This Month
‘It’s a matter of sovereignty’: PM not for turning on defence
Anthony Albanese has no intention of being dictated to on defence spending, by the US or anyone else.
UK to spend billions on drones, nuclear subs for war readiness
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced major spending plans, saying the country was facing more serious threats than at any time since the Cold War.
Minimum wage to rise; ‘Fix Swiss cheese AI rules’; TACO trade danger
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
The plight of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai shames us all
The founder of the pro-democracy “Apple Daily” newspaper has been held in solitary confinement for 4½ years. It is time to turn sympathy into action, and words into meaningful measures.
UK to build 12 attack submarines in move to war-ready footing
A long-awaited strategic defence review will urge Sir Keir Starmer to keep his pledges on higher military spending.
May
Britain is a mess and its citizens know it
The people are angry, despondent, and ready for change. But what does change look like? Could it be a Nigel Farage takeover of the Conservative leadership?
No Coalition deal; What to do if RBA cuts; Dimon blasts investors
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Britain resets trade and defence ties with EU
At the heart of the deal is a defence and security pact that could allow British defence companies to take part in a $262 billion program to rearm Europe.
France accuses enemies of fake news after ‘cocaine bag’ claims
President Emmanuel Macron’s office hit back after a humble tissue became the centre of an online ‘fake news’ meme about European leaders using drugs.
A dark shadow looms over Trump’s attempt to woo the Middle East
Israel and the Gulf states are watching warily as the US president takes on Iran’s fanatics in a game of nuclear brinkmanship.
Britain plans tightening visa rules to slash migration
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to reduce migration to Britain in response to concerns over the pressure this is placing on public services.
Putin offers ‘serious talks’ with Ukraine but skirts truce
The Russian president proposed direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 that should be aimed at bringing a durable peace, an initiative welcomed by Donald Trump.
If Trump’s UK trade pact is a win, what does a loss look like?
Despite talk of an “extraordinary” and “comprehensive” agreement, a free-trade deal this is not.
Trump to announce first trade deal
The framework agreement would be the first deal announced since the president imposed stiff tariffs on dozens of America’s trading partners.
Nigel Farage wins key election in blow to Starmer
The Donald Trump ally hailed his party’s byelection win in a traditional heartland area for Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
What Australia’s election winner should learn from Keir Starmer
The British government admits the “UK has been regulating for risk, but not regulating for growth”. Could Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers ever utter such words for Australia?
April
Mark Carney won, but there will be no honeymoon
The newly elected PM told Canadians he was the right person to stand up to Donald Trump and boost the country’s lacklustre economy. Now he has to do it.
Carney shows dignity matters most in combating Trump
Famously commonsensical Canada reminds us that some things – patriotism, dignity – can be valued higher than short-term economic growth.
Hushed chats, willful snubs: Geopolitics on show at Pope’s funeral
Dozens of leaders from around the world gathered for the pontiff’s funeral, but all eyes were on Donald Trump to see who he would greet and who he might avoid.
Who will attend Pope Francis’ funeral?
Cardinals met at the Vatican on Tuesday to schedule proceedings, and plan the conclave to elect his successor, as world leaders prepared to pay their respects.