World

UK's Labour sweeps to power as leader Starmer vows to bring change

By Andrew MacAskill, Elizabeth Piper and Alistair Smout LONDON (Reuters) - Keir Starmer vowed to bring change to Britain as its next prime minister after his Labour Party surged to a comprehensive win in a parliamentary election on Friday, ending 14 years of often tumultuous Conservative government. The centre-left Labour was set to win a massive majority in the 650-seat parliament with Rishi

PH-Japan troop access pact for signing July 8

The Philippines and Japan are expected to sign on Monday, July 8, a historic pact that would allow the two allies and former wartime enemies to deploy troops on each other’s soil. After seven months of negotiations, top diplomatic and defense officials from the two countries will meet in Manila on July 8 for the 2+2 meeting, a venue to discuss bilateral defense and security issues affecting the region, and the signing of the Reciprocal Access...

What Labour plans to do in government

See what the party has promised to do on issues including the economy, the NHS, immigration and housing.

Female MPs speak of election campaign intimidation

"This election has been the worst election I have ever stood in," Labour's Jess Phillips tells the count.

Farage elected to UK parliament as his Reform party breaks through

By Paul Sandle LONDON (Reuters) - Nigel Farage was elected to parliament on Friday, marking the emergence of his populists Reform UK as a new force in British politics squeezing the Conservative vote from the right wing. Farage, a driving force behind Britain's decision to leave the European Union, only entered the race last month, a move that caused shockwaves in a Conservative Party that was

BOC, PDEA seize P8.52M worth of liquid cocaine; consignee arrested

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized millions of pesos worth of liquid cocaine in Pampanga, which led to the arrest of its consignee. In a statement on Friday, the BOC said its operatives from the Port of Clark along with PDEA agents arrested the consignee, a 32-year old Colombian, for possession of 1,608 grams of liquid cocaine with an estimated value of P8,522,400. The arrest was made during a...

Creation of Department of Peace pushed

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said that he would propose to Congress the creation of a Department of Peace in place of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru). Opapru, formerly known as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, was renamed under then President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 158 in December 2021. READ: Galvez bats for the creation of ‘Department...

Labour dominate West Yorkshire but Gaza "an issue"

Labour won all but two seats in West Yorkshire in what has been a historic night for Keir Starmer.

Marcos to issue EO on enforcing nomad visas without tax incentives

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order that will enforce nomad visas immediately without tax incentives. During the meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism), the group recommended the issuance of an EO that will implement nomad visas immediately without tax incentives, which can be added once a related bill is passed. Marcos supported the interim solution and has tasked...

Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya row over village still raging

SAN NICOLAS, PANGASINAN — Firmly asserting its territorial jurisdiction over Malico against claims made by Nueva Vizcaya, the Pangasinan provincial government allocated P200 million worth of projects and services to this town which will benefit the mountain village. “We know there is a dispute over this territory. If Nueva Vizcaya claims it is theirs, we respect their point of view. My question is, do Malico residents believe it is part of...

It's the Nadine Dorries show! Former minister upstages Emily Maitlis

Former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries stole the show on election night as she accused Alastair Campbell of sexism and revealed Boris Johnson had been texting her.

Ex-KGB operative reports possible betrayal among Putin's inner circle

Taiwan says China seizure of trawler may be act of psychological warfare

Taiwan says China’s seizure of a Taiwanese trawler that was operating close to the Chinese coast might be an act of psychological warfare by Beijing. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-says-china-seizure-trawler-psychological-warfare/

Why the SNP was left shocked by Labour's surge

There was surprise at the party's victories in seats beyond its traditional heartlands in the central belt.

SNP faces 'slaughter' says former leader Salmond

The SNP is on course to be 'slaughtered' in the General Election with its biggest loss of MPs in history. John Swinney's party looked set to lose 38 seats compared to the 2019 election.

'Big beasts' slayed as Conservatives suffer UK election bloodbath

By Michael Holden and Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) -A record number of senior ministers, including the defence secretary and one touted as a possible future leader, lost their parliamentary seats as the governing Conservative Party suffered a series of catastrophic defeats in Britain's election. Defence minister Grant Shapps and Penny Mordaunt, leader of the lower house of parliament, were

County red as Red Wall seats return to Labour

Labour wipe Conservative hopes away as they regain every seat in South Yorkshire.

Protective mesh removed from controversial statue

The Cecil Rhodes figure in Oxford was covered by black netting after protesters called for it to be removed.

Tug-of-war team loses training ground

Worcester Themmadi are left "basically homeless" after equipment is removed from a community centre.

UK’s Labour on course for landslide election win – exit polls

LONDON, United Kingdom — Britain’s main opposition Labour party looks set for a landslide election win, exit polls indicated on Thursday, with Keir Starmer replacing Rishi Sunak as prime minister, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. As polling stations closed at 10:00 p.m., the survey for UK broadcasters suggested centre-left Labour would win 410 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, with the right-wing Tories managing only 131. In another...

Jubilant Starmer grips wife's hand as he celebrates landslide

Keir Starmer looks jubilant as he celebrates his election victory with his wife, gripping her hand just hours after the exit poll revealed a massive majority of the Labour Party.

Keir Starmer's rarely-seen wife Victoria - NHS job, awkward first meet and sweet support

Labour leader Keir Starmer has been married to his wife, Victoria Starmer, for 15 years. And while she largely stays out of the spotlight, the politician has revealed how she keeps him grounded during the campaign

UK's Conservatives face leadership "bloodbath" as party seeks new direction

By Elizabeth Piper LONDON (Reuters) - The recriminations and jostling for top positions among Britain's Conservative lawmakers began long before Thursday's crushing election defeat to Labour that some party figures said left the party facing the prospect of a decade out of power. After 14 years in government - the last eight marked by chaos and divisions following the Brexit vote - the

Separate panel probe into cost of new Senate building sought

MANILA, Philippines — A separate probe into the cost of the Senate’s new building in Taguig City, this time by the chamber’s panel on public information and mass media, is being sought by Sen. Robinhood Padilla. Panel head Padilla, in his Senate Resolution No. 1063, said there is a need to maintain the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution amid issues hounding the costs of the new Senate building. “Informing the public of the processes...

Marcos to Angara: We have to take care of teachers

''We have to take care of teachers.'' This was among the directives of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. to incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara, noting that teachers are behind the success in the Department of Education. In an ambush interview in Sulu on Friday, Marcos said he already talked to Angara and he emphasized to the outgoing senator that the government should financially support teachers who have families to feed. ''The...

Marcos: K to 12 program didn't improve employability of graduates

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Friday that the K to 12 program was unable to achieve its goal of raising the employability of graduates in the Philippines. Marcos said he discussed the program with incoming Education secretary Sonny Angara, noting that they were looking into having short courses to improve graduates' employability. "There are two elements we paid attention to specifically... No. 1, ginawa natin 'yung K to 12...

Three Black Sea countries launch new minesweeping force

National Rally to fall short of absolute majority in French parliamentary elections, poll shows

By Dominique Vidalon PARIS (Reuters) -France's far-right National Rally (RN) party looked set to fall short of an absolute majority in parliamentary elections, recent polls showed on the last day of campaigning on Friday, though some politicians and pollsters urged caution. An OpinionWay poll for business daily Les Echos saw the RN winning 205-230 seats in Sunday's vote, ahead of the leftwing

Woman found inside stomach of giant monster

In a village in Sulawesi, Indonesia, the community is once again living in fear after a reticulated python, known for its colossal size, devoured a 38-year-old woman. Residents of a village on the central Indonesian island of Sulawesi found the body of a woman inside a python. And this is already the second such incident in just a month in this part of the Asian archipelago. The 38-year-old victim was found by residents of Luwu province, in...

UK PM Sunak concedes election defeat, says Labour has won

LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat in the national election on Friday, saying the opposition Labour Party had won. "The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory," Sunak said after winning his parliamentary seat in northern England. "Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly

Find out who Vladimir Putin really is

As the world reacts in horror and disbelief to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the man who ordered the military attack, President Vladimir Putin, is being widely condemned for what's been described as a dangerous and unprovoked act of aggression. But who is this man from Leningrad who grew up to become one of the most powerful men in recent history? Click through and find out more about Vladimir Putin's life and career.

Douglas Ross loses his bid for Westminster seat after Reform surge

Douglas Ross last night lost his bid for a seat at Westminster after a surge in votes for Reform.

Angela Rayner: A profile of Labour's 'red queen'

Angela Rayner is likely to be appointed deputy prime minister in Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet after Labour was swept to power with a landslide General Election victory. Here is a profile of Labour's deputy leader.

Drunk driver causes tragedy on U.S. holiday

A pickup truck collided with a group of people who had gathered to celebrate 4th of July in Corlears Hook Park, in southern Manhattan. According to initial figures, at least three people have already been killed and 16 others injured in the collision on the American holiday in New York. The driver of the gray Ford F-150 was driving down the sidewalk and may have been under the influence of alcohol. The two fatalities are two women and a man. One...

