“In this context, is bombing Iran going to improve the lives of Iranians or provide more stability and peace? The answer to both these questions is no – instead more innocent people will die, hatred will spread like cancer and all of us will ultimately be less secure.”

Donald Trump infamously accused Ukraine’s leader ­Volodymyr Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” in an Oval Office confrontation. But the US president is arguably now doing exactly that by partnering with Israel to launch deadly strikes on Iran.

He and Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to initiate the pathetically named Operation Epic Fury in the middle of negotiations marks a grave and destabilising turn in an already volatile region. More than 50 schoolgirls killed in a missile strike are reported to be just some of the victims of America and ­Israel’s fury.

Meanwhile the conflict has already spread with retaliatory strikes on Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait where the US has military bases. It is not remotely an overreaction to fear this conflict could flare into a full scale regional war and then spread.

Nobody wants Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, and there should be no love lost for its authoritarian theocratic regime which has killed thousands. But it is worth recalling the underlying facts. Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon despite its programme to acquire one having advanced in ­troubling ways.

By contrast Israel is widely reported to maintain an undeclared nuclear arsenal despite having never signed the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran was also at the negotiating table and clearly desperate to avoid conflict with the US and its closest ally at the time it was attacked.

The war appears clearly to be illegal under international law. No UN resolution supporting it exists and it would be preposterous to argue that an attack from Iran was imminent.

There are legitimate concerns over Iran’s support for groups such as Hamas, who carried out the horrific October 7 attacks, killing more than 1200 Israelis.

Israel meanwhile has chosen to launch military strikes on a number of its neighbours in recent years. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, where tens of thousands of civilians have died.

In this context, is bombing Iran going to improve the lives of Iranians or provide more stability and peace? The answer to both these questions is no – instead more innocent people will die, hatred will spread like cancer and all of us will ultimately be less secure.

Operation Epic Fury, like so many misadventures in the Middle East, feels destined to become Operation Epic Folly.

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Experts warn self-medicating with illicit cross sex hormones and puberty blockers carries serious health risks, including potentially fatal contamination and dosing errors.

Trans activists are advising young people on how to self-medicate using cross sex hormones.

It comes amid concerns of a booming black market in illegal supplies in Scotland via online suppliers and street dealers.

Experts warn self-medicating with illicit cross sex hormones and puberty blockers carries serious health risks, including potentially fatal contamination and dosing errors.

But we can reveal a group called Trans Harm ­Reduction (THR) recently held a “Self‑Med 101” ­workshop in Glasgow.

It also offers help with “accessing injecting supplies for trans people who are self-­medicating in Ireland and Scotland”.

Scottish Tory shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “It’s frankly terrifying that vulnerable young people could be encouraged to use black market puberty blockers. This would put lives at risk, and anyone involved in pushing these illicit medications must be investigated.”

A Scottish GP, who didn’t want to be named, added: “To have organisations that ­facilitate self-medicalisation with no clinical oversight is dangerous.

“The greatest harm is in the prescribing of cross sex hormones. These are used off licence and there is mounting evidence of the increased risk of irreversible harms, which include stroke, ischaemic heart disease and early mortality.”

The Glasgow workshop covered “the basics of self-medicating from costs to dosages to how to do things safely”.

The independent Cass Review in 2024 said there was no “good evidence” pub­­erty blockers were safe or effective.

Dr Hillary Cass argued a supervised trial would be preferable to kids buying medication from the dark web, warning it could otherwise enable “charlatans” to sell drugs.

THR insists “trans people will continue to self-medicate regardless of whether they can access support from medical professionals”.

It operates a healthcare fund to cover costs associated with “self-medicating for trans people in Ireland and Scotland”, such as paying for GP visits, blood tests and injecting supplies.

It warns those self-medicating must seek “blood tests at regular intervals” due to the complex health risks involved and ­maintain a “private list of GPs who will do blood tests for those self-medicating”.

A police spokesperson said: “Emerging drug trends are monitored and we will act proportionately to any increase in the prevalence or circulation of new or existing drug types.”

Susan Smith of campaign group For Women Scotland said: “We are shock­ed this group is operating quite openly. We note there was no age limit for attendance at this event which will worry parents of vulnerable youngsters who have good reason for ensuring medical care is robust and monitored.”

Every year, the Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford holds a flying season allowing guests of the museum to get up close to some historic aircraft. The flying season also involves impressive air shows featuring aircraft not only from IWM Duxford, but often planes from around the world.

The IWM Duxford is usually open for visitors to explore before the air shows for people to walk around the learn more about the airbase’s past. If you want to spend a whole day at the museum, the flying weekends often have a lot of activities for both adults and children to get involved in and sometimes visits from the Red Arrows.

If you love history and want to see one of the incredible displays, you might want to start planning ahead. Here are all of the flying displays happening in 2026 and how you can get tickets.

Flying Days: VE Day

Date: Saturday, May 9

To open the flying season, the IWM Duxford will be holding a special VE Day air show. This themed display day will celebrate “the role aviation made in the path to victory during the Second World War”.

Tickets for the VE Day show will be released on Monday, March 9.

Flying Days: D-Day

Date: Saturday, June 6

The D-Day flying display will retell the story of the invasion of Normandy. The flying display usually involves a range of historic aircraft including spitfires and the Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann.

Tickets for the D-Day display will be released on Tuesday, April 7.

Duxford Summer Air Show

Date: Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5

The Duxford Summer Air Show is one of the biggest events at IWM Duxford and takes place over a whole weekend. The museum will be open from 8am until 6pm with a range of entertainment happening throughout the day such as live music and fairground rides.

The display usually takes place at around 1pm and features “unique flying formations”. Tickets for both of the summer air shows are already available to buy.

Flying Days: The Americans

Date: Friday, July 24

This flying day will focus on “two nations united through war, loss, love, and duty”. If you want to learn more about the USA’s involvement in the Second World War, you might want to visit the museum for this air show.

Tickets for the Americans flying day will be available from Monday, May 25.

Duxford Flying Evening

Date: Saturday, August 22

The flying evening not only feature historic aircraft putting on impressive performances but will also have pyrotechnic displays that will “light up the night sky”. The museum will be open from 5pm to 9.30pm to allow people to grab some drinks and food before finding a good spot to watch the show.

Tickets for the flying evening are already available to buy.

Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show

Date: Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13

The IWM Duxford will be taken back in time to the 1940s with living history groups walking around and even a vintage hairdresser to give you the perfect 1940s look. The two air displays will mark 90 years since the first flight of the Spitfire prototype.

Tickets for both of the Battle of Britain air shows are already available to buy.

Duxford Flying Finale

Date: Saturday, October 3

To finish the flying season for 2026, IWM Duxford will be holding a flying finale in the autumn. At last years flying finale, the famous Red Arrows made an appearance alongside a performance from the RAF Typhoon Display Team.

Tickets for the flying finale show are already available to buy.

Tickets for all of the events can be bought from the IWM Duxford website when they have been released. You can sign up to the email newsletter to be the first to know when the tickets go on sale.

People have been told that sticking to water isn’t the only way to lose weight

The NHS has urged people to “drink 6 to 8 cups” per day to help with weight loss. And thankfully, they’re not suggesting you stick to water only.

As part of its Better Health website, the NHS has said that as long as you’re drinking fluid which is sugar-free, you could be achieving a goal without realising. It suggests: “Drink 6 to 8 cups of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk, tea, coffee, sugar-free drinks… They all count!” This fluid intake, as well as maintaining a balanced diet, should help you to lose weight. Not only can shedding the pounds improve your overall wellbeing, but it can also help to lower your chances of developing issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that, according to the National Health Service, losing weight doesn’t mean completely overhauling your diet. Instead, it recommends a range of simple, practical changes that can help you move closer to your goals. Here’s what you need to know.

NHS shares 8 changes that can help you lose weight

To lose weight, most people are encouraged to reduce their daily intake by about 600 calories. In practice, this typically means aiming for around 1,900 calories a day for men and 1,400 calories a day for women.

You should also:

1. Try to include at least two portions of vegetables with your main meal – roughly enough to fill half your plate.
2. Always include a source of protein like beans, pulses, fish, eggs, lean meat, or other options as it helps you feel full for longer.
3. Carbs like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta should make up no more than a third of the food you eat in a day – and try to have wholegrain versions where you can
4. If you eat fish, aim for two portions per week, making sure that at least one portion is an oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, trout, mackerel, or herring.
5. Choose lower-fat options for milk and cheese, and opt for yoghurts that are lower in both fat and sugar.
6. Go for olive, sunflower and rapeseed oil, which have unsaturated fats
7. Choose lower-fat spreads and only eat it in small amounts
8. Aim to drink 6 to 8 cups of fluids each day. Water, lower-fat milk, tea, coffee, and sugar-free drinks all contribute to your daily intake.

Can coffee and tea help with weight loss?

