The old, rules-based order that evolved from the ashes of the Second World War no longer exists – at least that is the verdict of Germany’s chancellor, and the evidence is clear to see.

The United States signalled at a major security conference in Munich over the weekend that it is ready to go it alone, without its European allies – unless they get serious about rearming.

Russia is showing no real desire to end its war in Ukraine.

And China is gaining a level of strength and influence that can only be rivalled by America.

It all means so-called big power competition – potentially leading to larger-scale conflict – is back, and small and medium-sized countries like the UK and its European allies need each other more than ever.

That was a key message coming from this year’s Munich Security Conference.

It was delivered via speeches by prime ministers, presidents and foreign secretaries on a large stage inside a hotel surrounded by police, barricades and security cordons.

Friedrich Merz, the German leader, set the tone with his address on Friday, the first day of the event which stretched until Sunday morning.

“In the era of great powers, our freedom is no longer simply guaranteed. It is under threat,” he said.

“The international order based on rights and rules… no longer exists in the way it once did.”

President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping of China have already been working to undermine this global system that was created by design to favour liberal democracies and restrict authoritarian regimes by enshrining fundamental values such as human rights and the rule of law.

But the end of the Cold War meant that many European governments chose to shift funding away from their respective armed forces that had given them the hard military strength to be able to defend and fight for these values were they ever to be challenged again in the future.

Instead, and especially across western Europe, they relied on the United States to defend them in crisis as part of the NATO alliance.

Donald Trump, though, has since made clear this assumption of transatlantic protection can no longer be taken for granted. His administration has also gone further, attacking European leaders on domestic issues such as over immigration and free speech.

In fact, vice president JD Vance, who led the US delegation in Munich a year ago, questioned whether European values were ones America should even be defending anymore.

He did not return this time around.

Washington’s position instead was represented by Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, who struck a more diplomatic, conciliatory tone.

This was welcomed by delegates but his message was no less sharp – Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own defences as the US steps away to focus on other priorities deemed to be more important to America’s national interests.

“We want Europe to be strong,” he said in his speech on the main stage.

“We believe that Europe must survive because the two great wars of the last century serve for us as history’s constant reminder that ultimately our destiny is and will always be intertwined with yours.”

But he added: “Under President Trump, the United States of America will once again take on the task of renewal and restoration, driven by a vision of a future as proud as sovereign and as vital as our civilisation’s past. And while we are prepared, if necessary, to do this alone, it is our preference, and it is our hope to do this together with you, our friends here in Europe.”

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Sir Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, did his best to say the UK and its European allies are stepping up to fix their hollowed-out defences.

“We must build our hard power because that is the currency of the age,” he told delegates when it was his turn to speak.

“We must be able to deter aggression and, yes, if necessary we must be ready to fight. To do whatever it takes to protect our people, our values and our way of life.

“And as Europe, we must stand on our own two feet.”

Yet, military insiders were quick to point out that his rhetoric was a far cry from the reality of his own country’s defence budget.

The UK is only planning to inch up defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2.3% by next year, with no funded plan to lift it to the new NATO target of 3.5% by 2035 and no sign of any intention to accelerate the timeline even though other states are going much faster.

Elbridge Colby, the US under secretary of state for war policy, offered the clearest possible advice in an address he gave to NATO defence ministers in Brussels on the eve of the Munich summit about how they need to demonstrate action, not just words and numbers.

“It means moving beyond inputs and intentions toward outputs and capabilities,” he said.

“Defence spending levels matter, and there is no substitute for it. But what matters at the end of the day is what those resources produce: ready forces, usable munitions, resilient logistics and integrated command structures that work at scale under stress.

“It means prioritising war-fighting effectiveness over bureaucratic and regulatory stasis. It means making hard choices about force structure, readiness, stockpiles and industrial capacity that reflect the realities of modern conflict rather than peacetime politics.”

Councillors have written to Greater Manchester Police over the presence of the Heywood Community Guard group

A group of councillors have spoken out against a neighbourhood patrol group which had been ‘standing guard’ outside schools in a Greater Manchester town, saying women are ‘fearful’ of them returning to the gates.

It is in response to the Heywood Community Guard, a group who say it was set up to ‘keep women and children safe’ in response to concerns about asylum seekers being housed in the town in Rochdale.

But numerous members of the public raised concerns about the group’s activities, which included ‘standing guard’ outside school gates and patrolling the streets at night while wearing high-vis vests with the name of the group on the back.

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The M.E.N previously revealed that in 2022 one of its founder members, Adam Farrell, was jailed after he left an innocent man with life-changing brain injuries in an unprovoked racist attack outside a nightclub.

