As soon as possible, US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth has urged Australia to increase its military spending to 3.5% of GDP.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded on Monday by saying that the government would review its defense-related needs before announcing spending.
Albanese told reporters that what you should do for your country is determine what you need and what you can do.
“My government is doing that,” my government said. investing in our relationships and our capacity.
Albanese added that his administration is already spending about 10 billion Australian dollars ($6.5 billion) on defense.
He cited his government’s pledge to increase spending to 2.3% of GDP by 2033, noting that “we’re continuing to lift up.”
However, the government’s budget is being subject to additional demands.
Albanese was speaking from a South Australian state that is in severe drought.
Meanwhile, the Treasurer of Australia claimed that recent flooding in New South Wales and Cyclone Alfred have cost the nation a billion dollars.
According to the public broadcaster ABC, increasing military spending to 3.5% of GDP would cost 100 billion Australian dollars ($65 billion) annually, or 40 billion Australian dollars ($25 billion) more than it currently spends.
According to The Australia Institute senior economist Matt Grudnoff, “Australia already spends more money on defense than it should.”
According to Grudnoff, “Australia would be the ninth-largest spender on defense and the military” if its defense spending increased to 2.3% of GDP.
He continued, “Australia would devote more of its economy to defense than France and Taiwan, and it would be on par with the United Kingdom.”
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending increased by 9.4 percent in 2024, marking the highest-level increase since the end of the Cold War.
Hegseth and Marles speak on the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday [Edgar Su/Reuters]
In accordance with its AUKUS agreement with the US and the UK, the Australian government has already made a pledge to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on nuclear submarines made by the US.
Its estimates the program’s potential cost could be as much as $368 billion ($288).
In a meeting on Friday, Hegseth and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles spoke about security issues, including expanding industrial base cooperation and expanding US defense capabilities in Australia, according to a Pentagon statement from Sunday.
In response to Israel’s ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, protests erupted outside Australian weapons factories and Australian ports, as well as legal issues.
Albanese claims that Australia’s position on Taiwan has not changed.
Following Marco Rubio’s statement to the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, the US Secretary of State said “the threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent.” Hegseth is asking Australia to increase its military spending.
The Pentagon director continued, “There is no reason to embellish it.” Taiwan, which Beijing considers to be part of Chinese territory, is still the subject of US warnings.
The conference, which is regarded as the region’s top security event, was skipped by China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded, “The US shouldn’t play with fire or make up its mind by using the question over Taiwan as a bargaining chip to contain China.”
Albanese said Australia would “determine our defense policy” when Hegseth made the comment.
Dani Dyer’s daughter, Dani Dyer, married football player Jarrod Bowen on Saturday at a lavish bash in Buckinghamshire, and Dani Dyer described the day as the “best day of her life.”
Dani Dyer has shared the adorable moment her proud dad, Danny, saw her in her wedding dress for the first time(Image: evieradfordsocials/Instagram)
Dani Dyer has shared the adorable moment her proud dad, Danny, saw her in her wedding dress for the first time when she got married to Jarrod Bowen on Saturday. The Love Island star, 28, said she’d had the ‘best day of her life’ at the lavish nuptials in Buckinghamshire at which EastEnders star Danny, 47, played a very important role.
In a gorgeous montage of snaps of the big day shared on Instagram, Danny can be seen waiting in anticipation for his firstborn to reveal her stunning wedding dress as she prepared to become Mrs Bowen. As Dani turns round, sporting a beautiful off-the-shoulder white silk gown, with her hair tied into an elegant bun, Danny’s eyes fill with tears as he gives his daughter a huge hug.
READ MORE: Dani Dyer reveals who Jarrod Bowen’s mum voted for on Love Island in shock admission
Danny Dyer played an important role in daughter Dani’s wedding(Image: evieradfordsocials/Instagram)
Danny walked Dani, who has now changed her name to Dani Dyer-Bowen, down the aisle at the wedding at the five-star Langley Hotel while the Love Island star’s two-year-old twin daughters, Summer and Star, were flower girls. The Football Factory star also gave a speech during the reception, which was reportedly ‘toned down’ before the big day by Dani’s mum, Jo.
After the newlyweds said ‘I do’, Danny couldn’t resist injecting a bit of football banter into the proceedings. In videos shared on social media, he can be heard encouraging guests to sing ‘Bowen’s On Fire – and he’s married Dani Dyer’ to the tune of pop star Gala’s hit Freed from Desire, as guests could be seen waving white napkins in the air.
Speaking about how important it was for Danny to give Dani a wedding she’d ‘never forget’, a source told the Mirror: “Family is everything to Dani and Danny is the same way. He pulled out all of the stops to make sure it’s a wedding no one would forget for his little girl – the best day of her life.
Continue reading the article.
She’s now Dani Dyer-Bowen!(Image: Danu Dyer Instagram / evieradfordsocials)
He claims she is in love with her and that Dani’s success helped him because of Love Island. After going through so many ups and downs, Daniel feels like she has found her true love in Jarrod.
“He is loved by everyone else as well.” It was always going to be a wonderful celebration for the family because Jarrod and Danny get along so well, which was important to Dani.
Danny, a huge Hammers fan, also has a huge fan of his son-in-law, who plays for his adored West Ham football team. Danny told the Mirror about his daughter’s relationships, saying, “I have left the lying scum, and I hate them, to a man who I would not mind tonguing myself!”
A strong man, he said. I would put my lips on this geezer if he offered me a loan. He is a good man, as he is a father, and he took her on with a 14-month-old son, I’ll tell you.
He continued, “He is amazing. I’m eager to give her away. What a touch . But if he had already acted on me, I would probably fall in love with him.
Continue reading the article.
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READ MORE: ‘Shark steam mop that leaves my floors gleaming is on sale and £400 less than Dyson’
When: Friday, June 6th, When: Hampden Park Kick-off: 19:45 BST
As Scotland manager, Steve Clarke is no stranger to changing and evolving.
He has frequently changed his squad and won two major championships while serving the national team for six years.
After 27 years, Clarke’s Scotland’s last appearance at the world’s largest event was in 1998, and they now have a place there.
As they prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicks off in September, the 61-year-old has selected seven uncapped players for the month’s friendly games against Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Along with West Ham United’s Andy Irving, Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig, and Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig, are also included in the Motherwell lineup: Lennon Miller, Connor Barron of Rangers, and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig from Motherwell.
The other two players have yet to make their full international debuts, besides goalkeepers Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker.
experience and youth combined
The number of younger faces is one thing that stands out in addition to the numerous uncapped players.
12 members of the 25-man squad are 25 or younger and have their best years in store.
One of them is Lewis Ferguson. The Bologna captain struggled for regular starts in his country despite winning the Coppa Italia last year and continuing his excellent story on the continent.
Ryan Christie is recovering from an injury and Kenny McLean is missing, giving him a chance to make his first appearance in midfield alongside Billy Gilmour.
With Anthony Ralston, the other right-back in the squad, second choice at Celtic, Max Johnston, 21, and Nathan Patterson, 23, could have second-choice opportunities to impress.
Bowie and James Wilson of Heart of Midlothian are the other young, striking options, along with Tommy Conway from Middlesbrough.
However, the squad’s familiarity persists throughout.
Uncertainty is still the goal.
Images courtesy of Getty
Scotland was well-equipped with a lot of top-notch goalkeeping talent not long ago.
Any of David Marshall, Allan McGregor, or Craig Gordon were well-known abroad.
The resources between the sticks are less plentiful these days.
Due to injury, Gordon, now 42, is not a member of this squad. Even a man of his caliber and resilience might not be able to compete in the 2026 World Cup if Scotland were to qualify.
Despite making numerous high-profile errors for both the club and country during Euro 2024, Angus Gunn is now a free agent after being let go by Norwich City.
The uncapped Slicker and McCrorie have only passing club experience, respectively.
Which uncapped players might catch Clarke’s attention?
SNS
Miller unquestionably has the most buzz around him among the uncapped players.
Since making his senior club debut at the age of 16, the 18-year-old midfielder from Motherwell has improved tremendously.
After a season in which he scored four goals and added seven assists in 36 games, he won the PFA Scotland young player of the year award last month.
Miller is expected to leave Fir Park for a sizable transfer fee, which Miller could increase with his Scotland bow against Iceland or Liechtenstein.
After receiving his first call-up for Scotland in March, Miller said, “I could possibly be the best player there in a few months.”
He later made amends to his comments, stating that the pace of the claim was a “mistake” but reiterating his desire to be the best player he can be.
He lacks confidence, not at all.
If the chance comes up, Bowie will want to have an impact.
He recovered from a hamstring injury while playing for Scotland Under-21s and scored six goals in his first season for Hibs.
When Clarke named his squad, “he always stood out whenever I watched the Under-21s.” He has good qualities for his game, including being big, strong, and physically strong.
