Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

13 expert tips: single-parent dating

Published

on

Single mother and daughter embracing

If you’re a single parent and hoping to start dating, there may be questions or concerns going through your mind. For instance, when will you find the time? What will the kids think? Do people want to date single parents?

According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, there are around two million single parents with dependent children in the UK, which represents roughly a quarter of all families who have dependent children. This means that not only is there a large number of people in a similar position to you, but a significant percentage of them may be looking for romance.

Read on to discover 13 tips on successful single-parent dating, along with expert insight from Angela Vossen, a sex and relationship coach. 

Advertisement

How to start dating as a single parent

Before single parents start dating, Angela encourages them to give themselves permission to find love and happiness outside of their family unit. This is integral to having a positive dating experience. 

“Being a single parent, especially of young children or teenagers, can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to lose a sense of yourself as a person beyond the parenting role,” Angela says. “Alongside friendships and a social life, dating can restore a sense of connection, fun, romance, and sexuality. It’s a reminder that you’re a whole person, not just someone who is defined by single parenthood.” 

So while it might not always be easy to date as a single parent, the potential rewards make the effort genuinely worthwhile for many. 

Here are 13 expert tips for making your experience as successful as possible.

Advertisement

1: Embrace the challenges of single-parent dating

 

Understand your emotions 

Before you begin dating, it’s important to check in with yourself to make sure you’re emotionally prepared for the ups and downs it can bring. “Are you dating from a place of genuine desire for connection and openness to a new relationship, or from loneliness or outside pressure?” Angela asks. “It’s worth being honest with yourself before bringing someone else into your world.”

She adds that it’s also vital to let go of any feelings of guilt. “So many single parents feel guilty for wanting a romantic connection, as if it somehow takes something away from their children,” she says. “It doesn’t. Modelling healthy, loving relationships is one of the best things you can do for them, and pouring into your own cup with some adult time makes you a better parent.”

Acknowledge time constraints

As a single parent, you will be very aware that your free time is precious and hard to come by. But if the person you decide to date doesn’t have any dependents, they may not understand initially and they could confuse minimal free time with rejection. Try to avoid this by acknowledging your time constraints up front so that expectations are set accordingly. If you have two free weekends a month, for instance, let them know so you can plan something.

2: Define your dating goals and priorities

 

Determine what you want in a partner

Think about what you do and don’t want in a partner. Consider what didn’t go well in past relationships and what your dream scenario is for your future. Having this image firmly in your mind will help you date intentionally and hopefully avoid falling into old habits and cycles. 

Advertisement

Set realistic expectations for dating

While dream scenarios are helpful for your mindset, it’s also important to be realistic. That’s not to say that your dream partner doesn’t exist, but you may just not find them after a first date. See the overall experience as a process where you get to flex your dating muscles again, meet new people, and find someone great when the time is right.

3: Choose the right single-parent dating apps and sites

 

Use general dating apps with caution

“It’s important to understand that the dating landscape itself isn’t always welcoming,” Angela says. “Research by the Frolo Dating community found that 86 per cent of single parents said they had been made to feel ‘less than’ on mainstream dating apps, with bios openly asking them to swipe left. That’s why it’s important to sign up to a dating platform that aligns with your values and will help you find someone likeminded and at a similar life stage.”

[Source: Frolo / A Dating Dad]

Explore single-parent-specific dating apps

If you feel daunted by the idea of dating on a mainstream app where you’ll have to continually explain your role as a parent, consider signing up to specific single-parent dating apps. These offer a safe space for single parents where everyone is in a similar position and understands the challenges of dating with children. 

4: Create an honest and engaging dating profile

 

Highlight your role as a parent

Don’t be tempted to hide the fact that you have children on your dating profile for fear that it may put potential partners off. It’s always advisable to be honest and open about your life from the start. Remember, the right person for you is someone who accepts you as you are.

Advertisement

Share your hobbies and interests

Sharing your hobbies and interests tells potential partners more about you and your values. Perhaps you love walking or playing tennis, or have dreams of getting back into painting or sailing. Remember that being a parent isn’t the only thing that defines you.

5. Single-parent date-planning tips

 

Communicate openly with potential matches

Clear communication is integral to a positive dating experience, so make sure you’re keeping on top of messages on the dating apps you’re using.  If you also see someone you would like to get to know better, be brave and initiate a conversation. From here, suggest meeting up in person and make your intentions clear. Your time is precious, so make the most of it.

Discuss your parenting situation early on

Discussing your parenting situation early on is the best way to get any new relationship off to the best start. Everyone will know where they stand and potential partners will have a good understanding of your responsibilities, boundaries and what you’re looking for. 

Be clear about your availability

If your children are still young, you probably won’t be able to go on lots of spontaneous dates. It’s important that everyone you date understands this. If you have set days in the month when you’re available, don’t be afraid to make that clear. This will prevent any misunderstandings or making promises you can’t keep.

Advertisement

6: Plan dates that work for your schedule

 

Opt for daytime dates when possible

Daytime dates are great for single parents as they don’t require organising childcare or waiting for set days in the month when your children may be with their other parent. Coffee dates or a walk in a local park, for instance, are good for low-pressure first-date ideas because they are inexpensive and can be as long or as short as you like. 

Choose family-friendly activities

If you’ve been on a few dates with someone and the relationship is starting to blossom, you may consider doing family-friendly activities together. Doing this, however, should be left until a proper relationship is established as it can be confusing and disconcerting for children to meet partners prematurely.

7: Take your time to build relationships

 

Don’t rush into a serious commitment

Meeting someone special can be exciting and consuming but try not to rush into a serious commitment. With children to consider, taking your time to get to know someone will ensure minimum disruption to your family unit and ensure the relationship is built on strong foundations. 

Encourage a natural progression

If you start dating someone new and you spot signs of ‘love bombing’ or false intimacy (such as forcing an intense relationship early on), raise your concerns and ask them to slow down. This kind of behaviour can be a sign of emotional immaturity or control, both of which can be red flags. It’s important that you’re aware when things may be moving too quickly.

Advertisement

9: Trust your instincts and set boundaries

 

Know when to walk away

Being aware of dating red flags is very important and, chances are, you may spot at least one of them on your dating journey. The main thing is that you’re checking in with yourself regularly. If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t feel like you’re being treated correctly, or a date is being consistently flaky, know when to walk away. Keep that dream partner in mind and don’t waste time on those you know aren’t up to scratch.

Establish clear boundaries for your dating life

“Single parents often have less time for ambiguity. It’s perfectly reasonable – healthy even – to be upfront about your situation and what you’re looking for early on,” Angela says. “Someone can be lovely; you can enjoy each other’s company and share similar interests, but if you want different things from a relationship and from life, be honest with yourself and with each other. As tempting as it might be to overlook incompatibilities, try to balance your head and your heart.”

10: Find support from fellow single parents

 

Join single-parent communities and forums

No one understands the trials and challenges of single parenting like other single parents. As such, you may find it useful to join communities and forums on Facebook and other platforms such as Mumsnet that are designed specifically for single parents. There may also be communities in your local area with in-person meet-ups.

Share experiences and tips with one another

Forums and social groups are a great place to share your experiences, worries and challenges of dating as a single parent. You can also share your own tips if you have any, or get advice from those who have a little more experience than you.

Advertisement

11: Involve your kids when the time is right

 

Gauge your children’s readiness

If you’ve found someone who you want to be in a relationship with, you’ll want to introduce them to your children when the time is right. Before doing so, gauge their readiness by asking them how they’d feel if you met someone new and let them know that you’ve been dating. This will give them a chance to get used to the idea and help you gauge how ready they are. Of course, this will all be impacted by how long you’ve been single and your personal circumstances.

Angela warns that if you do this too early, however, it can be unsettling for children and places unfair pressure on a new relationship. “However excited you might be, take time to truly get to know one another and feel confident about where things are heading before combining your parenting and romantic lives.”

Make introductions casual and fun

When it comes to making introductions, keep things casual and fun. Consider a walk in the park together, a picnic or simply popping over for a coffee. This will keep expectations and pressure low. Children should never feel pressured into accepting someone new into their family unit, no matter how strongly you feel about them. Let things happen slowly and organically so trusting relationships are built over time.

12: Don’t forget to take care of yourself

 

Prioritise your emotional wellbeing

Dating can be a rollercoaster and open you up to all kinds of feelings and emotions. That’s why it’s important to take care of your wellbeing along the way. For instance, if you just went on a terrible date, take a break for a week or so to recoup and recharge. 

Advertisement

13. Engage in self-care activities regularly

Don’t dedicate all of your spare time to dating and make sure you’re still catching up with family and friends while doing things that make you feel good such as yoga or Zumba. This will give you much-needed balance and relieve some of the pressure of finding someone.

FAQs

“Modern dating can be hard for anyone but, if you’re the person primarily or solely responsible for a child or children, this brings additional challenges that a child-free person or non-resident parent simply doesn’t have to think about,” Angela says. “The challenges are real: time is precious, child-free time can be difficult to arrange, emotional bandwidth is often stretched thin, finances can be under pressure, and there’s the ever-present awareness that any romantic decision you make has potential ripple effects on your children.” 

Angela adds that the financial dimension is worth noting too. “According to Gingerbread, 43 per cent of children in single-parent families live in poverty, compared with 26 per cent in couple families so, for many single parents, the practical burden of dating (babysitters, going out) can be genuinely significant.” Even for more affluent single parents there is often a reduction in household income and disposable income following separation that needs to be considered.

Creativity and planning are everything when it comes to dating as a single parent. Angela recommends some approaches that work well. “Take advantage of your child-free windows,” she says. “If you share custody, those evenings and weekends are golden. Treat them as your time to explore and connect, not just to catch up on housework and admin. Daytime dates are also underrated. A long lunch or a morning coffee can be a low-pressure first or second date that’s just as romantic as dinner, and far easier to fit around childcare. 

Advertisement

Online dating is genuinely useful for time-poor parents,” she adds. “You can do some of the getting-to-know-you stage from your sofa after the kids are in bed, which means that by the time you meet someone in person you’ve already established whether there’s real potential.” She recommends apps such as Frolo that are designed specifically with single parents in mind and remove some of the friction of mainstream platforms. Finally, don’t overlook your support network. “Friends, family, a regular babysitter: building that infrastructure isn’t selfish, it’s essential.”

“A few common red flags to look out for include partners being resentful or dismissive of your children, even subtly,” Angela says. “Anyone dating a single parent needs to understand and be comfortable with the fact that their children will – and should – always be their priority.”

Likewise, you may find that someone you’re dating pushes to meet the children too soon, or seems oddly preoccupied with the family dynamic early in the relationship. “This is worth taking seriously,” Angela warns. “University of Edinburgh research found that men who have sexually abused children are nearly four times as likely to use dating apps than non-offenders, and that single parents and their children can be specifically targeted.” As such, awareness of online safety and watching for early red flags are important. 

Other things to be aware of are people who are uncomfortable with the reality that your ex will remain part of your life to some degree, particularly if you co-parent. “Being inconsistent or unreliable is also a warning sign,” Angela says. “Single mums can’t afford to date someone flaky because it affects their planning, their headspace and, eventually, their children.”

Advertisement

Learn more about how to meet men

Angela says that if you’re dating a single mum, there are a few things to consider as red flags. First of all, if you sense they are using dating primarily to fill an emotional void, rather than from a genuine desire for connection, you may want to talk to them more about their motives.

Introducing partners to children too quickly is another warning sign. “This can be unsettling for children and places unfair pressure on a new relationship,” Angela says. “However excited you might be to have found each other, take time to get to know one another and feel confident about where things are heading before combining your parenting and romantic lives.

“Likewise, if you feel that you are being slotted into a pre-scoped partner-shaped box, you may feel like you’re auditioning for a role rather than simply getting to know each other and discovering genuine compatibility.”

Advertisement

“Not necessarily, though there can be a natural gravitational pull,” Angela says. “There’s an immediate shorthand: they understand the last-minute cancellations, the non-negotiable school run, the way your whole day can pivot around a sick child. That mutual understanding can be deeply bonding.” 

Interestingly, Angela adds that a 2023 survey by the dating app Stir found that 57 per cent of single parents said they dated primarily for fun. “This suggests they’re not necessarily on a fast track to finding a co-parent, just a connection.

“That said, dating someone without children has its own advantages. There can be more flexibility, fewer logistical clashes, and sometimes a refreshing perspective unclouded by their own parenting experiences.” The key, Angela says, is whether both people genuinely understand and respect what the other’s life looks like, and are willing to be patient as the relationship finds its feet.

[Source: Stir / chivalrymen.com]

Interested in taking the first step?

If you’re single and interested in meeting new people, join Telegraph Dating. With more than 220,000 like-minded single people, this could be the best place to find romance.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Next touch lamp available in 10 colours praised as ‘stylish and practical’ home upgrade

Published

on

Wales Online

The Next Kit Table Lamp has amassed hundreds of 5/5 star reviews with many shoppers praising the ‘gorgeous’ design and wide range of colours

Advertisement

A well-chosen lamp can quietly transform a room, adding both warmth and character without the need for a full redesign. It can be placed on a bedside table or tucked into a cosy corner and it’s one of the simplest ways to effortlessly elevate your home.

The Next Kit Table Lamp does exactly that, blending practicality with a clean, contemporary look. The table lamp is priced at £22 and is designed with a 50% metal and 50% textile construction.

What sets it apart is its touch functionality – no switches to fumble for in the dark, just a simple tap to turn it on or off. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a noticeable difference in everyday use, especially in bedrooms where ease and comfort matter most.

The table lamp is available in 10 different colours, it’s easy to find a version that complements your space, whether you lean towards neutral tones or something a little bolder. The lamp is described as an accessible way to refresh your décor without overthinking it.

Advertisement

The champagne gold version has amassed hundreds of five-star reviews praising its lightweight feel, stylish design and convenience, it’s clear why this lamp has become a popular choice.

One shopper said: “Beautiful lamp. Lightweight, modern and stylish, just right for my bedside tables. No fumbling around in the dark trying to find the switch, just gently tap to light up. Highly recommended.”

Another said: “I am pleased with this touch on/off lamp. The colour matches the scheme in the bedroom that has been decorated. It is exactly the right shade.”

Advertisement

Whereas one thought: “Really nice lamp but would have preferred a taller base small dumpy lamp colour great.”

Regardless, another review of the Next lamp said: “I bought two of these lamps a few weeks ago. They look very nice in my freshly decorated bedroom. The lamps are easy to turn on and off, all you do is touch the rim. They look more expensive and really smart in person.”

Another popular lamp option is the Dunelm Keko Rechargeable Touch Dimmable Table Lamp, a cordless £20 option available in three colours.

Alternatively, the Dusk Lucille Ornate LED Rechargeable Wireless Lamp is another cordless option with a stylish design.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Swansea council leader claims Ospreys are safe until the 2030s despite WRU announcement

Published

on

Wales Online

Welsh rugby’s soap opera has taken another turn following the WRU’s announcement on Wednesday

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has claimed the Ospreys’ future is secure beyond the end of the current decade – despite the Welsh Rugby Union once again reiterating their intention to cut the number of professional teams to three by 2028.

Advertisement

Cllr Stewart’s statement was issued following the confirmation that the deal for the Ospreys’ owners, Y11, to buy Cardiff had fallen through. Y11 and the WRU had been in discussions over Cardiff since January.

A 60-day period of exclusivity was initially granted, before that was extended by another 30 days.

Now, the latest deadline has seen the deal fall through – with the WRU continuing to own Cardiff, having rescued the Arms Park club from administration in April 2025.

Y11’s bid to buy Cardiff had been met with staunch resistance – with Swansea Council having launched legal action against the WRU.

Advertisement

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

As such, the failure for that deal to get over the line has been treated as a victory by the council – with Cllr Stewart claiming the Ospreys‘ future is now secure beyond 2030.

“This is a major win for the campaign to save the Ospreys that I’m proud to have been a part of,” read a statement from Cllr Stewart. “This is the outcome we have been working for and it’s amazing to see it happen.

“This now secures the Ospreys future into the 2030s and allows four professional regions to continue to play in Wales – which is what the fans players and public wanted.

Advertisement

“The Ospreys playing at a redeveloped St Helen’s from the start of next season will be fantastic for the city our local economy and the supporters.

“I’d like to thank the team at Swansea council, the supporters, fans, players and public who have supported the campaign – this win is for all of you.”

As well as Y11’s deal for Cardiff collapsing, the WRU also announcing that both the Ospreys and Scarlets would be offered the chance to enter the existing PRA25 agreement – almost a year after the west Wales clubs had refused to sign it.

“We could have been in this position a year ago had the WRU not presided over chaos and confusion,” added Cllr Stewart. “The clubs and the union have suffered financially and fans and our game have faced unnecessary uncertainty.

Advertisement

“This was completely avoidable and the leadership of the WRU have to take responsibility for the crisis they caused. I’m pleased they have now offered PRAs to all four clubs and provided much-needed certainty for professional rugby in Wales.”

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

What intentional communities can teach us about resilience amid global instability

Published

on

What intentional communities can teach us about resilience amid global instability

As conflict intensifies in the Middle East, energy markets swing wildly and the cost of living keeps climbing, a pressing question is emerging for anyone who is tied in to the fluctuating energy and food markets: how do we build resilience?

Big political and economic solutions still matter. But they take time. Increasingly, attention is turning closer to home, and to communities themselves.

