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- Epstein claimed to a friend that Princess Beatrice was ‘fond’ of him | News UK
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges Europe to unite with America at Munich Security Conference.
- Ursula von der Leyen Calls for Activation of EU Mutual Defence Clause at Munich Conference
- Zelenskyy criticises European leaders’ absence from US-brokered talks on Ukraine
- Michael Owen says £64m Arsenal star is not ‘the answer’ in the title race
- Warsaw Seeks Location Approval for New EU Customs Office Amid Challenges
- UK Faces Arctic Blast: Met Office Warns of Snow and Ice Conditions
- Erling Haaland injury latest as striker misses Man City vs Salford in FA Cup
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Epstein claimed to a friend that Princess Beatrice was ‘fond’ of him | News UK
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TL:DR – Epstein claimed to a friend that Princess Beatrice was ‘fond’ of him | News UK
- Princess Beatrice and Eugenie reportedly horrified by their parents’ ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Epstein claimed Beatrice liked him years after his 2008 conviction for soliciting minors.
- Allegations suggest Ferguson sought Epstein’s advice and invited him to family events.
- Both princesses have limited public appearances with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
- Sources say the sisters were unaware of the extent of their parents’ relationships with Epstein, leaving them feeling mortified.
Epstein boasted to friend that Princess Beatrice ‘liked’ him | News UK
Sources say Beatrice and Eugenie were horrified by details emerging about their parents’ dealings with Epstein (Picture: Instagram)
Jeffrey Epstein formed a close connection with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, but he may also have had his sights on their two daughters, files have shown.
The paedophile bragged to a friend that Andrew’s elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, liked him in 2015 – years after he was convicted for soliciting sex with minors as young as 14.
Beatrice was thought to have advised Ferguson on how to placate Epstein back in 2011, after her mother labelled him a paedophile.
There is of yet no indication of wrongdoing by either of the two Princesses, however questions remain of what they may have known about their parents’ relationship with the financier.
The pair have also been seldom seen alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, with some royal experts suggesting the sisters share little in common with either William or Kate.
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Beatrice’s sister Eugenie is also thought to be closer to William’s now State-side brother Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, UK News reported.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie pictured at Windsor Castle with the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2017 (Picture: PA)
Andrew with his two daughters on the balcony of Buckingham Palace (Picture: PA)
A source told the newspaper that while Beatrice and Eugenie both attend an annual garden party at Buckingham Palace with William, he is unlikely to want them to become working royals.
With Andrew’s royal titles stripped and more details emerging of Fergie’s closeness to Epstein, insiders believe attention may turn to what their daughters knew about their dealings with the sex offender.
The latest tranches of files show Ferguson’s association with Epstein, including asking him for advice about her business interests and even celebrating his release from jail in 2009.
The former Duchess of York allegedly took her two daughters to have lasagne with the billionaire less than a week after he walked free.
She also invited Epstein to attend St James’s Palace for some ‘mysterious mischief’ at Andrew’s 50th birthday party, which he declined.
Andrew pictured with Melania Trump, Gwendolyn Beck and Epstein at a party in Mar-a-Lago, Florida in 2000 (Picture: Getty Images)
Andrew pictured in the Epstein files crouching over a unidentified woman on his all-fours (Picture: US Department of Justice)
Damning messages sent to Epstein by Ferguson include one saying she wanted to ‘marry’ him and praising the convicted sex offender for being the ‘brother I have always wished for’.
In one email she wrote: ‘You are a legend. I really don’t have the words to describe my love and gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me.’
Ferguson maintained that her ties to Epstein were a ‘gigantic error of judgement’.
She said in an interview in 2011: ‘I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me.
‘I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say.’
Her ex-husband Andrew has similarly featured extensively in the files, including a picture which appears to show the disgraced former duke lying on his all fours over a woman sprawled on the floor.
It is unknown when or where the picture was taken or who took it.
Other documents show exchanges between Andrew and Epstein in which the former prince invited the billionaire financier to Buckingham Palace and discussed a ‘beautiful’ Russian girl.
Andrew had originally claimed to have severed all contact with Epstein after 2006, when an investigation was opened into the latter, and that he had only contacted the convicted sex offender to end their relationship.
Sources have suggested that Beatrice and Eugenie were both ‘mortified’ to learn the latest details about their parents’ dealings with Epstein.
‘We don’t believe the girls [Beatrice and Eugenie] were told much about what has just emerged [in the latest Epstein files release], and they will simply be aghast at just how close their parents were to this appalling man’, an insider said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges Europe to unite with America at Munich Security Conference.
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TL:DR – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges Europe to unite with America at Munich Security Conference.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, urging Europe to collaborate with the United States to counter civilisational decline.
• Rubio described challenges as a “quest” to save Western civilisation, addressing issues stemming from climate policies and mass migration.
• He received a standing ovation, highlighting the deep connection between Europe and the US.
• French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz contrasted their views with US criticisms, emphasising European strengths and unity.
