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Five reasons Trump’s plan for Ukrainian elections and a peace referendum will only prolong the war

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Five reasons Trump’s plan for Ukrainian elections and a peace referendum will only prolong the war

In a surprise announcement on February 10, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that his administration was preparing to hold presidential elections before the middle of May. Alongside these elections, he is reported to be planning to hold a referendum on a peace deal with Russia.

This is a dramatic shift in Zelensky’s stance: the president has long resisted elections under conditions of war, despite the fact his mandate ran out in 2024. One possible explanation for the turnaround is that US pressure on Ukraine is having some real effects. A few days ago, Zelensky indicated as much, saying that his US counterpart, Donald Trump, was pushing for a negotiated end to the war by June.

Trump’s timeline – probably with an eye towards the US mid-term elections, when the White House would like to present a Ukraine deal as another major foreign policy success – is one thing. The feasibility of elections and, even more so, a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is quite another.

1. Organising a free and fair vote in wartime

The first problem is logistics. Who will be eligible to vote? Where and who could monitor the elections to ensure they are free and fair? Apart from the hundreds of thousands serving in the trenches defending Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, there are also 3.7 million internally displaced Ukrainians and almost 6 million refugees abroad – plus approximately 5 million Ukrainians currently living under Russian occupation.

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There is also the uncertainty of a Russian ceasefire – needed to facilitate not only the conduct of the elections but the preceding election campaign – and the near certainty of large-scale Russian election interference.

We can expect something similar to what Moldova experienced during its presidential elections, European integration referendum in 2024 and parliamentary elections in 2025, when voters were flooded with disinformation. Moscow even recruited Orthodox priests to try to sway the electorate. Russia’s attempts to influence the outcomes of these votes were shown to have clear limitations. But this will not deter it from trying again, and harder, in Ukraine.

Given all this, the prospects of organising any vote – let alone one of such consequence for the country and its people – look worse than daunting.

2. There’s no realistic peace deal yet

A second problem is the feasibility of any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. At present, it is hard to imagine the gaps between Russia and Ukraine can be bridged in a meaningful way that does not cross either side’s red lines – especially on territory and security guarantees.

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Even if it were possible to find a form of words to which the Russian and Ukrainian presidents could both sign up, the approval of any such deal in a referendum in Ukraine looks remote. Likely to be held on the same day as the presidential elections, a referendum would face all the same logistical and eligibility pressures.

3. Ukrainians might say no to peace

It is not clear what would happen if a majority of Ukrainians rejected the settlement put to them in the referendum. Would this mean a return to negotiations, or to war? The latter is the more likely scenario.

A third option would be the continuation of a shaky ceasefire and the implementation of parts of any settlement beneficial to both sides, such as prisoner exchanges.

But as was the case with the ill-fated Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015, a return to all-out war would remain firmly on the cards.

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Uncertain future: Ukrainians in Mariupol vote in a sham referendum on the annexation of their illegally occupied region by Russia, September 2022.
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4. Europe must play a part

So far, Ukraine’s European partners have mostly been on the sidelines of the peace negotiations. They may not be a direct party to the war, but they clearly have a stake in the peace terms that might now be hammered out between Moscow, Kyiv and Washington. The mostly European coalition of the willing is expected to play a key role in the implementation of US-backed security guarantees, and to do the heavy lifting on Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

But after more than 12 months of hostility from Washington towards Brussels, there is little trust left in the dependability of US backing for Ukraine. The fourth problem, therefore, is that European acquiescence with a US-imposed peace deal cannot anymore be taken for granted either.

This does not necessarily mean a peace deal is impossible – but it will almost certainly be unless Europe has played a part in its negotiation.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, recently dispatched his most senior diplomat, Emmanuel Bonne, to Moscow for talks in the Kremlin. And the country’s former permanent representative on the UN security council, Nicolas de Rivière, has been appointed as the new French ambassador to Moscow, signalling the importance that Paris assigns to direct contacts with Russia.

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The EU, according to its foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, might also appoint a special representative for contacts with Moscow – after the bloc has agreed on the messages it wants to send.

However, despite the fact that Brussels holds some powerful cards – including frozen Russian assets and a wide range of sanctions – there is no indication for now that either Washington or Moscow are willing to grant Brussels a seat at the negotiating table.

5. Russia can’t be trusted

The final problem is whether Russia will accept even the best possible terms in a peace agreement, and then stick to it. The US push to seal a deal in the coming months suggests there is some confidence in the White House that a deal acceptable to the Kremlin can be forged, and that Ukraine and its allies can be coerced to go along with it.

