‘No Kings’ organisers say nearly 7 million people march in anti-Trump rallies

Nearly 7 million people across the country turned out for the second “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump and his administration, marking the largest single-day demonstration against a sitting president in modern history, organizers said.

After golfing Saturday, Trump returned to his Mar-a-Lago residence and fired off several posts from his Truth Social, including an AI-generated video that appeared to show him wearing a crown, flying a jet, and bombing a crowd of protesters with brown liquid.

As the government shutdown approaches its third week, millions of demonstrators joined protests in more than 2,500 cities and towns in all 50 states, with several global cities joining in, to stand up to what organizers called Trump’s “authoritarian power grabs.”

In June, more than 5 million people turned out for the first “No Kings” protests.

“There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power,” Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible, one of the organizers, said.

Ahead of the marches this week, the president insisted he was “not a king,” while administration officials and congressional Republicans baselessly labeled the demonstrations “Hate America rallies” and blamed Antifa for being behind the protests. The demonstrations are led by a coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups.

Bryan Mbeumo rockets Man Utd ahead in first minute of Liverpool clash

Liverpool host Manchester United in the Premier League’s late kick off hoping to keep up the pace with league leaders Arsenal.

Back-to-back league defeats – to Chelsea and Crystal Palace – dropped Arne Slot’s champions to second in the table and they came into the weekend one point behind the Gunners – who beat Fulham last night to extend their advantage. The Reds will be without number one goalkeeper Alisson, who remains injured, but should otherwise have a full contingent of players to select from which could prove beneficial due to their squad depth.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim admitted that his future at Man Utd is unclear unless the team strings together a run of positive results. Amorim had been given backing by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe but win just three wins from seven league games the manager knows wins are very much needed. United defeated Sunderland 2-0 before the international break and a statement victory over Liverpool could kick them into the next level of their development under the Portuguese.

Follow all the action from Anfield with our live blog below:

‘Nothing has changed since Brexit – we’ve been sold down the river’

For Martin Gilbert, fishing has been his lifeblood since the day he was born. Now aged 62, he first began working in the Cornish sea when he was seven years old, and has spent the last five decades braving all weathers to capture crabs and shellfish.

Yet he is among a growing number of disillusioned fishermen who feel they have been “sold down the river” by successive governments after securing their vote for Brexit.

Sir Keir Starmer hailed his reset deal with the EU in May as a “win-win” for both parties, which would allow British travellers to use passport e-gates and farmers would get easier access to trade on the continent.

In return, European fishing trawlers have been granted another 12 years of access to British waters, in a move that was described by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation as a “horror show”.

“It’s very disappointing,” Mr Gilbert told The Independent. “We were promised to get our own little island, and as far as I’m aware, it’s still an absolute nightmare for merchants to sell abroad due to paperwork, inspections and stamp approvals. It’s too much hassle, and now only 50 per cent of the fish we produce goes abroad.

“Meanwhile, we’ve got French and Belgian trawlers fishing within the six- to 12-mile limit, which causes so much damage to our fishing fleet. They have no regard for anyone but themselves, I’ve lost tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of gear over the last 30 years.”

Upon laying his crab pots, which cost around £100 a piece, Mr Gilbert and other fishermen on England’s south coast will contact the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, which uses WhatsApp and live maps of marine traffic to contact EU vessels to inform them where the pots have been anchored.

Five years ago, he was left devastated after a French vessel destroyed £15,000 of equipment in one night, after claiming they ignored his readings as to the locations of 200 crab pots.

It is a common issue facing British fishermen, who are struggling to compete with the larger EU fishing vessels, which can measure up to 100 metres in length, compared to the 10-metre vessels setting off from Cornwall.

“Once a month, we’ll lose 10 to 15 crab pots,” Mr Gilbert added. One fisherman previously said he spent £60,000 to £70,000 each year on new pots and ropes after his gear was continually damaged.

Fishing had formed an integral part of the 2016 Leave campaign, with politicians such as Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson pledging that Britain would regain control of its waters.

Nine out of 10 fishermen said they intended to vote Brexit, with many attracted to the promise that European trawlers would be pushed beyond the 12-mile exclusion zone.

Marc Evans, the chief executive of charity Fishermen’s Mission, said: “If you go back to the campaigning days of Brexit, the fishing community, without a shadow of a doubt, got a disproportionately powerful voice.

“Getting UK territorial water was a bit like the £360m NHS figure – the reality was that it wasn’t exactly true. Nothing has changed – fishermen are still in direct competition with the French, Dutch and Spanish, the waters are being overfished and their quota is being suppressed.”