Munich Security Conference: Rubio calls on Europe to save the West in alignment with the US
America’s top diplomat, Senator Marco Rubio, called on Europe to collaborate with the United States in a civilisational quest to save the West during a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Rubio emphasised the urgent need for a unified front, stating that the West is facing civilisational decline due to poor policy decisions regarding climate and migration.
Rubio’s address highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Europe and the United States, urging a shared commitment to prosperity. He stated, “We believe that Europe must survive,” reinforcing the importance of collaboration for a common future.
Rubio Addresses Challenges Facing the West
In a notable shift from the rhetoric used by US vice president JD Vance last year, Rubio’s remarks focused on a more conciliatory tone while preserving the core message. He attributed civilisational challenges to “ill-designed policies” and warned against the consequences of de-industrialisation. “De-industrialisation was not inevitable,” he noted, attributing it to conscious policy choices that have undermined wealth and independence in both regions.
The US Secretary of State also highlighted “mass migration” as a significant source of conflict, stating, “This is not some fringe concern of little consequence.” His remarks resonated with a controversial US national security review suggesting that failure to amend certain policies could lead to “civilisational erasure.”
Reactions from European Leaders
Rubio’s speech elicited a standing ovation, as he expressed deep care for Europe’s future and framed disagreements as stemming from a place of concern. He cited notable figures from European culture, including Mozart and Shakespeare, to underline the interconnectedness of the West.
His comments drew immediate responses from European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europeans to adopt a more positive mindset, contrasting Rubio’s portrayal with a “caricatured” vision of Europe. He stated, “There has been a tendency in this place… to criticise [Europe] outright.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged differences between the United States and Europe, asserting that US culture wars have no place on the continent. He reaffirmed a commitment to free trade and collaboration on global challenges, which he believes can only be resolved together.
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Ursula von der Leyen Calls for Activation of EU Mutual Defence Clause at Munich Conference
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TL:DR – Ursula von der Leyen Calls for Activation of EU Mutual Defence Clause at Munich Conference
• Ursula von der Leyen challenged NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Saturday, asserting that Europe must become more self-reliant in security.
• Von der Leyen called for activation of the EU’s mutual defence clause under Article 42.7 during her speech at the Munich Security Conference.
• European defence spending has increased by nearly 80% since the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to von der Leyen.
• She stressed the necessity for faster decision-making in defence matters, advocating for qualified majority voting instead of unanimity.
• The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, urged the UK to strengthen ties with the EU for urgent defence collaboration in light of the Ukraine conflict.
Von der Leyen rebukes NATO chief over ‘no security without US’, calls for European mutual defence
Ursula von der Leyen Challenges NATO’s Mark Rutte on European Security
On Saturday, 18 February 2023, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, directly challenged NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding Europe’s capability to guarantee its own security. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, von der Leyen emphasised the need for European leaders to energise commitments to mutual defence among EU nations.
Her statements underscore the urgency of addressing the continent’s security landscape, as discussions around European independence in defence continue to gain traction. Von der Leyen asserted, “I believe the time has come to bring Europe’s mutual defence clause to life,” referencing the EU’s mutual defence clause under Article 42.7.
European Defence Needs Action and Trust
The mutual defence clause, part of EU founding treaties, has remained largely unexploited. “Mutual defence is not optional for the EU, it is an obligation,” von der Leyen insisted, highlighting the necessity for the EU to enhance its military capabilities without solely depending on NATO.
Rutte’s earlier comments suggesting Europe could not defend itself without US support sparked outrage. Von der Leyen countered this view, stating, “Let’s develop our strength without constantly leaning on someone else,” in response to Rutte’s assertion that Europe’s current defence spending is insufficient.
Urgency in European Security Collaboration
In her address, von der Leyen noted that European defence spending has surged by nearly 80% since the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine but urged that “no taboo can go unchallenged.” She explained that “this commitment only carries weight if it is built on trust and capability,” referring to Article 42.7.
The clause mandates that EU countries must support one another in case of armed aggression, yet it has been invoked only once, following the 2015 Paris attacks. Von der Leyen urged Europe’s need for quicker decision-making and suggested that the EU might need to rely on qualified majority voting instead of unanimity.
Enhanced Partnerships for European Security
Additionally, von der Leyen called for strengthening partnerships, particularly with nations like the UK, to enhance collective security strategies. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who participated in the discussion, echoed her sentiments on the urgency of rekindling the UK-EU relationship a decade after the Brexit referendum.
He remarked that Europe as a whole “hasn’t done enough” for its defence and must “seize this moment” to bolster its security. Von der Leyen concluded by asserting Europe’s need for broader independence across various sectors, highlighting the importance of “digital sovereignty” and the necessity for the EU to remain resolute in defending its interests.
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Zelenskyy criticises European leaders’ absence from US-brokered talks on Ukraine
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TL:DR – Zelenskyy criticises European leaders’ absence from US-brokered talks on Ukraine
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at the Munich Security Conference that European leaders are largely absent from US-brokered negotiations with Russia.
• Zelenskyy expressed hope for serious negotiations next week but noted frustration over divergent agendas.
• Central to Ukraine’s position is a demand for binding security guarantees before signing any peace agreement.
• Zelenskyy indicated readiness to sign agreements on security guarantees with the US and European partners.
• He asserted that free elections in Ukraine are contingent on a real ceasefire being established.
• Zelenskyy called for increased measures to cut Russia’s energy revenues to hinder its war efforts.
Zelenskyy says Europe’s absence from peace talks is a ‘big mistake’ as he calls for more sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Saturday that it is a “big mistake” for European leaders to be “practically not present at the table” in the ongoing US-brokered negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia. His comments at the Munich Security Conference highlight the need for Europe’s interests to be considered in any sustainable peace agreement, emphasizing that the security concerns of the entire continent must be addressed, not just those of Ukraine and the United States.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid a backdrop of ongoing trilateral talks that Ukraine plans to hold next week with the United States and Russia. This process, which began in February last year, has made little progress toward achieving a ceasefire or ending hostilities.
Zelenskyy Highlights Imbalance in Negotiations
During his keynote speech, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over differing priorities among the parties involved in the negotiations. “Too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine, not Russia,” he said, suggesting that such discussions risk rewarding aggressive behaviour.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s demand for binding security guarantees before any agreements to end the war are signed, stressing that European countries, under the Coalition of the Willing format, are expected to play a significant role in providing these guarantees. He asserted, “Peace can only be built on clear, clear security guarantees.”
Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire Before Elections
Responding to calls for elections in Ukraine, Zelenskyy conveyed that he would consider holding elections only if a genuine ceasefire is established. He stated, “Give us two months of ceasefire, we will go to elections,” highlighting the logistical challenges of conducting fair elections under threat of bombings.
Further, Zelenskyy urged international partners to take stronger actions to undermine the Kremlin’s energy revenues, which largely finance the war. He noted, “Without oil money, Putin would not have money for this war,” calling for enhanced sanctions against Russian oil tankers operating in European waters.
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Michael Owen says £64m Arsenal star is not ‘the answer’ in the title race
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Michael Owen says £64m Arsenal star is not ‘the answer’ in the title race | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Viktor Gyokeres faced scrutiny regarding his performance for Arsenal after his £64m transfer last summer, contributing to doubts expressed by Michael Owen. With eight goals in 24 league matches and a mixed season, Owen suggested that Mikel Arteta may prefer Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz in crucial fixtures as the title race intensified.
Michael Owen questions Viktor Gyokeres’ impact at Arsenal
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has expressed doubts regarding Viktor Gyokeres’ ability to be a decisive player for Arsenal as the Premier League title race intensifies. Owen’s comments follow Gyokeres’ mixed performance since his £64 million transfer from Sporting Lisbon last summer, notably after the player has experienced two significant goal droughts this season.
While the 27-year-old has shown improvement under manager Mikel Arteta, with six goals in his last nine appearances, Owen remains sceptical. He stated he believes Arteta may prefer to rely on Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz in crucial matches as the season nears its climax.
Owen’s Assessment of Gyokeres
Owen, who is the UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site Casino.org, commented, “Listen, I don’t mind him. I think he’ll definitely be a source of goals if you play him in every game. But then again, I could probably play in every game for Arsenal… But is he the answer? I’m not so sure.” He added that while Gyokeres is a valuable asset, fans might expect more given his hefty price tag.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has a similar view, labelling Gyokeres a “maybe” in terms of impact. He suggested that if Arsenal successfully clinches the Premier League title this season, Gyokeres could develop further in the role.
Upcoming Fixture for Arsenal
Arsenal will aim to maintain their focus and keep their quadruple hopes alive on Sunday as they host League One side Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round.
Warsaw Seeks Location Approval for New EU Customs Office Amid Challenges
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TL:DR – Warsaw Seeks Location Approval for New EU Customs Office Amid Challenges
• Warsaw is a candidate for the location of the new EU Customs Office, as reported by Euronews.
• The decision on the location is influenced by political dynamics and a significant technological challenge.
Will Warsaw become the seat of a new EU agency? To be decided in March
Warsaw Competes to Host New EU Customs Office Amid Political Challenges
Warsaw is in the running to host the new European Union Customs Office, with the selection process currently underway. The competition for the location of this significant institution comes amid ongoing political tensions and substantial technological challenges within the region.
The decision to establish a new customs office is critical, as it aims to streamline trade and enhance security across EU borders. According to sources, Warsaw’s candidacy highlights not only its strategic position but also the larger political dynamics shaping the EU’s operational landscape.
Political Tensions Surrounding Warsaw’s Candidacy
The push for the customs office comes as EU member states grapple with various internal issues, influencing potential site selection. The outcome of this decision could reflect broader regional alliances and tensions, further complicating the administrative landscape.
Technological Challenges in Establishing the Office
In addition to the political implications, the establishment of the new customs office faces enormous technological hurdles. These challenges must be addressed to ensure effective functioning and integration within the existing EU systems, reflecting the increasing complexity of customs operations across member states.
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