US president Donald Trump walks and talks with Russian president, Vladimir Putin. In the background is Air Force One.
Donald Trump hostng the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, for talks in Alaska in August 2025.
EPA/Gavril Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin pool

There is a lot in what has transpired in recent days that will be to Russia’s liking: presidential elections in Ukraine; the US using its support for security guarantees as leverage to push Kyiv towards accepting more and more compromises; and the parallel US-Russia negotiations on an economic deal.

Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has got to this situation without making any concessions. He has played the US president perfectly so far, and there is no indication that he is done playing him. Trump is almost certain to continue to do Putin’s bidding – and to walk away as and when his grandiose plan unravels.

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Is there a backup plan?

It is not clear what the backup plan is for Zelensky and his European allies. Given there is little to suggest the current US plan and timeline for a deal will lead to a happy ending, they need to come up with credible contingencies very quickly.

Offering logistically almost-impossible elections and a referendum with a highly uncertain outcome would be a smart way for the Ukrainian president and his European allies to buy themselves the time they need for a new strategy.

Putin may think he has successfully tricked Trump into doing his bidding. But on this occasion, Zelensky may have outsmarted them both – albeit at the price of the war against his country continuing.

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Police warn youths of upcoming visits over antisocial spree

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Bolton MP says dirty money 'biggest threat to high street'

The warning was issued via the force’s newsletter, Bee in the Loop, and said that there has been a ‘significant increase’ in youth related antisocial behaviour.

The alert stated that the Westhoughton neighbourhood team was investigating the reports and that CCTV was being collected.

The force explained that it is hoped those involved will be able to be identified through the footage.

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It said that those identified should ‘expect a visit from the police‘, and that ‘positive action’ will be taken and that those responsible will be prosecuted.

Along with the update on the recent spike, Greater Manchester Police issued a sharp statement on youth related antisocial behaviour, denouncing common excuses.

In the alert, a spokesperson said: “It isn’t just ‘kids messing around’ and ‘they have nothing to do’ isn’t an excuse for the type of behaviour we are seeing.

“Property is being damaged, and residents and businesses are being targeted and harassed.”

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The force said it anticipates a ‘further increase’ in reports over the half-term break and will be increasing its patrols.

It also asked parents who have children who spend time in and around Westhoughton to speak to them about their behaviour whilst in the community.

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Simon Cowell’s brutal comment on who he believes is ‘most talentless’ celebrity

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Daily Mirror

Simon Cowell returns to Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday 21 February alongside Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and newcomer KSI, as well as hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly

As the brain behind Britain’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell knows how to spot the gifted amongst us – but who does he think is the least talented celebrity he’s met? Himself!

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At a launch event for the 19th series of Britain’s Got Talent, Simon was asked what he’d pull out of the bag if he had to audition for the show. In response, he said: “Actually, being the most talentless person in the world.

His fellow judges, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI protested that he did have a talent, and mentioned that Simon can do an impression of David Attenborough and cats, but he insisted that he did not have a talent. He simply said: “No, I don’t. I just don’t.”

READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent’s Alesha Dixon reveals horror injury after fighting against Simon CowellREAD MORE: Ant McPartlin brands Declan Donnelly a ‘psychopath’ over ‘disgusting behaviour’ on plane

“You’re an amazing person,” Amanda pushed. “You’re an amazing bike rider.” Simon joked that he would do that on a live show, along with his impressions, but then seriously added that the one talent he did have was spotting it in others.

“That’s the only thing I can do, actually,” he said. “I was lucky, actually. Very early on, I realised, honestly, I had no talent whatsoever in terms of [what happens on Britain’s Got Talent]. You know, when I see this stuff, I’m like, ‘Well, I couldn’t do that.’

Returning to the initial question about what talent he’d bring to the auditions if he had to perform, he reiterated: “So the answer is nothing.”

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Simon has been a judge on Britain’s Got Talent since it first began in 2007, as has Amanda Holden. He is also behind the former ITV singing talent show, The X Factor.

The X Factor, which ran from 2004 to 2018, churned out many beloved acts of the UK music industry, including One Direction, Little Mix and JLS.

Sky has recently confirmed a documentary about the series with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, including with Simon. Fans of The X Factor have already begun voicing their mixed opinions on whether a revival of the singing competition would be welcome.

