{"id":7912,"date":"2026-07-13T16:41:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T16:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/nato\/7912\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T16:41:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T16:41:19","slug":"trumps-favourite-european-strongman-is-looking-to-gain-from-natos-fears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/nato\/7912\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump’s favourite European strongman is looking to gain from Nato\u2019s fears"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Donald Trump<\/a> dominated conversations at last week\u2019s Nato summit in Ankara, a striking win for the UK went largely under the radar.<\/p>\n

During the summit, the UK and Turkey<\/a> signed a milestone defence and security pact covering defence industries and technology, cyber security, hybrid threats, counter-terrorism and space, while also \u201creaffirming their shared commitment to shoulder greater responsibility for building a stronger Europe in a stronger Nato\u201d. <\/p>\n

Turkey\u2019s military importance to Britain, and Nato more broadly, is rising fast, amid wars in Europe and the Middle East<\/a>, as well as an unreliable US and a more imposing China.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tShorts\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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\"LIVERPOOL,Caption: LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 11: Henry Pollock of England scores his team\u2019s seventh try while under pressure from Jiuta Wainiqolo of Fiji during the 2026 Nations Championship match between Fiji and England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Ed Sykes
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n

rugby union<\/p>\n

The simple tweak that has transformed England\u2019s attack<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Sam Larner\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rugby writer and analyst<\/p>\n

Trying and failing to beat bigger, more powerful teams at their own game has been a theme for much of Steve Borthwick\u2019s reign as England coach \u2013 until now.<\/p>\n

Signs of progress<\/p>\n

On Saturday, Fiji were outplayed in all areas by\u00a0England\u00a0as they fell to a record defeat.<\/p>\n

Unlike last week\u2019s loss to\u00a0South Africa, England had the strength advantage and used their power game to win the match, then cut loose in the second half to decide by how much.<\/p>\n

\"LIVERPOOL,Caption: LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 11: Ollie Chessum of England in action during the 2026 Nations Championship match between Fiji and England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker \u2013 RFU\/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
Photographer: Naomi Baker \u2013 RFU
Provider: The RFU Collection via Getty Ima
Source: The RFU Collection
Copyright: 2026 The RFU<\/p>\n

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Analysis<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

\nThe tweak that made the difference\n<\/p>\n

England are beginning to carve out a game plan which can hide their weaknesses and make the most of their strengths. It relies on pace and forwards who look out of place.<\/p>\n

\"LIVERPOOL,Caption: LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 11: Ollie Chessum of England wins a line out during the 2026 Nations Championship match between Fiji and England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey \u2013 RFU\/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
Photographer: Alex Livesey \u2013 RFU
Provider: The RFU Collection via Getty Ima
Source: The RFU Collection
Copyright: 2026 The RFU<\/p>\n

\"LIVERPOOL,Caption: LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 11: Noah Caluori of England scores a try during the 2026 Nations Championship match between Fiji and England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker \u2013 RFU\/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
Photographer: Naomi Baker \u2013 RFU
Provider: The RFU Collection via Getty Ima
Source: The RFU Collection
Copyright: 2026 The RFU<\/p>\n

At one point the back row was Earl, Pepper, and Pollock with Chessum in the second row. It certainly didn\u2019t look too light, partly because that trio ran into the holes Fiji thought they had covered \u2013 and realised too late they hadn\u2019t accounted for that type of pace.<\/p>\n

Verdict from the top<\/p>\n

It has been a difficult week, flying over from South Africa and driving up here. Great credit to our fantastic supporters\u2026 What really pleased me was the defensive performance. We played a Fiji team that is so dangerous with ball in hand.<\/p>\n

Steve Borthwick, England head coach <\/p>\n

\"EnglandCaption: England head coach Steve Borthwick during a training session at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool.<\/p>\n

Picture date: Friday July 10, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Davies\/PA Wire.<\/p>\n

RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Photographer: David Davies
Provider: David Davies\/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA Wire<\/p>\n

