The Sun Newspaper

PUB and restaurant bosses want a U-turn on an eco tax that will push up prices.

They teamed up to warn the packaging tax will lump the industry with millions of pounds in extra costs.

5

The EPR (extended producer responsibility) will charge retailers or producers per tonne of packaging that they use.

The idea is that businesses pay the recycling costs, rather than councils.

As glass bottles are heavier than other packaging, it could end up adding 12p extra to a bottle of wine and 6p to a bottle of beer.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “These absurd packaging rules will undoubtedly see the price of a pint or a bottle of wine go up.

“We need to see Defra urgently act to exempt hospitality businesses from EPR fees.”

Stonegate, the UK’s largest pub company, Fuller’s, Marston’s and Punch Pubs alongside campsite owner Parkdean Resorts, Burger King, and the owner of Ask and Zizzi restaurant chains are among those who have written to Environment Secretary Steve Reed to blast the “nonsensical” tax, saying: “Hospitality businesses will be forced to pass at least some of the additional cost on to their customers, as their suppliers have done to them.”

Domino’s Pizza boss Andrew Rennie told The Sun the new levy will lead to higher prices, saying: “It’s adding to inflation.

“It’s another significant increase in costs and it’s still not clear what fees we will face.”

5

SHREDDIES JOBS CULL

THE maker of Shreddies and Cheerios is set to axe more than 300 jobs and shut one of its factories as people lose their appetite for breakfast cereals.

Cereal Partners Uk & Ireland, the maker of Nestle cereal brands, said that the closure was necessary as its sales were “in significant decline owing to the changing habits of UK and Irish customers”.

5

5

The firm is planning to close its factory in Bromborough, Wirral, below, and shift production to another factory in Wiltshire.

The move will impact 314 workers.

A spokesman said the firm was facing “greater competition from alternative breakfast options”.

More Brits are now choosing healthier starts to the day, such as fresh fruit and eggs.

Shreddies used TV’s DIY expert Nick Knowles for its “Shreddie for Anything” campaign four years ago in an effort to boost sales.

£40M WATER HIT

YORKSHIRE WATER has been ordered by Ofwat to pay £40million to address failings over wastewater and sewage.

The regulator said a probe found “serious failures” in how it operated and maintained its sewage network.

Ofwat said this resulted in excessive spills from storm overflows — which is when sewage leaks into rivers and is not diluted by rainwater.

It announced yesterday that the company has admitted to its failings and agreed to comply with the enforcement package as a result.

RESCUED IN STYLE

FAST-fashion brand In the Style has been snapped up, rescuing it from administration.

The online retailer floated in 2019 with a market value of £105million, making its founder, Adam Frisby, a fortune.

But a collapse saw it sold to investors at BAAJ Capital for just £1.5million in 2023.

Since then, the business has struggled with cash flow issues and “significant debts”, leading administrators at FTS Recovery to be appointed.

But Alps Sourcing Ltd, linked to Baaj, has now bought the firm, saving 87 jobs.

DOUBLE DIY GIRLS ALLOWED

WICKES is targeting more female DIY enthusiasts to help drive sales, as cash-strapped Brits hold off on new bathrooms and kitchens.

Chief executive David Wood said women accounted for only one in six customers three years ago but the figure was now one in three.

5

Mr Wood said Wickes had “softened the brand” by bringing in more decorations and gardening products, and collaborations with Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh on a range of paints.

The home improvement retailer yesterday posted an overall 1 per cent drop in revenues to £1.5billion, helped by a 1.9 per cent rise in retail sales to £1.2billion, while its design and installation business suffered a 10 per cent fall in sales.

Adjusted profits fell by 8.7 per cent to £67.4million on the back of a slowdown in “big ticket sales” in the past year.

A HEAVY METAL HIT

THE London Metal Exchange has been fined £9.2million over a nickel trade debacle, with City watchdogs ruling systems and controls were “inadequate”.

The LME — the last market in Europe with an open-outcry trading floor — left junior staff in charge for six hours in 2022.

Prices soared and grew highly volatile, forcing it to freeze buying and selling of nickel.

Commodity trader ELLIOTT said it lost £352million in profit as a result of cancelled trades.

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

PRINCE William holds a wellwisher’s cuddly toy yesterday as he praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people during a show of support against Putin’s Russia.

On a two-day visit to Estonia, he wore bracelets in Ukraine’s blue and yellow given to him by students at a school set up for refugees from the war-torn nation.

3

3

Wills, 42, said they were “very strong, very smiley and very spiritual people” with “good souls”.

He told them: “It’s looking forward to the future in a positive way, it’s very important.

“It’s been a very difficult few years for you guys. Everyone sees that.

“What I love is (that) the Ukrainian resilience is everywhere.

“You all are very smiley and very strong and very spiritual people.

“And honestly that comes across everywhere.

“Even the Ukrainians I’ve met in the UK and like that – very resilient and very strong about things.”

