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Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'This psychotic defence review means Britain is no longer one of the good guys'
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Prime Minister with domestic troubles must be in want of a war. But one with no money can, at best, hope to look warlike while spending less than promised on a conflict that is, for the voter, comfortably distant. And so it is for today's Strategic Defence Review, the inevitable kit-check for every incoming government. They are as predictable as bank holiday rain, and about as dampening to the spirit, for their main aim is to make a new broom look brisk while planning for what conflicts will look like in a decade's time. Except: 1) They'll look stupid and pointless, as they always do, and 2) You're in the midst of a technological revolution and absolutely nobody thought lads trained on Nintendo Game Boys would one day come in useful. Last time Labour entered power in 1997, their SDR predicted troops would in future only be used in humanitarian missions. They spent billions on navy vessels that could carry Royal Marines to help out in disaster zones, and dumped tanks in favour of snatch Land Rovers, then promptly entered into land wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where the first was useless and the second were deadly. They would better be known as Silly and Delusional Reviews, authored by top brass making brrm-brrm noises and politicians cosplaying as tough guys when their idea of a fight is a stern letter to the editor about the lack of patriotism in Foxy's latest column. But there is one aspect of the Starmer Project's little ego trip which everyone seems to have overlooked, and it is that Britain has decided to stop being one of the good guys. Everyone who works for the government, or likes Starmer, will at this point puff out their cheeks and scoff. Putting a human rights barrister in charge of weapons should be the best possible thing you could do with them. No more extra-judicial killings by the SAS, right lads? Hmmmmmm. I thought that was the whole point of them. The thing Prime Ministers never quite get is that they may sit at the top of the chain of command, but everybody beneath them knows it's temporary. To the Ministry of Defence - an institution which has existed in some form or other since the days of Alfred the Great - it's just like having a supply teacher in charge. They think they wield ineffable power, but the rest of the class is thinking let's get this one to say we can buy 12 new submarines and do colouring-in on Friday afternoons. And it smacks of just such a wheeze that the new SDR promises levels of funding the politicians won't commit to, on timescales that won't be met, for drones that our enemies already have tens of thousands of, and missile factories creating long-range weapons already outclassed by hypersonic versions in the hands of Russia, China and the US. The creation of jobs and production lines will create a more militarised economy better able to respond, if and when a major war begins. But such a war would need to wait until we are ready. In truth, we're promising to take money from the disabled to spend on equipment that's already defunct to fight wars that will be conducted with a touchscreen. It's purely political patriotism. Taking money from the sick and the crippled to make more of the same is supposed to be what the bad guys do. There's little mention in the SDR of how we are expected to deal with a new wave of veterans, damaged by traumas of battle on-screen or IRL. Around £1.5bn will be allocated to improve housing for existing troops, which is less than half of what's needed to make the estate fit for human habitation. And nothing has been said about what happens to the troops that will need to be recruited, once they've served their purpose. But perhaps a clue to how this government plans to handle this knotty issue can be found in its decision to buy F35 jets capable of dropping nuclear bombs. The practice of relying on the purely-defensive at-sea deterrent, housed in hidden, patrolling submarines which have kept the peace for 50 years, is to be supplemented with airborne nukes which turn the most powerful weapons in our arsenal into offensive tools. What was a shield will become a first-strike device, and when defence editors tell you these are "low-yield tactical weapons, nothing like Hiroshima" remember this: they're worse. The bombs that fell on Japan were atomic, pea-shooters compared to the B61s which these jets can carry, and which are thermonuclear fusion weapons capable of infinitely greater destruction. Their yield can be fine-tuned according to need, and be anything up to 20 times as powerful as those that ended World War Two. It puts planes and crews at risk to fly over enemy territory, relies on gravity and is at risk of being blown-off course, and if it were to be shot down would suffer a non-fissile explosion likely to cover vast areas with fallout for thousands of years. The whole point of such an airborne bomb is to scare the bejeebus out of everyone under the flightpath. It patrols in the same way as a permanently-clenched fist patrols at the end of your arm. A defensive tool becomes naked aggression, and the whole world was here before: it was called the Cold War, was characterised by sweaty-palmed world leaders leading every news bulletin with their chins, and it ended only when everybody put their fists back in their pockets. In Opposition, Defence Secretary John Healey told the veterans who helped create that deterrent, and who show 345% increases in radiogenic leukaemia, 10 times the normal rate of miscarriage and elevated rates of suicide, that he was in favour of multilateral disarmament. Today, he's threatening to fling the same radioactive legacy at untold thousands of foreign citizens. At the same time his ministry is still telling those same veterans, as it has for 70 years, that they were perfectly safe when dirty bombs were detonated at the ends of their noses. Tell me, class, if they are so very safe, why are we spending £15bn to terrify the world with a load more of them? The one thing every SDR never bothers to check for is morality. We rely on politicians for that. Which may be why some of the SAS will cheerfully slot a civilian, why nukes can be turned from a deterrent to a come-on-then without any discussion, and why nuclear veterans are still waiting for the Prime Minister to notice they exist. Wrapping yourself in a flag, taking money from the poor, and leading a defence ministry hallucinating with the madness of mutually-illogical policies is not what the good guys do. If a Prime Minister does not look after our heroes and our lame, if we do not treat them with the same dignity and honour, then there are no British values left worth defending.
The South African
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
Divorce drama? Siya catches strays over Rachel Kolisi's 'used' car
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has found himself trending on social media after his former wife, Rachel Kolisi, revealed her 'downgrade' from a luxury to a modest car. The ex-rugby WAG surprised everyone on Instagram by announcing that she had traded her modern Mercedes-Benz for an older Toyota Yaris. Rachel – who announced her split from Siya last October – has since deleted the post. On Friday, Rachel posted – and swiftly deleted – a post teasing that latest car, a Toyota Yaris. The modest vehicle is a far cry from her state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benzes and Land Rovers, which she is likely accustomed to. 'Life has a funny way of humbling you just when you think you've got it all figured out. One day you're riding high, the next you're asking a friend to borrow their spare car and googling 'how to parallel park a Yaris with dignity'', she captioned the post. The mother-of-two added: 'It's not forever. It's just a chapter. But honestly? Betsy (the car) and I are kind of vibing, and I still nail clutch control.' Rachel Kolisi deleted an IG post about her modest car. Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi On the X platform, Rachel Kolisi's car reveal had many South Africans slagging off her former husband, Siya Kolisi. Many believed that the Springbok captain 'owed' his ex a luxury car over their eight years of marriage and two children together. @coriekingsley: 'They have kids. The least he could do is leave her comfortably. She also took care of his siblings.' @yoyoyodity: 'Men will leave you in the desert with no water'. Others believed Rachel Kolisi was trying to garner public sympathy. @josnowwy: 'I feel like she is being a bit unfair. She wants people to hate Siya, and we do not know about what is happening or what happened in their marriage.' @KatlegoYaBadimo: 'Rachel knows what she's doing, shame!' Since announcing their split, Siya and Rachel Kolisi have kept news of their divorce and subsequent settlement under wraps. It remains unconfirmed if the couple will be splitting their assets or walking away with their own. What is confirmed is that Rachel has claimed that she was pressured to leave her post as CEO of the couple's joint charity, the Kolisi Foundation. In a complaint filed with the CCMA, Rachel claimed 'constructive dismissal', alleging that her working conditions became 'intolerable', 'forcing' her to resign. She is seeking reinstatement or compensation for the distress caused by her resignation. Although Rachel's source of income is unclear, she and her two children, as well as Siya's two siblings, continue to live in their Cape Town home. Siya lives in a Ballito mansion in KwaZulu-Natal, where he plays for the Sharks. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
'Humbling': Rachel Kolisi 'downgrades' to affordable car
Rachel Kolisi has swapped driving luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rovers for a more affordable ride, a Yaris! Despite being the former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Rachel has been praised for her humility and simplicity. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Rachel Kolisi posted a series of pictures of her latest ride – an old Toyota Yaris. In the post, the former Springbok WAG rode around in the modest vehicle, which she also used to pick up her ex Siya Kolisi's sister Liphelo. The influencer and philanthropist captioned the post: 'Life has a funny way of humbling you just when you think you've got it all figured out. One day you're riding high, the next you're asking a friend to borrow their spare car and googling 'how to parallel park a Yaris with dignity.' The mother-of-two added: 'It's not forever. It's just a chapter. But honestly? Betsy (the car) and I are kind of vibing, and I still nail clutch control.' Rachel Kolisi deleted an IG post about her modest car. Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi Just hours earlier, Rachel had posted pictures of her 'last day' in her Mercedes-Benz. It's unclear if the luxury car was hers or possibly a brand endorsement deal. Rachel Kolisi isn't the only Capetonian who will be hitting the road in a Yaris. Former DA leader Helen Zille revealed in March that she would be finally upgrading her trusted Corsa of 25 years to another affordable option. In the comments section, Helen was asked what car she would be driving next. 'A Toyota Yaris,' she responded. According to Toyota, the Yaris debuted in South Africa in 2005 and quickly became one of their best-selling models globally. In recent years, 'slow sales' have seen the popular car being discontinued in countries around the world. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
ECD Automotive Unleashes ''67 Ghost' Mustang - A Redefined, Bespoke Classic
