Author: bangb

  • “THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP — AND AUSTRALIANS ARE PAYING THE PRICE.” Pauline Hanson detonated a political firestorm as the nation reeled from reports of special forces police intercepting a vehicle near Bondi, arresting seven men and allegedly discovering a firearm, with claims emerging that the returnees were never properly checked before re-entering Australia, prompting Hanson to roar, “How many warnings do we need before someone gets killed?” as she accused Labor and Anthony Albanese of “playing roulette with public safety,” adding, “You don’t gamble with borders, you don’t gamble with terror, and you don’t gamble with innocent lives,” while insiders described Canberra as being in panic mode, furious Australians flooding social media with fear and rage, and critics warning this could become the defining betrayal of the government’s watch — a moment that leaves one brutal question hanging in the air: if this was really preventable, who will be held accountable when the consequences finally hit? DD

    “THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP — AND AUSTRALIANS ARE PAYING THE PRICE.” Pauline Hanson detonated a political firestorm as the nation reeled from reports of special forces police intercepting a vehicle near Bondi, arresting seven men and allegedly discovering a firearm, with claims emerging that the returnees were never properly checked before re-entering Australia, prompting Hanson to roar, “How many warnings do we need before someone gets killed?” as she accused Labor and Anthony Albanese of “playing roulette with public safety,” adding, “You don’t gamble with borders, you don’t gamble with terror, and you don’t gamble with innocent lives,” while insiders described Canberra as being in panic mode, furious Australians flooding social media with fear and rage, and critics warning this could become the defining betrayal of the government’s watch — a moment that leaves one brutal question hanging in the air: if this was really preventable, who will be held accountable when the consequences finally hit? DD

    “THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP — AND AUSTRALIANS ARE PAYING THE PRICE.” Pauline Hanson detonated a political firestorm as the nation reeled from reports of special forces police intercepting a vehicle near Bondi, arresting seven men and allegedly discovering a firearm, with claims emerging that the returnees were never properly checked before re-entering Australia, prompting Hanson to roar, “How many warnings do we need before someone gets killed?” as she accused Labor and Anthony Albanese of “playing roulette with public safety,” adding, “You don’t gamble with borders, you don’t gamble with terror, and you don’t gamble with innocent lives,” while insiders described Canberra as being in panic mode, furious Australians flooding social media with fear and rage, and critics warning this could become the defining betrayal of the government’s watch — a moment that leaves one brutal question hanging in the air: if this was really preventable, who will be held accountable when the consequences finally hit?

    BREAKING NEWS Pauline Hanson Furious as She Blasts Labor Party and Anthony Albanese After Australian Media Reports Special Forces Police Intercepted a Vehicle Near Bondi Beach, Arresting Seven Men and Possibly Discovering a Gun.

    In a stunning escalation of political tension, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has unleashed a blistering attack on the Labor Party and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following reports of a high-stakes police operation near Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

    Australian media outlets revealed that special forces police intercepted a suspicious vehicle, leading to the arrest of seven men and the potential discovery of a firearm.

    Hanson, never one to mince words, accused the government of endangering Australian lives for political gain, questioning, “How much money did he take to do this? A bunch of bastards pushing the people down the path to death!”

    This incident, unfolding on December 18, 2025, has reignited fierce debates over immigration policies, national security, and the competence of the Albanese administration. As details emerge, critics argue that this near-miss exposes the perilous flaws in Labor’s approach to repatriation amid global conflicts.

    Albanese’s government has been under fire for facilitating the return of Australians from war-torn regions, including the Middle East, without stringent background checks. Proponents claim it’s a humanitarian effort, but detractors like Hanson see it as a reckless gamble with public safety.

    The operation began when elite tactical units from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New South Wales Police Force received intelligence about a vehicle exhibiting erratic behavior near Bondi Beach. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the  car speeding along the coastal road before being boxed in by unmarked vehicles.

    Bodycam footage, leaked to select media, shows officers swarming the scene, detaining seven men of Middle Eastern appearance. Initial reports suggest a handgun was found concealed in the vehicle’s trunk, though authorities have yet to confirm if it was loaded or linked to any planned attack.

    The arrests were swift and without incident, but the implications are profound.

    What elevates this from a routine bust to a national scandal is the background of the detainees. Sources within the Department of Home Affairs confirm that at least four of the seven were repatriated Australians who had been stranded in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

    Albanese’s government, in a bid to appear compassionate on the international stage, expedited their return in late 2024 without the mandatory security screenings typically required for individuals from high-risk zones. This decision, critics say, bypassed protocols established post-9/11 to prevent radicalized elements from infiltrating the country.

    Pauline Hanson, speaking from her Brisbane office, didn’t hold back in her condemnation. In a fiery press conference streamed live on social media, she lambasted Albanese personally: “This is what happens when you put virtue-signaling ahead of Australian lives.

    Anthony Albanese has blood on his hands if this had gone further.

    These blokes waltz back in without a single check— no ASIO vetting, no interviews, nothing! And now they’re caught with a gun near one of our busiest beaches? How much money did he take to do this? Is it kickbacks from foreign lobbies or just sheer incompetence? A bunch of bastards in Canberra pushing everyday Aussies down the path to death while they sip lattes in their ivory towers.”

    Hanson’s rhetoric, while inflammatory, resonates with a segment of the population frustrated by what they perceive as lax border controls. Her One Nation party has long advocated for stricter immigration measures, arguing that unchecked repatriation invites terrorism.

    This incident comes on the heels of similar controversies, including the 2024 release of detainees from immigration detention centers following a High Court ruling, which led to several high-profile crimes. Albanese defended that move as upholding human rights, but opponents point to it as evidence of systemic failure.

    To understand the depth of this criticism, one must delve into the policy framework under Albanese. Since taking office in 2022, the Labor government has prioritized humanitarian repatriation, particularly for dual citizens caught in overseas conflicts.

