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    Keir Starmer vows to BLOCK English clubs joining new European Super League as he slams hated plot to revive it

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    ENGLISH clubs will be BLOCKED from joining the newly-proposed European Super League, Sir Keir Starmer vowed today. The footie-mad PM went studs up on the latest threat of a breakaway tournament and said Premier League sides would not participate “on his watch”. Sir Keir Starmer has attacked plans for a European Super LeagueCredit: ReutersA22 have written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for permission to form a new league of 96 teamsHe is currently passing laws for a new football regulator with powers to ban teams from joining adjacent competitions. Downing Street hit out after promoter A22 Sports announced proposals for a 96-team series.The bizarre “Unify League” worships the EU – with its four divisions named Star, Gold, Blue and Union after the bloc’s flag. Arsenal-fan Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “Clearly this is not something the Prime Minister supports.Read more on politics“You’ve heard him previously say that on his watch, there’ll be no Super League-style breakaway from English football. “And as part of the strength in the Football Governance Bill, the regulator will be able to prevent English clubs from joining future breakaway competitions by taking into account factors such as sustainability, heritage and fairness should be at the heart of our game.They added they hope to pass the legislation – currently going through the Lords before coming to the Commons – “as quickly as possible”.Ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch – who first proposed the regulator in her Fan Led Review – slammed this “latest wheeze”.Most read in FootballShe told The Sun: “While this is a matter for UEFA, after the huge fan reaction to the breakaway super league that ultimately led to the Bill now going through Parliament to protect the long term future of English football, it will be a brave move for any Premier League club to support this latest wheeze without the approval of its fans.”Niall Couper, chief executive of football campaign group Fair Game, added: “The spectre of a new Super League needs to be killed immediately. And that is exactly why football needs a regulator with real teeth and why it needs one now.”The owners of elite clubs cannot be allowed to run roughshod over football.”But it is not just about urgency, it is also about ensuring the regulator has real power.”Without the ability to stand up to the top clubs, then it will betray not just the fans but the entire football pyramid that the success of our national game has been built on.”What’s the ‘Unify League’ and which Prem teams would play in new version of European Super League?Revived Super LeaguePromoter of the new league, A22 Sports, unveiled plans for a radical revamped format named the “Unify League” on Tuesday.The Madrid-based firm, backed by Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement for the league.The previous attempt by the firm to form a breakaway league announced in April 2021 was met by huge fan backlash.But the new refined league will see 96 teams spread across four divisions – Star, Gold, Blue and Union – and crucially include promotion and relegation, meaning inclusion will be based on merit.As many as TEN Premier League teams will be offered the chance to take part in the new competition.Participation in the league would NOT affect membership of the Premier League, but the tournament would effectively spell the end of the Champions League.SunSport understands a significant number of Prem clubs have privately said they would be willing to take part in the new league.A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its latest proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.And the league’s bosses are confident the latest iteration of their “Super League” will receive authorisation from Uefa, according to The Guardian.The report adds that Uefa is unlikely to respond in haste and that authorising the league, in essence calling A22’s bluff, will be an option under consideration.The prize fund for the tournament is yet to be confirmed, but A22 has promised £330million in “solidarity” payments for smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current £2billion Uefa fund for the Champions League and the £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeasures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it More

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      Pubs in England WILL be allowed to stay open until 1am on Wednesday as Jude Bellingham and co make the semi-finals

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      PUBS in England will be allowed to stay open until 1am on Wednesday after Jude Bellingham and co made the Euros semi-finals.Before last week’s election, Tory Home Secretary James Cleverly said licensing hours would be relaxed if England reached the semis.Pubs across England can stay open until 1am after Wednesday’s Euros semi finalCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Three Lions are now through to the semi final after beating Switzerland on penalties yesterday.Even though the Tories have been booted out of office, pubs will still stay open for an extra two hours when England take on Holland.Fans can now toast England’s victory after the game – or drown their sorrows if the Dutch send the Three Lions home.The Licensing Act 2003, gives the Home Secretary the power to relax licensing hours on occasions of “exceptional national significance”.Read More EurosBack in May, Cleverly said: “Over the coming weeks we will all be getting ready to support our home nations.”It will be a busy summer of sport and a proud moment for Britain and we have listened to the public through our consultation.”We will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”This boost to the hospitality sector will allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home.”Most read in Euro 2024The Scottish government said it was up to local licensing boards whether to relax opening hours for the England game.England fans party in Dusseldorf and give their pre-match predictions ahead of clash with SwitzerlandLast night Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the final penalty to send England through.The clash with Switzerland had ended 1-1 with extra time unable to separate the sides.England scored every penalty in a dream shootout – with Pickford saving Swiss defender Manuel Akanji’s strike.Breel Embolo had scored first for Switzerland after a ball into the box took a deflection off John Stones and was nudged into the net.But England soon equalised after Bukayo Saka cut inside from the right flank and curled one into the bottom corner.England player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out. More