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One fan expressed: “They need to bring this back, but the original concept. No live audience, just the judges. Plus the bad singers as well as the good. Honestly, Saturday night TV is missing this show so much.”

However, another viewer chimed in: “The show was fun […] but the last few seasons were rough. I think singing shows are very much a product of the 2000s and started losing influence in the late 2010s.”

Some of the contestants have been featured in documentaries before – Perrie Edwards was in Girlbands Forever, which looked at the darker side of being in a girl band, while her former bandmate, Jesy Nelson, has her own documentary, Life After Little Mix, coming to screens shortly.

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North Yorkshire’s one-of-a-kind spot to see spring snowdrops

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North Yorkshire's one-of-a-kind spot to see spring snowdrops

The magnificent Fountains Abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence, but now the atmospheric ruins that remain are a “window into a way of life” which shaped the medieval world.

National Trust continues: “When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal, he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design.

“Green lawns stretch down to the riverside, a perfect spot for a picnic. Riverside paths lead to the deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer and ancient trees; limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.

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“One-of-a-kind, this special place is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.”

Fountain’s Abbey is one of the best places to see snowdrops in Yorkshire

In most recent years, the abbey’s grounds including Studley Royal Water Garden, have become known for impressive pearl-like snowdrop displays that just “keep on getting more beautiful” according to Muddy Stilettos.

Swathes of the bold joyful plant which burst through the muddy grass at this time of year to signal spring is on the way, have actually been around Fountains Abbey since the 19th century.

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The travel expert shared: “The ancient ruins of Fountains Abbey have been surrounded by white carpets of snowdrops since the 19th century, and the displays just keep on getting more beautiful.

“Earl de Grey (who inherited the estate in 1845) even wrote his signature in snowdrops beside the Abbey on the banks of the River Skell.

“You might struggle to see that today, but there’s still a stunning display to see all around the grounds.”

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On Tripadvisor, someone highlighted how February is the perfect time to visit as the lack of leaves on trees make for “great enhanced views”.

They added as part of their review: “We visited on a clear bright day. Good paths and lovely snowdrops, with great views enhanced by the lack of leaves on deciduous trees.”

Another wrote: “Snowdrops everywhere in the water garden – beautiful in the sun! On the banks of the river Skell and in the trees! Spring is on the way!”

This person commented about their day out in February: “Fountains Abbey is beautiful and there are so many interesting vistas from so many different angles each time you turn the corner.

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Top Winter Walks in the UK


“Although it was February, the ruined abbey was still lovely and we were impressed by the thousands of snowdrops and the grouse.

“Having Studley Royal round the corner is an wonderful bonus, with its beautiful gardens and water features. Coffee at the café was very welcome!”

Come March, there will also be a carpet of daffodils taking over the grounds to replace the snowdrops – a welcome sign that the dreary winter weather will soon be a memory of the past.


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National Trust recommends taking the route from the visitor centre to the abbey, and the lawn opposite the Mill Café, as it will “flood with shades of yellow as different daffodils start to bloom”.

Visit the National Trust’s website (a link to which can be found above) to see all admission prices and entry times to Fountain Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in February.

Where is your favourite place to see snowdrops appear at this time of year in North Yorkshire?

Let us know in the comments below.

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Weston and Stoecker take stunning gold in team skeleton

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Weston and Stoecker take stunning gold in team skeleton

The skeleton mixed team event is making its debut in these Winter Olympics. Here is how it works: one female athlete and one male athlete from the same country compete together as one team, individually racing at speeds of up to 130km/h face-first on their sleds, steering subtly with their head, shoulders and feet.

The start order will be the female athlete first, followed by the male athlete. Although racing one straight after the other, it is not quite a relay. After completing one run, there is a reaction start once the track is clear for the team-mate – after a countdown of five red lights, the signals change to green, the clock is running and the next competitor must start their run as quickly as possible.

The two run times are added together to give each team a total time. The team with the lowest overall time will be the winners. No second heats like the individual event.

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Of the 15 competing duos, Great Britain are one of five nations with two teams. Freya Tarbit and Marcus Wyatt go off fourth from last, possessing an outside chance of a medal.

The USA are the reigning world champions, beating GB’s Stoecker and Weston by 0.10 seconds last March. Germany’s Jacqueline Pfeifer and Christopher Grotheer are also contenders for gold, going off as penultimate competitors.

The event starts at 5.20pm GMT.

