In seeking solutions to a nation’s security, Elisabeth Braw suggests “governments should crowdsource defence ideas” (Opinion, October 24) in order to bring new and innovative ideas forward by unleashing the public’s imagination. She cites the example of Ireland’s fishermen devising a clever and peaceful scheme to see off the Russian navy’s plans to stage a maritime exercise in Ireland’s exclusive economic zone.

But what happens if the overarching national defence strategy is fatally flawed? Would crowdsourcing have enabled the US to win the Vietnam, Afghan and second Iraq wars? Unlikely.

Reality is important. In the case of the US (and the UK too), its defence strategy is to deter, and if war comes to prevail. But aside from stopping a nuclear Armageddon, deterrence has not prevented Russia from twice invading Ukraine; hasn’t stopped China from a major military build-up threatening Taiwan with an invasion; and hasn’t prevented the Houthis from blocking the Suez Canal. And where has the US and the west prevailed in a war? At least the British had the Falklands war in 1982.

Unless or until the fundamental mismatch has been resolved between strategy and force planning and the budget, do not expect crowdsourcing — or Irish fishermen — to serve as surrogates for improving a nation’s defences.

Harlan Ullman
Chairman, The Killowen Group,
Senior Adviser, The Atlantic Council, Washington, DC, US

THE festive season has kicked off with a bang. There are now so many Christmas adverts on TV in early November that you need both hands to count them.

Whether you love them or aren’t a fan, the commercials are the true sign that the big day is not far around the corner.

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While we eagerly await the big reveal of the John Lewis ad, lots of other retailers have already aired their seasonal offerings.

Elizabeth Hurley shows us how to have a stress-free Debenhams Christmas, while Dawn French returns for M&S Food.

Here, we review 11 of these festive mini-blockbusters, giving each a rating out of five for entertainment value.

Debenhams – 4/5

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THE 2024 “Duh, Debenhams” advert is a playful take on the festive madness we know all too well.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Hurley, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett, this ad suggests how easy festive online shopping can be.

With cheeky nods to the usual Christmas chaos, the celebs hilariously answer the question: “Why does Christmas shopping have to be so hard?” with a sassy, “Duh, Debenhams”.

This ad is sure to bring a smile to your face and remind you that Christmas shopping does not have to be so stressful.

Aldi – 3/5

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KEVIN the Carrot is back for the ninth year running, and this time he is on a mission to save Christmas.

In a new adventure, Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous ­situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of Christmas and show the humbugs that “Christmas is better when ­goodwill is returned”.

It’s still a fun watch for the kids, but alas I fear Kevin is fast approaching his expiry date.

Morrisons – 2/5

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MORRISONS has brought back its singing oven gloves. Only this time, there’s more of them.

Set to the catchy tune of Bugsy Malone track You Give A Little Love, the music is ­performed by a choir of 26 ­Morrisons staff.

The gloves, now fully animated, sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishes.

It’s on the mark, but I worry this jingle will become grating.

Greggs – 5/5

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GREGGS has set the bar high with its first Christmas advert, which features celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.

Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella in her ­festive London townhouse.

She calls Christmas her “favourite time of year” and enjoys a Greggs Festive Bake, describing it as a “rapturous riot of flavour” with a “succulent ­filling”, playfully mimicking her saucy TV style.

Lidl – 3/5

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THE Lidl Christmas advert tells a heartwarming tale of a little girl who, after helping an elderly woman, makes a wish to share her Lidl woolly hat with a boy she noticed earlier, who looked cold.

This touching gesture embodies Lidl’s message of sharing the magic this Christmas.

It also highlights the return of Lidl Toy Banks, with the aim of collecting and distributing more than 100,000 toys donated by customers to needy children.

Argos – 3/5

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THE Argos Christmas advert ­features brand mascots Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur.

Seen in a dazzling dreamscape, Trevor lives out his rock star ­fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakers.

The scene is electric as Trevor headlines for a crowd of adoring fans, all of whom are his best friend Connie.

This whimsical promo will charm audiences of all ages.

Sainsbury’s – 4/5

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THE star here is the Big Friendly Giant from Roald Dahl’s beloved book, voiced by Stephen Fry.

The BFG asks: “Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?”

Enter Sophie, a Sainsbury’s staffer, who helps him gather food from the supermarket’s trusted suppliers.

The heart-warming promo ends with Fry inviting viewers to, “ask Sainsbury’s” for a truly spectacular festive feast.

M&S Food – 4/5

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AUDIENCES are in for a treat as Dawn French and her fairy alter-ego from past ads share the screen for the first time.

As Fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn’s home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer.

Six variations will air, with a special cameo by Katherine Jenkins on December 17.

But a second year without Jennifer Saunders does take away some of the magic.

Asda – 3/5

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THE ad opens with Asda staff Maggie and Bill gazing out at a massive snowstorm.

 Maggie frets: “Every road is closed between here and Sheffield – how are we going to get the store ready for Christmas?”

Enter a team of ceramic gnomes who transform the store into a Christmas wonderland, all set to The A-Team theme tune.

While delightful, it doesn’t top Asda’s previous ads ­featuring Will Ferrell and Michael Buble.

Shelter – 5/5

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GET your tissues ready because Shelter has done it again with its heart-wrenching Christmas ad.

The film opens in an imaginary world where little Mia and her dad are walking across an alien landscape.

They wave to Father Christmas and high-five an alien octopus.

But reality intrudes, revealing their actual life in temporary accommodation and the dad’s efforts to shield Mia from the harsh conditions through make-believe.

TOURISTS in Rome have been left disappointed after it’s famous coin-tossing attraction introduced new rules.

Holidaymakers heading to the Italian city often head to the Trevi Fountain to throw in a coin for good luck.

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However, the fountain has recently been drained while it undergoes maintenance.

This is ahead of the huge Jubilee event taking place next year, presided over by the Roman Catholic Church.

Instead of being able to throw coins into the fountain, the city added a tiny pool of water on one small section for tourists to use instead.

The small wooden box has a plastic barrier, with many people calling it an “ugly” alternative.

One tourist who has been to Rome six times said: “I’m disappointed to find a pool this time – it’s just not the same.”

Another person said they saw people still throwing coins into the empty fountain.

They wrote: “Tourists were still trying to chuck coins into the empty fountain, regardless of the maintenance people working around the fountain.

“It was gross to see people acting so rude.”

Some joked that it made it “more of a challenge” to get the coins into the water, turning it almost into a game.

As much as €1.5million (£1.2million) is collected from the fountain every year, which is donated to a Catholic charity.

The act of coin tossing – which is over left shoulder with your right hand – is said to mean you will return to Rome.

Throw two coins and you’ll ‘fall in love with a beautiful Italian’ and three coins means you will marry them, according to the superstition.

The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain has been in place since it first opened.

It was then popularised by classic films such as the 1954 Three Coins in the Fountain and 1960 La Dolce Vita.

But the attraction could even charge tourists to visit it soon.

The famous fountain, built in 1732, has always been free for both locals and holidaymakers.

But next year, the city is introducing new rules which will see a charge of €2 per person.

Tourists will have to book ahead to see it, and will only be allowed to see it for 30 minutes.

The rest of the fountain will be blocked off, with access only given to people who have paid.

The new rules will also prevent idiot tourists from jumping into the fountain.

Last year, two Australian tourists were fined  €450 (£380) for trying to get into the fountain.

And in 2022, two Dutch tourists were fined €1000 (£844) .

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