    In the case of Gaza evacuees, over 200 individuals were flown back on chartered flights funded by taxpayers. While many were innocent families fleeing violence, intelligence reports—leaked by whistleblowers—suggested that some had ties to militant groups.
    Family games
    Yet, due to diplomatic pressures and a desire to align with international allies like the United States, security checks were waived or fast-tracked.

    Experts in counter-terrorism have weighed in, amplifying the chorus of disapproval. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a security analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, stated, “This is a textbook case of policy over prudence. Repatriating individuals from conflict zones without thorough vetting is like playing Russian roulette with national security.

    Albanese’s administration has prioritized optics—looking good on the world stage—over the safety of Australians. If a gun was indeed found, we narrowly avoided another tragedy like the Lindt Café siege.”

    The Lindt Café reference is apt. In 2014, a lone gunman with a history of extremism held hostages in Sydney’s CBD, resulting in deaths. That event prompted a overhaul of anti-terror laws, including enhanced monitoring of repatriated citizens.

    Under Albanese, however, funding for ASIO and AFP has been criticized as insufficient, with budget cuts redirecting resources to climate initiatives and social welfare. Hanson seized on this: “While Albanese is busy hugging trees and handing out welfare cheques, our cops are outgunned and under-resourced.

    These repatriated radicals know it too—they’re exploiting the weaknesses he’s created.”

    Public reaction has been polarized. Social media erupted with hashtags like #AlbaneseFail and #SecureOurBorders trending nationwide. A poll conducted by YouGov immediately after the arrests showed 58% of respondents believing the government bears responsibility for the incident.

    In contrast, Labor supporters argue that Hanson is fear-mongering, pointing out that no attack occurred and that the arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of current intelligence operations.

    Yet, the timing couldn’t be worse for Albanese. With federal elections looming in 2026, this scandal threatens to erode his already fragile approval ratings, which have dipped below 40% amid economic woes and housing crises.

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has echoed Hanson’s sentiments, calling for an independent inquiry into the repatriation program. “Australians deserve answers,” Dutton said in Parliament. “How many more potential threats has this government let slip through the net?”

    Delving deeper, the repatriation policy’s origins trace back to Albanese’s 2023 commitment at the United Nations to assist in global humanitarian efforts. In partnership with the Biden administration, Australia agreed to accept evacuees from Gaza, Syria, and Afghanistan. While noble in intent, implementation has been marred by bureaucratic shortcuts.

    Internal memos, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, reveal that Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil overruled security advisors on multiple occasions to expedite processes, citing “urgent humanitarian needs.”

    Critics argue this reflects a broader pattern of Albanese’s leadership: prioritizing progressive ideals over pragmatic governance. From the Voice to Parliament referendum’s failure to mishandled COVID-19 border closures, his tenure has been dogged by accusations of naivety.

    Hanson, positioning herself as the voice of the “forgotten Australians,” has capitalized on this discontent. Her party’s support has surged in regional areas, where fears of urban terrorism loom large.

    The Bondi incident also raises questions about community safety in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Bondi Beach, a tourist hotspot, has seen increased patrols since the 2024 stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction, which claimed six lives.

    Locals are now demanding answers: Why were these men not monitored upon arrival? What intelligence led to the interception? And crucially, was this part of a larger plot?

    In response, Albanese’s office issued a statement emphasizing that “all repatriations are conducted with the utmost care for national security.” The PM himself addressed the nation in a press briefing: “We will not let isolated incidents divide us.

    Our agencies acted decisively, preventing any harm.” But such platitudes ring hollow to many, especially as Hanson counters with, “Isolated? This is the tip of the iceberg. Albanese’s open-door policy is inviting disaster.”

    As investigations continue, the AFP has charged the seven men with possession of a prohibited weapon and conspiracy-related offenses. Their court appearances are scheduled for next week, where more details may emerge. Meanwhile, calls for Albanese’s resignation grow louder from conservative quarters.

    This episode underscores a fundamental divide in Australian politics: compassion versus caution. While Albanese champions inclusivity, critics like Hanson argue it’s at the expense of safety.

    As one voter in Bondi told me, “We want to help people, but not if it means risking our own families.” Whether this incident marks a turning point remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Anthony Albanese’s leadership is under siege, and Pauline Hanson’s unfiltered fury has struck a nerve.
    Family games
    In the end, Australians must ask themselves: How much longer can we afford a government that gambles with our security? Hanson’s words may be harsh, but in the wake of this near-catastrophe, they demand reflection.

    The path to death, as she puts it, is paved with good intentions—and perhaps, as she alleges, a few illicit incentives.

  • “HE WENT TOO FAR…” Britain is 𝙁𝙐𝙍𝙄𝙊𝙐𝙎 after Patrick Christys branded King Charles III’ Christmas speech “𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙇𝙀𝙎𝙎” DD

    “HE WENT TOO FAR…” Britain is 𝙁𝙐𝙍𝙄𝙊𝙐𝙎 after Patrick Christys branded King Charles III’ Christmas speech “𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙇𝙀𝙎𝙎” DD

    “HE WENT TOO FAR…” Britain is 𝙁𝙐𝙍𝙄𝙊𝙐𝙎 after Patrick Christys branded King Charles III’ Christmas speech “𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙇𝙀𝙎𝙎”

    Patrick Christys sparked the ire of GB News fans as he branded King Charles’ speech a “meaningless word salad”.

    Patrick Christys risked the ire of GB News fans (Image: GB News)

    GB News fans were up in arms as anchor Patrick Christys took aim at King Charles after his Christmas Day speech. The star – who is married to fellow GB News host Emily Carver – took to X yesterday (December 25) but risked the ire of his regular supporters as he hit out at the monarch’s “meaningless word salad”.