While moderation is key, it’s not just water that can be beneficial. As mentioned, coffee can also be useful and according to one study, “the results of in vitro and animal studies suggest that coffee can reduce storing of fat in the body by several mechanisms.”

Tea is another drink boating several benefits. In a post by Harvard Health, it notes that while “you won’t find many vitamins or nutrients in tea”, it is “rich in phytochemicals – compounds that give plants their characteristics (such as colour and smell) and have pharmacological effects when we consume them. Tea’s primary phytochemicals are caffeine and polyphenols.”

According to Doctor Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition and professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Green tea has more polyphenols than black tea, but black tea has more caffeine.

“And matcha is dried green tea that’s ground into fine particles. It’s more concentrated – higher in caffeine and polyphenols than plain green tea.”

So, while water should remain your main drink, a regular cup of tea or coffee can also complement your weight-loss efforts. Just be mindful of added sugar or cream, which can add extra calories.

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Why 13 March?

How should I complete the first mow of the year?

Mark Jones believes the looming EGM could be decisive in saving the Ospreys’ future

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones believes an extraordinary general meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union could pave the way for a change in leadership — and potentially a new plan for the professional game.

The Central Glamorgan Rugby Union have formally called an EGM which will take place after the Six Nations, with WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood facing a vote of no confidence.

Collier-Keywood is coming under fire for plans to cut one of Wales’ four professional clubs, with the Ospreys in the firing line if their owners Y11 Sports & Media complete a deal to buy Cardiff Rugby, according to Swansea Council who have began legal proceedings against the WRU.

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The WRU board voted unanimously in favour of a cut to three teams but Jones hopes removing Collier-Keywood could alter the direction of travel.

“I think it’s just the EGM on the horizon post Six Nations,” Jones told Premier Sports.

“Anything can happen when that happens. As you know when you change things at the top which can potentially happen in an EGM.

“The change of direction is steered by the person at the top. It’s like a head coach of a team.

“If you bring a new head coach in he has a different idea of how he wants the team to play.

“I think there’s a lot to go on. There’s a lot of people to have their say and there’s a lot of discussion to be had.

“What I’ve said to the players is we can’t control any of it so let’s just let it play out and do what we do which is focus on the rugby.”

The Ospreys were outstanding as they claimed a stunning 21-10 victory over Ulster at the Brewery Field.

And Jones praised the character of his players who have performed extremely well in difficult circumstances.

“Character comes out in adversity doesn’t it,” Jones told Premier Sports.

“Usually adversity is the one that either brings you together or separates you. This group are tight anyway but I do think it has brought them together.

“I think the crowd today their contribution and the pressure they are putting on opposition lineouts. It has brought them into the game more as well what’s going on and the players have responded in the right way.

“We are proud to represent them as well as ourselves.

“The boys are handling it really well but we’ve got six games to go so we’ve got a little bit to do yet.”

Olivia Dean was one of the big winners of the night, picking up awards in four of the five categories she was nominated in.

This included artist of the year, album of the year, pop act of the year and song of the year for Rein Me In, which she sang with Sam Fender.

Fender himself picked up Alternative and rock act of the year alongside the song award.

Ozzy Osbourne was also recognised with a lifetime achievement award.

The Black Sabbath lead vocalist died in July 2025 at the age of 76, so his wife, Sharon, accepted the award.

Robbie Williams also paid tribute to the ‘Prince of Darkness’ with a rendition of Osbourne’s 1991 track No More Tears, backed by a band including Metallica’s Robert Trujillo and longtime Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde.

There was some controversy though, as Geese drummer Max Bassin was censored for saying “free Palestine, f*** Ice” when collecting the band’s award for international group of the year.

Presenter Jack Whitehall’s joke about Lord Mandelson potentially being in attendance was also removed.

The show took place in Manchester for the first time in its history, with the city’s Co-op Live Arena being the venue.

BRIT Awards 2026 full list of winners

Artist of the year: Olivia Dean

Group of the year: Wolf Alice

Album of the year: Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving

Breakthrough artist of the year: Lola Young

International artist of the year: Rosalia

International group of the year: Geese

Song of the year: Sam Fender and Olivia Dean – Rein Me In

International song of the year: Rose and Bruno Mars – APT

Alternative and rock act: Sam Fender

Pop act: Olivia Dean

Hip hop, grime and rap act: Dave

R&B act: SAULT

Dance act: Fred Again, PlaqueBoyMax, and Skepta

Songwriter of the year: Noel Gallagher

Outstanding contribution to music: Mark Ronson

Producer of the year: PinkPantheress

Lifetime achievement award: Ozzy Osbourne

BRIT Critics’ Choice Award: Jacob Alon

Did you watch the BRIT Awards last night? Let us know in the comments.

