The collapse of hypersonic research group Reaction Engines for want of £20mn, a relatively trivial amount given the tens of billions of tax rises imposed by the new Budget, betrays the penny-wise, pound-foolish attitude of Treasury bean-counters (“Hopes dashed at Reaction Engines amid failure to win new funding”, Report, November 1).
We have been in this exact same situation before. History remembers that US Air Force pilot Chuck Yeager became the first man to break the sound barrier in 1947 but it ought to have been a British pilot, Eric Brown.
During the second world war, British mach-speed research was significantly more advanced than that of the US. Britain’s Miles M.52 prototype was designed to fly at 1,000 miles an hour, and America’s Bell Aircraft Corporation studied Miles Aircraft’s drawings and models to correct and complete the design of the Bell X-1, Yeager’s aircraft.
In 1946, the Attlee government cancelled the UK’s high-speed flight programme — for reasons of cost. So it transpired that in 1947 Yeager became immortalised in aviation legend as the emblem of the American can-do attitude and adventurous pioneering spirit, while in the same year Miles Aircraft went bankrupt as an example of small-minded British insularity.
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The UK could also have been a key part of the space race: Clement Attlee’s ministry of supply also refused to build the “Megaroc” rocket which would have made a Briton the first person in space as early as 1949. The Mercury Redstone rocket, used for the US’s first manned space flight in 1961, was a copy of the British Megaroc.
This dismal history of lost opportunity is back with us again. Reaction Engines’ failure is typical of how Britain will time and again abandon its leads in cutting-edge science to waste money in sclerotic bureaucracy.
Emirates and renowned Danish design firm Copenhagen Design have collaborated on an exclusive collection of everyday items inspired by Emirates’ signature gold hue.
In seeking solutions to a nation’s security, Elisabeth Braw suggests “governments should crowdsource defence ideas” (Opinion, October 24) in order to bring new and innovative ideas forward by unleashing the public’s imagination. She cites the example of Ireland’s fishermen devising a clever and peaceful scheme to see off the Russian navy’s plans to stage a maritime exercise in Ireland’s exclusive economic zone.
But what happens if the overarching national defence strategy is fatally flawed? Would crowdsourcing have enabled the US to win the Vietnam, Afghan and second Iraq wars? Unlikely.
Reality is important. In the case of the US (and the UK too), its defence strategy is to deter, and if war comes to prevail. But aside from stopping a nuclear Armageddon, deterrence has not prevented Russia from twice invading Ukraine; hasn’t stopped China from a major military build-up threatening Taiwan with an invasion; and hasn’t prevented the Houthis from blocking the Suez Canal. And where has the US and the west prevailed in a war? At least the British had the Falklands war in 1982.
Unless or until the fundamental mismatch has been resolved between strategy and force planning and the budget, do not expect crowdsourcing — or Irish fishermen — to serve as surrogates for improving a nation’s defences.
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Harlan Ullman Chairman, The Killowen Group, Senior Adviser, The Atlantic Council, Washington, DC, US
THE festive season has kicked off with a bang. There are now so many Christmas adverts on TV in early November that you need both hands to count them.
Whether you love them or aren’t a fan, the commercials are the true sign that the big day is not far around the corner.
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Here, we review ten of the new festive mini-blockbuster adverts – such as this one from Morrisons – giving each a rating out of five for entertainment valueCredit: Morrisons
While we eagerly await the big reveal of the John Lewis ad, lots of other retailers have already aired their seasonal offerings.
Here, we review 11 of these festive mini-blockbusters, giving each a rating out of five for entertainment value.
Debenhams – 4/5
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With a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Hurley, above, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett, this ad suggests how easy festive online shopping can beCredit: Debenhams
THE 2024 “Duh, Debenhams” advert is a playful take on the festive madness we know all too well.
With cheeky nods to the usual Christmas chaos, the celebs hilariously answer the question: “Why does Christmas shopping have to be so hard?” with a sassy, “Duh, Debenhams”.
This ad is sure to bring a smile to your face and remind you that Christmas shopping does not have to be so stressful.