America explodes into riot of color as July 4 fireworks light up skies

In celebration of 248 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, millions celebrated with parades, cookouts and the anticipated splashes of color in the evening sky.

Labour sweeps to victory in Scotland in a 'catastrophic' night for SNP

The SNP suffered the biggest loss of MPs in its history yesterday after the party surrendered 38 seats.

How each American president passed away

In total, 39 American presidents have died ever since December 14, 1799: the date the country's first president, George Washington, passed away. The causes of death are not clear for all of them, but some presidents have indeed endured painful deaths. The oldest president to die was George H.W. Bush, at 94, and the youngest was John F. Kennedy, at 46. From assassinations to heart attacks, and everything in between, in this gallery you'll get to know how each American president died. Simply click on.

Kuliang Proposal released during summary meeting of China-U.S. Youth Festival

FUZHOU, China, July 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn: The summary meeting of the "Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival" was held last week in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian province. During the meeting, the "Kuliang Proposal" was officially released. In recent days, over 500 youths from various sectors in China and the United States gathered in Fuzhou to exchange ideas, visit exhibitions, performances...

Marcos: Gov't pushing for development of Jolo airport

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday assured Sulu residents that the government has been pushing for the immediate implementation of the P100-million Jolo Airport Development Project. During the distribution of presidential aid to farmers and fisherfolks in the province, Marcos said all aspects of the development project are being mapped out so that the construction can start sooner. “Kasabay ng pagbibigay namin ng ayuda ay ang...

Fireworks explode in night skies of NYC and DC on 4th of July

Fireworks explode in the night skies of New York City and Washington, DC on 4th of July.

Ukraine navy chief says Russia is losing Crimean hub in Black Sea

By Tom Balmforth ODESA, Ukraine (Reuters) - The Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to rebase nearly all its combat-ready warships from occupied Crimea to other locations, and its main naval hub is becoming ineffectual because of attacks by Kyiv, Ukraine's navy chief said. Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa said Ukrainian missile and naval drone strikes had caused heavy damage to the

General election count in chaos as police take ballots over 'fraud'

Scottish police rushed to Emirates Arena in Glasgow, where they reportedly seized three ballot papers.

Philippines turned down US help amid South China Sea tensions — AFP chief

MANILA —The Philippines has turned down offers from the United States to assist operations in the South China Sea, after a flare-up with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal, its military chief said. Tensions in the disputed waterway have boiled over into violence in the past year, with a Filipino sailor losing […]

Former UK PM Liz Truss loses her seat at election

LONDON (Reuters) - Former British prime minister Liz Truss, who became the country's shortest-serving leader ever when she sparked a bond market meltdown and a collapse in sterling, lost her parliamentary seat in the election on Friday. Truss secured 11,217 votes in her South West Norfolk constituency in eastern England, behind 11,847 votes for Labour candidate Terry Jermy. Taking over from the

PNP bent on finding Pampanga couple

MABALACAT CITY — The Philippine National Police has identified a former police officer as among the seven persons of interest in the disappearance of a Pampanga beauty pageant contestant and her Israeli boyfriend in Central Luzon, according to the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Geneva Lopez, 27, a former Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga candidate, and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen, 37, have been reported missing...

PNP to deploy around 22K personnel for SONA 2024 security

Around 22,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. scheduled on July 22, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday. “Ang nakikita po natin last time po mga 22,000 na-deploy, ganun pa rin po. Unless we see may mga threats po, there will be more,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in an ambush interview during a shootfest in Camp Karingal in...

Surprise, joy and disappointment in Islington North

Voters react after Jeremy Corbyn wins for an 11th time in Islington North, this time as an independent.

Rishi Sunak, the stopgap prime minister who failed to turn around Tory fortunes

Rishi Sunak, the stopgap prime minister who failed to turn around Tory fortunes - During his 20 months in No 10, the premier grappled with a toxic inheritance.

Lacson says Binay-Cayetano feud over new Senate home ‘painful to watch’

MANILA, Philippines— Former Senator Panfilo Lacson said he is saddened by the quarrel of two incumbent senators over the new Senate building in Taguig City. It was “painful to watch,” according to Lacson, referring to the bitter exchange between Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Nancy Binay. Cayetano and Binay traded barbs last Wednesday as the Senate committee on accounts began its review of the cost of the building. Both Lacson and Binay...

SNP maintains small grip in north east Scotland

The party holds both seats in Aberdeen, and also wins seats in two new constituencies.