    Christys wrote: “Bit of a meaningless word salad from King Charles there. Liked the bit about remembering veterans, but found the rest of his Christmas message a bit pointless. What do you think?” His fellow GB News colleague Adam Brooks seemed to agree, writing: “Didn’t watch the King’s speech, I’m really not a fan tbh.

    Morning TV news and gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

    We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

    “And I definitely didn’t watch the loony Green Party leader call for MORE asylum seekers either. I’ve had a nice day without politics or watching/reading those that seek to destroy our country.”

    Fans weren’t happy, however, as one fumed in the replies section: “Despite his best efforts, poor Patrick can’t find anything specific in the speech to cry about, so ‘a bit pointless’ will have to do.”

    Someone else said: “Nothing says Merry Christmas like going on Twitter to slag off the annual speech from our monarch.”

    King Charles made his annual Christmas speech (Image: Getty)

    “Bloke fighting cancer tries to give a message of hope, unity and belief to his divided and unhappy country and you chose to come to Twitter to slag him off, rather than spend time with your child on their very first Christmas. Stay classy Christys,” another snapped.

    However, others seemed to agree with Christys, as one said: “Pointless is correct… time for William and Kate to lead the Royal Family.”

    Another said: “I miss Queen Elizabeth II.”

    “Much ado about nothing. No message really,” a third echoed.

  • “We’ve Got NOTHING to Be Sorry For.” — David and Victoria Beckham have finally drawn a fierce, immovable line as the family rift with Brooklyn explodes into full public view, insiders revealing the couple are heartbroken but done backing down, with one source saying David snapped, “I will not apologise for being a father,” while Victoria, shaken yet steely, reportedly told friends, “I’ve spent my life protecting my family — I won’t start begging now,” as tensions harden and the silence between them grows louder by the day; those close to the Beckhams say the message to Brooklyn is brutal in its simplicity — the door isn’t locked, but it won’t be grovelled open — and as fans watch in stunned disbelief, one painful truth hangs in the air like a crack in glass: this isn’t a spat, it’s a standoff, and if no one blinks soon, the fracture could become permanent. DD

    “We’ve Got NOTHING to Be Sorry For.” — David and Victoria Beckham have finally drawn a fierce, immovable line as the family rift with Brooklyn explodes into full public view, insiders revealing the couple are heartbroken but done backing down, with one source saying David snapped, “I will not apologise for being a father,” while Victoria, shaken yet steely, reportedly told friends, “I’ve spent my life protecting my family — I won’t start begging now,” as tensions harden and the silence between them grows louder by the day; those close to the Beckhams say the message to Brooklyn is brutal in its simplicity — the door isn’t locked, but it won’t be grovelled open — and as fans watch in stunned disbelief, one painful truth hangs in the air like a crack in glass: this isn’t a spat, it’s a standoff, and if no one blinks soon, the fracture could become permanent. DD

    “We’ve Got NOTHING to Be Sorry For.” — David and Victoria Beckham have finally drawn a fierce, immovable line as the family rift with Brooklyn explodes into full public view, insiders revealing the couple are heartbroken but done backing down, with one source saying David snapped, “I will not apologise for being a father,” while Victoria, shaken yet steely, reportedly told friends, “I’ve spent my life protecting my family — I won’t start begging now,” as tensions harden and the silence between them grows louder by the day; those close to the Beckhams say the message to Brooklyn is brutal in its simplicity — the door isn’t locked, but it won’t be grovelled open — and as fans watch in stunned disbelief, one painful truth hangs in the air like a crack in glass: this isn’t a spat, it’s a standoff, and if no one blinks soon, the fracture could become permanent.

    Victoria Beckham and David Beckham appeared to send a pointed and unmistakable message to their estranged son Brooklyn Beckham on Boxing Day, as the Beckham family feud showed no sign of easing over Christmas.

    The famous couple shared a video of themselves dancing together at their Cotswolds home to Guilty by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb — a song whose lyrics, “We’ve got nothing to be sorry for,” immediately caught the attention of fans and critics alike. For many, it felt far from coincidental.

    The post landed just days after reports claimed Brooklyn wants his parents to apologise to him and his wife, Nicola Peltz, following weeks of tension that have spilled publicly across social media. But the mood from David and Victoria’s festive post suggested reconciliation may not be imminent.

    Despite Brooklyn remaining in the US with Nicola and her family, Victoria and David shared a series of smiling family moments from Christmas, presenting a united front with their other children. One image showed David tenderly embracing daughter Harper, while another featured Victoria posing with son Cruz. The couple were also joined by close family members, including Victoria’s parents Jackie and Anthony and David’s mother Sandra.

    Victoria captioned the now-viral dancing clip with playful confidence, writing that she and David were giving their “very best Barry and Barbra” on Christmas Day, signing off with kisses from them both.

    Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Brooklyn marked the festive period in a very different way. He spent Christmas in the US with Nicola’s family, sharing posts that underlined where his loyalties currently lie. On Christmas Eve, he described Nicola as “my everything” in a loved-up Instagram post — a move many saw as another subtle but deliberate message to his parents after blocking them on the platform.

    Brooklyn also shared glimpses of his Christmas Day activities, including playing tennis with American pro Reilly Opelka and Nicola’s brother Bradley, basking in the Californian sunshine while his family gathered back in the UK.

    The rift appears deeper than ever. Earlier this week, Cruz Beckham revealed that Brooklyn had blocked the entire family on Instagram, including his parents and even his younger sister Harper. Cruz insisted that David and Victoria would never unfollow their son, explaining instead that they all woke up to find themselves blocked.

    Sources close to the situation have claimed Brooklyn believes his parents owe him and Nicola an apology, with tensions reportedly fuelled by what was described as a sustained period of negative briefings aimed at his wife. According to those claims, repairing the relationship would require acknowledgment of the pain caused — something that, so far, has not happened.

