Trump Casts Doubt On Whether Tony Blair Will Help Run Gaza After All

Trump Casts Doubt On Whether Tony Blair Will Help Run Gaza After All

Tony Blair has been lined up for a key role in Gaza's future. Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether Tony Blair will play a role in running Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war is over. The former prime minister has been lined up for a place on a so-called “board of peace” which would oversee the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory. But speaking to reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump questioned whether Blair would be a “popular” choice. He said: “I like Tony, I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody. “I want to find out that Tony would be popular with all because I just don’t know that.” The revelation that Blair could be involved at all sparked criticism when it was announced last week, given the key role he played in the invasion of Iraq in 2003. His justification for the war was that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, claims which later turned out to be false. Labour MP Sarah Champion told Bloomberg: “Tony Blair has history in the Middle East and that means he does not come to the table in a neutral role, but with baggage. It should be up to the Palestinian people to decide if that makes him a good or bad advocate.” Even health secretary Wes Streeting admitted that Blair’s role would “raise eyebrows”, while prime minister Keir Starmer has been noticeably reluctant to welcome the move. The UN Special Rapporteur of occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albannese, wrote on X: “Tony Blair? Hell no. Hands off Palestine. Shall we meet in The Hague perhaps?” Related... What You Need To Know About Trump And Blair's Plan For 'Eternal Peace' In Gaza 'She's Delusional': US Ambassador Rejects Bridget Phillipson's Claim UK Played Key Role In Gaza Peace Deal Trump Declares 'The War Is Over' As Israel Waits For Hostages To Return

UK charities say toxic immigration rhetoric leading to threats against staff

UK charities say toxic immigration rhetoric leading to threats against staff

Voluntary organisations forced to introduce extensive security measures to protect staff and property Charities have warned of growing racial abuse, intimidation and threats of violence towards their staff and beneficiaries amid increasingly toxic rhetoric around immigration and race by politicians and extremist activists. Voluntary organisations say they are being forced to introduce extensive security measures to protect staff and property – a trend described by one charity head as in danger of becoming the “new normal” – after being targeted. Continue reading...

One of Europe’s biggest farm machinery firms halts US exports over ‘hidden’ tariffs

One of Europe’s biggest farm machinery firms halts US exports over ‘hidden’ tariffs

Krone says ‘alarming’ levies on about 400 goods including hair dryers and combine harvesters have forced pause One of Europe’s biggest farm machinery companies, Krone, has been forced to pause exports of large equipment to the US because of “alarming” and little-known new tariffs that are hitting hundreds of products from knitting needles and hair dryers to combine harvesters. Among the products on the steel derivatives list drawn up in consultation with US manufacturers, Donald Trump is taxing 407 specific products ranging from tiny embroidery stilettos to cooker hoods, barbecues, fridges, freezers, dishwashers, hair curling tongs, grills, elevators, bridge and railway structures, agriculture equipment and wind turbines. Continue reading...

All beliefs are welcome in London – we cannot allow extremists to divide us | Sadiq Khan

All beliefs are welcome in London – we cannot allow extremists to divide us | Sadiq Khan

Attacks against Jewish and Muslim communities are on the rise, and some politicians are exacerbating tensions by appealing to our worst instincts Sadiq Khan is mayor of London For the first time in three years, hate crime in England and Wales is on the rise. The latest statistics released by the Home Office, showing religiously motivated offences at a record level, are deeply disturbing. But for those who have witnessed some of the appalling scenes on our city’s streets in recent months, they will not be surprising. Over the past two years, Jewish people have faced a rising tide of antisemitism, and the heinous terrorist attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur was a terrible reminder of just how pervasive this poisonous form of hatred continues to be. Between January and June, the Community Security Trust reported more than 1,500 antisemitic incidents. A survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research found that 35% of Jewish people feel unsafe in the UK. Sadiq Khan is the mayor of London Continue reading...

MPs highlight plight of Gaza students unable to come to UK with children

MPs highlight plight of Gaza students unable to come to UK with children

Politicians write to ministers about Palestinians who cannot take up scholarships because they are barred from bringing families A cross-party group of more than 100 MPs has written to the government, highlighting the plight of Palestinian students unable to take up scholarships at UK universities because they have been barred from bringing their children. The British government has now evacuated from Gaza almost 60 scholars with fully funded university places and more are expected soon, but others have been forced to abandon their plans in order to remain with their families. Continue reading...