The big new Lindt chocolate shop is now open at the Trafford Centre, so we went to test out the pick ‘n’ mix… and got an unexpected reward.

There’s a new Lindt chocolate shop at the Trafford Centre – and it’s got a massive pick ‘n’ mix full of their famous chocolate balls. The shop opened at the giant mall a fortnight ago, becoming Lindt’s second Greater Manchester store after the Manchester Arndale, and 30th in the UK.

The colourful new window display boasts of “over 25 different flavours” of their Lindor balls that you can add to your own bag in their “Pick Your Mix” station. There’s also a host of quirky extras like yellow smiley faces and chocolate hearts to add to your bags.

It means there’s something like 34 different individual options you can add into your own selection at the pick n mix – and a lot of the flavours are only available in store. Being a bit of a chocoholic myself, I headed down to check out the new “Pick Your Mix” to see what flavours I could bag up and what sweety fans can expect.

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Heading into the shop you are immediately greeted with the vast trough of colourful Lindor balls, with flavours including the likes of pistachio, matcha, strawberries and cream, champagne and popcorn. There’s also two newies billed as “store exclusives” which are cherry blossom sakura and golden caramel hazlenut.

There’s lots of staff members on hand to help you, but it’s a fairly simple system. You pick whether you want a bag or a box for your selection, and then just head around and dip your hands in to select whichever flavours you want.

The signs tell you the pricing, which is £4.99 for 100g. That works out at slightly more expensive than buying a traditional box of Lindor balls, which costs £5.50 for 137g but obviously the pull of the pick ‘n’ mix is the exclusive flavours and being able to choose the exact amount of each choccy that you like.

The cheapest way to do it, if you’re a REAL chocolate fiend, is to stock up on a bigger bag of the pick ‘n’ mix – as if you buy over 400g worth of the chocolates, the price drops from £4.99 to £4.25 per 100g. Worth considering if you’re planning ahead for birthday treats or gifting.

However, I admit I had no real idea how much I was stuffing into my bag until I took it to the counter to be weighed. I had gone a little crazy, admittedly, especially when I saw some of the new flavours – like popcorn which I’d never seen before. And who could resist the smiley faces? Certainly not me as I piled a load of those in my bag.

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Also, I was excited to see those newish Lindt chocolate wafers in the mix too, so I shoved a few of them in for good measure as well. Now I knew it wasn’t going to be cheap, given the amount of chocs I’d shoved in, but I still did a little gulp when I was told I’d piled in 293g which racked up to £14.62 worth of confectionery.

I figured I was in for a penny, in for a pound at this stage so just went with it. However, when it came to the payment, an unexpected treat materialised. The very nice man at the till asked me if I had a Lindt loyalty card.

Now, I’ve long lost the physical card, as it’s a while since I signed up for the loyalty scheme – it was when the Arndale shop first opened. But the assistant said if I gave him my email he’d check the system to get my loyalty details on there.

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When he found my details, he said: “Oh you’ve still got your birthday treat to redeem”. Knowing that my birthday was actually in March, I said “oh no, I think I’ve missed that.” But he informed me that you have up to THREE MONTHS to redeem your birthday reward – something I didn’t even know was a thing!

He then presented me with a box of the classic red Lindor chocolate balls – which would normally set you back £5.50 – as my birthday reward. So let this be your reminder if you’ve ever signed up for a Lindt loyalty card, and had a birthday in the past three months and you’ve not been in to collect your reward, it’s waiting for you.

While it’s the Pick Your Mix that tends to steal the show here, the shop itself is also packed to the rafters with every possible Lindt & Sprungli chocolate box and bar that the famous Swiss chocolatier makes. So be warned if you have a sweet tooth, it’s a place near impossible to leave empty handed.

The Lindt shop is now open daily at the Trafford Centre, at Upper Regent Crescent

If you’re after design ideas for a decorating project, a fashion forecast and inspiration, how we dress the home defines the mood for the year ahead – and essentially sets the tone for how we want to feel and live.

“Based on insights from the 2026 Houzz UK Emerging Trends Report, homeowners are looking to make their spaces work harder, while also feeling more personal and atmospheric,” says Kiya Kelly-Paine, design expert at home and design platform, Houzz.