Among these, intentional communities – once seen as niche – stand out as an increasingly viable option. Intentional communities are groups of people that share land and resources collectively. They can include cohousing and housing cooperatives as well as other projects. These communities do not constitute an escape from the world, but a way of coping with it. In some cases, they are already softening the shocks of global instability.

One of the most visible consequences of conflict in the Middle East is felt in energy bills at home. Disruptions to oil and gas supply chains push up fuel prices. That ripples through everything like transport, food and heating. In the UK, households feel it quickly.

Advertisement

But some intentional communities are less exposed. They have changed how they produce and use energy. At Bridport Cohousing in Dorset, residents share heating systems and generate solar power. On the Isle of Eigg in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, the entire island runs on a community-owned electricity system powered by wind, water and sun.

Of course, these systems don’t make communities immune to wider pressures. But they can cushion the blow by lowering bills and reducing dependence on volatile global markets.

Rising energy prices feed directly into food, housing and everyday costs. For many households, the pressure is relentless. Intentional communities respond differently. They pool resources. Food is often bought in bulk or grown collectively. Meals are shared. Housing is organised cooperatively, which can help to bring down rents and mortgages.

While pooling resources doesn’t eliminate costs, it can spread them. And that makes a difference, especially for those on tight or fixed incomes.

Advertisement

Social resilience in uncertain times

Resilience isn’t just financial. Intentional communities can also help buffer the psychological and social effects of living in times of conflict or uncertainty.

The pandemic offered a glimpse of this. While many people experienced isolation, collaborative housing communities often mobilised quickly because support networks were already in place.

A 2023 study of 18 intentional communities in England and Wales found they were able to quickly build on their existing and well-established social infrastructure. Regular contact, shared decision-making and mutual support helped people cope. In uncertain times, that kind of connection matters. It reduces isolation and makes crises easier to navigate.

One example was an older women’s cohousing group near London who set up online movie and book review clubs, as well as regularly sharing homegrown food from their communal allotment.

Advertisement

The Isle of Eigg survives only on renewable energy.

Disrupted fuel supplies – as we have seen in the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz – can have cascading effects on agricultural production and food distribution. This can lead to price increases and occasional shortages.

Many intentional communities try to buffer against this by growing their own food. Small-scale farming, permaculture and community gardens are common.

For example, the Redfield community in north Buckinghamshire grow much of their own food, as well as keeping chickens, a small flock of sheep and bees on their 17 acres of land. This increases self-sufficiency, meaning they are less exposed to global disruptions. It also builds skills – knowledge that often spreads beyond the community itself through friends, family and even courses on growing, permaculture and self sufficiency.

Advertisement

None of this makes intentional communities self-contained utopias. They still rely on wider systems. Renewable energy infrastructure requires investment, for example. Skills and resources are uneven, which means that no community is fully insulated from global crises. But that may not be the point.

What sets these communities apart is not independence, but adaptability. They spread risk and diversify how needs are met in terms of energy, food, housing and care. And systems that are more diverse tend to be more resilient.

Intentional communities are, in effect, testing grounds. They show what happens when people reorganise everyday life around cooperation rather than individual consumption. Some of their ideas, like shared ownership, local energy and community food networks are already spreading beyond them into local and national government policy, builders and architects and wider community groups.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney offer Coventry free trip to Las Vegas BEFORE Wrexham clash

Published

on

Wales Online

Coventry City won the Championship last night in emphatic fashion and by means of congratulations, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney jokingly offered a tantalising award

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has playfully offered Frank Lampard and his Coventry City squad an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas – just days before their pivotal Championship showdown with the Red Dragons.

Advertisement

The Sky Blues clinched the Championship title on Tuesday evening in stunning style with a 5-1 home victory over Portsmouth. Ephron Mason-Clarke netted twice while Haji Wright, an own goal from Regan Poole and an injury-time strike from Kaine Hayden rounded off a 5-1 triumph.

Promotion to the Premier League had already been secured with last Friday’s 1-1 away draw with Blackburn Rovers, but there were still scenes of jubilation at the Ricoh Arena. Once the celebrations subsided, McElhenney – also known as Mac – light-heartedly extended the ultimate congratulatory invitation to Sin City…provided it happened before the away fixture against Wrexham!

JOIN OUR WALES FOOTBALL FB PAGE! Get latest news, analysis and more on The Dragons

McElhenney took to X and wrote: “Congrats to Coventry City. My friend @VancityReynolds (Ryan Reynolds) and I would like to offer you a first class trip to Vegas. Please be ready in the am and be back in time for kick-off on Sunday. A little late is okay too.”

