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.
The article discusses a recent incident at Euston Station in London where a suspicious package led to an evacuation and a controlled explosion by the Metropolitan Police. It highlights the ongoing security challenges at the busy transport hub, the new measures being implemented by Network Rail to alleviate overcrowding, and the government's plans to address the station's safety and operational efficiency issues. The article also touches on the implications for the HS2 project.
John Prescott, former British Deputy Prime Minister, has died at 86. A central figure in New Labour, he was known for his straight-talking style and dedication to social justice. His illustrious career included a pivotal role in climate negotiations and a notable incident in 2001. Tributes from across the political spectrum highlight his contributions and legacy as a champion for the working class.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pam Bondi as Attorney General following Matt Gaetz's withdrawal. Bondi, a Trump loyalist and former Florida Attorney General, is anticipated to have a smoother confirmation process due to her reputation and legal background. Her nomination underscores Trump's intent to focus the Justice Department on crime-fighting and shield Republicans from perceived political weaponisation of justice. Bondi's appointment, if confirmed, signifies the influence of loyalty within Trump's administration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed the launch of a new medium-range ballistic missile named 'Oreshnik' at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. This escalation follows Ukraine's use of American and British missiles targeting Russian territory. While Ukraine initially claimed an ICBM was used, the US clarified it was an experimental intermediate-range missile. Both nations accuse each other of provoking heightened tensions, with international focus on the implications of Russia's military advancements.
The UK government has announced substantial cuts to its military equipment, scrapping multiple warships, helicopters, and drones to save £500 million over five years. Defence Secretary John Healey cites financial pressures as the main reason, stressing the need to modernise amidst global threats. Criticism follows, focusing on national security concerns, with savings aimed at reinvestment in more modern capabilities.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine has deployed UK-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russian territory for the first time. This move follows the recent US approval for Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles and signifies a shift in the dynamics of international military support and strategic response. Reports confirm the use of these long-range missiles against the Kursk region amid rising tensions and the mobilisation of additional military forces.
The recent SpaceX test flight of the Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, marked both technological advancements and challenges for the aerospace company, watched by Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The mission is pivotal in SpaceX's contribution to NASA’s Artemis programme, striving for a Moon landing by 2026. Despite the setback with the booster recovery, the successful suborbital flight and engine ignition in space are significant milestones. The test underscores SpaceX’s strategy to enhance rocket reusability and reduce costs, with strong support from the administration pointing to promising future collaborations in space exploration.