Latest news with #LiamFox
Scotsman
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts hit a 66-year record as they aim for more history this season
Scottish Premiership start equals a long-standing run of wins Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The euphoria created by one glance of Stuart Findlay's head at Tannadice won't be easily forgotten. Nothing resonates better than a stoppage-time winner, after all. The dramatic 3-2 victory over Dundee United was Hearts' 10th consecutive win in all competitions and their fans are doubtless still high on adrenalin today. Understandably so, for almost 66 years have passed since their club last managed such a feat. Hearts beat Ross County, Motherwell, St Johnstone and Kilmarnock to finish last year's Premiership with four victories under interim head coach Liam Fox. They then cruised past Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton Academical, Stirling Albion and Dumbarton to start this season's League Cup with confidence following Derek McInnes' arrival. Sunday's comeback from 2-1 down at United following a comfortable opening Premiership win over Aberdeen. As a result, momentum is building in Gorgie. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some will get carried away, others will refuse to be lulled into any false sense of security knowing that many potential pitfalls lie ahead. For anyone partial to an omen, records show Hearts' previous 10-game winning run came in the 1959/60 campaign - the last time they won the Scottish league title. Between 3 October and 21 November, 1959, the Tynecastle side excelled in a period which underpinned both league and League Cup success. Hearts won league matches against Ayr United, Airdrie, Arbroath, Third Lanark, Rangers, Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in that period, and would go on to claim the old Scottish First Division title. In between, they also defeated Cowdenbeath in the League Cup semi-final and Third Lanark in the final to lift the trophy under the management of the legendary Tommy Walker. Players involved in that era included the legendary wing-half John Cumming, forward Alex Young and goalkeeper Gordon Marshall. This time, the 10-game winning sequence is spread over two different campaigns and we are just two games into the more commercially-driven William Hill Premiership. So there is good reason to hold back on any assumption that Hearts are simply on a crusade towards being crowned champions, regardless of Tony Bloom's ambitions. That said, they are clearly a very different animal this year to the team which wasted opportunities in the league, cups and Europe last term. Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup wins McInnes' organisation and impact is notable. He has signed players with physicality, pace and a goal threat. There is a clear structure and, crucially, a winning mentality. Supporters are watching a team they can identify with, one with the kind aggressive and attack-minded approach they crave. Hearts were always expected to take care of those League Cup group matches in July, but beginning the Premiership against Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen and European entrants Dundee United is one of the more difficult starts. McInnes' new-look side have handled both opponents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 2-0 victory over Aberdeen was comfortable, Sunday's 3-2 success at Tannadice certainly wasn't, but the desire to fight until the final whistle partly contributed to fans' delirium as they exited the ground. This Hearts team won't give up. They are built to win at all costs. It won't always happen, but 10 victories on the spin is something of a rarity in Gorgie and illustrates the progress in recent months. This weekend brings the League Cup - now the Premier Sports Cup - back into focus as Hearts travel to St Mirren in the last-16 of the competition. Last time they managed 11 wins in succession was during a run of 12 victories in the 1949/50 campaign. More history awaits the current crop if they can maintain momentum and continue chalking up statistics. The only one that matters is the W column, and there are plenty in there for fans to savour right now. READ MORE: Police investigate after Hearts player is hit with a lighter READ MORE: Hearts arrange a midweek game
Scotsman
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts hit a 66-year record as they aim for more history
Scottish Premiership start equals a long-standing run of wins Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The euphoria created by one glance of Stuart Findlay's head at Tannadice won't be easily forgotten. Nothing resonates better than a stoppage-time winner, after all. The dramatic 3-2 victory over Dundee United was Hearts' 10th consecutive win in all competitions and their fans are doubtless still high on adrenalin today. Understandably so, for almost 66 years have passed since their club last managed such a feat. Hearts beat Ross County, Motherwell, St Johnstone and Kilmarnock to finish last year's Premiership with four victories under interim head coach Liam Fox. They then cruised past Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton Academical, Stirling Albion and Dumbarton to start this season's League Cup with confidence following Derek McInnes' arrival. Sunday's comeback from 2-1 down at United following a comfortable opening Premiership win over Aberdeen. As a result, momentum is building in Gorgie. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some will get carried away, others will refuse to be lulled into any false sense of security knowing that many potential pitfalls lie ahead. For anyone partial to an omen, records show Hearts' previous 10-game winning run came in the 1959/60 campaign - the last time they won the Scottish league title. Between 3 October and 21 November, 1959, the Tynecastle side excelled in a period which underpinned both league and League Cup success. Hearts won league matches against Ayr United, Airdrie, Arbroath, Third Lanark, Rangers, Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in that period, and would go on to claim the old Scottish First Division title. In between, they also defeated Cowdenbeath in the League Cup semi-final and Third Lanark in the final to lift the trophy under the management of the legendary Tommy Walker. Players involved in that era included the legendary wing-half John Cumming, forward Alex Young and goalkeeper Gordon Marshall. This time, the 10-game winning sequence is spread over two different campaigns and we are just two games into the more commercially-driven William Hill Premiership. So there is good reason to hold back on any assumption that Hearts are simply on a crusade towards being crowned champions, regardless of Tony Bloom's ambitions. That said, they are clearly a very different animal this year to the team which wasted opportunities in the league, cups and Europe last term. Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup wins McInnes' organisation and impact is notable. He has signed players with physicality, pace and a goal threat. There is a clear structure and, crucially, a winning mentality. Supporters are watching a team they can identify with, one with the kind aggressive and attack-minded approach they crave. Hearts were always expected to take care of those League Cup group matches in July, but beginning the Premiership against Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen and European entrants Dundee United is one of the more difficult starts. McInnes' new-look side have handled both opponents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 2-0 victory over Aberdeen was comfortable, Sunday's 3-2 success at Tannadice certainly wasn't, but the desire to fight until the final whistle partly contributed to fans' delirium as they exited the ground. This Hearts team won't give up. They are built to win at all costs. It won't always happen, but 10 victories on the spin is something of a rarity in Gorgie and illustrates the progress in recent months. This weekend brings the League Cup back into focus as Hearts travel to St Mirren in the last-16 of the competition. Last time they managed 11 wins in succession was during a run of 12 victories in the 1949/50 campaign. More history awaits the current crop if they can maintain momentum and continue chalking up statistics. The only one that matters is the W column, and there are plenty in there for fans to savour right now. READ MORE: Hearts arrange a midweek game
Maroc
14-07-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco, Key Partner of UK
Morocco is one of the United Kingdom's oldest allies and a key partner on a range of issues related to both British and global security, said Sir Liam Fox, former UK Secretary of State for Defense and International Trade, on Monday. In an article published on The National, Sir Fox praised Morocco's growing role on the global stage, describing the Kingdom as "a reliable and trustworthy ally and a pillar of regional security in the Sahel." The article centers on the UK's recent decision to support Morocco's autonomy plan as a solution to the long-standing regional dispute over the Sahara. Sir Fox described the backing, announced in June by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as "a welcome and long-overdue decision." During a visit to Rabat, Lammy stated that the UK considers the autonomy plan "the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis" for achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict. He also emphasized that the UK is committed to acting consistently with this position, bilaterally, regionally, and internationally, to help advance efforts toward a resolution. Sir Fox noted that the British support, which he has "strongly" advocated for years, brings the UK into alignment with key allies including the United States, France, Spain, and Germany, countries that view Morocco as a trusted partner and a strategic anchor of stability in the Sahel region. The autonomy plan is "the only credible and pragmatic solution to the conflict," he wrote, adding that it offers not only a peaceful resolution but also a forward-looking vision for economic development, driven by investment and job creation. In his opinion, "opponents of the plan have no viable, let alone positive, alternative." Sir Fox also pointed to the economic potential of Morocco's new Atlantic port in Dakhla, which he said offers the UK a valuable opportunity to capitalize on new trade and development prospects, underpinned by the stability provided through the autonomy plan. This will support the Atlantic Initiative, launched by Morocco, "with the noble goal of promoting interconnectivity in the Sahel by offering countries in the region better access to the Atlantic Ocean," he said. Sir Fox, reflecting on the broader UK-Morocco relationship, emphasized that expanding cooperation between the two countries "comes at a critical moment." He also sounded the alarm over security threats posed in the region by the polisario separatists, who have maintained links with terrorist organizations and countries that support terrorism. These connections should "concern all those working to promote regional stability," Sir Fox said. "More generally, the polisario is pursuing a strategy of disorder, instability, and chaos," he noted. MAP: 14 July 2025
Morocco World
14-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Liam Fox Celebrates UK-Morocco Strong Relations, Calls for Deeper Cooperation
Rabat – Liam Fox, Former UK defense and international trade secretary, has commended the upward trend in cooperation between Morocco and the UK. In an opinion to the National, Fox emphasized the importance of the UK's newfound position, welcoming the decision of his country to endorse Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute. The UK made its decision on June 1, during Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Rabat. In a joint statement, the UK declares that 'it is ready, willing, and determined to provide active support and engagement with the Personal Envoy and with the parties involved,' noting that it shares Morocco's view on the urgent need for a resolution for the longstanding dispute. In his opinion published today, Fox said that the UK's decision brings his country into line 'with allies such as the United States, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the UAE, who recognize Morocco to be a trusted and dependable ally and a lynchpin for regional security in the Sahel.' Emphasizing Morocco's assets as a strong and oldest ally to the UK, the UK politician emphasized how the Moroccan autonomy initiative represents the 'only credible and pragmatic solution to the issue.' In his opinion, Fox recalled the opportunities his country could seize through a strong partnership with Morocco, including the Dakhla Atlantic Port. 