He also joined a class and played basketball at the Freedom School, and shook hands and took selfies with locals in the capital Tallinn.

It came after he met with Estonia’s President Alar Karis and expressed his gratitude for Operation Cabrit — the project aimed at bolstering Nato’s eastern flank.

His trip marks the mission’s handover from the Royal Dragoon Guards to the Mercian Regiment, of which he is colonel in chief.

3

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

LIKE a real-life Rapunzel, I have had long blonde hair my whole life.

In fact, it’s the first thing people tend to notice about me. But as I’ve aged, my locks have become darker.

7

7

And like most women who grew up blonde, I’ve spent the last few years contemplating whether to commit to regular highlights and maintain the fair hair of my youth, or embrace the darker, dirty blonde strands that now spring from my scalp.

The majority of Brits have naturally darker hair, with 48 per cent being brunette, compared to 29 per cent that are naturally blonde.

Given the average salon colour appointment costs upwards of £150 across the UK, it’s no surprise that darker hair is trending, as we all look for low-maintenance styles that require less frequent visits.

Even celebrities are in on the action, with stars like Hailey Bieber, Lily-Rose Depp and Saoirse Ronan sporting cool tones like worn blonde, golden beige and ‘bronde’.

But all these ‘new’ shades are pretty much just a re-brand of the dishwater blonde I despise on my own head.

Blonde is often associated with youth, but I’ve never thought there was any truth in the cliché that blondes have more fun. Or that those with darker locks are smarter and more dependable.

With my 30th looming later this year, could it be time to turn a new, more mature page and move over to the dark side?

On my mission to decide what would suit me best, I did what any Zillennial would do and opened TikTok.

And that’s when I came across the ‘sun or moon’ trend.

You might think this viral sensation is questioning whether you’re an early riser or a night owl.

Or maybe you’d think I was talking about star signs.

But it actually refers to a test to see which hair colour suits you best, with thousands of creators suggesting you’re either a ‘sun’ – and suit fair hair – or a ‘moon’ – in which case brunette or black shades flatter your features the most.

Every one of the women on TikTok had tried both blonde and dark, with dramatically different ‘before’ and ‘after’ clips comparing the results.

I’m not nearly impulsive enough to grab a packet of dye and find out for myself, so instead I used an AI colour try-on tool.

TikTok’s filters had far too many bright and bold colours to cycle through, and after trying a few apps and internet-based try-on tools,

I found L’Oreal Paris’ to be the best.

It is free on the brand’s website and there are endless, more natural shades to choose from than I found on TikTok.

You can choose to upload a photo of yourself from your camera roll or use the camera on your phone to try colours on in real-time.

Just make sure you’re in natural light to get the best results.

The TikTok filters often added make-up to my face, which skewed how the new hair colour looked against my skin, but L’Oreal’s tool does no such thing.

You get a life-like result and can see how your features change as you swipe through the different hues.

I expected to look like Wednesday Addams as I pressed ‘liquorice black’, but I was pleasantly surprised. My skin tone didn’t look nearly as pale as I had feared, which only complicated things further: should I have dyed my hair dark decades ago?

7

7

7

7

I decided to call in an expert.

Jay Blitsas, a colourist at top London salon Larry King in South Kensington, took one look at the photo and immediately put my fears to rest.

“Blonde hair stands out as the most flattering choice – it gives you a more radiant, effortless look,” he assures me.

“Blonde brightens your complexion, enhances your eye colour and softens your facial features.

“In contrast, the black hair feels heavier and washes you out. It makes your features appear harsher and the shadows on your face more pronounced.”

I don’t get enough sleep as it is, so I definitely don’t need anything that could make my under-eyes seem darker.

The more I look at the photo with dark hair, the more I can see exactly what he’s talking about.

The blush on my cheeks has all but disappeared and my eyes look dull and tired. It’s subtle, but I’m sure if I was looking in a mirror, the difference would be even more stark.

“While some people can pull off both, many suit either fair or dark hair better based on their natural features,” explains Jay.

“If your skin is fair or has cool undertones, black can sometimes look too stark, plus regrowth is more noticeable if your natural colour is lighter.

“Blonde works well with warm and cool undertones, depending on the shade – especially if you have blue, green, or hazel eyes.

“Lighter hair enhances light eyes, while dark hair can sometimes make them look less vibrant and can be overpowering on fair skin or too severe on softer features.”

Unfortunately for me, that means booking in for my highlights, but at least I now know why I’m splurging all that cash at the salon – and it seems far more justifiable now I’ve seen what a negative impact dark, dull hair has on my complexion.

HOW TO TELL

“Before dying your hair, several factors determine whether a colour will complement your features, including eye colour, natural hair colour and facial structure,” says Jay.

“But your skin’s undertone is the most important factor in choosing a flattering hair colour.”

While a filter might help you decide, there are quicker, offline methods.