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      I’m a former Premier League chairman and FA board member… now I’ve just been elected to Parliament as a Reform MP

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      FORMER Premier League chairman Rupert Lowe has been elected as an MP for Reform UK.The ex-Southampton chairman won the vote in Great Yarmouth in the General Election.Rupert Lowe has been elected as a member of ParliamentCredit: GettyHe won one of the four Reform UK seatsCredit: GettyLowe, 66, was initially in charge of the Saints between 1996 and 2006.He had a second spell at the club from 2008 to 2009 and left with he club being relegated to League One and in administration.He was at the club during the move to St Mary’s from The Dell in 2001 and for the FA Cup final in 2003, which they lost to Arsenal.While working in football, he also had a role as a board member for the Premier League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was not his first time working in politics, as he previously represented the Referendum Party and the Brexit Party.In the 1997 General Election, he stood in Cotswold as the Referendum candidate and lost by over 20,000 votes to the Conservatives.During his time with the Brexit Party, he was lined up to be the candidate for the Dudley North constituency.However, he withdrew just before the deadline on November 14 2019 for unknown reasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe returned to politics by joining Reform UK in March 2023 and won the seat in Great Yarmouth with 35.2 per cent of the vote.He claimed the seat with a majority of 1,426 over the Labour Party candidate Kier Cozens.Adam Lallana seals emotional free transfer after leaving BrightonAfter his success, he said: “This is a huge, seismic event in British political history, to break into the two-party state as the people’s army is massive.”It shows that people have had enough, they want change, they want better government and they want freedom.”My job is to reform Westminster with other members of the Reform Party.”Reform UK won four more seats in its debut election, with leader Nigel Farage finally getting a place in Westminster at his eighth attempt.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League clubs WON’T face up to 10% tax on transfers under Labour, Starmer says in breakneck U-turn after backlash

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      PREMIER League clubs will NOT be taxed millions of pounds when buying star players, Sir Keir Starmer said today in a breakneck u-turn.The Labour leader slapped down his shadow sports secretary who only yesterday opened the door to a transfer levy.Sir Keir Starmer on a visit to Bristol Rovers football ground yesterdayCredit: GettyShadow Sports Secretary Thangam Debbonaire (right) floated a transfer tax yesterdayCredit: GettyIt would see top-flight teams like his beloved Arsenal pay up to 10 per cent tax on each purchase to help fund struggling lower leagues.But just hours after putting the proposal back on the table, Labour pulled the plug following backlash. Asked about the prospect this morning, Sir Keir told LBC: “No, let me just kill that one, we’re not looking at that.”The idea was first proposed in the independent fan-led review carried out in 2021 by Tory MP Tracey Crouch but not taken on by the government. READ MORE ELECTION NEWSYesterday Labour’s sports chief Thangham Debbonaire said the party would revisit the report to see if more bits could be added to legislation.Speaking to reporters at Bristol Rovers’ ground, she said: “I’m going to look at everything again that was in Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review.Watch our daily politics show
      Watch The Sun’s DAILY Never Mind the Ballots Election Countdown show on our YouTube channel here.
      Every weekday Sun Political Editor Harry Cole brings you the latest news and analysis from the election campaign trail.