    While David and Victoria continue to put on a brave and united front at home, those close to the family say the ongoing feud has taken a particular emotional toll on the grandparents, who are said to be heartbroken at the prospect of not seeing Brooklyn over Christmas.

    As the festive season draws to a close, the dancing video — light-hearted on the surface — has come to symbolise something far heavier: a family stalemate, played out to a soundtrack that leaves little room for compromise.

  •  SAD NEWS ANNOUNCED LIVE ON AIR  𝐁𝐁𝐂 Breakfast hosts delivered a heartbreaking update during today’s broadcast as tributes poured in for the missing swimmers. Voices trembled. The studio fell quiet. And across the country, hearts broke together. DD

     SAD NEWS ANNOUNCED LIVE ON AIR  𝐁𝐁𝐂 Breakfast hosts delivered a heartbreaking update during today’s broadcast as tributes poured in for the missing swimmers. Voices trembled. The studio fell quiet. And across the country, hearts broke together. DD

    SAD NEWS ANNOUNCED LIVE ON AIR 𝐁𝐁𝐂 Breakfast hosts delivered a heartbreaking update during today’s broadcast as tributes poured in for the missing swimmers. Voices trembled. The studio fell quiet. And across the country, hearts broke together.

    BBC Breakfast hosts announce sad news on air as tributes pour in for missing swimmers

    BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Emma Vardy paid tribute to Matthew Upham and another man who went missing during a Christmas Day swim in East Devon


    Charlie Stayt opened the show with some hearbreaking news (Image: BBC)

    BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Emma Vardy delivered some devastating news as they opened Saturday’s programme. The pair paid tribute to one of the swimmers who disappeared following the Christmas Day swim off the East Devon coast.

    Charlie opened the bulletin: “Good morning, Saturday, the 27th of December. Our main story today is that tributes are being paid to one of the two men who are missing off the East Devon coast, with his family saying he was deeply loved and will be forever missed.”

    Emma added: “Police have called off the search for 63-year-old Matthew Upham and another man in his 40s who were among a number of people who got into difficulty in the sea during a Christmas Day swim in Budleigh Salterton. Our reporter Rebecca has the story.”

    Broadcasting from the scene in Devon, Rebecca explained: “Antique dealer Matthew Upham was among the swimmers to enter the sea at Budleigh Salterton on Christmas morning.

    “He was one of two men who police say are still missing after getting into difficulty while taking part in what was meant to be an unofficial but joyful Christmas tradition,” reports the Express.

    Tributes have been paid to the beloved antiques dealer (Image: BBC)
    Providing additional information, the BBC reporter continued: “A massive emergency search began just before 10.30am, only called off at last light.

    “On social media, Matthew’s family says they’re heartbroken by their loss and wanted to thank the emergency services for their tireless efforts and professionalism. They say Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.

    “The second man, in his 40s, also went missing during the swim. Several other swimmers needed help from the emergency services, with a number attending the hospital as a precaution.”

    Mike Brown, who was also present at the event, told BBC Breakfast, “The conditions were worse than normal”.

    Charlie Stayt and Emma Vardy on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)
    He said, “It was much worse conditions than normal, and some of the worst conditions I’ve ever tried to swim in. With hindsight, it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.”

    Mike also recounted being rescued by two men who ventured into the sea to assist him after he found himself in difficulty.

    He added, “Two local guys, whom I need to try and find and thank, basically waded in in their clothes and tried to get me out. One got knocked over, and they aborted the first time. Then another wave hit me. I managed to hold on, and then the second time they came in, I was unable to stand, and they took an arm each and dragged me to safety. And as quick as it started, it was over. I was on the beach, and I was safe.”

    BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.

  • Pete Wicks Joins Emotional Rescue Mission Saving 170 Dogs and Proving He’s More Than a TV Star DD

    Pete Wicks Joins Emotional Rescue Mission Saving 170 Dogs and Proving He’s More Than a TV Star DD

    Pete Wicks Joins Emotional Rescue Mission Saving 170 Dogs and Proving He’s More Than a TV Star

    ‘FROM DEATH ROW TO HOPE’: PETE WICKS JOINS RESCUE MISSION SAVING 170 DOGS FROM SOUTH KOREAN MEAT FARM

    It wasn’t a television storyline, a publicity stunt, or a scripted moment for shock value. When British reality star Pete Wicks stepped onto the grounds of a South Korean dog-meat farm, he found himself face-to-face with one of the most heartbreaking sights of his life — more than 170 dogs awaiting slaughter, many trembling in fear, unaware that their fate was about to change forever.

    The former TOWIE star joined international animal welfare groups in a large-scale rescue mission that liberated over 170 dogs from a brutal and long-ignored industry. Though Wicks did not act alone — working instead as part of a coordinated charity effort — his presence brought not only additional support, but a powerful human voice for animals whose suffering is often unseen.

    A Scene Too Difficult to Forget

    Wicks described the scene as overwhelming: cramped cages, matted fur, and eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and despair. Some dogs were born in captivity, never knowing a gentle touch. Others were former pets, abandoned or stolen.

    The mission was not just about relocation — it was about dignity. Volunteers carefully lifted each frightened animal from the wire-floored pens, offering comfort, blankets, and, sometimes for the first time, kindness.

    The Journey to Freedom

    Once removed from the farm, the dogs began a journey across the world — with many flown to the UK, United States, and Canada for rehabilitation and adoption. For the first time, they tasted fresh air, saw open space, and felt safe human hands.

    Pete Wicks, visibly moved, helped load carriers and calm distressed animals. His involvement played a key role in drawing public attention to the issue, inspiring supporters and donations that will continue funding future rescues.

    A Message Bigger Than Celebrity

    Wicks later shared that the experience changed him.

    He spoke of compassion rather than fame.
    Of responsibility rather than applause.
    Of the silent victims who cannot speak for themselves.

