{"id":119627,"date":"2026-09-08T00:07:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T00:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/119627\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T00:07:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T00:07:20","slug":"the-uks-nuclear-submarine-town-at-the-top-of-putins-target-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/119627\/","title":{"rendered":"The UK\u2019s nuclear submarine town at the top of Putin\u2019s target list"},"content":{"rendered":"

Russia\u2019s veiled threats against the UK<\/a> feel more tangible in Helensburgh, the Scottish coastal town nestled close by one of Britain\u2019s most important military sites.<\/p>\n

Residents walking along the seafront are well aware that the UK\u2019s nuclear-armed submarines slide silently up and down its open waters.<\/p>\n

HMNB Clyde, better known as Faslane, is home to the submarines that carry the Trident weapons system, the nation\u2019s nuclear deterrent<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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news \u2013 film<\/p>\n

Rob Reiner wins posthumous Emmy Award for The Bear<\/p>\n

\"LosCaption: Los Angeles, CA \u2013 December 15, 2025: Flowers are seen placed ontop of Rob Reiner\u2019s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Nick Reiner was arrested on suspicion of homicide of his parents Rob and Michele Singer Reiner after they were found dead at their Brentwood home on Sunday. (Kayla Bartkowski \/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Photographer: Kayla Bartkowski
Provider: Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag
Source: Los Angeles Times
Copyright: 2025 Los Angeles Times<\/p>\n

Hollywood director Rob Reiner has won a posthumous Emmy Award, nine months after his death.<\/p>\n

\nHow was Reiner killed?\n<\/p>\n

\"(FILES)Caption: (FILES) Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner arrive for the Human Rights Campaign 2019 Los Angeles dinner at the JW Marriott LA Live on March 30, 2019 in Los Angeles. Police took Rob Reiner\u2019s son into custody after the Hollywood director of hits including \u201cWhen Harry Met Sally\u201d and his wife were found dead in their Los Angeles home, US media reported on December 15, 2025. (Photo by JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

What happened?<\/p>\n

Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead in their Los Angeles home last December.<\/p>\n

How did they die?<\/p>\n

The couple appeared to have died from multiple stab wounds.<\/p>\n

\"PoliceCaption: Police stop vehicles from entering the Brentwood Park neighbourhood where the bodies of two elderly people were found at the home of Hollywood director Rob Reiner in Los Angeles, California, U.S. December 14, 2025. REUTERS\/Jill Connelly
Photographer: Jill Connelly
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n

\"NEWCaption: NEW YORK, NY \u2013 MAY 04: Nick Reiner attends AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on May 4, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh\/FilmMagic)
Photographer: Laura Cavanaugh
Provider: FilmMagic
Source: FilmMagic
Copyright: 2016 Laura Cavanaugh<\/p>\n

Reiner\u2019s son charged<\/p>\n

The couple\u2019s son Nick, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.<\/p>\n

Reiner\u2019s posthumous Emmy<\/p>\n

On Sunday, Reiner was announced as one of the winners at this year\u2019s Emmy Awards ceremony.<\/p>\n

He won the award for outstanding guest actor in a comedy after playing Albert Schnurr in a 2025 episode of FX series The Bear.<\/p>\n

\"TheCaption: The Bear \u2014 Pictured: Jeremy Allen White as Carmen \u2018Carmy\u2019 Berzatto. CR: Frank Ockenfels\/FX<\/p>\n

The Bear
FX \/ Disney+
TV still
Image from https:\/\/dam.gettyimages.com\/s\/crwqm3mp7w6sxj9f4qg583nc
Copyright: Copyright 2022, FX Networks. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n

\"FILE(Photo: Brian Ach\/Invision\/AP).<\/p>\n

\nRecord in the family\n<\/p>\n

It comes 48 years after Reiner won the second of two Emmys for his role on All In The Family in 1978.<\/p>\n

Reiner also broke the record for the longest gap between acting wins in Emmy history.<\/p>\n

