International
Starmer Announces Resignation as UK Prime Minister Amid Leadership Crisis
…… Rival Andy Burnham Sworn In as new PM
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, bowing to intense internal pressure following a string of poor election results and a direct challenge from within his own party.
In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his decision was made with the national interest in mind. “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first,” he told reporters, confirming he had informed King Charles III of his intention to step down.
The announcement comes on the same day that prominent Labour figure Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading rival to Starmer, is being sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield following a decisive victory in a recent by-election.
Burnham, often dubbed the “King of the North,” is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer. His entry into Parliament clears the path for a potential leadership contest, with expectations of a relatively smooth transition within the Labour Party. Senior government figures have indicated that Starmer is expected to outline a timetable for his departure.
The move marks another period of political instability in the UK, with Starmer becoming the latest in a string of prime ministers in recent years. His premiership, which began after Labour’s landslide victory in 2024, has faced mounting criticism over economic challenges, policy setbacks, and disappointing results in local and by-elections.
Labour insiders hope for a swift resolution to avoid prolonged uncertainty. Burnham has not yet formally declared his candidacy but is seen as a strong unifying figure with broad appeal, particularly in northern England.
Opposition parties have called for stability, while markets are expected to monitor developments closely for any impact on the pound and investor confidence.
Further details on the leadership transition process are anticipated in the coming days.
International
At least 28 killed, 25 critically injured after fire engulfs Bangkok bar
Footage posted online shows panicked customers screaming as they fled – some with their clothes on fire – through the flame-enveloped front door of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao.
A huge fire tore through a bar in Thailand’s capital Bangkok late on Sunday, killing at least 28 people and leaving 25 critically injured, according to BBC.
The blaze started near the stage of the bar in the popular Chatuchak district, then spread rapidly, cutting power and engulfing the room with smoke, eyewitnesses say.
Footage posted online shows panicked customers screaming as they fled – some with their clothes on fire – through the flame-enveloped front door of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao.
Firefighters, who arrived at the scene just after midnight, quickly extinguished the fire. They found the bodies of most of the victims in a bathroom, where they had apparently sought shelter.
“Most of the people who died were found in the toilets. When the fire broke out, they panicked.
There were no lights,” national police chief Kitrat Panphet said.
Kaew-udon Poungppany, 24, from Laos, fought back tears as he described trying to reach his younger brother, who did not survive.
“I grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed it at the door… but I couldn’t go any further. I heard people screaming,” he told journalists.
International
General Hydrocarbons Floors FBN as S’Court Sets Aside Appeal Court Ruling
…..As court Orders Return of Seized Oil Vessel
The Supreme Court has nullified the Court of Appeal’s ruling that permitted the seizure of an oil vessel belonging to General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) to settle a contractual dispute with First Bank of Nigeria (FBN).
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, the apex court ordered the immediate return of the seized vessel and the proceeds from the sale of its contents to GHL, its rightful owner.
The Supreme Court dismissed the case instituted by FBN, declaring that the dispute was purely contractual in nature and did not qualify as a maritime matter. It therefore held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit from the outset.
The apex court faulted both the trial court and the Court of Appeal for assuming jurisdiction over the matter and proceeding to determine it.
The ruling effectively ends the long-running legal battle, delivering a major victory to General Hydrocarbons Limited against the bank.
International
South Africa Anti-Immigration Peaceful Protests To Continue Weekly Till Demands Are Met
A senior reporter, Channel, Africa, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, reported that the anti-immigration protests held across several South African cities remained largely peaceful despite isolated incidents of violence and attempted looting.
The organisers of South Africa anti-immigrant protest have announced that come next week, from Thursday, every Thursday, they will be taking to the streets until the government heeds to their call and ensure that all undocumented nationals leave the country.
A senior reporter, Channel, Africa, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, reported that the anti-immigration protests held across several South African cities remained largely peaceful despite isolated incidents of violence and attempted looting.
She also revealed that organisers intend to continue with weekly demonstrations from next Thursday until their demands are met.
Mahlangu further reported that an inter-ministerial committee comprising ministers within South Africa’s security cluster commended the largely peaceful conduct of the protests while condemning isolated incidents of violence reported across the country.
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