Latest news with #Parliament
The National
an hour ago
- Business
- The National
Mhairi Black: MPs swayed by Keir Starmer's U-turn are not left wing
Events across the globe this week have served as a timely reminder that change is possible when people organise, even if it is bit by bit. At the time of writing, Keir Starmer had just announced a partial climbdown on his planned disability benefit cuts after an organised rebellion by numerous Labour MPs proved to be enough to potentially stop the legislation passing through Parliament. Originally, Starmer planned to change who would qualify for certain disability and sickness benefits, in the hopes of saving £5 billion a year by 2030. UK Prime Minister Keir StarmerIn a last-ditch attempt to halt any rebellion, Labour announced that current claimants will continue to receive the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as will recipients of the health element of Universal Credit. The planned changes will now only affect new claimants. This concession is a test for all rebelling Labour MPs because what Starmer is effectively saying is that even if you share the same disability as someone currently receiving PIP – and you experience all the same disadvantages and difficulties – because you made a claim after an arbitrary date, you will not receive any of the support your peers enjoy. Actually, 'enjoy' is too strong a word considering the maximum amount a person will receive via PIP is £187.45 per week. Anyone swayed by the argument, 'I won't take support away from existing disabled people but future disabled people are fair game,' cannot claim to be a left-wing MP. READ MORE: Labour's 'minor' climbdown will leave benefits system 'woefully inadequate' It is worth noting that Starmer has not made these (pathetic) concessions out of the goodness of his heart, or because he realises it is abhorrent to cut support for those with disabilities during a cost of living crisis – especially when there are billionaires who don't pay the proper tax. He has suggested this concession in order to appear reasonable and lessen the embarrassment of potentially being defeated by his own MPs. People in power never concede or compromise unless they are put in a position where it is in their best interests to do so. But although we have yet to see how far they are willing to take it, Labour MPs have at this moment successfully banded together in numbers to resist the right-wing changes Starmer wants. Throughout history, it is only when people band together in numbers to defy authority that authority even thinks about changing. This week we saw billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos forced to relocate his wedding in Venice after protesters organised themselves to put pressure on him. A sign in St Mark's Square read: 'If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax'. A banner opposing Jeff Bezos in St Mark's Square. Image: GreenpeaceTommaso Cacciari, from a group called No Space For Bezos, put it nicely saying: 'We're just citizens who started organising and we managed to move one of the most powerful people in the world – and all the billionaires – out of the city." In the US, we saw the New York mayoral Democratic primary won by unknown socialist Zohran Mamdani. As Donald Trump's fascism runs rampant, the very corporate Democrats have so far failed to provide any kind of leadership in challenging him and his minions. Mamdani's campaign showed the Democratic leadership how it is done. He campaigned unapologetically on a plan for free buses, free childcare, new affordable apartments and a higher minimum wage – all paid for by new taxes on the rich – and he won handsomely. The world over, we are seeing that people are growing impatient waiting for social justice. Impatient that their quality of life is rapidly deteriorating while the richest continue to grow their wealth and influence. READ MORE: Wind, words, and willpower: Inside a pivotal week on Skye's energy future The UK is no different. Child poverty is rising, as is poverty overall, and the gap between the richest and the poorest is widening. Yet political parties are too afraid to act on their promises of change. There is a depressing timidness from political leaders to challenge those hoarding obscene amounts of wealth. This has created a vacuum which the likes of Nigel Farage can seize on. Rather than have the masses come after his wealth, he seeks to redirect our attention and anger to trans people, to immigrants, to disabled people and those who are unemployed. Right-wing populism unironically claims to answer the very problems created by right-wing policies in the first place. Despite this, a YouGov poll predicted Reform UK would win the most seats in a General Election, of which three would be in Scotland. READ MORE: Rod Stewart comes out in support of Reform UK and Nigel Farage I am reminded of a fable I once read where in ancient times a suggestion was made that the lords (who held all power and wealth) should wear red, and the peasants should all wear white so it was easy to distinguish who was who. The plans fell through the moment someone pointed out that if the peasants all wore the same thing, they might well realise how many of them there were compared to the few lords hoarding power and wealth. Now more than ever we need progressives and political parties to get real about the threat that is spreading, and realise the power we hold when we band together to make a stand.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Internal sabotage caused Umno's election losses, says Asyraf
Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki greeting party members at the delegates meeting of the Rantau Panjang Umno division yesterday. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sabotage by party members, not the strength of rival parties, led to Umno's losses in the 2022 general election (GE15), says Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. 'That (sabotage) is what we want to avoid in the future,' the party's secretary-general told reporters after opening the delegates meeting of the Rantau Panjang Umno division yesterday, Bernama reported. He reminded party leaders and members to remain united and avoid any discord to ensure a big victory at the next general election (GE16). In GE15, Umno won only 26 parliamentary seats and 31% of the popular vote, the worst election performance in its history compared to its 2004 high point, when it won 102 seats and 65% of the popular vote. Asked about moves for Umno to leave the unity government and go solo in GE16, he said: 'We have never been alone in a general election as the country's stability and prosperity would not be achieved if the struggle was done individually.' He added that the Umno Supreme Council will continue to defend the unity government.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ghana, Argentina, Brazil and more: PM Modi on 5-nation tour; what's on his agenda?