His father, Carl Reiner, previously held the record after winning the same category in 1995 for his role in Mad About You, 37 years after he first won for Caesar\u2019s Hour.<\/p>\n

Hollywood legend<\/p>\n

Reiner was the director behind a number of cinematic classics, including When Harry Met Sally (1989), The Princess Bride (1987), and Stand By Me (1986).<\/p>\n

After his latest Emmy win, presenter Wendi McLendon-Covey told the audience it was \u201cappropriate to stand for this one\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know we all wish\u00a0Rob\u00a0could be here tonight to share in the celebration. I\u2019m honoured to accept this Emmy on his behalf,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

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UK POLITICS<\/p>\n

Why tax rises are \u2018likely\u2019 \u2013 despite what Chancellor says<\/p>\n

\"Britain'sJohn Healey delivers a speech at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry (Photo: AP)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Kitty Donaldson<\/p>\n

Chief Political Commentator<\/p>\n

John Healey took a Beach Boys approach to his first keynote speech: it was all Good Vibrations.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s what he isn\u2019t telling you\u2026<\/p>\n

\nWhat did the Chancellor say?\n<\/p>\n

On Monday, John Healey gave his first speech on economic growth as Chancellor ahead of the budget on the 28 October.<\/p>\n

\"NewlyCaption: Newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey gives his first all staff address at HM Treasury in central London. Picture date: Tuesday July 21, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau\/PA Wire
Photographer: Stefan Rousseau
Provider: Stefan Rousseau\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\"Britain'sIn a speech in Coventry, Chancellor John Healey insisted the UK economy was \u2018turning a corner\u2019 as he promised to control government spending in next month\u2019s Budget (Photo: Betty Laura Zapata\/AP) <\/p>\n

Healey gave un upbeat impression of the country\u2019s economic future, promising: \u201cMore devolution, more public leadership and control, more investment, more innovation, more jobs\u201d.<\/p>\n

\nWhat else is the Chancellor planning?\n<\/p>\n

1Public investment in the private sector- The Chancellor outlined his ambitions for pushing public finance institutions, known as PuFins, to deploy more private sector investment.<\/p>\n

2Cutting red tape \u2013Healey said he will cut Government red tape, such as excluding big infrastructure projects from facing the hold-up of judicial review from objectors.<\/p>\n

3Fund for companies in the north \u2013 He also unveiled a \u00a3150m fund for companies in the north of England; however, in Treasury terms, this is pocket money.<\/p>\n

Why taxes are still likely to rise\u2026<\/p>\n

The UK is uniquely susceptible to inflation given how tightly it controls the supply and the prices of the workforce, energy, land and capital.<\/p>\n

Key decisions, including when the UK will be spending 3 per cent of GDP on defence, have been deferred until next year, leaving the question of cost to the taxpayer unanswered.<\/p>\n

Donald Trump\u2019s Iran war and Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine also continue push up prices of energy and other resources.<\/p>\n

Watch: Healey on tax rises<\/p>\n

@theipaper<\/a> <\/p>\n

The Chancellor has refused to rule out tax rises in his first major speech on the economy. Speaking at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, John Healey highlighted the need to \u201ccontrol borrowing to bear down on inflation\u201d and to \u201creduce the long-term pressure on public finances\u201d. Asked about taxes in the budget, Healey refused to comment on speculation, saying it will only \u201cfuel more speculation\u201d. Follow the story on our liveblog.<\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 The i Paper \u2013 The i Paper<\/a> <\/p>\n

Signs point to tax hikes<\/p>\n

Some estimates suggest borrowing costs could take \u00a312bn off the Government\u2019s \u00a323.6bn buffer against its fiscal rules. Up to another \u00a34bn is expected to have evaporated due to lower-than-forecast net migration. Meanwhile, the VAT cut on electricity bills needs to be paid for as well. <\/p>\n

