
Simon Case: Spend 3% on defence to fend off ‘imperial' China
The former cabinet secretary warned that Britain faces an axis of rival and enemy states that are co-operating ever more closely.
Leading them is the technological and military powerhouse of China, which he described as 'the pace setting threat' that will dominate the next 20 years — especially as Beijing is now sharing its rapid advances with Russia, Iran and North Korea.
In his first interview since stepping down as the head of the civil service at the end of last year, Case delivered a withering indictment of the UK's crumbling defence
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The Independent
19 minutes ago
- The Independent
Bryson DeChambeau tips Trump's Turnberry as ‘worthy' host of The Open
Bryson DeChambeau has tipped President Donald Trump 's Turnberry golf course to host The Open in the future and end its inactive role on the R&A's 10-venue British Open rotation. The Scottish golf course has not hosted the prestigious event for 16 years, with its last iteration back in 2009. And DeChambeau, who shot a stunning six-under-par round of 65 at Royal Portrush to make the cut and sit +1 for the major overall at the half-way stage, has backed Trump's course to prove a worthy host once more. 'I look at it as a golf course,' said DeChambeau, whose round of golf with the president has amassed more than 15 million views on YouTube. 'It's one of the best golf courses in the world, and I'd love for it to be a part of the rotation. 'Albeit I haven't played it, I've heard so many great things about it, and anytime you get to play a special historical golf course like that, I think it's worthy of it, for sure.' The Ayrshire course last saw 59-year-old Tom Watson make a bogey on the 72nd hole with Stewart Cink prevailing in a playoff. Speaking ahead of the Open being played this week at Royal Portrush, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said transportation and other issues had to be addressed before Turnberry got its hands on the oldest major championship again. Darbon said the R&A met with Eric Trump and other leaders of Trump Golf a few months ago regarding the 'big logistical challenges' facing Turnberry, and that the talks had been constructive. DeChambeau believes Trump would make Turnberry a special Open venue. 'He'd still probably respect the R&A and what they're trying to accomplish,' DeChambeau said. 'I can't speak on his behalf, but what I can say is knowing him, he'll do his best of a job as he possibly can.' DeChambeau's relationship with Trump is such that he joined him on stage at an election party in Florida in November before Trump was declared president again. DeChambeau also had a round of golf with Trump and some short-game practice on the South Lawn of the White House a few months ago. So what of his audience with Trump around this time last year, when they attempted to break 50 off the forward tees at the president's Bedminster Golf Club in New Jersey using the scramble format? It went on YouTube and was a huge success. 'Got like 15 million views or something,' DeChambeau said. 'It was fun.' DeChambeau was speaking after shooting 6-under 65 in the second round of the Open at Royal Portrush in a bid to make the cut, having opened with a 78. AP contributed to this report


Telegraph
20 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Bryson DeChambeau calls for Donald Trump's Turnberry to host the Open
Donald Trump ally Bryson DeChambeau has urged the R&A to finally grant the US president's long-held wish to host an Open at Turnberry. After a resurgent round at Royal Portrush on Friday, DeChambeau enthusiastically backed Trump's Scottish course even though he has yet to play it. 'I think it's worthy of it for sure,' said DeChambeau after organisers revealed earlier this week that discussions had taken place with the president's son Eric Trump. The relatively low income the venue earns as well as infrastructure concerns are hurdles alongside specific considerations relating to the president. Telegraph Sport reported earlier this week how Trump's prominent behaviour at the Club World Cup – where he shared a stage for the Chelsea trophy lift – also privately reinforces a determination for the R&A to 'stay out of politics'. However, LIV golfer DeChambeau, who has Trump's phone number and broadcasted a round with the president on his YouTube channel, sees no reason why it should not be considered for the next available Open slot in 2028. 'I look at it as a golf course,' said DeChambeau. 'It's one of the best golf courses in the world, and I'd love for it to be a part of the rotation. I haven't played it but I've heard so many great things about it and any time you get to play a special historical golf course like that.' When asked whether Trump would try to have a 'special' impact on the Open, he added: 'He'd still probably respect the R&A and what they're trying to accomplish. I can't speak on his behalf, but what I can say is knowing him, he'll do his best of a job as he possibly can, and I know they won't let him down.' DeChambeau was in chipper mood after battling back impressively from a horror round of 78 on Thursday. Explaining how he drew on his father's mantra of never giving up, he hit some of his best form with a six-under par 65 on Friday. He found seven birdies and one bogey to sit one-over, yet he said there were no major changes in his approach. 'I've played the same as I did yesterday. That's links golf for you,' he said. DeChambeau, famous for his left-field club tinkering, revealed that he had been practising with a new ball that he feels could help with his control, but said it was too soon to put it into action. 'It's coming; it'll be here, worst case scenario September, but an iteration of it in the next couple weeks,' he addd. 'I need a golf ball that on wedges can click on the face more consistently. I get a lot of slipping on the face just because of how vertical I am and how much loft I have ... so getting something that comes off at a more consistent trajectory in adverse conditions is really the goal.' Another buoyant American as the rain poured again on Friday was Harris English, who maintained sparkling form to end the day five under. He said he had been exchanging messages throughout with caddie Eric Larson, who had been denied entry to the UK over a drug conviction more than 30 years ago. Larson served 10 years in prison for drug offences before he was released in 2006 - and he has caddied at the Open before. But he now needs an exemption to the new Electronic Travel Authority visa rules in the UK. 'I miss having him out here - disappointed he's not here, but I know he's rooting me on from Palm Beach Gardens,' said English. 'He's probably one of the most positive people I've ever been around. He's obviously been in a pretty rough spot for 10-plus years, so every day is a gift. He does not have a bad day. So that's what I love about him.'


Reuters
20 minutes ago
- Reuters
Canada's steel import duties violate WTO rules, says China
OTTAWA, July 18 (Reuters) - The Chinese embassy in Ottawa criticized duties slapped by Canada this week on Chinese imported steel, saying on Friday they violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and disrupted the global trade order. The embassy statement, in response to questions from Reuters, followed an agreement between Canada and China in June to improve bilateral ties and take initial steps to rebuild their fraught trade relationship. Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday that Canada would implement 25% tariffs on steel imports from all countries containing steel melted and poured in China before the end of July. "Such practices violate WTO rules, disrupt the international trade order, and damage China's interests," a spokesperson at the Chinese embassy said. Carney is trying to protect the Canadian steel industry, which had complained other countries were dumping cheap steel in Canada as a result of the 50% U.S. tariffs on imported steel imposed by President Donald Trump. Canada already had 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from China and this week tried to crack down on Chinese steel that had been further manufactured in other countries. China was Canada's second largest trade partner with C$120 billion ($87.48 billion) of bilateral trade last year, but their ties have frayed. "Canada's approach lacks justification in principle, has no legal basis, and will prove ineffective. It will severely undermine normal economic and trade cooperation between China and Canada," the embassy said. Carney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Carney and Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed last month to restart trade talks. Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told Reuters in an interview on Thursday he was keen for Canadian officials to talk to Chinese counterparts "as soon as possible". Last year Canada imposed 100% tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, squeezing their sales out of the local market. In March, in retaliation, Beijing announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products. It is conducting an antidumping investigation on Canadian canola, and had expected to issue results of the investigation by September. The embassy said the investigation could be extended for six months under special circumstances. "If Canada cancels its discriminatory tariff measures against China, China's countermeasures can also be adjusted, suspended or canceled according to procedures," the embassy said. ($1 = 1.3717 Canadian dollars)