'The UK has an opportunity to make the most of the new trade and economic opportunities underpinned by the security outlined in the Autonomy Plan,' he said, adding that a strong partnership between the two countries comes at a critical moment, citing instability in the region. 'The risks of instability in the region are not limited to migration, a lack of investment, and terrorism, but as the world is looking towards the Middle East, another Iranian proxy has been allowed to strengthen in West Africa,' he wrote. Fox has been among the international experts and politicians who have been urging the international community to stand against the terror threats posed by the Polisario separatist group. Earlier this year, Fox described Polisario as an 'Iranian proxy organization', urging Western governments to move quickly to designate it as a terrorist group. Many politicians, including US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, joined the international campaign urging their countries to label the separatist group as a terrorist organization. In April, the congressman said he would introduce legislation to that effect, and later officially submitted the bill to US Congress ini June. Fox recalled his earlier appeal during the new opinion, noting how the Polisario Front has links to Iran and other terrorist organizations that should 'worry those committed to stability.' 'The Polisario has pursued a state of disorder, instability, and chaos which aligns with the Russian, Iranian, and Chinese approach to the Sahel,' he said. The former UK secretary also mentioned the Polisario's attacks on civilian infrastructure in Es-Semara, which marked a series of similar terrorist acts from the separatist group to undermine Morocco's security. Tags: algeria ad polisarioAlgeria and the Western Sahara
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Fox to push PM on Chinook probe
Former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox has vowed to lobby the Prime Minister for answers over the Chinook helicopter tragedy on the Mull of Kintyre amid fears of a 'cover-up'. The families of British intelligence personnel killed in the crash in 1994 are suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in an attempt to end three decades of secrecy over the disaster. As Defence Secretary in 2011, Sir Liam published the results of an independent review, led by Lord Philip, which recommended that an earlier finding that the pilots were negligent to a gross degree should be 'set aside'. But Sir Liam told the Mail he was determined to help families of those killed in the Chinook tragedy - saying he felt 'disquiet' over the suggestion that information may have been withheld. Sir Liam, who was Defence Secretary from 2010-11, said: 'I was instrumental in getting answers for the families last time with the review which found the cause was not pilot error. 'At the time, I was very concerned that there should be no cover-up and when I saw some reports that there may have been questions about the airworthiness of the Chinook, this made me anxious that everything we could find out was in the public domain. 'If the families remain concerned, I would be prepared to intervene with the MoD, and if necessary with the Prime Minister, to ensure that at no time were the facts withheld. 'I was and remain determined that the families get closure and that there is no possibility of a cover-up. 'We all feel a bit of disquiet that everything we needed to know may not have been available – it may require further investigation, but I am determined to get to the truth.' The Chinook helicopter, known by its serial number Zulu Delta 576, went down in fog on the Kintyre peninsula on June 2, 1994. It was carrying 25 senior intelligence officials from the British Army, MI5 and the RUC from Northern Ireland to a meeting in Scotland. All on board died, including four special forces crew. The RAF initially blamed the pilots but later this claim was withdrawn. The MoD has sealed documents relating to the incident until 2094, meaning few living relatives will ever know exactly what happened to their loved ones. Earlier this month, exactly 31 years after the tragedy, lawyers for relatives of the dead formally launched a legal action as part of their campaign for a full and final inquiry. Mark Stephens, from law firm Howard Kennedy, and barristers from Doughty Street Chambers, are representing relatives of 23 of the 29 people who died. Working pro bono, they have sent a letter to the MoD saying they are seeking a judicial review 'into the government's failure, and refusal, to order a judge-led public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash, under Article 2 of the Human Rights Act which protects the right to life'. There have been other formal investigations, including a fatal accident inquiry. Mr Stephens and the other lawyers do not believe these were valid as they did not have access to the sealed documents. Their claim states: 'These investigations have been hampered by limited access to important information and evidence, and unduly narrow scopes of investigation.' Family members said they only discovered a 100-year rule had been applied to the crash after watching a BBC documentary. Esme Sparks, a teacher, from Darlington, Co Durham, whose father, Major Gary Sparks died on Zulu Delta 576, told The Times: 'We don't want to have to take legal action against the government and MoD but we do want and need answers surrounding the circumstances of this crash. 'We want to know who or what is being protected? Who made the decision to let this helicopter take off? What is being hidden? In our view a public inquiry is key.' The families have particular concerns about a retro-fit to the helicopter before its crash. The aircraft was said to have experienced 'unpredictable malfunctions' as well as 'shutdowns and surges in power'. Engineers at Boscombe Down, an MoD test centre, said the helicopter should 'not to be relied upon in any way whatsoever'. One of those who died in the crash was Anne James, 42, who was born and brought up in Lennoxtown, near Glasgow, and had worked at GCHQ in Cheltenham for almost 24 years. The MoD said it would not comment on the 'actions of a former minister'. A spokesman said: 'The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died. 'We have received a pre-action protocol letter from the Chinook Justice Campaign and are considering our response. 'Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further.'