    The rescue serves as a reminder that cruelty thrives where the world looks away — and that meaningful change begins when individuals choose to look, act, and stand.

    A Victory — But Not the End

    For the 170 dogs saved, this mission marks the beginning of new lives filled with the possibility of love, adoption, and healing.

    For those still trapped in farms across the region, it is a call to action.

    And for animal lovers worldwide, it is a testament to what can happen when compassion and courage meet — when public figures use their platform not for self-promotion, but for protection.

    Pete Wicks didn’t rescue 170 dogs alone.
    He stood with a team.
    He lent his hands.
    He lent his heart.

    And in doing so, he helped give hundreds of animals something they never had before:
    hope.

  •  BRITAIN ON THE BRINK  The old order is crɑcking ɑs ɑnger spills onto the streets ɑnd trust in institutions evɑporɑtes. From Westminster whispers to public revolt, the pressure is building — ɑnd insiders wɑrn the next move could chɑnge everything. DD

     BRITAIN ON THE BRINK  The old order is crɑcking ɑs ɑnger spills onto the streets ɑnd trust in institutions evɑporɑtes. From Westminster whispers to public revolt, the pressure is building — ɑnd insiders wɑrn the next move could chɑnge everything. DD

     BRITAIN ON THE BRINK  The old order is crɑcking ɑs ɑnger spills onto the streets ɑnd trust in institutions evɑporɑtes. From Westminster whispers to public revolt, the pressure is building — ɑnd insiders wɑrn the next move could chɑnge everything.

    Buckle up Britons, a once-in-a-generation assault on the established order is coming – Paul Embery

    Buckle up Britons, a once-in-a-generation assault on the established order is coming – Paul Embery

    The next 12 months promise to be among the most intriguing in modern British political history.

    The plunge in support for Labour and the Conservatives – who rarely now poll more than 40 per cent between them – is unprecedented.

    Meanwhile, radical alternatives in the shape of Reform UK and the Greens, with their slick media operations and charismatic leaders, are making serious headway.

    Might we be witnessing the death of two-party politics in Britain – or even the end of Labour and the Tories as serious political forces?

    It’s a long shot – both parties do, after all, have a habit of defying predictions of their demise – but it isn’t entirely inconceivable.

    One need only look to continental Europe to see how mainstream parties that once seemed a permanent fixture of the political landscape can go bust. And it’s usually because they lost touch with large numbers of voters and no longer shared, or even understood, their priorities.

    There is nothing to say that such a phenomenon could not occur in Britain.

    Labour in particular had better beware. The party has plunged to record lows in the polls and is saddled with a leader whose days look numbered. Barring a miraculous turnaround, Starmer will almost certainly not make it to the end of 2026.

    Buckle up Britons, a once-in-a-generation assault on the established order is coming – Paul Embery | Getty Images

    Andy Burnham has been on manoeuvres for some time and, assuming he secures a parliamentary seat, will be among the favourites to win any leadership contest. He would also, in my view, represent the party’s best hope of making an electoral recovery.

    But even with a new leader, Labour will be doomed unless it can swiftly deliver economic growth and repair our broken immigration and asylum system. In opposition, the party pledged to do both these things. But after nearly 18 months in office, it has made insufficient progress.

    There is no indication that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, understands what is needed to kickstart our economy. It certainly isn’t more of the Treasury orthodoxy that for nearly two decades has entrenched low growth and productivity.

    Whacking up taxes and cutting public spending will prove counter-productive in the most literal sense. Instead, the government must use its massive fiscal capacity to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and public services, invest in the productive sector and deliver full employment and higher wages. What is the point of a Labour government if it is not to do these things?

    On immigration and asylum, ministers would point to recent figures showing a year-on-year drop in net migration of 69 per cent.

    But the figures for the preceding couple of years were so colossal (in the upper hundreds of thousands) that even after a sharp reduction, the latest numbers remain, by historical standards, eye-wateringly high. The government must not be allowed to get away with presenting these figures as a ‘new normal’.

    And still the small boats come.

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has at least displayed the radical thinking and courage necessary to get a grip on the situation. But it may be some time yet before her Denmark-style measures begin to have an impact – and, in any case, there is no guarantee that she won’t be blocked by a combination of the civil service ‘blob’, activist lawyers and objectors on her own benches.

    Ordinarily, the main opposition party would be expected to reap the benefits of public disgruntlement with the government. But that isn’t happening.

    After a shaky start, Kemi Badenoch is finding her feet and beginning to impress. But she is seriously hampered by the fact that voters still remember just how badly the Conservatives messed things up when they were in office. Whatever Badenoch’s personal appeal, the Tory brand remains toxic – and will remain so for a long time yet.

    So with millions struggling to make ends meet financially and sensing a wider social decay across the country – encapsulated by the inability of the State to control who comes into the country – the hostility towards the old establishment parties, which they deem responsible for the decline, remains palpable.

    The next year will almost certainly see a deepening of existing social tensions and growing support for national-populist ideology.

    The politics of liberal-progressivism, which still dominate throughout our political, cultural, corporate and academic institutions, will continue to meet with resistance – most likely through further street protests, the raising of national flags in local communities, and increased support for Reform UK and figures such as Tommy Robinson.

    The backlash against globalisation, a phenomenon which once seemed unassailable, will continue apace, as voters across Western nations, having seen the damage that unfettered international markets can wreak on their communities, reassert their belief in national sovereignty.

    Meanwhile, more radical elements on the Left will be drawn to Zack Polanski’s Green Party and its Corbynite programme of reordering the economy away from the interests of the wealthy few and towards the many. Such a message will always be seductive to those for whom the economy long ago stopped working.

    But the Greens’ insistence on peddling the extremes of cultural progressivism – and especially their mad belief that a woman can have a penis – will see to it that they never attract a sufficient number of mainstream voters to become a major political force.