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Transatlantic flight forced to make emergency landing at Dublin airport

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Belfast Live

The DL90 flight from Orlando was heading towards Amsterdam when it made an unscheduled diversion to Dublin airport

A Delta Airlines flight was forced to land at Dublin airport after a passenger medical emergency. Flight DL90, heading for Amsterdam, was departing from Orlando International Airport on Friday (February 13) at 7:36pm EST.

However after about 7 hours and 28 minutes of flying across the Atlantic, the crew made the decision to divert to the Irish capital. As reported by Air Live, the aircraft touched down at Dublin Airport following a standard descent.

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A medical emergency required immediate passenger care on the ground. It was also reported that because the plane’s journey was ending but it still carried significant fuel, pilots likely performed a standard arrival procedure into Dublin Airport.

After a temporary stop the Airbus A330-900 departed Dublin at 9.34am. The flight resumed its journey to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport where it landed at 12.08pm

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I tried Cambridgeshire’s best pancakes and was transported back to childhood in just one bite

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Cambridgeshire Live

Ditch the frying pan and eggs and head out to this café for Pancake Day

The best place to get pancakes in Cambridge, as voted by readers

Pancake Day is a hugely popular event in the UK with thousands buying eggs, flour and milk to whip up their own pancakes at home. However, making your own pancakes can be incredibly messy and they rarely taste as good as ones made at a café or restaurant.

After asking our readers where you can find the best pancakes in Cambridgeshire, one café in particular came out on top. Deluna Café, which can be found on Burleigh Street, is loved by locals thanks to the breakfast options on offer.

As well as traditional savoury choices, Deluna Café is known for its sweet waffles, French toast, and pancakes. I decided to head to the café to see if it is worth putting down the frying pan and celebrating Shrove Tuesday away from the house.

After walking in the cold to reach Deluna Café, it was nice to be hit with a pleasant warmth radiating from the café. I found a cosy corner next to the coffee bar and took a moment to look around at the gorgeous floral decorations covering the walls.

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While you can get a savoury plate of pancakes that comes with bacon and eggs, I went for the more traditional option, which was covered in a range of sweet toppings. The dish cost £9.65 and didn’t take too long to be placed in front of me.

The pancakes looked almost magical thanks to the adorable presentation and sprinkling of icing sugar dusted on top. The stack contained three pancakes that were generously topped with mini marshmallows, summer berries, a generous drizzle of Nutella, and pieces of hazelnut.

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The pancakes came out warm, which helped the marshmallows to melt a little over the top, and transported me back to childhood in just one bite. The pancakes were perfectly light, fluffy, and well cooked.

The dish came loaded with slices of strawberry, raspberries, and blueberries that were wonderfully fresh and bursting with flavour. The fruit was elevated when covered in the rich hazelnut chocolate sauce and is a natural match made in heaven.

The plate had a few mounds of whipped cream that worked well with the strawberries and helped cut through the heavier flavours of the Nutella. If you want to indulge yourself and feel like a kid again, this dish is definitely a great choice.

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I got an iced latte on the side to help wash everything down. The coffee wasn’t too overpowering and was a delicious accompaniment to my nostalgic meal.

My whole experience at the café was warming and allowed me to escape from daily life even if it was for a short time. This year, it might be worth skipping the fuss and heading to Deluna Café for some pancakes on Shrove Tuesday instead.

Deluna Café can be found at 24 Burleigh Street. The café is open from 8am to 6pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays.

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All of our food reviews are paid for by the writer. The establishments do not know we will be reviewing their food, allowing us to make fair judgements on each place.

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Sixty firefighters tackle fire at three-storey building in Battersea

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Sixty firefighters tackle fire at three-storey building in Battersea

“The Brigade received the first of 17 calls about the fire at 1428 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Clapham, Battersea, Lambeth, Brixton and surrounding fire stations to the scene. A 32-metre turntable ladder from Clapham Fire Station has also been in attendance and used as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above.

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Unseen Wales v France moments as Welsh rugby surrendered its cathedral

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Wales Online

It was Wales’ lowest ever attendance for a Six Nations match as French fans appeared to take over. These were the unseen moments inside the Principality Stadium

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They used to roll back the stadium roof so God could watch us play. Wales in Cardiff, it was a religious experience of sorts.

The hymns, the communal spirit, the sense of belonging. Now, as Sunday staple Songs of Praise played on the screens in the press room ahead of kick-off, it all felt a little too on the nose.

Wales needed prayers for this one.

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The visit of France, title favourites and a class or two above this Wales side, almost constitutes the last rites.