Advertisement

The tongue-in-cheek post from McElhenney comes as Wrexham pursue their own push for Premier League promotion. They travel to the Ricoh Arena to face Lampard’s side this Sunday.

The Red Dragons currently sit sixth, but are separated from seventh-placed Hull City only on goal difference. A win against the Sky Blues will almost certainly be required to keep their play-off destiny in their own hands as the season reaches its conclusion.

If Wrexham are able to get into the playoff places, win the two-legged semi-final and then triumph at Wembley, they’d become the first ever side to enjoy four consecutive promotions. It would also open up many more lucrative financial doors for the Red Dragons, as a result of the broadcast money which comes with being in the Premier League.

Advertisement

On February 9, the two Hollywood actors celebrated their five-year anniversary of co-owning the club. Wrexham were down in the National League when they strode into the Racecourse Ground.

Now there is an achievable, but still difficult, route to the Premier League. In March, while commentating on Sky Sports for Wrexham’s victory over Swansea, Reynolds said: “You have high expectations in long term, but our goal was to listen and learn and at that point, you don’t know what you’re saying, if that’s just going to sound preposterous or naive.

“But our goal was always the Premier League. I mean, we’d be foolish to not aim for that. I didn’t think we would be here this quickly.

Advertisement

“However, sometimes the ball bounced our way. Other times, this team’s grit, determination and character is what really kind of pushed them across, even more so than just skill.”

After Coventry, Wrexham play host to fellow play-off chasers Middlesbrough in what could be a win or bust clash for both teams, depending on their results in the previous match.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Trump reportedly drafting NATO ‘naughty and nice’ list to punish allies over Iran war

Published

on

Daily Record

Donald Trump is reportedly drawing up a tiered list of NATO allies based on their support for the US-Israel conflict with Iran,

Donald Trump is reportedly exploring ways to penalise NATO allies who’ve declined to support his war with Iran.

The US President has allegedly been compiling what appears to be a “naughty and nice” list of NATO countries based on their involvement – or absence thereof – in backing the US-Israel conflict with Tehran.

The combined effort saw the US and Israel launch ‘Operation Epic Fury’ on February 28, with missiles hammering targets across Iran and igniting a large-scale conflict throughout the Middle East.

Advertisement

NATO allies, including the UK and France, have steered clear of direct involvement in the war, with much of Europe calling for peace amid a global shortage of oil and gas, triggered by the continuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Three European diplomats and a US defence official told Politico that a breakdown of NATO members’ contributions to the alliance has been compiled by US officials, which divides countries into tiers, reports the Mirror.

One diplomat said the White House list seems to sort countries into “naughty and nice” categories, though the specifics are being kept under wraps for now.

Advertisement

“They don’t seem to have very concrete ideas…when it comes to punishing bad allies,” another unnamed European official said. “Moving troops is one option, but it mainly punishes the US doesn’t it?”

This comes as Trump has made his threats against allies who haven’t followed his instructions crystal clear – even warning he could pull out of the pact entirely. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly recently stated: “While the United States has always been there for our so-called allies, countries we protect with thousands of troops have not been there for us throughout Operation Epic Fury.

“President Trump has made his thoughts on this unfair dynamic clear, and as he said, the United States will remember.”

Advertisement

It remains unclear which nations feature on the ‘nice’ list, though Romania and Poland are widely tipped to rank highly given their backing. The Polish government foots nearly the entire bill for hosting thousands of American troops on its soil, while Romania recently expanded an air base to accommodate US military operations during its conflict with Iran.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also dropped hints about which NATO allies might be in favour or in the firing line last year. He said: “Model allies that step up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favour… Allies that still fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Scots hammered on food costs as sugar and beef prices rise twice as fast as wages

Published

on

Daily Record

EXCLUSIVE: Some everyday food items have risen in price nearly four times as fast as wages since the last Holyrood election in 2021.

Scots have been hammered by soaring food prices over the last five years as sluggish wage growth has been outstripped by the rising costs of everyday items like sugar, beef and eggs.

Research published by the independent think-tank Future Economy Scotland found that median earnings in Scotland have increased by 31 per cent since voters went to polls at the last Holyrood election in May 2021.

But the price of goods including sugar and beef has risen more than twice as fast as wages in that time, with consumers seeing price rises of over 65 per cent. The price of olive oil, which topped the list, has risen nearly four times as fast as wages, with prices up a staggering 119 per cent since May 2021.

