BRITONS
New UK PM Keir Starmer seeks 'reset' after victory
Starmer's Labour Party trounced Swinney's Scottish National Party for seats in Parliament. But the SNP, which has pushed for Scottish independence, still holds a majority at Holyrood, the Scottish parliament. The trip to build better working relations across the UK is part of Starmer's broader mission to work toward serving people as he tackles of mountain of problems.
New PM Starmer pledges to rebuild Britain after years of chaos
Keir Starmer at Downing Street, after Labour’s landslide victory, pledged to restore trust and rebuild Britain. But he warned that it will take time.
Rishi Sunak's campaign to stay British PM showed his lack of political touch
Predecessors such as Tony Blair and Boris Johnson were more politically astute and able to connect with voters. As for Sunak, he didn't have to call the election until Jan. 2025. He defied political advice by doing so in May - with Conservative support dwindling steadily amid an economic slump, ethics scandals and a revolving door of leaders over the last two years - and announced the July 4 date in the pouring rain.
A NATO summit and mending EU relations are among first tasks for new UK leader Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been appointed to a new government after a six-week election campaign. Starmer, who has never served in or led a government, has a plethora of lawmakers to choose from, including Treasury chief Rachel Reeves and the new foreign secretary David Lammy. He wants Britain to take a larger role on the global stage after years of soured relations with Europe over Brexit and the inward-looking U.K. political soap opera that followed.
Labour Party leader Starmer thanks British voters, says people are ready for change
His speech came after Britons resoundingly voted to put an end to 14 years of Conservative rule and deliver a landslide victory for the Labour Party According to the exit poll, which is often quite close to the final tally, Labour could win as many as 410 seats, comfortably crossing the halfway 326 mark and notching up a 170-seat majority with the incumbent Tories led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak down to just 131 seats.
Britain's Labour on track for landslide victory, exit poll suggests, amid anger with Conservatives
The poll released moments after voting closed indicated that center-left Labour's leader Keir Starmer will be the country's next prime minister. He will face a jaded electorate impatient for change against a gloomy backdrop of economic malaise, mounting distrust in institutions and a fraying social fabric. As thousands of electoral staff tallied millions of ballot papers at counting centers across the country, the Conservatives absorbed the shock of a historic defeat that would leave the depleted party in disarray and likely spark a contest to replace Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as leader.
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Britain's Labour Party has won enough seats to have a majority in the UK Parliament
Starmer will face a jaded electorate impatient for change against a gloomy backdrop of economic malaise, mounting distrust in institutions and a fraying social fabric. "Tonight people here and around the country have spoken, and they're ready for change," Starmer told supporters in his constituency in north London, as the official count showed he'd won his seat. "You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver."
Ballot in Britain: Keir Starmer-led Labour Party set to sweep to power, ousting Rishi Sunak
Britons are casting their votes in a parliamentary election that could see Keir Starmer's Labour Party replacing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives. Opinion polls suggest a potential landslide victory for Starmer, reflecting a desire for change after years of Conservative leadership marked by infighting. Both parties have made their final appeals to voters, with contrasting visions for the country's future. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for British politics and policy direction. Stay updated for the latest developments as the voting process concludes and results are announced.
UK economy grew 0.7% in first quarter of 2024
Britain's economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter, surpassing an initial estimate of 0.6% growth, according to official figures released on Friday. This data arrives just days before a national election where opinion polls suggest Labour Party leader Keir Starmer may replace Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Sometimes U.S. and U.K. politics seem in lockstep. Not this year.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called an early general election for the UK, announcing that he does not expect Britain's economic news to improve between now and the fall. The election is expected to be held on July 4, as the US political calendar has not played a significant role in the outcome.
22 passengers suffered spinal cord injuries, 6 had head trauma from turbulence-hit SIA flight
Flight SQ321, which was heading to Singapore from London, experienced sudden extreme turbulence on May 21. Briton Geoffrey Kitchen, 73, died during the turbulence, reportedly due to a heart attack.
Singapore Airline revises seatbelt rules following London flight turbulence
On Tuesday, Flight SQ321 encountered severe turbulence, causing the plane to lose altitude and necessitating an emergency landing in Bangkok. As a result, one passenger died, and many others remain hospitalized in Thailand with serious injuries, including spinal-cord damage and head trauma.
'Time to choose': Rishi Sunak calls UK national election for July 4
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a national election on July 4, challenging voters to decide between the progress made under his Conservative Party or risking a return to uncertainty with the Labour Party. Despite trailing in polls, Sunak highlighted economic stability and accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of lacking a plan. Starmer emphasized "change" as he aims to rebuild Britain. Sunak's decision to call the election earlier than expected is seen as a risky move, with the outcome uncertain amid economic challenges and political divisions.