It all makes for an even trickier Budget in late October, with the signs pointing to higher taxes or slashing spending.<\/p>\n

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Analysis<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

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\"TopCaption: Top candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Ulrich Siegmund, with party co leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, reacts after polls closed, on the day of the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, in Magdeburg, Germany, September 6, 2026. REUTERS\/Fabrizio Bensch
Photographer: Fabrizio Bensch
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n

news \u2013 politics<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s far-right election result puts Europe on notice<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Molly Blackall<\/p>\n

Global Affairs Correspondent<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s extreme-right party, backed by Donald Trump, has won a \u201csensational\u201d victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what it could mean for Europe.<\/p>\n

\nThe election result\n<\/p>\n

Preliminary results show that the far-right Alternative f\u00fcr Deutschland (AfD) party secured a decisive victory in Saxony-Anhalt, winning 43.8 per cent of the vote to the ruling conservative CDU\u2019s 17.2 per cent.<\/p>\n

\"Far-rightCaption: Far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, and top candidate Ulrich Siegmund, pose for photos before a press conference the day after the Saxony-Anhalt state elections in Berlin, Germany, September 7, 2026. REUTERS\/Liesa Johannssen
Photographer: Liesa Johannssen
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n

\"Co-leadersCaption: Co-leaders of Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, Alice Weidel, leaves a press conference in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Photographer: Ebrahim Noroozi
Provider: AP Photo\/Ebrahim Noroozi
Source: AP<\/p>\n

Having fallen short of an outright majority, the AfD cannot govern alone and will now need to engage in negotiations with rivals to form a coalition.<\/p>\n

\nWhat do the results mean?\n<\/p>\n

1If the AfD manages to form a government, it will mark the first time a far-right party has controlled a German state since WWII.<\/p>\n

2Among its pledges, the AfD wants arts organisations to promote \u201cGerman\u201d culture and has promised \u201cremigration\u201d, including deporting naturalised Germans. <\/p>\n

3In schools, meanwhile, it wants to ban the flying of the LGBT+ rainbow flag and said \u201cpatriotic\u201d history should be emphasises over\u00a0Nazi history.<\/p>\n

Friends in high places<\/p>\n

Despite concerns about its extremist ideology, the AfD has some high-profile fans.<\/p>\n

Its \u201chistoric\u201d election win has been praised by Russia\u2019s presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev.<\/p>\n

The openly pro-Kremlin party has called for an end to Ukrainian aid.<\/p>\n

AfD also counts the likes of Elon Musk and Donald Trump amongst its supporters.<\/p>\n

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3 min read<\/p>\n

\nReactions to AfD victory\n<\/p>\n

\"UlrichCaption: Ulrich Siegmund, top candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, talks to people during a campaign event ahead of Germany\u2019s Saxony-Anhalt state election, in Oschersleben, Germany August 31, 2026. REUTERS\/Thilo Schmuelgen
Photographer: Thilo Schmuelgen
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n

Ulrich Siegmund<\/p>\n

The AfD\u2019s regional leader said the \u201csensational\u201d result was \u201ca signal for the whole of Germany \u2013 a self-confident signal.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Friedrich Merz <\/p>\n

The German Chancellor, of rival party CDU, said he was \u201cdeeply shocked\u201d by the result.<\/p>\n

\"GermanGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a press conference in Berlin on 9 April (Photo: RALF HIRSCHBERGER \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"WASHINGTON,President Donald Trump reportedly had no idea that his Defence Secretary had dismissed or derailed the careers of so many senior military officers (Photo: Kevin Dietsch\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Donald Trump<\/p>\n

The US President promoted the AfD\u2019s win on social media with a screenshot of the projected election result.<\/p>\n

Worry in Europe<\/p>\n

However, the result in Saxony-Anhalt was met with trepidation by many European leaders.<\/p>\n

It comes after research in June found almost one in four voters in Europe now support far-right parties, with the rate growing nearly fivefold since the mid-1990s.<\/p>\n