Aldi – 3/5
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Aldi’s offering sees Xmas-favourite Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of ChristmasCredit: Ruckas
KEVIN the Carrot is back for the ninth year running, and this time he is on a mission to save Christmas.
In a new adventure, Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of Christmas and show the humbugs that “Christmas is better when goodwill is returned”.
It’s still a fun watch for the kids, but alas I fear Kevin is fast approaching his expiry date.
EMBARGO FOR MONDAY 4TH– M&S reveals SIX different Christmas food adverts featuring comedy legend and music star
Morrisons – 2/5
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Morrison’s oven gloves sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishesCredit: Morrisons
MORRISONS has brought back its singing oven gloves. Only this time, there’s more of them.
Set to the catchy tune of Bugsy Malone track You Give A Little Love, the music is performed by a choir of 26 Morrisons staff.
The gloves, now fully animated, sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishes.
It’s on the mark, but I worry this jingle will become grating.
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Greggs – 5/5
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Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella Lawson in her festive London townhouseCredit: Greggs/Alex Lambert
GREGGS has set the bar high with its first Christmas advert, which featurescelebrity chef Nigella Lawson.
Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella in her festive London townhouse.
She calls Christmas her “favourite time of year” and enjoys a Greggs Festive Bake, describing it as a “rapturous riot of flavour” with a “succulent filling”, playfully mimicking her saucy TV style.
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Lidl – 3/5
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Lidl delivers a touching message of sharing the magic this ChristmasCredit: Lidl
THE Lidl Christmas advert tells a heartwarming tale of a little girl who, after helping an elderly woman, makes a wish to share her Lidl woolly hat with a boy she noticed earlier, who looked cold.
This touching gesture embodies Lidl’s message of sharing the magic this Christmas.
It also highlights the return of Lidl Toy Banks, with the aim of collecting and distributing more than 100,000 toys donated by customers to needy children.
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Argos – 3/5
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Argos mascot Trevor the dinosaur lives out his rock star fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakersCredit: Supplied
THE Argos Christmas advert features brand mascots Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur.
Seen in a dazzling dreamscape, Trevor lives out his rock star fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakers.
The scene is electric as Trevor headlines for a crowd of adoring fans, all of whom are his best friend Connie.
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This whimsical promo will charm audiences of all ages.
Sainsbury’s – 4/5
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The BFG asks: ‘Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?’Credit: YOUTUBE
THE star here is the Big Friendly Giant from Roald Dahl’s beloved book, voiced by Stephen Fry.
The BFG asks: “Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?”
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Enter Sophie, a Sainsbury’s staffer, who helps him gather food from the supermarket’s trusted suppliers.
The heart-warming promo ends with Fry inviting viewers to, “ask Sainsbury’s” for a truly spectacular festive feast.
M&S Food – 4/5
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As the fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn French’s home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheerCredit: M&S
AUDIENCES are in for a treat as Dawn French and her fairy alter-ego from past ads share the screen for the first time.
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As Fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn’s home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer.
Six variations will air, with a special cameo by Katherine Jenkins on December 17.
But a second year without Jennifer Saunders does take away some of the magic.
Asda – 3/5
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A team of ceramic gnomes arrive to save the day in Asda’s adCredit: Asda
THE ad opens with Asda staff Maggie and Bill gazing out at a massive snowstorm.
Maggie frets: “Every road is closed between here and Sheffield – how are we going to get the store ready for Christmas?”
Enter a team of ceramic gnomes who transform the store into a Christmas wonderland, all set to The A-Team theme tune.
It’s time to get your tissues ready for this gut-wrenching festive ad from ShelterCredit: Shelter
GET your tissues ready because Shelter has done it again with its heart-wrenching Christmas ad.
The film opens in an imaginary world where little Mia and her dad are walking across an alien landscape.
They wave to Father Christmas and high-five an alien octopus.
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But reality intrudes, revealing their actual life in temporary accommodation and the dad’s efforts to shield Mia from the harsh conditions through make-believe.
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