‘Trump is right’: Lammy says defence spending must rise Politics With Russia on the march and the end of post-Cold War peace, David Lammy has argued that Europe’s defence spending must rise. The foreign secretary said for the UK to be “taken seriously… we must put our money where our mouth is” in his first major speech of 2025. Lammy told an audience of diplomats [...]
Emergency declared in Crimea as oil spill reaches Sevastopol Energy Officials in Moscow-occupied Crimea have announced a regional emergency after oil was detected on the shores of Sevastopol, the peninsula’s largest city. Fuel oil spilled out of two storm-stricken tankers nearly three weeks ago in the Kerch Strait, close to eastern Crimea – some 155 miles from Sevastopol, which lies on the south-west of the [...]
Starmer vows to put Ukraine ‘in strongest possible position for negotiations’ with Russia Politics The Prime Minister will say that Ukraine must be put in the “strongest possible position for negotiations” with Russia, addressing the possibility of a negotiated settlement for the first time. Speaking at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet, Sir Keir Starmer will tell attendees at the white tie Guildhall dinner that the eastern European nation must be [...]
UK ‘not at war’ Starmer insists as he rebukes Putin’s ‘irresponsible rhetoric’ November 22, 2024 Sir Keir Starmer has insisted the UK is “not at war” and criticised Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his “irresponsible rhetoric”. The Prime Minister asked during a round of regional radio interviews about concerns over escalation in the conflict in Ukraine. On Thursday, Russia used a new ballistic missile in Ukraine, which Putin said was [...]
Defence secretary refuses to confirm whether UK missiles were used against Russia November 21, 2024 The defence secretary has insisted he “won’t be drawn on operational details” of the conflict in Ukraine amid reports UK-made missiles have been fired into Russia. Russia’s military said it has shot down two UK-made Storm Shadow missiles, following reports that debris from the weapons had been discovered in the country’s Kursk region, which borders [...]
Japanese minister visits Ukraine over North Korean troops November 16, 2024 Japan’s foreign minister has arrived in Kyiv to discuss North Korea’s deepening military alliance with Russia, including the deployment of thousands of troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Takeshi Iwaya will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, to reaffirm Japan’s “strong support” for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and to discuss further sanctions against Moscow, [...]
Lammy: West won’t be bullied by Putin over Ukraine missile talks September 15, 2024 The West will not be bullied by Vladimir Putin’s threat of all-out war with Nato if Ukraine is given permission to use Western weapons to strike inside Russia, David Lammy has said. The foreign secretary said talks were continuing with the US and allies about giving Kyiv permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to [...]
Ukraine destroys scores of Russian drones as long-range attacks continue September 7, 2024 Scores of drones were shot down over Ukraine on Saturday as the country continues to face increased long-range bombardment from invading Russian forces. The Ukrainian Air Force said 67 drones were launched over the country overnight, with air defences active in 11 regions, including in the capital, Kyiv. Fifty-eight drones were shot down, with three [...]
Rublev and others should be banned from Paris 2024 Olympics over pro-Russia stances, say Global Rights Compliance July 18, 2024 Olympics chiefs have been urged to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes – including tennis stars Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva – from Paris 2024 after they were accused of violating rules for “neutral” competitors. The International Olympic Committee is allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under a neutral banner at the Games, which [...]
Column: Leafleting, manifesto prep and a BBC debate: the final campaign push June 26, 2024 Like it or not, the six-week election campaign is finally drawing to a close - and come the early hours of July 5 we’re likely to have a new government.