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Katie Price launches fresh attack on ex Dwight Yorke as son Harvey chants his name and wears Man Utd kit in new video

KATIE Price has launched a fresh attack on ex Dwight Yorke, as son Harvey chants his name and wears Man United kit in a new video. 

The former footie star, the father of Katie Price’s son Harvey, now 23, has had little to do with his first-born child, who has autism, Prada-Willi syndrome and septo-optic dysplasia.

Katie Price has launched a fresh attack on ex Dwight YorkeCredit: Getty
Dwight’s son Harvey chanted his name in a new video while wearing Man United kitCredit: Katie Price via Backgrid

Katie has repeatedly criticized Dwight for his lack of involvement in Harvey’s life, claiming he “didn’t give a s**t.”

And she says the last time he saw Harvey was in 2012, and he told her he didn’t want to be in his life.

Now, in a new attack, Katie has shared a video of Harvey on her Instagram Stories, with him dressed in Man United kit. 

Katie tells her son “go,” which leads him to start chanting:“oi oi yorkey.” 

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And the star has tagged both Man United and her ex Dwight in the new clip. 

Dwight played for Manchester United, joining the club in 1998 and leaving in 2002.

In a 2023 interview, Katie said her mum contacts Dwight’s manager every year and asks if he wants to see Harvey for his birthday and she is always told “no”.

Back in May, Katie took a swipe at her ex in an interview saying that he cheated on her and was never around for Harvey.

“I was with Dwight Yorke, but he cheated on me and that ended anyway and he wasn’t around for Harv,” she said on podcast Outlet Ten Discussion.

“So, that’s a different thing. I fended for myself, for me and Harv.

“Even though Dwight is very welcome, any time, to come into Harvey’s life, because I’m not that kind of person.”

Dwight initially denied he was Harvey’s father after his birth but a DNA test showed he was.

In a 2009 book, Born to Score, Dwight denied claims he had abandoned Harvey saying: “From the moment I set eyes on the little fella, I have loved my son like I could never ever have imagined possible. I am not going to hear any more that I did not care for Harvey, or have any understanding of his needs or that I was not interested in his welfare.”

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However, Katie says that Harvey has only seen his dad about nine times in his entire life.

Katie has made countless public appeals to Dwight to be part of Harvey’s life.

She says the situation “confuses” Harvey who doesn’t understand why other people get to see their dad and he doesn’t.

In 2019, Katie made a heart-wrenching plea to Dwight, in which Harvey himself said  in a video: “Daddy Dwight. I love you Daddy Dwight. You look beautiful.”

Alongside the post, Katie wrote: “Anyone who knows Dwight Yorke please get him to contact his son. Harvey doesn’t deserve this.

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“He sees his other son Tiger, so I don’t understand! He does charity work for different kids charities, yet doesn’t see or support his own son. I don’t get it!”

A rep for Dwight declined to comment when approached by The Sun. We also reached out to a rep for Katie.

Katie said her mum contacts Dwight’s manager every year and asks if he wants to see Harvey for his birthday and she is always told “no”Credit: Getty

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Lily Allen launches fresh attack on David Harbour’s ‘mistress’ Madeline with savage new TikTok

LILY Allen has launched a fresh attack on David Harbour’s “mistress” Madeline with a savage new TikTok.

On her new album West End Girl, Lily, 40, accuses her ex-husband David, 50, of infidelity with someone called Madeline – though she has stressed the record is a combination of fact and fiction.

Lily Allen has launched a fresh attack on David Harbour’s ‘mistress’ MadelineCredit: tiktok/@lilyallen
Lily has accused her ex-husband of cheating on her new albumCredit: Getty
Lily’s artwork for her latest album West End Girl which critics have branded a ‘revenge record’Credit: PA

On the track called Tennis, which documents her discovering that her man’s connection with another woman is deeper than just sex, Lily sings: “So I read your text, and now I regret it. I can’t get my head ’round how you’ve been playing tennis.

“If it was just sex, I wouldn’t be jealous. You won’t play with me. And who’s Madeline?”

The song has created a huge buzz ever since, with one interviewer just bluntly asking Lily, “Who the f**k is Madeline?”.

It has been put in the same lane as Dolly Parton classic Jolene, which sees the country star plead with an attractive woman not to steal her man, and Beyoncé’s Sorry, in which she takes aim at ‘Becky with the good hair‘ after husband Jay-Z admitted to being unfaithful.

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Now, in another dig at her ex-husband, Lily has taken to TikTok and posted a video of herself lip-syncing to a woman saying: “Who the f**k is Madeline?”

It is taken from a scene from the Australian cult comedy Summer Heights High.

In fact Lily credit’s The Sun’s Howell Davies with giving her the audio, after he noticed a similarity between the lyrics of the song and a scene from the cult comedy.

In the scene, school girl Ja’mie confronts her boyfriend over messages he has been sending to another girl named Madeline.

Meanwhile, the the real life “Madeline” has spoken out, with New Orleans based costume designer Natalie Tippett, 34, claiming to have been involved in the fling.

Stranger Things star David and Natalie reportedly began an affair while working on 2021 film We Have A Ghost, and he later allegedly flew Natalie to his home in Atlanta, Georgia.

He had married Lily the previous year in a Las Vegas ceremony.

Speaking from her home in New Orleans’ historic Treme district, Natalie told Daily Mail she was the woman behind “Madeline”.

When approached by Daily Mail, Natalie said: “Of course I’ve heard the song.

“But I have a family and things to protect.

Lily and David Harbour split in December after four years togetherCredit: Getty

“I have a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and I understand this is going on.

“It’s a little bit scary for me.”

The affair reportedly came to light when Lily found an incriminating text on David’s phone.

The discovery inspired several tracks on her new album, which details betrayal and heartbreak.

Natalie declined to discuss the lyrics further, saying: “Yeah… I just don’t feel comfortable talking about it at the moment.”

The Sun has contacted Lily and David’s reps for comment at the time.

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Lily and David announced their split in January after four years of marriage.

It is understood they separated in December, with Lily spending Christmas alone with her children in Kenya.

Lily Allen’s most shocking West End Girl lyrics

Madeline

Perhaps the most eye-opening track on the album, Madeline tells the story of lovers who had a pact to be open in their relationship, but that trust was broken when the man struck up a romance with a woman called Madeline.

“Saw your text, that’s how I found out, tell me the truth and his motives
I can’t trust anything that comes out of his mouth
We had an arrangement
Be discreet and don’t be blatant
There had to be payment
It had to be with strangers
But you’re not a stranger, Madeline”

Tennis

Lily sings about finding messages from another woman on her man’s phone that shows the secret lovers have a deeper connection than just sex.

“So I read your text, and now I regret it
I can’t get my head ’round how you’ve been playing tennis
If it was just sex, I wouldn’t be jealous
You won’t play with me
And who’s Madeline?”

Ruminating

A heartbreaking reflection on a once trusted partner being intimate with someone else behind her back.

“And I can’t shake the image of her naked. On top of you and I’m dissociated.”

“I told you all of this has been too brutal. You told me you felt the same, it’s mutual. And then you came out with this line, so crucial. Yeah, ‘If it has to happen, baby, do you want to know.”

Pussy Palace

This emotional track sees Lily come to terms with a lover using an apartment as a base for sex, but not with her.

“Don’t come home, I don’t want you in my bed. Go to the apartment in the West Village instead. I’ll drop off your clothes, your mail and medication.”

“Up to the first floor, key in the front door. Nothing’s ever gonna be the same anymore.

“I didn’t know it was a pussy palace, pussy palace, pussy palace, pussy palace. I always thought it was a dojo, dojo, dojo. So am I looking at a sex addict, sex addict, sex addict, sex addict? Oh talk about a low blow, oh, no, oh, no.”

Dallas Major

The title of this track is a pseudonym used by a woman, who sounds very much like Lily, on a dating app as she looks for validation and attention while her absent husband looks for affection elsewhere.

“My name is Dallas Major and I’m coming out to play. Looking for someone to have fun with while my husband walks away. I’m almost nearly forty, I’m just shy of five foot two. I’m a mum to teenage children, does that sound like fun to you?”

