Latest news with #UKMilitary
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sir Keir says the nation is on a war footing as of now but it cannot take decades before we are ready to fight one
ON the face of it, there is good news in Labour's Strategic Defence Review. Up to 12 submarines to head off threats from Russia at sea. 1 New weapons and munitions factories to replace those stocks depleted by donations to Ukraine. But will the billions needed to pay for all these new fighter jets, drones and hi-tech weaponry actually be found? Defence chiefs say it will take investment of three per cent of GDP. Yet Keir Starmer yesterday refused to put a timeline on achieving that. By 2027 it will still be only 2.5 per cent — when experts say we need five per cent to re-arm properly. If the Prime Minister has doubts about where to find the cash, he could try diverting money from less pressing areas — like binning Net Zero and free hotels for migrants. A pity, too, that his Government is handing Mauritius £30billion on top of surrendering the Chagos Islands. At the very least, the PM's uncertainty also throws the delivery time of new projects into doubt. New subs, for example, already won't be serviceable until the late 2030s. Sir Keir says the nation is on a war footing as of now. Starmer 'loses control' as over 1,000 migrants cross Channel in biggest daily total of 2025 – as French cops watch on But it cannot take decades before we are ready to actually fight one. Stand up, PM WHY isn't Britain among a group of nine European countries calling for urgent reform of the European Court of Human Rights? Successive UK Governments have found themselves powerless to deport foreign rapists, murderers and drug-dealers because of rulings handed down in Strasbourg, while the number of illegal migrant crossings this year is likely to top 50,000. The Prime Minister says he is 'angry' about this. But seemingly not enough to join the likes of Italy and Denmark in demanding the faceless Euro judges are curbed. Lords of woke HE'S seen off the Cyborgs and doomed the Daleks. But it seems Doctor Who could be killed off by the enemy within. The show's obsession with gender, race and other identity politics is proving terminal to the Doctor's chances of regeneration. And the public verdict has been succinctly savage. 'Rubbish, boring and woke,' say fed-up former fans. Exterminating the scriptwriters is the only way to save the Time Lord.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Show Added As The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Gets Set To Bring Its Historic Show To Auckland In 2026
Thanks to overwhelming demand on both sides of the Tasman, an extra Auckland show has been added to the 2026 run of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Eden Park — a spectacular celebration of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary. Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a global phenomenon, drawing over 230,000 spectators annually in Scotland and over 100 million more worldwide through international broadcasts. A capacity audience attended the Tattoo in Wellington when it was last in New Zealand in 2015, with Auckland set to break attendance records come February. Ahead of the Tattoos arrival in Auckland, it will stop in Brisbane where unpreceded demand has seen sold out performances with additional dates now added. Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: 'The response from Auckland has been phenomenal. To be announcing another show at Eden Park is a true testament to the excitement and passion Kiwis have for the Tattoo. As we count down to our historic debut in Auckland, we're more inspired than ever to deliver a world-class spectacle that honours tradition, celebrates community, and leaves a lasting legacy in Aotearoa – New Zealand.' Nick Sautner CEO of Eden Park said: Eden Park is delighted with the overwhelming positive response, both locally and internationally, to the announcement of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo coming to Eden Park in is a world-class city, and major events deliver significant benefits to the wider region, enhancing its appeal as a great place to live, work, stay, and play. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the greatest show on earth at New Zealand's national stadium. On February 19th, 20th (NEW SHOW) and 21st, 2026, Eden Park will proudly host a full-scale production of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary Show, 'The Heroes Who Made Us' — complete with its signature Scottish bagpipes, massed military bands, Tattoo Dancers, and international performers from across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. This emotionally charged Stadium spectacular will bring together over 1,000 of the world's finest performers to showcase stirring anthems, traditional Scottish heritage and bold, contemporary choreography in celebration of the values that connect us all — honour, community, resilience and pride. Led by the magnificent Massed Pipes and Drums featuring UK Military musicians, the Show will feature over 30 bands and acts from around the world including fan-favourite Top Secret Drum Corps and performers from the New Zealand Defence Force amongst many more. Making its return to New Zealand for the first time since 2015, this will be the Tattoo's first-ever performance in Auckland — and one of its most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Blending the timeless traditions of the British Armed Forces with modern performance and world-class production, the Tattoo continues to evolve, while remaining rooted in history. Cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound design and stunning visual imagery will elevate the performance experience, all set under the stars at Eden Park, New Zealand's National Stadium. Thanks to House of Travel, a range of amazing value packages are now available. To book head to THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO – AUCKLAND 2026 'THE HEROES WHO MADE US' 75TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Thursday 19th, Friday 20th (NEW SHOW) and Saturday 21st February, 2026, Eden Park, Auckland.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Show Added As The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Gets Set To Bring Its Historic Show To Auckland In 2026