“The jewellery test is an easy way to work out your undertone,” Jay explains.

“If you think gold jewellery looks better on you, then you likely have warm undertones.

“But if you tend to wear silver jewellery, you probably have cool undertones and a pink or bluish tinge to your skin.”

If you can carry off both, then count yourself lucky, as you’ve likely got neutral undertones and will suit pretty much any hair colour.

“Shades like ash blonde, platinum, silver blonde, champagne blonde, ash brown, espresso and cool dark brown tend to work best with cool undertones,” Jay advises.

“For warm undertones, honey blonde, caramel blonde, golden blonde, butterscotch, chestnut brown, caramel brown and warm chocolate brown can all be flattering, depending on how deep your skin tone is.”

If in doubt, stick to your roots.

“Your natural hair colour is often the most harmonious with your features,” says Jay.

“Your natural hair colour has developed alongside your skin undertones and eye colour, meaning it usually creates the most balanced look, although that doesn’t always mean it’s the most flattering.

“If your natural hair colour washes you out, adding dimension or lightening it slightly can make your features pop.”

Not only that, it is far easier to reverse than picking a shade on the opposite side of the colour wheel.

“If you’re set on a major colour change, going from dark to blonde or vice versa, the best approach is slow and steady,” says Jay.

“Go into your hair appointment knowing that it’s going to be a process and it won’t happen overnight.”

Five products to make hair thrive

Before getting hair lightened it is important to get it in the best shape pre-treatment to minimise damage.

Jay says: “It’s imperative you use great products after and before you get your colour done to ensure hair is in the best possible condition.”

Here are five he recommends.

7

1. Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Mask, £23
2. Olaplex No.3 Hair Protector, £28
3. Garnier Ultimate Blends Rice Water Infusion & Starch Hair Remedy Mask, £5.50
4. K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, £30
5. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment, £16.99

A BRITISH volunteer clearing landmines in Ukraine has been convicted in absentia on trumped up terrorism charges by a kangaroo Russian court.

Chris Garrett, 40, was sentenced to 14 and a half years in jail.

4

4

4

He shrugged off the verdict as “a pathetic attempt to smear me by those who have ­murdered, raped and tortured thousands of civilians in Ukraine”.

He was tried by a court in Donetsk which is under Russian control.

He has spent the war blowing up artillery shells and live ammo dumped by Vladimir Putin’s retreating troops.

He was among the first into the massacred towns of Bucha and Irpin and worked round the clock in the wake of the Battle for Hostomel Airport.

The former tree surgeon from the Isle of Man said: “I’m much more comfortable being on the front or close to it where I can switch off and just get on with the task.

“With a landmine or explosive it’s either stable or it blows up — there’s no in between.

“I seem to be better at blowing things up than I do keeping relationships.”

Chris, known as Swampy, briefly served in the Army as a teen.

He was taught how to clear landmines in south-east Asia in 2014.

Later that year, he went to Ukraine following Russia’s incursion in Crimea.

4

A ROYAL Navy nuclear-armed submarine has smashed the world record for the longest patrol — after spending 204 days at sea.

Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey yesterday met the crew of HMS Vanguard and their families as the boat returned to the UK.

2

The PM thanked them “for their months of silent service deep under water”.

He is the first PM to join a so-called Day Zero since 2013.

No10 said several sailors’ families had “significant life milestones while their loved ones were on deployment, including four submariners who returned home to newborn children”.

HMS Vengeance held the previous record of 201 days, set last year.

The subs provide Britain’s nuclear deterrent and one is always at sea.

They were only designed to carry out 80-day missions but only two of the four subs are seaworthy, forcing them so spend longer at sea.

Sir Keir will today visit Barrow-in-Furness to lay the keel to the first of the next generation nuclear armed submarines, known as the Dreadnought class.

He will also announce King Charles has agreed to confer the “Royal” title to the Port of Barrow in Cumbria in recognition of the town’s “unique and critical contribution to national security as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK”.

2

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

THE impact of Brexit on the economy has been “overly exaggerated”, insists former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

The Tory MP, who backed Remain in 2016, says the move has had “much less impact on exports to the EU” than previously thought.

1

It comes as a think tank’s report hits out at the Office for Budget Responsibility watchdog.

It said their flawed models risked undermining UK trade policy at a critical time.

The report revealed UK vehicle exports fell by 28 per cent between 2019 and 2023.

But the actual value fell by just 2 per cent in real terms, the think tank said.

It also says that goods which were imported to the UK and then sent out again, known as “re-exports” accounted for a large discrepancy in the fall in outward trade.

The Remain-backer warned that those “who seek to relitigate Brexit are deeply mistaken”.

He said: “In this era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, it is more important than ever that the UK keeps all of its allies close.

“Britain does not need to choose between the EU and the US on trade, but should seek to maintain positive and open relationships with both.”

