Britain and France threaten 'adversaries' with joint nuclear strikes
A statement from the MoD said: 'In an important step forward for the UK-France nuclear partnership – a newly signed declaration will state for the first time that the respective deterrents of both countries are independent but can be co-ordinated, and that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations.
READ MORE: 'No way' convicted felon Donald Trump should be welcomed in Scotland, Greens say
'As such, any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations. Co-operation between both countries on nuclear research will also deepen, while working together to uphold the international non-proliferation architecture.'
The announcement came on the final day of French president Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK.
(Image: MBDA/Thierry Wurtz)
Britain and France will also buy more 'highly lethal' Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Britain has previously sold Storm Shadow missiles, which cost around $1 million each and can break through hardened bunkers and ammunition stores, to Ukraine.
It was reported last year that the missiles were fired into Russia by the Ukrainian military, which was previously against the terms of Britain's sale to Kyiv.
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Britain and France will build up stocks of Storm Shadow missiles, called Scalp in France, while also seeking to find a deep strike and anti-ship replacement, it has been agreed.
Keir Starmer said: 'We stand ready to use our shared might to advance our joint capabilities – equipping us for the decades to come while supporting thousands of UK jobs and keeping our people safe.'
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Telegraph
30 minutes ago
- Telegraph
German comedian to go on trial for Trump assassination joke
A German comedian will appear in court after he was charged for making a joke about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last year. Sebastian Hotz could face up to three years in prison for comparing the shooting of the US president at an election campaign rally in 2024 to catching the last bus. 'You sadly just missed it,' he wrote shortly after the shooting on July 13. Hotz, also known as El Hotzo, doubled down on the joke shortly after, adding: 'I find it fantastic when fascists die. 'Absolutely no one forces you to feel sorry for fascists; you can just not do it without the slightest consequence.' Hotz was fired from his job with RBB, the public broadcaster, and charged with condoning and rewarding criminal offences. His trial, which is scheduled to begin on July 23 at the Tiergarten district court in Berlin, has inflamed critics on the Left and Right, who are divided on whether his comments should be protected by free speech. Gerd Buurmann, the Right-leaning comedian, said: 'It is not okay that a satirist is brought to court just because he said something... Everything he said is disgusting, but he must be allowed to say it.' But others in the public eye praised the decision for showing that the 'internet is not a legal free-for-all'. One of the most prominent critics of the comedian's comments has been Elon Musk. The Tesla owner tweeted angrily at Olaf Scholz, the then-German chancellor, noting: 'Someone wishing death on the leading US presidential candidate and myself is paid to do so by the German government.' Mr Musk then tagged Mr Scholz on X and asked: 'Was ist das? [What is that?]' Comedy vs free speech The incident is not the first to cause a free-speech stir in the world of comedy. Jan Böhmermann, a TV host, was charged in 2016 with breaking an obscure German law against insulting authority figures after a satirical poem about Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish president, after he said Mr Erdoğan's 'stiff neck stinks of doner' kebab and he 'loves to have sex with goats while oppressing minorities'. Angela Merkel, the then-chancellor, personally approved the prosecution of the comedian, after speaking with Turkish officials. Böhmermann accused Ms Merkel of 'serving me to a neurotic despot for tea and made me become a German Ai Weiwei', with the case eventually dropped by prosecutors and the lese-majestylaw abolished.
