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Worst criminals jailed in Scotland this week: Ex-SNP chief Peter Murrell and cronie of gangster’s rival

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Daily Record

These four criminals are now behind bars in Scotland after appearing in court this week.

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An ex-SNP chief, a former boxing promoter and a footsoldier of a notorious gangster’s rival were among the criminals jailed over a catalogue of crimes in Scotland this week.

They were locked up for a combination of more than 17 years for crimes including embezzlement, organised crime, fraud and the supply of drugs.

Here are the worst criminals jailed in Scotland this week.

Ex-SNP chief Peter Murrell

Disgraced Peter Murrell was jailed for five years and three months after he embezzled more than £400,000 of SNP funds.

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The estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon was handed a custodial sentence on Tuesday after thieving from his own party when he was their chief executive. Conman Murrell, who was SNP CEO for over two decades, was put behind bars after pleading guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh last month.

Murrell’s theft was carried out over twelve years from 2010 to 2012. He used the stolen funds to buy luxury goods, cosmetics, cars and a motorhome.

Sentencing, Lord Young said: “Your actions involved a significant breach of trust to the organisation, which you led, and to the individual members and donors of that organisation. Because of your position of authority, you were able to circumvent the checks and balances that existed.

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“The manner of the embezzlement, although not particularly sophisticated, included the fabrication of invoices, you gave false information to junior members of staff to input into the accounting system. All told, this is a calculated crime of dishonesty, and let me make it clear to you, one factor in the sentence which I impose today will be to act as a deterrent to any senior officials in other large organisations who might be tempted to abuse their position in the way that you did.”

Ex-boxing promoter

A former boxing promoter who was a trusted lieutenant in a gangland killer’s crime mob was jailed for six years earlier this week.

Mario Rea, 47, was a sidekick on the streets for Robert “Birdman” O’Hara, 48, while he was behind bars for the murder of a rival. It was found the dirty cash raked in from the major narcotics operation funded an illicit lifestyle for O’Hara’s partner and daughter.

Purchases were made on luxury flats, fast cars as well as designer clothes and watches. Rea was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.

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He earlier pleaded guilty to two charges of being involved in serious organised crime as well as another under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The court heard the gang was snared after a large-scale police probe in 2021. O’Hara was serving a life sentence at the time having been convicted in 2005 for the murder of Paul McDowall in Glasgow‘s Possilpark. The Operation Gadget investigation had initially focused on another crew member David “Murfy” Hough.

Police went on to seize a huge haul of class A drugs, firearms, grenades, ammunition and an industrial pill press that churned out hundreds of thousands of street Valium tablets. The court heard how O’Hara was raging at one stage as Rea – reportedly an enemy of the Lyons crime mob – had not paid the rent on his behalf.

The killer stormed: “See if my family are papped out, there will be no talking. There will be no nothing, mate. We will be falling out over this.”

There was so much cash flooding in O’Hara wanted to buy a £225,000 Lamborghini Huracan. He also sent his partner 71 links on the Rightmove property site of houses in affluent areas ranging in value from £500,000 to £1m. These included a £525,000 flat in Glasgow’s Kelvinside and a £635,000 house in Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire.

Fraudster who flogged £4m in fake designer gear from Turkey

A fraudster who imported £4m of fake designer goods into Scotland from Turkey and the Far East was jailed for three years.

Ian Jones, 65, from Paisley, was sentenced to three years at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, June 24. He was jailed after he earlier admitted 15 combined charges of selling counterfeit goods valued at £3,800,000.

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Jones sold the illicit items at three industrial units across Glasgow and Lanarkshire between June 2021 and November 2022. His operation was unravelled by officers from Trading Standards when they conducted raids at all three addresses.

There, they uncovered hauls of fake designer clothes and bags with brands including Gucci, Prada, Stone Island, Dior and Canada Goose. The search of five rented Portacabins in Ibrox in June 2021 resulted, at the time, in the largest recovery of counterfeit goods of its kind in the United Kingdom.

It took officers two days to collate the goods, which weighed 30 tonnes. The court heard how Jones stored the goods at units in College Milton Industrial Estate, East Kilbride, and Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, as well as those in Glasgow.

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The items were imported from Hong Kong, China and Turkey before being transported to Scotland from the East Midlands to Smith’s home address and then the industrial cabins. They were then sold directly to customers for cash using word of mouth. Jones will now be subject to confiscation action under Proceeds of Crime legislation to recover the cash he illegally gained.

Footsoldier for mobster rival of Jamie ‘Iceman’ Stevenson

A footsoldier for a mobster who is the rival of Jamie ‘Iceman‘ Stevenson was jailed for 40 months on Thursday.

Declan Price, 29, was caught with £300,000 of cocaine. He worked with drug kingpin Paul Easdon, 38, who was snared during a police probe which saw him kept under watch. Easdon and Price admitted to a charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Easdon, of Strathaven, is already serving six years behind bars. He was sentenced in October 2024 for his part in a huge drug trafficking operation. Easdon will appear to be sentenced for his latest matter next month.

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The flash dealer had boasted how the cartel was making £4m-a-month from selling cocaine alone. Easdon was in the same criminal network as ex-Mr Scotland bodybuilder John Barry McDuff, jailed separately for seven years in 2024.

The pair had been caught after the law authorities smashed the EncroChat phone network used by scores of gangs. Easdon had used the nickname “glasgowceltic” to communicate with associates on it.

He is also understood to be a rival to Jamie Stevenson. The “Iceman” reportedly ordered firebomb attacks on a hair salon in Hamilton run by Easdon’s wife.

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Laura Radcliffe, defending Price, told the sentencing that her client’s offending started amid a fall out with his uncle who was his employer. The advocate added: “He had temporary employment which did not work out and he was in a difficult financial position with debts accruing.

“He came into contact with those involved in the drug trade and the opportunity was made to him to make some money – he had not been involved in this before. This is something he will regret for the rest of his life and has had an effect on his family who are disappointed in him. He is disappointed that he finds himself before the court.”

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England vs Panama LIVE: World Cup 2026 latest score, match stream, goal updates and fan reaction

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England vs Panama LIVE: World Cup 2026 latest score, match stream, goal updates and fan reaction

It would likely be one of DR Congo or Senegal in the round of 32 for England, who won’t be looking beyond the challenge in front of them. Reece James will miss out due to a hamstring injury, though Thomas Tuchel has opted to rest Declan Rice but Elliot Anderson does start alongside Jude Bellingham. Rice is the only England player who if he is booked on Saturday, would miss the first knockout match due to suspension.

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Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler set for final-round showdown at Travelers Championship

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Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler set for final-round showdown at Travelers Championship

Norway’s Viktor Hovland will take a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler into the final round of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.

World No 1 Scheffler had carded a superb 10-under 60 at TPC River Highlands on Friday and looked on course to stay out in front after four birdies in five holes through the back nine only to drop a shot at the 18th.

Having just a single birdie on front nine at third, Scheffler made a bogey on the 10th. However, that was soon rectified with another birdie at the par three 11th which was followed by a run of three more from the 13th.

Scheffler, though, then failed to land his par putt on the last, finishing with a 67 for 19-under, which allowed Hovland to capitalise.

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The Norwegian also recovered from a bogey straight after the turn to sink four birdie on the back nine – including a crucial one on the 18th to make a six-under 64.

Patrick Cantlay rolled in eight birdies, but also two bogeys after the turn, as he made a six-under 64 to lie five shots off the pace in a tie for third. Akshay Bhatia was also on 15 under after his 67, which saw two bogeys on the back nine.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry, among the early afternoon starters, put himself into contention after making four birdies on the back nine to sign for a six-under third round of 64, leaving him in a group at 13 under.

Matt Fitzpatrick recovered from a bogey on the opening hold to make a three-under 67 and was also at 13 under alongside US Open champion Wyndham Clark, who moved up the leaderboard with a 65.

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American Eric Cole, in a share of third place overnight, recovered with four late birdies after having been three over through 12 to make a 69 and was also 13 under.

Justin Rose was a shot back at 12 under after his 67, which is also what US PGA champion Aaron Rai made to sit in a group at 10 under.

Alex Fitzpatrick boosted his chances of securing qualification for the Open with a six-under third round, which could have been lower but for a bogey on the fourth.

The 27-year-old, younger brother of Matt, is looking to maintain 20th place in the FedEx Cup standings, which should be enough to earn a place at Birkdale.

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“I played really well today. I holed some putts, which was nice,” he said. “I made a putter change after Thursday’s round because I holed nothing, so I was like ‘might as well just try something new’.”