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

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

The 2026 World Cup is set to be one of the hottest on record, with temperatures in the US expected to top 35\u00b0C in cities like Dallas, Houston and Monterrey this June and July. This is not the first time the heat has impacted a World Cup, but for the first time, the 2026 edition will introduce three-minute \u201chydration breaks\u201d to help the players. The i Paper\u2019s Chief Football Writer@danielstorey85 went to Loughborough University to put his body to the test in a heat chamber and find out exactly what the players will be dealing with. #US<\/a> #UK<\/a> #worldcup<\/a> #football<\/a><\/p>\n

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

health<\/p>\n

How a new technology is helping lung cancer treatment<\/p>\n

\"LungCaption: Lung cancer, illustration
Photographer: SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI\/SCIENCE PHOT
Provider: Getty Images\/Science Photo Libra
Source: Science Photo Library RF
Copyright: Science Photo Library<\/p>\n

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian have developed a new method for accurately predicting genetic changes that cause\u00a0lung\u00a0cancer, without the need for slower, more expensive lab techniques.<\/p>\n

How does it work?<\/p>\n

Detecting DNA mutations which help inform lung cancer treatment currently requires lab tests such as gene sequencing. <\/p>\n

The new approach uses fluorescent imaging to predict those mutations without the need for genetic testing or tissue staining.<\/p>\n

This captures natural light signals from tissue samples, which AI analyses for patterns.<\/p>\n

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MONEY<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

\nWhy this is important\n<\/p>\n

\"DNACaption: DNA molecule, illustration.
Photographer: KTSDESIGN\/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Provider: Getty Images\/Science Photo Libra
Source: Science Photo Library RF
Copyright: Science Photo Library<\/p>\n

More accurate<\/p>\n

The method identified the presence of mutations with very high accuracy to help make treatment decisions.<\/p>\n

Deadly disease<\/p>\n

Lung\u00a0cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.<\/p>\n

\"AbstractCaption: Abstract plexus lung on a black background.
Photographer: Yuichiro Chino
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

\"OutwittingA new highly accurate AI test could help diagnose sarcoma cancers earlier and save thousands of lives<\/p>\n

Quicker and cheaper<\/p>\n

Co-lead Dr Qiang Wang said previously lengthy and costly processes could be completed in \u201cminutes\u201d.<\/p>\n

WORLD<\/p>\n

Bangkok nightclub fire kills 27 \u2013 how it unfolded<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A person runs as flames rise at a pub in Bangkok, Thailand, in this screengrab taken from a social media video released on July 13, 2026. txng.di.kwa.deim.hi.di via Facebook\/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. Verification: \u2013 Business signage, road layout, bridge and steel poles matched archive image and Reuters aftermath coverage \u2013 Time of footage recorded was not confirmed, however, Thai officials confirmed that the fire broke out at 11:57 p.m. (1657 GMT) on Sunday (July 12) \u2013 Corroborating footage posted online on Monday (July 13) also showed similar intensity flames bursting out from the location REFILE \u2013 CORRECTING DATE FROM \u201cJULY 13\u201d TO \u201cRELEASED ON JULY 13\u201d.
Photographer: txng.di.kwa.deim.hi.di via Faceb
Provider: via REUTERS
Source: UGC<\/p>\n

A huge fire tore through a bar in Bangkok late on Sunday, killing at least 27 people and leaving 22 critically injured.<\/p>\n

Reports of the fire at the\u00a0Na Ladprao bar emerged around 2am local time. Here is everything we know so far.<\/p>\n

What you need to know<\/p>\n

Video shows customers running from a huge plume of flames coming out of the door of the nightclub. <\/p>\n

Eyewitnesses said the blaze broke out near the stage of the popular bar, then spread rapidly. <\/p>\n

The majority of the bodies were found in a bathroom, where customers had apparently retreated from the flames.<\/p>\n

No official cause of the fire has yet been identified.<\/p>\n

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Agony Uncle<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

What have officials said?<\/p>\n

Thailand\u2019s national police chief Kittiratt Phanphet told reporters \u201cnegligence\u201d is the primary theory behind the outbreak of the fire.<\/p>\n

Bangkok\u2019s governor alleged the fire exits were obstructed, but this has not been confirmed by investigators.<\/p>\n

