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The days of Europe hiding behind America’s coattails are over – we need to spend more on defence before it is too late
The days of Europe hiding behind America’s coattails are over. For those who haven’t been paying attention, Trump has just thrown the cold water of reality over our heads. We need to take responsibility for our own security—before it’s too late.
For years, America has warned us. President after president has told Europe that the free ride won’t last forever.
Yet we collectively shrugged, smiled, and assumed they were bluffing. It’s like a fire alarm ringing in the distance—we heard it, but we never thought the flames would reach us.
Well, now that fire is on our doorstep.
Trump picked up the phone to Vladimir Putin, and claimed he can “sort out” Ukraine. Whether you think that’s genius diplomacy or reckless bravado, one thing is clear: America is done carrying Europe.
Let’s be brutally honest. The US taxpayer is sick of carrying Europe on its back.
And who can blame them? While America spends over 3.5% of its GDP on defence, Germany, the economic powerhouse of Europe, barely scrapes past 1.5% with their regular annual defence budget.
It gets worse. Some countries literally don’t even try: Austria, Ireland and Switzerland enjoy all the effective benefits of a the Western security alliance, but they don’t contribute a penny to NATO.
And all the time, Europe has sat back and assumed Washington would continue to pick up the tab. Well, now they’re checking the bill, and it’s clear—they’re done paying over the odds.
In fairness, many of us have seen this coming.
I spent my time as Defence Secretary arguing for stronger British and European defences.
In my Lancaster House speech last January, I built the case that the world is getting more dangerous. In the short term, we needed to commit to at least 2.5% of GDP on defence.
The speech helped move the needle, and I subsequently persuaded the Prime Minister and Chancellor to back that vision.
Tens-of-billions more was to be invested in defending ourselves by the end of the decade. But what happened next? Labour came in and threw that commitment out the window. To our opponents that backtracking looked weak.
Even without that cash, Britain still remains the biggest defence spender in Europe. And that means – just as the Americans are doing – we too should demand more from our European allies.
Here is a little known fact that demonstrates the point.
In addition to spending more in cash terms than any other European nation, the UK also dedicates our entire nuclear arsenal to help protect European nations.
By contrast, supposedly pro-Europe France keeps their sovereign Nuclear defence to themselves – refusing NATO requests to protect allies.
So here’s the point: if we’re offering European nations an unbreakable nuclear umbrella, why aren’t they pulling their defence weight in other directions?
Just like America, Britain should also be demanding greater European defence contributions, in return for our steadfast nuclear cover.
Our deterrent is the ultimate insurance policy—if they want that security, they also need to pay their fair share.
It’s time to stop tiptoeing around those European governments that refuse to invest in their own and our collective security.
Trump’s dramatic intervention inevitably raises the prospect of what happens next in Ukraine. Will NATO troops be called upon to police a new front-line?
And if so, should Britain say yes if we are called upon to serve? I believe we should, but in return, other freedom living countries on our continent, including the majority that contribute too little, and the minority that contribute nothing at all – should all be required to step-up to the plate and add to our collective defence security.
Because, here’s the truth: the days of Europe hiding behind America’s coattails really are over.
That fire alarm – muffled for so long – can no longer be ignored. This is our continent and we need to take responsibility for our own security—before it’s too late.
Maura Higgins makes subtle dig at Pete Wicks with Valentine’s Day snap after their split was revealed
MAURA Higgins appeared to make a subtle dig at ex Pete Wicks, with one of her Valentine’s Day snaps.
It comes as ex-Towie star Pete, 37, and former Love Island star Maura, 34, ended their relationship following a string of fiery rows.
Yesterday, Maura stepped out looking red hot on a Valentine’s date following the split.The reality star looked drop-dead gorgeous in the red show-stopping outfit as she was accompanied on the dinner date by her friend.
Maura shared a carousel of images with her legion of followers, one of which featured a huge bouquet of red roses.
