US soldiers have been stationed in Taiwan for at least a year, claim US officials
Soldiers from the United States have been training forces in Taiwan for at least a year, new reports have shown. The presence of serving US military on the island of Taiwan undermines agreements made between the USA and mainland China, including the 1979 agreement to sever formal between the USA and Taiwan, and withdraw its forces
Pandora Papers expose dodgy finances of the rich and powerful
On Sunday (3 October), a leaked cache of 11.9 million financial records was published, detailing 14 companies who work to establish offshore corporations and trusts. The leak has revealed the tax-dodging of many of the world’s rich and powerful, including Tony and Cherie Blair, the Queen’s estate, and Conservative co-chair Ben Elliot.
Barbados to ditch the royal family and become a republic
The nation of Barbados has announced its intent to remove the British monarch as its head of state, becoming a republic. By November 30th 2021, the 55th anniversary of Barbados’ independence, a president will be elected as the country’s new head of state.
Starmer faces embarrassment at Labour Conference
Monday (September 27) was an embarrassing day for Labour Leader Keir Starmer, with Labour conference passing motions that defied his own line on the same day as a shadow cabinet resignation.
Spike in gas prices sees energy bills rise and supply chains threatened
UK gas prices have risen dramatically, leaving many energy suppliers bust and our bills ever higher, in a stark demonstration of privatisation’s failures. With prices having increased by 250% since January, many energy suppliers are arguing that they will struggle to cover the increased costs.
Iran joins Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at 21st annual conference
The SCO met for its 21st annual conference on Friday, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where it admitted Iran as the organisation’s ninth full member. The summit brought together heads of state to discuss members’ continued cooperation.
Former French Health Minister charged over failed Coronavirus response
The French government’s former Minister of Health, Agnes Buzyn, has been charged with “endangering the lives of others” over her mishandling of the pandemic.
Public inquiry into Cumbrian coal mining project begins
A public inquiry has begun into the development of the UK’s first deep coal mine in 30 years. The project, run by West Cumbria Mining (WCM), would extract 2.78 million tonnes of coal a year up until 2049, but has been widely criticised for its potential environmental impact.
Japanese Prime Minister to step down amidst disastrous COVID handling
Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has announced his intention to step down as leader of the country’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as his government fails to effectively tackle the spread of Covid-19.
Education Minister attempts to shift Coronavirus burden onto parents
Minister for Education Gavin Williamson has said that it is parents’ responsibility to prevent a new Covid wave when schools open this September, attempting to shift the burden and blame for the virus’ spread away from government to individual citizens.