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Rishi Sunak is taking the same “militaristic line” as Boris Johnson and should be doing more to help bring about peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, Russia’s ambassador to the UK has told Sky News.

Andrei Kelin also repeated claims from Russian President Vladimir Putin that between 25% and 30% of the weapons supplied to Ukraine by Western nations have been destroyed.

Mr Johnson made Britain one of the leading supporters of Ukraine during his time as prime minister and regularly held calls with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Their conversations often opened with Mr Zelenskyy reading out a “shopping list” of arms, three UK officials with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Putin boasts of ‘nuclear triad’ in speech – Ukraine war live updates

The UK has supplied weapons including multiple launch rocket systems, anti-ship missiles and armoured vehicles.

Asked by Sky’s Mark Austin whether he was glad Mr Johnson is no longer prime minister, Mr Kelin said: “Rishi Sunak is continuing a militaristic line. I have never heard from him the word ‘negotiations’.

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“I never heard from him the word that the future belongs to European security, inclusive European security for all countries, not just for NATO. But for all countries.”

Mr Kelin was also asked about reports Russia has been using Iranian-supplied drones – with Sky News having seen a purported arms contract that offered the first hard evidence Tehran has sold ammunition to Moscow for its war in Ukraine.

The ambassador denied Russia has been receiving drones from Iran, and said he had never seen such a contract.

“No one has real evidence about Iranian drones. There were two meetings between Ukrainians and Iranians that we are aware of … Ukrainians were not able to provide any evidence those drones belong to Iran.”

Mr Kelin was also asked about the destruction of the dam in Nova Kakhovka that caused devastating flooding in the southern Ukrainian city.

Russia and Ukraine have since blamed each other for the collapse of the dam.

Mr Kelin said: “A year ago one of the major generals of Ukraine said that they are going to blow up the dam to prevent a Russian offensive.

“It was published in The Washington Post I think in December of last year.”

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Boris Johnson, left, and Rishi Sunak. Pic: AP
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Boris Johnson, left, and Rishi Sunak. Pic: AP

Asked about the $350bn (£274bn) in frozen assets it is thought the UK and the West plan to use to rebuild Ukraine, Mr Kelin said: “I know the United Kingdom is very experienced in the theft of money from different countries.

“India has been robbed and Egypt, other countries as well. So of course it’s another account of theft and robbery.”

Mr Kelin also said Russia is “prepared for talks or negotiations” but said Mr Zelenskyy has “prohibited himself by law to negotiate”.

“How can we negotiate?” he said.

Mr Kelin spoke to Sky News as Mr Putin said Russia’s new generation of Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are capable of carrying 10 or more nuclear warheads, would soon be deployed for combat duty.

In a speech to new graduates of military academies, the president stressed the importance of Russia’s “triad” of nuclear forces that can be launched from land, sea or air.

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Should Prince Andrew Drive be renamed? Here’s what residents think

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Should Prince Andrew Drive be renamed? Here's what residents think

“I hate it,” Shirley told us.

Every time she has to give her address, it leads to a snide remark or joke at her expense.

She’s lived on Prince Andrew Drive in Telford, Shropshire, for 35 years.

As the national scandal around Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – as he is now called – has deepened, it has become increasingly embarrassing for her.

Andrew latest: Virginia Giuffre’s brother calls for investigation

A few years ago, another resident started a petition to change the name of the road, and somebody covered up part of the street sign.

“I think we should change it,” Shirley told us, “but don’t ask me what to.”

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Shirley is one of the residents calling for the street to be renamed
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Shirley is one of the residents calling for the street to be renamed

After a few minutes weighing up the options, she settled on Prince George Drive.

“At least that looks to the future,” she added.

Linda Boden has lived on the road even longer – she and husband Phil moved here after getting married 45 years ago.

“We have actually had the conversation this morning, that the name of this road will get changed,” Linda said.

Phil told us he wasn’t bothered about the name. “It’s just a name, it’s not the man… I can’t tell you what I think [about him] without swearing you know.”

A bird's eye view of Prince Andrew Drive
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A bird’s eye view of Prince Andrew Drive

Cheryl, who lives nearby, told us what really mattered to her were the victims of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal – particularly the late Virginia Giuffre.

“That poor girl needs justice,” she said. “It is ridiculous it has gone on this long to be perfectly honest. That poor family are still living with it.”

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Cheryl's focus is on Virginia Giuffre
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Cheryl’s focus is on Virginia Giuffre

Julie Harper lives on the adjacent road, called Queen Elizabeth Way, and is more than happy with her road name.

She told Sky News that the King had made the “best decision ever” by removing his brother’s titles.

I asked where her sympathies lay within this long-running royal scandal and Julie was unequivocal.

“With anybody who has been sexually exploited,” she said bluntly.

Julie believes Princess Anne Drive would be a better name for her neighbours’ road.

“She’s one of the better ones,” she added.

Julie lives on the nearby Queen Elizabeth Way and suggests a renaming that would stick to the royal theme
Image:
Julie lives on the nearby Queen Elizabeth Way and suggests a renaming that would stick to the royal theme

Changing the road name would be a logistical headache for local authorities and residents, with some telling us it did not bother them and they would not fancy the extra paperwork to amend things such as household bills and driving licences.

But Postman Gary told us every time he’s making deliveries on Prince Andrew Drive, he feels for the residents.

“We have a little giggle because we know they don’t want it named that anymore and I wouldn’t either if I lived here. It’s probably time it changed.”

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‘Huge’ part of royal statement you might have missed

We did not find anyone on Prince Andrew Drive who disagreed with the King’s decision to remove his titles and oust him from his home in Windsor.