Thanks to overwhelming demand on both sides of the Tasman, an extra Auckland show has been added to the 2026 run of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Eden Park — a spectacular celebration of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary. Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a global phenomenon, drawing over 230,000 spectators annually in Scotland and over 100 million more worldwide through international broadcasts. A capacity audience attended the Tattoo in Wellington when it was last in New Zealand in 2015, with Auckland set to break attendance records come February. Ahead of the Tattoos arrival in Auckland, it will stop in Brisbane where unpreceded demand has seen sold out performances with additional dates now added. Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: 'The response from Auckland has been phenomenal. To be announcing another show at Eden Park is a true testament to the excitement and passion Kiwis have for the Tattoo. As we count down to our historic debut in Auckland, we're more inspired than ever to deliver a world-class spectacle that honours tradition, celebrates community, and leaves a lasting legacy in Aotearoa – New Zealand.' Nick Sautner CEO of Eden Park said: Eden Park is delighted with the overwhelming positive response, both locally and internationally, to the announcement of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo coming to Eden Park in is a world-class city, and major events deliver significant benefits to the wider region, enhancing its appeal as a great place to live, work, stay, and play. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the greatest show on earth at New Zealand's national stadium. On February 19th, 20th (NEW SHOW) and 21st, 2026, Eden Park will proudly host a full-scale production of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary Show, 'The Heroes Who Made Us' — complete with its signature Scottish bagpipes, massed military bands, Tattoo Dancers, and international performers from across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. This emotionally charged Stadium spectacular will bring together over 1,000 of the world's finest performers to showcase stirring anthems, traditional Scottish heritage and bold, contemporary choreography in celebration of the values that connect us all — honour, community, resilience and pride. Led by the magnificent Massed Pipes and Drums featuring UK Military musicians, the Show will feature over 30 bands and acts from around the world including fan-favourite Top Secret Drum Corps and performers from the New Zealand Defence Force amongst many more. Making its return to New Zealand for the first time since 2015, this will be the Tattoo's first-ever performance in Auckland — and one of its most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Blending the timeless traditions of the British Armed Forces with modern performance and world-class production, the Tattoo continues to evolve, while remaining rooted in history. Cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound design and stunning visual imagery will elevate the performance experience, all set under the stars at Eden Park, New Zealand's National Stadium. Thanks to House of Travel, a range of amazing value packages are now available. To book head to THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO – AUCKLAND 2026 'THE HEROES WHO MADE US' 75TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Thursday 19th, Friday 20th (NEW SHOW) and Saturday 21st February, 2026, Eden Park, Auckland. Tickets go on sale to the general public this morning. Tuesday 27th May at 9am through Ticketek.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Donald Trump 'pushes UK to pump billions of pounds more into defence spending' and reach 3% 'ambition' years earlier than PM had planned
Donald Trump is reportedly pushing Britain to boost defence spending by billions of pounds over the coming years to set an example to other European nations. The US President is said to want the UK to increase its military budget to 3 per cent of GDP by 2029, which is years earlier than Sir Keir Starmer had been planning. In February, following Mr Trump's return to the White House, the Prime Minister pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP from 2027. Sir Keir also set an 'ambition' to spend 3 per cent of GDP on the country's Armed Forces in the next parliament, as economic conditions allow. But, according to The Times, Pentagon chiefs have made it known that Mr Trump would be 'happier' if the UK reached 3 per cent by the end of this parliament in 2029. A senior US official told the newspaper that Mr Trump's administration does not believe the UK's current planned increase in defence spending goes far enough. America has 'sought the potential' for reaching the higher figure in the present parliament, the official added. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that boosting defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by the next parliament would cost an extra £17.3billion in 2029/30. In 2024/25, UK defence spending was around 2.3 per cent of GDP. The Government has forecast it will be spending an extra £6.4billion in 2027 to reach 2.5 per cent. A Whitehall source said, while some members of the US government had raised the prospect of Britain reaching 3 per cent in this parliament, others were asking if the UK could go even higher in the longer term. The source added there was not a 'consistent' view across the US administration and Mr Trump 'hasn't given his final expectations'. The US President has previously demanded that NATO allies hike their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there has been a marked increase in the number of NATO countries meeting the current 2 per cent target. But, last year, none of them - including the US - spent five per cent of GDP on defence. Poland was the biggest spender at 4.12 per cent of GDP, followed by Estonia (3.43 per cent), the US (3.38 per cent), and Latvia (3.15 per cent). A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: 'This Government is delivering for defence. 'We have announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. 'This investment will make Britain stronger and safer in an insecure world and will help us build a modern and resilient armed forces, with cutting-edge capabilities.'