“So I go by Dallas Major but that’s not really my name. You know I used to be quite famous, that was way back in the day. Yes, I’m here for validation and I probably should explain. How my marriage has been open since my husband went astray.”

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Watch shock moment Jamie Foxx stops show and launches furious rant at audience member asking ‘why would you do that?’

JAMIE FOXX launches furious rant at audience member after he’s forced to stop show. 

The actor and musician, 57, was performing at his daughter’s music festival when a concert-goer reportedly hurled a bottle on stage at another huge US rapper.

Jamie Foxx stopped his show and launched into a furious rantCredit: TikTok
The US star asked an audience member ‘why would you do that?’Credit: TikTok

A two minute clip making the rounds on social media shows the moment Jamie abruptly stops performance to unleash a furious on stage rant.

The actor who is known for his roles in films including Django Unchained and Baby Driver appeared at SKVLK Fest, a Halloween-themed party which was organised by his teen daughter Anelise.

Also taking to the stage was female rapper GloRilla who was forced to stop her set after a glass bottle was thrown at her. 

Jamie immediately jumped to the music star’s defence, exclaiming: “ Who did it? Why would you do that?”

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He continued to question the confused crowd asking: “Why would you throw something at the stage?”

“This for free. Ya’ll don’t deserve this s***, that’s f****** up.”

“I’m so disappointed. Damn I love y’all but hate whoever the f*** that was. That ain’t cool.”

He added: “You throw some s*** at my house? Nah man that ain’t cool.”

“Wow that’s insane, shall we just pull the plug ?” which was met by a chorus of no’s and sighs from the crowd.

Afterwards GloRilla – who’s famed for her hits Wanna Be and TGIF – picked right up where she left off.

The video which was shared on X sparked big fan reaction, one user said: “Jamie is a real one. Respect for calling it out.”

Another added: “Shoutout to Jamie, that can really hurt someone.”

“It should be something where they can charge you if you toss something at a celebrity and ban you,” a third penned.

A fourth chimed: “I love how he defended her. More men should do that.”

This isn’t the Hollywood actor’s first altercation with glass throwing, just last year Jamie was left injured after reportedly being involved in an altercation in a Beverly Hills restaurant.

The star was enjoying a birthday dinner at Mr Chow with his family when he was said to have had a glass thrown at him, before police were called.

A spokesperson for Foxx told Page Six that Jamie was at dinner “when someone from another table threw a glass that hit him in the mouth“.

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They added: “The police were called and the matter is now in law enforcement’s hands.”

Jamie reportedly left the restaurant by the time law authorities arrived and did not receive any medical attention at the scene despite needing stitches.

Jamie was left injured after reportedly being involved in an altercation last yearCredit: Getty

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Ryanair launches new UK flights to barely-known city in Europe which has £3 beers

Rzeszow's ancient Town Hall in the market square, Poland.

FOR anyone travelling to Poland, you can ditch the classic Warsaw and Kraków for this even cheaper alternative.

Ryanair has started up a new winter route between Edinburgh and a city in Poland where you can get beers for £3 and coffee for as little as £2.18.

New flights link up Edinburgh with a city in PolandCredit: Alamy
Rzeszow has a pretty market square, riverside cafes and in the winter, Christmas marketsCredit: Alamy

Ryanair has added a new winter route to its roster between Edinburgh and Rzeszow.

Rzeszow is a city in southeastern Poland and sits on both sides of the Wisłok River.

Flights between Edinburgh and Rzeszow operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays with one-way fares starting at £24.99.

It’s a quick journey too with the journey taking just under three hours.

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There you can explore shops and cafes on the pretty Market Square, see the Rzeszów Multimedia Fountain, the Town Hall building and Zamek Lubomirskich castle.

And there’s even more lurking underground, one of its most popular attractions is the 396m-long route linking 25 old cellars beneath the central market square.

The circuit took 17 years to complete and restore, and the cellars date from the 14th to 18th centuries.

Brits can take a 45-minute guided tour with around three operating daily throughout the week.

It’s an affordable city, with the average cost of beers being £3 and a coffee around £2.18.

A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages at £31.17 – without drinks.

The huge castle called Zamek Lubomirskich is near the city centreCredit: Alamy
The price of an average beer in Rzeszow is just £3Credit: Getty

On average, restaurant prices in Rzeszow are 20.1 per cent lower than in Warsaw – which is also considered an affordable holiday destination for Brits.

During the winter months, Rzeszow will be lit up with Christmas markets where you can pick up specialities deer sausage, local honey, mulled wine, hot cider, and hot beer.

Flights will continue through to to the summer season where visitors can enjoy water activities at the Zwirownia lagoon or the Rosia open-air pools – which is essentially an enormous splash park.

With temperatures reaching highs of 25C in July and August, it’s a great time to relax at the riverside cafes.

Another Polish city to consider taking a break in is Poznan which is the country’s fifth largest city.

It’s another cheap spot with beer costing around £2.87 a pint for a local brew while coffee is less than £2.80.

Head to Dom Piwa to grab a beer – it is a cosy pub nestled on a cobbled street and serving craft beers on tap.

One of the beers you can get is the Penerskie, a local beer made from potatoes.

You can fly to Poznan from many airports in the UK; Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London Luton and Stansted.

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Read more from one writer who went to Poland’s Wroclaw who discovered colourful market squares and hidden courtyards buzzing with cafes.

Plus, this European city is nicknamed the ‘jewel of the Baltics’.

Rzeszow is not the most popular Polish city for BritsCredit: Alamy

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Elon Musk’s xAI launches Grokipedia to compete with Wikipedia

Oct. 28 (UPI) — Tech mogul Elon Musk launched his own online encyclopedia with his company xAI, calling it Grokipedia as a rival to the non-profit Wikipedia.

Grokipedia, named for xAI’s chatbot Grok, uses Wikipedia as its source and it’s modeled like Wikipedia. But it has sanitized versions of pages about Musk, reporting nothing critical of him. The page says it has 885,279 pages.

The venture launched on Monday, with the site initially crashing then coming back online later. It has been reported by Musk as an improved and less biased version of Wikipedia.

Republican lawmakers and White House AI czar David Sacks have called Wikipedia “hopelessly biased.”

On X, Sacks said, “An army of left-wing activists maintain the bios and fight reasonable corrections. Magnifying the problem, Wikipedia often appears first in Google search results, and now it’s a trusted source for AI model training. This is a huge problem.”

The Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, said in a statement last month, “Wikipedia informs; it does not persuade.”

“Unlike newer projects, Wikipedia’s strengths are clear: it has transparent policies, rigorous volunteer oversight, and a strong culture of continuous improvement. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, written to inform billions of readers without promoting a particular point of view,” Lauren Dickinson, a spokesperson for the Wikimedia Foundation, said in a statement.

“This human-created knowledge is what AI companies rely on to generate content; even Grokipedia needs Wikipedia to exist,” she added.

On Monday, Musk posted on X that the launch was “Grokipedia version 0.1,” but that “Version 1.0 will be 10X better, but even at 0.1 it’s better than Wikipedia imo.”

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Ryanair launches direct flights to ‘underrated’ Spanish city where it’s 21C in November

This city is considered a ‘hidden gem’ as it gets fewer tourists than hotspots such as Barcelona or Malaga, but it could be the perfect combination city and beach break for autumn

Ryanair have launched a new direct flight from London Stansted to a Spanish city that has been dubbed ‘underrated’ and a ‘hidden gem’.

The budget airline will now operate a London to Murcia flight four times a week, with the journey taking just under three hours. Murcia, which is set in Spain’s southeast, just over an hour from Alicante, is a lesser-known region, but once you step off the plane you can choose to explore the city or head to the nearby coast.

The timing of the new route is perfect for those who are already a little sick of the autumn weather. This week, Murcia has seen highs of 31C, while in November it can hit up to 21C. While it’s not the hottest destination in December and January, with highs of 18C and 17C respectively during the day, it tends to be mild and have low rainfall. However, it’s worth packing cosy pyjamas, as it can get cold at night.