Advertisement

The price of eggs and chocolate has also far outstripped wage growth, rising by 61 per cent and 54 per cent respectively.

While the price of many household essentials has soared, other goods – notably consumer electronics – have become cheaper. Since 2021, personal computers and mobile phones have fallen in price by around 25 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Laurie Macfarlane, Future Economy Scotland co-director, said: “Polling shows the cost of living is a top concern among voters this election, and it’s obvious why.

“For the past five years, Scots have been squeezed by a pincer movement of weak wage growth on the one hand, and rising prices on the other.

Advertisement

“Our analysis shows that the price of essentials like beef and sugar have risen more than twice as fast as wages, while olive oil has risen nearly four times as fast. It’s little wonder voters are feeling the pinch.

“That computers and phones have become cheaper will be little consolation to those struggling to feed their kids and heat their homes.”

READ MORE: Keir Starmer has ‘severely damaged’ Scottish Labour election campaign, says John SwinneyREAD MORE: Scottish independence referendum won’t happen in next five years, predicts SNP veteran

Macfarlane added: “While global factors have contributed to price rises, the Scottish Government is not powerless to act. After nearly two decades of flatlining living standards, more of the same simply won’t cut it.

Advertisement

“Political parties must move beyond empty rhetoric and put forward credible plans to raise wages and improve affordability. Scotland simply cannot afford another five years of stagnation.”

It comes as John Swinney last week pledged to use the Scottish Government’s powers to intervene on public health matters to impose price caps on basic items such as bread and milk.

But the promise was met with with a backlash from retailers and warnings from economists that such a huge intervention by the state in the grocery market could lead to shortages of certain items in shops.

It is also far from clear if the Scottish Government has the legal ability to dictate prices in shops, given it is bound by the UK Internal Market.

Advertisement

Speaking today, the First Minister admitted the scheme could only be introduced in the immediate term – and avoid lengthy legal challenges in the courts – if retailers agreed to sign-up on a voluntary basis.

The SNP has pointed to the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol as an example of the Government using public health powers to intervene in domestic markets.

But that policy was held up for years after it was repeatedly challenged by distillers.

Asked if his price cap vow could realistically be introduced by next year, Swinney said: “The steps on food prices could, if we got voluntary agreement on that.

Advertisement

“I’ve got public health powers I can use, but there’s a lot of ways we can make progress by agreement. And I think it’s in everyone’s interests to do that.”

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

James Tavernier: Rangers captain to leave club at end of season after 11 years at Ibrox

Published

on

James Tavernier and Steven Gerrard with the Scottish Premiership trophy

Former Newcastle player Tavernier was signed by Mark Warburton from Wigan in the summer of 2015, when Rangers were in the Scottish Championship.

He helped the Ibrox side win that division and captained the team in the absence of the injured Lee Wallace as Warburton made way for Pedro Caixinha.

When Steven Gerrard arrived as Rangers manager in 2018, Tavernier became captain full-time as Wallace’s contract ran down and was a pivotal part of the Gerrard title-winning team, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Europa League finalists and Scottish Cup-winning side and Philippe Clement’s League Cup victors.

Tavernier also wore the armband during Graeme Murty, Michael Beale, Barry Ferguson and Russell Martin’s brief stints as boss. This season under Danny Rohl since October, the defender has not been an automatic starter, with Dujon Sterling often preferred at right-back.

Advertisement

Jack Butland and Nico Raskin have deputised as captain, with both still under contract next season.

“We’ve shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way,” Tavernier said.

“To all the players I’ve shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you. The bonds that we’ve built, the battles we’ve been through and the memories we’ve created are what make this game so special.

“To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.

Advertisement

“And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club and it has been a privilege to play in front of you.”

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

The Cottage Inn pub in Wigginton, York, bids to open later

Published

on

The Cottage Inn pub in Wigginton, York, bids to open later

An application to alter the licence of The Cottage Inn, in The Village, Wigginton, has been lodged with City of York Council.

El Group Ltd stated they also wanted to amend the existing licence to reflect the pub’s current layout and include new conditions agreed with North Yorkshire Police.

It comes as the pub is currently being advertised to potential tenants by owners Stonegate for a yearly rent of £52,000.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Advertisement

The potential turnover of the pub, which features a beer garden, function room and dining area, is forecast at £627,015-a-year.

A one-bedroom flat providing accommodation for a live-in manager is also included upstairs.

The pub’s listing stated potential tenants would get the chance to run a well-established venue.