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\"FileThe carmaker has announced it will extend its pause in production until October 1 as it recovers from a cyber attack (Photo: Dave Thompson\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

\u2018No bailout\u2019 for Jaguar Land Rover amid job cut reports<\/p>\n

The Government is facing calls to \u201cmitigate\u201d thousands of job losses, but \u201cchallenging\u201d business conditions mean manufacturers will continue to struggle.<\/p>\n

\nJLR to cut as many as 4,000 jobs\n<\/p>\n

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will meet with the leadership team of\u00a0Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)\u00a0this week after it emerged that Britain\u2019s largest car manufacturer is set to lay off 4,000 workers.<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDJaguar Land Rover is set to invest heavily in electric vehicles (Photo: Nick Dimbleby\/Jaguar Land Rover)<\/p>\n

\"VehiclesThe UK car industry is concerned about the impact of tariffs (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The cuts are largely expected to impact office roles, with the majority of job losses affecting its UK operations, where around 34,000 staff in total are based (compared to just under 10,000 overseas employees).<\/p>\n

Aiming to save \u00a31.7bn<\/p>\n

The company reportedly informed employees and their union about the cuts on Saturday, ahead of Monday\u2019s formal announcement.<\/p>\n

Job losses will be spread over the coming two years, JLR said, as part of efforts to save about \u00a31.7bn.<\/p>\n

There will be a voluntary redundancy programme for salaried and management teams.<\/p>\n

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The Government\u2019s response<\/p>\n

We understand that this will be an uncertain and concerning time for affected workers,\u00a0their families and wider communities.<\/p>\n

Reynolds said he will aim to \u201cmitigate any job losses\u201d in meetings with JLR leadership. However, when asked by the BBC on Sunday whether there could be financial support to protect jobs, the Business Secretary replied: \u201cNot if it\u2019s to bail people out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"NewlyNewly appointed Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds leaving No 10 Downing Street (Photo: PA)<\/p>\n

Hundreds protest Portsmouth \u2018mega-dinghy\u2019 \u2013 what we know<\/p>\n

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in Portsmouth after migrants from a \u201cmega-dinghy\u201d were brought ashore by lifeboats. <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what we know.<\/p>\n

\"DiscardedCaption: Discarded life jackets at Eastney Point, near Eastney Beach, Portsmouth, following a protest last night after people thought to be migrants were brought into the harbour. Picture date: Monday September 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Sene\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

Photographer: PA
Provider: Joe Sene\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\nWhat happened?\n<\/p>\n

\"PoliceCaption: Police officers at the scene near Eastney Beach, Portsmouth, where hundreds of protesters have gathered, after a small boat thought to be containing asylum seekers and heading towards the coast sparked a major response with a helicopter, aeroplane and lifeboats sent to the scene. Picture date: Sunday September 6, 2026. PA Photo. The boat\u2019s occupants have been brought to shore in the maritime city, where it is understood they will be processed as is routine for small boats. Photo credit should read: Jamie Lashmar\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

Photographer: Jamie Lashmar
Provider: Jamie Lashmar\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

Protesters gather<\/p>\n

Hundreds gathered in Portsmouth on Sunday night to protest the arrival of migrants from a small boat.<\/p>\n

What sparked it?<\/p>\n

Around 140 migrants were brought to shore in Hampshire after travelling to the UK on a single \u201cmega-dinghy\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"PoliceCaption: Police officers pass a pile of discarded life jackets at Eastney Point, near Eastney Beach, Portsmouth, following a protest last night after people thought to be migrants were brought into the harbour. Picture date: Monday September 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Sene\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

Photographer: PA
Provider: Joe Sene\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\"PoliceCaption: Police officers at Eastney Point, near Eastney Beach, Portsmouth, following a protest last night after people thought to be migrants were brought into the harbour. Picture date: Monday September 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Sene\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

