The US military operation against Iran has demonstrated in the most dramatic terms the need for EU autonomy in global affairs. Responding to the situation, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has called for a new EU foreign policy to guide the bloc towards “European independence”.

But it is not enough for the EU simply to set itself against the Trump administration. It also needs to resolve a muddled “illiberal liberalism” that afflicts the way it has begun to pursue European autonomy. The EU can’t currently seem to decide whether it seeks independence so that it can preserve the liberal order or so that it can move beyond it.

The second Trump administration has supercharged the EU’s push for independence. It has prompted European governments to get far more serious about reducing their military and security dependence on the US and to reduce their broader external trade vulnerabilities. This is now the unrivalled driving force behind most European foreign and security policies.

But criticising the current US administration does not in itself amount to a vision for the EU’s place in the radically changed international order. Current debates have become unduly narrowed down to a focus on decoupling from and standing up to the US. This creates a false sense of comfort, as reacting against Trumpian excess is more straightforward than defining a coherent order-based geopolitical vision. The EU needs to ask not just what it is against but what it is for, and this remains unclear – at least, beyond rhetorical cliches.

An overly self-satisfied celebration of incipient EU resolution against the US – over Iran, Venezuela, Greenland, tariffs – draws the bloc away from clarifying the ultimate goal of toughened European autonomy.

In all this, the EU shows signs of what in psychology is known as “downward coping syndrome”. It seems to be feeling unjustifiably righteous about itself in comparison with the abominably low-standards of predatory diplomacy and illegality set by the Trump administration.

French president Emmanuel Macron’s speech at the Munich security conference, in which he merely ran through all the ways in which Europe stands in favourable contrast to the US, was an especially egregious case of this. Commentators also repeatedly celebrated the superiority of European rhetoric on peace, freedom, and rules and democracy compared to Maga’s civilisational chauvinism. These perspectives set a very low bar and do not interrogate whether European policies actually follow through on their own stated principles.

An illiberal turn

In practice, the EU is itself retreating from the very same liberal norms that it rightly excoriates the US for having jettisoned. Even if this policy drift is, of course, far more subtle than what is occurring in US foreign policies, it raises questions about what the EU really seeks to do with its emerging strategic autonomy.

At present, contradictory logics abound as the bloc advances towards greater independence. The EU is striking partnerships with illiberal regimes like the Gulf states and autocracies in Asia ostensibly in the name of preserving liberalism. It courts other powers with desperate neediness apparently as a way of showing it has less need of others. It is adopting hard power supposedly to contain hard power. It is adopting distortionary trade preferences in the name of defending free trade.

In many ways, as the EU resists illiberal powers, it is becoming more like them and yet frames such resistance as a way of defending its traditional liberal identity. In this, it increasingly conflates two aims that are quite distinct: protecting itself and protecting progressive values in international politics.

While military capability is needed to dissuade territorial invasion, the EU needs other kinds of resources and action to wield influence over other powers for non-military aims. There is a risk of the military-defence turn becoming so predominant that it draws effort away from these other forms of leverage. It may be that ultra-realpolitik is what some people want from Europe, but then it cannot convincingly pitch its geostrategy as a defence of liberal order, peace and democracy.

These conundrums can clearly be seen in European responses to events in Iran. European governments are entirely correct to defend international law against military intervention. Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez has been especially impressive in setting out this position. But they have failed to map out policies that lie in the vast ground between illegal military attacks, on the one hand, and indulgent inaction towards repressive regimes on the other. Repeating fealty to international law and standing back in moral self-satisfaction does little to help citizens who are suffering under regimes like those in Iran and Venezuela. A liberal European autonomy would surely entail more proactive engagement for democratic change, even as the bloc stands back from US military actions.

The complex and spiralling crises in Iran and elsewhere require the EU to show firm resolve against Trump but also a critical self-reflection. European governments need to define whether EU autonomy is to be measured in terms of a conceptually distinctive “alternative power” or the more visceral power politics that other powers are now adopting. Without this, European independence is a ship setting sail with no destination set.

This Morning’s Ashley James has said she is “absolutely devastated” after she was targeted by online scammers who used AI deepfakes to claim she had taken weight loss pills

This Morning star Ashley James has said she was “absolutely devastated” when AI scammers made deepfakes of her saying she took weight loss pills. The star added that she was “incredibly angry” and that the video felt like a “total violation”.

The TV host took to Instagram to share how the video made her feel and set the record straight on her stance on weight loss medication. After sharing the deepfake, in which her AI counterpart said she lost “27 pounds in just one month” thanks to weight loss pills, Ashley made it clear that this was not her.

“So many of you have sent me this advert so I just want to be really clear – that is not me. It is completely AI generated,” she said. “Not only did I never say this, I’ve never taken these pills, I’ve never heard of these pills, and most importantly nor would I ever promote them. I’m honestly devastated that anybody might buy these products believing that I recommended them.”

READ MORE: This Morning’s Ashley James breaks down in tears over Andrew as she speaks for survivorsREAD MORE: This Morning ‘star’ shares emotional post as they announce ‘sad’ ITV exit

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She added that she always turns down opportunities to do with weight loss and diets. Ashley continued: “So not only does this feel like a total violation, but the message behind it makes me incredibly angry.

“We already live in a world where women are constantly told to shrink themselves, be smaller, be thinner, take up less space. And that’s only getting worse with the rise of weight loss injections.”

In the caption of the post, she said that fans should know that she would never promote weight loss medication. “Someone has taken my face and my voice and turned it into an advert telling women they should lose weight. If you know anything about me, you’ll know that is the exact kind of messaging I’ve spent years fighting against.

“I do not support these products,” she stated. “And I would never tell you, or anyone else, that you need to shrink yourself or diet. And if you see this advert please report it.

“Because how social media platforms are allowing this is disgraceful! It’s scary when you think about it. And remember: just because something looks real online doesn’t mean it is. And crucially: My body is not a problem that needs fixing. And neither is yours.”

Fans flooded the comments with words of support, with many saying how terrifying it was that the AI video was so realistic. One said: “That’s WILD! Imagine really upsetting when it’s YOU being used. And scary that it’s even possible to do that. We all need to become more aware so we can question things. I’m hoping that it will go a bit wild west like this and then we will clock it and stop it!”

Another said: “Well done making this point! This is unreal!! Honestly, do people not understand how dangerous this is? As someone with a 20 year long ED, I am outraged at this…. Girls are pressured enough, we don’t need fake Ai pressure.”

“WTAF??? This is so frightening. Hope you’re ok babe x,” said a third. A fourth continued: “I think if anyone watched your videos they would know that wasn’t you!! Loads of stuff I’ve seen have been AI generated and it’s so scary!!!”

Ashley is not the only celebrity whose image has been manipulated in to sell a false weight loss product. Last year, Sara Davies begged her social media followers not to fall for a scam that said she had invested in weight loss pills.

She wrote on Instagram: “Yes this is a SCAM. They are all scams….. there are dozens of them going round and every day I’m hearing anecdotally from different friends, ‘So and so has asked me to get you to check with Sara if those slimming pills she’s invested in are any good’.

“Honestly I’m devastated – the thought that people are getting scammed out of so much money or worse they could actually send for something and be ingesting some random pills when they don’t know what’s in them.

“People are doing it because they think I said it was good – it boils my blood!” Sara previously that she’d gone from a size 16 to a 12 after significant weight loss. Although she’s since become a public advocate for healthy living and nutritious recipes, she insisted there is no ‘magic pill’ to do it all for you.”

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The DWP Cold Weather Payment scheme ends on March 31, with claimants on six benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit eligible for £25 payments if temperatures stay below freezing for seven consecutive days.

DWP claimants have been warned about an imminent deadline regarding a payment scheme. Those claiming various benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, may qualify for the payments.

The Cold Weather Payment scheme remains active, offering £25 payments when temperatures in your area are, or are forecast to be, at or below zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days. Multiple £25 payments can be received through the programme if triggered repeatedly in your location.

Individuals receiving these six benefits may be eligible for the payment paid directly into their accounts:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest.

The programme concludes shortly, running between November 1 and March 31. Matthew Sheeran, external relations manager at financial support organisation Money Wellness, addressed whether payments could be triggered during the rest of March.

He said: “We might see a bit of a cold snap this week with frost and some wintry showers, especially up north and in rural areas, but the forecasters aren’t pointing to temperatures staying below freezing for seven days straight – and that’s what you need to actually trigger a Cold Weather Payment before the end of March.

