Latest news with #Anglo-German
Bloomberg
14 hours ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Starmer and Merz Ink Treaty Locking in Defense Cooperation
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a treaty that includes a commitment for the two nations to assist each other in case of armed attack, part of a wider reset of post-Brexit ties. Conservative leader Merz, who hailed 'an historic day for Anglo-German relations,' has made clear his regret over Britain quitting the European Union and is keen to deepen cooperation with the government in London. Starmer said it would 'bring the UK and Germany closer than ever' as they confront challenges like Donald Trump's trade onslaught and Russia's war on Ukraine.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Motoring expert says this 'impressive' used car blows all competition away
A used car expert has commented on a used car that won awards when new, but is now a popular model on the second hand vehicle market A used car expert has highlighted how impressive one popular small car, claiming that few rivals can match the vehicle. Motoring enthusiasts are often giving tips for people looking for new vehicles on what to aim for. Just recently, an expert claimed one used car is "the most reliable" in the world. But now another car has come to the fore – the Mini Cooper. The vehicle was reinvigorated as a brand and motor vehicle when it was revived by BMW in the early-2000s. Since the car was brought back to life, now as the MINI, it has become a hit among millions of drivers around the world. As a result, it has become a fan favourite on the used car market for it's smart handling and reliability. Discussing the car, Auto Express ' Richard Dredge praised the Anglo-German model. He said: 'In 2016 the MINI was crowned Best Premium Small Car at our New Car Awards for the third time in a row. It was our overall Car of the Year in 2014. Then and now, the MINI is up against some stiff competition, but we reckon that none of its rivals can match the ever-popular model's cheeky looks, efficient engines, engaging dynamics and low running costs.' On which version of the MINI people should buy, Richard said it all depended on what option packs you were after and whether one would be happy with a manual or automatic gearbox, but recommended the Cooper. He explained: 'Air-con had to be specified at the time of ordering as a no-cost option on the One/One D and Cooper/Cooper D models, so check it's fitted. The One is spartan, so we'd go for at least a Cooper. 'Pin down what options or option packs are included on any potential purchase; the list is extensive. The Pepper and Chili packs bring different features depending on the trim level.' He also noted it was "impressive" how high the MINI MK3 ranked in AutoExpress' survey among owners. Whilst the MINI as a brand may be strong in the UK, there is uncertainty over the future of its Oxford plant. Earlier this year, in February, it was announced that parent-company BMW had announced a decision to delay the reintroduction of electric car production at the facility. In a statement, they said: 'Plant Oxford is at the heart of Mini production, manufacturing and exporting a range of models, which are sought after in the UK and around the world. "However, given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford. 'We have informed the UK government of our decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford. "As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans."
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
FirstUp: US protests against Trump, German leader in UK and more... Headlines Today
On July 17, tens of thousands of people are expected to protest the US administration on the fifth anniversary of the death of civil rights leader and former Congressman John Lewis. A landmark Anglo-German treaty awaits in London, and G20 finance talks are scheduled in Durban. In India, Odisha observes a bandh over a student's death, while President Murmu prepares to confer the 2024–25 Swachh Survekshan urban sanitation awards read more Faith leaders and students stage a sit-in protest to urge the US Senate to pass the Freedom To Vote: John R Lewis Act on the steps of the US Capitol building in Washington, US, January 18, 2022. File Image/Reuters July 17, 2025 promises to be a high-profile day for global affairs. In the United States, thousands will rally in the 'Good Trouble Lives On' protests, marking five years since civil rights icon John Lewis's passing. In London, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to sign a landmark Anglo-German treaty with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In South Africa, G20 finance ministers will meet in Durban to address climate-linked debt and economic disparities. Meanwhile in India, Odisha will observe a statewide bandh over a student's death, and President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Swachh Survekshan Awards. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US civil rights flashpoint The United States will witness a coast-to-coast wave of 'Good Trouble Lives On' protests, marking the fifth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis' passing. Organised through coalitions such as Indivisible, Third Act, and John Lewis Actions, over 1,200 events are expected nationwide as of July 11, with more than 56,000 RSVPs reported. These peaceful demonstrations are intended to push back on what organisers describe as the Trump administration's rollback of civil and human rights, including voter suppression and judicial overreach. In cities like San Antonio and Miami, scheduled events include banners, sit-ins and voter registration tables — extending Lewis's legacy of non-violent civic action to demand protections for voting rights, racial justice and civic participation. White House officials are anticipated to reaffirm their view of Trump's mandate, arguing that 80 million voters support his policy trajectory. Merz in London German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to arrive in London tomorrow for his first official state visit since assuming office in May. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and sign a pivotal 'friendship treaty' — the first formal defence cooperation agreement between the two governments since World War II. The treaty will reportedly strengthen collaboration across foreign policy, national security, defence, migration, economic growth, and people-to-people ties. Analysts see this move as signalling deeper European independence from US defence dependency and a fortified transatlantic alliance . G20 Finance Ministers' summit G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will convene in Durban, South Africa (July 17-18), concluding a multi-tier Finance Track that began in nearby Zimbali. Key agenda topics include: Urgent action on Sub‑Saharan Africa's $800 billion debt burden. Expansion and reform of the G20 Common Framework for debt relief to include middle-income countries. The urgent need for climate-related finance, including re-engagement in partnerships like the Just Energy Transition (JETP). Mounting trade tensions spurred by the Trump administration's tariff threats targeting Brics nations. Notably, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be absent for the second time this year, opting to attend the Osaka World Expo; instead, Michael Kaplan will lead the US delegation. African leaders, led by South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Godongwana, aim to conclude a joint communiqué — something the G20 finance track has failed to achieve since 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Odisha bandh A state-wide bandh (shutdown) in Odisha is being carried out tomorrow following the tragic death of a 20-year-old student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. The student succumbed to 95 per cent burn injuries after allegedly setting herself on fire to protest inaction on her sexual harassment complaint Key developments include: Police have arrested the college principal and department head; the UGC has formed a four-member fact-finding committee. Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has sought an official report; Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is visiting the hospital and has announced ₹20 lakh ex gratia for the family. Eight political parties, including Congress and BJD, are enforcing the bandh with protests, sit-ins, and public service disruptions across Balasore, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. Rahul Gandhi has called it 'systematic murder by the system,' while BJP leaders have accused him of politicising the tragedy. Activists and experts are demanding tighter sexual harassment standards, mandatory institutional counseling, and enhanced grievance mechanisms across India's colleges. Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 awards ceremony In New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan, President Droupadi Murmu is set to preside over the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024–25 — the ninth edition of this sweep of India's urban sanitation milestones. Some of the highlights include: Honouring over 78 urban local bodies for excellence in cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat Mission — highlighting the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Cities from Madhya Pradesh — led by Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Gwalior, Dewas, Budni, and Shahganj — will receive awards. Indore continues its dominance in the 'Super Swachh League.' Karnal (Haryana) and municipalities in Andhra Pradesh will also be recognised for their cleanliness initiatives . Ministers, commissioners, safai mitras and sanitation workers will attend alongside President Murmu and Union Minister Manohar Lal, recognising the foundational role of local communities. With inputs from agencies
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
UK and Germany to Pledge to Defend Each Other in Reset of Ties
