spend the majority of his life as a Hamas prisoner.

He was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’ October 7 bloodbath alongside his parents and older brother, Ariel, five.

Trump made his Gaza comments to reporters as he signed a huge number of executive orders in the Oval Office.

One of these is aimed at encouraging the US government and consumers to purchase plastic straws opposed to paper ones. 

Trump has been vocal on his thoughts on Gaza and the current war in the Middle East since returning to office in January.

He was left furious by the condition of the latest releases saying they “looked like Holocaust survivors”.

The US president said he was losing his patience with the hostage deal after seeing footage of Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami, who appeared gaunt upon their release.

Last week, the President surprised the world when he said the US should take over the decimated Gaza Strip and create his vision of a “Riviera of the Middle East”.

Trump’s idea included relocating two million Palestinians to neighbouring countries like Jordan and Egypt while the US reconstructs the area he called a “demolition site”.

He said he would turn Gaza into the “most spectacular development on Earth” but Palestinians have argued they will reconstruct the area themselves.

Smiling baby holding a pink stuffed animal.
Kfir Bibas is the youngest Hamas hostage after being kinapped at just nine months old
Hamas fighters hand over an Israeli hostage.
Kfir’s dad Yarden is among those who have already been freed in the first phase of the ceasefire
Illustration of Trump's plan to rebuild Gaza.

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Asil Nadir dead: Polly Peck mega-fraudster who carried out infamous £29million swindle dies aged 83

POLLY Peck mega-fraudster Asil Nadir — infamous for his £29million workplace swindle — has died at the age of 83.

The former billionaire died surrounded by family in hospital in North Nicosia, northern Cyprus.

Headshot of Asil Nadir.
PA:Press Association
Asil Nadir — infamous for his £29million workplace swindle — has died at the age of 83[/caption]

He was initially taken there last month to be treated for suspected pneumonia.

Nadir’s wife Nur last night wrote online: “Our pain is endless.”

A funeral is set to take place this morning.

Turkish Cypriot Nadir bought British textiles firm Polly Peck in the 1970s.

Its success earned him a spot on the Sunday Times Rich List.

The company collapsed in 1990 after a probe into fraud was launched.

Nadir fled the country at the time, but in 2010 was convicted of ten out of 13 counts of theft.

He is survived by his wife and six children.

A statement added: “He will be buried in Nicosia Cemetery.

“It is announced with sadness to all friends, relatives and loved ones.”

The controversial businessman purchased Polly Peck in the late 70s and took over as chief executive in 1980.

At its peak, Polly Peck was valued at £1.7 billion, with the company posting pre-tax profits of over £161 million, net assets of £845m and boasting more than 17,000 employees.

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