Other challenges are also facing the industry, including an influx of octopus preying on shellfish, a naturally occurring algae bloom which has affected the north-east coast, as well as the rising costs of marine fuel and essential safety gear.

Speaking of the deal in May, Mike Cohen of the National Federation of Fishermen said: “It was a blow. Not only did we not get anything, but the little bit we got from Brexit, we lost.”

Recruitment has also become a tricky area for the fishing industry, with fewer young people seeking a life at sea.

“The issues include an ageing workforce, a lot of businesses being single-handedly run, and the costs and risks feel very high for people wanting to enter the industry,” Mr Cohen added.

“Recruitment is hard, given that you have to stay in education until you’re 18 and you don’t have any fishing apprenticeships. At an age when you’re able to go to sea, you might have spent two years learning another trade.”

As a result, mental health issues have become more prominent as many fishermen consider leaving the industry and giving up their businesses, which may have been in the family for generations.

“Even myself, it’s caused a lot of issues such as anxiety,” Mr Gilbert said. “Half of the people I know probably suffer from some mental health problem.

“I’m a fisherman through and through, it’s all I’ve ever known. I certainly push for more days at sea, go further afield and through more weather in the last two years than I used to to try and make a living.

“It’s long, strenuous hours, most days I work 12 to 14 hours. On Tuesday, I did 12 hours at sea, and I had to do a market run with the fish. I started at 3am, came home at 7.30pm and went back out to sea at 3.45am.”

Mr Gilbert said he is fortunate that both his sons have followed in his footsteps and are both fishermen, with his grandchildren also enjoying their time at sea.

“My sons are in it for the long run,” he said. “There are a couple of people I know who have given up and said enough is enough, there’s too much paperwork and bureaucracy and regulation – I’m getting that way inclined.

“I enjoy the job tremendously, it’s just hard work.”

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokesperson said: “We value the hard work and dedication of all those working in our vital fishing industry.

“We have announced the £360m fishing and coastal growth fund to support the next generation of fishers and will work with the industry to target investment where it matters most.

“This government is working with the fishing industry to promote British seafood and ensure we fish sustainably so the sector can thrive for generations to come.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

I know why Trump thinks Tony Blair is the man to bring peace to Gaza

As President Trump boarded the plane to travel to the Middle East for his Gaza peace summit this week, he stuck his head out of the plane window and told a gaggle of journalists that he would be looking to find out how popular Tony Blair was in the region before deciding on whether to appoint him to his new Board of Peace.

“I just don’t know that,” he said, rowing back on reports that Blair was a shoo-in for the top job. “I like Tony, I have always liked Tony. But I want to find out that he is an acceptable choice to everybody.”

The answer he gets will not be clear cut.

Few UK prime or foreign ministers have demonstrated such ability to interact and influence Arab leaders in modern times. Remarkably, Blair’s majlis interactions continue almost 20 years after he left Downing Street.

As a UK ambassador in the Gulf, I was impressed that despite his personal unpopularity in the Arab street, and despite having little Arabic language skills, Blair reinvented himself as an influential adviser to Arab leaders. He was at ease in the opulent environments of the rulers’ palaces in Doha, Riyadh or Abu Dhabi. Blair even managed to stay close to Gulf leaders at times when they were publicly at odds with each other, for example during the Gulf Cooperation Council’s blockade and isolation of their cousins in Qatar.

In such elite circles, Blair is seen as a power broker, with the US and Israeli leadership on speed dial. That is why Arab leaders – and others – want his advice. According to those who know, his ability to navigate Israeli politics is virtually unparalleled among Western leaders. That could prove vital for the success of Trump’s peace plan in the coming months.

Yet, while the international credentials and ability to work the top table are indisputable, at a popular level Blair’s legacy remains toxic in the region. Even within a country such as Israel – where Blair is seen as close to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the pair having worked together as political leaders since the Nineties – views on a role for Blair overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction are mixed.

Palestinians in particular feel uncomfortable about any new leadership role for Blair. They remember him – whether fairly or not – as the former Quartet envoy, representing the international community, who failed to improve their situation, make progress towards a sovereign Palestinian state or give sufficient priority to freedom of movement and equal rights for Palestinians.

While, of course, Trump’s plan excludes Hamas from any role in Gaza’s governance, Hamas themselves have made clear their outright opposition to Blair. That is not surprising given that he refused to recognise their 2006 electoral victory – something that Blair appeared to acknowledge as a mistake in 2017 when suggesting it might have been better to engage Hamas in dialogue. So, if Trump consults normal people in the region – which is perhaps unlikely – about Blair’s suitability to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, he is unlikely to get the answer he is looking for.