The city of Murcia is packed with things to do, and it’s a must for history buffs, having been settled by the Romans and the Moors. Visit Murcia Cathedral, an ornate, Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline, or the Santa Clara Museum which was once a Muslim palace, that became a Monastery in the 14th-century.

You’ll also find a wide variety of museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico de Murcia, which is full of treasures, and the Salzillo Museum, dedicated to the locally born sculptor Francisco Salzillo, who made dramatic religious artworks.

Murcia also has amazing shopping. The huge Centro Comercial Nueva Condomina has lots of big Spanish and European brands from Bershka to Zara, while Centro De Artesania De Murcia is full of handcrafted and artisanal items that make great gifts. It’s no wonder Murcia was dubbed ‘underrated’ by National Geographic.

Just over 20 minutes from the airport is the port city of Cartagena, famed for its Roman Amphitheatre. It’s also packed with historic sights such as the Roman Forum Museum and the Punic wall dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Cartagena is also perfect for a beach break. Visit Cala Cortina, an unspoilt beach surrounded by rugged cliffs. It has soft sands, and because it’s set in a bay, the waters are calm for swimming.

Another beach destination close to Murcia is La Manga, just over half an hour from the airport. This unique spot sits on a strip that’s 13 miles long, but only 100 metres wide, with a lagoon on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. This means you’ll never struggle for a place on the long sandy beach, and pretty much all hotel rooms have either a sea or lagoon view. There’s also a large marina with lots of restaurants and boat hire if you want to take to the water.

Whether you’re planning a city break, or want to hit the beach, it’s worth considering Murcia instead of one of the bigger, more touristy Spanish cities. Despite its numerous historic attractions and close proximity to amazing beaches, Murcia only received 1.16 million visitors last year, compared to 26 million who chose Barcelona. But tourist numbers are on the rise, so plan your visit before it gets discovered by the crowds.

Book it

There are direct flights to Murcia from several UK airports available this October from £15.

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Singapore Launches Its Biggest And Most Capable Warship Ever

Singapore today launched the first of its drone motherships, or Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV). The largest and most complex ship in the Republic of Singapore Navy, the Victory is the first of a planned six of these vessels. These will replace the existing Victory class missile corvettes, which entered service in 1989, and they will form the cornerstone of the navy’s fleet modernization effort.

A rendering of the MRCV Victory. RSN

The Victory was launched at ST Engineering’s Benoi shipyard in Singapore, where it was formally christened by Mrs Chan, the wife of the country’s minister for defense, Chan Chun Sing.

Unusually, and somewhat confusingly, as well as the same name, the new warship carries the same pennant number, 88, as the lead ship of the Victory class MCVs.

Mrs Chan formally christened the new ship by breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull. RSN Navy Media 1

Now that the vessel is in the water, it will move to the Gul Yard for further outfitting, integration, and sea trials. It will then be formally commissioned. The six MRCVs are planned to be delivered progressively from 2028 onward.

As a drone mothership, the MRCV is designed to support operations by uncrewed aerial, surface, and underwater systems.

At the same time, the MRCV is built according to a modular principle, so it can be more easily adapted in the future to accommodate other missions.

Mr and Mrs Chan, together with senior defense officials, are briefed on the ship’s capabilities during their tour on board Victory. RSN

The vessel was also built remarkably quickly, with just 12 months between keel laying and launch. This was aided by 3D modelling and digital twinning in the design phase. This meant that the MRCV could be ‘tested’ in a virtual environment and refined before actual construction began, without the need for costly and time-consuming physical prototypes. Additional design input was also provided by Denmark and Sweden, both of which submitted proposals that were fed into the program at an early stage.

This model seen recently at DSTA, with the person for scale, gives you an idea of the vessel’s size. It will be the largest surface combatant to be operated by Singapore. pic.twitter.com/nniOyZl74M

— Ridzwan Rahmat (@ridzwan_rahmat) October 15, 2025

The MRCV has a fully loaded displacement of around 8,300 tons and is 492 feet long. In comparison, the Formidable class frigates displace 3,150 tons and are 376 feet 8 inches long, while the previous Victory class missile corvettes, which the MRCVs will replace, displace just 586 tons and are 203 feet 5 inches long.

180406-N-NK192-1242 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2018) Republic of Singapore Navy Victory-class corvette RSS Valiant (PGG 91) sails next to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway for a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released)
Republic of Singapore Navy Victory class corvette RSS Valiant. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Colemanberry

Using integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP), which combines diesel engines with electric motors, the MRCV has a top speed in excess of 22 knots. In this IFEP arrangement, the diesel engines generate electricity, which is then used for both propulsion and to power other services and subsystems.

Missile armament includes MBDA Aster B1 NT long-range and VL MICA NG short-/medium-range surface-to-air missiles, which provide very significant air defense coverage, including the ability to engage certain ballistic missile targets. For anti-surface warfare, the boats will be armed with ST Engineering/IAI Blue Spear anti-ship missiles.

The MRCV is also fitted with a Leonardo Strales 76mm main gun and a pair of Rafael Typhoon Mk 30-C remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS).

An infographic showing the MRCV. RSN

Electronics include the Thales SeaFire multifunction active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Safran PASEO XLR electro-optical/infrared system, and Safran NGDS decoy launchers.

As launched, the Victory notably lacks its mast, this being an integrated item that will be provided by Saab Kockums. Mounting the four AESA antennas for the SeaFire radar and other sensors, the mast will be made from carbon-fiber composite material.

The center section of the hull and superstructure includes the mission bay, with space for eight modular containers. This allows the ship to be quickly configured for a wide range of missions within short periods of time. While the Singaporean Ministry of Defense specifically mentions a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) module, various other combat-related configurations would be possible.

In terms of drone operations, the flight deck at the rear can accommodate multiple uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) or a single medium-lift helicopter, like the Super Puma. Uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vessels (USVs) are handled by a launch and recovery system that includes a side-mounted crane and a ramp at the stern. The stern ramp can also be used to launch and recover (crewed) rigid-hulled inflatable boats.

The exact types of drones to be fielded on the vessels are unclear. Singapore already operates the Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (MARSEC USV), but is also investing in new systems to supplement or replace these.

A video shows Singaporean MARSEC USVs during an exercise:

Renderings of the MRCV also appear to show it operating Veloce 60 (V60) UAVs, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone manufactured by ST Engineering and already used by the Republic of Singapore Navy for surveillance. Again, additional and more capable UAVs are eventually likely to be fielded aboard the MRCVs.

We spoke to Roy Choo, a defense journalist and TWZ contributor, for his take on the MRCVs:

“The MRCVs highlight Singapore’s drive to develop unmanned systems across all domains as a force multiplier. In the maritime domain alone, the RSN has already operationalized its Maritime Security USVs, which began patrolling the city-state’s busy waterways earlier this year. The RSN is also progressing towards developing a new fleet of USVs and AUVs for mine countermeasure operations from 2027. To complement the four P-8A Poseidon aircraft it recently acquired, Singapore may also consider procuring a long-range maritime surveillance UAS. In the longer term, its S-70B Seahawks — the majority of which are now 20 years old — could potentially be partially or fully replaced by VTOL rotary-wing UAS.”

Using drones of different types, the MRCV will be able to conduct a wider variety of missions over a larger area than a more traditional warship, something that would otherwise require multiple crewed vessels to achieve. The drones will expand the vessel’s reach both in terms of surveillance and potentially also launch strikes.

Even without the force-multiplying effects of the drones, the MRCV is a more capable ship than anything previously operated by the Republic of Singapore Navy. Its operational range of more than 7,000 nautical miles is double that of the service’s Formidable class frigates, currently its main surface combatants. The MRCV also has an endurance of more than 21 days before needing to be refueled or resupplied.

180406-N-NK192-1103 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2018) The Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme (FFG 73), the Victory-class corvette RSS Valiant (PGG 91), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) sail in formation with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway for a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released)
The Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable class frigate RSS Supreme leads the Victory class corvette RSS Valiant, and the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Sampson in the South China Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Colemanberry

This performance is enabled by a very small crew, something that is standard for the Republic of Singapore, bearing in mind the country’s small population — at six million, this is smaller than that of the state of Missouri.

High levels of automation mean that each MRCV can be operated by fewer than 100 sailors. Whereas the bridge of a typical Republic of Singapore warship might otherwise be operated by five crew members, in the MRCV, this is reduced to two, with one rather than four crew members required to man the engineering control center.

An official slide from March 2025, presenting Singaporean defense procurement plans. MINDEF

The most important mission for the new MRCVs will be to safeguard the country’s sea lines of communication (SLOC). Singapore is almost uniquely reliant on the maritime trade that crisscrosses these major maritime routes.

“In the past, the role of the navy was perhaps only to defend our near shores,” Minister for Defense Chan said at today’s launch. “But Singapore’s strategic lines of communications extend much further today, and new capabilities are needed to work together as an integrated Singaporean Armed Force to secure and defend these.”

Singapore’s two vital SLOCs comprise one that passes through the heavily disputed South China Sea, and the other through the Strait of Malacca.

China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its national territory and is meanwhile busily expanding its efforts to bolster that position, including the construction of a constellation of man-made island military outposts in the region.

An annotated satellite image showing China’s man-made military outpost in Gaven Reefs, in the Spratly Islands chain, in the South China Sea. U.S. Department of Defense

Singapore doesn’t make any claim itself to any portion of the South China Sea, has generally good relations with Beijing, and has repeatedly called for a resolution to the current disputes through regional and international organizations.

However, it is acutely aware of its economic vulnerability in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea as China makes increasingly forceful moves to assert its claims in the region.

China is preparing for potential contingencies in the South China Sea through the continued expansion of its anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities in the region, with the construction of man-made islets being one of the most notable expressions of this. Many of these islets already equipped with, or are suitable to accommodate, long-range surface-to-air missilesshore-based anti-ship defenses, and even H-6 bombers that would present a significant challenge to any potential opponent in a crisis.

At the same time, the People’s Liberation Army Navy is in the midst of unprecedented growth and modernization and is introducing increasingly capable surface ships and submarines, which are now ranging further afield.

Singapore’s MRCVs, with their long endurance extended further by their organic drone capabilities, will be highly relevant in the context.

The capabilities of the new vessels will also come into play in littoral areas closer to home, in particular the Malacca Strait, which could easily become a chokepoint in any wider regional crisis.

More broadly, six new MRCVs are part of a process of overhauling Singapore’s maritime capabilities.

The ongoing upgrade of Singapore’s naval capabilities also includes an upgrade of the Formidable class frigates and two additional Type 218SG submarines in addition to the previous four. Earlier this year, Singapore confirmed its selection of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon as its next maritime patrol aircraft, which will also provide a significant capability boost.

Chan also described the future challenges in securing these SLOCs as being more multifaceted, more difficult, and more dangerous, while rapidly evolving threats mean that it’s vital that the MRCVs can be updated accordingly, via their modular design.

“No ship will be able to anticipate … the operational needs for the next 30 years,” Chan said. “What we need is a ship that can keep evolving with our operational requirements.”

The speed with which Singapore is pursuing its Multi-Role Combat Vessel program underlines the high priority assigned to it. While navies around the world are increasingly looking at harnessing the capabilities offered by drones, Singapore’s drone motherships are very much a signal of intent as it continues to upgrade its navy to better meet potential new threats.

Contact the author: [email protected]

Thomas is a defense writer and editor with over 20 years of experience covering military aerospace topics and conflicts. He’s written a number of books, edited many more, and has contributed to many of the world’s leading aviation publications. Before joining The War Zone in 2020, he was the editor of AirForces Monthly.




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On the Beach launches new affordable city breaks to 188 destinations from £83pp

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows Cityscape of old Prague, Czech Republic, Image 2 shows The shore of the Motlawa River in Gdansk Old Town with historical houses, Poland, Image 3 shows The Hungarian Parliament Building and the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary, Image 4 shows Waterfront buildings in Gdansk, Poland, with reflections in the water

ON the Beach is branching out from the holidays that gave it its name, with nearly 200 city breaks now on offer.

There are 188 destinations on offer across the world, whether you’re seeking sun in Portugal or the best of both worlds with beach and city in the likes of Barcelona.

The waterfront city of Gdansk is where you can get the cheapest city breakCredit: Aleksa Torri
Staying in the Polish city can cost as little as £83ppCredit: Alamy

The travel operator shared with us their cheapest deals, and the most affordable is Gdansk, a city in Poland known for its Hanseatic Old Town and brand new theme park.

Holidaymakers can stay in the Moon Hostel Gdansk from £83pp based on a two-night city break.

It’s got 24 hour reception, luggage storage, a cosy TV lounge and shuttle bus to the beach.

Read more on Gdansk from travel writer Helen Wright who visited the Old Town, Mariacka Street and discovered the restaurant for unbeatable waterside views.

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The second cheapest city break on the list, based on a two-night stay, was to Prague for £88 per person.

You can book to stay at the a&o Prague Rhea which is 20 minutes from the heart of the city.

Here you’ll find basic rooms but all with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour lobby bar.

As for what to do when you get to the city, check out our 10 things to do in Prague from visiting the castle to strolling along Charles Bridge and checking out the Retro Museum that takes you back to the 70s.

The third cheapest city break is in the capital of Hungary, Budapest, which has two-night city breaks from £90pp, with a stay at the MP Hostel Budapest .

It’s recommended for groups, families, or solo travellers who can stay in one of the 47 rooms decorated in pastel colours.

The third cheapest break is to Budapest in HungaryCredit: Alamy

The hotel is ideally located for anyone exploring the city for the first time, as it’s close to St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Dohány Street Synagogue.

Top recommendations from one writer who stayed in Budapest were to check out the Rudas Thermal Baths where you can buy day tickets from €29 (£25.19) as well as the city’s many bars and restaurants.

With almost 200 spots to visit on the cheap, travellers can explore Italian cities like Florence, Milan and Venice.

Or head to Portugal to see more of Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, or head to the beautiful French Riviera and discover Nice, Cannes and St Tropez.

On the Beach also offers budget breaks to Berlin, Copenhagen and Stockholm, Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp.

For those who love a lakeside escape, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Bled join the list, alongside Alpine favourites like Salzburg, Innsbruck and Geneva.

There are long-haul city destinations on offer too from New York, where you can stay in Pod Brooklyn from £820pp, to Cape Town and even Tokyo.

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Here are the top 10 cheapest city break destinations with On the Beach…

Here are the top 10 cheapest places from On the Beach…

  1. Gdansk – from £83pp
  2. Prague – from £88pp
  3. Budapest – from £90pp
  4. Krakow – from £93pp
  5. Riga – from £95pp
  6. Vilnius – from £98pp
  7. Sofia – from £98pp
  8. Bratislava – from £100pp
  9. Amsterdam – from £105pp
  10. Copenhagen – from £110pp

For more city breaks, here are the 39 best destinations – and no.1 is VERY cheap.

Plus, here are the nine of Europe’s best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore.

On the Beach has launched its city break offers at over 188 destinations, including PragueCredit: Alamy Stock Photo

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Pakistan launches its first hyperspectral satellite | Space News

The technology is expected to boost capacity in environmental monitoring, urban planning and disaster management.

Pakistan has sent its first-ever hyperspectral satellite into orbit, a “major milestone” it says will help advance national objectives from agriculture to urban planning.

The country’s space agency, SUPARCO, announced the “successful launch” of the H1 satellite from northwestern China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on Sunday.

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Hyperspectral satellites can detect subtle chemical or material changes on the ground that traditional satellites cannot, making them especially useful for things like tracking crop quality, water resources or damage from natural disasters.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the technology is expected to “significantly enhance national capacities” in fields like precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning and disaster management.

It said its ability to pinpoint geohazard risks will also contribute to development initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which seeks to build infrastructure linking China’s northwestern Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

“The data from the Hyperspectral Satellite is poised to revolutionise agricultural productivity, bolster climate resilience, and enable optimised management of the country’s vital natural resources,” SUPARCO chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan was quoted as saying in Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper.

‘Pivotal step’

Pakistan also hailed H1’s deployment as a “pivotal step forward” in its space programme, as well as a reflection of its longstanding partnership with China in the “peaceful exploration of space”.