“So while it’ll feel cold, it’s not likely we’ll see a big wave of new £25 payments being triggered right now.”

Whether a Cold Weather Payment has been triggered in your area can be checked via the Government website, reports the Mirror.

When do Cold Weather Payments go out?

Regarding when payments are deposited into accounts, the Government guidance specifies: “After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.”

However, the rules vary if you live in Scotland. Here, the scheme has been replaced by the Winter Heating Payment, with largely similar qualifying criteria concerning which benefits you need to claim.

This is a one-off payment that is issued regardless of the weather, and is valued at £59.75. These payments are distributed between December and the end of February.

If you were eligible to receive a payment, Social Security Scotland would have sent you a letter or email informing you of the impending amount.

A council has issued a warning after a fire which broke out at a recycling centre during the week was believed to have been started by a battery

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Mid Ulster District Council has warned residents to dispose of their batteries correctly after one is believed to have been responsible for a fire which broke out on Thursday evening.

The fire, which took place in a black bin compactor at the Magherafelt Recycling Centre resulted in members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attending the scene.

A post from the council’s Facebook page said: “Thank you to Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and our Household Recycling Centre Attendants for their quick response to the incident.

READ MORE: 36 arrested during 12 hour police operation targeting wanted individualsREAD MORE: Joint funeral to be held for father and son who died in Co Tyrone home

“Everybody needs to be aware that your batteries and electricals could cause a fire. We are reminding people to remove all batteries from electrical appliances before recycling in the right way to reduce the risk of fire and help keep our recycling staff safe.

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“Our Household Recycling Centres all have appropriate containers to help you recycle your electrical items and batteries separately. Never put batteries in general waste or recycling bins at the kerbside, and only recycle batteries via a proper battery recycling service – never dispose of batteries in mixed waste at our Recycling Centres.

“Remove batteries from broken devices if you can, and recycle battery and device separately – batteries can be disposed of in battery bins and boxes at battery return stations in retailers or in schools.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

ATLANTA (AP) — Burt Jones seemed like the inevitable Republican nominee for governor in Georgia.

He is the current lieutenant governor, he has lots of family money and perhaps most important, he has President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

But that certainty crumbled after health care tycoon Rick Jackson unexpectedly cannonballed into the race in February, dumping more than $30 million of his money into television ads. That already is more than any candidate has ever spent in a primary race for Georgia governor, with more than two months before the May 19 election.

The blitz has left Jones clinging to Trump’s endorsement like a life preserver while Jackson consciously evokes Trump. Jackson even descended in a glass elevator at his office building to announce his candidacy, echoing Trump’s 2016 campaign start when he rode down a golden escalator in his eponymous New York skyscraper.

Jay Morgan, a former executive director of the state Republican Party, said “there’s no template” for what Jackson is doing in Georgia.

“We’re on a different playing field,” he said. “It’s like going from Little League to major leagues.”

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Jackson’s emergence is yet another challenge to Trump’s influence in a critical battleground state. The president’s kingmaker record in Georgia is shaky, failing to dislodge Gov. Brian Kemp and others in 2022 and backing Herschel Walker in a Senate loss that year.

More recently, Trump nudged Clay Fuller to the front of a crowded Republican field in the special congressional election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene. Fuller advanced to a runoff against a Democratic opponent.

Jones could be the Georgia politician most closely tied to Trump in this year’s campaigns, and a loss would again show the limits to the president’s sway over the party.

“The Trump endorsement is still valuable to get, but it can’t be the be-all and end-all,” said University of Georgia political scientist Charles Bullock. “I guess $50 million or whatever Rick Jackson is spending will be a real test of that.”

Trump sticks with Jones

In all, it is a picture of an election turned upside down. The two other top Republican candidates — Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr — have largely stayed out of the crossfire, but are struggling for attention.

Democrats want to break a Republican winning streak that dates to 2002. Among the candidates are former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Geoff Duncan, a onetime Republican lieutenant governor.

Trump has stood by Jones, who risked facing criminal charges when he tried to help Trump overturn his election loss in 2020.

“Burt Jones has been here and been with you and been with me right from the beginning,” Trump said Feb. 19 at an event in Rome, Georgia.