The monarchy needs to retain the support of the public across the UK – that’s one of the reasons the King has taken such decisive action at this point in the scandal.

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Ex-sergeant major jailed for sexually assaulting teenage soldier Jaysley Beck

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Ex-sergeant major jailed for sexually assaulting teenage soldier Jaysley Beck

A former sergeant major has been jailed for six months for sexually assaulting a teenage soldier, who later took her own life after being bombarded with messages by another senior colleague.

Michael Webber, who was a 39-year-old Battery Sergeant Major at the time, previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault. He was sentenced at Bulford Court Martial Centre in Salisbury on Friday.

He had assaulted 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, from Cumbria, at a work social event in July 2021.

Gunner Beck, who had joined the Army at 16, said that Webber had “made a pass” at her, put his hand between her legs and “pinned her down” while trying to kiss her.

Jaysley Beck and her mother Leighann McCready. Pic: Family handout/PA
Image:
Jaysley Beck and her mother Leighann McCready. Pic: Family handout/PA

She pushed him away and spent the night locked in her car before making a complaint to her superiors in the morning.

Webber was given a minor sanction, involving him being interviewed and writing Gunner Beck a letter of apology, but the incident was not reported to police.

An inquest into her death heard she was later bombarded with messages by bombardier Ryan Mason, another senior colleague, who has since left the army, who expressed his love for her.

Jaysley Beck at her passing out parade. Pic: Centre for Military Justice/PA
Image:
Jaysley Beck at her passing out parade. Pic: Centre for Military Justice/PA

The 19-year-old’s body was found in her room at Larkhill barracks, Wiltshire, on 15 December, 2021. An inquest ruled that her death was a suicide.

During the inquest, coroner Nicholas Rheinberg ruled that “on the balance of probabilities” the Army’s failure to take appropriate action “more than minimally” contributed to her death.

An army report published in October 2023 also described Gunner Beck being exposed to “an intense period of unwelcome behaviour”, and said it was “almost certain this was a causal factor” in her death.

Wiltshire Police investigated a complaint of harassment submitted by Gunner Beck’s family after her death, relating to Mr Mason’s behaviour, but found the evidence did not support a criminal harassment case.

Gunner Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Pic: Family handout/PA
Image:
Gunner Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Pic: Family handout/PA

Gunner Beck’s mother Leighann McCready said outside the court after Webber’s sentencing: “No sentence will ever be enough.

“While he serves his time, it’s us who will live with a life sentence for what he did. And now the army failed to protect her afterwards.”

Ms McCready said her daughter “did everything right, but was failed by the system that was meant to support and protect her”.

“She followed the rules, but those responsible didn’t follow as they failed to act. Failed to report and failed to follow up,” she added.

Ms McCready said she will continue fighting for “real change” in the British Army after Gunner Beck’s death: “Not hollow promises or recycled words that have already failed our daughter and continue to fail others.

“Real action means giving soldiers somewhere truly independent to report serious complaints without fear or favour.

“We cannot bring our daughter back. But I will keep fighting to make sure her life leads to change.”

Read more:
Army’s handling of complaint ‘played part in death’
Jaysley Beck’s mother urges Army to root out abusers
Sexual harassment probes to be removed from chain of command

Minister for veterans and people Louise Sandher-Jones said the sentencing of Webber was an “important step on the journey to justice”.

She said: “We are honouring Jaysley’s legacy by bringing about crucial reform, to provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system.

“The Army has accepted the failings identified by the service inquiry in full and has also responded to the recommendations to improve service life across its culture, policies and practices.”

Major General Jon Swift, assistant chief of the general staff, said: “We will always be profoundly sorry for the failings that were identified at Jaysley’s inquest in February.”

He said the Army acknowledges that Webber’s sentencing “has come too late for their beloved daughter”, adding: “We are sorry we didn’t listen to Jaysley when she first reported her assault. We are determined to make sure the same mistakes don’t happen again.”

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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Premier League’s Boxing Day fixture decision branded ‘thoughtless’

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Premier League's Boxing Day fixture decision branded 'thoughtless'

The Premier League has confirmed only one game will take place on Boxing Day this year.

It said the expansion of European competition was behind the move to reduce what is traditionally a packed schedule.

The fixture will be Manchester United‘s home game against Newcastle United at 8pm.

The Premier League said in a statement: “The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season, impacting an important tradition in English football.

“There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions – which led to a revision of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup.

“This ultimately left the Premier League as a 33-weekend competition – fewer than previous seasons, despite being a 380-match competition since 1995.”

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It added that this year’s Boxing Day falling on a Friday had also impacted the fixture list.

The remaining fixtures will be spread over the weekend, with seven on Saturday and two on Sunday.

The Premier League has blamed the expansion of European fixtures on the change. Pic: Reuters
Image:
The Premier League has blamed the expansion of European fixtures on the change. Pic: Reuters

‘Special arrangements have been made’

The statement added: “With fewer weekends to work with, the League is bound by how the calendar falls.

“The League can give an assurance that next season there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day – as the date falls on a Saturday.

“As with previous years – and in keeping with our commitment to clubs – special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the festive period.

“This will allow greater time for players to recover, with the rest periods between rounds 18, 19 and 20 being increased to ensure that no club plays within 60 hours of another match.”

‘Thoughtless and ridiculous’

The Football Supporters’ Association criticised the move in a strongly-worded statement on X.

It read: “The Premier League’s TV selections for Xmas and NY have finally been announced a fortnight after they were supposed to be.

“Newcastle United’s game at Old Trafford – the longest trip of that game week – has been selected for a ridiculous 8pm kick-off on Boxing Day. Thoughtless.”

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