“The mission reflects the ever-growing strategic partnership and deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, who continue to cooperate in advancing peaceful space exploration and harnessing its benefits for socioeconomic development,” said the Foreign Ministry.

The mission is part of a recent push in Pakistan to grow its space programme, which has sent three satellites into orbit this year, according to SUPARCO.

The two other satellites – EO-1 and KS-1 – are “fully operational in orbit”, reported Pakistan’s The News International newspaper.

It may take about two months to calibrate the H1 satellite’s systems before it is fully operational this year, according to a SUPARCO spokesperson quoted in Pakistani media.



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CNN launches a direct-to-consumer streaming service — again

CNN is taking another shot at launching a direct-to-consumer streaming service that will make much of the channel’s news programming available without a pay TV subscription.

The unit of Warner Bros. Discovery announced Thursday it will launch an All Access subscription tier for CNN.com available for $6.99 a month starting Oct. 28. The service will provide what the company describes as “a selection” of live programming on CNN and CNN International.

The service will also have exclusive on-demand programming and a library of titles from CNN Films and CNN Original Series.

The All Access subscription will be be offered at $69.99 annually, but will carry an introductory price of $41.99 for the first year for customers signing up by Jan. 5.

The announcement comes two years after Mark Thompson took over as chief executive of the network with a mandate to guide the channel into a digital post-cable future.

CNN launched a direct-to-consumer service in 2022 called CNN+, made up of original programming featuring its current talent line-up and new additions including Audie Cornish, Chris Wallace and Kasie Hunt. But the service was shut down nine days after launch following WBD’s takeover of the network, as new management was focused on reducing debt.

CNN has seen profits decline significantly over the last five years as cord-cutting has driven down revenues received from cable and satellite companies carrying the channel.

The cable channel also saw a significant decline in ratings after WBD took over ownership of the network and executives pushed for the network to appeal more to conservative viewers.

Thompson has made few changes to the CNN program line-up as his team has focused on its digital properties. Thompson and Alex MacCallum, executive vice president of digital products and services, were both at the New York Times when the company transformed into a successful digital subscription-based news business.

In a statement, MacCallum said the All Access launch is “an essential step in CNN’s evolution as we work to give audiences the complete CNN experience in a format that reflects how audiences engage with the news today.”

CNN introduced a paywall on its website last year, giving users unfettered access to articles and video on the site for $3.99 a month. Response to the preliminary phase was encouraging, according to people inside the network who were not authorized to comment publicly.

Cable subscribers will also get the new streaming service for free.

Fox News is currently the only major cable news channel available without a pay TV subscription. The channel is offered on Fox One, the recently launched streaming service that also offers local Fox broadcast affiliates for $19.99 a month.

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Britain’s poshest train launches incredible Christmas experiences

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows The Northern Belle luxury train at Highley station, Image 2 shows A Christmas cracker from "Northern Belle" train on a place setting, Image 3 shows Waitress holding a tray with two cocktails on a luxury train

ANYONE seeking Christmas luxury can add a trip on this incredible train to your festive wish list.

For the seasonal period, the Northern Belle has launched three new offerings from exploring Edinburgh to wandering around Christmas markets, and indulging in dinner with all the twimmings.

The 1930s style Northern Belle is returning to UK cities and towns for ChristmasCredit: Instagram
Guests can expect luxury as well as plenty to eat and drinkCredit: Northern Belle

From November 15 until December 20, the Northern Belle, is going all out for Christmas.

One of the experiences is for the ‘Christmas Lunch’ where guests are welcomed in style as a red carpet is laid across the platform.

Onboard there’s welcome Champagne and tasty canapés, once guests are settled into a comfortable armchair, they will be served a seven-course festive feast.

The sample menu includes a Scottish salmon roulade starter, roasted white onion potage and a turkey dinner.

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There’s a choice of three desserts; spiced apple and cranberry tart, dark chocolate and hazelnut delice, and a mandarin and gingerbread panna cotta.

To finish off the meal will be a seasonal dessert, cheeseboard and glass of Port.

Throughout the meal, live musicians will play festive tunes, and there’s even an onboard conjuror to entertain.

After the meal, passengers can relax with a Fortnum & Mason cup of tea and petite fours.

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The Northern Belle is heading all over the country for the festive treat, and is heading to cities like Newcastle and York.

But it will also visit some market towns too. For example the journey from Norwich will also pick up passengers at Ipswich.

After the seven course dinner, passengers will be served dessert and a cheeseboardCredit: Northern Belle
Musicians will entertain by playing a selection of festive tunesCredit: Northern Belle

Heading up to Newcastle, the train will make two stops at Darlington and Durham.

On the journey to Preston, the train will make three initial stops at Chester, Liverpool and Wigan – but wherever you get on, the Northern Belle does a round-trip to each destination.

Tickets for Christmas lunch on the Northern Belle start at £395 and are available to book now.

The Northern Belle is known for its luxury experiences and was voted as being one of the best train trips in the world at the Conde Nast Traveller 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Northern Belle came in fifth place between the Glacier Express at number four and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at number six.

Other trips onboard the Northern Belle include Historic Edinburgh at Christmas.

The journey begins in Hull at 7.25AM where passengers can enjoy a three-course brunch with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktail.

The vintage style train is made up of seven carriagesCredit: northernbelle

Passengers will journey up to Edinburgh where they will have five hours to explore the city.

On returning to the train, guests can indulge in a champagne reception that awaits before enjoying a six-course dinner with fine wine – the price for this starts at £495 per passenger.

The other Christmas offering is exploring York’s festive markets for passengers who hop on in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The journey involves the same cocktail and three-course brunch offering as the Edinburgh exploration and then free time will be exploring York and the markets.

On the return journey guests will again get to enjoy a six-course dinner – tickets start at £495pp.

Next year, the train is offering Mother’s Day Lunches onboard, Afternoon Tea, as well as trips to Cheltenham, Chatsworth House, the Sandringham Flower Show, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Torquay.

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See if the Northern Belle will be making a stop at your local city or town for Christmas lunch…

Glasgow-Edinburgh: November 29

Liverpool-Crewe-Chester: December 4

Swansea-Cardiff: December 5

Norwich-Ipswich: December 12

London Victoria: December 13

Coventry-Birmingham: December 14

York-Doncaster-Sheffield: December 17

Darlington-Durham-Newcastle: December 18

Glasgow-Edinburgh: December 19

Manchester-Huddersfield-Leeds: December 20

Plus, check out what Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski made of her journey on the Belmond British Pullman.

And Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding took a journey up to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper – here’s everything she got up to along the way.

The Northern Belle will be stopping at cities and towns for its Christmas lunch excursionCredit: Northern Belle

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TUI launches Free Child Places to two new winter sun holiday destinations for the first time

TWO popular holiday destinations will have Free Child Places for the first time with TUI holidays.

From 2027, families will be ale to make the most of the free places when travelling to Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

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TUI is launching Free Child Places at two destinations for the first timeCredit: Supplied

TUI has more than 30 hotels across the two holiday regions, with 10 of them being included in the offer.

Which hotels will be included is yet to be confirmed.

However, both destinations are also about to be easier to get to.

From April 2026, TUI will launch a new fortnightly service from Cardiff to Cancun.

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And from June 2026, new TUI flights will run from Belfast International Airport to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

There also thousands of Free Child Places across existing holiday destinations including Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, as well as Turkey.

And last year, Free Child Places were added to Florida holidays.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director of TUI UK&I said: “We’re thrilled to be the first major tour operator to extend our free kids’ places programme to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, responding directly to the growing demand we’ve seen for long-haul family adventures.

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“With thousands of free kids’ places available across our Summer 2027 programme, we’re making bucket-list family holidays more accessible than ever before.

“For Summer 2027, we are excited to be offering our widest range of destinations with free kids’ places, the convenience of flying from 23 UK regional airports, and the exceptional service of our UK accredited TUI staff who run kids’ clubs across more than 120 hotels.”

Free Child Places are when a child can go free on a holiday, when staying with two-fully paying adults, at no extra cost.

Most accept children to be under the age of 16 to get the free place.