The advert stated: “The area is very well populated with discerning diners, brand seekers and some older affluent groups.

Advertisement

“The pub currently benefits from a good level of trade, but there is room to grow food sales still further and they are seeking the right publican who can do this.

“The Cottage has a large separate function room that is situated to the rear of the property and is heavily used for Birthday Parties, Wedding Receptions, Funeral Parties, and general events.

The Cottage Inn (Image: Supplied)

“The pub boasts a lovely, covered pergola at the front with 24 additional covers and at the rear a covered area for drinkers.”

Reports of the pub’s closure on social media earlier this month come after it received a one-star food hygiene rating in January, following an inspection in November.

Advertisement

Inspectors ordered improvements including to cleanliness and the condition of facilities and the building.

Major improvements were deemed necessary to the pub’s management of food safety, according to the Foods Standards Agency.

A pub first opened in the building, which was constructed in the 1800s, in 1980.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Yellow warning for wildfires issued as drier and sunnier weather forecast

Published

on

Belfast Live

The current conditions are ideal for fires to start and spread quickly

With drier and sunnier weather forecast over the coming days, a yellow warning for wildfires is in place in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement

The dry weather along with rising temperatures and stronger winds, means conditions are ideal for fires to start and spread quickly. In the Republic of Ireland an orange warning for wildfires has been issued.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors to help protect our countryside from wildfires.

READ MORE: Lyrid meteor shower: How to watch tonight’s ‘shooting stars’ peakREAD MORE: UK weather maps show 26C heat but Northern Ireland stuck below 20C

Last year, NIFRS attended 95 wildfire incidents in Northern Ireland, 83% of which were due to deliberate ignition, a stark reminder that most wildfires are human-caused and preventable.

Advertisement

The fire service says the majority of these incidents, 93 in total, occurred between March and May, highlighting the increased risk during the spring period when vegetation is dry and weather conditions are favourable for fire spread.

NIFRS Wildfire Lead and Area Commander Ryan Thompson said: “Wildfire incidents have the potential to devastate our countryside and put wildlife and our community at risk. They are also extremely resource intensive for our service.

“Our firefighters respond tirelessly to these incidents, often in challenging terrain and high temperatures, but the reality is that most wildfires are preventable.

“With drier weather, we urge everyone enjoying the outdoors to please act responsibly. Avoid lighting open fires in the countryside, use barbecues only in designated, safe areas and never leave them unattended.

Advertisement

“Remember to take all litter home and ensure cigarettes and smoking materials are fully extinguished before disposing of them properly. When parking, it’s vital to keep access routes clear so emergency vehicles can get through if needed.

“If you’re out enjoying the countryside and you see a fire, call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service. Don’t assume that someone else has made the call. Leave the area as quickly as possible and get to safety.

“Please do not attempt to tackle a fire yourself if it can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water and if you witness deliberate fire setting, report it to the PSNI as it is a crime.

“We are continuing to work closely with our partner agencies through the Wildfire Action Plan to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires. This coordinated approach ensures our firefighters are ready to respond to incidents in their local areas to protect lives and the environment.

Advertisement

“The responsibility of protecting our countryside belongs to all of us, so we must work together to prevent these devastating fires from starting in the first place.”

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

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Property Northumberland home development for family buyers

Published

on

Property Northumberland home development for family buyers

Barratt Homes is promoting its four and five-bedroom properties at Laurel Chase, a development in Morpeth, Northumberland.

The site, less than a mile from Morpeth town centre, offers “easy access” to schools and amenities.

Steven Ball, sales director at Barratt Homes North East, said: “Laurel Chase offers property hunters a unique opportunity to secure a brand-new, energy-efficient home in the sought-after area of Morpeth.

Advertisement

“We are looking forward to helping more families find their ideal homes at Laurel Chase over the coming months and are excited to see the community continue to thrive.”

Laurel Chase includes three, four and five-bedroom homes starting from £292,995.

The properties are built to the latest sustainability and carbon emission standards, offering modern and energy-efficient living that can help lower utility bills.

For buyers seeking a quick move-in, Barratt Homes is currently offering a deal on the ready-to-move-into, four-bedroom Bittern style home.

Advertisement

This detached property features an open-plan kitchen, utility room, study, and an en suite off the main bedroom.

Incentives worth up to £22,000 are available, including a potential £10,000 Deposit Boost and a Part Exchange Guarantee.

The homes are designed to suit a range of buyers, not just families, with options ranging from three to five bedrooms.

Further information about the development is available on the Barratt Homes website.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025