Post-Brexit youth mobility scheme should be UK priority Starmer told ahead of EU meeting

Trade unions are pressuring Sir Keir Starmer not to backtrack on Labour's workers' rights package, citing the plight of hundreds of thousands of zero-hours workers stuck in insecure jobs. The Trades Union Congress emphasizes the urgent need for Labour's Employment Rights Bill, which aims to ban exploitative contracts and provide stability for workers. The prime minister faces criticism from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and the Fire Brigades Union, warning against weakening the reforms essential for...

Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted European leaders to increase defense spending, with the US potentially withdrawing support. NATO members are debating raising defense budgets to 5% of GDP, as the EU aims to enhance its defense capabilities and coordinate military resources. The meeting will address joint procurement, reducing dependency on the US, and handling President Trump's demands, including his interest in acquiring Greenland. Full Article

Yvette Cooper has warned that Donald Trump's pursuit of tariffs against the US's closest neighbors could have a damaging impact on the global economy, as the president imposes levies on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. The UK government aims to break down trade barriers, not put them up, amidst fears of a global trade war that could escalate the cost of living. If the US targets the UK with tariffs, the government is prepared...

UNOPS successfully transported and eliminated chemical materials with international partners, showcasing its ability to neutralize threats to global peace and security. In Indonesia, UNOPS constructed earthquake-resistant schools after the 2004 tsunami, revitalizing education in devastated communities. The agency's work on the Montreal Protocol has helped countries transition to safer alternatives, demonstrating its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Full Article

Bridget Phillipson, Labour's education secretary, will introduce a new era for school standards by replacing single-word judgments with more detailed report cards, aiming to raise expectations of school leaders and break the link between children's background and success. Ofsted's new school inspections will grade schools across nine areas using a colour-coded five-point scale, with ratings ranging from "causing concern" to "exemplary", starting to be rolled out in September and fully introduced in November. Phillipson vows...

Former Tory MP Jack Lopresti, who lost his seat in the general election, has joined the Ukrainian International Legion to aid in the fight against Russia, leveraging his parliamentary advocacy for Ukraine and military experience. Not in a frontline infantry unit, Lopresti is focusing on support work, including foreign relations, weapons procurement, and working with veterans and charities in Ukraine. The 55-year-old's decision to join the legion followed his initial charity work in Ukraine after...