Former Foreign Secretary David Miliband is "optimistic" about Andy Burnham becoming the next prime minister, citing Burnham's "openness and energy." Miliband praised Burnham's ability to listen and connect, and suggested he could be an asset in a future Labour government, potentially joining the cabinet via the House of Lords.
Twenty-four Filipinos detained in Irkutsk, Siberia, for nine months without charges are scheduled for release to Manila on Sunday. Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro will welcome the first batch, following President Marcos's direct appeal to Russian President Putin.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's "horrendous and abhorrent" remarks calling for "all of Lebanon to burn" after Hezbollah killed four Israeli soldiers. Iran's Foreign Minister also criticized Ben-Gvir's "genocidal" comments.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed PM Modi's G7 discussions on trade, West Asia, and maritime security. Key outcomes include progress on India-US trade deal, CEPA with Canada, India-EU FTA by year-end, and India-UK CETA effective July 15. Modi also stressed seafarer safety and peace in West Asia.
Over 100 UK lawmakers have urged the government to cancel an Israeli real estate event in London, citing its promotion of land sales in illegal West Bank settlements. Organizers deny these claims, stating properties are within the Green Line, but event details mentioning settlements have been removed.
Britain is urged to approach the AI era with confidence, leveraging its historical contributions to science (Newton) and economic thought (Adam Smith). The article suggests Britain's strengths in science, law, and governance can shape AI's future, emphasizing potential cooperation with China on global challenges.
The UK, alongside Australia, France, and Norway, has imposed sanctions on seven entities involved in financing West Bank settler violence. However, the UK stopped short of a trade ban, issuing updated advice to businesses instead, drawing criticism for being "too little too late."
Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, has died at 62 after a battle with cancer. Younger led the Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020, earning tributes for his dedication to national and global security.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is visiting Beijing to reset diplomatic and economic ties with China, eight years after similar visits by former PM Theresa May. The move aims to revive bilateral relations despite disagreements on security and human rights, driven by pragmatic economic needs and global instability.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during her visit to China. Wang Yi outlined Beijing's stance on Taiwan and Hong Kong, while Cooper reiterated that the UK's policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged since diplomatic relations were established.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met in Beijing, pledging to enhance high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation. Wang emphasized strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership to bring certainty to a turbulent world.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and UK Foreign Secretary Cooper held the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue in Beijing. They affirmed commitment to a long-term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing cooperation in trade, finance, energy, AI, and climate change, while agreeing to manage differences constructively.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with UK Foreign Secretary Cooper in Beijing on June 2nd. They discussed developing a long-term, stable, comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UK, emphasizing cooperation in trade, investment, AI, and green development.
China's Vice President Han Zheng met UK Foreign Secretary Cooper in Beijing on June 2nd. They discussed developing a long-term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation in areas like trade, AI, and green development.
Published documents reveal deep divisions within the UK government regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington. Critics, including Mandelson himself, express strong doubts about Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership and the government's effectiveness. Security concerns, particularly regarding Mandelson's contacts with foreign nationals and links to Jeffrey Epstein, are also highlighted, though the full details remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations.
UK government released over 1,000 pages of documents on Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington. Police requested some documents be withheld due to an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Israel to end its military escalation in Lebanon, citing civilian deaths and displacement. Germany also expressed serious concern. The conflict has resulted in over 3,400 deaths and 1.6 million displaced.
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit China from Monday to Wednesday, meeting his counterpart Wang Yi and Vice-President Han Zheng. Discussions will cover the Strait of Hormuz, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Ebola outbreak in Africa. Cleverly will also visit Shenzhen and then travel to India.
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri spoke with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi about regional developments and bilateral cooperation. The call followed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement on progress in US-Iran talks concerning the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's nuclear program and control over the strait remaining key issues.
David Miliband advocates for Europe to seek strategic autonomy from the US, suggesting "separate bedrooms" but not a "divorce." He emphasized the need for Europe to develop economic and military agency, citing climate change and AI as areas where Europe must lead. Philippe Sands argued the UK's primary connection should be with Europe, not the US, and Misha Glenny highlighted Brexit's economic catastrophe.
David Miliband advocates for Europe to seek "separate bedrooms" from the US, meaning greater strategic autonomy, but not a "divorce" from the alliance. He highlighted economic and military agency, climate action, and fair wealth distribution as key areas for Europe to develop independently, while Philippe Sands emphasized the UK's need to reconnect with the EU.
David Miliband stated Britain needs a "national consensus" on rejoining the EU, advocating for a deeper relationship than the government's current plans. He highlighted the UK's economic needs and the EU's evolving landscape, including Ukraine's potential membership.
Government admits no formal security vetting or due diligence was carried out before Prince Andrew's appointment as trade envoy in 2001. Documents reveal the Queen's wish for him to take the role.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warns the world is at risk of a food crisis due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and aid cuts. The Global Partnerships Conference in London discussed new approaches to international development, but concerns remain about the UK's reduced aid budget.