Jones is trying to counter Jackson by questioning his “Make America Great Again” bona fides, noting his history of giving to Republicans other than Trump and saying his health care staffing company assisted Planned Parenthood and gender-affirming care.

Jackson swatted back on Monday, filing a lawsuit claiming Jones was defaming him. Jones responded with a negative ad barrage the next day.

Jackson’s entry into the race was preceded by a $19 million bombardment from a mystery dark money group accusing Jones of using his office to enrich himself. There is little evidence to support the most serious claims — that Jones used his position as lieutenant governor to promote a giant data center development his family partly owns.

Jackson has repeatedly denied that he is bankrolling the ads that began in November.

On Feb. 4, Jackson launched his candidacy at the faux Italian office park he custom-built for Jackson Healthcare in suburban Alpharetta. Jackson likened himself to Trump as a businessman inspired to enter politics and said he would be “Trump’s favorite governor.”

“I saw a so-called front-runner who was as weak as can be and as lazy as the day is long,” Jackson said of Jones. “Really, he wants the title of governor, but not the job.”

A Jackson lawsuit at least temporarily cut off a key source Jones’ money — his leadership committee. That unusual Georgia fundraising vehicle lets Jones and a few other entities raise unlimited contributions. A federal judge ruled the structure illegal because Jackson’s contributions from others remain subject to Georgia’s $8,400 limit. Jones was ordered not to spend from the committee, but a judge froze the order Friday to let Jones appeal.

Although Jones has ramped up his spending from other sources, political consultants said Jackson has purchased so many television spots already that he may crowd out his competitors.

From foster child to riches

Jackson is a former foster child who now calls himself a billionaire. His fortune stems from Jackson Healthcare, which recruits medical workers and leases them as well-credentialed temp workers. Among his biggest clients has been the state of Georgia. His companies have collected nearly $1 billion from state government in recent years, including providing medical workers during the pandemic.

He’s been a force in Georgia politics for more than a decade as a Republican megadonor and policy advocate. In the early 2010s, he bankrolled an unsuccessful effort in Georgia and Florida to overhaul medical malpractice claims. He unsuccessfully pushed to privatize Georgia’s foster care system. Later, he successfully backed efforts to increase support for foster children.

While Jackson has aired hard-edged ads pledging to cut taxes, deport immigrants and block gender-affirming care to minors, some said he is driven by Christian faith and concern for others.

“He’s a rock-solid conservative and just a terrific guy,” said Eric Tanenblatt, a Republican operative who has worked for Jackson. “He’s obviously a successful business person, but also someone with just a genuinely kind heart.”

Jackson made powerful Republican friends over the years.

He put former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush on his company’s advisory board, and Jackson and his company gave more than $1 million to a political action committee backing Bush’s failed 2016 presidential bid. That’s now part of Jones’ attack that Jackson is a “never Trumper.” Jones also slams donations to Nikki Haley, who unsuccessfully opposed Trump in 2024, and to former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney’s PAC.

Jackson has tried to offset that history, writing a $1 million check to Trump’s MAGA Inc. PAC on Dec. 10. Jones supporters aren’t buying it.

“My Chihuahua Izzy is closer to being MAGA than Rick Jackson is,” said pro-Jones Republican activist Debbie Dooley.

Even if people question Jackson’s pro-Trump credentials, his entry seems to have stifled a push by Republican officials to crown Jones. Before Jackson entered the race, Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon, and the state’s two Republican National Committee members sought to waive a party rule against taking sides in primaries so the party could back Jones. But with local party groups condemning the move, the national party now says it won’t wade in.

“We’re not spending any money in that race,” the RNC chairman, Joe Gruters, told WSB-AM on Feb. 19.

Being a huge self-funder doesn’t guarantee election success. Republican Kelly Loeffler and her husband pumped more than $34 million into her unsuccessful Georgia Senate campaign in 2020. Of 65 candidates who spent more than $1 million of their own seeking federal office in 2024, only 10 won, according to Open Secrets, a group that tracks spending.

But for now, Jackson’s money makes his message feel inescapable.

“The landscape that we were looking at 30 days ago looks radically different today,” Morgan said.

A pilot from Alabama had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the refueling aircraft he was aboard crashed in Iraq this week, killing him and five others, his brother-in-law said Saturday.

Alex Klinner, 33, leaves behind three small children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, his brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Saturday while confirming his death.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” Harrill said.

Also aboard the aircraft was an Ohio man whose loved ones remembered him for his smile, his parents said.

The Pentagon hasn’t yet revealed the identities of the six, but families began revealing who had died Saturday.

The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting operations against Iran, when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred, according to U.S. Central Command. The other plane landed safety, U.S. military officials said.

The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing said in a Facebook post late Friday that three of the dead were airmen who served in the Columbus-based unit.

“We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization,” according to the 121st Air Refueling Wing’s post.

A new father and a new major

Klinner, an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, had just moved with his family into a new home, his wife, Libby Klinner, said in an Instagram post mourning his death.

An outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, Klinner was also ready to help others. When Harrill last saw him in January, Klinner had shoveled Harrill’s vehicle out of the snow during a family wedding.

“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” said Harrill, who helped set up a GoFundMe site for Klinner’s family. “He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”

Libby Klinner said in a post that her heart is broken for their children, who will grow up not knowing their father.

“They won’t get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could,” she wrote. “They won’t see how goofy and funny he was. They won’t witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself. They won’t get to feel the deep love he had for them.”

A man with a ready smile

Sgt. Tyler Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, also was among six service members who died Thursday in the crash of a KC-135 Stratotanker, his mother, Cheryl Simmons, confirmed on Saturday. Cheryl Simmons said she was making funeral plans for her son.

In a statement obtained by WCMH-TV in Columbus, Tyler Simmons’ family said it was saddened beyond measure to hear of the fatal crash.

“Tyler’s smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life,” they said.

The refueling aircraft is a mainstay in the US military

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, has said the crash occurred on a combat mission but was over “friendly” territory in western Iraq. Military officials said it is being investigated and was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.”

The KC-135 aircraft refuels other planes in midair, allowing them to fly longer distances and sustain operations without landing. The plane can also be used to transport wounded personnel and conduct surveillance missions, according to military experts.

The Congressional Research Service says the Air Force last year had 376 KC-135s, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. It has been in service for more than 60 years.

___

Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Scolforo reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Walker from New York.

It seems their heads were still at the Parc des Princes, where they were trounced earlier by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 first-leg earlier this week. This performance will not leave anyone in the Stamford Bridge stands confident for the reverse fixture on Tuesday. Catch up with the action as it happened below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau at Stamford Bridge.

It was widely used in building materials from the 20th century and valued for its strength and insulation, which made it incredibly popular for housing construction.

As a result, asbestos remains present in many residential properties across the country.

Asbestos was used in building materials from the 20th century (Image: Getty)

Is asbestos dangerous?

Simon Roberts, DIY and home maintenance expert at Saxton Blades, warned that asbestos is so dangerous because of the microscopic fibres it releases when disturbed, which can then be inhaled or ingested.

Once they reach the lungs, the fibres can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

When a person has been exposed to asbestos, these symptoms can sometimes take decades to appear afterwards, which is why it’s important to enforce strict safety measures.

How to check if your home has asbestos

Simon shared some tips on how to check if your home has asbestos and how to stay safe.

He said: “If your house was built after 2000, you probably don’t need to worry about asbestos, as it was officially banned in the UK in 1999.

“However, for those whose house is older, you’ll want to check for signs.

“Just remember not to touch anything to avoid the risk of releasing any fibres.

“One of the first things is to check your roof.

Things that could invalidate your home insurance

“If the tiles are a corrugated grey material, there is a chance they could be asbestos cement sheets, which were widely used for roofing before 2000 because they were lightweight, waterproof, and inexpensive.

“These sheets are typically thin and easily-weathered.

“You should also watch out for flat panels, which could be asbestos insulating board, which contains even more asbestos.

“This material is softer, which means it’s more easily damaged.

“Asbestos insulating board can also be found in walls or around doors, and is easily mistaken for fibreboard.”

Can you live in a house with asbestos in the UK?

Michael Holmes, property expert for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, said: “Bonded asbestos products such as cement board and textured coatings are generally considered safe if they remain intact and undisturbed.

“If these materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they can often be safely left in place and managed.”

He shared where you might find it in your home: “Textured coatings such as Artex, widely applied to ceilings from the 1960s to the mid-1980s, are among the most common.

“Older homes may also have asbestos cement in gutters, downpipes, and soffit boards, as well as asbestos used for fireproofing and pipe insulation.”

How to prevent condensation in your home

Can you legally remove asbestos by yourself?

Simon explained: “The only way to properly discern whether your house contains asbestos is to consult a professional.

“If you’re worried that you and your house may be at risk, a surveyor can safely take a small sample under very controlled conditions and send it to an accredited laboratory for testing.

“Never try to remove asbestos yourself.”

When it comes to the removal of asbestos, Michael added: “Where removal is necessary, homeowners may legally remove small quantities of non-friable asbestos-containing materials themselves, strictly following HSE guidance on safe handling and disposal at a licensed waste facility – though professional removal is always the safer option.

“Asbestos insulation materials – particularly loose-fill or sprayed insulation – are far more dangerous and should never be handled by anyone other than a specialist licensed contractor.

“If discovered, arrange professional removal as soon as possible.”

Michael continued: “As a homeowner, you have a responsibility under health and safety law not to expose anyone working on your property to avoidable risks.

Professional removal of asbestos is advised (Image: Getty)

“If your home was built before 2000 and you plan to have work carried out, you should commission a professional asbestos survey before work begins.

“This is the only reliable way to identify hidden asbestos-containing materials so they can be safely managed or removed before they pose a risk to health.”

Which insulation should you use for your loft?

If you are planning to upgrade your home following asbestos removal, installing modern insulation is a sensible next step to improve energy efficiency and comfort, according to Emily Green, home maintenance expert at builder’s merchant Howarth Timber.

Here are the types of insulation you should install in your loft, depending on what it’s like:

• Cold loft: use loft insulation rolls laid between the joists to prevent heat from escaping into the loft space.
• Warm loft: opt for insulation boards under the rafters to create a warm and usable loft space.
• Storage loft: choose rigid boards that can support weight, allowing you to use the area for storage.
• Large lofts: rolls are the most cost-effective and efficient option for big spaces.
• Damp lofts: use insulation slabs that are water-resistant and ventilated to prevent mould.

Have you found asbestos in your home? Let us know in the comments.

The White Lion in Westhoughton has submitted proposals to the council for a rear extension and alterations to its car park to make deliveries safer and more accessible.

The pub, at 2 Market Street, sits at the junction of Market Street, Bolton Road and Mill Street, close to Bolton Council offices and Westhoughton Library.

Among the proposals is the widening of access to the pub’s rear car park. Planning documents state this would allow brewery dray lorries to make deliveries from within the car park rather than parking near the junction.

The applicant says the change would reduce disruption at the crossroads and create a safer situation for pedestrians using the footpath and drivers navigating the junction.

No additional parking spaces are proposed, with the existing 38 spaces retained.

The application also seeks permission for a single-storey rear extension to create a new cellar.

The proposed plans if approved by the council (Image: Bolton Council)

According to submitted documents, the current below-ground cellar is subject to repeated flooding, leading to the loss of stock.

The proposed extension would provide a replacement cellar at ground level.

The works would add around 35 square metres of internal floorspace.

The White Lion dates from the early 19th century and was granted Grade II listed status in February 2016.

It retains a number of historic features, including decorative 1920s tiling, etched glass screens and original fireplaces.

The rear extension would be built in blockwork with a rendered finish to match the existing building, along with a slate roof and timber doors.

Planning documents state the design is intended to avoid harm to the main elevations facing Market Street and Bolton Road.

An acoustic assessment has also been submitted in relation to two proposed condenser units to be installed externally at the rear of the new cellar.

The report concludes that predicted plant noise levels would be below existing background sound levels at the nearest homes during both daytime and night-time periods.

Bolton Council will consider the application in due course.

One person was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital as a result of this afternoon’s incident

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Emergency services were deployed to an incident on Royal Avenue in Belfast this afternoon — which led to one person being taken to hospital.

Several police vehicles and ambulances were spotted at the scene.

A spokesman for Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 4.39pm on Saturday, March 14 following an incident in Royal Avenue, Belfast.

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“NIAS despatched an advanced paramedic and two emergency crews to the incident.

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“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to RVH.”

Belfast Live also approached PSNI for comment.

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