Displaying items by tag: Politics

In her debut at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) as the new leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch showcased a robust approach, promising 'constructive opposition' and addressing both US-UK relations and domestic issues. She began by questioning Labour leader Keir Starmer on his party’s previous criticisms of Donald Trump, who had recently won the US presidential election. She suggested Starmer extend an invitation for Trump to address Parliament, though he did not respond directly. Starmer, however, affirmed his commitment to maintaining strong US-UK ties. Badenoch then pivoted to the Budget, criticising Labour's 'family farms tax' and questioning how it would affect farmers. Despite tensions, both leaders congratulated Trump on his victory. Badenoch’s performance was seen as confident, signalling her readiness to challenge Starmer and the current administration's policies on multiple fronts.

Donald Trump's presidential victory brings uncertainty for the UK, as his often unpredictable style prompts questions on future relations. Both UK and US leaders have engaged diplomatically, with Keir Starmer and foreign secretary David Lammy working to strengthen ties. Recently, Starmer and Lammy met Trump in New York, with Trump accommodating their visit - a gesture signalling diplomatic goodwill. Lammy has also made several trips to the USA, showing an effort to understand Trump’s 'America First' priorities. However, despite efforts at outreach, Lammy acknowledges potential friction, especially on European defence spending and the USA's shifting focus towards Asia. Concerns loom over future support for Ukraine, and there is apprehension about potential economic impacts, including tariffs and trade disagreements. While the UK has prepared for various outcomes, a Trump second term is expected to be marked by a transactional, sometimes tense, relationship that impacts both nations.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially confirmed that Ireland will hold a general election on Friday 29 November, ending months of speculation. Following a European Council meeting in Budapest, Harris plans to return to Dublin to initiate the three-week campaign, expected to focus on critical issues such as housing, healthcare, the cost of living, immigration, and climate. The election announcement follows pressure on Harris from within his own party, Fine Gael, particularly after his personal approval rating surged to 55% in September. It comes on the heels of this summer’s local and European elections, where Sinn Féin underperformed, prompting the party to adjust its strategy and field around 70 candidates. The Taoiseach’s decision for an early election was also influenced by support from coalition leaders.

Keir Starmer is updating the ministerial code to address growing concerns over ministers accepting hospitality and gifts. While an outright ban was considered, the revised code instead emphasises public perception and accountability, allowing ministers to accept gifts if they can justify them in alignment with public expectations. New procedures include a hospitality register  that requires full disclosure of gift values, submitted every month instead of quarterly. This brings their reporting requirements closer to MPs, who must update interests within 28 days. The changes respond to recent controversies surrounding Starmer and other ministers who accepted high-value gifts, including Taylor Swift concert tickets and designer clothing. Although he has faced criticism for delayed declarations, he asserts that all rules were followed. The update aligns with Labour’s commitment to high standards in government, though some feel stricter measures are needed. The establishment of a dedicated Ethics and Integrity Commission remains pending as part of Labour’s broader ethics reform efforts.

Germany’s ruling coalition faces a crisis after chancellor Olaf Scholz fired finance minister Christian Lindner, citing a breakdown of trust. Scholz, leader of the Social Democrats, said that Lindner, head of the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), had prioritised his party’s interests over the country’s needs. This move has left Scholz's coalition without a parliamentary majority; this might lead to a vote of confidence in January and early elections. Tensions within the coalition had been brewing for weeks, particularly over economic policies. Scholz and the Green party had pushed for increased public spending, especially to counter rising energy costs and defence needs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but Lindner wants to pay for tax cuts by slashing welfare and social budgets and pushing back environmental targets. The political turmoil comes amid economic stagnation and growing uncertainties in Europe, compounded by Donald Trump’s election.

In a surprising turn, on 9 October James Cleverly was eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership race, leaving Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch as the final contenders. On 9 October, when Tory MPs voted, Badenoch regained her position as the favourite, receiving 42 votes, while Jenrick followed closely with 41 votes. Cleverly, who had gained momentum after the Conservative Party conference, had led the previous day’s ballot with 39 votes, but only secured 37 votes and so failed to advance. Both Badenoch and Jenrick represent the right wing of the party, and key issues in the final race are expected to include immigration and the UK's membership in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Jenrick is for leaving the ECHR, while Badenoch prefers a review, with the possibility of leaving if necessary. The result sets up a contest between two candidates offering distinct visions for the future. The outcome, to be decided by the votes of party members, will be announced on 2 November.

Sir Keir Starmer has faced scrutiny after it was revealed that he accepted £20,437 worth of accommodation from Labour peer Waheed Alli to help his son study peacefully for his GCSEs. The accommodation allowed his son to focus on his exams without the distraction of journalists outside their family home. Starmer defended the decision, stating that his primary concern was ensuring his son’s success; the arrangement did not cost taxpayers anything. Starmer also addressed previous controversies about gifts from Lord Alli, including clothing, glasses and Downing Street passes, but emphasised that his ministers would no longer accept such gifts now that Labour is in government.

The French left is facing internal divisions once again, this time sparked by Jean-Luc Mélenchon's call to impeach President Emmanuel Macron. Mélenchon and his allies in the France Unbowed movement are pressuring Macron to appoint Lucie Castets as prime minister, threatening impeachment if he refuses. This has highlighted the fragility of the New Popular Front alliance, which includes Socialists, Greens, and Communists, and undermines the unity they displayed in recent snap elections. While the impeachment threat is unlikely to succeed (it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament), it has exposed significant fractures within the left-wing coalition. All the other parties, including Castets’ supporters, were quick to distance themselves from the idea. This discord is seen as advantageous for Macron's camp, as it weakens the opposition.

Thousands of Indonesians are protesting against their government's attempt to reverse a constitutional court ruling that would allow smaller parties to field candidates without needing 20% representation in regional assemblies. Demonstrations have erupted in Jakarta and other major cities as the parliament, dominated by supporters of outgoing president Joko Widodo, and his successor, Prabowo Subianto, swiftly moved to pass emergency legislation. This would maintain the status quo, favouring the ruling coalition: it would also prevent a prominent critic, Anies Baswedan, from running for the influential post of Jakarta governor. The court also upheld the current minimum age limit of thirty for candidates, which would bar Mr Widodo's 29-year-old son from running in a regional contest in Central Java. Despite widespread condemnation, the government has downplayed the situation as part of the ‘checks and balances’ of governance.

During a convention for black journalists, Donald Trump questioned Kamala Harris' racial identity, falsely claiming that she has only recently emphasised her black heritage. Trump remarked, ‘I didn't know she was black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn black’, and questioned whether she was Indian or black. Harris, the first black and Asian-American vice-president, dismissed Trump's remarks as divisive and disrespectful, emphasising that America's diversity is a strength. Her parents are Indian and Jamaican, and she attended Howard University and joined the Congressional Black Caucus in 2017. One critic asked, ‘Who appointed Donald Trump the arbiter of Blackness?’ He has a history of racially charged attacks, including false claims about Barack Obama's birthplace and questioning Nikki Haley's eligibility for presidency. Harris has faced a series of attacks since becoming the Democratic nominee: some Republicans have labelled her a ‘DEI vice-president’ - a reference to diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes.