Anti-Starmer strike fails to hit its target
How went the Great British National Strike, a day of countrywide anti-government protests, which GB News confidently predicted would see 'more than 500,000 people across the country walking out in protest at the state of the UK'?
In most cities and towns, fewer than 100 people protested, often outnumbered by anti-fascist demos: in Bristol, for example (population: 483,000), Avon and Somerset Police said that 'an estimated 50 people took part in a protest, with an estimated 100 people taking part in a counter
demonstration'. Another 100 people (described by organisers as 'big crowds') turned up outside Downing Street to chant 'Keir Starmer is a wanker'.
In Manchester, meanwhile (population: 551,938), organisers claimed around 200 attendees, although photos would suggest this includes a protest by Chagossians protesting against the government's deal to hand over sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, which was happening at the same time.
Supporters of the Great British National Strike were unimpressed, taking to social media to moan: 'No timetable, no speakers, no stage/platform, no PA system. Shambolic. Organisers were early with their excuses for failure, but admitted they'd spent two months arranging this butterfly's fart of a protest.'
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
It's time for the UK to recognise Palestine
Time and again, the UK's actions in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict have come too little, too late. Keir Starmer has an opportunity to act now. Britain must follow France and recognise a state of Palestine while there is still a Palestine to recognise. The position of the United Kingdom has long been that the only acceptable settlement is the two-state solution. Yet we only recognise one of those states. The recognition of Palestine has been Labour policy since I was shadow foreign secretary. It was in the manifesto on which we were elected last year. And immediate recognition is supported by the majority of the Foreign Affairs Committee, which I chair, and which publishes a report into the Israel-Palestine conflict today. When I ask the government when it will happen, they tell me they will recognise at the moment of maximum impact. But we cannot wait forever for a perfect moment that may never come. I can think of many opportunities when recognition might have had a significant effect, had we taken that step. We cannot let another opportunity pass us by. On Monday, the long-awaited French-Saudi conference on the two-state solution will take place in New York. Ahead of it, President Macron has announced that he will recognise a Palestinian state in September. It is no secret that Macron has been pushing the UK government to recognise Palestine alongside the French. He told Parliament as much when he addressed us last week. He is right. A unified move by the signatories to the secret Sykes-Picot agreement which carved up the Middle East more than a century ago would demonstrate our sincere commitment to a two-state solution. The leaders' meeting at the UN in September offers that opportunity. Of course, the most urgent need is for an immediate ceasefire and for UN-administered aid to flood into Gaza. Recognition does not secure peace on its own. But it should be the start of a renewed commitment by Britain to engage with our allies, particularly Gulf and Arab states, to build a plan for a sustainable peace. It would signal that our engagement is sustained and sincere. And it would show the Israeli government that the UK is prepared to take the kind of decisive action promised in the Foreign Secretary's statement alongside 27 allies on Monday. That must include tough and direct action on violent extremist settlers and the companies who facilitate settlements. Their behaviour imperils the two-state solution by taking over the very land which should be Palestinian. My committee's report argues that the UK must extend sanctions against them and prevent the import of settlement goods. The natural reaction of the British public to the scenes of starvation and death in Gaza is to call on their politicians to do something. The challenge for politicians is to ensure that what they do makes a real difference. The recognition of Palestine as part of a renewed commitment by the UK to work with others to build a peace process would be just that. Britain has said it wants to work with France when it comes to the recognition of Palestine. Now that France has said it will recognise in September, is it not fair to expect the government to join them? I, my committee, and the British public will be watching with anticipation. Emily Thornberry is Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury and chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee
STV News
2 hours ago
- STV News
Starmer faces pressure to recognise Palestinian state immediately
Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure to immediately recognise Palestine as a state amid growing calls from MPs and a commitment from France. The Prime Minister condemned the 'unspeakable and indefensible' humanitarian conditions in Gaza ahead of an emergency call with German and French leaders on Friday. He also said statehood was the 'inalienable right' of the Palestinian people but maintained that a ceasefire should come first. Sir Keir said: 'I will hold an emergency call with E3 partners tomorrow, where we will discuss what we can do urgently to stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need, while pulling together all the steps necessary to build a lasting peace.' He will speak to Emmanuel Macron, who has confirmed France will recognise Palestinian statehood, making his country the first G7 nation to do so in a move he said he would formalise at the UN General Assembly in September. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for the UK to follow suit, saying the UK 'should be leading on this, not falling behind'. 