The White House has stated the President is not willing to budge on NATO allies such as Britain sticking to their pledge to spend 5% of economic output on defence by 2035

US President Donald Trump said he expects NATO allies to stick to their defence spending pledges, amid controversy over future UK military funding.

Mr Trump’s demand came as Sir Keir Starmer was due to unveil a long-delayed investment plan for the armed forces. The plan has been dogged by internal government wrangling and rocked by ministerial resignations.

Sir Keir insists the plan will keep Britain “safe and secure long into the future”.

John Healey, who recently quit as defence secretary over the military financial settlement on offer, has warned the plan “falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time”.

The row erupted ahead of a crucial NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey next week, where ally members are expected to set out a “credible path” to spending 5% of economic output on defence by 2035.

This is split into 3.5% gross domestic product (GDP) core defence spending commitment, and a 1.5% GDP commitment to wider resilience spending.

In his resignation letter, Mr Healey suggested the UK was on course to spend only 2.68% of GDP on core defence by 2030, casting doubt on the country’s ability to meet the target of 3.5% within the required timeframe.

A White House official said: “President Trump expects NATO allies to abide by their 5% defence spending pledge.”

The new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is understood to have secured additional money for the military. This would take the total allocation to some £14.5 billion, up from the £13.5 billion offered to Mr Healey, but still short of the £28 billion officials previously said was needed.

The funding dispute comes at a critical time, with Mr Trump casting doubt on the commitment of the US to NATO that he previously branded “a paper tiger”.

Mr Trump says the US has been bankrolling the defence of other countries. Tensions have also risen over Mr Trump’s designs on Greenland, which belongs to fellow alliance member Denmark, and the response of allies to the Iran war.

Earlier this month, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of US military forces in Europe as he cast doubt on some members meeting their spending commitments. He argued that some members still seem “to think the era of free-riding is here”.

The parts of the UK where money stretches the most when buying a home have been named.

New research from the UK’s biggest property platform has revealed what buyers can get for the current average asking price of a home and where their money will go the furthest. One area of Scotland was named the part of the UK where homebuyers will get the most for their money.

On Tuesday, June 30, Rightmove revealed revealed what buyers in the UK can get for the current average asking price of a home, which is approximately £378,000. The experts looked at what this figure can buy in different local areas across the nation, based on current homes listed for sale.

According to Rightmove, there are clear regional differences in what buyers can typically afford with a budget of £378,000. In Scotland, this figure can stretch to a four or even a five-bedroom property in certain areas of the country—significantly more than parts of England.

The experts revealed that North Lanarkshire is the area of the UK where homebuyers will get the most for their money. In North Lanarkshire, the average asking price of a five-bedroom detached house is £376,052—which is slightly below the national average of £378,000.

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North Lanarkshire borders the northeast of Glasgow and is home to many of the city’s suburbs, commuter towns, and villages. The biggest settlement in the council area is Cumbernauld, which has a population of approximately 50,530, while other large towns include Coatbridge, Airdrie, and Motherwell.

North Lanarkshire is also home to many of Scotland’s most popular and iconic places of interest, including M&D’s amusement park, the 1,100-acre Strathclyde Country Park, and The Time Capsule water park. Other popular attractions include Drumpellier Country Park and the North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre.

Elsewhere, County Durham in North East England was named the area of the UK where money goes the second-furthest when buying a home. Nottingham and Charnwood in the East Midlands follow in third and fourth respectively, while the East Riding of Yorkshire rounds out the top five.

On the other hand, in London and parts of South East England, the current average asking price of a home of £378,000 is more commonly associated with smaller homes such as flats or one-bedroom properties according to Rightmove. The average asking price of a studio in Tower Hamlets in London is £357,556, while in Hackney a studio flat averages £341,021.

Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock commented: “Buyers are weighing up value more carefully in the current market, and this analysis shows just how much variation there can be in what the same budget buys in different parts of Britain. For some movers, the price of an average home could mean a flat in a more expensive city market, while in other areas it could stretch to a much larger family home.

“With the number of homes for sale at historically high levels for this time of year, homes that feel well-priced for their size, location and condition are more likely to stand out. Affordability remains a key driver of buyer behaviour, and many movers are taking the time to compare what they can get for their budget before making a decision.”

See below for the 10 areas in the UK where “money goes furthest” and where “money stretches the least” when buying a house.