“With searches up for flexible kitchen layouts, reading retreats and tactile, moody interiors, this year’s trends point to a growing appetite for homes that feel both highly functional and deeply expressive.”

Focusing on what’s capturing our imagination, Kelly-Paine, who specialises in design trends and how people are improving their homes, shares what’s set to shape the year ahead…

1. Smart kitchen zoning & layouts

People are rethinking how their kitchens are laid out and used day-to-day, highlights Kelly-Paine.

“Searches for ‘moveable kitchen island’ have risen more than ninefold, while ‘freestanding kitchen’ is also up significantly, suggesting growing interest in kitchens that feel more flexible and less fixed.”

She says they’re also seeing searches rise for ‘kitchen bar’ and ‘coffee bar’, pointing to more defined zones for hosting, drinks and everyday routines.

Storage remains a major focus too, with increased interest in ‘appliance garage’ and ‘walk-in pantry’, as we look for ways to keep hardworking kitchens feeling calm and clutter-free.

Moreover, working with a professional using tools such as a 3D floor plan can help you visualise how these features will work together, before committing to a layout.

Gema Broch, who leads Studio BN, with more than 15 years experience in high-end residential projects, says: “Flexible kitchens and movable islands are becoming increasingly important in the way we live today.

“Kitchens are no longer purely functional rooms; they are social spaces, workspaces and family hubs, so adaptability is key.”

A movable or freestanding island gives clients the freedom to reconfigure the space depending on how they live, outlines Broch. “This flexibility is especially valuable in open-plan homes and smaller kitchens, where maintaining a sense of flow is essential.

These are kitchens with ability to evolve, allowing pieces to adapt both within the space, and even from home to home, notes Broch. “From a design perspective, movable islands also help kitchens feel less rigid and more layered.

“Mixing fitted cabinetry with freestanding elements creates warmth, character and a more timeless feel, avoiding the overly built-in look that can date quickly,” she adds.

2. Reading retreats

There’s also a swing towards quiet, dedicated spaces for reading and switching off, says Kelly-Paine, with searches for ‘alcove bookcase’ rising sharply.

While ‘small library’, ‘cosy snug’, and ‘reading nook’ are also on the up.

She says they’re also seeing this reflected in the kinds of photos people are saving, with built-in shelving, layered lighting and intimate seating areas proving popular.

“The data suggests homeowners aren’t necessarily looking for large libraries, but rather thoughtful pockets of space that feel personal, calm and separate from busier areas of the home.”

For anyone looking to create a reading nook, she says this space should feel one of the most relaxing areas. “It’s a place to unwind, a quiet corner with good natural lighting, and a lamp for reading into the evening.”

Alex Findlater of Alex Findlater, who’s been delivering full construction projects for the past 25 years, says: “Comfortable seating, nearby bookshelves, and a few plants would really give the space the warm, inviting feel it needs.

“Alcoves can be awkward spaces, and every property has alcoves of different shapes and sizes… our bespoke joinery allows these unused areas to become beautifully integrated, functional features that feel seamless within the room.”

3. Modern organic and tactile textures

Minimalism is becoming more moderate as we gravitate towards interiors that feel warm, natural and tactile, highlights Kelly-Paine.

“Searches for ‘modern organic’ are up, alongside strong growth for materials and finishes such as ‘stone wall’, ‘limewash’, ‘natural stone’ and ‘Venetian plaster’.

“These elements bring depth and texture to neutral spaces, creating interiors that feel grounded rather than stark.

“With designs featuring layered neutrals, raw materials and subtle surface variation, rather than flat or highly polished finishes.”

For anyone who’s unsure how these finishes will work together, Kelly-Paine says mood boards can help bring the palette, materials and textures into one clear visual direction.

Roxi Zeeman, founder of Souq.Studio, who has specialised in interior design for nearly 20 years, says: “There’s a clear move away from anything that looks too perfect… clients want surfaces that feel lived in – limewashed walls, plaster, honed stone and raw timber.

“It’s a softer, more tactile luxury that elevates everyday lifestyles,” she explains. “These materials bring depth and quiet character to a space, making even the most pared-back interiors feel warm, personal and considered.”