\"BANGKOK,Caption: BANGKOK, THAILAND ??\u201d JULY 13: A view of the damage at a pub following a deadly fire in Bangkok\u2019s Chatuchak district, Thailand, on July 13, 2026. At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured, including 22 in critical condition, after a fire rapidly engulfed the crowded nightlife venue shortly before midnight. Authorities said most victims died from smoke inhalation, while the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. (Photo by Wissarut Weerasopon\/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Photographer: Anadolu
Provider: Anadolu via Getty Images
Source: Anadolu<\/p>\n

\"AnCaption: An ambulance is parked outside a bar after a massive fire broke out in Bangkok, early on July 13, 2026. A fire in a bar in the Thai capital Bangkok killed at least 27 people late Sunday night, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told local media. (Photo by chanakarn LAOSARAKHAM \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

Everything we know about Ann Widdecombe murder investigation<\/p>\n

Former Conservative MP and Reform UK\u2019s senior member
Ann Widdecombe was found
dead in her home on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.<\/p>\n

\"(FILES)Police have launched a murder investigation after Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home (Photo Ben Stansall\/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

What\u2019s new?<\/p>\n

On Saturday evening, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder.<\/p>\n

He was arrested at his home in Rotherham, 267 miles from Widdecombe\u2019s Dartmoor home.<\/p>\n

CCTV published by The Sun shows the suspect getting into his car with a large stick in his pocket hours before she was allegedly killed.<\/p>\n

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation.<\/p>\n

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NEWS<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

What the police said<\/p>\n

We now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation. We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.<\/p>\n

head of UK counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor<\/p>\n

\"AnnAnn Widdecombe outside Old Baily in 2022 reading out a statement in relation to the murder trial of the late British lawmaker David Amess (Photo: John Sibley\/Reuters)<\/p>\n

Farage warned not to speculate<\/p>\n

Nigel Farage faced criticism after paying tribute to Widdecombe on Saturday.<\/p>\n

The Reform leader told reporters he believed the attack was \u201cpremeditated murder\u201d, adding a car had appeared on her drive around 12.25pm on Wednesday. Police again urged people not to speculate, saying it is \u201cunhelpful\u201d and \u201cdistressing\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"LeaderNigel Farage laid a tribute on Saturday near the home Ann Widdecombe after she was found dead on Thursday (Photo: Jack Taylor\/Reuters)<\/p>\n

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OPINION<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

NEWS<\/p>\n

The poultry industry\u2019s major expansion of factory chicken farms<\/p>\n

\"LargeThe digesters are being used to justify the expansion of intensive poultry farms (Photo: Mint Images RF\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Lucie Heath <\/p>\n

Environment Correspondent<\/p>\n

The poultry industry is planning a major expansion of factory farms across England, creating new hotspots for air and river pollution.\u00a0Here is everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

What you need to know<\/p>\n

600<\/p>\n

The number of new chicken sheds planned for the UK.<\/p>\n

Revealed by a joint investigation by The i Paper and investigative journalism outlet Grilled.<\/p>\n

Many of the new poultry farms will still be large \u201cmegafarms\u201d with the capacity to hold over 200,000 chickens.<\/p>\n

It comes in response to a 4.5 per cent increase in demand for chicken, according to industry experts, and the Government\u2019s new welfare standards.<\/p>\n

Why it matters<\/p>\n

Intensive chicken farming has been associated with toxic air and river pollution, most notably around the\u00a0River Wye\u00a0catchment area. Many of the new applications are centered around Lincolnshire.<\/p>\n

There are currently 13 active known applications in the county for \u201cintensive poultry units\u201d, which hold at least 40,000 birds.<\/p>\n

Residents said they were concerned about the\u00a0health impacts\u00a0of living next to these intensive units and environmental campaigners said chicken farming was \u201csuffocating\u201d local rivers.<\/p>\n

Research earlier this year by Compassion in World Farming recorded spikes in ammonia pollution surrounding regions associated with intensive farming, including Lincolnshire, Herefordshire and Norfolk.<\/p>\n

What the residents are saying<\/p>\n

Everything about\u00a0our life and work is put in jeopardy by this proposal, as any pollutants from the units would be carried on the prevailing winds directly to our property. We fear for our health, our wellbeing and the likely impact on delicate ecosystems<\/p>\n