Photographer: PA
Provider: Joe Sene\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

What did they do?<\/p>\n

Crowds tried to stop the migrants being taken to an asylum processing centre in Kent.<\/p>\n

Investigation launched<\/p>\n

About 200 demonstrators who gathered were dispersed around 4am on Monday, police said.<\/p>\n

A handful of police offers were treated for injuries at the scene, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said. <\/p>\n

Several police, coastguard and border force vehicles were also damaged. <\/p>\n

An investigation to identify offenders responsible for any officer assaults, criminal damage or other criminal offences has been launched.<\/p>\n

\n\u2018Closest I\u2019ve been to an insurrection\u2019\n<\/p>\n

Portsmouth resident Sue Dewey, who watched the scenes unfold from her balcony, said: \u201cIt was a very surreal night, that was the closest I\u2019ve ever been to an insurrection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ScreenCaption: Screen grab taken from video dated 06\/09\/26 of police speaking to protesters in the water at Eastney near Portsmouth, after the operation to rescue around 140 migrants who were brought into the harbour at Portsmouth in Hampshire. Masked demonstrators blocked the road leading away from the RNLI Portsmouth Lifeboat Station at Eastney Marina. Issue date: Monday September 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Barry Williams\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Barry Williams
Provider: Barry Williams\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A damaged police car with a smashed windscreen at Eastney Point, near Eastney Beach in Portsmouth, following a protest last night after people thought to be migrants were brought into the harbour. Picture date: Monday September 7, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Sene\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

Photographer: Joe Sene
Provider: Joe Sene\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

Asked if she is worried similar incidents will happen again, she replied: \u201cYes, we are worried it\u2019s going to happen again\u2026 the ferry had to be stopped, lots of things had to be stopped because of it yesterday.<\/p>\n

Watch: Protesters clash with police <\/p>\n

@theipaper<\/a> <\/p>\n

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in Portsmouth overnight in the second small boats demonstration of the weekend. Crowds, many with their faces covered and in balaclavas, chanted \u201cstop the boats\u201d as they blocked roads attempting stop a coach of migrants being taken to the Manston asylum processing centre in Kent. It came after 140 migrants were brought to shore in Hampshire after travelling to the UK on a single \u201cmega-dinghy\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 The i Paper \u2013 The i Paper<\/a> <\/p>\n

Who is behind the protests?<\/p>\n

Some of the demonstrators at Portsmouth were dressed in all black and wore face masks, similar to those who joined an anti-migrant protest\u00a0which blocked the Port of Dover on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Daniel Thomas, a former bodyguard for\u00a0far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who has claimed\u00a0credit for the Dover protest, live-streamed himself at the Portsmouth protest.<\/p>\n

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Explained<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\u2018Thuggish\u2019 behaviour<\/p>\n

Treasury Chief Secretary Emma Reynolds called the protestors\u2019 behaviour in Portsmouth and Dover \u201cthuggish and intimidating\u201d.<\/p>\n

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: \u201cThis is a serious situation, it\u2019s about to get significantly worse.<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cThe government needs to act, I suspect it won\u2019t. But remember, peaceful protests good, uniforms and masks bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n\u2018Significant issue\u2019 to come?\n<\/p>\n

In the wake of the protests, police warned that ministers will have a \u201csignificant issue\u201d if people traffickers shift their routes further west of Dover. <\/p>\n

Places like Portsmouth along the hundreds of miles of England\u2019s south coast are \u201cnot set up\u201d for the arrival of migrants, Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy concern, as a police and crime commissioner, is that we don\u2019t have this repeated,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

news \u2013 politics<\/p>\n

Why Reform are fighting to replace Farage<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Anne McElvoy<\/p>\n

Executive editor at Politico<\/p>\n

The political \u201cmood board\u201d at the Reform UK conference over the weekend ranged from gloomiest black to the teal-suited larkiness of Nigel Farage. Yet the UK\u2019s biggest political figure laced his gutsy \u201cI will survive\u201d message with a bleaker one about his family wishing he would quit frontline politics.<\/p>\n