THE new boss of UNILEVER is being given £763,000 to move house, The Sun can reveal. 

Fernando Fernandez will rake in the record “relocation benefits” of any top brass at British-listed companies. 

7

7

7

The Argentinian, who is switching from New York to the UK, was promoted from being the firm’s £1million finance chief to the top job last month in a shock move that saw Hein Schumacher ousted as CEO after less than two years. 

Consumer goods giant Unilever, the FTSE 100-listed Magnums and Marmite maker, has already revealed that he is set to receive a basic salary of £1.5million. 

He will also be in line for other perks including an annual bonus worth up to 225 per cent of his pay, equivalent to £3.3million. 

And he qualifies for a share plan worth up to a whopping 400 per cent of his salary — which could work out at an extra £6million, conditional on his performance. 

Unilever’s annual report sheds light on the growing trend for handing over huge sums to bosses to encourage them to move. 

It reveals Mr Fernandez has already been handed £553,000 to relocate and will receive a further £210,000 for his move in the next year. He is also entitled to housing costs for up to six months. 

Such “cost of living adjustment” perks are becoming more popular as firms try to swell executive pay to match US rivals. 

Tesco caused shareholder fury eight years ago when it handed former boss Dave Lewis £142,000 to relocate 25 miles from London to Welwyn Garden City, Herts. 

AG Barr boss Euan Sutherland also raised eyebrows last year when bagging a £130,000 relocation package to buy a home nearer to the Irn Bru maker’s Scottish HQ. 

Shell boss Wael Sawan landed £334,778 when moving from America to headquarters in London. 

Over in the US, coffee giant Starbucks allowed its new boss Brian Niccol a ­stonking £192,000 private jet allowance for his “super commute” to Seattle from his home in California. 

And Nicandro Durante received a hefty £199,346 when moving from the US to London to take the top job at Dettol maker Reckitt. 

7

7

Russ Mould, analyst at AJ Bell, told Sun Business: “Companies are always looking to attract and retain the best talent. Pay is one way of doing this. But there are others, such as bonuses, stock options and relocation packages. 

“Unilever clearly felt it wanted to get the right person in place as swiftly as possible. It is up to Mr Fernandez and Unilever to prove he is worth his package by getting the firm to show improved financial and share price performance.” 

David Jackson, managing partner at headhunter firm Stone Executive, said: “Relocation packages or covering housing costs are becoming increasingly popular as a way of firms being able to secure the international talent they want.” 

Six diving in to the Thames 

7

THAMES WATER has revealed it has received takeover bids from six suitors and hopes to clinch a restructuring deal by September. 

The troubled utility company, which this week won a legal battle for a £3billion loan from bondholders, is “conducting a detailed assessment” of the proposals. Without the loan, it faced running out of cash by the end of March. 

Bidders are understood to include Castle Water, KKR and CK Hutchison, which already owns a big stake in Northumbrian Water. 

The disclosure came as Thames said it had postponed its appeal on how much it can raise bills by 18 weeks. 

Regulator Ofwat yesterday said a record five firms had referred its price review to the competition watchdog. 

Anglian Water, Northumbrian, South East, Southern and Wessex Water want to raise bills by more than allowed. 

Charge..! On Tesla

ELON Musk’s Tesla is facing a fresh threat after a Chinese rival claimed its new vehicle can be charged as quickly as it takes to fill a car with petrol. 

BYD says it can charge a range of 250 miles in just five minutes. Tesla’s Superchargers take 15 minutes. 

Shares in Musk’s electric car firm have tumbled by more than third in the past month amid fears his closeness to US president Donald Trump has sparked a sales slump, particularly in China and Europe. 

Pawn is boosted by gold 

7

BRITAIN’S biggest pawnbroker has been boosted as cash-strapped customers sell their jewellery to take advantage of soaring gold prices. 

H&T Group yesterday reported that profits have jumped by 10 per cent to £29.1million in the past year. 

The firm, which has 285 shops, said it had seen strong demand due to the “limited alternatives” for individuals needing to borrow small sums of money for the short term. 

Gold prices have hit record highs of $3,000 (£2,300) an ounce, leading to more people taking their broken chains and old bracelets to pawnshops to take advantage of their increased worth. 

The increasing cost of jewellery is also prompting more to turn to second-hand items to save cash. 

Chris Gillespie, H&T chief executive, said the group was “well positioned for significant growth in the medium term”. 

MORE than 600 shops and 5,000 jobs will be put at risk by business rate rises, says High Streets UK.

The group reckons government plans to hit costlier properties will see 200 permanent closures on “flagship high streets”. 

Car loan giant in £103m hit

SPECIALIST motoring lender Close Brothers has swung into a £103million loss after putting £165million aside to cover potential compensation payments in the car finance scandal. 

The firm is Britain’s biggest motoring finance ­provider and has been heavily hit by a landmark ruling from October last year. 