The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
I was inches from death as Trump rally gunman shot at president – moment I shielded my pregnant wife fearing the worst
A LOCAL mayor sitting on the front row of the rally where Donald Trump was almost assassinated has recalled the horror that unfolded a year on from shocking event. Lone wolf gunman Thomas Crooks, 20, unleashed a volley of shots at Trump, a presidential candidate at the time, in an attack that pierced the top of his ear and left him with blood smeared on his cheek. 8 8 Trump ducked as he was being shot at the Butler Fairgrounds in the Pennsylvanian industrial town, prompting his security team to jump to protect him. Trump rose to his feet in an act of defiance, raised his fist, and urged his supporters to fight in what proved to be an iconic moment of not just the 2024 presidential campaign but in US history. However Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, died while trying to protect his family at the rally. The attempted assassination was the start of a week which culminated in Trump's rival at the time, Joe Biden, abandoning his re-election campaign. But the events sparked the biggest security crisis the US had faced since the shooting of Ronald Reagan in 1981. JonDavid 'JD' Longo, the mayor of Slippery Rock, gave a speech at the rally before Trump took to the stage. He spoke warmly about a conversation he had with Trump 30 minutes before the shooting unfolded. Longo and Trump spoke about the ground campaign in Pennsylvania - one of the key swing states that the 45th president was trying to claw back having lost it in 2020. Longo then went to join his pregnant wife, Nicolina, and his mother-in-law in the rally's front row. Yet minutes later he was ordering them to duck for cover when shots rang out. Iran claims it could assassinate Trump 'while he sunbathes at Mar-a-Lago' amid alert over terrorist sleeper cells in US 'If one of us were tall enough or stood up, there's a good chance we might've fallen victim to this lunatic,' he told The U.S. Sun. 'All I could do was to lay on top of her and yell to those to get down. 'I feared for my pregnant wife, my-mother-law and my friends. 'I found out my wife was pregnant with our first child days before the rally. "She was 9 to 10 weeks pregnant at the time. The idea of pregnancy was very fragile.' Longo, who has formerly served in the Marine Corps and Afghanistan, said the temperatures on July 13 last year were close to 100F, describing the weather as 'brutally hot.' He revealed how some of those in attendance didn't duck for cover when being ordered to. 'Many people had their cell phones up recording the president,' he said 8 Longo recalled how many of those in attendance were in disbelief when he instructed them to take cover. 'Many decided to go from standing to sitting but still looking at Trump, refusing to go onto the deck to make themselves a smaller target, as would be the expected response to a violent act like that,' he said. Crooks fired eight rounds and Longo admitted he didn't think the noise was gunshots. He recalled how his brain struggled to compute that it could be a firearm. Sue Tidwell, who lives in northwest Idaho, was in Pennsylvania for three weeks at the time of the rally. It was the first time she had gone to such an event. She said supporters had waited for several hours trying to get into the Butler fairgrounds. "We were in there like sardines - just jammed in there," she said. "It was so hot - people were passing out left and right." Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline Donald Trump was shot at during his Pennsylvania rally on July 13. 1 pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5 pm. 4:11 pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech. 4:35 pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd. 5:10 pm: Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, later identified as the shooter, was first identified as a person of interest. 5:30 pm: Crooks was spotted with a rangefinder. 5:30 pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump. 5:52 pm: Crooks was spotted on the roof by Secret Service. 6:02 pm: Trump takes the stage. 6:09 pm: Two sniper teams posted on buildings to the north and south behind the rally stage repositioned and were locked on Crooks. 6:12 pm: Gunshots were fired toward the stage as Trump delivered remarks. 6:12 pm: Secret Service returns fire, confirming the shooter is dead. 6:12 pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents. 6:42 pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe. 7:24 pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials. 8:42 pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social. 8:49 pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured. Tidwell had waited in line for between two and three hours before getting into the fairgrounds. She and her friend then faced another three hour wait before the main event - Trump. Like Longo, she didn't initially realize it was the sound of gunshots when she heard the popping noise. 'At first, you just think it's fireworks. You just think your mind doesn't comprehend it,' she said. 'We just kind of heard the shots and we went to the ground. 'It was instantaneous. When you heard the shots, suddenly we were laying on the ground.' She admitted she couldn't see what had happened to Trump. Trump was referring to a chart and was criticizing Biden's immigration policies before Crooks started firing. Crooks was armed with an assault rifle and crawled into position before unleashing a volley of shots. Who was Thomas Matthew Crooks? Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, tried to kill Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks? Thomas Matthew Crooks left few clues about his identity, and investigators said he did not have a social media presence. What is known is Crooks was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a small suburb about 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh. He lived with his parents, Mary Elizabeth Crooks and Matthew Brian Crooks. The Crooks have been licensed professional counselors since 2002, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State Licensing System Verification service. Thomas Matthew Crooks attended and graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. In May 2024, Crooks graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County with an associate degree in engineering science, the school revealed. Crooks was previously employed as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was a registered Republican but made a small $15 donation to a progressive political group in January 2021. Crooks did not have a criminal history in Pennsylvania. How did Thomas Crooks obtain the rifle used in the shooting? Federal investigators believe the AR-15-style rifle Thomas Crooks used in the shooting on July 13 was legally purchased and registered to his father. Matthew Brian Crooks purchased the weapon at least six months before the Trump rally shooting, according to The Associated Press. It's unknown how the younger Crooks took possession of the firearm. The Crooks family is cooperating with federal investigators. Thomas Crooks also had a membership at the local shooting club, the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, for at least a year, according to BBC. What were Thomas Matthew Crooks' final moments? On July 12, federal investigators learned Thomas Crooks visited the Clairton Sportsmen's Club. On July 13, the day of the Trump rally in Butler, Crooks went to a Home Depot and purchased a five-foot ladder that investigators believe he used to scale a rooftop about 430 feet outside the Secret Service's perimeter. That same day, investigators said Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition at a gun store and drove his Hyundai Sonata an hour north to Butler. Crooks fired at least eight shots at Donald Trump and rally-goers at 6:11 pm, less than 10 minutes after the presidential candidate took the stage. A Secret Service counter-sniper positioned near the stage where Trump was delivering his remarks returned fire within seconds, killing Crooks. What was his motive behind the shooting? The FBI is still working on determining a motive behind the shooting. The federal agency is viewing the act as domestic terrorism. Crooks is believed to have acted alone. Federal officials have been able to gain access to Crooks' cell phone, but it has yielded no clues about a motive, according to the New York Post. Crooks' cell phone and laptop have been sent to the FBI's lab in Quantico, Virginia, for further analysis. 8 8 8 Kevin Rojek, an FBI special agent, said Crooks was 'hyper-focused' on carrying out the shooting, labeling his plot as a 'sustained and detailed effort.' Trump tried to clamber to his feet in a bid to reassure his supporters, while his security personnel tried to shield him. The top of his ear had been pierced with blood smeared on his cheek, but Trump told his supporters to fight. Crooks was shot by a counter sniper but the Secret Service's competency was immediately called into question as many demanded to know how he was able to get in a position to fire at Trump. Comperatore's sister, Kelly Comperatore Meeder, is leading the calls for the agency to be held accountable. 'They have my brother's blood on their hands and they are able to return to work and go back to living their lives,' she told CBS News. 'Our family is furious.' The agency has seen major changes over the past year, with boss Kimberly Cheatle stepping down 10 days after the assassination attempt. Six Secret Service agents have also since been suspended over what unfolded in Butler. Officials for the agency revealed the suspensions ranged from 10 to 42 days, but most details have been kept under wraps. Myosoty Perez was one of the agents suspended, her lawyer told The New York Post. Matt Quinn, the Secret Service's deputy director, has revealed how Butler was an 'operational failure.' 'Secret Service is totally accountable for Butler.' Butler was the first assassination attempt against Trump. Weeks later, Trump was the target of a second plot at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. 10 Days that Changed America AN attempted assassination of a former US president, the standing down of a current president, and a political speech by a former wrestler. Senior News reporter Anthony Blair looks back on a crazy 10 days in American politics. Saturday, July 13 - Donald Trump is shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Republican frontrunner is hit in the ear but stands up and pumps his fist to the crowd. Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, is shot dead but the Secret Service is slammed for suspected security blunders. Ex-fire chief Corey Comperatore is killed protecting his family. Sunday, July 14 - President Joe Biden calls on Americans to unite and "cool down" political rhetoric in the wake of Trump's shooting. The Democrat had faced growing calls since his disastrous performance in June's CNN debate. Shocking video reveals how close Trump came to being killed after turning his head at the last minute. Monday, July 15 - The Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump is formally nominated as the Republican candidate. An emotional-looking Trump makes his first appearance since surviving the shooting wearing a large ear bandage. It quickly becomes a must-have fashion item at the RNC. Ohio Senator JD Vance is named as Trump's running mate. Previously anti-Trump, Vance at just 39 is an inexperienced choice, but seen as having a connection with ordinary Americans. In an interview, Biden admits it was a "mistake" to talk about putting Trump in "the bullseye" days before the assassination attempt. Tuesday, July 16 - The FBI warns of more potential violence in the wake of Trump's shooting. Intelligence claims Iran had a separate plot to assassinate Trump, but there is no proven link to Crooks. Biden returns to the campaign trail for the first time since the assassination attempt and insists he isn't stepping down. Wednesday, July 17 - Joe Biden tests positive for Covid, just days after saying he would drop out of the presidential race if he was diagnosed with a medical condition. It intensifies the calls for him to step aside with Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom floated as potential replacements. At the RNC, JD Vance makes his