Blair himself has – at least according to one close adviser of many year – never suffered from an excess of self-awareness. He certainly has thick skin after a lifetime in politics. Both qualities would help in such an exposed leadership role. Blair to his credit has shown unusual courage in showing willing to take on a thankless task where the risk of failure is high. Given his personal history, he may see it as unfinished business, or even a possible path to redemption.

The ability to reinvent himself, and his chameleon-like quality to fit in and build a useful personal relationship with virtually anyone, anywhere, has allowed Blair to retain his place at the top table. It should not come as a surprise that he has emerged publicly as a contributor and potential leader for Trump’s Gaza peace plan. He appeared to be consulted and trusted by the presidential inner circle this summer when they were considering how to effect a ceasefire, secure the release of the hostages and move towards a sustainable regional peace.

His playbook with the powerful is also legendary. I watched in European Council meetings, soon after he became prime minister, as he wooed President Chirac of France, who was deeply sceptical about the UK’s approach to the European project, was on the other side of the political divide, and old enough to be his father. Blair encouraged Chirac to take a close interest and evident delight in the new Downing Street baby, Leo Blair, born in 2000, and played to Chirac’s lifelong interest in Asia by entertaining the president at top Japanese restaurants in London. Often it seemed more a case of Blair personally being at the centre of European discussions, rather than the UK.

What I can say is that I was always struck by how Blair engaged his interlocutors seemingly regardless of political and other major differences. In many ways, he demonstrated polished diplomatic rather than political skills. His trick was to build a personal relationship and leverage that into the public sphere. He is a diplomat’s diplomat at head-of-government level – and, right now, that is an asset.

Whether Trump decides to push ahead in nominating Blair – either as some sort of neo-colonialist governor general for Gaza or in a supporting role on his putative so-called “Board of Peace” – will probably depend on how he thinks it will play in the region and the answers he gets to the question he shared with journalists on Air Force One. It will not be enough that a handful of onside Gulf rulers, autocrats and a politically vulnerable Israeli prime minister think that Blair might well suit their various agendas. That said, Trump is hardly spoilt for choice in terms of respected statesmen he trusts, who might command confidence among the protagonists and people of the Middle East.

Nicholas Hopton served as the British ambassador to Libya (2019-21), Iran (2015-18), Qatar (2013-15) and Yemen (2012-13). He is a distinguished senior fellow at RUSI

Pink Floyd star David Gilmour says Roger Waters reunion is impossible

David Gilmour has said nothing could ever make him reunite with Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters.

The guitarist has unequivocally shut down any suggestion the pair would put their differences aside and perform again.

Gilmour and Waters have been feuding for decades since the latter quit the “Another Brick in the Wall” group in 1985 – and in 2024, the pair sold their rights to Sony Music for more than half a billion dollars.

In a new interview, when asked what would have to happen for him to consider sharing a stage with Waters in the future, Gilmour told The Telegraph: “Nothing. There is no possible way that I would do that.”

Previously, Gilmour hit out at Waters, claiming he “supported genocidal and autocratic dictators like Putin” – and in 2023, Gilmour’s wife, the lyricist Polly Samson, accused Waters of being “antisemitic to his rotten core”.

Waters responded on his official account, saying he was “aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson, which he refutes entirely”.

In the new interview, Samson said she spoke out against Waters as she did not want there to be any confusion as to which Pink Floyd member she was married to.

“If they knew you’re married to someone from Pink Floyd, half the time people were giving me quite strange looks and it was really uncomfortable and I just wanted to draw a line and make it clear that these were not views held by me or the person I was married to,” she said.

In 2024, Pink Floyd sold their music rights, as well as their name-and-likeness rights, in one of the largest music deals in history.

The group’s iconic artwork, mostly created by the British design company Hipgnosis, which adorned albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and Animals, were said to be part of the deal.

Gilmour said the deal stemmed from a desire to be “rid of the decision making and the arguments that are involved with keeping it going”.

He added that the sale was less about a “financial standpoint” and more about “getting out of the mud bath that it has been for quite a while”.