Generally, a free child place can only be claimed if there are two full-paying adults on a holiday booking. It means that when a pair of adults book a room, one child can stay for no extra cost.

The cut-off for a free child place is 16 years old with most holiday companies.

It includes the return flight, as well as accommodation, transfers and any food board.

Some of the current Free Child Place TUI deals on offer include a week in Majorca for £362pp,

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Or you can head to a waterpark hotel in Morocco for just £438pp.

Here’s how to find one of the world’s best hotel – and you can book it with TUI.

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The offer launches from 2027Credit: TUI Sensatori Resort

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Major cruise launches longest ever sailing with 124-day trip around the world

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows P&O Arcadia Cruise Ship docked in Nordfjordeid, Vestland County, Norway, Image 2 shows Historic cable car on a street in San Francisco, California, Image 3 shows Aerial view of Santiago city, Cabo Verde, Africa, with the coastline, city buildings, and mountains in the background, Image 4 shows A Tokyo street at dusk lined with multistory buildings, signs, and advertisements in Japanese, leading to a modern, lattice-patterned skyscraper in the distance

A MAJOR cruise line has revealed it will be launching a 124-day voyage around the world in 2028.

The Epic World Explorer will be one of P&O Cruises longest-ever world voyages.

The 124-day voyage will head to over 30 destinations including Tokyo in Japan (pictured)Credit: Getty
Other key stops are San Francisco in America (pictured)Credit: Getty
And passengers can also enjoy some sun in Cape Verde (pictured)Credit: Getty

The cruise line’s Arcadia ship will set off from Southampton on January 6, 2028 and finish back in Southampton on May 10, 2028.

The 124-night cruise – which is exclusively for adults – will focus on the Far East with stops in South Korea and Thailand.

It will also call into Japan for the first time since 2019, with a new overnight stop in Tokyo with calls to Kagoshima and Nagasaki.

Other top destinations include San Francisco in the USA, Cape Verde and Sydney in Australia.

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In fact, there are over 30 destinations on the voyage.

Prices for the cruise start from £11,199 per person.

On board the ship, which features an Art Deco domed roof and can accommodate up to 2,094 guests and 866 members of crew, there are 15 bars and restaurants, five entertainment venues and two swimming pools.

Included in the price of the cruise, guests get access to the Palladium, which is a three-tiered theatre that hosts live entertainment.

Shows include Magic Moments – it tells the story of Burt Bacharach’s life and music.

Or you could watch magic show, Unbelievable.

Also included is the Screening Room, which is a 30-seat cinema that shows the latest blockbusters.

For a bit of gambling, passengers can head to the Monte Carlo Casino with classic table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker.

Fancy some late night entertainment? Then there’s The Globe – a circular bar with live music, game shows and ballroom and Latin dance events.

Passengers don’t need to worry about missing the pub either, as they can enjoy The Rising Sun with interiors just like a British country pub.

There are cosy booths, a jukebox, darts, karaoke and even live sports screenings.

For travellers wanting to stay fit during their voyage, there are plenty of opportunities to do this.

In addition to a fully-equipped gym, there is also a sports court on board where passengers can play football, basketball, tennis or cricket.

There are even complimentary fitness classes too.

Onboard Arcadia, there are 15 bars and restaurants, five entertainment venues and two poolsCredit: Alamy

If treating yourself is more your thing, then there is The Oasis Spa and Salon, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room.

Guests can also grab a number of treatments like haircuts, massages and facials.

The ship has a number of pool areas as well – one of which has a retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment.

When it comes to food onboard the ship, travellers will never be short of choice.

At breakfast, The Belvedere offers a casual dining spot with an all-day buffet.

For a lighter lunch or fast food, there is the Neptune Grill which serves hot dogs and classic fish and chips.

Alternatively, you could grab some small plates at the Meridian Restaurant.

Steak lovers should then check out Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill.

One spot even looks like a traditional British pub with cosy interiorsCredit: pocruises.com

For a special treat, once a week on sea days the Arcadia serves typically British afternoon tea with cute sandwiches, sweet treats, warm scones and unlimited tea at the Meridian Restaurant.

The speciality restaurants onboard the ship are Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill, which serves a number of steaks and fresh seafood dishes and Sindhu, which combines Indian and British cuisine.

There are five types of cabins on board including inside, sea view, deluxe balcony, mini suite and suite.

The most basic cabin, which is inside, is simply inside with a comfy bed, tea and coffee making facilities and White Company toiletries.

There of course is also a TV with free movies and TV shows on.

There are five different types of cabin onboard the ship, which will set sail at the beginning of 2028Credit: pocruises.com

Sea view cabins then have the added benefit of a window or port hole.

In the deluxe balcony cabins, guests can enjoy a sea breeze in their own private outdoor space.

Mini suites then have an additional lounging area and at the top end, suites have a dedicated butler service as well as spacious accommodation and a large bathroom.

Guests in suites can also enjoy breakfast each day in an exclusive restaurant.

And at the end of your 124-day cruise, if you want to take home a souvenir to loved ones there are plenty of shops on board including jewellery, cosmetics, perfume, clothes and art and collectibles stores.

The sailing has been announced as part of P&O Cruises’ new winter 2027 and spring 2028 programme, which also includes a 75-night Grand Tour of South America.

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Full list of destinations on the cruise

HERE are all the destinations the cruise will head to.

  • Gran Canaria, Spain
  • Bridgetown, Barbados
  • Oranjestad, Aruba
  • Panama Canal 
  • Manzanillo, Mexico
  • San Diego, USA
  • San Francisco, USA
  • Honolulu, USA
  • Nawiliwili (Hawaii) , USA
  • Apia , Samoan Islands
  • Suva, Fiji
  • Auckland, New Zealand
  • Tauranga, New Zealand
  • Wellington, New Zealand
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Airlie Beach , Australia
  • Cairns, Australia
  • Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
  • Pusan, Korea
  • Nagasaki, Japan
  • Kagoshima, Japan
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Manila, Philippines
  • Nha Trang, Vietnam
  • Laem Chabang, Thailand
  • Singapore, Singapore
  • Port Kelang , Malaysia
  • Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Male, Maldives
  • Port Louis, Mauritius
  • Reunion, Reunion
  • Durban, South Africa
  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Walvis Bay, Namibia
  • St Vincent, Cape Verde
  • Tenerife, Spain

In other cruise news, The Sun’s assistant travel editor, Sophie Swietochowski went on the world’s largest cruise ship with Vegas-like casinos, Broadway-style shows and dare-devil slides.

Plus, there is a little-known hack that experts swear by to save you hundreds when booking a cruise holiday.

If you want to head off on the 124-night cruise, it will cost you £11,199 per personCredit: Alamy

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EasyJet launches more flights to one of Africa’s cheapest holiday destinations

EASYJET has revealed it will be setting up an airport base next year in one of the most popular African cities with Brits – meaning more cheap flights.

The budget airline has announced it will be growing its program from Marrakech in Morocco.

easyJet is expanding its program with more flights to and from MarrakeshCredit: Alamy
Morocco is one of the cheapest countries for Brit to go on holidayCredit: Alamy

While the new routes aren’t currently from the UK, other existing routes will see more flights launched.

easyJet already flies from the UK to Marrakech from eight hubs including Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester London Gatwick, Luton and Southend.

In November, some of these one-way flights are as little as £14.99.

The new easyJet routes are from Hamburg, Lille and Strasbourg to Marrakech and Geneva to Tangier – each route will have twice weekly journeys meaning there will be hundreds of additional flights.

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The new additional flights brings the number of easyJet to Morocco routes to 46.

Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, added that Morocco is a “key market” for the airline as it’s their “fastest growing market outside Europe“.

Earlier this year, Which? revealed Morocco to be one of the cheapest holiday destinations.

The consumer watchdog analysed the cost of 5,590 package holidays from some of the UK’s biggest tour operators, including Jet2holidaysTUI and easyJet Holidays.

Morocco was one of those places where holidaymakers can get more for their money.