Tommy Fleetwood – who suffered a one-shot defeat to Keegan Bradley at the final hole in last year’s event – saw a couple of bogeys on the back nine prove costly to make level par and sit back at nine under.

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Rylan Clark stranded abroad after being hit by flight cancellation chaos

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Rylan Clark stranded abroad after being hit by flight cancellation chaos
Rylan Clark has fallen victim to the heatwave travel chaos (Picture: Instagram)

As flight cancellations wreak havoc across Europe, Rylan Clark has found himself stranded.

The presenter, 37, was due to host his BBC Radio Two Saturday show this afternoon, a slot he has occupied since 2019, having built up a loyal listenership.

However, nature had other plans, leaving the former X Factor star stuck abroad and unable to get home, meaning a replacement had to be pulled in at the last minute.

Speaking to pal Emma Willis on the phone from France, the broadcaster, who began dating fairground worker Kennedy Bates last summer, said: ‘I decided to go away with my partner and a couple of my friends to Nice for a few days and just, you know, enjoy the sun!

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‘I didn’t have work this week; I managed to clear my diary, and I was like, “That’s amazing.”

‘And then I was flying back very early this morning. Went to the airport, and it was like, “No!” And I was like, “Sorry?”‘

Rylan added that, at one point, he almost went to extreme measures to make it back for his radio show, having considered boarding an eight-hour train, despite how this ‘still would have made [him] late for work’.

In the end, he decided it was best to stay put – and we can’t say we blame him.

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‘I thought, “Do you know what? You’ve done well for yourself. Just going to stay another day, what can I do?”,’ he quipped, quoting the iconic East 17 Christmas tune.

He went on to confess that he even tried to get himself on a different flight by playing the ‘Do you know who I am?’ card – something he insisted he ‘never’ does.

‘I think there will be photographic evidence of me at the front of that queue, going, “Excuse me, lady!”‘

Rylan then confirmed that Mark Goodier would be ‘stepping in’ for him this weekend.

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The presenter had to miss his BBC Radio 2 show this weekend, leaving him in Nice, France, with a glass of rosé (Picture: Instagram)

The 65-year-old has decades of radio experience and has been covering breakfast, mid-morning, and afternoon slots on Radio 2 for the past year. He’s also on rotation covering the Drivetime show until Sara Cox’s replacement is confirmed; she’ll be moving over to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show from July 6, following Scott Mills’ firing.

‘A massive thank you to Mark,’ praised Rylan. ‘But, I thought, I can either really stress myself out about this and sweat my Victoria Beckham foundation off my forehead, or I’m just gonna have to swallow it and deal with it and go, “What a shame”,’ he concluded, joking that there are ‘worse places to be’.

‘I’ve just had a nice rosé with some ice cubes in it. Gonna go and sit by the pool, and wish everyone well.’

After the clip of his phone-in was shared on social media, the This Morning host added a playful comment, writing: ‘So unprofessional’.

He later took to his Instagram Story with a selfie certain to make anyone envious, showcasing his tan as he sunbathed, wine glass in hand.

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‘Soz about todays show. I blame everyone but myself. Genuinely had it all sussed out and then flights all cancelled’, he wrote.

Rylan has been documenting his getaway on social media, sipping cocktails with his pals in the sun (Picture: Instagram)
The broadcaster declared he’s ‘done well for [himself]’ (Picture: Instagram)
Rylan went away with his pals and his boyfriend (Picture: Instagram)

‘Thanks Mark for stepping in you legend. Gonna have a rosé and think of you all [sic]’.

Rylan’s adoring listeners also understood his decision, telling him to enjoy the ‘bonus’ day in the French city.

‘I think you will be forgiven Rylan not your fault.enjoy your extra day!!😂’, commented @lanzamel.

‘Ah we missed you today! ❤️’, added @angienortham.

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Others pointed out that Rylan fans will sadly have to miss him a little while longer, as next Saturday, he’s also absent from the airwaves. Instead, the BBC Radio website’s schedule confirms Joel Dommett will sit in on the three-hour slot following new Strictly host Emma’s lunchtime show.

Of course, Rylan isn’t the only person to find themselves caught up in a travel nightmare this week.