Hidden gem holidays: An insider guide to the Dominican Republic

The advent of autumn sees us thinking ahead to how to keep that sunshine feeling going through till winter; and there’s nothing better for keeping our spirits up than the idea of booking a holiday somewhere tropical. Enter the Dominican Republic, a warm and welcoming Caribbean nation perched to the south of the Turks and Caicos islands, and east of Jamaica. Known for its beautiful beaches, premium resorts and some legendary golf courses, there is, as the saying goes, genuinely something for everyone. If you want to make your holiday more than just a fly and flop, there’s plenty to explore, from Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain, to historic sites in the country’s lively capital, Santo Domingo.

But first, where’s the best place to stay? Consider Costa Esmeralda, in the Miches area on the Island’s northeastern coast, a picturesque and pristine stretch of sand fringed with coconut palms that lean over the calm, turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Neighbouring Punta Cana and the wider Bávaro area combine to form what’s known as La Costa del Coco, or the Coconut Coast, an area of lavish, all-inclusive hotels which is also popular for windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

Base yourself at Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort Curio by Hilton, an oceanfront resort boasting 800-metres of secluded beach on the shores of Playa Esmeralda. Located just 90 minutes’ drive from Punta Cana International Airport, the emphasis here is firmly on fun and relaxation. It features six restaurants, six bars and lounges, four pools and several water slides, and for those who like to keep fit while away, there’s a pickleball court, a paddle tennis court, and a full-service fitness centre which offers yoga and pilates classes. The Acana spa aims to reconnect soul and spirit with therapies inspired by ancient traditions, while you’ll also find a daily programme of art and cultural activities, plus live nightly entertainment. Bringing the kids? They’ll love spending time at the Coki Cove Kids Club or Palmchat Teens Club.

There’s a choice of rooms, suites or bungalows, all tastefully decorated with Caribbean flair, and offering stunning views. Select accommodations even feature private plunge pools, and Club Azure and bungalow guests have access to additional dining options and a rooftop pool. Talking of dining, you’ll experience a world of flavour, with menus inspired by the traditions of the Caribbean, Thailand, and the Amalfi Coast; think spicy, street-food inspired dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and local favourites. All this, and unlimited drinks and cocktails, too!

What’s more, booking with British Airways Holidays means you can secure your holiday now with a low deposit and spread the cost with flexible payments*. Once you’re ready to jet off, you can enjoy increased checked baggage allowance, a dedicated 24-hour helpline during your trip and the option of quality car hire with no hidden fees, 24-hour support and roadside assistance.

Upgrade to Club World and you’ll also get lounge access**, increased baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, and a spacious seat that converts to a fully flat bed. Members of The British Airways Club enjoy even more benefits in the form of collecting Avios (British Airways’ frequent flyer currency) and earning tier points, which unlock frequent flyer status and other benefits. Avios can also be used towards the cost of your holiday, presenting even greater value for money for members.

All this means you can totally relax during your stay at Hilton Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, knowing you’re getting the quality and peace of mind you’d expect from a British Airways Holidays.

If you can tear yourself away from the resort – tough, we know – there’s lots to experience throughout the Dominican Republic. Take a day trip to Santo Domingo, one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities; its walled, cobblestoned, historic centre, the Zona Colonial, has impressive Spanish buildings dating back to the 16th century, including the Gothic Catedral Primada de America and the Alcázar de Colón palace, which sits on the laid-back, cafe-lined Plaza de España. The latter is now one of the city’s many museums, displaying striking medieval and Renaissance art. In the pretty Parque del Este is the Faro a Colón, a large mausoleum and museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus, who landed on the island known as Hispaniola (now divided into the Dominican Republic and Haiti) in 1492. For a taste of life in bygone times, visit Altos de Chavón, a fascinating replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village, featuring art galleries and studios, boutiques and a striking amphitheatre.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Get back to nature at Los Haitises National Park, where you can explore mangrove forests, caves and unique rock formations, or the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, a series of tumbling falls perfect for swimming, splashing and jumping into. And don’t miss the incredible Hoya Azul, a cenote, or sinkhole, with crystal-clear, aquamarine waters; it’s located in Scape Park, a natural adventure park featuring lush jungles and jaw-dropping cliffs, where you can go zip-lining or explore the caves. There is whale watching in Samana Bay – humpback whales can be found here during their breeding season, January to March. While Lago Enriquillo, a salt lake with surrounding wetlands, is home to crocodiles and various bird species, including flamingos. All in all, your holiday to the Dominican Republic is guaranteed to be unforgettable; so get booking now!

British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance for each customer and come with full ATOL protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your holiday to Hilton Zemi Miches Punta with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.

