UK
Government: UK AI leadership at danger without data strategy
The UK must devise a strategy to fulfil the rising demand for data centres or risk losing its lead in the race to create artificial intelligence (AI). The digital economy relies heavily on data centres and warehouses that store CPUs that power cloud computing. They provide the power, connections, and security required for the massive processing power that underpins everything from personal device browsing to AI learning. The United Kingdom is Europe's largest data hub, with over 500 data centres, most located in the South East.
UK to Return Chagos Islands to Mauritius, Resolving Long-Standing Dispute
The United Kingdom has agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, putting an end to a long-running dispute over Britain's last African colony. The UK expelled the Chagossians during the 1960s and 1970s, an act considered a "crime against humanity," while retaining control of the islands as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) after Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
As calls rise for long-range missiles for Kyiv, Lammy says West ‘won’t be pushed by Putin’
Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden met last week to discuss defense, but no decision was reached on whether Ukraine can launch British long-range missiles into Russia. The foreign secretary has stated that the UK and its allies would not be "bullied by Putin's shameless grandstanding" as the prime minister faces pressure to enable Ukraine to launch British long-range missiles into Russia. David Lammy called the Russian president's threats to deploy nuclear weapons "totally unacceptable" if the West sent more arms to Kyiv.
Eight migrants died while attempting to cross the English Channel
It comes after French authorities rescued over 200 individuals off the coast of Calais in 24 hours between Friday and Saturday night. At least eight migrants perished off the coast of France while attempting to cross the English Channel. French officials reported that the deaths occurred overnight off Ambleteuse in northern France's Pas-de-Calais area.
UK and US worried over Iran-Russia nuclear deal
Britain and the United States have expressed concern that Russia has traded nuclear secrets with Iran in exchange for Tehran providing Moscow with ballistic missiles to destroy Ukraine. During their visit in Washington, DC, on Friday, Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden recognized that the two countries were expanding military cooperation at a time when Iran was enriching enough uranium to complete its long-standing objective of building a nuclear weapon.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer won’t rule out eliminating single-person council tax reduction
The prime minister stated that he would consider everything "in the round" as speculation grows over what spending cuts will be included in the 2019 budget. Sir Keir Starmer has declined to rule out eliminating the single-person council tax rebate, claiming that public-finance choices must be considered "in the round." There has been growing speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves's first budget, released on October 30, will repeal the 25% tax relief for single persons.
‘A threat to all of Europe’: US secretary of state warns Iran sells Russia ballistic missiles
During a visit to the UK, Antony Blinken stated that Moscow had received the missiles and had educated Russian military troops on how to use them in Iran. Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, and the Kremlin is expected to use them in Ukraine within weeks, according to the US secretary of state. During a visit to the United Kingdom, Antony Blinken stated that the development was "a threat to all of Europe." He demonstrated Iran's "destabilizing influence reaches far beyond the Middle East."
As Middle East simmers, European leaders urge moderation
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have urged Iran and its allies to desist from planned strikes on Israel in response to the recent assassinations of prominent Hamas and Hezbollah members. On Monday, the leaders of the three European governments released a joint statement urging "de-escalation and regional stability" in the Middle East, as well as an immediate ceasefire. The death of two Iran-aligned leaders last month heightened global concern that the battle in Gaza will expand into an all-out regional warfare.
Cameron says the UK would not prevent military sales to Israel
Foreign Minister David Cameron has stated that the United Kingdom will not cease arms sales to Israel by British companies following a review of the most recent legal advice on the subject. Following six months since the Israeli offensive on Gaza, which was instigated by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, the administration of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced significant pressure to revoke licences authorising the export of arms to Israel.
Deputy PM: UK can sell weaponry to Israel
According to the deputy prime minister, it remains lawful for the United Kingdom to maintain its arms sales to Israel. There have been demands for the United Kingdom to cease its provision of arms to Israel after the loss of seven aid workers in Gaza this week. Oliver Dowden implied that the United Kingdom would cease arms deliveries to Israel if the country were to be judged to have violated international law.
Heappey: UK must ready for war despite lagging behind
James Heappey, a former minister of the armed forces, wrote that numerous government agencies had neglected to conduct shelter evacuation drills. Preparing the nation for war is the best way to increase the likelihood of peace; however, a former defence minister has warned that the United Kingdom is "very far behind."
Sunak said the UK is breaking international law by arming Israel
A correspondence comprising seventeen pages and featuring the signatures of three former Supreme Court justices urges ministers to resume financing to the UNRWA aid agency and to cease hostilities. By continuing to arm Israel, the United Kingdom violates international law, Rishi Sunak has been warned.