Leaked messages from the HCG WhatsApp group, first reported by Roch Valley Radio, showed members using slurs against black and Jewish people and discussing fears ‘millions of Muslims’ were ‘ready to fight’.

Councillor Angela Brown, for West Heywood, has since shared a letter she penned alongside other local councillors to Greater Manchester Police to raise ‘community concerns’ about the group and ask how they are being monitored by the force ‘to ensure nobody is being harassed or intimidated’.

“In the past months, we have been contacted by a substantial number of residents -predominantly women-who have expressed significant anxiety regarding the presence of this group on our streets and on local social media.

“More distressing are the reports from parents whose children are fearful that these unofficial patrols may return to school gates.”

A joint letter sent by all schools in Heywood on October 6 last year, raised concerns about HCG and ‘strongly encouraged’ parents ‘not to engage’ with the patrol.

At the time, Greater Manchester Police said the force was working to ensure the group ‘follow the appropriate laws and guidance during any activities they carry out’ and were ‘addressing concerns raised by members of the public’.

The letter continued: “We have informally discussed this issue with GMP over several months, and while we understand the police position that ‘walking the streets’ is not in itself unlawful, the impact of these activities is creating a climate of intimidation.

“Many residents have told us they no longer feel the “quiet peace” that should define our town. Many are afraid to speak out for fear of the backlash, intimidation, and threats they have seen others receive for doing so.

“Our community wants professional policing, not vigilantism. As the elected representatives for this town, we are asking for increased visible policing, a clear public statement from GMP reiterating that policing is the sole responsibility of professional officers and an update on how the police are monitoring these groups, to ensure no resident is being harassed or intimidated in their own street or online.”

In a statement on Facebook, Coun Brown added: “It’s not the kind of “safety” any of us asked for. We pay our taxes for professional, trained, and accountable police officers—not for self-appointed groups, with at-best-sketchy behaviours, that cause more worries than they solve.”

Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district posted an image of the canisters on social media this afternoon (February 15).

The force said that two officers, PC Shezad and PC Owen, had been on patrol in Great Lever when they identified a ‘vehicle of interest’ parked on Norris Street, just off Derby Street.

It said that a man standing near the car ‘quickly caught the officers’ attention’ and as soon as they approached, the man ran away.

The officer chased him and caught him not far from the vehicle he had run from.

After a search of the car, police found 58 nitrous oxide canisters, along with balloons and dispensing nozzles in the boot.

The drugs and items were seized, along with the vehicle being used to transport them.

The man was arrested for possession with intent to supply class C drugs.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Let this be clear – drug supply in Great Lever will be targeted, disrupted, and dealt with.

“If you are bringing drugs into our community, expect to be stopped, searched, arrested, and prosecuted.

“We will continue to act proactively, and we will not relent.”

The force has urged anyone with information about drug activity in their area to report it via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use became illegal in November 2023, when it was classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Kings Park Rangers say they are facing the prospect of a punishment from the authorities after notifying them that they would not field a side while grieving for Saburi Olayinka Adeniji

Non-league side Kings Park Rangers could face a punishment for not raising a side while grieving the death of one of their players. Saburi Olayinka Adeniji died earlier this month from a catastrophic brain injury, prompting an outpouring of grief from the Essex side.

Adeniji passed away in hospital before his wife and four-year-old daughter could make it to his bedside from Nigeria, having been in intensive care since January 15 after suffering a severe brain stem injury. Kings Park Rangers have raised over £17,000 for the family and the club and local community have rallied around in the difficult time.

The club, who play in the Eastern Counties Division One North and are managed by ex-Premier League striker Jamie Cureton, have not been playing recently while grieving. And after not fulfilling a match against Framlingham Town, they are facing punishment by the league.

“Having spoken to the league, we can confirm that, due to rules and regulations around the safety and integrity of the competition, we will initially be charged for not raising a side,” Kings Park Rangers said in a statement.

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“We will be submitting an appeal and hope the league will make the right decision to allow us the time this weekend to grieve. For now, the situation is out of our hands we’ll keep everyone updated as we know more. Thank you everyone for your support during this difficult time, it does not go unnoticed!”

In a previous post on social media, the club explained their decision. They wrote: “This is an incredibly emotional time for everyone connected to the club. Our priority must be the mental wellbeing and emotional welfare of our players & volunteers.

“Football, at this moment, comes second. While we have been advised that we have a large number of registered players, the reality is that we are not in a position to raise a side. Grief affects people differently, and it would be wrong to ask individuals to participate under such circumstances.

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“We fully understand there may be consequences for this decision and we will accept any action taken. However, as a club, we will always put people before football and wellbeing before competition.”

Nevertheless, league chairman Peter Hutchings said: “We are not unsympathetic but we have to act within the league rules.”

