Latest News from Daily Record
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Donald Trump goes on unhinged rant after being called 'chicken' over trade war
The US president was asked about the new acronym that's been coined to mock his trade policies amid high tariff rates on other nations, but he was not impressed Donald Trump has vehemently slammed the new acronym - TACO - that's been devised to ridicule his trade policies amid elevated tariff rates on other countries. At a press briefing today, Trump faced questions about the TACO trade, a term coined by The Financial Times' Robert Armstrong, which stands for "Trump Always Chickens Out," following recent market upheavals. When a journalist mentioned the term, an incensed Trump retorted: "You mean because I reduced China from 145% that I set, down to 100, and then down to another number, and I said you have to open up your whole country." Last week, Trump hinted he might levy a 50% tax on goods from the European Union starting in June but postponed the tariff increase until July 9, allowing time for discussions while keeping the standard 10% tariff in place. "After I did what I did they said 'we'll meet any time you want' and 'we have an end date of July 9th,' you call that chickening-out?", reports the Irish Star. Trump then boasted about America being the "hottest country in the world" and castigated the reporter who asked the question. "You know, we have the hottest country anywhere in the world. I went to Saudi Arabia, the king told me, he said 'we have the hottest country in the world right now'," Trump proclaimed. "Six months ago this country was stone cold dead. We had a dead country. We had a country people didn't think was going to survive and you ask a nasty question like that." Trump defended his tactics, which some detractors have branded as "chickening out," by claiming it is simply an astute manoeuvre in negotiations, pointing to China as a prime example. Trump reiterated his strategy of escalating Chinese product tariffs to an unprecedented 145% before lowering them to 30% to begin a 90-day negotiation period. "I said 'where are we now?' We're at 145%, I said 'woo, that's high, that's high'...we were basically going cold turkey with China, we were doing no business, because of the tariff, because it was so high," Trump asserted. He proceeded to berate the journalist who had the audacity to ask the question. "But don't ever say what you said, that's a nasty question, to me, that's the nastiest question," Trump fumed. Trump then claimed that without the daunting 50% tariff he imposed, EU officials would not even entertain negotiations, despite often facing criticism for being "too tough."
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily Record
People on PIP most at risk of losing payments under new DWP welfare reforms
DWP analysis breaks down 18 most-claimed PIP conditions and daily living scores below four points. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that proposed eligibility rule changes to the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will result in 370,000 existing claimants losing their entitlement when their award is reviewed during the 2029/30 financial year. The impact assessment, published in March, also estimates that 430,000 future PIP claimants will not qualify for the disability benefit once the reforms come into force, with an average loss of £4,500 each year. The DWP has now conducted analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity in 18 of the most common disabling conditions. These conditions have been chosen as they make up the highest proportions of PIP caseloads. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, shared the analysis findings in a written response to Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins. Sir Stephen said: 'A breakdown of the impact of the reforms on disability overall has been published as part of an Equality Analysis of the Spring Statement package of measures 'Data on the health conditions of Universal Credit claimants being placed in the LCWRA has been published and will continue to be taken into account in the future programme of analysis.' The DWP Minister continued: 'Analysis of those who do not score four points in at least one daily living activity for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has now been undertaken.' He added that the table of findings 'shows the volume of claimants with the 18 most common disabling conditions in receipt of the PIP daily living component in January 2025, as well as the volume and proportion of these claimants who were awarded less than four points in all 10 daily living activities.' DWP analysis of current daily living awards DWP notes on the analysis state that the health condition category is based on primary health condition as recorded on the PIP Computer System at time of latest assessment. Many claimants have multiple health conditions but only primary condition is available for analysis. The list below shows PIP health conditions, the number of comments in receipt of PIP daily living component and the number of claimants awarded less than four points in all daily living activities at the end of January 2025. Back Pain - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored less than 4 points Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Learning Disabilities - 188,000claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored less than 4 points Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task, the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment The descriptors Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do. These are known as the descriptors. The health professional will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to you for each activity. The Citizen's Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response - you can view this here. An example they use is there are six descriptors for 'Dressing and undressing', ranging from 'Can dress and undress unaided' to 'Cannot dress or undress at all'. Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from 0 to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to carry out the daily living activities and the mobility activities will be assessed as if you were wearing or using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you normally use those aids or appliances. However, if you use or need aids and appliances, this can help you to score more points - find out more here. Citizens Advice explains: 'An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.' Daily living scores Citizens Advice explains to get the daily living component of PIP, you must have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to carry out some or all of the activities below. The maximum amount of PIP points that can be awarded for that question are shown. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 Points and payment rates After answering all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After answering all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP The latest DWP figures show that at the end of January there were 3.7 million PIP claimants across Great Britain. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has previously said more than 1,000 PIP claims are being awarded per day, making the argument for welfare reforms to ensure the system is sustainable for the future. The proposed changes will come into force in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Reforms also include increasing the number of face-to-face assessments. At present, most are being conducted remotely over the phone, by video call, or paper-based. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments, which will continue to be non-means-tested, and rise in-line with the September inflation rate. There will be no changes to the mobility component. You can complete the UK Government's consultation on proposed changes to PIP and the benefits system on here.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scottish Labour by-election candidate branded 'donkey' as criticism mounts over party campaign
EXCLUSIVE: Labour sources are unimpressed with Davy Russell snubbing key broadcasting opportunities during the campaign. Scottish Labour have been accused of selecting a 'donkey' as their candidate in the pivotal Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election. Party sources told the Record Davy Russell is dodging media opportunities over fears he will perform poorly. One senior Labour insider said of Russell: 'It was supposed to be a two horse race between Labour and the SNP, but we selected a donkey and look like coming third.' A Scottish Labour spokesperson hit back: "Davy Russell is standing up for his community and working tirelessly to deliver a Scottish Labour victory. If you attack your party's candidate rather than support them it's clear that you are not on the side of the Scottish Labour Party and its hardworking members. "Those who are busier attacking their own party than campaigning will look thick as mince when Davy Russell wins in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse." Voters will elect their new MSP on June 5th in a contest triggered by the death of the SNP 's Christina McKelvie. The by-election was expected to be a battle between Labour and the SNP, but figures in both parties fear the right wing Reform UK have the momentum. Scottish Labour is now facing claims Reform is being boosted at a critical moment in the campaign as the party is scared of Russell appearing on TV or radio. STV will host a candidates' debate on Monday, but Russell said he will not take part, clearing the path for a two-way debate between the SNP and Reform. BBC's Good Morning Scotland show included interviews with candidates this week, but the presenter said: 'We had hoped to speak to Davy Russell, who is standing for Labour, and also to Ann McGuinness, the Scottish Greens candidate. Neither of them were able to join us this morning. We hope to hear from them in the coming days.' The programme heard from the Lib Dem, Tory, SNP and Reform candidates. A Labour insider said: 'Hiding from the media is inexplicable and is letting Reform UK off the hook. The penny is dropping that this is untenable and he'll need to do it.' Former Labour MSP Neil Findlay, who recently quit the party over planned UK Government welfare cuts, said: "In any high profile by-election, candidates have to be able to communicate effectively with the voters and the media and they have to articulate their party's policies and hold their opponents to account. 'In this by-electio n the Labour candidate has done none of these things and instead has adopted the Trappist monk approach leaving opponents such as Reform and the SNP a free run in the media. 'Those responsible for pushing through a candidate who is unable to communicate with the voters need to be held to account. " In a press huddle attended by Russell last week, he was asked if he would take part in the STV debate. He replied: 'No.' Asked why not, he said: 'Because I took a conscious decision that I think the best way to get to the public is chapping doors and hearing their concerns live. That's just my personal preference.' Sarwar said about Russell not appearing on the BBC show: "That's a matter for the campaign team and the campaign diary." SNP by-election candidate Katy Loudon said: 'Only the SNP is standing up to and confronting Nigel Farage in this by-election. Labour has given up and their candidate is invisible." A Scottish Labour spokesperson said: "Davy Russell is standing up for his community and working tirelessly to deliver a Scottish Labour victory. 'If you attack your party's candidate rather than support them it's clear that you are not on the side of the Scottish Labour Party and its hardworking members. "Those who are busier attacking their own party than campaigning will look thick as mince when Davy Russell wins in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse."
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Record View: By-election vote is now a fight for Scotland's soul
Nigel Farage's Reform UK have dragged the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election into the gutter. This contest should have been centred on the mainstream issues of concern to local voters. Schools, hospitals and other public services should have dominated a contest after 18 years of SNP rule. But the bogus claim by Reform that Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar wants to 'prioritise' Pakistani voters has turned the by-election into a fight for Scotland's soul. Reform UK are soaring just now because they tap into a belief that the political system has let down ordinary people. But they also appeal to the lowest common denominator by weaponising concerns about asylum and immigration. With Reform tipped to do well in the by-election next week, ensuring their defeat is the top priority. Labour should be at the front of the campaign to challenge the lies and distortions of Reform. But they have chosen a poor candidate who is letting Farage's right wing party off the hook. Next week, STV will host a special debate for candidates days ahead of the election. Labour's Davy Russell will not be there amid claims party bosses fear he will perform poorly. Similarly, he did not appear on the flagship BBC Scotland radio programme earlier this week despite the presence of his rivals. These should have been seen as prized broadcasting opportunities to push out the Labour message. These slots should have been viewed as a chance to confront Reform on the toxic nonsense they have been pedalling. But instead Russell will be a no-show in a TV debate that will likely only feature Reform and the SNP. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. If Labour do not have confidence in their own candidate, it is hard to see why local voters should, leaving the SNP as the only party taking the fight to Reform. The SNP Government has a dismal record on public services, but First Minister John Swinney is right to identify Reform as a massive threat to Scotland. Debating the size of government and the level of taxes is the stuff of politics, but questioning Sarwar's loyalty to Scotland as Reform did is just not on. The number one issue in this by-election is not sending a message to either the UK or Scottish Governments, although both have to raise their game. The top objective must be to beat Farage and send his party a message that divisive politics is unacceptable. Voters have a chance next week to stop the Farage juggernaut in its tracks and send a positive signal about Scotland's future. Labour supporters have every right to feel letdown by the party at this by-election, because it appears the best way to defeat Farage is a vote for the SNP on June 5th.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Sister of man who died four weeks after pancreatic cancer diagnosis calls for treatment investment
Cab driver Tam Barker was sent home with laxatives by doctors in the months before he his death when he was actually suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer. A grieving Scots sister is demanding government action after losing her brother to pancreatic cancer four weeks after his diagnosis. Isla Gear lost brother Tam Barker on Boxing Day last year, leaving behind his 12-year-old son Max, after months of countless GP appointments and A&E visits in agony while symptoms were dismissed. The disease was never detected until it was too late and the beloved 47-year-old cab driver ended up in hospital days after diagnosis, never to return home. Just hours before Tam's death, he asked Isla from Leven to set up a petition calling for critical investment in early pancreatic cancer detection in Scotland. It received a 200,000 signatures - making history as largest petition in the UK related to the disease. Isla is now taking the campaign to Holyrood and will hand-deliver an open letter to the Scottish Government today, backed by over 59,000 signatories, hand-in-hand with nephew Max. The 38-year-old said: 'Tam was meant to be here for this. I'm spreading the message because he can't. "For him, his young son, our family and every person who may be affected by this disease in the future." Tam began experiencing stomach pain and constipation symptoms as early as spring 2024. Despite repeated efforts to seek help — and a family history of the disease — his concerns were continually waved off as minor. 'When he went to A&E, they kept saying he had a blockage,' Isla recalled. 'He was given laxatives and sent home. "It wasn't until Tam had an appointment with his usual GP in November that the symptoms were taken seriously. "On the 21st of November, Tam went back to A&E on his GPs orders. They ordered a CT scan to check for a blockage." The scan intended to investigate a suspected blockage revealed Tam was suffering from pancreatic cancer. 'He said it felt like being fired from a job,' Isla said. 'They just sent him home, still in pain, with no real answers. It just didn't feel real." After weeks of pain and rapid weight loss of 20kg from September to November, Tam was admitted to hospital again on December 4 with hopes he'd return home soon. Tragically, he was moved to a hospice on December 22 where he passed away the day after Christmas. Every year, around 897 people in Scotland and over 10,700 across the UK are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. No early detection tests currently exist to help doctors diagnose it and, once discovered, 80% of cases are already too advanced for life-saving surgery. The open letter, part of the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity's 'Unite. Diagnose. Save Lives.' campaign, demands the Scottish Government take three urgent steps: Roll out regular monitoring for those at high risk of the disease. Back promising early detection tests and integrate them into cancer services. Pressure Westminster to invest at least £35million annually in pancreatic cancer research for the next two decades. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Isla and Max have also committed to delivering their message to all four UK parliaments. 'Even if it saves one family, that's enough,' Isla said. 'Cancer doesn't respect borders, and neither should the fight against it. "Tam was selfless. He wanted to help everyone. Now, through this campaign, he still can.'