Israel says it was targeting 'Hamas gunman' when it killed Gaza aid workers
Israel acknowledged targeting a "Hamas gunman" in Gaza but mistakenly killed seven aid workers, including nationals from Australia, Britain, North America, Palestine, and Poland, sparking international outrage. The victims were hit by Israeli drone strikes as they fled in vehicles, with the military admitting to "grave mistakes." The airstrikes occurred despite the aid workers' vehicles being clearly marked with logos from the US-based World Central Kitchen (WCK). The incident led to the firing of two Israeli brigade officers and calls from US President Joe Biden for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Rishi Sunak eyes tax cuts, an autumn election
Having the chance to put it into action may be easier said than done. That is the central scenario among political advisers working for Sunak, who this week finally ruled out holding a snap election on May 2, quelling weeks of speculation that he might call an early vote. While the election date is not decided, the prime minister's aides believe he can leverage falling inflation, expected interest rate cuts and the fiscal headroom likely to accrue by rolling into a new forecast period to announce more pre-ballot giveaways.
King Charles III accused of pocketing millions from dead Brits, funds were meant for charity under ancient laws
The Guardian's report exposes King Charles III for allegedly diverting tens of millions intended for charity, using ancient laws governing "bona vacantia" assets from deceased individuals. Documents from his inherited estates reveal redirection of funds to upgrade commercial properties, contrary to pledges for charity. Despite tax exemptions, only 15% of over $1.6 billion amassed in six decades reached charities. These actions, condemned by acquaintances as "disgusting," spotlight a pattern of profiting from archaic laws, prompting public outcry.
MI5 Chief warns: Chinese agents approached 20,000 Britons on LinkedIn for sensitive technologies. Here is what we know
In a meeting of intelligence heads of the Five Eyes alliance, MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned of the epic scale of Chinese espionage stealing cutting-edge technologies. FBI chief also warned of Chinese companies and their agents.
Foreigners killed, abducted or missing in Hamas attack
Last week's attack by Hamas on Israel resulted in the deaths, injuries, or hostage-taking of a significant number of foreigners. The Gaza Strip reported that at least 2,215 people were killed in Israeli retaliatory strikes, including more than 100 foreigners. The United States had 27 dead and several missing or abducted, while Thailand had 24 dead and 16 hostages. France had 15 dead and many missing, Nepal had 10 dead, and Argentina, Ukraine, Russia, the UK, Chile, Austria, Belarus, Canada, China, the Philippines, Brazil, Peru, Romania, South Africa, Australia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Ireland, Honduras, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico, Italy, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania each reported deaths or missing individuals.
Israel-Gaza conflict: Nine US citizens confirmed dead; 10 Britons feared dead or missing
The death toll in the Gaza Strip rose to 560 on Monday, the health ministry in the Palestinian enclave said, as Israel pounded Hamas targets for the third consecutive day. The Hamas-controlled ministry said "570 people were killed and another 2,900 injured" in the fighting that began on Saturday after Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets in Israel in a surprise dawn assault.
UK police reopen partygate probe into lockdown-breaching Conservative 'jingle and mingle' bash
British police on Tuesday reopened an investigation into lockdown-breaching government parties after viewing video of Conservative Party staffers dancing and drinking at a 2020 Christmas soiree. The "jingle and mingle" party at Conservative headquarters was held when indoor social mixing was barred under rules imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
McDonald’s introduced new McFlurry flavours at these outlets; Check full details here
McDonald’s, the globally loved fast-food restaurant chain, has introduced two new McFlurry flavours, one for its US outlets and another for its outlets in the UK and Ireland. Keep reading to find out more;
View: From a monarch to a British maharaja
Clad in their Crown Jewels, the new British King and his Queen looked uncannily like the powerless Indian royals once pacified with bling and gun salutes.
From dress code to play list: All you need to know about King Charles III's coronation
The Coronation Concert, an event produced and broadcast by the BBC, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 7, at Windsor Castle. The concert will be attended by members of the public. Of these hopefuls, 5,000 were selected; those who were picked are invited to bring along the plus-one they "nominated" during the application process.
Pop icons Lionel Richie, Katy Perry to perform at King Charles III's coronation
The televised coronation concert will take place on May 7.
Daylight Savings Time to continue in the UK despite limited benefits
Clocks will go forward to 2 am on Sunday, March 26 in the UK, as daylight saving time begins. The change to GMT+1 leads to more daylight in the evenings, but less in the mornings. The practice originated during WWI, in a bid to save fuel, but there is little appetite to end the practice in the UK, despite scant evidence that it contributes to energy saving or economic benefits.
Lapland UK tickets go on sale today; Here’s all you may need to know
Lapland UK is a joyous Christmas attraction in Ascot, Berkshire, that whisks visitors of all ages away to a paradise of cozy log cottages and snow-covered pine trees.
Britons aged over 75 to be offered Covid-19 booster shot in spring
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)said in January that plans should be made to offer a COVID-19 booster vaccination dose to those at higher risk of severe disease.
UK can't raise taxes to end dispute with nurses: Rishi Sunak
"Where we are with taxes at the moment, we can't put them up," Sunak told an audience of health-care workers in northeastern England, adding that government spending on the NHS is at a historical high. "The pie is as big as it's ever been" and the balance to strike is "about what's affordable within that pie."
With ceremonies over, King Charles III faces biggest task
Now King Charles III faces the task of preserving a 1,000-year-old monarchy that his mother nurtured for seven decades but that faces an uncertain future. The challenge is immense.
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