The star made sure her fans knew she’d bought herself the roses.
In what appeared to be a sly dig at Pete, a little card could be seen beneath the red blooms, which read: “To me, love me.”
Maura also appeared to take a swipe at Pete, captioning the post: “Left on Red,” which prompted a fan to ask: “Oh no, what did Pete do?”
Maura and Pete had been linked with each other for more than a year before going official last autumn, and they were pictured snogging in pubs on multiple occasions.
But the pair remained extremely coy about their romance during their time together.
The couple spent a romantic Christmas break together in Ireland after her time on I’m A Celebrity and his successful Strictly stint.
It followed a rare admission from both that they missed one another while Maura was in the jungle.
Maura, meanwhile, who has previously dated Love Island legends Curtis Pritchard and Chris Taylor, was just as cagey on Loose Women last month.
When panellist Frankie Bridge said that her and Pete made a good couple, Maura replied: “Do we really? I never really thought about it.”
Going on, she said: “Not really much to tell, we spend time together, get on really well, and he is a great person.
“But there is nothing to tell.”
Pete was seen looking downcast as was spotted for the first time since his shock split from Maura this weekend.
On Saturday morning, Pete was seen moving boxes into his car with the help of his mum Tracy.
The Strictly star wore a cream jumper, a pair of black trousers and some trainers.
He was seen moving plastic boxes filled with clothes to the boot, while him mum clutched some coats on a clothes hanger.
Despite yesterday being Valentine’s Day, the TV personality looked far from in the mood to celebrate romance.
Paige Spiranac shows off bold new look as she shares ‘spicy’ lingerie snap to celebrate Valentine’s Day
GORGEOUS Paige Spiranac stunned fans with a bold new look.
The golf influencer, 31, has made a career out of sharing glam snaps on social media.
And her latest photos have stunned fans online.
The blonde beauty decided to go make up free for a set of photos in revealing lingerie.
Paige put on a eye-catching display for her followers – almost bursting out of her top in one picture.
However, she was praised for her natural appearance.
One fan wrote: “Looking stunning, natural beauty.”
A second posted: “Just spectacular as always no makeup needed you are one of a kind all the way around.”
While a third added: “Thank you for being a real natural beauty.”
Spiranac has found fame for her unique mix of golf tips and risque content.
She is a former golf pro and played at Division 1 level in college.
Incredibly, she has gained over four million followers on Instagram.
While on YouTube, she has over 430,000 subscribers to her videos.
A glimpse inside Paige Spiranac’s glamorous life…
Elizabeth Hurley, 59, shows off age-defying looks in plunging leopard print swimsuit
MODEL Elizabeth Hurley has wowed fans with her stunning figure, as she posed in a plunging leopard print swimsuit.
Austin Powers actress and model Elizabeth Hurley might be turning 60 later this year, but she’s appeared youthful and stunning in her latest social media snap.
The actress has shared a snap to her Instagram in a figure hugging leopard swimsuit with a plunge neckline and strap detail.
The swimsuit is from Hurley’s own swimwear line as she told fans: “LOVING my new Savannah One Piece @elizabethhurleybeach shot in Alibag, India.”
Fans have flooded the comments as they couldn’t get over how incredible she looks at 59 years old.
One person wrote: “What a woman.”
Another shared: “Embodiment of glamour. Love you too much.”
“Literally the most beautiful woman on the planet!” said a third.
Another posted: “Beautiful outfit Elizabeth.”
This isn’t the first time Liz has wowed the world with her toned figure, as earlier this month she shared holiday snaps alongside close pal Trinny Woodall.
Liz shared throwback snaps of her and Trinny from years gone by to celebrate the beauty entrepreneur’s birthday, as well as sharing more recent bikini pictures of the pair.
Aside from her swimwear line and modelling, Liz’s acting career has been the talk of the town with one of her films last year causing controversy.