(Bloomberg) -- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will sign a new Anglo-German treaty in London on Thursday that includes a commitment to assist each other in case of armed attack. Starmer and Merz's predecessor, Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, laid the groundwork for the pact at a meeting last August in Berlin, when the British premier called it 'part of a wider reset grounded in a new spirit of cooperation.' Conservative leader Merz has made clear his regret over the UK quitting the European Union and has vowed to join forces with Starmer to confront challenges like Donald Trump's trade onslaught and the war on Ukraine. His trip to London comes a week after French President Emmanuel Macron made the first state visit by a European leader to the UK since Brexit, helping to reinforce warmer Anglo-French relations. Here's what to look out for from Thursday's meeting, when Starmer and Merz are due to sign the new treaty during a ceremony at London's Victoria and Albert Museum: The mutual defense pledge is a reaction both to an increasingly aggressive Russia and growing concern among European allies about US commitment to NATO under President Trump, according to a senior German official. At the same time, it's not meant to be a substitute for the principle of collective defense at the heart of NATO's founding treaty, known as Article 5, added the official, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential deliberations. For Germany, the defense element is particularly significant because the UK is, together with France, one of Europe's two nuclear powers. Germany doesn't possess its own nuclear warheads, but benefits from the protective 'umbrella' the US has spread over the continent. Atomic weapons are not explicitly mentioned in the new treaty, according to the German official. Starmer and Merz will also make a commitment to deliver a new long-range missile system — the Deep Precision Strike capability — in the next decade, according to a statement from Starmer's office. It will have a range of more than 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) and help boost the UK and European defense sectors via 'significant industrial investment.' The treaty also contains measures relating to trade, transport and irregular migration, part of an effort to minimize the negative effects of Brexit. Alongside the pact, Germany is expected to commit to making it illegal to facilitate irregular migration to the UK, with the law change to be adopted by the end of the year, Starmer's office said. Following the recent deal between Britain and the US, Merz and Starmer will also discuss the ongoing trade talks between Brussels and Washington, according to the German official. Merz has called for a swift EU-US trade accord and cited Trump's deal with Starmer as a potential model. Thursday's events will be a welcome distraction from domestic difficulties for both leaders. Starmer, for his part, has been forced into a spate of policy U-turns in recent weeks that have compromised his government's hard-earned reputation for fiscal discipline. 'The international stage is clearly where he is happiest at the moment,' said Gemma Loomes, a lecturer in comparative politics at Keele University. 'The treaty symbolizes his commitment to rebuilding European relations post-Brexit but also allows him to temporarily put his domestic troubles to one side.' Merz, meanwhile, is dealing with an increasingly fractious ruling coalition, with his conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democrats at odds over issues ranging from welfare reforms to judicial appointments and already drawing comparisons with the infighting that dogged Scholz's administration. Beyond the treaty, the UK and Germany will also unveil commercial investments worth more than £200 million ($268 million) that will create around 600 new jobs, according to Starmer's office. These include: More stories like this are available on
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Britain's ‘Nazi Islands' haunted by scandal of ‘Jerrybags' who bedded Hitler's henchmen & saw ‘traitor' babies shunned
Loading the THEY were witnesses to Nazi rule on British soil - and they had to choose whether to collaborate, resist, or walk the line between them. In June 1940 Nazi Germany took control of the Channel Islands in an occupation that would last 1,774 days. Advertisement 20 Nazi Germany took control of the Channel Islands in an occupation that would last 1,774 days Credit: getty 20 Hitler insisted that the Channel Islands be turned into an impregnable fortress Credit: getty 20 Guernsey local Dolly Edwards fell for German signaller Willi Joanknecht during the occupation Credit: Collect As the Other islanders had their homes commandeered to house German officers, and informers and young women who chose to strike up relationships with the occupying soldiers were ostracised by their friends and neighbours. Now a new Channel 4 documentary has used diaries and memoirs from the wartime occupation to bring to life the stories of those who lived under Nazi rule - including some heroes of the resistance. Historian Dr Louise Willmot says: 'Some people did collaborate, and some people did resist. I'm very glad I never had to make that choice. Advertisement 'There was also Hitler's own obsession with the Channel Islands, for him it was a propaganda prize.' On 15 June 1940, Churchill ordered the withdrawal of all military troops from the Channel Islands, leaving 94,000 islanders behind. Residents were given the choice to evacuate - but 69,000 chose to stay in their homes on the islands, undefended by the British military. Advertisement