But the Principality Stadium as a cathedral of Welsh rugby is becoming a distant memory.

57,744 the crowd in Cardiff; Wales’ lowest home attendance for a Six Nations match. Once upon a time, you couldn’t get a seat for such a game.

Now, the parish is diminishing. The faith is ebbing away.

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Moreover, more of Sunday’s congregation came from afar. More than 30 chartered flights from France arrived in Cardiff over the weekend. Has the Principality Stadium ever seen such a low Welsh contingent?

Joe Dassin’s 1977 hit Dans les yeux d’Émilie, an unofficial anthem of French sport, was played on repeat outside the City Arms, in the shadow of the Principality Stadium, on Friday night.

Berets, with Frenchmen underneath, piled into the stadium – having sampled the delights of Cardiff City Stadium and the Arms Park the previous day. In both the football and U20s rugby, they were treated to more of a contest than today.

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In the minutes before kick-off, minds tried to revert to happier times. A montage of Wales’ 1976 Grand Slam triumph over France was drowned out by ‘Allez Les Bleus’.

Five members of that side convened pitchside. Roy Bergiers, Brynmor Williams, Sir Gareth Edwards and Allan Martin all met with cheers.

The fifth and final name, current Welsh Rugby Union president Terry Cobner, was met with a handful of boos.

At least, it sounded like boos amongst the French wall of noise.

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Things didn’t get much better when the rugby started. “Blind, blind, blind,” called Welsh voices in defence as Antoine Dupont scanned the fringes.

But it was too late. Moments later, just 90 seconds into the match, France had their first try. By the 14 minute mark, La Marseillaise was ringing around the ground.

If that wasn’t a kick in the teeth, then referee James Doleman’s advice to Dewi Lake probably was. 19-0 down, but on the attack, Wales had worked a penalty in striking range.

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“Make sure you tap it,” Doleman said as Lake prepared to take the tap-and-go penalty. Nothing out of the ordinary, although the fact that Lake had been pulled up last week for not tapping it at Twickenham likely poured some salt into the wound.

Thankfully for him and the home side, they would score. For a while, Wales just about held on.

Wales’ defence was being stretched to breaking point time and time again. Yet, they were staying in the fight.

Ellis Mee managed to scrag Louis Bielle-Biarrey into touch with his fingernails, prompting Dafydd Jenkins to scream “Yes, boy,” in the winger’s direction.

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On other occasions, the Scarlets man was standing in acres of space, calling for reinforcements as France zeroed in on the narrow defence.

A fourth try was chalked off for offside, after Lake had begged the officials to take another look. “To be fair,” Doleman told Lake after ruling the score out, “we were checking that anyway – it’s the one thing to check after a try.”

Perhaps, but the score had been awarded fairly quickly and the TMO’s intervention only occurred after the Wales captain asked the question.

However, for all Wales’ good work, it was undone with a needless bonus point try late in the first-half. Adam Beard’s grubber, seemingly thinking he had a penalty advantage after Jenkins’ breakdown steal, served up a simple score for Matthieu Jalibert.

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Jenkins, feeling he was robbed of a penalty, made his feelings known to the officials as Steve Tandy fumed up in the coaching box.

“The first man wins the ball, he wins it cleanly,” explained Doleman to Lake as the Exeter lock listened in intently. “It’s not a penalty for holding on because he wins it.”

It was all in vain. Away from the pitch, former Ireland wing Simon Zebo – stationed in the front-row of the press box – joined in with the bouncing celebrations of French fans, having once plied his trade there.

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Two more in berets raced down the stairs in a bid to see more tries, with one losing his footing right as a steward – complete with a stern look – stepped out in front of him.

His pint glass? Half-full or half-empty? Depends if you’re Welsh or French.

The same goes for Glanmor’s gap. Some fans, more empty seats.

There was the odd flicker of Welsh endeavours towards the end, with even some of the gallant French crowd standing to cheer Mason Grady’s consolation.

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By the end, Jenkins dropped to his haunches. How many more heavy defeats can these boys take?

Over the PA, the stadium announcer issued a plea to the departing fans. “Stick with us,” was the gist.

Keep the faith. Unfortunately, there’s not a great deal of that around these parts anymore.

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Claudia Jaczyk: Community ‘shocked and saddened’ by tragic crash death of student nurse

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“She was a wonderful, kind and warm-hearted person who always thought of others.”

The tragic death of a young woman following a horror weekend crash involving a bus and a car has left her local community “shocked and saddened”.

