Nato chief Rutte to meet Starmer, says ‘quantum leap' in UK defence spending needed
The secretary general of the military bloc is expected to say Nato must 'become a stronger, fairer and more lethal alliance'
©Press Association
Mark Rutte will say a 'quantum leap' in collective security is needed as the Nato chief meets British prime minister Keir Starmer amid calls for Britain to raise defence spending levels to 5pc of economic output.
The secretary general of the military bloc is expected to use a speech at London's Chatham House to say a '400pc increase in air and missile' capability is required just to maintain deterrence and defence.
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Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Ballymena riots: Fire started and windows smashed at Larne Leisure Centre
Social media posts have suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. It is understood there is currently nobody inside the Leisure Centre. It comes as protestors have gathered in towns across Northern Ireland with some being peaceful, while others have turned violent. The initial rioting ignited in Ballymena with the PSNI saying it is 'not clear' if paramilitaries are coordinating violence in the Co Antrim town. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, speaking during a press conference today, said: "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it." Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is planning to visit Ballymena, it has been announced. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also condemned 'mindless attacks' during the outbreak of violence in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland. Seven people have been arrested and 33 PSNI officers were injured over two nights of what the PSNI Chief Constable has described as 'mindless violence'. Follow our live blog for the latest updates: 13 minutes ago Heavy police presence in Ballymena amid third night of protesting 16 minutes ago 'Larne does not need this', says East Antrim MLA Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in his constituency. "Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs," the East Antrim MLA said. "Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this." 20 minutes ago Communities Minister condemns attack on Larne Leisure Centre Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in Larne. The East Antrim MLA said: 'The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility. There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.' 24 minutes ago Police Land Rovers arrive at Larne Leisure Centre Five police Land Rovers have arrived at the scene of the ongoing incident in Larne. Fire crews have been tasked to tackle the blaze that is understood to be currently contained to foyer of the leisure centre. 52 minutes ago Damage caused to a leisure centre in Larne amid protests Social media posts have suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. 59 minutes ago Police are at the scene as a small crowd has gathered in Ballymena Kevin Scott on Twitter / X A ring of police around the Harryville Bridge and Clonavon areas of crowds around but all spectators; all peaceful. @BelTel Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) June 11, 2025 Today 02:03 PM A vandalised house in Ballymena is now displaying a 'British Household' sign in the window Today 01:39 PM MLA urges for political leadership amid reports of anti-immigration protest in Portadown Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd has called for all political representatives to show leadership and urge a boycott of an anti-immigration protest planned in Portadown this evening. A Sinn Fein spokesman said there are reports of a demonstration being organised with one flyer suggesting the protest will target several homes and a hostel in the area. 'Reports of a racist protest being organised in Portadown by faceless elements are deeply disturbing and disgraceful,' the Upper Bann MLA said. "I am calling on all politicians, particularly those with influence in the greater Portadown area, to distance themselves from this protest and to publicly encourage a boycott. 'Anything less would be a total abdication of leadership at a time when it is needed most. 'We have already seen the misery that racist thugs have inflicted on the people of Ballymena and elsewhere — those scenes must not be repeated in Portadown.' Today 01:08 PM Officers in north Belfast are investigating a number of reports of criminal damage and arson from yesterday evening Chief Inspector Mullan said: 'A number of homes and vehicles throughout the north of the city – in Buttermilk Loney, Silverstream Road, Woodvale Avenue and Oakley Street - were damaged with windows smashed. Also in Oakley Street, three properties sustained damage after a car was set alight. Shortly afterwards, in Silverstream Gardens, two vehicles were deliberately set alight, while a motorbike was destroyed in an arson attack in Florence Court. In Legann Street, another car was set alight and two houses had windows smashed. 'At this time, all incidents are being treated as racially-motivated hate crimes. We absolutely condemn these disgraceful attacks on our minority ethnic friends and neighbours. Those responsible are endangering not only the lives of those inside the properties, but putting themselves at risk of injury. 'Our investigations are ongoing and local officers are working to identify all those involved in this incident. Make no mistake, we are treating these incidents exceptionally seriously. We will pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice through our courts. We will continue to engage closely with partner agencies and local advocacy groups as enquiries continue." Today 12:51 PM Filipino man's plea to rioters after car burned out in Ballymena violence 'We are not here to destroy your community': Filipino man's plea to rioters after car burned out in Ballymena violence A Filipino man who had his car burned out and home attacked during violence in Ballymena has pleaded with rioters to stop, telling them 'we are not here to destroy your community'. Today 12:35 PM Comment from Allison Morris on Ballymena violence There's no dressing up Ballymena violence, there is no, 'it is wrong but'… it is just racism In Exodus, God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorways with the blood of a sacrificed lamb so he would "pass over" their houses, sparing their firstborn sons, while striking down the firstborn of the Egyptians. Today 12:07 PM PSNI warn 'is rioting worth your future being put under threat?' ACC Ryan Henderson: "Let me say in the clearest possible terms, the senseless violence is utterly unacceptable, and as I see it serves, only to endanger and destroy our local area, our local communities. "And I want to appeal directly to those involved or considering becoming involved in the disorder to stop and think. Ask yourselves, is the hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted for? Is it worth your future being put under threat? Or indeed the future of your children? "Most importantly, please ask yourself, how are [these criminal acts] helping the ongoing criminal investigation in support of a young victim who deserves justice? This violence only serves to undermine the criminal investigation and cause further distress and turmoil to a young victim and her family. " Today 12:03 PM 80 additional officers requested from Great Britain to help ACC Ryan Henderson said: "A significant policing operation, will be in place in Ballymena and beyond over the coming days. We're taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles, and equipment to those areas with the rioting is taking place. This will have an impact on our communities." Today 11:59 AM PSNI preparing for possibility of more violence tonight ACC Ryan Henderson said: "My nearly 30 years in policing makes me absolutely alert to the fact we could see more tonight and that's why we're preparing and planning for that. "But I don't want the communities of Northern Ireland to feel unsafe, nor do I want them to feel that I am saying that we will definitely see this tonight." Today 11:57 AM Police 'not clear' on whether paramilitary coordination to rioting ACC Ryan Henderson said: "You will see the power of social media connecting different parts of Northern Ireland in terms of the desire to protest, but also the desire to be violent and how that has been done. And we have seen that in a number of sites over the past couple of days. "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it. But I want to be very clear that if it does come out from our investigations I'll not be slow or shy in attributing blame to those who are involved. " Today 11:53 AM PSNI press conference In a PSNI press conference today Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson praised officers who have dealt with two days of rioting in Ballymena. He said: "32 officers have now been injured over the last two nights of rioting. And I want to say publicly my admiration for the bravery and professionalism of those officers that they showed when dealing with the challenges and the violence they had to face." Today 11:40 AM NI Secretary hoping to visit Ballymena Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn hopes to visit Ballymena in the coming days, according to Lady Anderson. She also said the Cabinet minister was having "active conversations" with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI. Lady Anderson told peers that the region's Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was in the process of submitting a request through the mutual aid scheme to support current police policing operations. Today 11:33 AM Government minister says communities left 'very scared' following violence in NI A Government minister has said her thoughts are with communities in Northern Ireland who have been left "very scared" after two nights of violence in which a number of police officers have been injured. Responding to an urgent question in Parliament, Lords spokesperson for Northern Ireland Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent said: "The recent scenes of civil disorder which we have seen in Ballymena have no place in Northern Ireland. "The attacks on police officers as they work to keep people safe and on property are wholly unacceptable. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland ambulance service, who have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe. "My thoughts and prayers are with those officers still receiving treatment, and with the communities across Northern Ireland who woke up this morning very scared." Today 10:41 AM Policing Board members thank PSNI and emergency services for efforts in 'face of vicious attack' Policing Board Members today attended a specially convened briefing to receive an update from the PSNI on the policing response to the violence and disorder in Ballymena and other areas of Northern Ireland. Members were briefed on policing operations and challenges following violence. Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said: "Our thoughts are with the victim of this assault and their family. "Measures now being taken by the police to reassure the victims of the violence, and the wider community affected, were outlined and discussed." He added: "Board Members also heard about the ferocity of the violence directed at police officers and the police command decisions to deploy water cannon and baton rounds were explained. "We thank all the police officers, and emergency service colleagues, for their work in the face of vicious attack, and trust all 32 officers injured will make a full recovery." Ms Sharma said the board condemns acts of "wanton violence against people, police and property". He added: "Such violence and racism has no place in our community. The widespread calls for calm, in tandem with condemnation of the disorder and support for policing from political leaders and others, are welcomed. "Policing needs the continued support through political and community leadership to bring this violence to an end."
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
The UK has finally struck a deal with the EU on managing its land border with Spain
THE EU AND UK have finally struck a post-Brexit deal on the status of the territory of Gibraltar, which is located on the Iberian peninsula south of Spain but is controlled by the UK. The deal, which has taken five years since UK left the EU, should ease the flow of people and goods over the Gibraltar-Spain border. When the UK left the EU in 2020, the relationship between Gibraltar – historically an important military base for Britain due to its position at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea — and the EU remained unresolved. Talks between the UK, Spain, EU and Gibraltar on a deal had made halting progress during several rounds of negotiations under the UK's previous Conservative government but the arrival of Labour last summer gave new impetus. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said it was 'a truly historic milestone for the European Union, including Spain, as well as for the United Kingdom and Gibraltar'. 'This agreement benefits everyone and will bring legal certainty and confidence to the people and businesses across the region,' he said during a news conference in Brussels. He said he was 'absolutely convinced' it would be ratified by the parties because 'it's a good agreement'. A truly historic milestone: an EU-UK political agreement on the future relationship concerning Gibraltar. This benefits everyone and reinforces a new chapter in the 🇪🇺🇬🇧 relationship. Our joint statement with @jmalbares @DavidLammy @FabianPicardo 👉📝 . — Maroš Šefčovič🇪🇺 (@MarosSefcovic) June 11, 2025 In a statement, the four parties said the agreement would create a fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain, with no physical barriers or checks between the territory and the border town of La Linea. Advertisement People arriving in the territory by air or sea would undergo dual border checks at Gibraltar port and airport, to be carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. 'Spanish officials will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Schengen Area,' said a UK statement, which likened the arrangement to the system at London's St Pancras station, where French police carry out border checks for passengers bound for the EU. 'Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar's authorities,' said the statement from Britain's foreign office. 'Today's breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty,' British Foreign Minister David Lammy said in a statement. The agreement 'protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again', he said. Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said he was 'delighted' about the agreement that will bring 'legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier'. The deal, he said, 'will protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. Today, with @DavidLammy and @SDoughtyMP we held a Cabinet meeting in No6 Convent Place to agree final parameters for negotiation. We will now travel to Brussels to meet @MarosSefcovic and @jmalbares . It's time to try to finalise arrangements for lasting, stable relationship… — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 Around 15,000 people — over half of Gibraltar's workforce, according to the UK — cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day. Britain and Spain have disputed control of the tiny territory since it was ceded to Britain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. © AFP 2025
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
PSNI request support from UK colleagues to deal with Ballymena violence
Police in Northern Ireland have requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK following further violence in Ballymena, a senior officer has said. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has flared. He said there were disgraceful scenes in Belfast , Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey on Tuesday, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaks to media during a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast, following a second night of violence in Ballymena, during a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town. Photograph: Rebecca Black/ PA Wire By Wednesday six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, with one charged. READ MORE A 'significant policing operation' is to be in place in Ballymena and beyond on Wednesday night and in the coming days. Prime minister Keir Starmer has said he 'utterly' condemns violence that has left 32 police officers injured following a second night of disturbances. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned that the rioting 'risks undermining' the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend. Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course. Providing an update on the policing operation on Wednesday, Mr Henderson said: 'We are taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles and equipment to those areas where the rioting is taking place. 'This will have an impact on our community, this will take away vital resources needed to police other areas. 'It will have an impact on our ability to serve communities. 'As part of my forward planning I have now activated the request for mutual aid resources from policing colleagues in Great Britain to ensure we have the necessary support and maintain public order and bring offenders to justice in the days to come.' He said they have requested about 80 officers through mutual aid. Speaking during prime minister's questions in the UK House of Commons, Mr Starmer condemned the 'mindless attacks' against police. 'I utterly condemn the violence that we have seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers,' he told MPs. 'It's absolutely vital that the PSNI are given the time they need to investigate the incidents concerned rather than face mindless attacks as they seek to bring peace and order to keep people safe.' In a joint statement, ministers from across the Stormont powersharing Executive, which includes Sinn Fein, DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder have nothing to offer society but 'division and disorder'. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly later appeared together to voice their condemnation. Sinn Féin vice president Ms O'Neill told reporters in Belfast: 'It's pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.' She said ministers stood full-square with the young girl who was subject to the alleged sex attack but she said the criminal justice system must be allowed to deal with that case. 'Separate to that is the racism that we're seeing … people being firebombed out of their homes, people having their doors knocked in, having their windows being smashed, families being intimidated,' Ms O'Neill added. 'That is absolutely unacceptable and everything that needs to be done to bring it to an end is our focus in terms of the engagement we have with the PSNI.' Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as 'unacceptable thuggery', adding: 'We've been in contact with the chief constable, and in constant contact with the PSNI throughout last night in terms of what was happening on the ground. 'I think today is about sending a very clear message that violence is wrong, it is entirely unacceptable. It must stop.' With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms O'Neill said she did not believe a visit by her would prove helpful in the current context. DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly visited the town on Wednesday, and met local residents. She said members of the local community are in fear and want the violence to stop.