Commuters walk in the sun as they cross London Bridge , during a heatwave, in central London on June 24, 2026.
Soaring temperatures brought the nation to a standstill this week, as we endured the hottest June days on record (Picture: Toby Shepheard/AFP via Getty Images)
Check in information sign at departures in North Terminal, Gatwick Airport, London, UK.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, as were train journeys (Picture: Getty Images)

Thanks to the heatwave, which has broken records for the hottest June day at 37.3°C, rail infrastructure has struggled to cope, forcing operators to run a reduced schedule.

Furthermore, a total of 484 inbound and outbound flights were delayed across Gatwick and Heathrow airports by the evening, according to the FlightAware tracker. Heathrow had 42% of its flights delayed and Gatwick 50%, it said.

Thankfully, the end is in sight as the amber warning for extreme heat ceases from Sunday morning.

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However, ‘spikes’ of ‘above average’ temperatures are still expected throughout July and August.

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T20 World Cup: England never been more confident before semi-final – Charlotte Edwards

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England batters Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley celebrate victory

Although England were always expected to progress from Group Two, the manner of their performances has still been impressive.

They racked up 200 or more against Sri Lanka and Scotland, scored an equally impressive 186-7 on a tricky pitch against West Indies at Lord’s, and romped home with 2.4 overs to spare in a chase of 164 against the White Ferns as Danni Wyatt-Hodge made an unbeaten 89.

“The goal was to win the group,” Edwards said.

“To go through unbeaten is really pleasing. Our batting has been particularly powerful and a real positive for us.

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“I thought we bowled really well tonight on a good pitch. You saw how good that pitch was.

“We seem to be getting better with each game which is really good going into the business end of the tournament.”

England will not find out their semi-final opponents until Group One concludes on Sunday, but India or South Africa currently appear the most likely.

They also do not know whether they will play on Tuesday at 14:30 BST or Thursday at 18:30 BST.

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Tuesday’s match has been arranged to suit Indian TV and India will play in that match should they qualify.

It means England will play on Thursday if anyone but India finishes second in Group One, but be switched to Tuesday if India take second spot.

“We obviously know now with the teams we are likely to play in the semi-finals, one are world champions of the ODIs [India] and one have played in every World Cup final for the last three years [South Africa] so it is not going to be easy,” Edwards said.

“But we are going in with the most confidence we have ever done into a semi-final and with a lot of belief.”

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Review of domestic abuse services in Bridgend county

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Wales Online

The report said domestic abuse was identified as a contributing factor in over 40% of cases where children were subject to child protection plans

Members of Bridgend County Borough Council have approved plans to extend a contract for domestic abuse services while a “fundamental” review is carried out.

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The plans that were given the go-ahead at a cabinet meeting on June 23 will now see the authority suspend their procurement requirements and extend their current contract with Safer Merthyr Tydfil for another 12-24 months.

The social care service provides recovery focused support for children, young people, and women affected by domestic abuse in Bridgend county. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter.

The report given to members said after a recent audit it was necessary to carry out a review of the service before deciding on future commissioning and delivery models.

The report said: “Domestic abuse continues to be a significant and recurring feature within safeguarding activity across the council.

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“Data relating to children requiring care and support demonstrates the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse within families.

“At March 31, 2025, domestic abuse was identified as a contributing factor in over 40% of cases where children were subject to child protection plans.

“Elements of the review have already taken place as part of a recent ‘Becoming Looked After’ audit that identified domestic abuse as a consistent feature across families where children enter care.

“The audit also highlighted limited evidence of domestic abuse services being consistently accessed or embedded within plans, indicating a gap between identified need and intervention.”

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The review is expected to take a minimum of six months and aims for a “whole-system change” which provides a more preventative model of support rather than responding at the point of crisis.

Speaking at the meeting the council’s deputy leader Jane Gebbie said they were not looking to abandon procurement principals but to protect vulnerable children and families while they undertook a “fundamental” review of domestic abuse services.

She said: “I think it’s important to note that we’re not criticising any of our service delivery. In fact our service is well-valued but it’s fragmented and demand exceeds capacity.

“Partners agree that a whole system redesign is needed but conducting a procurement exercise now would lock us in to a model that may change and divert resources away from the review itself.”

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Then plan was later approved unanimously by members in attendance.

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Do you get a good service from your council?