LINCOLNSHIRE RESIDENT IVOR DAVEY<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"ActorCaption: Actor Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant, standing next to an electric fence in a scene from the film \u2018Jurassic Park\u2019, 1993. (Photo by Murray Close\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Murray Close
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moviepix<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

Jurassic Park actor\u00a0Sam\u00a0Neill\u00a0dies aged 78<\/p>\n

Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has died aged 78, his family has confirmed. <\/p>\n

The Northern Ireland-born New Zealand actor, best known for playing Dr Alan Grant in the blockbuster dinosaur franchise, died in Sydney, Australia, on Monday.<\/p>\n

What you need to know<\/p>\n

A statement posted to Instagram read: \u201cIt is with immense sadness that the wh\u0101nau (family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing.\u201d<\/p>\n

It said his death was \u201csudden and unexpected\u201d.<\/p>\n

In April, Neill revealed he was cancer-free after undergoing a cell therapy trial for lymphoma.<\/p>\n

Fellow Kiwi actor Karl Urban called Neill an \u201cinspiration\u201d and \u201cnational treasure\u201d.<\/p>\n

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TRAVEL<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nAn illustrious career\n<\/p>\n

Born in Omagh, Northern Ireland, to an English mother and New Zealand father, Neill first gained attention for his role in the 1977 thriller Sleeping Dogs.<\/p>\n

\"FromCaption: From left to right, actors Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm, Richard Attenborough as John Hammond, Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler and Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant, watching a robotic arm handle the dinosaur eggs in a scene from the film \u2018Jurassic Park\u2019, 1993. (Photo by Murray Close\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Murray Close
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moviepix<\/p>\n

\"GOLDCaption: GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA \u2013 FEBRUARY 07: Sam Neill attends the 2025 AACTA Awards Presented By Foxtel Group at HOTA (Home of the Arts) on February 07, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde\/Getty Images for AFI)
Photographer: Chris Hyde
Provider: Getty Images for AFI
Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
Copyright: 2025 Getty Images<\/p>\n

He went on to enjoy a successful film career, best known for his roles in Jurassic Park, The Piano and Hunt For The Wilderpeople.<\/p>\n

Neill also found success on the small screen, familiar to audiences as Major Chester Campbell in the first two series of Peaky Blinders.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sudden and unexpected\u2019 loss<\/p>\n

Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.<\/p>\n

neill\u2019s family\u2019s statement<\/p>\n

\"ActorCaption: Actor Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant, with Ariana Richards (left) and Joseph Mazzello (right) as Lex and Tim, in a scene from the film \u2018Jurassic Park\u2019, 1993. (Photo by Murray Close\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Murray Close
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moviepix<\/p>\n

How to age well
without pain<\/p>\n

Will Harlow, a physiotherapist
for the over-50s and author of Independence for Life, shares
the key signs you\u2019re ageing
badly \u2013 and what to do about it.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

How to know <\/p>\n

Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want you want for as long as you want without needing help. Everyone is talking about\u00a0longevity but what\u2019s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you\u2019re [totally] reliant on people?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The signs to look out for<\/p>\n

\"SeniorSenior woman on sofa feeling and suffering from back pain. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

The most obvious early warning sign of bad ageing is pain says Harlow.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Another is losing confidence in doing daily tasks, which can quickly lead to a lack of independence.<\/p>\n

One call Harlow often receives is people calling after having a fall and struggling to get up.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

\"\"Many will worry about not saving enough for retirement (Photo: Alex Tihonov\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Not just stopping<\/p>\n

When people retire, they often put their feet up and stop. Your body really is use it or lose it.<\/p>\n

Sleep<\/p>\n

Throughout our entire lives, Harlow says we need between seven and nine hours of sleep.<\/p>\n

\"TiredNaps before 1pm can lead to better cognitive performance in the following hours (Photo: Lord Henri Voton\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"MaribelCaption: Maribel Ezcurra, 77, a retired milling machine mechanic, practices tai chi with fellow seniors in a park in the Playa neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ramon Espinosa)
Photographer: Ramon Espinosa
Provider: AP
Source: AP<\/p>\n

Social isolation<\/p>\n

The lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death by
as much as 29 per cent.<\/p>\n