Where ‘money goes furthest’ when buying a house

1. North Lanarkshire, Scotland
2. County Durham, North East
3. Nottingham, East Midlands
4. Charnwood, East Midlands
5. East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire and The Humber
6. Liverpool, North West
7. Kirklees, Yorkshire and The Humber
8. South Tyneside, North East
9. Leicester, East Midlands
10. Worcester, West Midlands

Where ‘money stretches the least’ when buying a house

1. Tower Hamlets, London
2. Lambeth, London
3. Hackney, London
4. Southwark, London
5. Camden, London
6. Wandsworth, London
7. Islington, London
8. Hammersmith and Fulham, London
9. Richmond upon Thames, London
10. Haringey, London

South American football expert Tim Vickery felt a typical Paraguayan spirit shone through on the day.

“Paraguay love adversity,” he said.

“If you’re looking for someone to relate to in this World Cup, look for Paraguay. That Welsh word ‘hwyl’, that grit and drive, when it gets difficult, that’s when they come alive.

“They’ve come through adversity to knock out a giant of European football. It’s not always pretty, they play within their limitations, but what drama, what a story.

“The objective in this tournament was to make Paraguay feel represented and they’ve done that in full.”

Paraguay now play either two-time champions France or Sweden iin Philadelphia on Saturday (22:00 BST).

Paraguay’s president Santiago Pena had already declared a public holiday after they had sealed World Cup qualification with a game to spare.

Now, with a place in the last 16 secured, attention turns to what he might have in store next for the celebrations.

Head coach Alfaro said he spoken to the president yesterday.

“He might declare another national holiday,” he joked.

“I want all of Paraguay to enjoy this. We may have our defects, but we have a heart that never gives up, and that’s what keeps us alive.”

The historic city of York has been named in the top 20 list of the prettiest places to live in Britain by the estate and letting agents, Aston & Co.

The list features a range of villages, market towns, and cities such as Cambridge, Stamford, and Lindfield.

Placed right between London and Edinburgh, the city is popular with tourists visiting for a long weekend but is also loved by those who call it home.

York has lots of little streets to explore with independent shops. (Image: Amy Britton)

What can I do in York?

From restaurants, pubs, and the famous York Minster to hidden gem attractions, it is easy to see why the city made it onto the list.

The York Minster is a must-visit attraction thanks to its Gothic design and stained-glass windows.

If you are looking for a place to relax that is still in the city centre, you can take a moment to sit in the York Museum Gardens.

The gardens are known for their “fantastic collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs” as well as the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey that you are free to explore.

The gardens are next to the River Ouse, where you can take a walk along the water.

The Shambles is also worth a trip with its independent shops and food spots, including a traditional sweet shop, a gift shop, and the Shop That Must Not Be Named that sells Harry Potter merchandise.

The city also has loads of restaurants and pubs with nice outdoor spaces for the sunny weather, including Ye Olde Starre Inne, which is believed to be the oldest licensed premise in York and has a beer garden.

There are lots of cafés and cake shops to pick up a sweet treat, with Brew & Brownie being a popular option thanks to its “excellent coffees” and “delicious” food.

On the city, the estate and letting agents said: “The walled city of York is a real beauty.

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“York Minster, a 13th Century Gothic cathedral, is just one its impressive historic buildings.

“Many of its original medieval buildings still stand today, including the 3.4 kilometre walls.”

Do you agree that York is one of the prettiest places to live in Britain? Let us know in the comments below.

Michael Carrick has spent time implementing his own style and rules on the Manchester United squad, which included scrapping old regulations

Michael Carrick has scrapped eight rules that were previously implemented at Manchester United as he stamps his authority on the squad. The boss secured his permanent appointment at Old Trafford following a successful caretaker stint from January.

During his temporary tenure as manager, Carrick recorded 12 wins, four draws and two losses and brought United back up to third in the Premier League table. This means that the team have returned to Champions League football and the former club captain will be focused on keeping all squad members content and ready for the challenge ahead.

He has been implementing his own style at Old Trafford for several months, including scrapping some controversial rules. Here, Mirror Football has listed all the regulations that Carrick has removed during his time so far.

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Day-after training scrapped

One such rule was the day-after training that the team followed under Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag. Both managers had required their sides to report to the training facilities the day after a matchday for recovery work.

Carrick has scrapped the rule and has instead implemented designated rest days within 24 hours of a game. Recovery sessions now take place two days after a match.

Dressing room food ban

Amorim had banned food from being brought into the dressing room, stressing the crucial nature of developing player’s fitness levels. However, this may have dropped player morale in the process.

It is understood that Carrick eliminated that rule by turning the area into a safe space where players feel appreciated. Food has been allowed back in and there is more of an informal nature in the dressing room.

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Mandatory post-match debriefs

Carrick then brought in a new rule that every star must remain in the dressing room until they believe they have been heard and spoken to in a well-natured manner.

Harry Maguire has emerged as a leader in that space and has become a key vocal presence for Carrick. Amorim’s reign was a direct contrast as he reportedly sent players home after games without even speaking to them.

This was in order to let emotions fade before speaking and making snap decisions. He would then address the squad the day after to get his point across. Now, Carrick and his staff will address the team while post-match emotions are still raw.

Later matchday arrivals

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Amorim was strict on early arrival times ahead of fixtures at Old Trafford. Now, Carrick is ensuring his players turn up slightly later to freshen things up.

For his opening Premier League win against City, the team bus arrived around 15 minutes later than normal. This was intentional as it stopped the squad from hanging around in the stadium awaiting kick-off and ensured fans were there to give them a raucous arrival.

Shorter, high-intensity training sessions

While Amorim was in charge, training sessions were long and low-intensity, with a greater focus on the tactical side of the game. In contrast, Carrick has shortened the practice days but significantly increased the intensity of the drills.

It is said that this change was made to ensure players understood that they had to be at their very best every day. Reports claim that sessions under Carrick are much more energetic and have higher morale.

Uplifting assistant coaches

While the Portuguese boss was at Old Trafford, he reportedly prevented his coaching staff from giving players instructions. Now, the new manager has allowed for a different way for tactical guidance to be given, leaning more on his assistants.

Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate are at the heart of this action and give more of a hands-on approach in training. United stars are impressed by this and enjoy the new strategy.

Scrapping 3-4-3 formation

Under Amorim, the 3-4-3 formation was followed to a strict manner by players and he refused to be moved from his philosophy – even when the team at his disposal was better suited to another system.

As a result, some players were dropped to the bench, including academy star Kobbie Mainoo. A key part of Carrick’s success at United was manoeuvring to a 4-2-3-1 structure and bringing fan favourite Mainoo back into the fold.

This utilises fast wing play and focuses more on balanced defending and attacking, leading to greater success on the pitch.

Ending global tour tradition

This year, United will head out on a pre-season tour that is much closer to home. In recent seasons, the club have opted for more long-haul trips to the United States, Australia and Asia.

But now, with thanks to the World Cup across the Atlantic, Carrick has broken a 25-year tradition by basing the pre-season games across Europe instead. United will play in Norway, Finland, Ireland and Sweden, facing the likes of PSG, Leeds, Atletico Madrid, Rosenborg and Wrexham.

In comparison, the club travelled to the USA throughout July and August last year and played Leeds, Fiorentina, Everton, Bournemouth and West Ham.

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

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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.

A frequent flyer has shared a 30p WHSmith airport hack that could help you save money on baggage fees by sneaking extra toiletries into your hand luggage — but try it with caution

Travelling with only hand luggage can prove challenging for many travellers, particularly when staying away for a week. There’s packing all your evening outfits, not to mention all the swimwear and toiletries.

Nobody wants to arrive at the airport only to be informed their bag exceeds the size limit and face additional charges due to inadequate packing. While it appears airlines are constantly adjusting their hand luggage requirements to catch passengers out, one seasoned traveller has discovered a workaround that costs merely 30p. Siani, who shares content on TikTok as @sianitravels, revealed a method for squeezing extra toiletries into your luggage when travelling, eliminating concerns about abandoning your premium moisturiser or preferred shampoo and conditioner set.

She created a video responding to another comment which said: “What was the hack for fitting the toiletries?”

Siani outlined: “So anything you couldn’t fit in your hand luggage, you should put in a spare bag. Once you get through security, go to any duty-free store.”

She mentioned her preference for WHSmith, as their carrier bags accommodate a considerable amount of items, alleviating any stress.

“Then I unload my extra bag, and I put all those bits and bobs into this new duty-free bag, because the hack is that you’re allowed one duty-free bag with your carry-on luggage,” Siani detailed.

She explained she folds her additional bag, places it inside the WHSmith carrier, and she’s all set.

“Bish, bash, bosh,” she quipped.

One person highlighted: “Yeah, it’s for duty-free items bought in the airport… so if the stuff is obviously not just purchased, they can still charge you.”

That said, when did anyone last request to inspect your duty-free carrier to verify everything was genuinely bought at the airport?

It’s improbable, though still a gamble if you’re attempting to avoid paying extra.

“I thought the duty-free bag was supposed to be security sealed?” one woman queried, though someone clarified that’s only applicable when purchasing alcohol at the airport because passengers aren’t permitted to consume their own duty-free on board.

An airport employee commented: “Hey, so I work at the airport. If you have too many bags, even from duty-free, they can deny you boarding unless you leave your duty-free shopping behind if there’s no space in the overhead bins. I’ve seen it happen a few times.”

“I have been made to put my purchases in my hand luggage twice before; now I don’t risk it,” another woman revealed.

Therefore, it’s certainly advisable to attempt this trick cautiously, though it proved successful for Siani!

Would you consider trying this to transport more belongings on board without additional cost? Share your thoughts in the comments…

The Watchers of York has launched today, Monday, June 29, drawing inspiration from the historic carved grotesques carved high above York Minster.

The trail has been produced by Make It York in partnership with York Minster.

York’s new trail features 12 sculptures called The Watchers of York, inspired by the carved grotesques high above York Minster. The trail has been produced by Make It York in partnership with York Minster,. (Image: Alex Dyett)

The sculptures, known as “Watchers”, are designed as protective characters linked to different aspects of York’s heritage. Each has its own personality and purpose, reflected in its location, from watching over rivers and green spaces to guarding gateways and historic streets.

Watchers of York sculpture trail launches with 12 artworks including this one – have you found it yet? (Image: Alex Dyett)

Every piece has been individually designed and painted by a mix of established artists, charities and art students.

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Organisers say each sculpture reflects a different facet of York’s identity, celebrating the city’s history, creativity and community spirit.

The trail has been produced by Make It York in partnership with York Minster. (Image: Alex Dyett)

The free trail will run until August 31, with maps available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre. Visitors can also find details about each sculpture, its artist and location online via the Visit York website.

The Watchers Trail will be in York until August 31, with maps available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre. (Image: Alex Dyett)

People are being encouraged to share their experiences on social media using @VisitYork.

York’s new trail is the latest cultural attraction to entice families into the city. (Image: Alex Dyett)

The launch follows a series of successful sculpture trails previously held in the city, including colourful city-wide art installations that have drawn thousands of visitors into the city centre and supported local businesses.

The new trail continues that tradition, offering another way to explore York’s streets while engaging with its stories and heritage.

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings, nationally and internationally, as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business.

In a change to scheduled programming, a classic episode from the third series of the comedy will be shown in memory of the actress.

Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: “All of us at BBC Comedy are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith.

“She was one of the defining figures of British television comedy.

“Her iconic performance as Margo in The Good Life remains one of the nation’s most beloved sitcom roles and continues to delight audiences today.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all of those who had the privilege of working with her.”

The actress and TV presenter Dame Penelope died at the age of 86.

A statement on behalf of Dame Penelope’s family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years.

“The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

The episode will be shown at 7 pm this evening on BBC Two, as war breaks out between the Goods and the Leadbetters – proving there is nothing like a good fight over the fence to cement relationships.

All episodes of the BBC comedies that Penelope was best known for, The Good Life and To The Manor Born, are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

More than 100 individuals recently deported from the United States found themselves caught in the devastating aftermath of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, according to survivor accounts. The group was housed in a hotel when the tremors hit, triggering a desperate search for those buried beneath the rubble.

A deportation flight carrying 146 Venezuelans, including 19 women and seven children, had arrived in Caracas from Miami just hours before Wednesday’s 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, as reported by ICE Flight Monitor, an initiative of Human Rights First.

Lisbeth Portillo, 58, recounted escaping the collapsed hotel in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit regions. She joined approximately 20 other deportees, navigating the streets in search of aid amidst scenes of chaos.

“We walked about five kilometers, and I cried and cried … there was no communication,” Portillo stated in a phone interview from her home in Maracaibo, Venezuela, describing how they witnessed people, some unclothed or barefoot, emerging from the debris.

They reached a National Guard building, where they had a chance to call relatives.

“I was born again; God gave me a second chance,” said Portillo. “I am traumatized,” she said after a pause, weeping.