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The remote dog-friendly Suffolk beach perfect for a quiet alternative to busy seaside towns

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Cambridgeshire Live

Ideal for dog walkers and families, this Suffolk beach offers a great alternative to busy nearby seaside towns

A beach trip is often associated with relaxation and lasting memories, yet it is easy to overlook how hot weather can draw large crowds. One dog-friendly beach, off the beaten track, offers a good alternative for families looking to avoid the madness and enjoy a peaceful day out.

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Covehithe Beach, between the busier Southwold and Lowestoft seaside towns, is defined by its beautifully golden sandy beach, edged by eroding sandstone cliffs. Situated around two hours from Cambridge, anyone who has visited Covehithe can attest that it is a remote beach.

Unlike most busy seaside locations along the Suffolk coast, Covehithe does not have a car park, ice cream kiosk, or a fish and chip shop. So, if you crave the hustle and bustle of a well-known seaside resort with shops and arcades galore, then this location isn’t the spot for you.

However, if you seek a stunning view for a walk, and a calm area to bask in the rays, this beach is as close as you could get to an unspoiled seaside village. As it is a wild beach, extra care should be taken to respect the wildlife and the environment.

According to The Suffolk Coast, the beach can only be reached on foot via a single track. To access the beach, visitors will need to walk from the village, through fields and along a footpath.

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A previous visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Lovely Sandy beach 10-15 min walk from the end of the lane to get there along the footpath. Well worth the walk. You can see Southwold beach to the right in the distance.”

The town of Beccles is located about 10 miles from Covehithe, so visitors can extend their trip and have a wander around the historic market town – there are even fish and chip restaurants that you could try.

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National Lottery results: Winning Lotto and Thunderball numbers for Saturday 27 June

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Manchester Evening News

A whopping £9.5m jackpot is up for grabs in tonight’s draw

It’s finally the weekend again, and what better way to top it off than by winning the lottery. This time tomorrow, someone could be receiving the news that they a multi-millionaire with a £9.5m jackpot up for grabs in tonight’s National Lottery Lotto draw.

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The winning Lotto numbers for tonight’s draw were revealed at 8pm, with the Thunderball draw following shortly after, offering a top prize of £500,000.

The New Lotto game means that with one ticket you will have two chances to win as each Wednesday and Saturday Lotto draw will feature two rounds. That means two chances of winning a prize with every line of numbers you play, for the same price.

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Tonight’s winning Round 1 Lottery numbers were 22, 34, 41, 43, 54 and 56. The bonus ball was 24. The Round 2 winning numbers were 12, 18, 40, 43, 44 and 45. The bonus ball was 29.

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The winning Thunderball numbers were 16, 22, 30, 31 and 35. The Thunderball was 12.

Since its first draw on November 19, 1994, the UK National Lottery has distributed funds far beyond its winners. Around half of all ticket sales go towards prizes, while 28% supports good causes. The remainder is split between government duty (12%), retailers (5%), and the operator (5%).

Over the years, the lottery has created some eye-watering wins. The biggest ever Lotto prize came in April 2016, when a single anonymous ticket-holder scooped £35 million.

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Andy Burnham will need a Moscow test as well as Makerfield test, says ex-military chief

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Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham will need a “Moscow test” for his policies if he becomes prime minister, the former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has said.

Burnham, the favourite to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, has previously said that new legislation must pass a “Makerfield test”, the constituency he was elected to this month.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, the ex-military chief said the UK’s next leader would need to operate “almost like a wartime prime minister” in light of global threats.

Sir Tony’s intervention came as the government prepared to publish its long-awaited defence spending plan.

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He said that whoever becomes prime minister must fulfil the pledge to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, describing military capabilities as “too bare”.

Negotiations in Whitehall have continued this week over how the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will be funded, while the government has committed to releasing it before the Nato summit in Turkey on 7 July.

Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns – who has not ruled out challenging Burnham to be Labour leader and prime minister – both resigned from the government earlier this month over what they said was insufficient investment for the plan.

Speaking to the BBC, Sir Tony said: “As well as having the Makerfield test, I would say it’s the Moscow test.

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“What do we look like to Moscow? Do we look like a strong member of the Nato alliance? Do we look like a strong nuclear power? Do we look like a strong ally of America?

“Because those are the elements that keep us safe.”

Asked what his message to Burnham would be should be become prime minister, Sir Tony said: “It is keep our country safe, acknowledge that you have this extraordinary responsibility – so you’re almost like a wartime prime minister at the moment.

