Starmer could introduce new law to block Musk from donating to Reform, minister suggests

Donald Trump's former director of communications, Anthony Scaramucci, has warned that the president-elect will impose "surgical" tariffs on industries that need protection when he takes office, in response to concerns about a potential trade war with the United States. Scaramucci emphasized the need to protect American industries from practices such as dumping steel below market price by foreign competitors like China. He also dismissed suggestions of Trump running for a third term as a tactic...

Cyprus welcomes EU Council's Conclusions on enlargement, linking Turkey's progress to Cyprus issue resolution and condemning illegal actions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlights key points, emphasizing Turkey's adherence to Cyprus-related commitments and the need for a comprehensive solution based on UN resolutions. EU criticizes Turkey's illegal activities in Varosha, urging reversal and de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean, prompting strong Turkish response and reflecting EU's clear stance. Full Article

Qatar has emerged as a crucial LNG supplier to Europe amid decreasing reliance on Russian energy post-Ukraine invasion, with QatarEnergy having long-term agreements with major European countries. The EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, criticized by QatarEnergy CEO Al-Kaabi, requires transposition into national law by 2026, gradual enforcement starting in 2027, aligning with the EU's net-zero emissions goal by 2050. The European Commission has not yet commented on the directive when contacted by POLITICO, reflecting...

The UK is facing heavy rain and disruptive winds of up to 80mph this weekend, with yellow wind warnings issued by the Met Office for Christmas holiday drivers. Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of England are expected to be impacted on Saturday, with coastal areas in northern Scotland potentially experiencing winds of 85mph. Road, rail, air, and ferry services in Scotland are likely to be affected, as an area of low pressure crosses the...

Six families, supported by the Independent Schools Council, have filed a High Court judicial review claim against the government's plan to impose VAT on private schools, arguing it is discriminatory and could force them into the state sector where their needs cannot be met. The families are seeking a declaration of incompatibility under the Human Rights Act, claiming the tax harms children with special educational needs, disabilities, those in single-sex schools, minority faith backgrounds, and...

Tory frontbencher Dame Priti Patel has called for the UK to officially designate China a national security threat, citing concerns over Chinese incursions and potential risks to Britain. She supports including China in the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme and restricting TikTok, following other countries' lead in safeguarding against Chinese influence. Other influential Tories like Suella Braverman and Tom Tugendhat have also urged for China to be included in the scheme's enhanced tier, emphasizing the importance...