G7 leaders’ summit in Japan stands out as memorable – and not just because Zelenskyy jetted in
There have been plenty of memorable G7s – for the wrong reasons.
There was Biarritz in 2019, when then President Trump rowed with allies and there was even talk that, for the first time since meetings began in 1975, there wouldn’t be a joint final statement – though in the end they scraped something together.
In the 2017 gathering in the Sicilian town of Taormina, the win was that Trump turned up at all, as he billed that particular summit as the “most challenging G7 in years” (he was at loggerheads with allies over climate change and trade).
Then how can anyone forget the summit in Cornwall, where President Macron and host, then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, ended up in a Brexit bust-up over Northern Ireland trade arrangements.
The Hiroshima summit couldn’t be more different. These past two days in Japan have been all about standing united in the face of present and future threats.
The world’s most powerful democracies are laser-focused on trying to protect the principles of the post-war world order: standing shoulder-to-shoulder – literally – with President Zelenskyy and Ukraine, and jointly criticising China over its increasing military and economic aggression.
On Ukraine, allies were hand-in-glove and falling over each other to glad-hand President Zelenskyy as he flew into Hiroshima to attend the summit in person, rather than via by video link.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Leaders were ‘falling over each other’ to greet Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy was also welcomed by Charles Michel, President of the European Council. Pic: Presidential Office of Ukraine via AP
He arrived on a French plane, although I’ve been told the idea for his to come in person was made by Prime Minister Sunak last month.
US President Joe Biden told G7 leaders on Friday that the US will back a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots for F-16 fighter jets, and will not oppose any allies that wish to transfer fighter jets.
A plan that could take months to realise, it nevertheless fulfils a request President Zelenskyy has long made as part of his war efforts, and reflects a longer-term commitment on the part of allies to make sure Ukraine can better defend itself.
As for future threats, the G7 also stood united on China, issuing its strongest condemnation yet of the superpower in the joint communique from this summit.
There had been talk coming into this meeting of tensions over Beijing, as President Biden warned he’d be prepared to use US military might to defend Taiwan against China, while President Macron insisted Europe should “not get caught up in crises that are not ours” on a visit to China last month.
But as it was, the G7 issued a strongly worded statement on China, warning Beijing about its increasing economic and military aggression: they said they were “seriously concerned” about the situation in the East and South China seas – while also urging China to press Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.
Read more:
Russia’s economy has weathered the West’s sanctions – but how?
Fresh sanctions for those helping Russian oligarchs
Have economic sanctions on Russia actually worked?
Zelenskyy also met with India’s PM Narendra Modi. Pic: Presidential Office of Ukraine via AP
The unity is a sign that these allies are prepared to put aside smaller disputes in order to tackle far greater threats.
The F-16 decision over this weekend is a sign that allied nations are now in this for the long haul.
That the G7 wants to provide Ukraine with this military capability points to what Rishi Sunak spoke about to journalists on the flight over to Japan: providing “longer-term security arrangements… to provide Ukraine with deterrence in the future”.
In other words, the G7 perhaps believes that even if there is a negotiated settlement, Ukraine will need long-term capabilities to deter Russia.
Providing these jets is a sign that allies believe some level of conflict could continue for years, if not longer. Fighting on two fronts, the last thing the G7 needs is to be fighting from within.
Singer Linda Nolan, who rose to fame alongside her sisters in The Nolans, has died after several years of battling cancer.
The Irish star, 65, and her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, had a run of hits in the late 1970s and ’80s – including the disco classic I’m In The Mood For Dancing.
Paying tribute on The Nolans‘ X account, her sisters described her as “a pop icon and beacon of hope”, who “faced incurable cancer with courage, grace and determination, inspiring millions”.
Linda died peacefully in hospital this morning, “embraced with love and comfort” with her siblings by her side, her agent Dermot McNamara said in a statement.
“As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success; becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide, touring the world and selling over 30 million records,” he said.
“Her distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence brought joy to fans around the world, securing her place as an icon of British and Irish entertainment.”
As well as her TV and musical career, Linda helped to raise more than £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society, Samaritans and others.
“Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy,” Mr McNamara said.
Five of the Nolans in 1983 (L-R): Linda, Anne, Bernie, Coleen and Maureen. Pic: PA
Linda’s death came after she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia over the weekend. She began receiving end-of-life care after slipping into a coma on Tuesday.
Details of a celebration of the star’s “remarkable life” will be shared in due course.
Linda was born to Tommy and Maureen Nolan in Dublin on 23 February 1959, the sixth of eight children.
Her parents were both singers and keen to turn their young family into a musical troupe. Linda made her stage debut aged just four.
Those early years put the siblings on track for a career in show business which lasted for decades. As well as I’m In The Mood For Dancing, The Nolans had hits with Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention To Me and Don’t Make Waves, and they also had their own TV specials.
At their height, they toured with Frank Sinatra and were reported to have outsold The Beatles in Japan.
Linda left the group in 1983, but later reformed with her sisters for several comeback performances. She also became known for musical theatre, most notably performing the role of Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers for three years from 2000.
L-R: Bernie, Denise, Linda (top), Anne and Maureen Nolan pictured in 1975, before youngest sister Coleen joined the group
Four siblings struck by cancer
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and underwent a mastectomy two days before her 47th birthday.
After being given the all-clear in 2011, in 2017 she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Three years later, Linda and Anne together revealed they were being treated for cancer once again.
The sisters were diagnosed with different forms of the disease just days apart after they returned home from filming a series of their show, The Nolans Go Cruising. Linda had cancer of the liver, while Anne had breast cancer.
The star, pictured last year, had battled cancer for several years. Pic: Shutterstock
They went on to write Stronger Together, an account of their journey that included frank details of their treatments and the side effects.
But in 2023, Linda revealed the cancer had spread to her brain and she was beginning treatment as part of a new drug trial.
The Nolans lost their second-youngest sister, Bernie, to cancer in 2013, aged 52.
Loose Women star Coleen Nolan also revealed she was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, and said she was using a chemotherapy cream to remove it.
Linda’s husband of 26 years, Brian Hudson, died in 2007 after being diagnosed with skin cancer.
Anne Nolan is now cancer-free.
Tributes to star ‘who was always a joy’
TV star and singer Cheryl Baker and comedian Tommy Cannon are among those who have paid tribute.
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Linda Nolan,” Cannon wrote on X. “I had the pleasure of working with her on so many occasions, and she was always a joy – full of warmth and love. My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the whole family.”
“The most incredible voice, the wickedest sense of humour, such a massive talent,” Baker wrote. “You’re with Brian now, Lin.”
Loose Women also sent its love to her family. Linda appeared as a guest panellist on the ITV chat show over the years, alongside her sister Coleen.
The Blackpool Grand Theatre described her as “a true Blackpool icon”.
A 20-year-old trainee gas engineer who won £7.5m says he was back working on blocked drains the day after claiming his cash.
James Clarkson, 20, from Carlisle, Cumbria, found out he’d hit the £7,533,329 National Lottery jackpot on 4 January – but said he has no plans to quit his job.
“I was out in the cold fixing blocked drains the day after I found out I had won,” he said.
“It was a bit grim but that’s reality.
“I’m not going to stop working, I’m too young,” he added, admitting he knew it might sound “mad” to some.
“I want to qualify as a heating engineer and then go from there.
“I need to have a purpose in life, plus dad wouldn’t let me not work anyway. He says there are plenty of millionaires out there that still work and you need a reason to get up each day.”
Mr Clarkson celebrating with his family. Pic: PA
Mr Clarkson added he still planned to have “some nice holidays” in between working, and revealed one of his first purchases was an all-inclusive luxury break to Cape Verde, along with a few designer items including a Gucci bag for his girlfriend and two new jackets for himself.
He said he also planned to splash out on a new car, possibly an Audi – but for now, he’s got his work van.
“If you drive a cold work van all day, going from job to job, you’d understand,” he said.
“The comfort, the steering, the heated seats. I realise how jammy that sounds, not many people my age can afford the car insurance let alone a car like that to drive.”
Read more:
BAFTA nominations: The full list of films and stars up for awards
David Schwimmer once served divorce papers on Sir Rod Stewart
As a huge Manchester City fan, he said he was also looking to buy a season ticket at the Etihad Stadium, as well as taking care of his extended family – starting with paying off his parents’ mortgage.
The new multi-millionaire holds up bespoke Manchester City kit celebrating his win. Pic: PA
He said: “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, it’s what I want to do. I told them last night and they seemed really overwhelmed.
“We are close and they have always been there for me. This win isn’t just for me, I want to make sure we all benefit.”
Mr Clarkson played on the National Lottery app, choosing his winning numbers – 16, 19, 22, 24, 27 and 35 – at random.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports9 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway