Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell voted against Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Secretary of Defence, citing concerns over his qualifications and the global threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Despite opposition, Hegseth was confirmed after a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance.
President Donald Trump has proposed significant changes to FEMA, including potentially eliminating it, during his visits to disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and California. This move has raised concerns about the future of federal disaster response.
Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the US Secretary of Defence in a dramatic late-night Senate vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The confirmation highlights President Donald Trump's influence and the GOP's push for controversial nominees.
The UK Ministry of Defence has entered into a historic £9 billion agreement with Rolls-Royce to design, manufacture, and support nuclear reactors for the UK’s submarine fleet, enhancing national security and creating thousands of jobs.
The UK's new eVisa system, replacing physical biometric residence permits, has encountered significant technical issues, causing disruptions for foreign nationals in proving their immigration status, affecting travel, work, and access to essential services.
US President Donald Trump has mandated the declassification of all remaining government documents related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Signed on 23 January 2025, the executive order requires a plan for the full release of these documents within 15 days for JFK and 45 days for RFK and MLK. This decision aims to address public interest in transparency and skepticism surrounding the official narratives of these historical events. While some praise the move towards government transparency, others criticize it as a political maneuver. The release of these records is anticipated to shed light on one of the most enduring mysteries in American history, though experts caution against expecting groundbreaking revelations.
In a historic move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law amidst escalating tensions, citing actions by the opposition Democratic Party as a threat to democracy. This unprecedented declaration since the country's transition to democracy involves stringent restrictions on political activities and media. The political landscape of South Korea is set to face further upheaval as both national and international observers remain on high alert.
The UK government is considering adding an extra bank holiday in 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This would coincide with either Victory in Europe Day or Victory over Japan Day, offering a long weekend to honour the 'Greatest Generation'. While discussions are ongoing and a decision is not yet final, the government aims to balance economic impacts with public celebration benefits. A budget exceeding £10 million has been allocated for events marking these anniversaries.
A petition has rapidly gained over 2.6 million signatures, urging a new UK general election amidst growing public dissatisfaction with the Labour government's policies. Initiated by small business owner Michael Westwood, the petition has received significant support and criticism towards Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's administration for perceived broken promises.
A petition calling for another general election in the UK has surpassed one million signatures, partly spurred by dissatisfaction with policies implemented by the current Labour government led by Keir Starmer. This significant civic engagement follows on the heels of protests and figures prominently in national discourse, signalling a pivotal moment in UK politics. Under parliamentary rules, the petition must be considered for debate, although an immediate election is unlikely given Labour's considerable majority. The situation reflects broader public discontent with the government's performance, highlighting constitutional discussions and marking an era of heightened political scrutiny.