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Set To Bring Historic 75th Anniversary Milestone Show To Auckland In 2026
Press Release – 818. One of the world's most spectacular and iconic live events, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, is set to dazzle Kiwi audiences in an unforgettable showcase when it comes for its exclusive, and first time ever, to Auckland in February 2026 in celebration of its 75th anniversary. This will be one of its most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Renowned for stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, and dramatic performances set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a global phenomenon, drawing over 230,000 spectators annually in Scotland and over 100 million more worldwide through international broadcasts. A capacity audience attended the Tattoo in Wellington when it was last in New Zealand in 2015. On February 19th and 21st, 2026, Eden Park will proudly host a full-scale production of the Tattoo's 75th anniversary Show, 'The Heroes Who Made Us' — complete with its signature Scottish bagpipes, massed military bands, Tattoo Dancers, and international performers from across the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. This emotionally charged Stadium spectacular will bring together over 1,000 of the world's finest performers to showcase stirring anthems, traditional Scottish heritage and bold, contemporary choreography in celebration of the values that connect us all — honour, community, resilience and pride. Led by the magnificent Massed Pipes and Drums featuring UK Military musicians, the Show will feature over 30 bands and acts from around the world including fan-favourite Top Secret Drum Corps and performers from the New Zealand Defence Force amongst many more. Making its return to New Zealand for the first time since 2015, this will be the Tattoo's first-ever performance in Auckland — and one of its most ambitious international Stadium productions to date. Blending the timeless traditions of the British Armed Forces with modern performance and world-class production, the Tattoo continues to evolve, while remaining rooted in history. Cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound design and stunning visual imagery will elevate the performance experience, all set under the stars at Eden Park, New Zealand's National Stadium. Jason Barrett, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: 'Bringing the Tattoo to Auckland for the first time, as part of our 75th anniversary, is a landmark moment in our history. This is a celebration of the human spirit, of shared identity, and of the heroes who shape our communities. We can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with New Zealand audiences. Presented in New Zealand by live entertainment powerhouse TEG, in partnership with The Entertainment Lab, the event reinforces Auckland's reputation as a global destination for major cultural moments. Geoff Jones, Chairman of TEG, said: 'The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most extraordinary live experiences on the planet. It's a celebration of tradition, culture and international connection. For fans of pageantry, music, and military history, the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Auckland will be an unmissable event.' Dustin Lockett, CEO of The Entertainment Lab, said: ' In 2016, I had the immense privilege of producing the most successful international outing of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne — a milestone that profoundly shaped my career. Today, I am deeply honoured to once again serve as the custodian of this iconic brand, and I eagerly anticipate welcoming passionate audiences from across New Zealand to Auckland for what promises to be one of the world's most spectacular events.' Nick Hill, CE Tātaki Auckland Unlimited: 'We are proud to invest in major events like The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which bring world-class experiences to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and deliver significant cultural and economic benefits for the region. Hosting this iconic event for the first time is a major opportunity to welcome visitors from around the country and beyond, encouraging them to not only enjoy the show, but to explore more of what our vibrant city and region have to offer.' About The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a globally acclaimed celebration of military tradition, music, ceremony and cultural performance. First staged in 1950, the Tattoo has grown into one of the world's most recognised live events, bringing together performers from over 50 countries. In 2010, it was granted the Royal title by Her Majesty The Queen, and is proudly supported by its patron, HRH The Princess Royal. The Tattoo has raised over £13 million for services and arts charities since its inception. About TEG Live TEG Live is a dynamic and diverse promoter of live content operating in many genres, including music, sport, family entertainment, esports, and exhibitions. TEG Live connects millions of fans every year with unique live experiences and adds value to events with hospitality, partnership, and sponsorship services. TEG Live is owned by TEG, a global leader in live entertainment, ticketing, digital and data which sits at the heart of the live event experience for millions of fans. TEG operates globally and includes TEG Live, TEG Sport, TEG Rugby Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG Van Egmond, TEG MJR, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Europe, TEG Asia, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ovation, Fan+, VIP NOW and SXSW Sydney. About The Entertainment Lab The Entertainment Lab is an independent live touring producing and promoting company. Dustin Lockett, CEO of The Entertainment Lab has had a distinguished career over the past 20 years across the sports and entertainment industries. Dustin has promoted or co-produced shows such as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Crusty Demons, Grand Designs Live, MasterChef Live, QI Live, X Factor, Roller Derby Xtreme, Better Homes & Gardens Live, Ghost the Musical, The Beast, Neil Oliver, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Louis Theroux, Ross Kemp, Michael Mosley, Andy's Amazing Adventures, Dynamo, Blue Planet and Planet Earth Live in Concert, David Walliams and Sir Bob Geldof.
