German elections: Merz signals need for ‘independence’ from US February 24, 2025 Friedrich Merz, who is set to become the new German chancellor, has vowed to prioritise European unity and “independence” from the US. The snap German election, which saw the Conservative CDU/CSU alliance win with 28.6 per cent of the vote, came as Europe grapples with US President Donald Trump and Russia’s war on Ukraine. Merz, [...]
Defence spending: 2.5 per cent of GDP is ‘ambitious,’ minister says February 23, 2025 Raising UK defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national income is “ambitious”, a cabinet minister has insisted as the government faces pressure to increase investment. It comes amid uncertainty over the future of the war in Ukraine, as the US began negotiations with Russia, excluding Kyiv from talks. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson sought to [...]
UK to unveil new Russia sanctions to mark three years of Ukraine war February 23, 2025 The UK will unveil new sanctions to “turn the screws” on Russia as it marks three years since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. David Lammy said he would announce the sanctions, which he called the largest package of measures since the early days of the conflict, on Monday to coincide with the anniversary. The foreign secretary [...]
Starmer to set date to increase defence spending during Trump visit – report February 23, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer is expected to confirm a timeline to raise defence spending and give Donald Trump an invitation for a state visit when he visits Washington next week, per a report. The Prime Minister will have to walk a tricky line when he meets President Trump, balancing the UK’s support for Ukraine with the [...]
NATO members will ‘fight together’ if needed, defence secretary says February 20, 2025 NATO member states will “fight together” if needed, the UK’s defence secretary has pledged during a visit to Norway. John Healey told a press conference with his Norwegian counterpart Tore Sandvik that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “wants to divide NATO” and “wants to divide Europe” as he warned that a ceasefire in Ukraine “must not [...]
Nigel Farage ‘hands ownership of Reform UK to members’, says party February 20, 2025 Nigel Farage has “handed over ownership of Reform UK to its members”, the party has said. The Clacton MP previously said that he was “relinquishing” control of the company as he pledged to “change the structure” and give members ownership of the organisation. It comes as Farage responded to US President Donald Trump’s remarks on [...]
To defeat our enemies, the West must remember how it won the Cold War February 20, 2025 A system that funded defence initiatives while simultaneously delivering prosperity showed up the Soviet Union for what it was. Economic freedom is our most powerful weapon, says Matthew Lesh How did the West win the Cold War? This question loomed over European leaders this week as they met at an emergency summit in Paris to [...]
Healey urges ‘maximum pressure’ on Putin, as Trump blames war on Ukraine February 19, 2025 The defence secretary John Healey has warned that forgetting about the war in Ukraine while talks take place between the US and Russia risks “jeopardising the peace”. It came as Healey countered US President Donald Trump’s claim that Kyiv started the conflict amid a visit to Norway, near its border with Russia. The cabinet minister [...]
UK defence stocks soar ahead of European summit on Ukraine February 17, 2025 Shares in UK weapons manufacturers have soared today as leaders from across the continent convene for an emergency meeting in Paris to discuss the war in Ukraine. “We’re facing a generational challenge when it comes to national security,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer before heading to the meeting, adding that he was “ready and willing” [...]
Bill Browder: ‘Bad bet’ to return to Russia after ceasefire February 17, 2025 Firms that choose to re-open operations in Russia after a peace agreement has been reached would be “making a bad bet” and “deserve to lose their money”, a former hedge fund manager dubbed ‘Putin’s number one enemy’ has said. Speaking to City AM from the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Sir Bill Browder launched a scathing [...]