Starmer to meet Xi for ‘pragmatic’ talks – POLITICO

Starmer to meet Xi for ‘pragmatic’ talks – POLITICO

Relations later frayed under Boris Johnson, however, as Trump pressured Britain to purge Chinese firm Huawei from Britain’s 5G network. Given that the matter was one of national security, the U.K. sided with America, but the move clearly soured relations with China.  Trump may well want to make that relationship more awkward again. Elsewhere on … Read more

When UK party conferences go wrong – POLITICO

When UK party conferences go wrong – POLITICO

While the spin doctors put a lot of energy into trying to ensure everything runs without a hitch, all too often circumstance conspires to derail the best-laid plans. The unwritten rule of British politics, that if something can go wrong at conference it usually will, means both euphoric new Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his … Read more

UK braces for damning report into 2017 Grenfell Tower blaze – POLITICO

UK braces for damning report into 2017 Grenfell Tower blaze – POLITICO

It’s been split into two phases: Phase 1 focused specifically on how the night of the fire unfolded. That phase reported back in 2019 and warned about the “apparently slow rate of progress” in removing combustible cladding, as well as making a host of recommendations for improving building safety and better coordinating emergency responses. Phase … Read more

Why is British politics so unfailingly funny? – POLITICO

Why is British politics so unfailingly funny? – POLITICO

Or what about Theresa May, the short-lived premier who failed to bust her country out of the European Union and then was promptly busted out of office because of it. On a trip to Africa, she busted into a dance that one commentator compared to that of “a baby robot giraffe.” And then there’s Liz … Read more

I wasn’t sure if Trump would stay in NATO – POLITICO

I wasn’t sure if Trump would stay in NATO – POLITICO

“But having had the conversation in private with him, when we went into the press conference, I wasn’t sure what he was going to say,” May said. “Thankfully, he did commit to NATO.” On the face of it, 2024 is no different from 2016. Over the last few weeks, the Republican frontrunner and top aides … Read more

The most ludicrous House of Lords moments of 2023 – POLITICO

The most ludicrous House of Lords moments of 2023 – POLITICO

LONDON — Britain’s honors system will be back in the spotlight Saturday as another procession of celebrities, government cronies and community heroes are handed New Year’s gongs. Up for grabs will be the usual mix of archaic titles, royal-approved medals and — best of all — jobs for life as lawmakers in the House of … Read more