Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/484 concerning restrictive measures in view of Türkiye’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean

Keir Starmer praised his relationship with Donald Trump, but just hours later, the US President's envoy criticized the UK PM's Ukraine peace plan as "simplistic" and based on a misguided view of Russian intentions. Steve Witkoff, leading ceasefire negotiations, also expressed admiration for Putin and dismissed the idea of a "coalition of the willing" as unnecessary due to Nato's presence. Sir Keir defended his positive view of Trump, despite the UK being pressured to criticize...

According to research by CBI-Economics, over 200,000 jobs could be lost due to the government's proposed tractor tax, costing the economy £14.9bn. Family businesses and farms have already seen job cuts and halted investments, with around 208,000 jobs estimated to be lost by the next election. Despite opposition from supermarket giants like Tesco, the government is moving forward with the plan to impose a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued at £1m or more, causing...

Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, called for a ban on social media for children under 16, labeling it an "absolute cesspit" at the screening of the ITV documentary, Brianna: A Mother’s Story. The documentary delves into the murder of Brianna, who was stabbed 28 times by classmates Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe when they were all 15 years old. Ms Ghey highlighted the lack of support from social media companies in dealing...

Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves is planning to cut 10,000 civil service jobs and save £2bn in Whitehall as part of a 15% slash in departmental budgets by 2029–30, redirecting funds to frontline services. Unions have criticized the move, warning of negative impacts on public services and chaos, with Fran Heathcote of the PCSU cautioning against arbitrary cuts and Mike Clancy of Prospect urging a realistic assessment of the consequences of the reductions. Full Article

Mr. Lazzarini highlighted the prolonged siege in Gaza, preventing essential supplies from entering the territory, leading to an impending hunger crisis. The current conflict, sparked by Hamas-led attacks on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and continued military operations. UNRWA officials warn of dire consequences, urging for the lifting of the siege, release of hostages, and uninterrupted aid delivery to prevent further loss of life and suffering in Gaza. Full Article

Vulnerable pensioners and disabled individuals in the UK are concerned about the phasing out of landlines by telecom companies like BT, Sky, and Virgin Media, who are transitioning customers to digital internet-based systems. For people like Heather, who has severe osteoarthritis, her landline is a crucial lifeline in case of emergencies like getting stuck in her home lift. Without her landline, she fears being unable to contact help in such situations, emphasizing the vital role...