Strength training<\/p>\n

It really is the proxy for
overall independence.<\/p>\n

The more muscle mass you have, the less chance of heart disease, diabetes, falls and even anxiety,\u00a0depression and\u00a0dementia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ThisCaption: This is a photo of a senior man helping his wife lift weights. See PA Feature HEALTH Physio. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA feature HEALTH Physio. PA Photo.Picture credit should read: Alamy\/PA. <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Physio. <\/p>\n

Photographer: Alamy
Provider: Alamy\/PA
Source: PA<\/p>\n

The brain can be linked to muscle mass too, Harlow says. It\u2019s not just about being able to lift things. It gives you more energy, better sleep and you\u2019ll look and feel better.<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

Daily habits<\/p>\n

Do short bursts of exercise, between 30 and 60 seconds, in otherwise dead time during the day.<\/p>\n

\"ElderlyFit more walking into your day (Photo: andreswd\/Getty\/E+)<\/p>\n

\"ASleep can affect your heart health (Photo: Flashpop\/Getty\/Digital Vision)<\/p>\n

Stretch in bed<\/p>\n

Take joints through a full range of motion for five minutes to loosen it before getting up.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t crash diet<\/p>\n

It can increase the decline of muscle mass and bone density, which needs to be avoided.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ACalorie counting every day can be a pain (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\nHow to age without pain\n<\/p>\n

\"Protein(Photo: Inga Erhan\/ Gingagi\/ Getty).<\/p>\n

Protein<\/p>\n

Harlow advises 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to stop muscle loss alongside resistance training.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wait<\/p>\n

Harlow finds that many patients put off making a change to their lifestyle until their lives are consumed by pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"MenstrualMenstrual pain, woman with stomachache suffering from pms at home, endometriosis, cystitis and other diseases of the urinary system \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Close-upCaption: Close-up view of female jogger tying laces of her sport shoes before running exercise routine. Motivation, healthy lifestyle and fitness concept.
Photographer: Xavier Lorenzo
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Recovery<\/p>\n

For most people, it\u2019s\u00a0about reducing the number of times per week you\u2019re exercising, not reducing intensity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\nThe three ageing tests to do\n<\/p>\n

Lie completely flat on the floor and get back up to a standing position using any technique. This should take less than 10 seconds.<\/p>\n

See how many times you can sit on the chair and stand back up again in 30 seconds. Men should be aiming for more than 14 times and women\u00a012.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The single-leg stand, which involves standing on one leg and balancing for 10 seconds. Everyone should be able to do that and for those under 65, Harlow asks them to do it with their eyes closed.<\/p>\n

Despite the job market hiring fewer entry-level roles, employers are still looking for grads\u2026<\/p>\n

But you should be prepared to keep an open mind. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve compiled the sectors hiring graduate roles, what degree is required, and what they pay.<\/p>\n

\"YoungPlan 5 applies to students who began university courses on or after August 2023
(Photo: Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez\/Getty Images\/
Source: Moment RF)<\/p>\n

\nThe degrees to choose for a career\n<\/p>\n

Hiring in the UK could
finally be on the up<\/p>\n

47%<\/p>\n

of employers offered entry-level
positions from July.<\/p>\n

That is up nearly 15 per cent from the same period last year.<\/p>\n

700,000<\/p>\n

But graduate unemployment\u00a0rose to six per cent in 2025 and 700,000 jobless graduates were\u00a0claiming benefits.<\/p>\n

\nFinance and insurance\n<\/p>\n

Around 42 per cent of UK finance and insurance employers say they will be open to graduate roles this summer.<\/p>\n

Business loan company Portman Finance\u00a0Group has taken on 50 graduates over the past four years.<\/p>\n

\"AA lot of thought needs to be put into transferring a DB pension to a DC pot (Photo: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Portman graduates start on \u00a336,000 for the two-year programme and the education you need to apply is a minimum \u201cABB\u201d of A-levels, and a 2:1 or above university degree. But not in a specific subject.<\/p>\n

\"MatureLoose, natural fabrics are the best clothing option when the temperature rises (Photo: Kate Wieser\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Trade and logistics<\/p>\n