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister is set to embark on a historic multi-nation tour from July 2 to July 9, marking a series of firsts and revitalizing India's global partnerships. The tour will see the PM visiting Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with a focus on enhancing bilateral relations and participating in the Brics summits. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ghana: First PM visit in 30 years; focus on trade, energy, and defence Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ghana on July 2-3 will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, reflecting the importance of this West African nation in India's foreign policy. The visit aims to bolster economic, energy, and defense collaborations, as well as development cooperation. Discussions with Ghanaian President will focus on strengthening ties and enhancing India's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Trinidad & Tobago: Strengthening historical ties Continuing his tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, marking the first Prime Ministerial visit to the Caribbean nation since 1999. Invited by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Modi will engage in talks with both the President and Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago. The visit is expected to rejuvenate the deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries, with Modi addressing a Joint Session of the Parliament. Argentina: Expanding strategic partnerships On July 4-5, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Argentina, where he will meet President Javier Milei. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in defense, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and trade. This visit is poised to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Argentina, reflecting a commitment to mutual growth and collaboration. Brazil: Brics Summit and state visit PM Modi's visit to Brazil from July 5-8 will be marked by his participation in the 17th Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The summit will address global governance reforms, climate action, and economic matters. Following the summit, PM will engage in a State Visit to Brasilia, where discussions with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will focus on broadening the strategic partnership in trade, defense, and technology. Namibia: Reaffirming historical ties On his last leg of the tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit Namibia on July 9, marking his first visit to the country. The visit will include bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and a homage to Namibia's Founding Father, Dr. Sam Nujoma. PM Modi's address at the Namibian Parliament is set to reiterate India's commitment to its historical ties with Namibia.
3 hours ago
- Politics
Togo rocked by protests over reforms that could extend President Gnassingbé's rule
LOME, Togo -- Protesters and security forces clashed for a second straight day on Friday in Togo's capital Lomé over recent constitutional reforms that could cement President Faure Gnassingbé's long hold on power. Videos emerged showing apparent abuses by security forces. Police fired tear gas in several neighborhoods of Lomé and reportedly used batons to beat protesters, severely injuring some, according to footage that appears to be from the scene. Some videos showed what seem to be security units entering homes and assaulting residents with whips and clubs, while groups of men in plain clothes, believed to be auxiliary forces or self-defense units, patrolled parts of the capital with weapons in hand. 'We strongly condemn the violence with which unarmed protesters have been met,' Professor David Dosseh, spokesman for a coalition of a dozen civil society groups, told The Associated Press. Internet access across the West African nation has been restricted, with social media platforms functioning intermittently. Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government's clampdown on protests early this month. Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers. The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be re-elected by Parliament indefinitely. Gnassingbe's former job as national president, a position that is now mostly ceremonial, was given to politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove after the announcement. Opposition politicians have denounced the move as a 'constitutional coup.' Demonstrations are rare in Togo because they have been banned in the country since 2022 following a deadly attack at Lome's main market.
South Wales Argus
4 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds praises armed forces
Nick Thomas-Symonds, who represents Torfaen, attended the national flag-raising ceremony at New Palace Yard in Westminster to mark the start of Armed Forces Week. The ceremony, held on Monday, June 23, marked the beginning of a week of national events. Mr Thomas-Symonds said: "It was a solemn privilege to represent Torfaen at the Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony in Parliament. "We're incredibly proud of our Armed Forces community here in Torfaen, so during Armed Forces Week, it's important to show our support and thank those who protect our nation." The event was attended by MPs, military personnel, and Ukrainian defence minister Rustem Umerov. Speeches were given by Air Commodore Philip Wadlow and defence secretary John Healey. A similar ceremony took place at Pontypool's Civic Centre. Councillor Gaynor James, Torfaen's Armed Forces champion, said: "It was an honour to speak at Torfaen Council's flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Week. "Our Armed Forces community – both those currently serving and have served previously – have given so much to our country, and it's incredibly important we provide them the support necessary." She said she would continue working to ensure the armed forces community is supported across the borough.