4. Dark and moody spaces

While some of us are embracing soft, natural textures, others are leaning into deeper, more dramatic interiors, suggests Kelly-Paine.

Indeed, she says searches for ‘moody living room’ and ‘forest green’ have more than doubled, while ‘black bedroom’, ‘dark green bedroom’, ‘dark ceiling’ and ‘dark wood’ are also gaining traction.

Carol Crowe, founder of Carole Crowe Interior Design, a BIID Associate member (British Institute of Interior Design), with five years of experience running her own design practice, says: “I think the growing interest in darker, moodier interiors reflects a wider desire for homes that feel more grounded, cocooning and emotionally restorative.

“Darker tones, when used thoughtfully, can create depth, intimacy and a real sense of calm.

“It’s less about making a room feel dramatic for the sake of it, and more about using colour, light, texture and contrast to create a space that feels rich, personal and deeply comfortable to live in.”

5. Spatial optimism

We’re finding clever ways to make every inch count, underlines Kelly-Paine, “with a surge in interest for ‘under stairs pantry’, ‘hidden utility’, and ‘under stairs bar’.

“There’s also a continued interest in ‘broken plan’, which points to a desire for layouts that create distinct areas without losing light or flow.”

Murphy beds and container home are also proving popular, and there’s a trend for flexible solutions beyond the main living areas, says Kelly-Paine. “Whether that’s a guest room which serves more than one purpose, or a separate standalone space.”

William Durrant, director and designer of Herringbone House, with more than a decade in the cabinet and furniture manufacturing industry, says: “Everyone is looking to utilise their space the best they can.

“Under-stairs cabinetry is a great way to incorporate more storage, and we’ve used this space to create bars, shoe storage, pantries, wardrobes and wine storage,” he says confidently.

The owners have plans to expand their portfolio

A popular South Belfast restaurant has submitted plans to open a new sister restaurant in the city centre.

The owners of La Bottega have plans to open a second location beside Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square East.

The proposal seeks to transform the currently vacant commercial unit into a high-quality, artisanal culinary establishment designed as an “Italian Pasta Lab with a modern twist.”

Alongside the plans, a name can be seen on the proposed plans for the restaurant, which plans to operate on both a sit-in and takeaway basis. The plans suggest the restaurant’s name will be ‘Crusca’.

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The owners already operate the award-winning Italian deli on the Lisburn Road in South Belfast. The deli, bistro and food market specialises in authentic Italian produce, and has gone from strength to strength since Francesco launched it in November 2021.

Their menu features antipasti, pizza, focaccia, and mains such as Rigatoni alla Carbonara.

Owner Francesco Iaquinta’s initial idea for La Bottega was to serve up authentic deli dishes from the north and south of Italy, such as lasagne and arancini, but his vision evolved to what is now a sit-in bistro.

As well as working as a personal trainer, Francesco previously worked as a manager at Belfast Castle and a personal trainer, before discovering Belfast’s Lisburn Road while working for French Village Group.

There has been no confirmation yet on when the restaurant plans to open.

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But what’s more, the location has featured in several films and TV shows over the years, despite its small size.

Hardraw, a small settlement near Hawes in Wensleydale, is home to only around 100 residents but is known far beyond the Dales for Hardraw Force, England’s highest unbroken single-drop waterfall.

The lanscape close to Hardraw (Image: Steve Moore/Camera Club)

Despite its size, the hamlet has become one of the most visited spots in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, drawing walkers, photographers and tourists keen to see the 100ft cascade plunging into the woodland below.

The waterfall takes its name from the hamlet itself, with Hardraw first recorded as “Hardrawe” in 1606.

The name is thought to derive from the Old English words herde and raw, meaning “the shepherds’ houses”, a nod to the area’s long farming heritage.

Visitors can access Hardraw Force behind the historic Green Dragon Inn, a centuries-old pub that sits at the entrance to the waterfall trail.

A short woodland walk of around 10 minutes leads visitors to the dramatic falls, which are particularly impressive after periods of heavy rainfall, and also featured in the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Online, the beauty spot has earned praise from visitors for its “peaceful atmosphere”, “scenic woodland setting” and “striking views”.

Many also enjoy combining a visit with a meal or drink at the Green Dragon, which has become almost as famous as the waterfall itself.