“And that means you need to invest in what really keeps us safe.”

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Sir Tony said the UK’s level of defence spending at present risked falling “short on those commitments, and then that creates a whole load of hurt with our Nato allies and especially our relationship with America”.

Speaking about military capabilities, he said: “We’ve been very clear in saying that we need to strengthen our armed forces. It means additional money for day to day operations.

“That is stores. That is maintenance. That’s how you get those ships out. That’s how your aircraft are available for operations. That’s how your tanks and armored fighting vehicles are available.

“All of that at the moment is too bare.”

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Under Sir Keir’s leadership, defence spending has increased and the government has pledged, along with most other Nato allies, to increasing spending up to an eventual ambition of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.

But in his resignation statement, Healey said the planned increase set out in the draft DIP fell well short of what was required, and claimed it would in fact lead to operational cutbacks.

There have been reports the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has asked for an extra £28bn between now and the end of the decade, but had only been offered an additional £10bn.

All government departments have been asked to cut budgets in order to fund the increase.

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On Saturday, the (MoD) said £500m would be allocated to equip the UK’s elite Commando Force with new boats in the DIP.

The department said the plan had been “refreshed” over the last fortnight since Healey’s resignation, while his successor Dan Jarvis said it would “prioritise getting the latest kit” into the hands of front-line forces, including “new lethal strike drones”.

Prior to that announcement, Jarvis told BBC South that Burnham “understands the nature and complexity of the world we’re operating in, and national security will be, I know, the first priority of any Labour prime minister”.

He continued: “I am very confident though there will be a transition in prime minister, the basic policies will remain the same, which is ensuring everything we possibly can to keep the country safe…”.

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Jarvis also repeated the government’s commitment to publishing the DIP before the Nato summit in July.

Watch Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg at 09:00 BST on Sunday on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Bidders from Europe and the Americas in York auction

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Bidders from Europe and the Americas in York auction

Bidders from Europe, the USA and South America joined others from across the UK bidding for lots of the  29 horse-drawn vehicle collection put on the market by its owner.

Together they paid more than £200,000 to own carriages that once bowled around some of the country’s great aristocratic estates through to others that have starred in films and television series.

Duggleby Stephenson Managing Director Will Duggleby: “It was absolutely epic, one of the best single-owner auctions we’ve ever seen at our York saleroom.”

 Auctioneer Coralie Thomson with a Victorian private omnibus (Image: Duggleby Stephenson)

“It was a very special collection, brought together over a period of about a quarter of a century. Just how much national and international interest the team had managed to generate through the news media and their contact with specialist social media groups became clear earlier this week when we had people from literally all over the country . . . Devon, the South Coast, the North West . . . travelling to York to attend the viewing sessions.

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“In addition to that we had people registering to bid from people in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, the United States and, of course, South America.”

Among carriages that went for far more than expected was a horse-drawn Victorian trade cart built in 1895 by J. Herring of Hartlepool. It was expected to make about £3,500 but eventually went for £21,000 to a Yorkshire collector.

The Hartlepool cart that went for five times its expected price (Image: Duggleby Stephenson)

The top price went to a “roof seat brake” by Shanks of London, a high quality coaches maker. It attracted international attention and went for £33,000 to a Kentish buyer who outbid a rival from Santiago in Chile.

The roof seat break – favoured transport of the ultra wealthy race-goer (Image: Duggleby Stephenson)

The most famous coach in the sale – a town coach, made by the Victorian carriage maker John Marston that was used in the ITV series ‘Victoria’ staring Jenna Coleman – -made £6,400.

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A wild west chuck waggon went for £4,300, more than double the most optimistic predictions, a horse-drawn Victorian London fire engine that had a top pre-sale estimate of £1,200 actually made £5,400, bought by a Newcastle bidder, and a mail phaeton predicted to go for up to £5,000 went for £9,600, snapped up by a Devon enthusiast.

A Victorian London hearse went for £7,800, four times expectations, to an Essex buyer.

The Victorian London hearse (Image: Duggleby Stephenson)

In addition to the carriages and carts the 179 lots in the auction included an extensive range of equestrian and coaching equipment and memorabilia and that provided many more surprises. Half a dozen Victorian top hats made a thousand pounds, yew coaching whips made over a thousand pounds apiece, coaching horns went for as much as two thousand pounds and a four-team set of black leather and brass harness went for £7,800.