What makes it particularly rewarding is that there\u2019s always something to learn.<\/p>\n

Nearly half (47 per cent) of trade and logistics companies will be giving graduates a go this year.<\/p>\n

Salaries start at \u00a330,000 with an uncapped bonus, rising to \u00a350,000 plus a company car as a senior account partner.<\/p>\n

Technology and IT<\/p>\n

More than half (52 per cent) of UK tech and IT firms are actively looking for graduates.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Successful entry-level candidates can earn a basic salary of up to \u00a335,000, with the opportunity to triple that within their first three years of working.<\/p>\n

\"YoungCaption: Young business woman searching for job online. Woman writing resume on laptop.
Photographer: Maria Korneeva
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nPublic sector, health
and social services\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

46 per cent of public sector, health and social services organisations are also\u00a0ready to take graduates, according to a survey by Manpower.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"AA policeman walking away from an elderly person\u2019s home. \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

For example, Police Now runs a graduate\u00a0programme into policing. They\u00a0recruit graduates from any degree field, as long as they achieve a 2:2 or above. Starting salaries range from \u00a331,164 to \u00a342,210 depending\u00a0on location and rising each year.<\/p>\n

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

Yet Turkey is a problematic, obstructive ally at times, and is viewed with suspicion and even outright hostility by some Nato members. As Britain and others move closer to Ankara, they will need to be wary that the benefits Turkey brings may prove a double-edged sword.<\/p>\n

A win for Britain<\/p>\n

Turkey is a serious military power and has been a member of Nato since 1952. It has the alliance\u2019s second-largest army and is a major developer and exporter of arms \u2013 it has supplied Ukraine with Bayraktar attack drones to fight back against Russia\u2019s invasion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The country has undergone a \u201cdefence industrial revolution\u201d in recent years, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has said.<\/p>\n

Turkey is also on track to spend 5 per cent of its GDP on defence by 2030, compared with around 2.7 per cent for the UK. Top military brass have warned that without a significant increase, Britain will be incapable of defending itself in the event of a Russian attack.<\/p>\n

The UK-Turkey defence deal is therefore a significant development, and follows Turkey\u2019s \u00a38bn order of 20 UK Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes last October. The pact opens up the possibility of greater access to and sharing of technologies that could help to plug gaps in UK defence.<\/p>\n

Alper Co\u015fkun, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\u2019s Europe programme, called the deal \u201chugely important\u201d. <\/p>\n

\"IZMIR,A Bayraktar TB3 drone during a live-fire exercise in Izmir, Turkey, in May (Photo: Mehmet Emin Menguarslan\/Anadolu)<\/p>\n

\u201cTurkey\u2019s defence industry is objectively very important,\u201d he told The i Paper. \u201cThere\u2019s a huge capacity there, and there\u2019s a proven success story in many areas on a lot of niche capabilities, like automated weapons systems. We\u2019ve all heard of the drones and so on, but it goes way beyond that.\u201d<\/p>\n

William Owens, n aanalyst at intelligence firm Sibylline, pointed to Turkey\u2019s advanced capabilities in areas like unmanned systems, missiles and guided weapons, radar, armoured vehicles and naval shipbuilding.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn top of that, you add the fact that they\u2019re cheaper than US or European alternatives,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s also faster production, greater manufacturing capacity, access to its markets, things like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Non-EU powers flexing their muscles <\/p>\n

The deal is also a political statement and a warning to the EU about the perils of excluding two traditional powers like Britain and Turkey from the bloc\u2019s defence schemes. It \u201chelps show that the UK is still a central partner when it comes to European security,\u201d Owens said.<\/p>\n

Britain and Turkey have long been close partners and already engage in training and capacity-building, joint military operations and trade in defence technologies. Even when the UK was in the EU it acted as \u201csort of a balancing actor as far as Turkey is concerned to ensure that any Eurocentric developments included non-EU allies,\u201d said Co\u015fkun.<\/p>\n

