Keir Starmer critic backs off immediate leadership challenge
Former minister Catherine West wants Labour MPs to request a leadership election by September.

Former minister Catherine West wants Labour MPs to request a leadership election by September.

Marine Le Pen's political future and France's 2027 presidential election will be decided Tuesday as the Paris Court of Appeal rules on her ban from public office over alleged embezzlement of EU funds.

Kylian Mbappé has publicly denounced Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for racist comments made after France's World Cup loss. Amarilla's remarks, calling Mbappé a "colonised Cameroonian" and other slurs, have drawn condemnation from French officials and the Paraguayan government.

A tanker traveling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz caught fire Tuesday after being struck by an unknown projectile. UKMTO reported the incident near Limah, Oman. Iranian state TV cited anonymous sources implying Tehran's involvement, though no official claim was made.

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals, with goals from Charles De Ketelaere and Romelu Lukaku. Controversy arose over Folarin Balogun's red card suspension being lifted. Spain also advanced, beating Portugal 1-0, marking Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.

Jim O'Neill, an economist advising Andy Burnham, has criticized the UK's long-standing reliance on the US, urging wider trade with countries like China. O'Neill, a former Conservative Treasury minister, believes the Trump administration's erratic behavior is a wake-up call for Britain to diversify its international partnerships.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated Europe requires US defense support for another decade and leaders should avoid alienating Donald Trump. However, he cautioned against Trump's attacks on Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, calling her the 'queen of center-right in Europe'. Francken emphasized the EU's need for continued US help while it builds its own military capabilities.