Last year she came under fire for starring in her son Damian’s directorial debut, Strictly Confidential.
When it was revealed he also oversaw his mum’s racy sex scenes, debate was sparked with many shocked he would watch and see his mum in intimate scenes.
However Liz defended the move, telling how there was no nudity.
In an interview with People, the Bedazzled star said she felt “comfortable” shooting with her female lover, 28-year-old Pear Chiravara.
Elizabeth said: “People are making a lot of fuss.”
She added: “I think there’s a lot of factors making it a particularly interesting scene for people.”
She said that while some moments felt “daring” to shoot, there wasn’t any nudity on set.
Liz added: “Nobody’s exploited at all. We all felt comfortable doing it.”
The stylish star also told Access Hollywood: “The things in his [Damian’s] script needed me to do in this weren’t necessarily things I’d always done in movies many times before.
“But having him there meant that I felt safe and looked after and I knew in the production, in the post, I knew he’d look after me.
“So actually it’s kind of liberating to work with your family. I may do it again.”
Man Utd in travel chaos as train cancellations force squad to take bus and DOUBLE length of journey to Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED were hit with travel chaos ahead of their trip to play Tottenham.
United planned on taking a train to the capital on Saturday but were forced into travelling on a coach instead.
According to the Daily Mail, the train lines were effected by a fault with the signalling system between Rugby and Milton Keynes.
Multiple services were either cancelled or severely delayed – meaning United instead took the coach.
A train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston usually takes around two and a half hours if running on time.
But the same journey by coach can take over four hours.
Ruben Amorim and his side were pictured boarding a coach – which did not appear to be the usual luxury one Premier League teams travel on.
Matthijs de Ligt had a coffee in hand as he boarded the coach while Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee were also pictured.
United travel to North London – sitting 14th in the league with Spurs one place below – with injury problems too.
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer are all ruled out.
Midfielder trio Mainoo, Ugarte and Collyer all suffered knocks in training this week – leaving Amorim short of options.
So Casemiro and Christian Eriksen – formerly of Tottenham – could be brought back into the squad.
That is despite the pair only playing a combined 176 minutes since starting alongside each other in the 2-0 loss to Newcastle on December 30.
Forward Amad Diallo also suffered an ankle ligament injury which could leave him out for the rest of the season.
Pic D’Orhy delivers in style at Ascot to give Paul Nicholls a massive boost
PIC was D’Or-some in the Ascot Chase as he provided under-pressure Paul Nicholls with a massive boost.
The 14-time champion trainer needed a big result in the £175,000 Grade 1 and the reliable Pic D’Orhy didn’t let him down.
The 10-year-old is absolute mustard around Ascot and, just like he did in this race 12 months ago, he jumped like a buck on his way to a dominant win.
Nicholls’ struggles have been well-documented this winter and last weekend was a particularly difficult one for the yard, with just one winner from 24 runners.
And if his croaky voice was any guide, Nicholls clearly let out all of his frustrations when shouting his Ascot hero home.
He said: “I f***ing enjoyed that! He was awesome today, he really put them to the sword and I’d say that was a career-best performance.
“I know we’ve had some stick but I don’t take any notice of it, everyone has peaks and troughs it’s very hard to sustain the top form over the years.
“A few of ours were quiet after we gave them their flu jabs but we’re on top of that now and you just can’t push things.
“You’ve got to be patient and believe in what you do, we just lack a few horses like this at the moment but it will come back.
“I love this game, I love the challenge, days like this and horses like this make it all worthwhile.”
Pic D’Orhy’s task was undoubtedly made easier when the pulled-up L’Homme Presse, who was said to have lost his confidence after a bad blunder, exited stage left in the early stages.
But it would have taken a monstrous performance to master Pic D’Orhy in this sort of mood, and he had too much speed and class for one-paced runner-up Corbetts Cross.