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, filled us in on her recent trip to the Moroccan city. She said: “I’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recently visited the Moroccan city with her familyCredit: Lisa Minot
Marrakesh is known for its colourful Medina and marketsCredit: Henryk Sadura

“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

Lisa also suggests visiting popular spots in the city of Marrakech like the Jemaa el-Fnaa square filled with cafes and colourful stalls.

It’s where visitors will see lots of performers from musicians to snakecharmers.

When you get hungry, make sure to visit one of the square’s many food stalls to pick up some maakouda – a traditional potato cake.

In the Kasbah district, you’ll find the Saadian Tombs. It’s a 14th-century site that was discovered in 1917 and the tombs are made from Italian Carrara marble.

For the best views, Lisa says head to Nobu Hotel’s rooftop where you can see the Atlas Mountains.

Of course you can tuck into some great food options too from quality sushi, and sip on a cocktail.

Another reason Morocco is set to be a big destination for next year is thanks to Ryanair.

The other budget airline announced that due to the axing of flights to Spain, the capacity removed from Spanish airports will be reallocated to more competitive European markets, including Morocco.

This means your holiday to Marrakech, or other Moroccan cities could become cheaper than a trip to Tenerife.

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easyJet is adding a new base to the city of MarrakeshCredit: Alamy

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Iconic Brit mustard Colman’s launches new ‘swicy’ snack that’s left fans rushing to stores saying ‘I need those’

ICONIC mustard company Colman’s have launched a mouthwatering new snack which are set to fly off store shelves.

Punters will be racing to their local store to nab the mustard manufacturer’s Honey Mustard Flavoured Peanuts and Cashews.

Colman's Honey & Mustard Flavoured Peanuts & Cashews packaging.

1

Colman’s Honey and Mustard Flavoured Peanuts and Cashews are set to drop this monthCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

“Crack into bold flavour, brand new Colman’s nuts,” the company wrote on its Instagram account.

“Roasted, seasoned and ready to shake up your snack game.

“Are you nuts enough?!”

A bag of the moreish treats will start at £3.

And snack lovers are clearly excited for the bags to drop.

“I need those,” one wrote.

A second weighed in: “These look so good!”

It comes after news that family favourite Turkey Twizzlers have been quietly axed — two decades after TV chef Jamie Oliver’s campaign saw them banned in school canteens.

The controversial snack disappeared from shop shelves without an official announcement from makers Bernard Matthews Foods.

Twizzlers launched in 1997, but got the chop in 2005 after Jamie’s healthy-eating “Feed Me Better” campaign for school meals.

Urgent Grocery Recalls: Butter, Meat, Crackers & More to Avoid in 2025

He highlighted how they only contained 34 per cent meat, but lots of other additives.

An online petition for their return gained 28,000 signatures in 2018, before a healthier version was relaunched in 2020, containing 63 per cent turkey.

The relaunch saw a statue of a Twizzler erected outside Bernard Matthews Foods’ headquarters in Norfolk.

WALKERS DISAPPOINTMENT

And Walkers have discontinued a popular crisp flavour – leaving fans desperately searching the shelves for the discontinued product.

Max Texan BBQ was launched in partnership with Pizza Hut back in 2023 but it has now made way for the release of new crisp flavours.

One disappointed fan wrote on social media site X.com: “Why can’t I find Walkers Max Pizza Hut Texan BBQ Crisps in the supermarket?

“I usually buy a bag each time I shop as they are a favourite in my house. I haven’t seen them for at least 6 weeks.”

Walkers confirmed the flavour is no longer part of its offering.

But it isn’t all doom and gloom for crisps fans.

This week, Walkers dropped two brand new flavours which are out for a limited time.

The snack giant is shaking things up with two bold new additions hitting shelves across the UK.

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Bezos-owned Blue Origin launches 15th space flight for tourists

Blue Origin’s facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, seen November 2018. In June, Blue Origin lifted six space tourists on its 13th passenger flight.

Past flights included Star Trek celebrity William Shatner, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and pop superstar Katy Perry. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo

Oct. 8 (UPI) — Space tourism company Blue Origin launched six people in Texas on its 15th mission in the growing orbital tourism industry.

Blue Origin’s mission NS-36, space flight saw liftoff at 8:40 a.m. CDT via its launch site in west Texas after a 9:30 a.m. launch window opened for its suborbital journey in the 36th flight for its reusable rocket-capsule New Shepard.

“Hugs all around,” an announcer said in a live-streamed broadcast as New Shepard landed in the Texas desert.

The six-person crews reached an orbital height of 346,791 feet in the capsule after its rocket detachment reached its apogee of roughly 346,426 feet.

Passengers aboard experienced a weightless environment for a few minutes above Earth’s Karman line, some 62 miles above the planet that scientists recognized as the boundary to outer space.

The flight time hit Blue Origin estimates. The mission’s elapsed time 10 minutes 21 seconds, and the reusable capsule land around 8:50 a.m. CDT.

New Shepard has had 21 uncrewed research flights but with 15 total passengers to date.

Aboard the voyage by the company created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos were Blue Origin veteran Clint Kelly III, a robotics researcher, who flew on Blue Origin’s August 2022 mission. In addition to an anonymous passenger, joining Kelly were franchise executive Jeff Elgin, media entrepreneur Danna Karagussova, software entrepreneur Aaron Newman and Ukrainian businessman Vitalii Ostrovsky.

But no live interviews were to be taken but videos will be posted later, according to company officials.

However, it’s unclear just how much it costs to book a seat on New Shepard but estimates suggest a minimum $150,000 deposit with its first space ticket that cost nearly $30 million.

In June, Blue Origin lifted six space tourists on its 13th passenger flight.

Past flights included Star Trek celebrity William Shatner, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and pop superstar Katy Perry.



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Outgoing French PM launches last-gasp bid to quell political crisis | Emmanuel Macron News

Sebastien Lecornu to hold two days of talks to try to shore up cross-party support for his collapsed government.

France’s outgoing prime minister has launched a last-gasp bid to secure cross-party support for his government and chart a path out of the country’s deepening political crisis.

The frantic effort, which began on Tuesday, will see Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu seeking two days of talks with parliamentary figures, just a day after he tendered his resignation over the rejection of his proposed cabinet.

That snub, which came from allies and rivals alike, and Lecornu’s announcement that he would quit after just 27 days, have stoked the political crisis bubbling beneath President Emmanuel Macron since the 2024 snap elections.

Now, in a move that has caused confusion among lawmakers and the public, Lecornu has accepted a request from Macron that he hold talks to try to find a way out of the deadlock.

Lecornu, whose 14-hour administration was the shortest in modern French history, was scheduled on Tuesday morning to meet several members of the conservative Republicans and the centre-right Renaissance parties – the so-called “common platform” – to see if they could agree on a new cabinet.

But voices on both sides have reacted with shock, and suggestions that it is now time for Macron himself to make way.

Macron has tasked Lecornu with “conducting final negotiations by Wednesday evening to define a platform of action and stability for the country”, according to the Elysee Palace.

It was not immediately clear what Lecornu’s task would entail. France’s constitution allows Macron to appoint another prime minister, or to reappoint Lecornu – the fifth PM he has installed in less than two years – should he wish.

Politicians of all stripes have expressed surprise over the move. Some said it appeared to be an effort by Macron to buy time.

Others insisted that it means an early presidential election is needed.

Unsurprisingly, Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, was among them. He said he believed parliament should be dissolved, with parliamentary or early presidential elections to follow.

However, Edouard Philippe, once a close ally of Macron who served as prime minister, also told French media that he was in favour of a presidential vote.

Another former prime minister under Macron, Gabriel Attal, expressed bafflement, saying, “Like many French people, I do not understand the president’s decisions any more.”

Political chaos

Macron tasked Lecornu with forming a government in early September after the fractured French parliament toppled his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, over an austerity budget that prompted nationwide strikes in recent weeks.

Despite Lecornu’s promises to “break” with Bayrou’s strategies, his new cabinet, unveiled on Sunday evening, immediately drew criticism for containing many of the same faces from the previous government, with opponents complaining that it contained too many right-wing representatives or not enough.

The French parliament has been sharply divided since Macron, in response to gains made by the far right, announced snap elections last year, resulting in a hung parliament and now nearly two years of political crisis.

