President Trump's administration is exploring a proposal to import Russian diesel, a move aimed at reducing domestic fuel prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. This strategy marks a notable shift in US energy policy, particularly given ongoing geopolitical complexities.
Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament has approved a bill extending presidential terms to seven years and eliminating direct presidential elections, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to potentially remain in power until 2030.
The Obama Presidential Centre, a $850 million complex, has officially opened in Chicago, with former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden attending. The facility, which integrates museum elements with community resources, aims to celebrate Barack Obama's presidency and foster community engagement, despite facing local opposition over gentrification concerns and the use of public parkland.
Britain's government borrowing reached £23.3 billion in May, a significant increase from the previous year and substantially higher than Office for Budget Responsibility projections. Surging debt interest payments and the lingering economic impacts of the Middle East conflict are cited as key factors.
Andy Burnham achieved a significant personal victory in the Makerfield by-election, increasing Labour's vote share by ten points against a national decline. This success stands in stark contrast to Labour's poor performance in recent by-elections and raises questions about Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election positions him to contest Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party, with Burnham stating the result offers a 'final chance to change' the party's direction.
Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election strengthens his position for a Labour leadership challenge, while the Scottish Conservatives claim Aberdeen South from the SNP.
Andy Burnham has decisively won the Makerfield by-election, taking more votes than all his rivals combined, despite recent Reform UK strength in the area. This victory positions him to argue that he is the Labour figure best placed to counter Nigel Farage and Reform, implicitly challenging Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
The Scottish Conservatives have claimed a Westminster by-election victory in Aberdeen South, marking their first gain north of the border in over five decades. This follows Stephen Flynn's move to Holyrood, with the SNP subsequently retaining Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.
The Church of England's pledge of £100 million for a 'social impact' fund, intended to address its historical financial ties to the transatlantic slave trade, remains unspent, encountering significant opposition and legal hurdles. This initiative, known as Project Spire, was announced following revelations that a predecessor to the Church's modern endowment fund profited substantially from investments in the slave-trading South Sea Company.
New analysis of internal Bank of England data indicates Brexit has cost the UK economy 6% of its potential growth over the past decade. The study, co-authored by a Stanford University professor and Bank economists, utilised confidential company-level information, providing a novel perspective on the economic ramifications.
Liberal Democrat MP Cameron Thomas has been suspended from the party whip following his arrest by Gloucestershire Police. The party states it cannot comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has indicated his readiness to initiate a Labour leadership contest against Sir Keir Starmer as early as next week, particularly if Andy Burnham secures the Makerfield by-election. Streeting has publicly stated he possesses the backing of 81 Labour MPs required for such a challenge and outlined his vision for economic stability, directly contrasting with Burnham's past comments on bond markets.