\nWhat challenges is Farage facing?\n<\/p>\n

\"ReformFarage delivers his keynote speech (Photo: AFP)<\/p>\n

\u00a35m gift<\/p>\n

The Reform leader has faced heavy scrutiny for an undisclosed \u00a35m \u201cpersonal gift\u201d he received in 2024.<\/p>\n

George Cottrell<\/p>\n

Farage\u2019s senior adviser, George Cottrell, is a convicted felon.<\/p>\n

\"Britain'sNigel Farage, accompanied by George Cottrell (right), drinks a beer on the sidelines of a European Parliament plenary session in Brussels on January 29, 2020. (Photo by John Thys\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"(FILES)Caption: (FILES) Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage (C), talks with Dan Jukes (centre L), as he visits the area where two men were stabbed the day before, in the Golders Green neighbourhood of north London, on April 30, 2026. Two senior officials resigned from Nigel Farage\u2019s hard-right Reform UK on September 4, 2026, as the scandal-hit party was reported to the police over fresh allegations it flouted donations rules. Farage\u2019s long-term aide Dan Jukes and Reform\u2019s head of policy James Orr stepped down, the party said, adding that it had launched a probe into the allegations revealed in an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: CARLOS JASSO
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

Channel 4 broadcast<\/p>\n

Now, the party is under the lens again after a documentary appeared to show Reform officials discussing donations from foreign financiers.<\/p>\n

Watch: Fallout from Channel 4 sting<\/p>\n

@theipaper<\/a> <\/p>\n

Two of Nigel Farage\u2019s closest advisers have stepped down pending investigation after an undercover report alleged they had breached political donation rules, plunging the party\u2019s annual conference into chaos. Channel 4 News and Verbatim, a group of investigative journalists, published footage alleging that Farage had welcomed foreign donations, leading to claims the party had breached UK funding rules. The i Paper\u2019s political correspondent Connie Dimsdale explains everything you need to know. #News<\/a> #UKPolitics<\/a> #Reform<\/a> #NigelFarage<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 The i Paper \u2013 The i Paper<\/a> <\/p>\n

\nChallenges within Reform\n<\/p>\n

1Family \u2013 Farage says his family \u201cbegged\u201d him to quit politics following the murder of Reform member Ann Widdecombe.<\/p>\n

2Lack of professionalism \u2013 Farage spoke of Reform\u2019s lack of professionalism after the Channel 4 News sting and admitted he \u201cwasn\u2019t listening\u201d carefully.<\/p>\n

3Party infighting \u2013 Reform\u2019s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf,\u00a0is frequently at odds with treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick on issues like the details of how migrant deportations would work.<\/p>\n

Reform\u2019s future<\/p>\n

The most likely outcome is that Farage, still the stardust of Reform, however tainted by the slew of funding scandals, will be the candidate at the next election in a do-or-die moment.<\/p>\n

Even so, senior Reform figures can, however, calculate odds \u2013 and whether it is Tice, whose friends describe him as \u201calways on standby\u201d if a new leader is needed, Jenrick, whose old Tory frenemies joke he wakes up every day with the mantra \u201cI will become leader\u2026\u201d or Yusuf, the man whose diehard views could pave the way to a rapprochement with Restore Britain, this party is in search mode for what follows the Nigel era.<\/p>\n

\"Britain'sNigel Farage gestures during an interview with TV host Jeremy Kyle at Reform UK\u2019s annual party conference (Photo: Reuters\/Isabel Infantes)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Go deeper on this topic<\/p>\n

Farage rivals begin to circle after Reform\u2019s nightmare week<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The i Paper<\/p>\n

Politics<\/p>\n

For now, Farage, who was given a hero\u2019s welcome by activists at this year\u2019s annual conference, remains firmly in control. But the man long viewed as politically untouchable is looking more vulnerable as the vultures begin to circle.<\/p>\n