Most read in The Sun "Three or four people put up their hands. Then he asked those who could not speak German to put up their hands. "Hundreds did - and immediately a photograph was taken and was published in a German paper as the Jersey people 'heiling' Hitler.' This is one of the safest Channel Islands 20 Historian Dr Louise Willmot (left) and Professor Gilly Carr (right) discuss the diary entries of those who lived under Nazi rule in a new Channel 4 documentary Credit: Channel 4 / Paul Groom 20 Dolly and Willi's was the UK's first Anglo-German wedding after the war, in 1947 Credit: Collect Advertisement Historian Dr Willmot explains: 'Hitler insisted that the Channel Islands be turned into an impregnable fortress and not taken back. "He wanted to turn St Peter Port into some kind of U-boat base, the rest of the islands he wanted to use as a holiday resort. It is Hitler's obsession that it will become permanently part of German territory." But he wasn't counting on the bravery of some of the islanders - including local journalist Frank Falla, who launched an underground newspaper to debunk the German propaganda, and artist and anti-fascist Claude Cahun, who risked her life to try to encourage mutiny amongst the German troops. Claude lived with her 'step-sister' Suzanne Malherbe, who changed her name to Marcel Moore. But the pair were in fact lovers. Advertisement Hitler insisted that the Channel Islands be turned into an impregnable fortress and not taken back Historian Dr Willmot Claude had a Jewish father and in 1937 the had pair escaped tensions in pre-war Paris and bought a house in Jersey. When the Germans arrived, they believed it was their duty to make a stand. They scribbled anti-Nazi slogans on cigarette packets, strewn where Germans would find them. Then in 1942 they began distributing leaflets, typed in German, under the pseudonym 'The Nameless Soldier' – seemingly a rebel Nazi stirring dissent. Advertisement The leaflets were rolled up like 'paper bullets' and left inside shops and cafes, pushed through the windows of army vehicles, slipped into the pockets of soldiers' uniforms and stuffed into postboxes. These paper bullets were small, but the impact was significant. In Claude's diaries she wrote: 'I write the news bulletins in English, manifestos and slogans in French. I want to give the Germans the illusion that there are several typewriters. 20 Winifred Harvey was a 51-year-old middle class Guernsey housewife who wrote in her diaries at the time of the Nazi's rule Advertisement 20 Islander Winifred Harvey is played by Amanda Root in Britain Under the Nazis: The Forgotten Occupation Credit: Channel 4 / Paul Groom 20 Artist and anti-fascist Claude Cahun risked her life to try to encourage mutiny amongst the German troops "I make every effort to vary the strikes and format to make it look like several typists. My imaginary creation becomes an organised group and not just a solitary writer." As Cahun and Moore grew bolder, their messages instructed troops not to fight, and called Hitler a vampire, with slogans like: "Idiot that you may die, so the Fuhrer may live a little longer!" Advertisement Claude wrote: 'I have to do whatever I can - by speaking or writing. When I try to induce German soldiers to lay down their arms, I'm true to my principles. "I am against war and against repression by our enemies. Perhaps Jersey is almost the only place where that luxury can be indulged.' They smuggled leaflets into labour camps to boost morale and helped escaped Historian Dr Louise Willmot says they knew they were risking their lives to do so: "By choosing to do this work, they were saying, 'I am prepared to die in order to do this work, which is so important.' Advertisement 'And it worked for a long time. The Germans did think that there must be a number of people involved and some of them must be German soldiers. "They were able to do it for almost three years before they were caught.' 'Jerrybags' scandal 20 Local Methodist Minister Douglas Ord wrote about how 'uniform fascinates a type of female' 20 Andrew Havill plays the role of Reverend Douglas Ord in the Channel 4 production Credit: Channel 4 / Paul Groom Advertisement 20 German officer Hans Max von Aufsess said 'English women are straightforward, uncomplicated and easy when it comes to love' 20 Wolf Danny Homann plays Baron Hans Max Von Aufsess Credit: Channel 4 / Paul Groom It is staggering how cheek to jowl the islanders and the Germans lived - on average, there was one German soldier for every three islanders. And the occupation continued, not everyone on the islands was hostile to the enemy. Advertisement Local Methodist Minister Douglas Ord wrote in his diaries: 'I saw a young Luftwaffe man walking out with a local girl, their arms intertwined behind their backs, her head on his shoulder. "Uniform fascinates a type of female, no matter what's inside it. I can't think that any woman who goes with the occupying forces has much self-respect." Journalist Frank Falla wrote: 'Because I work at night… I see the girls being driven home by their German boyfriends. Britain does not deserve these traitors even if she has given birth to them.' Even German officer Hans Max von Aufsess wrote: 'There is a good understanding