Judges declared it unlawful for car dealers to have received ­commission on motor finance from lenders without a driver’s knowledge. 

Close Brothers is also ­paying a further £10million in adviser and legal fees dealing with the fallout of potential misselling of car finance deals. 

The case is due to be heard in the Supreme Court next month. 

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Allowing Neptune’s softer side into your world view takes time but is worth the effort, as letting yourself be vulnerable makes you stronger.

If you have doubts about love, work or home – express them rather than ignoring them.

The sun is poised to exit your sector of hidden self – it’s now or never for total truth.

2

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Letting certain friends go may feel like the only option but the sun’s warm influence argues against this.

Try to get everyone back on the same page, respecting the same principles.

Then if you need to move on, you can do it with a clear conscience.

Your name should be part of an ongoing deal – if not, find out why.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

It may feel a career goal is further away – but so much of this comes from your mindset. Your sun and moon mix can help you be optimistic but realistic – and make one big step forward.

A strong togetherness strand makes existing love even closer.

New romance links to a finance face in fun mode.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Flipping a To-Do List, and sorting out the simplest items first, can clear the way for big achievement.

Unexpected work chances can crop up in overtime.

Saturn’s steady guidance keeps a learning task on track, as long as you are sure you have started from the right place.

Luck calls out number “8”.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

The unique ways a family finds to have fun together can have financial promise – via a game or presentation platform.

So give some thought to how this could work out for you.

Waiting for someone else to fix a love issue is getting you nowhere – take charge and try out those moves that are on your mind.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Talking is a treat for your usually quiet mind – soon, you may find your thoughts spilling out, along with a waiting audience.

That writing future can start to take shape today.

The moon and Venus in opposition is not the simplest passion set-up, but it’s one you can work with, as long as you stay true to your heart.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

If you feel the need to take up any slack at work and go beyond your job description, your chart is keen to pay attention.

Doing too much has become a habit – but it’s one you can break.

Start with an honest talk with someone who can make a difference and switch off that need to please others.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Personal breakthroughs are highlighted in your chart by Neptune – as long as you can stop for long enough to notice this.

Yes, a passion pursuit may be exciting, but is it taking you in the right direction?

At work, commitment only works if everyone who matters is included.

Review a cash situation by tonight.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

The difference between fantasy and reality is wafer thin – so lovers can appear out of the blue, when you concentrate your thoughts.

Or, if you’re in a relationship, visualise the night you’d love to have, then find it happening.

But with Pluto’s input in your communication zone, do stick to the facts in written messages.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Friends’ egos can be easily bruised. So if you have tough words to say, wrap them in kindness, and keep in mind the past you share with someone, as much as the future you wish for.

With a dreamy moonscope, romance is back with a bang.

Even the most mundane meeting carries a thrilling undercurrent.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

2

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

The value of something may not be obvious – but the way Neptune is working in your chart means you should give every factor enough time.

If you’re in love, letting minor irritations go leaves room for major love breakthroughs.

If you are single, The One may appear a hard “No”, until you look closer.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Your key learning project is an easy one – because it’s yourself. You may have resisted letting recent events change you, when you should welcome this development.

Now, you have the open mind you need to get started, and see success instantly.

Passion surprises gather where headlines are shared.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

THE draw for tonight’s National Lottery EuroMillions (March 18, 2025) has taken place, with life-changing cash prizes at stake.

Check the results to see if you have just won a fortune and bagged enough to start that jet-set lifestyle you always dreamed of.

2

Every EuroMillions ticket also bags you an automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, which guarantees at least one player will pocket £1million in every draw.

You can find out if you’re a winner by checking your ticket against tonight’s numbers below.

Tonight’s National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers are: 04, 09, 35, 46, 50 and the Lucky Stars are: 08, 11.

The UK Millionaire Maker Selection winner is: HHFG17793.

Tonight’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 20, 26, 27, 33, 36 and the Thunderball is 12.

The first EuroMillions draw took place on February 7, 2004, by three organisations: France’s Française des Jeux, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in Spain and the Camelot in the UK.

One of the UK’s biggest prizes was up for grabs on December, 4, 2020 with a whopping £175million EuroMillions jackpot, which would make a winner richer than Adele.

Another previous UK winner who’s whole life was altered with their jackpot was a player who wanted to remain anonymous on October 8, 2019. They walked off with a cool £170,221,000.

Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs in Scotland, netted a huge £161,653,000 in the July 12, 2011.

Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Haverhill, Suffolk, picked up £148,656,000 after they played the draw on August, 10, 2012, while Jane Park became Britain’s youngest lottery winner when she scooped up £1 million in 2013.

The odds of winning any EuroMillions prize are 1 in 13.

Could tonight’s jackpot of £149million see you handing in your notice and swapping the daily commute for slurping champagne on a super yacht or lying back on a private beach in the Bahamas?