The 1800W electric heater comes with its own artificial flame effect to imitiate a traditional chimney log burner, helping to keep your home feel more cosy while it heats up

With temperatures continuing to remain cold throughout the majority of the UK, many households will be spending nothing short of a fortune keeping their central heating switched on in order to stay warm. However, you could keep yourself warm at a much lower cost with an electric heater.

Currently the Energy Price Cap stands at £1,758 a year for the average dual fuel households, which will remain in place until March 31. With rates so high, you may be able to save money by keeping one room heated while you’re inside it, especially if it’s somewhere like your living room.

However, not all households have fireplaces or log burners to do this, which is where the trust portable electric heater comes in. Currently, Dunelm is offering a Chimenea Style Flame Effect heater with a 30% discount, going from £100 to £70.

READ MORE: Dunelm shoppers race to buy retro lamp that looks similar to £45 Dusk ‘vintage’ version

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With a lower initial investment cost than usual, Dunelm’s Chimenea Style Flame Effect heater is perfect for those looking to heat their homes for less. The 1800W electric heater comes with its own artificial flame effect to imitiate a traditional chimney log burner, helping to keep your home feel more cosy while it heats up.

Customers can also choose between a black or white exterior colour paired with a wooden trim to help suit your living room’s vibes and aesthetics. The heater also comes with thermostatic temperature controls to help you keep your room at a comfortable temperature without getting too warm.

According to Dunelm, the heater also only costs approximately 47p per hour which, depending on your current energy usage, may help you save a significant amount on your bills. However, if you’re looking for something a little different to decorate your home and keep it warm at the same time, you could opt for this PALINTH 1500W Electric Heater on Amazon, which is currently seeing a 50% price reduction, going from £59.99 to £29.99.

While sporting a more industrial look, this electric heater comes with four heating mods, including an ECO mode to further help you save money. It also comes with extra safety measures including an automatic shutdown and child lock. Otherwise, you could go for this Dimplex ECR20TiB Oil Free Radiator at Argos for £100.

This eco-friendly radiator comes with claims to offer up to 9% savings on bills when compared to traditional oil-filled radiators. It also comes equipped with three heat settings and an adjustabble thermostat to heat your room to a comfortable temperature.

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People who purchased the Dunelm Chimenea Style Flame Effect heater praised it for being able to heat up rooms at a fast rate, with one shopper writing: “Perfect for my new room, warms up very quickly and looks lovely. Fairly easy to put together, although I struggled to tighten the screws for the legs. Seems to be secure enough though.”

Another added: “Stylish and very good heater for our room, heats it well.” A third said: “This looks great, is easy to use and even on the low setting warms up the space really quickly. I have it in my summerhouse which is about 8’ x 10’. I would recommend this product.”

However, not everyone was happy with the heater, with one shopper writing: “We bought this product because, in fairness, it does look good. When we got it home, the leg was damaged and the fan on it was noisy so completely unusable indoors. I’ve noticed that some other reviewers have also commented on the fan. Shame really. Could have been a great product.”

Another added: “It looks lovely and provides a nice ambience but it’s just a noisy fan heater/ really disappointed with it- I decided to keep it as I don’t have time to pack and return it but only use it for he ambience not for the heating element as its just a annoying fan heater noise.”

The Milbank Arms in the “charming” village of Barningham was highlighted by local foodie expert The Yorkshireman for its focus on “high-level food and proper Yorkshire ales”.

The Grade II listed country pub, which is not too far from the Yorkshire Dales, says it offers the “best” produce in the region, and customers have praised it for its “fabulous” Sunday roasts and “homely” atmosphere.

The Milbank Arms has ‘bags of traditional charm’

The Yorkshireman shared: “A hidden gem pub found in the village of Barningham, just outside of Richmond, The Milbank Arms is a truly stunning country pub, Grade II listed with bags of traditional charm.”

He added: “Putting a focus on high-level food and proper Yorkshire ales, The Milbank Arms is no ordinary pub lunch.

“Their offering surpasses your typical restaurant quality, bringing beautifully presented dishes of Yorkshire produce from wild game, to market steak.

“Every dish that passed our mouths evoked an audible reaction, and their Sunday lunch, in particular, is a real must-try.

“For the full experience, check yourself in for the night and huddle up by the fire with a glass of red wine and a bit of dinner. Wake up the next day, and repeat the process with a Sunday dinner.”