Wildlife enthusiasts occasionally report sightings of red squirrels in the surrounding woods, while walkers tackling the Pennine Way often pass through the hamlet as part of longer journeys across the Yorkshire Dales.

The lanscape close to Hardraw (Image: Steve Moore/Camera Club)

Hardraw’s appeal extends beyond its waterfall.

The Pennine Way, one of Britain’s best-known long-distance footpaths, passes directly through the hamlet, while the southern end of the Buttertubs Pass, one of Yorkshire’s most dramatic roads, begins nearby.

The village is also home to St Mary and St John Church, a Grade II-listed building rebuilt between 1879 and 1881 by the Earl of Wharncliffe.

Television viewers may recognise it as Darrowby Church from the original All Creatures Great and Small series.

Although Hardraw is now best known as a tourist destination, it has long been a small and close-knit rural community.

Historical records show the hamlet had a population of just 11 people in 1862, and while numbers have grown since then, it remains one of the Dales’ smaller settlements.

Today, visitors continue to flock to Hardraw for its combination of historic charm and traditional Yorkshire hospitality.

The international aid group Doctors Without Borders found a pattern of abuse and sexual exploitation by some local and foreign staff working in Chad along the Sudanese border, in some cases targeting underage girls or trading food or jobs for sex with refugees, according to a confidential internal memo obtained by The Associated Press.

The Doctors Without Borders report — completed in July and first reported Saturday by The Associated Press — found 59 allegations of abuse and said 18 staff members were dismissed and barred from future employment. In some cases, the group told AP, the allegations couldn’t be verified or the perpetrators identified. The report also said some of the repeated exploitation suggested potentially organized “sexual trafficking.”

The organization said it launched the monthslong investigation in response to AP reporting that women had accused staff of sexually exploiting them in displacement sites in Chad, where hundreds of thousands fled from Sudan’s devastating civil war, now in its fourth year. The report credited AP as playing “a fundamental role as an external whistleblower.”

The findings by Doctors Without Borders — one of the largest employers and biggest aid organizations in the refugee camps in eastern Chad — indicate the abuse was more widespread than previously reported.

Sexual exploitation has repeatedly surfaced during humanitarian crises despite years of efforts by aid organizations to prevent abuse.

In the cases AP found in Chad in 2024, women said people meant to protect them — humanitarians, local security forces — offered money, easier access to assistance and jobs in exchange for sex. Such sexual exploitation in Chad is a crime.

And in its report, Doctors Without Borders noted that the cases found in Chad stand out because it had allocated extra resources to combat and prevent abuse. The memo also said the findings likely only scratch the surface, as many women were hesitant to speak openly.

In response to questions about the memo, Doctors Without Borders — also known under its French acronym, MSF — called it “a candid internal analysis” that laid out where systems failed.

One party has more to gain than any other when Moorside heads to the polls next week

With placards and press on every corner, it’s hard to escape the political storm that has descended on Greater Manchester in recent weeks.

Perhaps the most significant by-election in history, next week will see the Wigan constituency of Makerfield go to the polls in a vote that could decide not just their next MP but potentially also the UK’s next Prime Minister.

The campaign has stolen the headlines for weeks with activists, MPs and political commentators descending on the area from all areas of the country. It has also been fraught with controversy, from accusations of sexism aimed at Reform’s Robert Kenyon to claims Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is simply using the area as a ‘stepping stone’ to further his own ambitions.

Click here for our dedicated Makerfield by-election newsletter with exclusive interviews and analysis

But Makerfield residents are not the only ones tasked with picking their next political representative next week.

Around a 45 minute drive away, residents in Moorside ward, to the north of Bury, will also be heading to the polls on June 18. The election will fill the final seat on Bury council.

While most of the borough voted in early May, the Moorside vote had to be postponed after Reform candidate Victor Hagan died suddenly shortly after nominations were announced. The outcome will perhaps not be quite as seismic as the Makerfield vote promises to be, but the election does have the potential to shape the direction of Bury politics – and one party has more to gain than any other.

If Reform UK’s Alan Derby beats Labour to the seat, the result will cement the group as the official opposition party on Bury council. This would be a huge leap forward for the party which, before this year, had just one councillor sitting on the authority.

Currently, Reform UK and Radcliffe First are joint opposition with six elected members each.

But, walking the streets of Moorside, you would be hard pressed to tell anything out of the ordinary was happening there at all. Compared to the endless array of posters, banners and boards lining the streets and windows of Makerfield, I spotted just seven as I walked around the ward this week.

The majority of these backed Labour’s Sandra Walmsley, who is hoping to be re-elected to her council seat. Two bright blue Reform UK posters were also present, and one window declared support for the Workers Party of Britain candidate, Yasin Aamer.

Residents also seemed less engaged with the process than those out in Makerfield. The majority of the people I stopped to chat with told me they either knew nothing about the election, knew but were not planning to vote, or were going to vote but did not know next to which candidate’s name they would be putting their cross.

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One lady on a smoke break at work told me she did not think it was worth her time to vote, saying she feels all parties ‘say they’ll do this and that, and then do nothing’.

A middle-aged couple out in the rain said they normally vote for the Conservatives but, with an increase in voting for alternative parties, were looking at other options this time around. For them, the Greens were a possibility as they felt that could bring a more varied opposition to the authority.

Tactical voting could also play a part in this election. Some younger voters said they would be casting their vote not for a particular party, but against Reform UK.

When I asked midwife Jane Penketh, 35, for whom she was planning to vote, her answer was ‘definitely not Reform’. When I asked why, she said: “Because I’m not racist.”

The new mum added: “I probably will vote for Labour. Probably tactically, it’ll be either them or Greens, but I think it will probably be Labour.”

However, 77-year-old Bruce Herdman told me he would be voting Labour because of Coun Walmsley’s record in the ward. He said: “She’s been a long-standing councillor, and she’s done quite a lot of good work for the area.”

Mr Herman is a life-long Labour supporter and a retired Bury council worker. He added he does not like Reform UK, saying: “They [wider party members] hide behind the smart words of Nigel Farage. He’s the face of reasonableness, but a lot of people in the party are not there to support reasonable positions.”

Despite the distance between the two areas, events over in Makerfield are also having an impact on Moorside residents. Both Ms Penketh and Mr Herdman made reference to them when speaking to me.

For Ms Penketh, goings on over the Wigan constituency appear to have helped cement her view on Reform UK. She said: “I don’t believe in what they say about women and pregnant women in particular. I’m very scared, really, for my baby and what the future’s going to hold.”

I asked if she was referring to comments allegedly made by Robert Kenyon about women – including commenting on a sexually explicit post about Carol Vorderman and saying women get abortions for ‘vanity purposes’ and ‘can’t ref, drive or give directions’. She confirmed that she was.

Mr Herman spoke instead of Andy Burnham and his chances of becoming PM. He said: “He’s done a good job with Greater Manchester. He’s well regarded […]

“He’s done some good things. Wasted quite a bit of money on the congestion charge, a lot of that stuff went up for no reason, cameras, signs, but apart from that, I think he’s well regarded.”

Reform UK’s message is cutting through with some in the ward, however. One gentleman, who did not want to give his name, said he would be voting for the party because he agrees with their stance on key issues.

These include, he said, immigration, small boats and what he described as ‘two-tier everything’.

The Bury branch of the party told me they were ‘very, very optimistic’ about their chances next week. Spokesman for the local group Councillor Shadman Zaman told me he was out canvassing in the ward this week and claimed, of the around 35 doors he knocked on, perhaps 25 said they would be voting Reform.

He added: “It’s been overwhelmingly positive. Alan is a local guy and people seem to connect with him. The funniest thing is he knows so many people in the area. Whenever we are opening the door, people are telling us ‘oh, I went to school with him’, especially people his age. People know his wife as well.”

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Councillor Zaman said he does believe the election is a ‘two-horse race’ based on the conversations he has had on the doorsteps but he does not think the group’s main competition is Labour. He believes it will be the Workers Party of Britain.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service attempted to speak to Labour candidate Sandra Walmsley to get her views on the election.

“I think people are just fed up of Labour,” Coin Zaman continued. “People are just fed up of Labour, and people want an alternative. People want change.”

The Workers Party holds one seat on the council currently after taking Redvales in May.

Conversations I have with residents in the run up to an election normally bring standard complaints and concerns over bins collections, potholes and a general lack of maintenance to the fore of conversation. These are often complemented by gripes over how much they pay in council tax.

But out in Moorside, people struggled to come up with an answer when I asked them if there was anything they wanted to see change in the ward – though one gentleman did have a brief rant about a tree in front of his property that was causing him problems and how he was struggling to get action from the council to solve this.

In fact, Bury’s Labour group did fare well in May’s election compared to the huge losses experienced by the party elsewhere in Greater Manchester and across the country. Following the vote, Labour has 30 councillors, down one, and continues to have enough seats to keep their majority.

The ruling administration has put their success partly down to tangible works around the borough, including multi-million pound regeneration projects are underway in Prestwich and at Bury Market and £30m of investment planned for local roads.

The Moorside vote will take place on Thursday, May 18. Six candidates will be running for the seat.

These are:

• Jill Budgen – Bury Independents
• Alan Derby – Reform UK
• Jihyun Park – The Conservative Party Candidate
• Conor William Craig Priestley – The Green Party
• Sandra Walmsley – The Labour Party
• Yasin Aamer – Workers Party of Britain

The forest has plenty of things to do for children of all ages.

Found less than an hour’s drive away from Cambridge, High Lodge at Thetford Forest could be the ideal day out for any family. There are plenty of activities to get involved in, depending on what you are interested in, from a range of biking trails to a mini-golf course.

The adventure golf course features 18 forest-themed holes that wind around the trees. The mini-golf course is designed to be fun for all ages and features lots of obstacles, including bridges and a huge loop-de-loop.

You might also like to try out the Lookout Archery, where you can book an archery experience for all ages, ranging from beginners to more experienced archers. You can choose from have-a-go sessions to one-hour lessons and birthday parties.

High Lodge is known for its “free adventurous play facilities,” with several areas for children to explore. You can pick up a Gruffalo orienteering pack from the Information Point to practice map-reading skills or get involved in running around the play area that features a zipline and giant seesaw.

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There are also lots of inclusive activities, including the sand play area and pedal and play that feature sensory elements that children will enjoy. If you want to see even more of the forest, there are four walking trails to pick from, covering different areas.

There are shorter trails, such as the Pine Trail, which is only 1.5km long and is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, or the Nature Trail that takes you a bit further into the forest. The Fir Trail is for those who want to spend longer outdoors, with options for a 5km, 10km or 12km walk and gives you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

If you prefer cycling, there are multiple biking trails for people of different abilities that let you see the forest. You can bring your own bike or hire one from the High Lodge.

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After spending a day in the forest, you might need somewhere to take a break, so you could pop into the High Lodge Café. The café offers breakfasts if you need something to fuel you before heading out on a walk, or light bites and lunches for those wanting to eat during the day.

The High Lodge can be found in Thetford Forest, which is a 53-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A11. There is a car park at the site, which costs £3.50 per hour.

John Healey resigned as defence secretary following continued disagreement between Downing Street, the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence over the defence investment plan. Healey said the plan falls “well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time”.

His departure on June 11 was followed by Al Carns’ resignation as armed forces minister. Carns said in a letter to Keir Starmer that the funding plan is “not built for the threat we face”.

The resignations come at a time of political turmoil for the prime minister, following the huge losses Labour faced in the local elections last month, the subsequent resignation of Wes Streeting as health secretary and the threat posed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s potential arrival back in Westminster.

What is the defence investment plan?

The row is centred around funding for defence spending. Following the 2024 general election, Starmer commissioned a strategic defence review to set out a vision for UK defence over the next ten years and ensure the military is prepared for present and future threats. It was explicit in setting out the future mix of our armed forces, as well as the number of aircraft, ships and vehicles the military would need.

What it didn’t do, however, was provide insight into how it was to be funded. This is where the defence investment plan comes in. It is expected to explain how the new equipment and infrastructure detailed in the defence review will be paid for. The defence review was published a year ago, so we have been waiting to find out how this would be funded for some time.

À lire aussi :
The strategic defence review means three new approaches for the UK

Healey said that he had “no other option” but to quit after the prime minister was “unable” and the Treasury was “unwilling” to commit to the resources that Healey believes are needed to be able to defend the UK effectively.

“I am being forced to make decisions that would reduce the readiness of our Forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations, and could make the country less safe,” he wrote to the prime minister.

It has been reported that the Treasury was refusing to offer more than £13.5 billion in investment (a 0.08% budget increase) when Healey and the Ministry of Defence had asked for £18 billion.

Starmer responded to Healey’s letter saying that the funding in defence investment plan as it stands would “transform and modernise” the armed forces, while being “sustainable and fair”.

To give the Treasury some credit, the Ministry of Defence is known for poor spending decisions when it comes to procuring equipment. It has long been criticised for wasting taxpayers’ money. So their hesitancy may be justified at a time when the public finances are very tight and the cost of government borrowing has risen.

In order to pay for the full £18 billion package that Healey wanted, spending cuts in other departments would have been required. Indeed, a Treasury source’s reported response to the critiques in the resignation letter point to the need to cut the NHS and schools budgets to find the necessary money – something the Treasury and the prime minister are unwilling to do, given the promise to end austerity.

How bad is it for Starmer?

This critique from Healey is particularly damaging for Starmer. It implies that he lacks both the political capital and the authority to make such a decision. This further reinforces expectations that he may not remain in office for much longer, particularly if Burnham wins the Makersfield byelection later this month and challenges Starmer for the party leadership.

In light of this, Starmer had intended to demonstrate that he was getting on with the job. The defence investment plan was supposed to form part of that political fightback in the hope of retaining office. While Starmer has also been more widely praised for his work on the world stage, this row, and the failure to push the defence review and investment plan through, has undermined that perception.

This is not the first public dispute over the defence investment plan. Back in April, Lord Robertson (a Labour peer, former defence secretary, former Nato secretary general, and author of the strategic defence review) launched a scathing attack on the government for its failure to implement and properly fund the review.

À lire aussi :
The UK is alarmingly unprepared for the threats it faces – security expert explains why

Healey is widely seen as a Starmer loyalist, and his resignation has come as a shock to Labour MPs. Starmer’s authority has clearly been weakened over the past few months, and the resignations further undermine his position. While Starmer has maintained that he would contest any leadership challenge (under Labour rules he would be an automatic candidate) this week reduces his chances of securing victory in such a contest.

It also damages Starmer on the international stage. He is due to attend the G7 meeting in France next week, where he will meet Donald Trump for the first time since their falling out over the conflict with Iran. He is likely to face criticism from both the US president and potentially other G7 allies over the failure to secure a funded defence plan.

There is also an upcoming Nato summit in July, and there is a risk that the UK could lose its status as a leading ally within the alliance, as other European countries rearm and reach defence spending targets at a much faster pace.

The appointment of Dan Jarvis (previously the security minister and a former British Army officer) as defence secretary nearly nine hours after Healey’s resignation is a sound choice. The question now is whether the length of time taken to appoint him reflects the need for additional security checks for the role, or whether he was negotiating with Downing Street over the details of the spending package.

On the horizon, too, is the possibility of a leadership contest, a new prime minister, and a subsequent change of government. As a result, it is entirely plausible that Jarvis may hold the position for only a matter of months.

Donegal host Cork at MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey in Round 2A of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship on Saturday, June 13, with a 3pm throw-in — but the Gaelic Football clash will not be shown on live TV or GAA+.

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Donegal will face Cork this weekend in Round 2A of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

Donegal enter the match brimming with confidence following their impressive victory over Kerry in the opening round of the All-Ireland series.

Jim McGuinness’ side are amongst the favourites for Sam Maguire and are aware that a home victory would guarantee a quarter-final spot.

Cork will be considered underdogs, but they demonstrated in their round one triumph over Meath that they possess the attacking threat to trouble any opposition.

Here’s what you need to know about the fixture:, reports the Irish Mirror.

Where is the match being played?

MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

What time is throw-in?

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm on Saturday, June 13.

Can I watch the match on TV?

No. The fixture has not been selected for live TV coverage and will not be available on GAA+.

Betting odds.

Donegal – 1/7.

Draw – 12/1.

Cork – 11/2.