Brexit has changed things, with the UK now locked out of the EU\u2019s \u00a3126bn SAFE rearmament scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a non-EU member, Turkey and the UK find themselves in the same camp, trying to penetrate the walls that are being erected through an EU fortress mindset,\u201d he said. \u201cThe critical mass that countries like Turkey, the UK, and [non-EU] Norway have, when they come together\u2026 is really important. They are heavyweights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ANKARA,Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Keir Starmer sign a bilateral agreements in Ankara this month (Photo: Utku Ucrak\/Anadolu)<\/p>\n

Last week, Turkey\u2019s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan<\/a>, urged Nato allies to lift defence industry restrictions so his country can join EU-only initiatives. \u201cRestrictions among allies on defence co-operation, especially in the defence industry, must be lifted\u2026 excluding \u2060allies that are not members of the [European] Union would \u200blead \u2060to artificial divisions in Europe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The EU and Nato also know they must urgently scale up their defence industries as the strategic environment deteriorates, with Trump threatening allies who do not pay their way, and shrinking US military assets<\/a> and capabilities to defend Nato\u2019s borders in a crisis.<\/p>\n

Turkey will play a central part of that.<\/p>\n

Western powers need Turkey <\/p>\n

Turkey\u2019s geography alone makes it a key power. Sitting at the intersection of the Mediterranean, Middle East and the Caucasus, it is strategically critical in defending Nato\u2019s southern flank and acting as a bulwark against Russia.<\/p>\n

While it has maintained relations with Russia and refused to join Western sanctions, Turkey has nevertheless backed Ukraine\u2019s territorial integrity, supplied it with weapons, and now appears to be pivoting from closer alignment with Moscow back towards the West.<\/p>\n

Turkey\u2019s strategic importance in Nato is growing as it shifts its role within the alliance from that of a passive participant to an active architect, wrote P\u0131nar Dost<\/a>, a non-resident fellow and former deputy director of the Atlantic Council\u2019s Turkey programme, earlier this month.<\/p>\n

Turkey is assuming significant responsibilities, including air policing in the Baltics and command of the Allied Reaction Force in 2028. Erdogan has also told allies he has allocated an additional $24bn \u2060for Turkey\u2019s Steel Dome project \u2060to boost Nato air and missile defences.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt definitely marks a turning point in the recent history of Nato and Turkey\u2019s relationship,\u201d said Owens. \u201cOver the last couple of years, we\u2019ve seen a concerted shift from Ankara to move closer towards Nato, primarily, I think, as a result of the conflict in Ukraine and also Turkey\u2019s strategic realignment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"IZMIR,Turkey has the largest military among European Nato member states (Photo: Mehmet Emin Menguarslan\/Anadolu)<\/p>\n

Turkey is a problematic ally<\/p>\n

Yet Western democracies have limited trust in Turkey, which has proven a problematic and obstructive ally that has frequently clashed with other European governments. <\/p>\n

Disputes with Greece and Cyprus remain unresolved, as do questions over Erdogan\u2019s ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and alleged Islamisation of immigrant communities in Western Europe. In 2017, Turkey bought Russian S400 air defences, prompting a crisis in the alliance and its removal from the US F-35 fighter programme. It later held up Sweden\u2019s and Finland\u2019s entry into Nato to squeeze out concessions for itself.<\/p>\n

Turkey\u2019s democratic backsliding<\/a> is also a major concern.<\/p>\n

In recent years, Erdogan has tightened his grip on the country, including the military, legislature, media and courts. His biggest rival, Istanbul mayor Ekrem \u0130mamo\u011flu, of the Republican People\u2019s Party\u00a0(CHP), has been imprisoned on charges the opposition says are politically motivated.<\/p>\n

Yet public statements of concern from allied capitals have been strikingly absent. Indeed, Trump has lavished praise on Erdogan, and professed his backing for Turkey, pledging to let it back into the F-35 programme. This would be a massive win for Ankara.<\/p>\n

Whether they like it or not, Western powers know that as the world gets more precarious, Turkey is too important to sideline.<\/p>\n

\u201cNato allies will approach this from the perspective of saying that Nato is not a political union,\u201d said Owens. \u201cThis is realpolitik. We need to work with Turkey. That\u2019s who\u2019s strategically important, and therefore we\u2019re not going to criticise them.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cThat\u2019s a huge signifier for me of how important Turkey has become within Nato.\u201d<\/p>\n

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