Author: Tommy Meskill

The House of Lords standards watchdog is investigating Labour Party peer Waheed Alli for allegedly failing to register interests correctly, potentially breaching parliament’s rules. Despite the investigation, it does not necessarily mean that rules have been broken. Alli, who recently made headlines for receiving a temporary pass to Downing Street, is also under scrutiny for donating over £30,000 (€36,000) worth of clothes and spectacles to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other senior Labour politicians. The Labour government has since announced they will no longer accept such donations and denies any wrongdoing. Alli, who was appointed a Lord by former…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s whirlwind tour of European capitals has sparked speculation about what the Labour government hopes to achieve with its “re-set” relations strategy. After announcing a forthcoming co-operation treaty with Germany, Starmer met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. The main aim seems to be to secure a new veterinary agreement, reduce Brexit barriers for artists, and ensure mutual recognition of professional qualifications. While the details remain unclear, observers believe a potential “youth mobility scheme” could be a bargaining chip in negotiations. Starmer’s emphasis on educational and cultural exchanges hints at a potential compromise. This…

Get ready, UK – according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, things are going to get worse before they get better. In a speech set for later today, Starmer will highlight the cracks in society that were exposed during the summer riots. Inviting a diverse group of 50 individuals to Downing Street, including apprentices, small business owners, and public servants, Starmer is emphasizing that the public is at the core of his government. However, his message is not going to be an easy one to hear. Warning of tough times ahead, Starmer acknowledges the challenges his government faces in dealing with…

Tragedy struck in Southport, leaving a community traumatized and searching for answers after a senseless attack. As news spread, social media platforms became a breeding ground for false information, sparking hate and anger. Amidst the chaos, a vigil was held to honor the victims while violence erupted outside a local mosque, linked to the far-right English Defence League. The situation escalated, leading to arrests and unrest across various locations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer rallied support for law enforcement as tensions mounted. The identity of the attacker, Axel Rudakubana, was finally made public, shedding light on the challenges faced by the…

The Conservative Party leadership contest is heating up as nominations close today. With six contenders vying to replace Rishi Sunak, including frontrunner Kemi Badenoch, the race is on. Other candidates include Priti Patel, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Mel Stride, and Robert Jenrick. The eventual winner won’t be announced until early November, making it a long process to determine the new leader. Meanwhile, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is set to deliver a foreboding assessment of public finances, with a predicted £20 billion deficit. Critics speculate that this could lead to future tax hikes by the UK government. Reeves is…

In a recent announcement, Taoiseach Simon Harris made it clear that Ireland will not be nominating a female candidate for the role of European Commissioner, despite a request from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a second candidate to achieve gender balance. The Government will only be nominating Michael McGrath in accordance with EU treaties. Mr. Harris also addressed the funding allocated to RTÉ, ensuring that it will not come from the Department of Social Protection budget. Additionally, he hosted the families of Team Ireland athletes at the Irish embassy in Paris, emphasizing the support structure behind the…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Taoiseach Simon Harris to Chequers, marking the first foreign leader visit since Starmer took office. The leaders discussed resetting Anglo-Irish relations, agreeing on annual summits and collaborative initiatives. Starmer also made strides in strengthening the UK’s relationship with the European Union at a summit at Blenheim Palace, emphasizing cooperation on European security. During the summit, Starmer highlighted the UK’s commitment to working closely with Europe on migration and border security, garnering praise for his proactive approach. The day concluded with Starmer congratulating Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election as European Commission President. Overall,…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to make history by addressing the UK cabinet at Downing Street today, marking the first time a foreign leader has done so since Bill Clinton in 1997. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Zelensky, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need to strengthen Europe’s defence industrial base to counter the Russian threat. Zelensky will emphasize the importance of preventing Russia from bypassing sanctions and will urge for greater cooperation among European countries to tackle illicit vessels evading these measures. The visit will conclude with the signing of a Defence Export Support Treaty…

Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accepted his invitation to visit Dublin on 7 September. This significant progress was made during a bilateral meeting at Chequers, where both leaders agreed to hold an annual summit to focus on key issues and task various ministers with moving the work forward. They exchanged gifts, with a Donegal jersey presented by the Taoiseach and a Downing Street whiskey decanter set from the Prime Minister. Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening the relationship between the UK and Ireland, with a focus on the Good Friday Agreement.…

The British government has announced its commitment to repealing and replacing the controversial Northern Ireland Legacy Act. In a historic move, King Charles declared during the official state opening of the UK parliament that measures will be introduced to begin the process of repealing and replacing the Act. This decision was already outlined in the Labour Party manifesto and has been met with approval from the Irish Government. Tánaiste Micheál Martin praised the move, emphasizing the need for a revised approach that puts the needs of victims at the forefront and ensures full compliance with human rights standards. The announcement…