The 47-year-old centrist president has repeatedly said he will see out his second term, which is due to end in 2027.

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Heinz launches three new Beanz flavours in UK supermarkets after letting the public decide… but would you eat them?

HEINZ has revealed three new flavours of its iconic beans after letting tens of thousands of Brits have their say.

The saucy creations were selected after the beloved firm received more than 26,000 entries from eager fans.

Three Heinz Beanz cans in new flavors: Tagine, Pizza, and Sweet & Sour.

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The saucy creations were selected after the beloved firm received more than 26,000 entriesCredit: Heinz
PR IMAGE..Caption - Heinz launches three new Beanz flavours..Pictured - Heinz launches Pizza Beanz - an Italianinspired recipe dreamt up by the public

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The winning flavour was Pizza Beanz
Heinz Beanz Pizza flavored can, with a green, black, and gold label, on a blue background.

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The twist on the iconic Italian dish includes beans with rich tomato, creamy cheese and a hint of basilCredit: Heinz

The latest trio of tinned goods are anything but traditional, featuring inspiration from across the globe.

With more than 1,000 votes, the winning flavour was Pizza Beanz.

The twist on the iconic Italian dish includes beans with rich tomato, creamy cheese and a hint of basil.

Heinz urged its fans to enjoy the latest flavour with the classic accompaniment of garlic bread.

Crossing over to the north of Africa, another flavour which has tongues wagging is Tagine Beanz.

A Moroccan-inspired mix, it is packed with typical flavours including cumin, harissa and cinnamon.

Brits looking to make this into meal have been told to switch out the classic toast for couscous or flatbread.

Also landing on supermarket shelves will be Sweet & Sour Beanz.

For those of us looking for a Chinese takeaway in a can, these beans are packed with zingy, punchy flavour.

The fakeaway can be completed with a decent serving of rice and some crispy chicken.

Shoppers can find these in stores from October 8.

Aside from seeing their flavours come to life, the competition winners took home £5000 and secured a lifetime supply of beans.

You’ve been storing your baked beans all wrong and Heinz have even invented a tin to help us stop making this mistake

Alessandra de Dreuille, Director of Meals & Infant UK at Heinz said: “We love seeing the creativity of our fans.

“The entries from our Beanz of your Dreamz competition show just how much fun mealtimes can be.

“The flavour combinations they’ve dreamed up are inspired by cuisines from all over the world.

“And our three new flavours, chosen by the public, bring the same great taste and quality of Heinz Beanz…

“… proving once again that Beanz really do go with anything.”

The latest flavours will join the popular flavours range, which includes BBQ, Chilli, and Cheesy Beanz.

Heinz has also confirmed the return of fan-favourite Monster Munch flavour mayonnaise.

The limited edition bottles of pickled onion-flavoured sauce has landed in selected stores for the second-year running.

PR IMAGE..Caption - Heinz launches three new Beanz flavours..Pictured - Heinz launches Tagine Beanz, a Morrocan-inspired recipe dreamt up by the public

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Another flavour which has tongues wagging is Tagine Beanz
PR IMAGE..Caption - Heinz launches three new Beanz flavours..Pictured - Heinz launches Sweet & Sour Beanz - a Chinese-inspired recipe dreamt up by the public

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Also landing on supermarket shelves will be Sweet & Sour Beanz
PR IMAGE..Caption - Heinz launches three new Beanz flavours..Pictured - Heinz launches Sweet & Sour Beanz - a Chinese-inspired recipe dreamt up by the public

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The product is ideal for those of us looking for a Chinese takeaway in a can

Last month, the beloved brand launched a brand new range of “beans based meals” for the first time in UK supermarkets.

The bean and pulse based meal pouches are available to buy across all Sainsbury’s stores and online with Ocado.

Among the flavours on offer are Chilli Black Beanz, Curry Chickpeaz and Tomato Cannellini Beanz.

Each 250g pouch is made from natural ingredients and provides at least one of your five a day.

Last year, the can connoisseurs teamed up with cheese maker Cathedral City to recreate one of Britain’s favourite combos.

The odd tins featured cheese already mixed into the bean sauce, and they’ll be available in stores from February 21.

Research released by Heinz said Brits eat baked beans more than once a week, with a quarter of Brits eating them more than that.

Two-thirds of baked bean fans like to put cheese on top.

Heinz also sells Beanz Filled Hash Browns and Heinz Beanz Pizza.

The firm previously created a step-by-step guide to making beans on toast — because one in five people have no idea how to do it.

PR IMAGE..Caption - Heinz launches three new Beanz flavours..Pictured - Heinz launches Tagine Beanz, a Morrocan-inspired recipe dreamt up by the public

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Shoppers can find these in stores from October 8
PR IMAGE..Caption - Heinz launches three new Beanz flavours..Pictured - Barbecue Beanz, Tagine Beanz, Pizza Beanz, Sweet & Sour Beanz, Chilli Beanz and Cheesy Beanz

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The latest flavours will join the popular flavours range, which includes BBQ, Chilli, and Cheesy Beanz

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Major airline launches auction for passengers to keep seat next to them empty

A well-known airline has launched a new scheme which allows travellers place a bid to keep the seat next to them free on both domestic and international short-haul flights

Great news if you hate being bunched up next to strangers while flying – a major airline is now allowing passengers to bid to keep the seat next to them empty.

This handy new scheme, launched by Virgin Australia, will allow flight passengers to have two seats instead of one. The ‘Neighbour-Free Seating’ option will be available for travellers heading on either domestic and short-haul international flights.

If they select the new option, economy passengers can place a bid through the airline’s app to reserve an additional seat next to them – with the auction starting for as little as £14 but rising upon demand.

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Successful passengers will be informed two hours before their flight departure if they have their seat free, reports The Sun. Of course, there is a possibility that someone may book the empty seat. In this case, the winning passenger will be refunded.

It’s also important to note that while Neighbour-Free Seating provides extra personal space next to the assigned seat, it does not include any additional baggage allowance.

According to Virgin Australia, the new option means passengers will have “a more spacious Economy experience at great value”. The new feature comes after a 2023 survey which found that 42 per cent of Virgin Australia passengers said they would consider paying a fee to have the middle seat empty on international flights longer than three hours.

Additionally, 35 per cent of passengers also said they would do the same for domestic flights more than three hours.

Virgin Australia executive, Libby Minogue said: “Our priority is to give Virgin Australia guests even more value and choice when they choose to fly with us.”

She added: “Neighbour-Free Seating is a clever add-on for Economy travellers who want the certainty of extra space without the price tag. After booking their flight, passengers can bid for the additional seat via the Virgin Australia app.”

A similar feature is offered by other airlines like Qantas and Air France.

Those flying with Air France have the option to pay for the ‘Empty Seat Option – My Extra Space’, when they check-in online or through the airline’s app, allowing them to reserve up to three empty seats next to their own for greater comfort, space and privacy.

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U.S. soybean farmers may receive bailout after China launches embargo

Soybean farmers, such as the owners of the soybean field pictured in rural Iowa in 2019, may be in line for federal subsidies as a result of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI. | License Photo

Oct. 5 (UPI) — Soybean farmers could be the recipients of between $10 billion and $14 billion in government aid after China’s unofficial embargo tanked sales.

China stopped buying soybeans after President Donald Trump levied tariffs on the country.

Soybean farmers are urging the president to reach a deal with China.

“China is the world’s largest soybean customer and typically our top export market,” said American Soybean Association president Caleb Ragland in a statement on Sept. 24 after China reportedly bought 20 shiploads of soybeans from Argentina when that country said it would waive all taxes on soybean exports.

“The U.S. has made zero sales to China in this new crop marketing year due to 20% retaliatory tariffs imposed by China in response to U.S. tariffs. This has allowed other exporters — Brazil and now Argentina — to capture our market at the direct expense of U.S. farmers. The frustration is overwhelming,” Ragland said.

China was responsible for about $12 billion in soybean sales in 2024, NBC reported.

“The soybean farmers of our country are being hurt because China is, for ‘negotiating’ reasons only, not buying. We’ve made so much money on tariffs that we are going to take a small portion of that money and help our farmers,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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