Harry Cobden barely moved a muscle as he coasted across the line in splendid isolation, and Nicholls will now get him ready for a trip to Aintree in April for the Melling Chase.
He added: “We’ve never had him down as a Cheltenham horse, he prefers tracks like Ascot and Aintree where he isn’t going up and down hills.
“It’s a great result for the team because we’ve all been feeling a little bit of pressure, this was a big day and I’m over the moon with this horse.”
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Stacey Solomon reveals holiday blunder on Valentine’s Day as she heads on family getaway after big career move
STACEY Solomon left fans in stitches as she revealed a family holiday blunder on Valentine’s Day.
The Loose Women star, 35, was set to enjoy a weekend getaway in Switzerland with her five kids and husband Joe Swash, 43.
But the presenter and her family ended up having a very unexpected night in Paris after they missed their train to the French capital.
It comes after Stacey’s big career move as she celebrated the launch of her haircare brand, REHAB, launching in Boots stores nationwide.
As Stacey headed off to celebrate the big career move, the star was left stuck Paris after missing her train.
While walking through the station, Stacey told fans: “We’ve missed our train… it was impossible to get, genuinely impossible and there’s no more trains out tonight.
“So we’re walking around Paris, wondering what to do with ourselves.
She chuckled: “I don’t know why I’m laughing, I actually want to cry, it’s fine, next train is at 6am tomorrow.
“Five kids in Paris… here we go,” as she panned the camera over to her kids Zachary, 15, Leighton, 11, Rex, four, Rose, two, and one-year-old Belle.
But Stacey made the most of her time in the City of Love, as she celebrated Valentine’s Day with her family at the Eiffel Tower.
She wrote: “Happy Valentines Day from the very unexpected Eiffel Tower, we missed our train tomorrow Switzerland, so it was a night in Paris instead.
“So we came to the Eiffel Tower because why not.
“The boys though it was the best mistake that ever happened they’ve always wanted to see it .
“Happy Friday everyone lots of love from all of us in Paris…”
Stacey’s fans were quick to brand the holiday blunder a ‘happy accident’.
One wrote: “Everything happens for a reason and if you’ve had fun then , then life is good, enjoy guys.”
A second posted: “Everything happens for a reason. You was meant to spend Valentine’s Day in Paris.”
A third added: “You can’t get more romantic than Paris on Valentine’s Day, even if it is with 5 kids!”
Stacey’s getaway comes after she ticked another huge goal off her list.
Stacey, who attended the Covent Garden Boots store last week, said it was a “dream come true” moment as she celebrated her new REHAB hair
Stacey said: “Today has been a dream come true. There’s nothing more I love than meeting our customers and hearing about what they think we should do next!
“The biggest thank you to every single person who has supported us over the years. You’re the reason we’re here today.”
The brand has gone from strength to strength with multiple sell-out products and several awards under its belt, paving the way for hair-care brands nationwide.
At the end of 2023, television personality Stacey became an official partner of the company after falling in love with the brand.
It comes after The Sun revealed Stacey is set to boost her empire by releasing a range merchandise named after her beloved £1.2million mansion.
Stacey has applied to trademark ‘Pickle Cottage’ so she can flog cosmetics, candles and furniture using the name.
If granted it will mean Stacey, who is already a multi-millionaire, can boost her bank balance even more by using the name of her family home.
The clever business move comes as Stacey and her husband Joe Swash, 43, plan to open the doors to Pickle Cottage for their own documentary series.
Stacey and Joe moved into their mock-Tudor Essex property in 2021.
‘Man Utd let him down… he’s out to prove Amorim wrong’ – Fans react to Marcus Rashford’s exciting Aston Villa debut
FANS hailed Marcus Rashford’s Premier League debut for Aston Villa – and reckon Manchester United might have been the problem.
Rashford, 27, joined Villa on loan during the January transfer window.
That came after the £325,000-a-week forward was exiled by United boss Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese gaffer publicly slammed Rashford – even claiming he would rather play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach ahead of the England international.
But now Rashford is away from Amorim and toxic United, he looks ready to thrive once again and wasted no time in showing what he can do.
And if his Villa performance on Saturday is anything to go by, the egg may well be left on Amorim’s face instead.
Rashford played the final 24 minutes in the FA Cup win over Tottenham on his Villa debut.
But his first bow for his new side in the Premier League came as Villa drew 1-1 with ten-man Ipswich.
Rashford replaced Jacob Ramsey at half-time and midway through the second half he was involved in Villa’s equaliser.
The striker’s epic free-kick crashed back off the woodwork and Ollie Watkins scored the rebound.
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Elsewhere, there was plenty of bright play from Rashford as proved a constant threat with his direct running, dangerous forward play, linking up with his new team-mates effectively and even helping out defensively in his first Prem match for 70 days.
And fans on social media were quick to laud the 60-cap Three Lions ace.
One said: “Look at Rashford man. Utd let him down, nothing else. The environment is massive. Every bit of abuse from fans plays a massive part. Open your eyes.”
Another wrote: “Rashford looks good…… Amorim, you really froze him out instead of utilising him until the end of the season.”
A third added: “Rashford is looking good, out to prove Amorim wrong.”
A fourth typed: “Marcus Rashford has been brilliant so far.”
A fifth commented: “What did Amorim say he is bad at?”
A sixth replied: “We loaned our best player Rashford to Villa when Amorim could have lowered his ego and worked with him?”
And a final user posted: “Rashford tracking back!!”
Despite Rashford’s impact, though, Villa had to settle for a point against the relegation-threatened Tractor Boys.
Selena Gomez ditches her top for playful photoshoot with fiance Benny Blanco
SINGER Selena Gomez ditched her top as she got very cosy with her music producer fiance Benny Blanco for a new photoshoot.
The 32-year-old could not keep her hands off her lover in the new pictures for Interview magazine.
In one close-up shot, Selena’s bare shoulders could be seen as she went without a top as Benny clutched her from behind.
In the seductive snap, she held her finger up and pressed it against the inside of his lip before resting her other hand on her bare chest.
Benny opted to strip down to his boxer shorts as he went trouser-less for another snap where he sat on a sofa alongside his popstar partner.
Selena put on a busty display in that image as she threw of a furry coat and channelled old Hollywood glamour with her hair and make-up.
The pair also appeared to get hot and heavy with one another inside a car for the raunchy new images as Selena laid on top of her partner with their bodies hanging out the door of the vehicle.
It comes as the couple confirmed that they would be working together on a collaborative music project.
Vowing to be the nest music power couple, Selena and Benny have teamed up for their first joint album, I Said I Love You First.
Ahead of the impending record’s release, they surprised fans with the first song entitled, Scared of Loving You.
The record was co-written with Finneas, the brother of Billie Eilish and her primary collaborator.
A statement to tease the album read: “The album came together organically as a direct result of the comfort that they both felt when working together creatively, allowing them to produce art that authentically reflects their experiences.
“It chronicles their entire story — before they met, falling in love and looking to what the future holds.”
It will be Come & Get It singer Selena’s first full-length release since 2020’s Rare.
The news of their new album comes after Benny admitted to almost “f***ing up” his proposal to Selena after she began to get suspicious about his then-impending surprise.
Benny told Interview: ” It was the sickest surprise that she had no idea about and it couldn’t have come at a better time because I was starting to f**k up.
“The thing that makes me so crazy is, you’re getting engaged, and right before, they’re like, ‘Show me how good of a liar you are. Sneak around and try to do this perfect thing without me knowing.’
“At the end, she was starting to get upset because she was like, ‘Why aren’t you coming home tonight?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I’m just at my friends’.
“I almost did it early. But I nailed it, I think.”
Selena and Benny first confirmed their engagement in December 2024.
