british council

A newly elected Reform UK councillor in Plymouth, Ben Rowe, has been suspended from the party following the emergence of social media posts containing Islamophobic and antisemitic content. These controversial posts surfaced before his election victory, leading to an investigation. Rowe's suspension comes amidst Reform UK's significant electoral gains in Plymouth and across England.

The British parliamentary sleaze watchdog will probe hard-right politician Nigel Farage's non- disclosure of a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor to his party, UK media reported Wednesday. The parliament's standards commissioner investigation concerns a gift from Thailand-based aviation entrepreneur and crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who last year donated £12 million to Reform UK. Farage and Reform UK told British media that he did not declare the £5 million because it was a personal gift to pay for his personal security, which Harborne corroborated.

Thousands rallied against antisemitism in London, with major Jewish groups organizing the event. The inclusion of Nigel Farage sparked controversy, drawing criticism for his past rhetoric. Organizers aimed for broad societal support, emphasizing solidarity against hate and division. Religious and business leaders also voiced their backing, pledging protection for the Jewish community.

More than 70 Labour lawmakers are reportedly urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign following significant losses in local and regional elections. Four ministerial aides have resigned, citing a loss of public and parliamentary confidence. Despite mounting pressure, Starmer has rejected calls to step down, vowing to restore faith in his leadership.

Once Mamata Banerjee’s strongest urban constituency, Bengal’s bhadralok were driven up the wall by corruption, job scams, civic decay and the handling of the RG Kar rape and murder, write Dwaipayan Ghosh & Dipawali Mitra

Reform UK has emerged as a major force in English local elections, securing the most council seats and taking control of its first London council. This surge, alongside significant losses for Labour and Conservatives, signals a potential shift to a five-party political landscape. Labour faces historical setbacks, with its leader under pressure amid widespread voter dissatisfaction.

Facing leadership challenges after poor election results, Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to prove doubters wrong, promising significant policy shifts. He acknowledged public frustration and pledged "a bigger response" on key issues. Starmer also attacked rivals, aiming to unite his party amidst calls for change and potential leadership contests.

Leicestershire's Reform UK-led council has defied its party's national stance by approving beaver releases to combat flooding. This move, supported by local councillors, highlights an internal party division on rewilding. Beavers, natural engineers, are recognized for their flood mitigation and habitat restoration benefits, a stark contrast to Reform's broader opposition to large-scale nature restoration.

A man in England returned medieval floor tiles he took as a child over sixty years ago, stored in a biscuit tin. His act of repentance, driven by persistent guilt, has provided English Heritage with well-preserved artefacts, offering new insights into the history of Wenlock Priory and the Cluniac Order.

Banksy has seemingly dropped a new statue in central London overnight. The artwork, depicting a flag-blinded suited figure stepping off a plinth, appeared in Waterloo Place. The installation was swift and professional, drawing attention to its commentary on leadership. Westminster Council, though unnotified, expressed excitement, allowing public viewing while options are considered.

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back Victory Day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. Syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

New research from the University of Sydney reveals alcohol consumption is linked to more cancers in Australia than previously believed. Even moderate drinking, up to 10 drinks weekly, significantly elevates cancer risk. Experts emphasize that reducing alcohol intake is a crucial step in preventing cancer diagnoses across the nation.

Candace Owens and Laura Loomer’s online feud has now involved Lord Michael Farmer, Owens’ father-in-law. Loomer directly questioned him on X, making the situation more personal. Farmer, a British businessman and UK peer, had earlier shared his views on antisemitism and Israel in 2024. Neither Farmer nor Owens has responded to Loomer’s recent comments yet.

Munir is using Pakistan's crypto deal with Trump's family as leverage to promote his fundamentalist Islamist ideology even as he regards India as an existential enemy

Iran knows it cannot compete with the US and its allies in a conventional naval contest. Instead, by deploying swarms of armed speedboats, it is turning the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint into leverage

A Manchester-based academic, Mehebub Sahana, along with his father, brother, and sister, found their names deleted from the electoral roll in East Burdwan. Despite possessing all necessary documents and having deep ancestral roots in the village, their names were removed after a hearing regarding a name mismatch on his father's voter ID.