2

DISGRACED hedge fund tycoon Crispin Odey has been fined £1.8million and banned from working in finance for a “lack of integrity”.

It comes amid his handling of multiple sexual harassment allegations against him.

It was revealed for the first time yesterday by the Financial Conduct Authority that Odey’s own firm had found in 2021 he made “inappropriate physical contact” and “inappropriate and unprofessional comments” to female staff.

However, the firm judged him to be a “fit and proper person” and only issued a written warning.

Minutes from the board meeting said Odey was “embarrassed by the allegations and admitted there were certain things he had done wrong”.

The FCA revealed it was banning him not because of the sexual misconduct but because of his “reckless disregard” in his handling of the complaints.

Odey’s fund, Odey Asset Management, made £220million betting against the pound during the EU referendum, despite him being a prominent Brexiteer.

In 2023, he quit the firm he founded after an investigation by the Financial Times detailed allegations by 20 different women of sexual harassment and assault over decades.

The FCA’s Therese Chambers said: “His lack of integrity means he deserves to be banned.”

Odey continues to deny the allegations and is fighting a personal injury claim against one of the women who has made the allegations, as well as a libel claim against the Financial Times.

He has told the FCA he will challenge its decision by referring it to the Upper Tribunal, which has equivalent status as a high court.

5

LEAKY THAMES LUCKY

5

5

THAMES Water has avoided being taken into Government ownership after a court of appeal yesterday approved a controversial £3billion lifeline from its creditors.

Campaigners and bondholders, who face being wiped out in the restructuring, had challenged the deal, arguing the “eye-watering” interest costs of 9.75 per cent were not in the public interest.

Thames Water can now immediately access £1.5billion to avoid running out of cash at the end of this month.

The firm, led by Chris Weston, is still seeking a rescue bidder.

GROCERS PANIC ON ASDA BID

5

BRITAIN’S biggest grocers took a beating yesterday as investors worried profits could be squeezed in a price war.

The tumbling shares came after Asda announced on Friday its turnaround would focus on investing its biggest ever “war chest” in slashing prices — both at the pumps and in supermarkets.

Clive Black, analyst at Shore Capital, said a resurgent Asda could force rivals to compete and so their profits would be under pressure.

However, he said “we need to remember that the listed players are better grocers than Asda”. Analysts at Jefferies expect a “proactive response” from Tesco on price.

An Asda-led price war would be good for shoppers as it could mean cheaper groceries.

Tesco closed the day down 4.36 per cent, Sainsbury’s was 1.6 per cent lower at the close and M&SR was down by 3 per cent.

PROFITS BLOW AT QINETIQ

5

DEFENCE firm Qinetiq’s shares yesterday tumbled by a fifth after a shock warning that its profits and revenues will be lower due to uncertainty at home and in the US.

The FTSE 250 group, which makes technology for defence robotics, surveillance and cyber security, flagged delays to a number of contract awards in intelligence work.

While the UK Government has committed to boosting defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, a strategic defence review is delaying some contracts.

Efficiency cuts at the Pentagon have also impacted the business in the US. QinetiQ is having to book a £140million writedown and faces a hit to its US businesses of £40million.

To soften the blow it launched a £200million buyback.

It expects to be “boosted by commitments to increased spending in the UK and Europe” on the back of a global “evolving threat environment”.

TESCO is spending £180million boosting shop worker pay by over 5 per cent.

Staff will get an increase from £12.02 an hour to £12.45 from the end of this month, or from £13.15 to £14.36 in London.

But a 10 per cent Sunday pay premium will be axed.

BRIT holidaymakers returning home will be able to avoid long passport queues by using facial recognition.

Families will not have to leave their cars and will instead drive a set of high-powered cameras that will scan their faces and match them to official records.

The technology will be used at ports to match their faces with passport and car details already logged in government databases.

Similar “contactless corridors” are being planned for airports, where all travellers will be scanned automatically and be able to walk to the exit when returning to the UK.

The cameras, which are being trialled at four ports since November – are designed to cut queues that build up during busy holiday periods.

A source told The Telegraph: “Under the new system, instead of getting your passports out, you look at the camera.

“They have these really high-powered cameras that can look through the windscreen and take a picture of your face and match it to the face on the database.

“Assuming all is well, then you get the green light and you drive through the border.

“The other option is that you wind down your window and you all look at an iPad.

“The aim is to use the technology on maritime and rail routes, then on air routes.”

Only “passengers of interest” highlighted as a risk because of intelligence, safeguarding concerns or questions over their identity will have to undergo manual checks by a Border Force officer on arrival.

Four companies have been involved in trialling the technology and it could be introduced within the next year.

1

A DERELICT venue dubbed the Great Pyramid of Stockport will become the world’s largest curry house — with space for 1,500 diners.

Restaurant group Royal Nawaab is transforming the 86,000  sq  ft site, with a 360-seat restaurant and buffet on the ground floor.

3

3

3

Up to 680 people will be served on the first floor, with space for more dining rooms, an office and ­storage in the floor above.

The venue in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, has been empty since the Co-operative Bank left in 2017.

Founder of the curry chain Mahboob Hussain said he was “thrilled” to bring its brand to an “iconic symbol of Stockport“, but admitted the building’s unique shape has posed some challenges.

He said: “I liked taking on this challenge and after working on a historical building in London.

“I’ll be proud to have this as a Royal Nawaab.

“There were a lot of challenges we came across because it’s a different shape of a building, but it’s interesting.

“That’s why it’s called iconic and is a historical building.

“We’ve had some issues but we’ve resolved them, and now we’re nearly there.”

The chain previously owned My Nawaab, one of the world’s largest curry houses, with a capacity of 1,000, in nearby Levenshulme.

LABOUR has been accused of kowtowing to militant teacher unions in a row over its flagship school reforms.

But Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was refusing to make any concessions to her overhaul despite the backlash.

2

Her sweeping reforms will force academies to follow national edicts on everything from curriculum, to staffing qualifications, to uniform standards.

But former Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman launched a scathing attack on the plans — long demanded by union leaders.

She accused Ms Phillipson of pandering to teacher unions who will “always defend the interests of the adults in schools over those of children”.

She urged the Education Secretary to pull the reforms in the Schools Bill “before the damage is done”.

Her intervention sparked a furious retaliation from Ms Phillipson’s allies who branded her tenure as Ofsted chief a “failure”.

Tory Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott warned children would pay the price of the Bill.

She said: “So blinded by ideology and kowtowing to the demands of union bosses, the government’s plans are a wrecking ball for standards in schools.”

“They will stop good schools from being able to grow, and leave pupils in failing schools for longer.”

2

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

A SENIOR minister says British troops being confronted by Russian soldiers in Ukraine would be an “extraordinary escalation” – as talks continue on a peacekeeping force.

Cabinet Minister Wes Streeting indicated that the Kremlin wouldn’t breach a ceasefire deal knowing a Western operation was on its border.

1

The warning shot came as military chiefs meet in London on Thursday ahead on a planned operational phase being deployed to the region.

Sir Keir Starmer held talks with thirty world leaders on Saturday over countries ready to be part of the “coalition of the willing”.

But Mr Streeting told Sky News: “I think it would be an extraordinary escalation for Russian troops to find themselves in conflict with British troops.”

He added added: “What Thursday is about, where the Prime Minister and the UK are convening military leaders from across allied countries, is about having a serious plan, a serious military strategy to secure a peace.”

Ukraine has agreed to a thirty-day ceasefire deal but Vladimir Putin says that “questions” remain about the nature of any truce.

But Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the prospects of Vladimir Putin entering serious peace negotiations were “abysmal”.

He said: “I don’t think Putin doesn’t want a ceasefire. Putin doesn’t want peace.

“His original aim was basically to destroy the independent sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Basically to have Ukraine ceasing to exist.

“He hasn’t changed his aim and this is what all of us around the table have to understand.”

Ex-national security adviser Lord Peter Ricketts also indicated a lack of US backstop could scupper a peacekeeping operation.

He told Sky News: “I just don’t think Trump is going to give that kind of commitment.

He added: “I think a formed fighting force is a considerable risk without an American clear guarantee.”

Plans for a European peacekeeping force of more than 10,000 troops in post-war Ukraine were made at Keir Starmer’s “coalition of the willing” meeting on Saturday, sources revealed.

Government sources told the Sunday Times that “considerably more” than the three countries that initially offered to send troops have backed Sir Keir’s plan.

Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron yesterday said Russia will have no say in whether foreign troops are deployed to Ukraine to ensure a future ceasefire.

CRIMINALS are turning former police stations into cannabis farms.

A huge dope factory was uncovered last week at a two-storey nick which shut in 2011.

1

Officers found hundreds of plants and UV lighting in Horley, Surrey.

A man was arrested and bailed on suspicion of being involved in supplying the Class B drug.

A resident said: “We’ve had a strong smell of cannabis for months but I just thought it must be kids smoking.”

Three more farms have ben uncovered in disused London HQs. Criminals bypass meters and use their own generators to avoid drawing attention.

Former Met Det Chief Insp Mick Neville said: “It is sad that buildings which were once a safe haven for the community have been turned into dens of iniquity for criminals.

“These police stations used to serve the purpose of fighting crime – now they are used to commit crime.

“How many more abandoned old police stations are being used for growing cannabis across the country?

“It makes you wonder if our police chiefs have been smoking cannabis themselves – like the Met Commander Julian Bennett was supposed to have done?

“It’s potty.”

LEGGY Gigi Hadid is enough to cause a flap as she shows off her flip-flops.

The supermodel teamed a pink bikini top and patterned shorts with her Havaianas footwear.

2

2

LA-born Gigi said: “Growing up at the beach, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t wearing this summer staple.”

