Politics

Former Foreign Office Head Alleges Downing Street Dismissed Lord Mandelson Vetting Concerns in 2024

Sir Olly Robbins, former Foreign Office Permanent Under-Secretary, has accused Downing Street of a "dismissive attitude" regarding vetting procedures for Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK Ambassador to the US in December 2024. Sir Olly stated he faced "constant pressure" from Number 10 to expedite the appointment, despite UK Security Vetting (UKSV) flagging concerns that nearly led to a denial of security clearance.

Politics·

Four Labour Activists Charged Over Croydon East Candidate Selection Database Manipulation

Politics·

Cabinet Office Official Reveals Delay in Sharing Mandelson Vetting Concerns with Prime Minister

Politics·

Downing Street Proposed Diplomatic Post for Lord Doyle, Former Foreign Office Head Reveals

Politics·

UK Biobank Health Data for 500,000 Members Listed on Alibaba in China

UK·

Royal British Legion Tandragee Branch Diverted £99,000 Veterans' Loneliness Funds to Building Works

UK·

UK Parliament Approves Tobacco and Vapes Bill, Banning Sales to 2009 Cohort

Politics·

world

Former Nigerian Oil Minister Denies Bribery Charges in UK Trial

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria's former oil minister, has denied charges of bribery and corruption at Southwark Crown Court, asserting she never sought or received illicit payments.

Palestine Action Activists Cleared of Violent Disorder at Elbit Systems Site

Three Palestine Action activists have been acquitted of violent disorder charges related to an incident at an Elbit Systems facility near Bristol. The Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence for the charge.

Scottish Labour Puts NHS at Forefront of Election Campaign

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has centred his party's Holyrood election pitch on comprehensive reforms to the NHS, pledging to tackle waiting times, streamline services, and enhance mental health provision. The manifesto also outlines commitments to childcare tax breaks, infrastructure improvements, and lifting the block on new nuclear power.

politics

UK exposes Russian submarine activity over critical undersea infrastructure

The UK has revealed a 'covert' Russian submarine operation targeting vital undersea cables and pipelines north of Britain, prompting a stern warning to Moscow.

world

Peruvian Election Faces Delays Amidst Logistical Failures

Peru's general election has been extended by a day after significant logistical failures prevented tens of thousands of citizens from casting their ballots. The initial vote count places conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori narrowly ahead, with a run-off election now highly probable.

politics

Greens Launch Local Election Campaign with Focus on Housing and Rent Controls

The Green Party has launched its local election campaign, with leader Zack Polanski criticising the government's record on affordable housing and advocating for national rent controls. The party, buoyed by a recent by-election victory, is aiming for significant gains in English councils.

politics

Prime Minister Embraces Brexit Divisions Amidst Pursuit of Closer European Ties

The Prime Minister has signalled a notable shift, actively embracing debate around closer ties with Europe, despite strong opposition from Eurosceptic factions. This comes as the UK seeks to align with EU rules in specific sectors for economic benefit.

Work Commences on UK's First Small Modular Reactor Nuclear Power Station in Wales

The UK government has announced the commencement of work on the nation's first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station at Wylfa, Anglesey. This ambitious project, a partnership with Rolls-Royce, is anticipated to generate 8,000 jobs and significantly bolster Britain's clean energy objectives.

world

Orbán Ousted: Hungary Embraces New Era as Péter Magyar Triumphs

Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure as Hungary's Prime Minister has ended following a historic election, ushering in Péter Magyar's Tisza party. The result, driven by record voter turnout, signals a significant shift in Hungarian politics and has implications for both Europe and Russia.

world

Carney Nears Liberal Majority as Crucial By-Elections Conclude

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party is poised to secure a narrow majority in the House of Commons following three by-elections, potentially solidifying his power and deferring a federal election until 2029.

world

Trump Launches Scathing Attack on Pope Leo Over Iran War and Immigration

Former US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised Pope Leo, accusing the pontiff of being "WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy." Trump's remarks targeted the Pope's opposition to the US-Israel war in Iran and his stance on US immigration policy, coming as Pope Leo began a major trip to Africa.

tech

The Global AI Race: US Leads in 'Brains,' China in 'Bodies,' But the Landscape is Shifting

The United States and China are locked in a high-stakes competition for dominance in Artificial Intelligence. The US currently holds an advantage in 'AI brains,' encompassing chatbots and microchips, while China excels in 'AI bodies,' particularly robotics. However, recent developments, including China's DeepSeek chatbot and its sophisticated humanoid robot production, are rapidly altering this dynamic, making the outcome increasingly uncertain.