News

Starmer calls on Europe to unite and support Ukraine

Keir Starmer urges European unity to support Ukraine, announcing £1.6bn aid and a coalition to deter Russia.

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Keir Starmer urges European unity to support Ukraine, announcing £1.6bn aid and a coalition to deter Russia.

In Short

Keir Starmer affirmed the need for Europe to support Ukraine for lasting peace and announced a £1.6 billion aid package for military supplies. He emphasised the UK’s leadership role alongside France in forming a coalition to stop the war, while highlighting the necessity of US involvement for effective ceasefire efforts.

Keir Starmer has stated that Europe is at a critical juncture in history and must support Ukraine for lasting peace.

He confirmed the UK and France will lead a “coalition of the willing” to help end the ongoing war with Russia.

Following a defence summit in London, Starmer emphasised that any ceasefire plan must involve the US to deter further Russian aggression. He announced a £1.6bn package allowing Ukraine to purchase 5,000 air defence missiles, which will be produced in Belfast, promoting job creation in the UK.

The summit followed a troubled meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, where tensions were evident.

Starmer stated that European nations are ready to provide military support as part of a united response to the conflict. He described the meeting as historic, despite not securing additional military commitments from NATO allies.

Re-arm Europe

Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission acknowledged a need to re-arm Europe.

French President Emmanuel Macron suggested a one-month truce to facilitate de-escalation, though it would not include ground fighting.

Starmer stressed the importance of security guarantees from the US to prevent potential ceasefire violations by Russia.

As the coalition plan develops, there is hope that Ukraine can still gain support from partners.

News

Liberal and Nationals reunite after political split

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Published

7 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to restore their historic Coalition partnership after a three-week split, marking their second reconciliation in under a year. The deal ensures stability ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Under the agreement, Nationals frontbenchers will return to the shadow cabinet by March 1. This move signals a return to unified leadership as both parties aim to present a stronger front in parliament.

As part of the compromise, three senators who broke party solidarity during a recent vote face a six-week suspension. All shadow ministers will also sign an agreement to uphold cabinet unity and prevent future splits.

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News

Starmer aide resigns after Mandelson appointment questioned over Epstein links

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

Published

7 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned amid scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. McSweeney accepted responsibility for the controversial decision, calling stepping aside the honourable choice.

Lawmakers raised questions about Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein files indicate Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, intensifying the controversy surrounding his diplomatic appointment.

Starmer confirmed that Mandelson misled him about the extent of their friendship and pledged to release documents confirming the details. The resignation signals a significant shake-up in Starmer’s team and ongoing political fallout.

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News

Japan election delivers commanding win for ruling LDP

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Published

7 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is projected to tighten its grip on power following a decisive Lower House election, according to local media forecasts. Early projections suggest the LDP will secure between 274 and 328 seats in the 465-seat chamber, significantly strengthening its parliamentary position.

Together with coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party, the governing bloc is expected to cross the 300-seat mark, with some estimates putting the total as high as 366 seats. Voter turnout remained resilient despite heavy snow across parts of the country, as citizens braved severe weather to cast their ballots.

The election was called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in January, a move widely viewed as a strategic gamble to capitalise on her strong public approval ratings. The result appears to reinforce her mandate and consolidate political stability in Japan’s national leadership.

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