The 29-year-old also posed with two hula hoops for online retailer Guest In Residence’s 60s-style campaign.

She’s such a busy twirl!

Hadid, born Jelena Noura Hadid, is a Los Angeles native most known for her model work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

She was born on April 25, 1995.

She is signed to IMG Models Worldwide and has landed herself deals with make-up company Maybelline, fashion chains Topshop and Tommy Hilfiger, and car company BMW and walked the runway at New York, Paris, and London Fashion Weeks.

Hadid was discovered by Paul Marciano, co-founder of Guess clothing when she was two years old.

After working with the brand for years, she had her very own Guess campaign in 2012.

She’s now expanding her fashion expertise to include her own collections in collaboration with esteemed designers.

Her Gigi by Tommy Hilfiger collection debuted at New York Fashion Week 2016.

In September 2022, Hadid launched a label, Guest In Residence – a line of cashmere knit clothes.

In September 2020, Hadid’s then-boyfriend Zayn Malik announced that Hadid had given birth to a baby girl, Khai.

Along with a photo of his tattooed hand holding on to his daughter’s tiny hand, the singer wrote in the post: “Our baby girl is here, healthy & beautiful.

“To try put into words how i am feeling right now would be an impossible task.

The proud father continued: “The love i feel for this tiny human is beyond my understanding. Grateful to know her, proud to call her mine, & thankful for the life we will have together x.”

MYLEENE Klass is a cut above the rest as she legs it to the Mandarin Oriental.

The presenter, 46, shows off her impressive pins in a slashed black dress and matching heels.

2

2

Myleene, was at the luxury hotel off Hyde Park, central London, to celebrate becoming the face of Freemans’ Holiday Shop range.

She models its exclusive Lascana Collection.

Myleene recently revealed what really gets her in the mood during an appearance on Loose Women.

Referencing Brooke Shields‘ autobiography, in which she details her thoughts on sex as a 59-year-old woman, Jane Moore put the same question to her fellow panelists.

Myleene, who shares five-year-old daughter Ava with her husband Graham Quinn, revealed what gets her turned on now she’s a busy mum.

The model explained that when it comes to getting in the mood for women, it’s a’ slow burn’.

“I think all these ideas of tequila and setting the mood and music, it’s not about those five minutes, it’s about the whole day,” she said.

“It’s about the cup of tea, it’s about kindness, put a shelf up and things are going to look way more promising for the evening.”

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

THE DVLA has earned nearly £1.2billion by selling 2,613,830 private number plates in five years.

The huge windfall is up by nearly a third on the £347million in 2015-2019.

1

Plate prices start at £250 but the most desirable fetch up to £500,000 at DVLA auctions.

Collector Neal Bircher, 61, of Uxbridge, West London, says the surge is down, in part, to Covid when many wanted new hobbies and investments.

The dad of two, who owns hundreds, said: “The increased supply has increased visibility and increased demand.

“As well as the £80 transfer fee to that the DVLA set in 1983 to transfer plates and that was a lot at the time but they’ve kept it the same since.

“The retention certificates so that you don’t have to have it on the vehicle has made it easier to collect too.

“Finally, I think it’s down to Covid.

“A lot of people picked up new things and new investments.

“That increased the general desire for individuality.”

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

A POSH diner is serving Britain’s most expensive burger for £300 — and it doesn’t even come with proper chips.

The wallet-busting whopper is made from prime cuts of beef, lamb and other meats minced into a 350g slab.

1

And Otto’s Restaurant in central London says it is a bargain.

Founder Otto Tepasse’s creation also includes seared foie gras, lobster claw prepared by a chef at the table and caviar.

It comes in a bun with French-style ­potatoes called pommes soufflées — and must be pre-ordered.

For the price, diners could order 43 McDonald’s Big Mac meals at £6.89 each.

But Otto claimed it should be £450, saying: “It’s made from the most expensive ingredients you can have.

“It is impossible to make it better.”

The world’s dearest is £5,000 and is served on a gold leaf bun at a restaurant in the Netherlands.

PLANE passengers will be able to take a flying taxi into city centres from the airport, under plans announced yesterday.

They will be transported on an electric-powered mini-helicopter, cutting transfer times to just eight minutes.

1

The four-seater air taxis, capable of up to 200mph, can take off and land vertically but with a tiny fraction of the noise produced by typical helicopters.

They can cover up to 100 miles and will cost the same as a typical premium taxi service.

The vision was unveiled by Virgin Atlantic, which has teamed up with US-based aircraft maker Joby Aviation

Their plans need to overcome regulatory hurdles before any start dates are pencilled in.

But it is hoped the zero-emission taxis will be rolled out first at Heathrow and Manchester.

Journeys could include a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds, or an eight- ­minute trip from Heathrow to Canary Wharf.

The mini-helicopters have already completed thousands of test flights.