*Based on two sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

**Subject to availability

Miliband says ‘we can’t have no go zones’ for Jews in Aston Villa row

Ed Miliband has warned that nowhere in the UK should be a “no go area” for Jews and Israelis.

The energy secretary has intervened as the row over the decision by West Midlands Police to ban football fans of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their match in Birmingham against Aston Villa has continued to escalate.

It comes as Aston Villa prepare to play Tottenham Hotspur, the club that has Britain’s biggest Jewish support, in the Premier League today at Villa Park.

Speaking on Sky News, the energy secretary, who has Jewish heritage, was asked for his response to a petition by independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, Ayoub Khan, which called for the match to be halted. Mr Miliband said: “No, I profoundly disagree with that approach, with what is being said in that petition.”

Mr Khan is an ally of Jeremy Corbyn sitting in the former Labour leader’s independent group.

His petition, signed by just 3,987 people, says: “This is not a normal match.” It goes on to note the “track record of violence by Maccabi Tel Aviv fans”, who, were the match to be played, would be “arriving in Aston, a diverse and predominantly Muslim community”.

Mr Miliband warned: “We cannot have a situation where any area is a no-go area for people of a particular religion or from a particular country, and we’ve got to stamp out all forms of prejudice, antisemitism, Islamophobia, wherever we find them.”

The “vast majority of Muslim people in this country would disassociate themselves” from suggestions that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could not come to Aston Villa because it was a predominantly Muslim area, Mr Miliband said.

But Mr Miliband stressed that “integration is not something you can ever take for granted”, when asked about concerns that a lack of integration had contributed to the situation.

The row continues as the chief executive of the Holocaust Education Trust, Karen Pollock, warned that the West Midlands Police decision “should chill us all”.

Writing forThe I, she said: “We have decided that one set of supporters must be excluded because of who they are and the team they support. Because they are Israelis. Because they are Jews.”

The concerns over the police and antisemitism were also fuelled with footage showing a Jewish lawyer being arrested by the Metropolitan Police for wearing a Star of David.

The Jew who was arrested was told that the symbol “antagonised” pro-Palestine protesters but accused the police of trying to “ban the Star of David.”

Mr Miliband said that the government was in talks at resolving the situation so the match could go ahead as normal with fans from both sides attending.

Met Police denies arresting Jewish lawyer for wearing Star of David

The Metropolitan Police is denying arresting a Jewish lawyer for wearing a Star of David necklace at a pro-Palestine protest.

Instead, the force said the man, aged in his 40s. was detained for breaching laws to keep protest groups apart.

The man was arrested outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington, central London, on 29 August, according to The Telegraph.

In police interview footage, a detective said to the suspect that he had worn the Star of David to cause “offence”, the newspaper reported.

The man also told The Telegraph that he had been acting as an “independent legal observer” to monitor the event for unlawful behaviour by the protesters and to examine the actions taken by police.

The man, who was held for nearly 10 hours, said: “It is outrageous that police should claim wearing a star of David somehow antagonises people.

“When it was first raised in the police interview, it rang alarm bells for me immediately.”

The man said the police crossed the line.

“They (the police) are trying to criminalise the wearing of a Star of David.

“They said I was antagonising and agitating pro-Palestine protesters with my Star of David.

“In an environment of antisemitism, I will not be cowed by this.

“I will carry on wearing it.”

The Met said in a statement that the man was arrested for allegedly repeatedly breaching conditions set under the Public Order Act to keep opposing protest groups apart.

Posting on X, the force said: “We understand the concerns raised, but the claim this man was arrested for wearing a star of David necklace is not true.

“He was arrested for allegedly repeatedly breaching Public Order Act conditions that were in place to keep opposing protest groups apart.

“The conditions required protesters from the pro-Israel group Stop The Hate to remain in one area with protesters from the pro-Palestinian group Ijan required to remain in a separate area.

“The man told officers he was acting as an independent legal observer but his actions are alleged to have breached the conditions in place, and to have gone beyond observing in an independent and neutral way to provoking and, as such, actively participating as a protester.

“Over the course of an hour, the man is alleged to have continuously approached the area allocated to Ijan, getting very close to protesters to film them and provoking a reaction.

“Officers had to intervene at least four times to ask the man to return to the Stop the Hate area as required by the conditions.

“When he failed to do so after multiple warnings, he was arrested.

“He was released on bail and the investigation continues.

“The clipped footage released, in which officers question the man’s status and actions as an independent legal observer, is six minutes of an hour-long interview.

“We can fully appreciate why this clip in isolation causes concern and we are continuing to review and work with communities to understand the concerns they have voiced.”