      “I think it’s important we go back to first principles just to make sure there’s not something that’s been missed that is needed in order to ensure the financial sustainability.”Pressed if the prospect of a transfer levy was back on the table, she added: “I’m obviously going to look at absolutely everything that was in Tracy’s review.”Most read in FootballLabour leader Sir Keir Starmer will set out his party’s plan for government if they win the July 4 electionA transfer levy was one of the few ideas in the fan-led review that was not adopted by the current government in its Football Governance Bill to overhaul the sport’s finances.It could have raised hundreds of millions of pounds to redistribute into cash-starved lower league teams.Report author Ms Crouch said: “This would work in a similar way to stamp duty and distribute revenues across the pyramid and into grassroots.”  The paper added: “If a 10 per cent levy had been applied in the last five seasons, an estimated £160 million per year could have been raised for redistribution.”The move was seen as a step too far after already committing to an independent regulator to oversee the game.Labour backed the Tories’ plan and have committed to taking it on if they win power. More

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      Make Hey Jude England’s new football anthem urge Sunak & Starmer after Jude Bellingham’s Euro 2024 Serbia heroics

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      RISHI Sunak and Keir Starmer both urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over Serbia.The PM and Labour leader’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the charts.Jude Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over SerbiaCredit: GettyRishi Sunak urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s goalCredit: AFPSir Keir Starmer’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the chartsCredit: AFPSir Paul McCartney wrote Hey Jude – which looks set to race up the chartsCredit: GettyChesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in CroydonCredit: LNPRishi said: “We want more goals and more singing Hey Jude.”Bellingham’s goal and stellar performance secured a 1-0 win over Serbia, with thousands belting out the 1968 Beatles anthem in his honour on Sunday night.Music site Spotify said downloads had rocketed 19 per cent overnight, and are set to rise further.Rishi urged England fans to chant that instead of the war-related Ten German Bombers which has upset some of the locals.Read More on SportThe PM said yesterday: “It’s great to see England get our Euros campaign off to a winning start, the whole country is behind them to go all the way. “And when it comes to the chants specifically, I agree with what Gareth Southgate has said about that chant in the past.“What we want is to represent the best of our country at these tournaments – and that means more goals for Jude Bellingham and more singing of Hey Jude.”In a rare show of election unity, Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer agreed.Most read in Euro 2024The Labour leader told The Sun: “What better way of celebrating our new wonderkid Bellingham than belting out the classic Hey Jude?”He added: “Our songs should be about backing the players on the pitch rather than anything else.”Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against SerbiaStourbridge-born Jude – who shot to fame with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid – revealed he feels proud to hear England fans singing his name. He said after his heroics in Gelsenkirchen: “I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot. “My style of music is a bit old so that’s right up my street. “I really enjoy playing in front of the England fans, it’s a different experience for me because obviously I play abroad.“They give me a lot of appreciation and a lot of love and I try to give that back with my performances and energy on the pitch.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAs its writer Sir Paul McCartney celebrates his 82nd birthday today, Hey Jude looks set to race up the charts — and replace Sweet Caroline and Football’s Coming Home as England’s anthem.Pop star Chesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in Croydon, South London, on Sunday night. West Ham fan Chesney, England’s lucky mascot at the World Cup in Qatar, said: “Jude was amazing last night. “I knew he would be so Hey Jude was the perfect song to sing. “As soon as I started, the whole crowd joined in. “It was incredible.”How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
      JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
      The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
      But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
      Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
      Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5.

      Jude’s social media profile is rocketing, as he gained 1.6million followers on Instagram in the run-up to the Euros. He now has 33.2million, nearly twice the next-highest in the England squad, skipper Harry Kane with 17million.Sir Paul yesterday announced his first UK tour dates in six years — playing Manchester and London in December.READ MORE SUN STORIESViewing figures for Sunday night’s game peaked at 15million, with an average of 10.5million, the BBC said yesterday.Train services were cancelled after drivers and staff refused to work overtime on the day of England’s opening group game.Jude said: ‘I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot’Credit: Getty More

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      Banning England fans from drinking strong lager at Euros is ‘discriminatory’….‘we’re being picked on’, minister says