The Venezuelan government says more than 1,700 people were killed.

They survived the earthquake the same day that were deported from the U.S.

Portillo was caught up in the Trump administration’s drive for mass deportations. In May, ICE Flight Monitor tracked 288 deportation flights to 38 countries, including Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile and the Ivory Coast.

The U.S. ran 12 deportation flights to Venezuela in May, operating three days a week, according to ICE Flight Monitor. Deportation flights to Venezuela resumed in February 2025 after a 13-month pause.

Portillo said the government took them to the Hotel Santuario La Llanada, where they underwent medical exams and got identification documents. They were told they would go home the next day.

Portillo was staying in a second floor room with 16 other women. She stepped onto a balcony to look at the sea and saw that the sky was black; it was very hot. She returned to the room, laid on a bed, and began to feel herself being shaken.

“I started hearing ‘papa, papa papapa,’, and I saw the women next to me start to fall,” she said, describing the sounds from the earthquake. “They were all screaming for help.”

And almost immediately, the second earthquake.

“I fall and end up buried and covered by a beam, but the shaking shifted everything where I was buried and I was able to get out,” said Portillo, who has bruises all over her body.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to a request for information from the AP.

A video from the Venezuelan government posted on social media showed images of the deportees being received by Venezuelan authorities upon their arrival at the Caracas airport on Wednesday.

Jenny Rodriguez, 24, told the Telemundo network that she was on the flight and taken to the hotel.

“I was trapped under the rubble. A colleague who had been on the same flight came by; I managed to free my hand from the debris, grabbed him by the trousers, and begged for help”, she said. “Thanks to God — and to him — I was able to get out of there.”

Liliana Rojas told Telemundo that she has been trying to locate her 33-year-old partner. The detention center where he was held in El Paso, Texas, says only told that he was deported.

“No one is giving an answer about anything,” Rojas said.

Woman says she feels ‘born again’ after surviving

Portillo, who crossed the U.S. border with Mexico in November 2021 and said had an pending asylum claim, couldn’t remember her children’s phone number. She called her husband in the United States.

“I said to him, ‘Cesar, I’m alive. Help me.’ And my husband kept saying, ‘It can’t be,’” she said. “‘I’m alive, I made it out of the rubble, I’m alive,’ I told him.”

Her husband called their children, who picked her up and were able to reunite with their mother the following night.

“I was born that day; on the 24th, I was born again,” said Portillo, who lived in South Florida for more than four years.

Veganism and vegetarianism are both diets that exclude meat, but there are some key differences between the two

Vegetarian diets have been around since at least 700 BC, yet in recent years an alternative way of eating has been steadily growing in popularity. Veganism has existed for nearly as long, but began gaining traction in the 19th century before entering the mainstream during the mid to late 2010s.

So what exactly sets the two apart?

There are certain similarities between the two diets — most notably that neither involves eating meat. This encompasses fish, chicken and red meat.

According to Healthline, there are several distinct types of vegetarian diet.

These are:

• Lacto-ovo vegetarians: vegetarians who avoid all animal flesh, but do consume dairy and egg products
• Lacto vegetarians: vegetarians who avoid animal flesh and eggs, but do consume dairy products
• Ovo vegetarians: vegetarians who avoid all animal products except eggs

Those who follow a largely vegetarian diet but still consume fish are referred to as pescatarians, while those who adopt a part-time approach to vegetarianism are known as flexitarians.

The principal distinction between vegetarians and vegans is that vegans not only abstain from meat, but also avoid all animal-derived products entirely.

This means no eggs, dairy products, gelatine or whey. Some vegans also choose not to consume honey or wear any animal-based materials in their clothing, such as wool, leather or silk.

According to Healthline, vegetarians are broadly opposed to slaughtering animals for food, yet generally regard it as acceptable to consume animal by-products such as milk and eggs, provided the animals are kept in suitable conditions.

Vegans, however, are opposed to the use of any animal product whatsoever, regardless of the conditions in which the animals were reared.

Both vegetarian and vegan diets are considered safe at every stage of life when properly planned. Each is low in saturated fats and cholesterol, and rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Both incorporate more nutrient-rich foods, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Nevertheless, both dietary approaches can result in insufficient intake of certain nutrients, including iron, calcium, zinc and Vitamin B2 — if the diet isn’t appropriately balanced.

Some observational studies suggest that vegans face a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers — though these studies have their limitations.