Student nurse Claudia Jaczyk, 23 and from Newtownabbey, died on Saturday morning after the car she was driving collided with a bus on the Ballyrobin Road in Templepatrick, close to Belfast International Airport.

The crash happened at around 8am on Valentine’s Day. The driver of the bus has serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

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READ MORE: Claudia Jaczyk: Police name 23-year-old killed in crash between car and busREAD MORE: Woman dies after Ballyrobin Road crash involving bus and car

Diversions were put in place but they have since been lifted and the road reopened on Sunday morning.

Ms Jaczyk was a former pupil of Glengormley Integrated Primary School who said staff and students were “deeply saddened” by the news.

“We remember her as a kind, thoughtful and hard-working pupil,” the school added.

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She later attended Ballyclare Secondary School and recently started training to become a nurse.

Meanwhile a fundraiser set up to help Ms Jaczyk’s grieving family fly over from her native Poland to attend her funeral and with funeral costs has gathered more than £7,000 within hours.

In a GoFundMe appeal a family member said: “She was only 23 years old and had her whole life ahead of her – full of plans, dreams, and hopes for the future. She had recently started nursing studies, as it was her dream to help others. She was a wonderful, kind, and warm-hearted person who always thought of others.”

They added: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We kindly ask for privacy and respect. The funds raised will help the family cover expenses and other unforeseen costs during this extremely challenging and heartbreaking period.”

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SDLP South Antrim Councillor Roisin Lynch has described the death of the young woman as another heart-breaking tragedy on our roads.

Cllr Lynch said: “This is heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the family and friends of this young woman. Losing a loved one is never easy, but the loss of another young life on the North’s roads is devastating.

“My thoughts are also with the driver of the bus involved in the accident and I hope he makes a full recovery.

“I know that the local community in the Newtownabbey area will be shocked and saddened by this news and will do what they can to support the young woman’s family.

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“The police have appealed to anyone who witnesses the collision to contact them, and I would ask people to help in any way they can.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with the police investigation, is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 341 of February 14.

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The beautiful Cambridgeshire village with one of area’s oldest family-run shops

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Cambridgeshire Live

The local business has been passed through four generations and has pride about serving famous individuals in the past

Cambridgeshire is well known for its historical sites, picturesque villages, and unique shops. But one village located near Huntingdon is home to a business considered one of the oldest family-run businesses in the area.

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Kimbolton is a village home to a variety of charming shops and some highly recommended places to eat. One local shop, however, has been run by the same family for more than 150 years, spanning multiple generations.

Abingtons Menswear is a tailor and outfitter located in the heart of Kimbolton and originally opened in 1858 in East Street. This family-run business proudly boasts of serving famous individuals over the course of its life, including the late Prince William of Gloucester, Guy Gibson, Ernie Wise, H.E. Bates, Clark Gable, and John Major.

Four generations of the Abington family have reportedly provided professional men’s tailoring for the shop, which was originally founded by Edwin Ebenezer Abington before relocating from London to Kimbolton.

In present times, the business is run by Richard Abington and his wife, Karen, and is believed to be the oldest family business running in Huntingdonshire. The shop’s stock has evolved over the years to cater to both formal and casual wear, and an in-house tailor on hand to tailor garments perfectly to each individual.

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This business is not the only place in the village with an interesting backstory. The village is also home to a famous landmark, Kimbolton Castle. The castle was once the final residence of Queen Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. It dates back to a wooden motte-and-bailey castle in Norman times, and is now an early 18th-century masterpiece.

Kimbolton boasts some lovely shops, including La Cote d’Or, an antique shop in the centre of the village, and The Kimbolton Flower Shop, dubbed by a Google review as the “very best florist in the world”.

If this didn’t tempt you enough to pay a visit, Kimbolton is also home to a refurbished pub called The New Sun Inn, offering an à la carte menu, an extensive wine list, and a rustic charm that entices you in. The pub boasts about thoughtful cooking with “flavours that feel both familiar and exciting”.

The establishment is not short on high recommendations either. The New Sun Inn holds an overall 4.3 rating out of five on Tripadvisor and has seen some truly raving reviews. One happy diner wrote: “Great traditional pub with brilliant staff, the food couldn’t have been better.” They added: “They have one hell of a chef there” and “I would recommend this place to anyone.”

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Another reviewer wrote: “Another delicious dinner at The New Sun Inn in Kimbolton. Proper chips, fantastic fish in crunchy batter and gorgeous homemade puddings.”

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