Kings Park Rangers will continue to raise money for Adeniji’s family and posted an update on Sunday morning which read: “We’ve had our final week off while processing what has been a very difficult start to the year. Training will take place next Wednesday, and we’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

“After 8 weeks without training or a league game, it almost feels like the start of a new season, with 16 matches left to raise as much money as possible.”

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Matt Weston and Tabby Stoecker make history as they claim gold in the mixed team skeleton at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as Great Britain win three golds for the first time and Matt Weston becomes the first Team GB athlete to win multiple medals in a single Winter Olympics.

READ MORE: GB’s Weston & Stoecker win thrilling skeleton team gold

Available to UK users only.

For those who have tried to lower heating costs, you may have turned to trendy, fluffy electric throws during the colder months of the year.

But after long, dreary winter spells, you might be wondering if and how you can safely wash them in a washing machine to give them a new lease of life, especially when it comes to getting rid of any musty smells and stubborn stains.

With this in mind, we asked the experts for their recommended advice and compiled a trusty how-to guide when it comes to cleaning heated blankets properly.

Energy saving tips – what works and what’s just a myth

Can you wash electric blankets in a washing machine?

Scott Byrom, energy expert at The Energy Shop explained: “In most cases, yes – modern electric blankets are designed to be machine washable, as long as you detach the controller and power cable first.

“Once unplugged, treat it a bit more gently than your usual bedding. 

“Always be sure to check the manufacturer’s guide and the wash label on the blanket itself.

“If your blanket is washing machine-safe, always be sure to keep the temperature to 30°C max, and use a mild detergent.

“Always avoid bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the internal wiring. A shorter wash is best to avoid unnecessary strain.”

How to wash a heated blanket with wires in it?

Scott added: “Those that own a heated blanket containing insulated wiring within them should be aware of aspects such as harsh chemicals, high temperatures and fast motions, such as sharp twists and spins”.

Additionally, he said those looking to wash electric blankets should first ensure the blanket is disconnected from all electricity sources for safety reasons.

Scott continued: “Following that, it’s worth examining any stains or bits of dirt to see if they can be spot cleaned, and if so, apply lukewarm water and a mild detergent to a localised area.”

However, if spot cleaning does not suffice, and your heated blanket is machine washable, simply wash it on the recommended setting, which is likely to be a low temperature, delicate cycle, Scott advised.

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How to clean an electric blanket without using the washing machine?

If your heated blanket cannot be cleaned in a washing machine, Scott further detailed: “For heated blankets that are not machine washable, wash by hand using lukewarm water and a mild detergent, rinsing thoroughly and ensure all detergent is removed whilst avoiding wringing out the blanket to avoid damaging any metal wiring.”

7 steps to cleaning your heated blanket properly and safely according to an expert

In agreement with Scott, smol’s sustainable cleaning guru, Catherine Green has offered an additional seven top tips when it comes to cleaning your electric blanket safely.

Unplug and disconnect

Before cleaning your electric blanket, unplug it from the power source and remove any cords or controllers. Ensuring the blanket is completely disconnected is key to cleaning safely.

Check manufacturer instructions

Refer to the manufacturer guidelines for specific cleaning recommendations – a lot can be machine washed, but some may require hand washing or spot cleaning.

Tackle stains

For localised stains use a stain remover, like smol’s bleach-free stain gel. Apply a small amount to the affected area and gently rub with a soft cloth or sponge. Alternatively, apply a weak-ish solution of laundry detergent and warm water to the stain with a cloth, and then use another clean, damp cloth to rinse out.

How long have you had your electric blanket? (Image: HONGZHI LUO/Getty)

Machine washing

If machine washing is safe for your electric blanket, remove all cords and controls and use a gentle, cold-water cycle. Catherine recommends smol laundry capsules, which don’t contain bleaching agents or conditioners.

Rinse thoroughly

Ensure thorough rinsing to remove all detergent residue- multiple rinse cycles may be necessary to achieve this.

Dry carefully

As previously mentioned by Scott from The Energy Shop, Catherine also clarifies you must never wring out or twist the electric blanket as you may damage the wiring.

Instead, gently press out excess water and then air-dry the blanket on a flat surface.

Avoid using heat sources like radiators or tumble dryers, as they can damage the electrical components.

Reconnect and test

Once the blanket is completely dry, reconnect the cords and controllers, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Test the blanket to ensure it functions correctly before use – if the shape has been changed or the wiring damaged, a more gentler hand wash may correct things.