'Recognise the independent state of Palestine now and take the lead on securing a two-state solution and a lasting peace,' he said. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has also called for immediate recognition, while the Trades Union Congress have pushed for formal recognition of Palestine 'not in a year's time or two years' time – but now'. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said most of its members back recognition right away. 'It is the view of the majority of the committee that the UK Government should immediately recognise the state of Palestine, signalling the UK's desire to work urgently towards a two-state solution alongside our allies,' she said. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the Government wants to recognise a Palestinian state 'in contribution to a peace process'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron / Credit: PA She also told The Times: 'I think there could be multiple benefits. A lot of people would argue that recognition on its own has a symbolic value that could send a strong message to the Israeli government.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Tuesday called for recognition of Palestine 'while there's still a state of Palestine left to recognise'. Sir Keir said on Thursday: 'We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. 'A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis,' he said. Charities operating in Gaza have said that Israel's blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing people there towards starvation and warned that they are seeing their own workers and Palestinians 'waste away'. Israel says it allows enough aid into the territory and faults delivery efforts by UN agencies, which say they are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of security. The Prime Minister said: 'The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible. 'While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe.' He said it is 'hard to see a hopeful future in such dark times' but called again for all sides to engage 'in good faith, and at pace' on a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. 'We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure this,' he said. Sir Keir will meet with Donald Trump during his five-day private trip to Scotland, due to kick off on Friday. US-led peace talks in Qatar have been cut short, the Trump administration's special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday, pointing the finger at Hamas for a 'lack of desire to reach a ceasefire'. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting truce. Hamas-led militants based in Gaza abducted 251 people in the October 7 attack in 2023 that triggered the war and killed about 1,200 people. Fewer than half of the 50 hostages still in Gaza are believed to be alive. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Resident doctors begin five days of strikes in England over pay
Update: Date: 2025-07-25T06:24:16.000Z Title: Streeting: Resident doctors' strike undermines union movement Content: As we previously mentioned, health secretary Wes Streeting has argued the strike by resident doctors 'enormously undermines the entire trade union movement'. In an article for the Guardian, the health secretary says the decision by the British Medical Association (BMA) to push for new strikes in England immediately after receiving a pay rise of 22% to cover 2023-24 and 2024-25 is unreasonable and unprecedented. Taking aim squarely at the leadership of the BMA, which represents the medics formerly known as junior doctors, Streeting condemns their demand for a fresh 29% rise over the next few years. He says that while there was 90% backing for the strike, it was on a turnout of just over 55% of members. Streeting says the move to strike after the offer of a 5.4% pay rise for 2025-26, was rushed into and is 'bitterly disappointing' amid efforts to improve NHS services. He writes: There was a deal here to be done. Instead, the BMA leadership's decision to not even consider postponing these strikes will place an enormous burden on their colleagues, and hit the recovery we can all see our health service is making. Not only that, it enormously undermines the entire trade union movement. No trade union in British history has seen its members receive a such a steep pay rise only to immediately respond with strikes – even when a majority of their members didn't even vote to strike. This action is unprecedented, and it is unreasonable. You can read the full news story here: And you can read his full column here: Update: Date: 2025-07-25T06:22:08.000Z Title: Doctors begin five days of strikes in England Content: Hello and welcome to our rolling UK political coverage, with this morning's headlines dominated by new industrial action hitting the NHS. Resident doctors in England have begun strike action after the British Medical Association and government failed to reach an agreement over pay restoration. Up to 50,000 people went on strike at 7am, with the action intended to last for five days until 7am on Wednesday 30 July. The public have been urged to keep coming forward for NHS care during the strike. GP surgeries are open as usual and urgent care and A&E will continue to be available, alongside 111, NHS England said. Keir Starmer made a last-minute appeal to resident doctors, saying the strikes would 'cause real damage'. The health secretary, West Streeting, had warned that the industrial action 'enormously undermines the entire trade union movement'. In an article for the Guardian on Thursday, Streeting said the decision by the BMA to push for new strikes immediately after receiving a pay rise of 22% to cover 2023-24 and 2024-25 was unreasonable and unprecedented. We'll bring you all the latest news on the strike, and other political stories, throughout the day.
