News

Temporary Russian gas pipeline shutoff worries Europe

Published

4 years ago

July 12, 2022

Simon Anderson

Russia has temporarily cut supply of gas from the main pipeline to Germany, worrying several EU nations

Russia has ‘temporarily’ shut down gas supplies in Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline – the main supply line to Germany.

It has sparked fears for energy security in several European nations.

The most recent shut down – however – was scheduled in advance and part of ‘routine maintenance’ during the summer – when gas usage is lower.

It is scheduled to last ten days.

But it hasn’t stopped worries over future prolonged outages.

“Our concerns are growing that Russia is clearly using gas supplies as a political weapon to drive up prices, unsettle markets and spread chaos,”
ROBERT HABECK, GERMAN MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

German officials have said they don’t know when Gazprom – Russia’s energy company which has a monopoly on exports – will resume deliveries once the scheduled maintenance is scheduled to end.

A reduction in gas supply is also affecting Italy.

The European Commission is planning proposals in July to determine how EU countries would coordinate rationing of industrial energy and which sectors to prioritise if they are faced with fewer and fewer supplies in the future.

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

18 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

18 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

19 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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