Latest vetting row raises fresh concerns over Starmer's judgement
A fresh political row has raised new questions about Keir Starmer’s judgment following controversy over the appointment of Lord Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords. Former Downing Street communications director Tim Allan…
Spain / Portugal / Morocco: severe storms contrast with extreme cold in north and east Europe
Severe storms across southern Europe and north-west Africa have forced mass evacuations and widespread emergency responses. Storm Leonardo brought intense flooding to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with rivers reaching record levels and transport…
Union threatens Labour after Andy Burnham blocked from by-election
Fresh divisions have emerged within the Labour party after the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in a parliamentary by-election in Greater Manchester. The move, approved by Labour’s National Executive Committee, has…
Chinese mega-embassy approved by Government despite security concerns
The Government has approved plans for a large new Chinese embassy near the Tower of London, ending years of debate over security concerns. The site, purchased by China in 2018 for over £200…
India: opposition party lambasts Modi after Trump raises tariffs
India’s opposition Congress party has criticised Narendra Modi after renewed US warnings linking higher tariffs on Indian exports to continued purchases of Russian oil. Jairam Ramesh argued that a personality-driven foreign policy has…
Equatorial Guinea: US payment to accept deportees sharply criticised
The US government has made a $7.5 million payment to the government of Equatorial Guinea as it seeks agreements to deport migrants to third countries, prompting sharp criticism from a top Democratic senator.…
Responses to Trump’s criticisms of ‘weak, decaying’ Europe
Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Europe, portraying the continent as weak’, ‘decaying’, and threatened by immigration. Using inflammatory language, he echoed ‘great replacement’ conspiracy themes, claiming that European countries risk becoming…
‘War against drugs’: USA confirms double strike on a suspect vessel
US military strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats are facing intense criticism after reports that a ‘double tap’ attack on 2 September killed survivors clinging to a burning vessel. The White House confirmed…
Sri Lanka: cyclone tragedy exposes government failures
The authorities are under intense scrutiny for their handling of Cyclone Ditwah, which has affected more than 1.46 million people across all 25 districts and caused the nation’s worst flooding in two decades.…
Budget: differing views about how to rescue the economy
Kemi Badenoch has warned that the country risks bankruptcy if Labour raises taxes without reducing welfare spending. She accused Rachel Reeves of planning a ‘stealth tax bombshell’ in the upcoming Budget to fund…