ECD Automotive Designs, the company known for its reimagined Land Rovers and Jaguars, has branched out into the muscle car realm with the "'67 Ghost." This 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback is a restomod take on Ford's classic icon, with some touches that may impress or mortify, depending on how you like your classic cars. Not only is this the first Mustang that ECD has built entirely in-house, but it also marks the beginning of their custom Mustang lineup, offering bespoke builds across the 1965 to 1970 model years. With a claimed focus on "period authentic engines and modern luxury craftsmanship," ECD decided to stick to gas and worked exclusively with Roush Performance on a refined small-block Ford V8 for the '67 Ghost. The ROUSH 347 IR V8 makes 465 hp through a set of deep, throaty exhaust pipes. "We're not following the crowd," said Elliot Humble, CTO of ECD. "Everyone else is swapping in modern powertrains. We're doing something far more special - taking original Small Block Fords and making them better with Roush. Paired with the RS Spec chassis, these cars are fast, comfortable, and totally reimagined for how people want to drive today." The interior is where this restomod may start to fall apart for some, including yours truly. While the brushed aluminum dashboard and gauges fit the look of a classic Mustang, the black leather heated Recaro front seats with tan diamond-stitched inserts do not. The same goes for the black center console and the unfortunate inclusion of an Alpine touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and JBL audio. Even the rearview mirror has been swapped to a live-feed digital rearview mirror, which, despite bringing a modern touch to the cabin, takes away from the overall feel of a classic Mustang. The Mustang rides on a Roadster Shop RS Spec chassis, with a body finished in High Gloss Mineral White with Santorini Black Metallic rally stripes. The rest of the body remains true to the 1967 Mustang's image, with the glaring exception of those 17" Rambler chrome wheels. In my mind, a muscle car needs big rubber to get the V8's power under control at all times, and the skinny Nitto tires on the big chrome wheels just don't fit that look. At least there are 11" drilled & slotted rotors behind them with four piston red calipers. ECD claims it has multiple Mustang builds already underway, with some inspired by Shelbys and Boss-era styling. According to the company's website, a Mustang build starts at $279,995, cheap, to put it mildly. Whether or not a six-figure price tag is worth it for a modernized 465 hp V8 Mustang is entirely up to the prospective owner, but at least ECD didn't make it electric. That's one thing we can all be happy about. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Business Upturn
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
UPDATE: A1 AUTOMOTIVE TO CELEBRATE SECOND STORE OPENING ON MAY 23
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — City officials, commissioners and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce representatives will celebrate the opening of A1 Automotive's second store location at noon on Friday, May 23, at 52nd and Yankee Hill. 'We are full of gratitude as we expand our services and support to the automotive industry in a bigger capacity to the city's southside,' said owner and founder Kendall Warnock. 'Small businesses are the engines of local economies, creating jobs, fostering innovation and contributing to the very fabric of our great City. My family and I are very grateful to be in this space and make an impact in our community.' The full-service, local family-owned automotive repair shop, specializes in all makes and models, including EVs, Hybrids, Porshe's, Land Rovers, Chevrolets, Hondas and preparing for Hydrogen as an energy source, has been providing personalized service for the past 15 years throughout Lincoln and have customers driving from Council Bluffs, Iowa and Marysville, Kansas. The new location at 5110 State Hill Drive will also offer free meeting space in a new on-site Community Room, which can be used at no cost for HOA meetings, business meetings, family gatherings or Birthday parties. In honor of the new store opening, A-1 will be offering through July 31 $25 off any service over $300; $50 over $500; and $75 over $750. The store will also be giving away 55 free oil changes and $30 oil changes through July 1. 'My wife, Desiree, I and our three children are grateful to see the positive effect that our business has had on the automotive repair industry through the years and with the addition of this new location, that service is even more enhanced,' he said. 'We understand the importance of caring for others, nothing matters much more to me then taking care of as many people in this community that we can, and sometimes; that is outside of the automotive repair industry.' Warnock is quick to credit his parents for the work ethic instilled in him as a young man growing up in Rosalie, on the Omaha Indian Reservation. 'We really didn't know what money was, we had food, and a warm home and kitchen sink to brush our teeth,' Warnock said. 'But my parents taught me about hard work at their own two-stall garage and filling station. Through them I learned that caring for others is our first priority and that will never change until my time on earth is up' To learn more about A1 Automotive, or to schedule an appointment, please visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
