When Humza Yousaf became Scotland’s new leader this week, the world of British politics entered a new era of diversity. With Pakistani-origin Yousaf in charge at Holyrood and Rishi Sunak, whose ancestors hail from India, leading at Westminster, it could be said that the United Kingdom is blazing a new trail in post-colonial history. “The … Read more‘Empire strikes back’: Diversity at height of UK politics praised
Earlier this month, the European Union was expected to vote on a law banning the sale of combustion-engine cars by 2035. But the legislation, which had been months in the making, was blocked by the German government which had initially supported it. The about-face was yet another major disappointment for environmentalists coming from a government, … Read moreThe German Greens and the ills of green party politics
Ukrainian forces are “managing to stabilise” the situation around the eastern city of Bakhmut, the head of Ukraine’s military says. The now destroyed city has been the focus of the biggest battle of Russia’s war in recent months. The front-line situation is “the toughest in the Bakhmut direction”, Valery Zaluzhny, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, … Read moreUkraine ‘managing to stabilise’ situation around Bakhmut
Britain’s King Charles has postponed a state visit to France after social unrest over President Emmanuel Macron’s new pension law erupted into some of the worst street violence seen in years across the country. Speaking at a news conference after a summit in Brussels on Friday, Macron said it would not have reflected “common sense … Read moreKing Charles’s France visit postponed amid pension protests
Air force commanders from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark have said they have signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defence aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The intention is to be able to operate jointly, based on already known ways of operating under NATO, according to statements on Friday by … Read moreNordic countries plan joint air defence to counter Russian threat
Jet fuel for Myanmar’s armed forces has been targeted in the latest sanctions imposed by the United States on the country’s military regime and crony businesses. The US Treasury Department said on Friday that it had imposed sanctions on two people and six entities connected to Myanmar’s military, who had enabled the regime’s continuing atrocities. … Read moreMyanmar’s military jet fuel supplies hit by latest US sanctions
Spain’s first major wildfire of the year has destroyed more than 30sq km (11.5sq miles) of forest and forced 1,500 residents to abandon their homes, authorities said. The evacuations took place in eastern Valencia on Thursday and Friday, state television RTVE reported, citing officials. More than 500 firefighters supported by 18 planes and helicopters worked … Read moreSpain’s first major wildfire of the year rages in Valencia region
A World Bank report has estimated it will cost Ukraine $411bn over the next 10 years to recover and rebuild from Russia’s war on the country, with the bill for cleaning up the rubble from devastated towns and cities standing at $5bn alone. The report released on Wednesday said that estimates “should be considered as … Read moreCost of rebuilding Ukraine due to Russian war $411bn: World Bank
Families of jailed Tunisian opposition figures have filed a legal appeal calling on the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on Tunisian officials, including President Kais Saied, for gross human rights violations. The appeal was filed under the UK’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The UK government can impose sanctions, including travel bans and asset … Read moreFamilies of jailed Tunisian politicians want UK to sanction Saied
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied lying to the United Kingdom’s parliament during a televised deposition part of an inquiry into the so-called “Partygate” scandal. After taking an oath on the Bible, Johnson told a parliamentary standards committee that everything he had told the legislators regarding the gatherings held in 10 Downing Street during … Read moreUK’s Boris Johnson denies he lied over ‘Partygate’ scandal