first speech since being selected as Trump's VP pick, to the delight of the MAGA crowd. Thursday, July 18 - Donald Trump addresses the RNC, his first speech since surviving an attempted assassination. He appears slower and more subdued than usual but gives the longest convention acceptance speech in US history. Just before he goes on, former wrestler Hulk Hogan rips his shirt off and tells cheering crowds "Trumpomania" will sweep America. Former First Lady Melania, who has barely been seen on the campaign trail, makes an appearance but does not speak. Barack Obama joins calls for Biden to step aside. Friday, July 19 - President Biden appears to consider resigning, as a source says he is in a "contemplative stage" while isolating with Covid. Video emerges showing Biden appearing to lean into the wrong woman after mistaking her for his wife Jill. Meanwhile, the world's biggest tech outage sparks travel chaos for Republicans leaving the RNC in Milwaukee. Saturday, July 20 - Donald Trump holds his first campaign rally since the shooting in Butler. He appears in Michigan without his ear bandage. His former doctor Ronny Jackson describes his injuries. He appears in his first interview alongside his running mate Vance. Senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi speaks for the first time since being linked to growing calls for Biden to resign. Meanwhile, Biden's reelection campaign continues to insist he is running, as a spokesperson slams Trump's rally remarks as showing he is "focused only on himself." Sunday, July 21 - Joe Biden announces he isn't running in November in a shock letter, just hours after insisting he was staying in the race. He is the first incumbent to step down in their first term since 1968. Biden endorses Kamala Harris for president as senior Dems through their support behind the Vice President. The news appears to throw the Republicans off their stride. Biden vows to continue his term until November's election. Monday, July 22 - Kamala Harris raises a record $81 million in 24 hours as she secures the Democratic candidacy. She also inherits some $91 million in leftover campaign funds from Biden. Harris gives her first speech since Biden stepped out, and speaks to the president on the phone, although he doesn't appear in person. Under-pressure Secret Service chief Kimberly Cheatle appears on Capitol Hill and faces increasing calls to resign over the shooting of Trump. She admits the Secret Service "failed" on July 13 and resigns the following day.
BBC News
33 minutes ago
- BBC News
Wales' news Sustainable Farming Scheme absolutely right, minister says
A new flagship farming policy is "absolutely the right scheme", according to Wales' agriculture ahead of its launch, Huw Irranca-Davies said he was "hopeful it will land to a good reception", even though he conceded "there will be the odd person" who wished it had been done second iteration of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and the rate of payment farmers can expect for joining it is due to be announced next week, after unions and farmers rejected the original scheme, staging plans included a requirement for farmers to plant trees on 10% of their land to qualify for subsidies, but they claimed that could lead to huge job cuts. Farming union NFU Cymru want "at least the same level of stability to farm business, rural communities and supply chains" as the current scheme, known as the Basic Payment Welsh government has been holding roundtable discussions with farming leaders, as well as environmental and nature campaigners, to revise the plan which it hopes will make farming businesses sustainable and help to reach its 2030 climate and nature targets. Irranca-Davies, Wales' deputy first minister and secretary for rural affairs and the environment, said the final scheme was "the result of more than 12 months of intense work" involving farming unions, meat, livestock and dairy sectors as well as environmental groups "to get the balance".Although he would not give any detail about the scheme, he told BBC Politics Wales it was "going to be unlike anything else that's been delivered in the UK"."It'll be a whole farm approach and a whole nation approach that delivers for the people of Wales," he said."They want to see farming that produces good food to high animal welfare standards and also does the right thing for the environment."The minister would not commit to publishing an impact assessment of the final iteration as he said work was assessment of the first iteration of the scheme predicted 5,500 jobs would be lost and livestock numbers would be the government is also under pressure from environmentalists to ensure that the plan is 80% of Wales' landscape is under the care of farmers, it is also argued they have a key role to play in helping the effort to tackle climate change and the losses in nature. NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said it was "imperative that the revised scheme and budget attached to the SFS avoids such a shocking impact on one of Wales' iconic sectors". "The SFS must work for all farming sectors and areas of Wales and help ensure that Welsh farming can continue to underpin the £9.3bn food and farming supply chain," he about the impact assessment, Irranca-Davies said his "feeling was that it'll be better" for both "viable farm businesses and environmental benefits as well".Again refusing to pre-empt the announcement, he said there would be mitigations in order to ensure those in agriculture would not be left behind as Wales moves towards a greener economy with "real subtleties" within the scheme that would be Cymru's Delyth Jewell MS said: "I think there has been frustrations for a long time that lots of people in the farming community feel they haven't been heard. "We have to make sure - these are people who sustain our lives - we need to make sure their lives are made sustainable too."Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar MS said he wanted to see the policy voted on by politicians to ensure "democratic legitimacy" for the plan."We've got to make sure that the new scheme has food security at its heart, and that it will actually deliver the sustainable future for our farmers that they need," he said.