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      SERVING England fans shandy beers instead of full-strength booze at the Euros is “discriminatory”, a Government minister has blasted.Policing Minister Chris Philp declared offering Three Lions followers “watered-down” pints at England’s opening game against Serbia on Sunday was “completely unfair”.Policing Minister Chris Philp told The Sun on Sunday’s Kate Ferguson that the booze measures were ‘completely unfair’Full strength beer at the England versus Serbia game has been banned and replaced with low alcohol boozeCredit: GettyThe heavy-handed security measures threatened to spark a diplomatic incident with the minister fuming: “We should not be getting picked on in that way.”It comes after tournament mandarins in Germany scrapped full-strength booze amid fears Serbian yobs are planning to face off with tipsy English footy followers at the 62,000-seater Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.England fans had been looking forward to throwing back the 4.8 per cent strength Bitburger Premium in stadium bars but the brew will now be replaced by the much weaker 2.5 per cent “Radler-style” beer — half lager and half citrus soda.Speaking to our Never Mind The Ballots election countdown show, Policing Minister Chris Philip blasted: “If England fans have somehow been picked out or singled out and served watered-down beer based on their nationality, that sounds to me completely unfair.Read more about Euro 2024“And probably discriminatory – we should not be getting picked on in that way.”Risk ratings were ramped up from “high” to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore pro-Putin footy yobs will travel to spark clashes with England fans.[embedded content]Worries were amplified by a UEFA ban on segregation in the stadium — putting rival supporters next to each other in mixed seating.Gelsenkirchen police spokesman Stephan Knipp told The Sun: “It is just the England game which will have the low-strength beer. The other games at the stadium will have 4.8 per cent.”Most read in Euro 2024England fans will also be subjected to a last-minute booze ban in the city centre before the kick-off at 8pm UK time.Watch our daily politics show
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      England’s last Euros opener abroad was in 2016, when highly organised Russian yobs — believed to be state-sponsored — put scores of Three Lions fans in hospital in Marseille, France.An estimated 40,000 England fans are expected to travel to Sunday’s game, along with 8,000 Serbs, plus more from Serbian communities in Germany.Speaking about the safety of England fans in Germany, he said: “It’s really important that these games pass off peacefully.“I know there are UK police officers over in Germany, helping the German police, targeting and looking at monitoring fans that might cause a problem.“Fans that are violent and might cause a problem are not allowed to travel because they have banning orders.”Heavy-handed German cops have also said they will step in and fine anyone wearing a fake footy top under strict counterfeit and trademark laws.Police officers will reportedly be able to issue fines of up to £4,000 – although it is unclear if authorities are actually planning to enforce the law.Mr Philp said the matter was “something you wouldn’t expect the police to get involved in”.He went on: “I don’t know the details but it does sound quite heavy-handed.“Certainly as far as a ban is concerned, they might get involved in stopping people selling fake shirts – that would be a usual thing for them to be involved in.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I obviously in no way condone using (fake) shirts. I think you should buy shirts from legitimate vendors because that money goes back into the grassroots.“So people should not be buying fake shirts.”The minister added England footy fans should not be ‘picked on’ for their nationalityCredit: PA More

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      England footie stars WILL have to complete National Service under Tory plans

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      ENGLAND’S footie wonderkids will have to complete their National Service under Tory plans – despite claims it could wreck our chances in tournaments like the Euros.Rishi Sunak’s election campaign confirmed this morning the “highly paid 18-year-olds” will still be compelled to participate.Luke Shaw has been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18Credit: ReutersShadow Paymaster General Jonathan AshworthCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt came after Labour warned the Conservative pledge would mean young Three Lions stars would have to skip training during international competitions.An attack dossier says: “Jude Bellingham, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw have all been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18.“Would they have been required to complete their one weekend of National Service during those tournaments?”Under Mr Sunak’s plan all 18-year-olds will be forced to do at least 25 days of voluntary community work – while some can choose a full-time military placement.READ MORE ABOUT POLITICSLabour’s Jonathan Ashworth added: “Would they be taken out of playing during the inevitable shootout in the semi-finals?”But he was dismissed by the Conservatives who claimed he was wilfilly twisting their flagship plan.A Conservative source said: “Of course extremely highly paid 18 year olds will be required to do their national service.“The 25 days can be completed at any point in the year and if Jon Ashworth could be bothered to engage in policy detail he would know that.”Most read in FootballThe PM’s National Service plan has become a major rift of the general election campaign, getting both praise and criticism.Mr Sunak insists it would help stir a sense of pride in young people while helping them give back to their communities.[embedded content]Senior Conservatives accused Sir Keir Starmer of “sneering” yesterday after he branded the plan a “teenager’s Dads’ Army”.And they pointed out that England legend Sir Bobby Charlton completed mandatory National Service.What is the National Service pledged by Rishi Sunak?EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLDS would be forced to carry out a form of national service if the Tories win the General Election.
      The most recent form of compulsory national service, which required all physically fit male British citizens aged between 18 and 26 to serve in the armed forces, was abolished in 1960.
      However, national service in various forms still exists in countries around the world including in some European countries and South Korea.
      Under the Conservatives’ new proposal, young people would be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year “volunteering” in their community, the Tories said.
      The Prime Minister said the policy would help unite society in an “increasingly uncertain world” and give young people a “shared sense of purpose”.
      He said volunteering could include helping local fire, police and NHS services as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly, isolated people.