On its website, the dog-friendly pub reveals that The Milbank Arms is nestled just minutes from Barnard Castle and Teesdale.

“Beautifully restored, The Milbank Arms blends heritage charm with modern comfort – offering luxury rooms, charming cottages, fine dining and real ales.

“Our locally sourced menu features the best of the region, from wild game to fresh seafood, with dishes changing seasonally. Enjoy hand-pulled ales, stunning surroundings and a warm welcome.”

Commenting on its menu, it continues: “Located on the edge of a grouse moor, we make the most of the abundance of wild game.

“Our fish is sourced from Hodgson’s in Hartlepool for which our chefs will pick the freshest available. Our meat is pasture-raised and from neighbouring farms wherever possible.

“We take a lot of pride in our cask beer and will always have 2-3 local hand pulled ales available.”

Pub Quiz Tips

Just some of the main menu dinner options include corn fed chicken with breast foie gras, king oyster, cauliflower and white port sauce, as well as crispy goat’s cheese pastilla that comes alongside chargrilled broccoli, wilted spinach and toasted pine nuts.

Meanwhile, Saturday lunch mains feature the likes of wild Scottish venison burger, with caramelised onions, mature cheddar and homemade pickles, all on a brioche bun.

Similarly, the Milbank Milanese features buttermilk chicken, tomato, buffalo mozzarella, wild garlic mayo and rocket on a brioche bun.

When it comes to Sunday lunch options, you can choose from dry-aged sirloin of beef, 28oz dry-aged côte de boeuf for two, chateaubriand or wild Scottish venison haunch.

All of the above are served with beef fat roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables and roast gravy.

The fish served at The Milbank Arms is sourced from Hodgson’s in Hartlepool (Image: Tripadvisor)

Elsewhere, The Milbank Arms has a “very good” 4.3/5 rating on Tripadvisor, based on 75 reviews.

A recent visitor said: “Lovely pub that is well run and serves local seasonal produce. Staff are friendly and efficient, and the menu offers some of the best of locally sourced food. Thoroughly recommend the venison. Also dog friendly which is a bonus.”

This person posted: “A lovely find, on a wet night we had a fantastic meal beautiful monkfish and fantastic venison. Staff were attentive and engaging. Atmosphere was homely.”

Another shared: “We have enjoyed a fabulous Sunday lunch and evening meal here. Wonderful food, service and ambience – thank you so much for such a lovely experience.”

Meanwhile, one guest commented: “Beautifully finished rooms in a country pub in a charming village. Fantastic food with a great steak menu. Staff ever so friendly. Couldn’t do more to help. Great breakfast too.”

Will you be visiting The Milbank Arms this year? Let us know in the comments below.

Manchester United are set to be without Lisandro Martinez once again when they take on Crystal Palace today.

The Argentina international has formed a formidable partnership with Harry Maguire once again at the heart of Michael Carrick defence, playing every minute of the new manager’s first five games in charge.

Martinez missed the 1-0 win over Everton after picking up a minor calf injury in the days leading up to that game on Merseyside. Carrick is hopeful it is not another long-term issue with the centre-half to be further assessed over the coming days.

It remains to be seen whether he will be fit for the trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday but the former Ajax star will have no role to play today.

Leny Yoro deputised in his place on Monday night having also turned in a fine performance off the bench against West Ham. The young Frenchman is expected to keep his place in the side.

United remain without Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt with still no real timeline on when either player will be available again.

De Ligt has not played since the end of November having previously played every minute of the season before his back issue struck.

Patrick Dorgu also remains sidelined with the hamstring injury he picked up in the win over Arsenal and is expected to be sidelined until April.

Carrick remains with the same squad that secured that narrow win at Everton last time out – but has a big decision to make up front.

Man Utd XI to face Crystal Palace – Metro prediction

Just as he did against Fulham and West Ham, Benjamin Sesko again came off the bench to score a vital goal for United on Monday having now netted six in his last seven appearances.

Carrick has resisted the urge to throw him into the starting XI, throwing real value behind his role as  a ‘finisher’ off the bench.

But against West Ham and Everton, United laboured somewhat in attack until he came on, lacking an option to stretch the opposition in the absence of Dorgu.

Sesko offers that, albeit in a different role up top, and his presence could be vital in breaking down Palace.

Amad Diallo’s contribution has waned in recent games with the Ivorian perhaps in need of a rest after his exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations. He could be the man to drop out.

Man Utd vs Crystal Palace TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

Man Utd vs Palace kicks off at 2pm today (Sunday 1 March).

 You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.

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