between the German soldiers and English girls. Advertisement "As long as it occurs in sufficient secrecy, the girls give in to temptation. English women are straightforward, uncomplicated and easy when it comes to love.' As long as it occurs in sufficient secrecy, the girls give in to temptation. English women are straightforward, uncomplicated and easy when it comes to love German officer Hans Max von Aufsess Douglas Ord later added to his journal: 'An unpleasant report is going round that a wretched woman has been holding cocktail parties for German officers and local girls. "There's another ugly rumour that before Christmas some 500 local girls will have had children to Germans.' Dr Louise Willmott explains: 'It did happen. You can argue that it's a natural thing in an occupation that lasts for five years, in which enmities break down and relationships are made." Advertisement She continues: 'During the war, there was condemnation of the so-called 'Jerrybags', the women who had relationships with German soldiers. But really, they're a small minority.' The issue of young women residents left with babies after having relationships with German soldiers was brought to life in the film The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, starring Lily James. Guernsey resident Dolly Edwards fell for German signaller Willi Joanknecht and theirs was the UK's first Anglo-German wedding after the war, in 1947 — but they were banned from returning to the island. Their marriage lasted more than 50 years, and they had five children. Advertisement 'Traitor babies' 20 The German occupation of the Channel Islands inspired the film The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, starring Lily James Credit: Studio Canal 20 Children whose fathers were German soliders were shunned by society Credit: Visit Guernsey 20 Islander and local journalist Frank Falla launched an underground newspaper to debunk the German propaganda 20 Bailif Coutanche was the head of Jersey's government who lifted Claude and Marcel's near execution Advertisement 20 Callum Coates plays Alexander Coutanche Credit: Channel 4 / Paul Groom Hitler wanted to build an Atlantic Wall - a huge fortification down the French coast of almost 1700 miles long - so they also had to bring in 16,000 labourers to the Channel Islands. Many of these were Next Hitler ordered the deportation of anyone not born on the islands, then radios were banned to stop Islanders from listening to BBC news. Advertisement But on 23 June 1943 the Islanders were given an opportunity to show their own resistance to the Germans. More than 400 sailors were killed when The islanders were to give them a burial - and more than 5,000 people turned out to pay their respects, draping the coffins in union flags. Frank Falla wrote: 'The people of the island decide that this is their chance to show their loyalty to Britain. 5,000 of us make our way to the funeral. The Germans are completely taken by surprise. Advertisement 'They're almost lost in this great mass of passive demonstrators. There can be no doubt where our true sympathies lie.' The people of the island decide that this is their chance to show their loyalty to Britain. 5,000 of us make our way to the funeral. The Germans are completely taken by surprise... There can be no doubt where our true sympathies lie Frank Falla But soon Frank's underground news service was uncovered by the Germans, and he and four others were convicted of spreading BBC news and deported to a prison in Germany. And in July 1944, Claude and Marcel's house was raided, where officers found a suitcase full of leaflets, a banned radio, camera, a typewriter and a revolver. The couple were sent to prison and sentenced to death for 'inciting the troops through propaganda'. Advertisement But the threat of execution was lifted when Bailif Coutanche - the head of Jersey's government - appealed on the grounds it would traumatise the islanders. The war was declared over on May 8, 1945 - and Cahun and Moore were released the same day. In July, Frank Fall returned to Guernsey determined to get justice for victims of the islands' Nazi occupation - a fight that took him 20 years. Advertisement "They were not recognised as having been the brave people who did the right thing. Instead, the bailiffs of the Channel Islands were given knighthoods. "Never being able to identify precisely the collaborators meant that for decades afterwards, the whole thing became a bigger taboo. 'My mother, who was from Guernsey, was told, for example, that she wasn't to talk to another girl in her class because her father was reputed to have been a German soldier. Read more on the Irish Sun "These sorts of things go on for generations. In fact, discussion of these matters is still taboo in the Channel Islands today.' Advertisement Britain Under the Nazis: The Forgotten Occupation airs on May 29 at 8pm on Channel 4 and is available to watch on Channel 4OD. 20 After Churchill withdrew all military troops from the Channel Islands, 94,000 islanders were left behind Credit: getty 20 Hitler planned to turn the islands into a holiday resort Credit: getty 20 Aerial view of St Peter Port which Hitler wanted to turn into a U-boat base Credit: getty Advertisement
