USA: government shutdown now in its second week
The US government shutdown has entered its second week as the Senate again failed to pass competing bills to restore funding, deepening the political stalemate. Democrats and Republicans remain divided over whether to…
Ed Miliband pledges to ban fracking
Energy secretary Ed Miliband has pledged to permanently ban fracking, calling it dangerous and deeply harmful, as he urged Labour activists in Liverpool to embrace clean energy as the future. He argued that…
Madagascar: protests continue despite government dissolution
Madagascar is facing mounting unrest as protests continue despite president Andry Rajoelina’s decision to dissolve the government. The move, announced on state television, was intended to ease tensions following demonstrations over widespread water…
Argentina: financial woes after Milei’s party loses badly in local elections
Argentina’s political and financial turbulence deepened after Javier Milei’s party suffered a heavy defeat to the Peronist opposition in key local elections. The peso tumbled to a historic low, sliding nearly 5 percent…
More councils consider asylum hotel legal challenges
A landmark High Court ruling has opened the way for local councils to challenge the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. The judgement came after Epping Forest District Council successfully argued that…
Zimbabwe: ban on street vendors and second-hand clothes
The government has ordered the immediate removal of street vendors from Harare’s central business district and reaffirmed a national ban on the import and sale of second-hand clothes. Local government minister Daniel Garwe…
'Betrayed' Afghan interpreter says family 'waiting for death' after UK data breach
Ali, an Afghan interpreter who served with British forces in Helmand Province, has spoken out after learning he was among those affected by a major Ministry of Defence data breach. His role, which…
UN criticises Starmer’s welfare reforms
The UN has sharply criticised the Government’s proposed welfare reforms, warning they could significantly worsen poverty among disabled people. Following a recent parliamentary vote that passed the benefits bill by 75 votes, secured…
Starmer to retreat on benefit cuts to win over Labour rebels
Keir Starmer faces internal unrest over controversial welfare reforms, with up to 120 Labour MPs backing an amendment to block the legislation. The proposed bill would tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP)…
Reeves presents her spending review
Rachel Reeves’ new spending review represents a pivotal moment for the Labour government, aiming to launch a narrative of 'renewal' after a challenging first year. With £600 billion allocated over four years, the…