You have Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet coming in the summer, so I knew what they could bring. So, it was only interesting to see if we could expand the player pool.
As it announced 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, Israel claims that its expansion of settlements is to “prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.” Israeli officials are daring the world to stop them, claims Palestinian lawyer Diana Buttu.
Dame Kelly Holmes, the star of Loose Women and Atlete, admitted she “overdid it” and that she was forced to slow down due to a health issue.
Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed how she was forced to slow down after running into a health issue(Image: Simon John Owen)
Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed how she was forced to slow down this year after feeling extreme burnout amid her busy schedule.
The Olympian, 55, who is known for her impressive career as a middle distance runner, admitted to Mirror that a busy year last year left her unable to carry on. “I was travelling all over the world, often doing five or six speaking engagements a week, I had my big 20-year medal celebrations and visiting Machu Picchu for charity. But burnout is a big issue for me, by January I could feel something wasn’t right health wise,” she explained.
Kelly, who is now a regular on the Loose Women panel, continued, “I took it as a sign that, while last year was amazing, I overdid it, and I couldn’t do the same this year.
I’m not always motivated, and I can’t jump out of bed every day with energy. For instance, I don’t need to run the half-marathon if I’m not feeling it; instead, I’d rather be there in full spirit and energizing everyone else.
Dame Kelly is known for her impressive athletic career, but admits she has had to slow down this year(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Kelly explained that she had enjoyed the slower pace of life by explaining that she had been able to examine every aspect of my current approach to dealing with issues, which is a real strength. I believe I’ve spent more time at home than I have in a long time over the past four or five months. I adore working with my alpacas in the garden.
However, Kelly says she still works out more than many people and still aims for 12 to 500 steps per day. She also regularly participates in parkruns and maintains her diet.
She said, “I try to move every day, and that might be taking an Uber to work or going to work,” because I’ll have my steps in and people can watch! To boost my self-esteem, I use it as a wellbeing tool. We might go paddleboarding, dog walk, or meet up with friends over the weekend.
The athlete now enjoys more time at home with her pet alpacas(Image: Supplied)
Kelly is also the official ambassador for Solgar’s wellness partnership with The AJ Bell Great Run series this summer, which adds to her busy roster.
I’m a huge fan of motivating and inspiring people to stay in shape and move through their lives, especially as we age. Although fitness has always been a part of my life, I now fully understand the importance of looking at our overall well-being.
“I’ve been going to the runs, and it’s been the best.” She compared the partnership to people of all ages as they “get their moment when they cross the finish line.”
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Kelly continued, “I’ve also witnessed a lot of young women taking part, in their mid- to late 20s, than I’d normally see.” That generation was so encouraging to see them believing in themselves and not being embarrassed or concerned about the outdated idea of what women “should” look like. Its body type has changed; strong, athletic bodies are no longer viewed as attractive.
Seoul, South Korea: After six hours of emergency martial law, hundreds of days of protests, violence at a Seoul court, and President Yoon Suk-yeol’s eventual impeachment, the country is now hours away from appointing a new leader in an effort to restore stability to an unrest-stricken nation.
South Koreans will cast ballots for one of the five presidential candidates on Tuesday, between 6 am and 8 pm (21:00 to 11:00 GMT), in a race that is largely led by Lee Jae-myung, a member of the opposition Democratic Party. Kim Moon-soo, the People’s Party candidate, leads him in the polls.
Both of these two leading contenders are expected to take Yoon’s place in the 44.39 million eligible vote. The ex-president was last week a witness to his fifth court hearing where he is accused of launching an insurrection and abusing power because of his failure to impose martial law on December 3.
Yoon could receive the most severe punishment, including life in prison or even the death penalty, if found guilty.
In light of the political unrest brought on by the brief enactment of military rule, which still resonates in every aspect of society and has sharply divided the country along political lines, voter turnout is expected to be at an all-time high in the election. Those who continue to back Yoon and those who vehemently oppose his declaration of martial law.
Lee is currently the clear front-runner in the Democratic Party, with People Power Party Kim’s 36% and Lee’s 49 percent in Gallup Korea’s most recent poll on May 28 declaring him the favorite to win.
Voting started early on Friday, which ended with the second-highest turnout in the country’s history, at 34.74 percent, while overseas voting from 118 nations reached a record high of 79.5%.
Second chance for Lee Jae-myung
In the most recent presidential election in South Korea’s history, Yoon narrowly won with a 2-0 lead over Lee.
Lee now has a second chance at the top office and a chance to improve his political reputation following his humiliating defeat in 2022, which came with a narrow 0.73 percent of the vote.
In violation of election law, the Supreme Court of South Korea ruled about a month ago that Lee had spread false information during his presidential campaign for 2022.
Lee also survived a stabbing attack to his neck during a news conference in Busan last year, in addition to surviving a number of bribery allegations during his time as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, which he claimed were politically motivated.
The courts have fortunately agreed to postpone any further hearings of Lee’s ongoing trials until after the election.
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, waves to his supporters on Monday at a rally in Hanam, South Korea.
This time around, Lee addressed his supporters from behind bulletproof glass while counterterrorism units were patrolling on foot as snipers patrolled the crowds for potential threats.
Conservative lawmakers, his former adversaries, who have publicly supported his run for office numerous times in the last month, have also joined his campaign and seen him as a route back to political stability.
Kim’s parliamentary colleague, Kim Sang-wook, left the party in early May to join Lee’s Democratic Party, which was a particularly humiliating blow.
Only 55% of conservative voters who voted for Yoon in the 2022 election said they would support Kim this time around, according to polling data from Hankyoreh, the country’s top media outlet.
These shifts reflect the mainstream conservative party’s crisis, which is also evidenced by Lee’s appeal to both moderate and conservative voters.
Future president is “heavy burdened” with.
According to Lim Woon-taek, a sociology professor at Keimyung University and former member of the Presidential Commission on Policy Planning, “the events of the martial law, insurrection attempt, and impeachment process have dealt a severe blow to our democracy.”
According to Lim, “the new president will be saddled with a lot of baggage when taking office,” Lim said.
Youth unemployment, social inequality, and climate change are all pressing issues that Yoon’s administration failed to address.
Last year, non-regular employees in South Korea, including contract workers and part-timers, made up 38% of all wage and salary workers, according to recent research.
Lee has pledged to support business-friendly policies and to concentrate on investing in artificial intelligence and research while avoiding putting an emphasis on gender conflicts in social issues.
His political stance has significantly changed since he first promoted left-wing ideas like a universal basic income while moving up the political scale.
Events that occurred on the night of the December 3 declaration of martial law also contributed to Lee’s reputation as a leader of political freedom. Lee, a former human rights lawyer, was live-streamed circling the National Assembly compound to urge other legislators to vote and reject Yoon’s call to mobilize the military.
Lee’s most important campaign pledge was to tighten controls on a potential president’s ability to do the same and prosecute those who were tied to Yoon’s martial law scheme. Additionally, he wants to see a constitutional amendment that would change the current five-year term to two, which was previously only one-term.
Kim, Lee’s closest rival, has concurred with these policies and kept a distance from Yoon, but the former labor activist-turned-hardline conservative has also claimed that the former president’s impeachment was inappropriate.
Kim Moon-soo, the leader of South Korea’s conservative People’s Party, addresses a rally on Sunday in Seoul, South Korea.
Trump, tariffs, and the new course of South Korea
Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on important South Korean exports like steel, semiconductors, and cars also affects the election.
In response to those threats, Kim and Lee both pledged to ease business regulations while Lee has promised to encourage growth and demand. Kim also emphasized that he intends to discuss the tariffs with Trump right away at a summit.
On the other hand, Lee has promised a more logical foreign policy plan that would promote both maintaining US relations with the administration and promoting “national interests” like boosting cooperation with neighbors China and Russia.
Kim has pledged to increase the country’s military might in order to combat Pyongyang, and Lee wants more security support from the US, while Lee is determined to ease tensions that have reached unprecedented levels in recent years.
Sejong City, the country’s new administrative capital, would be the location of the National Assembly and the presidential office, according to Lee, a move that has come under the guise of a series of setbacks in recent years.
The climate situation is another significant issue that Keimyung University’s Lim hopes the future leader will concentrate on more, according to Lim.
If we don’t take action right away, Lim warned that “our country is regarded as a climate villain” and that we will face future restrictions on our exports.
The fate of our nation will ultimately depend on which president will address these issues like the previous administration, or whether they will confront the media and jump right into the main problems that are afflicting our society.
The results of Tuesday’s vote are anticipated to be released either later on Tuesday or early on Wednesday morning.
Yoon was declared the winner of the 2022 election at 4:40 am the morning following the election.
The outcome might be known as early as Tuesday night because Lee is the clear winner in this election.