    With our communities divided more than ever along ethnic, religious and cultural lines, the communal sectarianism that we have seen emerge on our streets, much of it the fall-out from conflicts in foreign lands, is unlikely to abate.

    Against this whole backdrop – economic stagnation, porous borders, failing public services and gradual social disintegration – it is hard not to conclude that the established order is under threat in a way not seen for generations.

    The year 2026 may prove era-defining. Buckle up.

  • Ex-Emmerdale Star Kelvin Fletcher Welcomes Baby Daughter, Declares “Our Hearts Are Filled with Love” DD

    Ex-Emmerdale Star Kelvin Fletcher Welcomes Baby Daughter, Declares “Our Hearts Are Filled with Love” DD

    Ex-Emmerdale Star Kelvin Fletcher Welcomes Baby Daughter, Declares “Our Hearts Are Filled with Love”

    Ex-Emmerdale Star Kelvin Fletcher Welcomes Baby Daughter, Declares “Our Hearts Are Filled with Love”

    If you liked this post, it would mean a lot to us if you saved and shared it. Thank you.

    Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz Marsland have welcomed their first child, a baby daughter.

    The couple shared the joyful news on social media on Monday, though details about the birth have not yet been disclosed.

    Kelvin took to Twitter to announce the arrival, writing: “Our hearts are filled with love. She’s the most beautiful little thing I’ve ever seen.”

    Wife Liz also shared the happy news with her fans, posting a photo of a pink bouquet of flowers with the caption: “Everything pink for the little cherub #bestfeeling in the world!”

    The childhood sweethearts revealed that Liz became pregnant during the weekend of their wedding, but they waited until Christmas to share the news with family.

    “We’re pretty sure Liz fell pregnant on our wedding night,” Kelvin said. “We then flew to Rome for three nights. Little did we know, there were three of us on our honeymoon!”

    He added: “The day I found out Liz was pregnant and our wedding day were the most amazing days of my life.”

    The couple conceived on their wedding night last year but chose to keep the baby’s sex a surprise.

    Kelvin also revealed that he dreams of having a large family with his wife.

    “I’ve always wanted to have children and become a father, without question,” he said. “I’ve been more certain of that than anything, even more than wanting to become an actor. I want five children! I do want a huge family, but ultimately, whatever will be, will be.”

    Appearing on Loose Women three weeks before the birth, Liz admitted she was ensuring Kelvin remained close at hand should be suddenly go into labour.

    ‘I’ve become Kelvin’s side kick in case anything happens,’ she joked. ‘I’m just following him around!’

    Kelvin also admitted they were yet to discover the sex of their child, telling the panel:’It’s our first one, we don’t know what it is yet so we’re excited to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl.’

    The couple, together for over a decade, chose to wait until their 30s to start a family so they could enjoy their 20s together.

    They tied the knot in November in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family after nine years of dating.

    Kelvin’s baby couldn’t have arrived at a better time, as he recently stepped away from Emmerdale after 20 years playing Andy Sugden.

    Reflecting on his departure, he told the Loose Women panellists, “I love the show, it’s been an amazing place to work and has given me a great sense of purpose. I’ve been lucky enough to make a living from it.”

    If you liked this post, it would mean a lot to us if you saved and shared it. Thank you.

  • Tensions Explode in Coastal France: Why Angry Residents Are Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands Amid Migrant Surge Video details are in the comments below DD

    Tensions Explode in Coastal France: Why Angry Residents Are Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands Amid Migrant Surge Video details are in the comments below DD

    Tensions Explode in Coastal France: Why Angry Residents Are Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands Amid Migrant Surge Video details are in the comments below

    Chaos on the French Coast: Furious Locals Cross a Dangerous Line as Migrant Boat Crisis Reaches Breaking Point

    Britons have been filming themselves travelling to beaches in France and ‘destroying’ small   boats – gaining thousands of views in the process

    Sanya Burgess is an award-winning journalist whose investigations have included revealing Deliveroo was not paying the living wage to all riders, despite the company’s pledge to do so. She has also tracked disinformation and far right hate speech in the UK during the Southport riots, conspiracy theories about the attempted shooting of Donald Trump and revealed that Elon Musk was paying some of Tommy Robinson’s legal fees. She has also worked on issues relating to Big Tech and underage gambling, as well as uncovering war crimes and human rights abuses in Iran, Myanmar and the UAE – including the ‘hostage’ tapes of the detained Dubai Princess Latifa.

    British vigilantes who spearheaded efforts to fly England flags across the country have launched a new anti-migrant protest – attempting to block illegal Channel crossings.

    Using the term “Operation Stop The Boats”, members of the group have been filming themselves slashing small boats before they are used by migrants to cross the English Channel from France.

    Posts on social media show members calling for other British men to join them in France, including making a direct appeal to football hooligans, saying “we need to make a stand”.

    Claiming to be recording from the northern French coast, one said: “Just like in the 1940s, we must take a stand, and it starts with the men of England and Britain.”

    Making an appeal to “firms” – a phrase that refers to football hooligan groups – the other man added: “Our country is doing nothing. Weak government, weaker borders.

    “They are doing nothing, so we need to make a stand, boys. Get the lads together, get your firms together, get the lads in the pub, get the lads down the bars, if you’re talking about it and you agree with what we are doing, give us a hand.”
    The Government is under pressure to act after more than 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/Instagram)
    Online TV streaming services

    The Government is under pressure to tackle the issue of migration amid a record number of asylum applications, surging small   boat crossings and protests at hotels housing asylum seekers.

    On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out a package of reforms to asylum policies aimed at tackling illegal migration, telling MPs the current situation is “out of control and unfair”.

    The latest videos shared by those linked to the Raise the Colours group have separately been referred to as “Operation Overlord”.

    Earlier clips showed two men saying they were taking matters of illegal migration into their own hands and filming themselves stamping on and smashing a small boat’s engine.

    In the clips, they refer to themselves as “patriots” and make a number of claims without evidence, such as that they are stopping “rapists and murderers” from “coming to a town near you”.
    One video shared by the group (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/nstagram)
    The flag-raising group, who have a combined 100,000 followers on X and Instagram, also posted a plea on X for donations last week, writing that they are: “STOPPING The   Boats, whether the migrants or government like it or not!”

    Two videos from the group have recently been shared to the 1.7 million X followers of Tommy Robinson. The far-right figure and former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has previously been accused of mobilising football hooligan firms in an attempt to launch anti-Muslim rallies across the country.

    Separately, French media reports that the Dunkirk Public Prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into “aggravated violence” against migrants by suspected British far-right figures.

    One of the details being examined by the French prosecutor is the claim that in September, four men waving British and UK flags verbally and physically attacked migrants on the French coast. It is alleged that they told the migrants they were not welcome in England and proceeded to steal some of their belongings.

    The men are not the first anti-migrant figures to travel to France in a bid to take matters into their own hands.

    In September, Ukip, Nigel Farage’s former political party, posted a video to their X account showing what appeared to be sleeping migrants in France being woken by people flashing strobe lights in their faces and shouting at them.

    Nick Tenconi, Ukip’s current leader, also posted a video captioned: “In Calais hunting for illegal invaders trying to cross into Britain.”

    The Home Office and French authorities were contacted for comment.

  •  SO HEARTBREAKING  Brendan O’Carroll has made a desperate plea to BBC bosses after Mrs Brown’s Boys was slammed for “ruining the Christmas TV schedule.” DD

     SO HEARTBREAKING  Brendan O’Carroll has made a desperate plea to BBC bosses after Mrs Brown’s Boys was slammed for “ruining the Christmas TV schedule.” DD

     SO HEARTBREAKING  Brendan O’Carroll has made a desperate plea to BBC bosses after Mrs Brown’s Boys was slammed for “ruining the Christmas TV schedule.”

    The creator of Mrs Brown’s Boys has made a desperate plea to the BBC after the controversial show was blasted by TV fans for ‘ruining the Christmas TV schedule’.

    Brendan O’Carroll, 70, who is best known for playing the comedic Irish matriarch, said that he would love to bring back his axed talk show, All Round To Mrs Brown’s.

    It saw the comedian step into Agnes Brown’s shoes and interview a number of big-name celebs including Baywatch’s Pamela Anderson and Spice Girl Mel B.

    Brendan said that he would ‘love’ to bring the talk show back after it was axed during the Covid pandemic because it gave him so much creative freedom.

    He said: ‘I remember when we had Caitlyn Jenner on and I went up to the dressing room and I said to her, “Where’s the line? I don’t want to cross the line.”

    ‘She said, “No line”. And I said, “Really?”. That was a red rag to a bull.’


    +8
    View gallery

    Brendan O’Carroll, 70, who is best known for playing the comedic Irish matriarch, said that he would love to bring back his axed talk show, All Round To Mrs Brown’s


    +8
    View gallery

    Brendan said that he would ‘love’ to bring the talk show back after it was axed during the Covid pandemic because it gave him so much creative freedom

    What followed was a controversial question about the former Olympian’s anatomy.

    Brendan remembered: ‘She said “I beg your pardon?”. And it went great. She was absolutely magnificent.’

    Speaking about the future of the series itself, the comedian said: ‘They haven’t asked yet, but if they do, I’ll certainly think about it.

    ‘The last one went really well.

    ‘I found it so freeing to write a mini-series because I didn’t have to do a Christmas tree.

    ‘I could write whatever I wanted.’

    Meanwhile Irish broadcaster RTE has decided to abandon its usual Christmas Eve live broadcast – which Brendan usually hosts alongside Joe Duffy, although Joe has since been replaced by Kieran Cuddihy.

    Brendan said of the decision: ‘It’s certainly not a decision I would make. I really am surprised RTE aren’t doing the show on Grafton Street this year.

    ‘It would have been the declaration of the definitive handing over from Joe Duffy to Kieran Cuddihy and I’m sure Kieran would have been well able for it,’ he continued to The Irish Sun.

    ‘So I’m bemused RTE are not doing it, and I’m also sad for the people who won’t be able to tune in, just to hear a little bit of home.

    ‘You’d have people listening in most years from Australia, New Zealand, even as far away as Argentina. That’s not happening this year.’


    +8
    View gallery

    Mrs Brown’s Boys will return to screens on BBC One on Christmas Day


    +8
    View gallery

    The cast of the divisive sitcom is largely made up of Brendan O’Carroll’s family

    Brendan’s comments come after BBC viewers were left ‘crying their eyes out’ by an ‘underrated’ drama’s Christmas special that they claimed ‘should have taken Mrs Brown’s Boys place in the TV schedule’.

    Beyond Paradise – a spin-off of popular crime drama Death in Paradise – hit our screens in February 2023.

    It’s gone on to air 20 episodes across three seasons, starring the likes of Kris Marshall as Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as Detective Sergeant Esther Williams and Dylan Llewellyn as Constable Kelby Hartford.

    They are also joined by Felicity Montagu, Melina Sinadinou, Jamie Bamber and Barbara Flynn.

    There has been a Christmas special every year since it premiered, and this year it aired on December 22.

    The episode follows Kris and the team try to figure out the identity of a man with dementia who has a photo of Kris, claiming that he knows him.

    The BBC’s synopsis states: ‘An elderly man living with dementia turns up on the police station steps, clutching only a photograph of Humphrey.’


    +8
    View gallery

    Despite the backlash the show has managed to win a National Television Award


    +8
    View gallery

    Mrs Brown’s Boys will also air an episode on New Year’s Day

    The teaser continues: ‘He’s searching for his sister, Louise, and believes that Humphrey is his last hope. But with precious few clues to her whereabouts, the team must work against the clock to unravel the mysteries of his past.

