News

Sunak calls for Australia to find solution to Comm Games cancellation

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2023

The UK downplays the idea of hosting the event again after the Victorian Government abruptly cancelled the 2026 event citing a cost blowout

Downing Street expressed optimism in finding a “viable solution” for the 2026 Commonwealth Games originally planned in Australia, but dismissed the idea of the UK stepping in to host the event.

Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, expressed interest in exploring the possibility of hosting the games as part of a multi-country UK bid.

Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, had announced the state’s withdrawal due to escalating staging costs.

“This is a disappointing outcome for both fans and athletes,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said.

“We hope that the Victoria state government, the Games federation and Commonwealth Games Australia will now work together to find a viable solution to hosting the event in 2026.”

In 2017, Birmingham took over the hosting rights for the 2022 Commonwealth Games after the Federation stripped Durban, South Africa, of the opportunity.

The event’s cost in Birmingham was £778m (AU$1.5bn), with funding shared between the central government and Birmingham City Council. An independent report highlighted the positive contribution of £870.7m (AU$1.7bn) to the UK economy.

When asked about encouraging a home nation to host the 2026 event, the government spokesperson advised against rushing into decisions.

“In the first instance it’s for those bodies and groups I’ve just mentioned to have those discussions and see if a solution can be found,” said the spokesperson.

“Obviously the UK has been honoured to host the Games twice in the past decade (Birmingham 2022 and Glasgow 2014) so we will see what comes out of those initial discussions.”

Katie Sadleir, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, welcomed the possibility of Scotland being part of a multi-city, multi-country host.

“The UK are fantastic hosts and we would be very open to having a conversation with them about it, if that’s something they would be interested in doing,” she said.

Humza Yousaf expressed interest in exploring the possibility, while England, Scotland, and Wales’ national Commonwealth federations were disappointed by Victoria’s withdrawal, stating it was unsettling for athletes.

News

Over 330,000 displaced as Middle East tensions escalate

Published

2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Middle East is facing a growing humanitarian crisis as renewed conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran sends shockwaves across the region. Families are fleeing cities, villages, and towns, leaving behind homes and livelihoods in search of safety amid rising violence. The UN refugee agency reports that thousands of people are on the move daily, particularly from Tehran and other affected areas in Iran.

In Lebanon, the humanitarian toll is mounting. Over 84,000 people are now sheltering in nearly 400 collective sites, while more than 30,000 have crossed into Syria since the escalation began. Evacuation orders affecting over 50 villages triggered a wave of displacement from southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, adding to tens of thousands still displaced from the 2024 conflict. Many are attempting to flee on foot with few belongings, seeking safety in neighbouring areas.

The situation is raising fears of a wider refugee crisis. European authorities warn that displacement of just 10 percent of Iran’s population could rival the largest refugee flows of recent decades. Turkey has prepared facilities for up to 90,000 potential arrivals, while the UNHCR says it requires $454 million in 2026 to support displaced populations across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia—but has received only 15 percent so far.

News

Trump weighs U.S. role in Iran as Middle East conflict escalates

Trump consults advisers on U.S. strategy post-Iran conflict as regional tensions escalate amid military actions.

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump consults advisers on U.S. strategy post-Iran conflict as regional tensions escalate amid military actions.

President Trump is consulting with top advisers on how the U.S. should respond once the conflict in Iran subsides. Decisions on military, diplomatic, and regional strategies are reportedly being finalised amid the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran has targeted multiple regional sites while Israel intercepted a jet fighter over Tehran, signalling a dangerously volatile situation. International concern grows as conflicts risk wider escalation.

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News

U.S. submarine sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka

U.S. video of Iranian warship sinking escalates tensions, confirms submarine responsible near Sri Lanka, sparks geopolitical concerns.

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. video of Iranian warship sinking escalates tensions, confirms submarine responsible near Sri Lanka, sparks geopolitical concerns.

A dramatic video showing the sinking of an Iranian warship has been released by the United States, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. While the exact date and full details of the footage remain unverified, the images have quickly gone viral across global platforms.

U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that a U.S. submarine was responsible for sinking the Iranian vessel off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The development marks a significant flashpoint in maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister identified the ship as the IRIS Dena, raising fresh geopolitical questions about Tehran’s naval movements and Washington’s strategic response.

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