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Burnham to unveil radical plan to shift power from Westminster with ‘No 10 in the North’

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Manchester Evening News

Andy Burnham will unveil plans for a ‘No 10 in the North’ in what could be the biggest devolution of power and resources from Westminster in decades.

In his first major policy speech since launching his bid to become Labour leader, the MP for Makerfield will promise to ‘break with business as usual’ by shifting decision-making out of Whitehall, giving regional leaders unprecedented control over housing, welfare and skills.

Burnham will deliver the speech in Manchester on Monday, as he seeks to build on momentum behind his Labour leadership campaign and following his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election.

The Manchester Evening News understands the proposals include creating a northern headquarters for Number Ten. Any new building wouldn’t be completed until 2028 and an interim base would be used until then.

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One option could be the new ‘Manchester Digital Campus’ at the home of the former Toys ‘R’ Us retail store in Ancoats.

The future of the former Central Retail Park had been fiercely debated for years after it was purchased by Manchester council in 2017 and knocked down two years later.

But in March, Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave the green light for the ‘Manchester Digital Campus’, which will see 8,800 civil servants be based at the site, which has been dubbed the ‘Whitehall of the North’.

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An estimated 4,900 jobs will be created during construction of the ‘Digital Campus’. Those inside will work for various government departments with a focus on digital work.

Last year, the government announced a major shake-up of the civil service which includes moving jobs out of London. Ministers have already announced plans to close 11 office buildings in Whitehall over the next four years, saving £94million a year.

Burnham is also expected to argue that regional leaders should take on greater responsibility for welfare, post-16 education, and other areas controlled by Whitehall.

The MP for Makerfield will argue that his plans will make the whole country better off. He believes that richer parts of the country have been subsidising poorer areas without addressing the underlying causes of inequality.

People in London pay an average of £24,400 in tax but get back £19,500 in spending on public services – according to the Office for National Statistics.

In the North West, taxpayers on average contribute £12,700 but receive £17,300 in public spending.

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Burnham’s agenda is in keeping with the vision set out in his book ‘Head North’, which he co-authored with his friend Steve Rotherham, metro mayor of the Liverpool city region.

“Regional and local leaders are constantly required to bid for funding and go on bended knee to the Palace of Westminster,” he writes. “Everyone is kept in their place.

“If we had a more balanced approach, where councils and mayors were dealt some cards too, we would have a much more functional, mature country where no one has to carry round a begging bowl.”

Lord O’Neill of Gatley, who has been advising Burnham on his economic plans, described the proposals as a ‘quiet political revolution’.

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“In many ways what we have had the past 13, 14 years is sort of a tiptoe with little drip feeding bits of [devolution] – if you’re good you can have a little bit more,” he told LBC Radio.

“I’m a little bit surprised that there is not more focus on that at the moment. There is all this standard stuff – focus on fiscal rules etc, which of course are very important, but doing these things should open up a belief that there is a proper change in the game going on.”

Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership told the Manchester Evening News: “We have long argued that that this powerhouse of North can be the key to solving the UKs perilous public finances which are bad today, but over coming decades could get a lot worse. By raising northern productivity, and with it the wages our businesses can afford to pay their workers, we can contribute more to UK plc than we do today. Higher wages and profits means automatically more tax paid.”

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“Having worked with Andy for many years I have confidence that with a strong group of economic advisors and wider No 10 operation in part based in Manchester, that he can through devolution and the deployment of public and private investment deliver ongoing reductions in the cost of out of work benefits and ill health linked to poverty. This will reduce the annual revenue subsidy needed from those in London and the Greater South East to pay for the costs of historic underinvestment in the North.”

“Allowing Greater Manchester, wider northern cities and key regions like the Humber to keep more of the additional taxes generated when they attract development or wider investment will be game changing. It would give the North greater financial freedom based on tax revenues which would never have even been generated without this future success.

“It is smart economics, and in the end of benefit to the whole country, if we can collectively continue to afford world class schools, colleges and universities alongside health care free at the point of use alongside a new National Care Service. These national universal entitlements are only sustainable fiscally if the North is given the backing to generate more taxes for its own needs, and the country, going forward.”

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Nominations for the Labour leadership close on July 16. If Andy Burnham is the only candidate he will be formally declared the Labour leader the following day, and Prime Minister on July 20.

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