    ‘Just as they dive into the search, the station is rocked by another call. There’s been a break-in at a local wine bar, where the team celebrated their Christmas party just hours before. On top of this, Kelby is called to an unusual emergency: a man hopelessly trapped inside a snowman suit after his head was glued on as a prank.

    ‘As the clock ticks down, could the snowman hold a vital clue to solving another festive mystery?

    ‘With an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?’

    The episode left many feeling very emotional and many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts.

    ‘Just finished watching #BeyondParadise a nice harmless Christmas show with a great outcome. Question; Why didn’t the BBC schedule this for Christmas evening rather than Eastenders, Mrs Browns Boys and yet even more bloody celebrities in programmes?’

    ‘What have you done to me, I am a 49 year old man and I’m crying my eyes out, that is how you do a Christmas Episode, emotional, funny, heart, Selwyn!! Absolutely fantastic and Ade Edmondson is a National Treasure. #BeyondParadise.’


    +8
    View gallery

    Some critics claimed Mrs Brown’s Boys inclusion in the festive TV schedule had ‘ruined Christmas’


    +8
    View gallery

    Irish broadcaster RTE has decided to abandon its usual Christmas Eve live broadcast – which Brendan usually hosts alongside Joe Duffy

    Upset viewers hit out after the BBC released their 2025 Christmas TV schedule, fuming ‘what a letdown!’

    There will be festive editions of several BBC programmes, each filled with seasonal moments for fans to enjoy next month – but clearly they’re not to everyone’s tastes.

    As the broadcaster shared what they had in store, X users raced to share their grievances – and didn’t mince their words.

    One example is Mrs Brown’s Boys – which has become a staple for the Beeb since debuting in 2011 – and will have two specials, one on Christmas Day and the other on New Year’s Day.

    Reacting online, one person penned: ‘Genuinely not one thing that stands out! What a letdown.’

    Another wrote: ‘Well, that’s a whole lot of nothing special!’

    A third added: ‘Please don’t ruin Christmas with Mrs Browns Boys!’

  • “I’M NOT APOLOGISING FOR TELLING THE TRUTH.” Rylan Clark has finally broken his silence after the This Morning migrant debate ignited a firestorm, delivering a blistering, no-nonsense response that left critics furious and supporters cheering, as he flatly refused to back down from the words that sparked outrage. Shaken but defiant, Rylan made it clear he won’t be bullied into silence, insisting, “I said what I said — and I stand by it,” as insiders say the fallout rattled producers and lit up group chats across ITV. Social media split instantly — some branding him reckless, others hailing him fearless — but one thing is certain: this wasn’t damage control, it was a line in the sand, and Rylan’s final message rang loud and cold — “If honesty makes people uncomfortable, that’s not my problem.”DD

    “I’M NOT APOLOGISING FOR TELLING THE TRUTH.” Rylan Clark has finally broken his silence after the This Morning migrant debate ignited a firestorm, delivering a blistering, no-nonsense response that left critics furious and supporters cheering, as he flatly refused to back down from the words that sparked outrage. Shaken but defiant, Rylan made it clear he won’t be bullied into silence, insisting, “I said what I said — and I stand by it,” as insiders say the fallout rattled producers and lit up group chats across ITV. Social media split instantly — some branding him reckless, others hailing him fearless — but one thing is certain: this wasn’t damage control, it was a line in the sand, and Rylan’s final message rang loud and cold — “If honesty makes people uncomfortable, that’s not my problem.”DD

    “I’M NOT APOLOGISING FOR TELLING THE TRUTH.” Rylan Clark has finally broken his silence after the This Morning migrant debate ignited a firestorm, delivering a blistering, no-nonsense response that left critics furious and supporters cheering, as he flatly refused to back down from the words that sparked outrage. Shaken but defiant, Rylan made it clear he won’t be bullied into silence, insisting, “I said what I said — and I stand by it,” as insiders say the fallout rattled producers and lit up group chats across ITV. Social media split instantly — some branding him reckless, others hailing him fearless — but one thing is certain: this wasn’t damage control, it was a line in the sand, and Rylan’s final message rang loud and cold — “If honesty makes people uncomfortable, that’s not my problem.”

    Rylan Clark caused a huge stir earlier this year with his comments on immigration, made live on television.

    Rylan Clark has broken his silence on his Ofcom backlash (Image: ITV)

    This Morning star Rylan Clark has responded to the backlash over his controversial migrant rant on the ITV show, which occurred while he was performing in his Christmas pantomime last night (Sunday, December 28). The 37-year-old is playing the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella in Southend alongside Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ross King, who is portraying Buttons in the show, held at Southend Cliffs Pavilion. As part of an on-stage exchange, Ryan swore at the audience during a slip of the tongue. Reacting to the error, which happened in front of a young audience, he quipped that he might be cancelled for the second time in a year, referencing the outrage he sparked after voicing his opinions on illegal immigration earlier this year on This Morning.

    Rylan has been part of This Morning for years (Image: Getty)

    The radio host sparked more than 700 Ofcom complaints in August following his immigration remarks while hosting the ITV magazine show with Josie Gibson.

    He said at the time: “This country is built on immigration. Legal immigration – a lot of the nurses and doctors who have saved my mum’s life have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”

    However, he expressed his concern about people crossing the Channel illegally and suggested that Keir Starmer’s Government’s approach seemed too accommodating.

    Rylan added: “How can it be that if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I’ve got to stand at that airport and won’t be let in. But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?”

    The star’s comments caused a stir online, with Rylan taking to Instagram to state a person can be “pro-immigration but against illegal routes”.

    An Ofcom spokesperson told The Independent at the time: “We’re assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”