Have you found this guide to cleaning your heated blanket useful? Let us know if you have any washing tips in the comments below.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav added 32 for India, who then ended Pakistan’s run chase before it ever really began as the early wickets tumbled. Pakistan were reduced to 13/3 and then 34/4 in dismal fashion, with Usman Khan’s spirited 44 off 34 balls not enough to spark any sort of sustained fightback. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, with the two teams failing to shake hands once again after a one-sided Group A contest. The captains also did not engage in a handshake after the toss.

The Met Office has issued an update on the outlook for the coming days

There’s a new week coming up and more rain in the forecast but weather experts say Tuesday looks to be the best day for most of us.

The Met Office says the coming days will bring unsettled and blustery conditions with showers across the whole of the country, which will ease into Tuesday.

Another weather system will arrive on Wednesday bringing more unsettled weather. Thursday is expected to be drier but spells of rain will move in later in the evening.

READ MORE: Northern Ireland has been relentlessly miserable this year and there’s no sign of it endingREAD MORE: ‘Exceptional’ rainfall brings one of wettest Januarys on record for Northern Ireland

Here’s what’s forecast for Northern Ireland in the coming days, according to the Met Office:

This evening and tonight:

Variable amounts of cloud this evening and overnight with scattered showers, occasionally heavy in the west. More in the way of drier weather across the southeast. Minimum temperature 2°C.

Monday:

A few bright or sunny intervals otherwise rather cloudy with scattered showers. Becoming drier in the evening with just the odd wintry shower. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Dry and bright on Tuesday. Mostly dry on Wednesday but somewhat cloudier with chance of the odd wintry shower, and a cold southeasterly wind. Dry with some brightness on Thursday.

UK long range weather forecast: Friday 20 February – Sunday 1 March

Showers or longer spells of rain, as well as occasional strong winds, are most likely at first as Atlantic low pressure systems dominate in the vicinity of the UK. Some heavy rain is likely in places, with some snow probable at times, mainly on high ground in the north.

Temperatures varying from around, or a little above, average especially in the south to cold at times, mainly in the north. Although unsettled weather is likely to dominate at first, there will be some drier interludes between weather systems. These drier interludes will become increasingly likely and perhaps more prolonged through the period.

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EXCLUSIVE: Lord Haughey said the Scottish Labour leader’s gamble has benefited him and Keir Starmer at the same time.

One of Scottish Labour’s top donors has claimed Anas Sarwar’s call for Keir Starmer to quit was the “best Machiavellian plot” Labour has “ever hatched”. Lord Haughey said the Scottish Labour leader and the Prime Minister are both in a stronger position after Sarwar’s explosive intervention.

Sarwar sent shockwaves through Scottish politics on Monday after he demanded the resignation of his friend Starmer. He said the Labour Government had made too many mistakes and called for fresh leadership.

But the move shored up support for the PM, as Cabinet Ministers and Scottish Labour MPs lined up to support Starmer. A new poll has also found that Scots back Sarwar’s intervention.

Lord Haughey, a successful businessman who has donated millions to Labour, attended an emergency meeting of the party’s Scottish parliamentarians on Tuesday. Speaking on the Go Radio Business Show, the Sarwar ally spoke of the moment he watched the Glasgow MSP make the call at a dramatic press conference.

“I’m explaining it to my missus that, ‘no, this is a Machiavellian plot. Something’s going on here.’ And she’s like that, ‘don’t talk rubbish. This is what you say all the time’.”

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“What I said and what I implied is exactly what happened.”

The tycoon said both Sarwar and Starmer had been emboldened by the quit call:

“Anas, to be fair, showed true leadership. He didn’t need anybody behind him, [he] said exactly what he thought.

“He’s put it out there that we’re not a branch office of London. We’ve got our own opinion. We’re going to do what we’re doing here. And without cutting the umbilical cord, he kind of declared UDI for Scotland.”

“I’m sure that he felt a bit disappointed that ten or twenty other people didn’t fire in after him, but he decided whether to do it or not, this is what I think is right for the country.”

He said of the impact of the Starmer: “It smoked everybody out. So, within hours, every Cabinet Minister that may have been plotting, not been plotting, had to come out and back the Prime Minister. He goes into a meeting at night and gets a standing ovation in the way in, and a standing ovation in the way out.”

He added: “Today, Anas is in a much stronger position than he was last week and so is Keir Starmer.

“It’s going to go down as the best Machiavellian pot that Labour ever hatched.”

He said: “That’s a fact.”

Haughey also said: “I’ve said for years and years and years that maybe we should look at an independent Labour Party in Scotland.

“I think Anas went a long way to saying, ‘we’re going to operate as that anyway’.”

It comes after a new poll found Scots backing the Scottish Labour leader over his call for the PM to resign.

A new Norstat poll of 1,001 people for the Sunday Times, conducted after Sarwar’s press conference, found 52 per cent backing the Glasgow MSP.