Watch more from The i Paper<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"\"\/<\/p>\n

The huge naval base is just five miles along the road from Helensburgh, a town containing around 15,000 people, including military families and retired personnel. Anti-nuclear campaigners argue that Faslane makes this part of Scotland<\/a> \u2013 just 25 miles from Glasgow<\/a> \u2013 a target for attacks.<\/p>\n

However, the majority of people in Helensburgh who spoke to The i Paper are supportive of the need for the nuclear naval base. There is enthusiasm about \u00a315bn worth of planned upgrades to Faslane over the next 10 years, with the hope that the town can get a knock-on economic boost.<\/p>\n

\u2018I assume the military\u2019s on top of anything suspicious\u2019<\/p>\n

When it comes to the heightened threat from Russia, feelings among local people range from calm to defiant to uneasy.<\/p>\n

Billy McBain, 58-year-old Helensburgh resident, worked at Faslane for many years and retired as a Royal Navy engineer in 2013. \u201cIt is worrying, the increase threat from Russia,\u201d he said. \u201cBut there\u2019s only a minute chance of attack against us. The whole point of the nuclear deterrent is that it keeps the whole country safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BillyBilly McBain, a former Navy engineer, enjoyed his years at Faslane and believes an attack by Russia is unlikely (Photo: Robert Perry)<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed my years there,\u201d McBain said of Faslane. \u201cThe expansion is good [for Helensburgh] \u2013 it would be a bit of ghost town if it wasn\u2019t for the base.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sharon Harvey, a 67-year-old Helensburgh resident, said: \u201cThe stability of the leaders we have now, Putin<\/a> and Trump<\/a>, is worrying I suppose. But I don\u2019t think about [Trident] as a big threat. It has to go somewhere \u2013 so I\u2019m happy for it to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SharonSharon Harvey says she is aware of people taking photos when walking her dog on the seafront (Photo: The i Paper)<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I walk the dog along the seafront, you\u2019re aware of visitors that are talking lots of photos. I sometimes joke with friends, \u2018Do you think the military are aware of this?\u2019 I just assume they\u2019re on top of anything really suspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faslane \u2018absolutely not off limits\u2019 to Russia<\/p>\n

Vladimir Putin\u2019s veiled threat against the UK has heightened concerns that Russia could target British factories creating drones for Ukraine<\/a>. The possibility that Moscow might disrupt sites in Britain is a \u201cmilitary secret\u201d, the Russian leader has said.<\/p>\n

Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, said drone facilities were currently \u201cmore at risk\u201d of cyber attacks, sabotage and espionage than major military bases such as Faslane.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we have to be wary of grey-zone hybrid activity,\u201d the former Navy chief told The i Paper. \u201cRussia is always prodding and probing, and Faslane is one of the key places they might want to prod and probe at. If Putin thinks he could get away with some sabotage there, I\u2019m sure he love to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Caption:HMS Vigilant, one of the UK\u2019s nuclear warhead-carrying submarines, at Faslane (Photo: Danny Lawson\/PA)<\/p>\n

Ed Arnold, defence expert and senior associate fellow at Royal United Services Institute, said: \u201cThe key military sites [such as Faslane] are absolutely not off limits. The Russians would be interested in any way they can to prevent the site from operating as it should.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s a higher risk for sabotage or espionage, there\u2019s an argument that people in Helensburgh need to be quite vigilant or suspicious of odd behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n

The number of security incidents at Faslane rose from 16 in 2021 to 149 last year, according to Freedom of Information data obtained by LBC earlier in 2026. <\/p>\n

The Ministry of Defence<\/a> (MoD) has not revealed details. Security incidents can include lost ID and other documentation issues, The i Paper understands.<\/p>\n