      Brilliant way for young to gather skillsBy Jerome Starkey
      NATIONAL Service is a great idea. It exalts the idea of giving something back.
      It gives people a chance to be part of something bigger.
      Covid showed there was no shortage of those ready to help a crisis.
      But opportunities are scarce, especially for youngsters who are not qualified for teaching or health roles.
      It will train youngsters in skills our predecessors took for granted.
      It’s not about stripping a rifle or polishing boots. It’s about self-reliance, camaraderie and teamwork.
      Those that choose the military route will learn how to cope when the power is out and the wi-fi is down.
      The skills and confidence they learn will help them get better jobs and lead better lives.
      National Service lets the country build the structures it would need for mass conscription if the flag went up for all-out war.
      Ukraine has shown us — and our generals have warned us — that if Britain fought a state-on-state war of survival, the professional Army would wear out fast.
      Our best chance of victory would be calling up reserves and using professionals to train the volunteers.
      It would also solve the Forces’ recruitment crisis.
      The Army, Navy and RAF have struggled to fill their vacancies.
      National service would return the Armed Forces to the heart of British life, where they rightfully belong. More

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      Biggest shake up to football ownership in years is SHELVED by Tories as PM has just 1 week to get key bills through

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      FOOTBALL fans have been dealt a huge blow as the sweeping crackdown on dodgy owners won’t see the light of day before the general election. The Football Governance Bill, which would have set up an independent regulator for the sport, has been ditched as there is not enough time to push it through the House of Lords before Parliament dissolves. Football fans have been dealt a huge blow (stock)Credit: RexRishi Sunak called a snap general election on WednesdayCredit: Rex More

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      Rishi Sunak stands out from crowd in replica shirt and hoodie as PM watches beloved Southampton in play-off clash

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      RISHI SUNAK stood out from the crowd in a hoodie as he watched Southampton in the play-offs.The Saints superfan took the evening off running the country to visit St Mary’s for the season-defining match.Rishi Sunak cheered on Southampton against West BromCredit: RexThe Prime Minister is a boyhood fan of the clubCredit: ReutersThere were plenty of celebrations as Southampton romped to victoryCredit: ReutersBut manager Russell Martin hasn’t given the PM the warmest of welcomesCredit: GettyThe South Coast outfit headed into the match against West Brom with aspirations of reaching the play-off final.Russell Martin’s side, however, had some extra support from the stands as the PM popped in from Downing Street to watch on.Sunak was pictured in the stands wearing a black club hoodie with “Saints 85” written on it.Eagle-eyed viewers were also able to make out that he was wearing the club’s shirt, from last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile most of the supporters in the stadium were decked out in red and white, Sunak looked slightly out of place in his particular section as all those surrounding him were wearing suits.Despite being a true blue conservative in politics, the PM has supported the red and white of Southampton since he was a boy.Sunak was born there in 1980 and hails Matt Le Tissier as his favourite club legend.He has previously admitted that he would be a “very happy man” if he had the opportunity to run the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSouthampton went into the game needing a result as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns.The Saints finished fourth in the Championship in their first season back since relegation from the Premier League.The club accumulated 87 points but missed out on the automatic promotion spots to Ipswich Town and league champions Leicester City.Britain has to buckle up for “one of the most dangerous periods we have ever known”, the PM insistsBut it was not to be in vain as the Saints marched onto the final as they thumped West Brom 3-1 on the night.Sunak would have been delighted watching on from the crowd.However, despite his love of the club, the PM has not been too warmly welcomed by the manager.When he watched the team beat Plymouth 2-1 in December, Russell Martin said: “He might have come down [to see the players], but I have no interest in saying hello. “How’s that for honesty?“I hope he enjoyed himself just like anyone who comes here. I hope they enjoy themselves. “I have no interest [in chatting] because I’m a football manager. I’m not sure we’re aligned on too much politically but I know he’s a fan and I hope he enjoyed watching the team. “I’m sure some people would be excited about him being here but we had a job to do and we were here to win a football match and we did.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLast night, Leeds sealed their spot in the play off final with a stomping 4-0 victory over Norwich City.As a result, Canaries manager David Wagner was sacked by the club.Previous PM football alliengencesHere’s a look at what football teams previous UK leaders have supported. More