Philip Ingram, a former senior British military intelligence officer, said he hoped the increase was a \u201creflection of the heightened state of alert\u201d as more security checks are done.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf tensions increased substantially, if it came to a Russian operation against Nato forces, Faslane would be one of the number-one targets,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have to be wary of cyber attacks<\/a>, sabotage and good old-fashioned espionage and spies that could compromise people working at Faslane.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ingram urged people in Helensburgh to be \u201cwary\u201d, adding: \u201cIf there\u2019s new people behaving suspiciously, they should report it. The threat is very real.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faslane would \u201clikely be on a high-priority target list\u201d in the event of a conflict between Russia and Nato, according to a report from the Nato-accredited think-tank, the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence.<\/p>\n

\u2018Terrifying to think nuclear subs are there\u2019<\/p>\n

Mark Stewart, a 57-year-old anti-war campaigner who lives opposite Faslane\u2019s security gates, thinks about the nuclear threat every day.<\/p>\n

He is one of a handful of activists who have been living at Faslane Peace Camp, a collection of caravans and shacks across the road from the base which have been occupied since 1982.<\/p>\n

The former engineer from Newcastle came about a year ago to help revive the camp after numbers dwindled. \u201cI\u2019d had enough of the system,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a strange part of the world \u2013 like heaven and hell. It\u2019s beautiful, but it\u2019s also terrifying to think nuclear submarines are there.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the Russia talk makes things feels scarier than it has for a while. It makes Faslane more of a risk than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MarkMark Stewart and Siobhan Donald at the Faslane Peace camp near Helensburgh (Photo: Robert Perry)<\/p>\n

Siobhan Donald, 25, moved to the camp about six months ago. \u201cI don\u2019t like the nukes being there at all,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t think they should be in Scotland \u2013 it makes us a target. But I don\u2019t want them anywhere. The Russia stuff is frightening, that the two sides are creating this heightened threat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nuclear base \u2018adds a bit of excitement\u2019<\/p>\n

Some Helensburgh residents are relaxed about the apparent rise in tensions. Cathy, a retiree in her early sixties, is not worried about Moscow-directed dirty tricks. \u201cYou\u2019d have to be a pretty stupid Russian spy to come here to try to break into Faslane,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She moved to the area with her husband about six years ago. \u201cIt didn\u2019t put us off. It\u2019s a beautiful part of the world, and it\u2019s interesting to be close to the submarines. It adds a bit of excitement. I\u2019ve always thought that if Russia was to bomb us, we\u2019d all be gone in an instant, we\u2019d all be doomed anyway. So, I don\u2019t worry about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The SNP has said it would seek to negotiate for the removal of Trident from Faslane in an independent Scotland, while still supporting Nato\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n

\"MathSNP councillor Math Campbell- Sturgess says Faslane naval base remains \u2019very much part and parcel of the community\u2019 (Photo: Robert Perry)<\/p>\n

Math Campbell-Sturgess, SNP councillor for Helensburgh and Lomond South, said that the Faslane naval base remained \u201cvery much part and parcel of the community\u201d, and councillors want local businesses \u201cto get as much of an economic boost as possible\u201d from the coming modernisation of the base.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince the Russian invasion of Ukraine, people are concerned \u2013 you can\u2019t not be,\u201d he added. \u201cBut no more concerned than anywhere else. People are so accustomed to the stand-off since the Cold War, so they\u2019re not alarmed by everything Putin says.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alex Gallacher, 68, who retired to Helensburgh a couple of years ago, is not alarmed at all: \u201cI\u2019m very cynical about all this Russia threat stuff. There\u2019s a lot of sabre-rattling going on, but not much substance to any of it. It\u2019s bullshit. I\u2019m more worried about the cost of living, about homelessness, about poverty.\u201d<\/p>\n

An MoD spokesperson said the security of Faslane \u201cis of the utmost importance and security measures are continually reviewed. Due to the sensitive nature of the site we do not comment on specific measures or incidents.\u201d<\/p>\n

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