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☆ England’s Local Elections and Their Wider Significance, Explained
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Megan Specia | More About Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Voters in England and Wales will cast ballots for mayors, council members and police commissioners on Thursday. And while the elections will, of course, focus on local issues like garbage collection and public safety, this vote is expected to have broader significance. Local elections, by their nature, are about who leads communities and ensures the delivery of certain public services. The Conservatives face a fierce challenge from the opposition Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer. About one-third of England’s council seats are being contested on Thursday, and 10 mayoral seats in major English metro areas, home to about a third of Britain’s population, are also up for election.

Persons: Rishi Sunak’s, Keir Starmer Organizations: Conservative Party, Conservatives, Labour Party, Labour Locations: England, Wales

☆ Asylum Seekers Already in U.K. Say Rwanda Law Creates New Anxiety
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Megan Specia | Emma Bubola | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

On a cold spring day last month, Mohsen, a 36-year-old from Iran, woke before dawn and was hurried by smugglers onto a rubber boat on the coast of France. The water was calm and the sky clear, but he knew the risks of the journey he was about to make, he said. Since 2018, at least 72 people have drowned in the Channel while attempting crossings, according to the International Organization for Migration. He fled Iran, he said, because police officers came to his home last year threatening to arrest him after he took part in anti-government protests. And he boarded the boat even though he knew about the British government’s plan to deport some asylum seekers to the central African country of Rwanda, which was first announced in 2022.

Persons: Mohsen Organizations: Channel, International Organization for Migration Locations: Iran, France, Britain, Rwanda

☆ What is the Rwanda Policy? U.K.’s Plan for Asylum Seekers Explained
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

After a prolonged battle in the courts and in Parliament, Britain’s Conservative government secured passage of legislation on Monday that is intended to allow the country to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. The legislation is intended to override a Supreme Court ruling last year that deemed the plan to send asylum seekers to the African nation unlawful. The judges ruled that Rwanda was not a safe country in which refugees could resettle or have their asylum cases heard. The Rwanda plan, which has become a flagship policy of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at a time when his party’s approval ratings have floundered, now seems closer than ever to becoming a reality. But critics say it raises profound questions about the rule of law and the separation of powers in Britain, and could impact thousands of asylum seekers.

Persons: Rishi Sunak, “ Organizations: Conservative Locations: Rwanda, Britain

☆ Prince Harry Now Officially Resident in U.S., Documents Show
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The document filed on Wednesday at Britain’s corporate registrar, Companies House, was just a few lines long. But its purpose was to formally update the country of residency for one “Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex” — otherwise known as Prince Harry. For years, Harry and his American wife, Meghan, have considered California home. The document updated the residency of the British royal to the United States for official paperwork for his business Travalyst Limited, a nonprofit sustainable travel initiative. Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito, Calif., after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, amid a rift with the royal family.

Persons: Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke, Sussex, Prince Harry, Harry, Meghan, Windsor Organizations: Companies, Sussex ” Locations: California, United States, Montecito, Calif

☆ How London Became a ‘Hot Spot’ for Threats Against Iranian Journalists
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Iranian journalists in London have experienced death threats, intimidation and online abuse. One broadcaster working for BBC Persian, the Persian language branch of the BBC World Service, which has its headquarters in London, had her car broken into, and her conversations with family members were tapped. And last month, Pouria Zeraati, a newscaster with Iran International, a Persian-language opposition TV channel that operates from Britain, was stabbed in the leg outside his London apartment. The three suspected perpetrators of that attack traveled to Heathrow Airport and left the country within hours, according to the Metropolitan Police Service, which is responsible for policing in London. But experts say these targeted incidents are part of a frightening pattern of physical attacks, threats, and surveillance that have become a reality for many Iranian journalists working abroad.

Persons: Pouria, Mr, Zeraati Organizations: BBC, BBC World Service, Iran International, Heathrow Airport, Metropolitan Police Service Locations: London, Britain

☆ U.S. Lays Out Protections for Assange if He Is Extradited
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The possibility that Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, could be extradited to the United States seemed to edge closer on Tuesday, after American officials sent assurances to British authorities that he would not face the death penalty or be persecuted for his nationality, and that he could seek First Amendment protections. The assurances were the latest turn in a prolonged legal battle over the extradition of Mr. Assange, who has been indicted by the United States for violating the Espionage Act by publishing classified documents. Mr. Assange, 52, was the head of WikiLeaks in 2010 when it published tens of thousands of classified military and diplomatic documents leaked by Chelsea Manning, an Army intelligence analyst. He has been held in a high-security British prison since the charges were filed in 2019. The charges raised questions about First Amendment issues, and some saw them as a threat to press freedom.

Persons: Julian Assange, Assange, Biden, Assange’s, Chelsea Manning Organizations: WikiLeaks, British, Embassy Locations: United States, Australia, U.S, London

☆ Assange’s Wife Expresses Cautious Hope as Biden Suggests U.S. Might Drop Case
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Five years after Julian Assange, theWikiLeaks founder, was first imprisoned in a high-security facility in Britain while fighting a United States extradition request, the Biden administration has given the clearest signal to date that it might drop its prosecution of him. But Mr. Assange’s wife said on Thursday that her hopes were tempered by the reality that his extradition case had reached a critical moment. “It’s been five years, and he’s at the closest he’s ever been to extradition now,” his wife, Stella Assange, said in an interview, adding, “Obviously with a comment like this from the president, it’s a good sign and we receive it with hope. But, you know, that doesn’t stop us from dreading the worst.”President Biden, when asked by a reporter on Wednesday about a request from Australia, Mr. Assange’s home country, that he be allowed to return there, replied, “We’re considering it.” Those three words offered the suggestion that the United States might no longer pursue Mr. Assange on charges under the Espionage Act over WikiLeaks’ publishing of tens of thousands of secret military and diplomatic documents more than a decade ago.

Persons: Julian Assange, theWikiLeaks, Biden, Assange’s, “ It’s, ”, Stella Assange, it’s, “, Assange Organizations: United, WikiLeaks Locations: Britain, United States, Australia

☆ Simon Harris Is About to Become Ireland’s Youngest Leader. Who Is He?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Simon Harris was three years into a university degree when he dropped out in 2008. On Tuesday, at 37, he is set to become the Republic of Ireland’s youngest ever head of government, the culmination of a swift political rise to a post he has long aspired to. “He’s always been hungry for this role,” said David Farrell, a professor of politics at University College Dublin, noting that although Mr. Harris was young, he was not lacking in political experience. “His career has been short, but it’s been meteoric.”But Mr. Harris will reach the top at a moment when his center-right party, Fine Gael, has stagnated in the polls. And unless he can revive its fortunes, his time as premier may also be short-lived.

Persons: Simon Harris, Harris, HotPress, “ He’s, ”, David Farrell, “, it’s Organizations: University College Dublin, Fine Gael Locations: Irish, County Wicklow, Dublin, Republic of Ireland’s

☆ Assange Extradition On Hold Until U.S. Gives More Assurances
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The High Court in London ruled on Tuesday that Julian Assange, the embattled WikiLeaks founder, cannot be immediately extradited to the United States, saying American authorities must offer assurances about his treatment first, including over his First Amendment rights and protection from the death penalty. The decision had been highly anticipated as the moment the court would decide if Mr. Assange had exhausted his challenges within British courts. Instead, in a nuanced decision, two judges determined that clarity on his fate would again be on hold. In their ruling, the two High Court judges said that the court “will grant leave to appeal” on narrow grounds, “unless a satisfactory assurance is provided by the government of the United States of America.”The court has given the United States three weeks “to give satisfactory assurances” that Mr. Assange “is permitted to rely on the First Amendment to the United States Constitution (which protects free speech), that he is not prejudiced at trial (including sentence) by reason of his nationality, that he is afforded the same First Amendment protections as a United States citizen and that the death penalty is not imposed.”

Persons: Julian Assange, Assange, ”, Assange “ Organizations: Court, WikiLeaks, United, United States Constitution Locations: London, United States, United States of America

☆ Julian Assange Extradition Appeal Decision: What Could Happen?
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Emma Bubola | Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Two British judges are set to decide on Tuesday whether Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, will be granted the right to appeal an extradition order to the United States, where he is facing charges under the Espionage Act. In April 2022, a London court ordered his extradition to the United States. Last month, two High Court judges heard Mr. Assange’s final bid for an appeal. Mr. Assange is allowed to appeal. In this case, Mr. Assange would be allowed to have a full appeals case heard in front of the British court on new grounds.

Persons: Julian Assange, Assange, Priti Patel, Britain’s, Assange’s Organizations: WikiLeaks Locations: United States, London

☆ ‘Just a Human’: Londoners Offer Sympathy on Princess’s Cancer Diagnosis
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Megan Specia | More About Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The morning after Britain finally got some answers about what had kept Catherine, Princess of Wales, away from public view — that she is receiving treatment for cancer — the handful of news cameras set up on Saturday outside Kensington Palace were the only suggestion that anything was amiss. The sun shone as Londoners went out for their morning runs in the surrounding park, children biked under budding trees and tourists waited for the famed palace, where Catherine and her family live, to open its doors to visitors. As news of her illness filtered out after weeks of speculation and suspicion, many expressed their shock and concern for a well-liked member of the British royal family who is in line to one day be queen. Many also seemed to want to throw a protective arm around a woman whose every move has been scrutinized in her marriage to Prince William. “I just hope for the best for her,” said Helen Mercer, 68, who was reading a book on a bench near the palace.

Persons: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, “, ”, Helen Mercer Organizations: Britain Locations: Kensington

☆ How Anti-Immigrant Anger Has Divided a Small Irish Town
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

On a cold January afternoon in Roscrea, a market town of around 5,500 people in rural Ireland, news began to spread that the town’s only remaining hotel would close temporarily — to provide housing for 160 asylum seekers. Almost immediately, speculation and anger began to swirl online. Posts to a local Facebook group blamed the closure on the government and on “non-nationals” moving in. That night, dozens of people showed up for an improvised protest that has divided the town and become a monthslong symbol of growing anti-immigration sentiment across Ireland. A small group of locals have kept a constant presence in the hotel parking lot since then, using a tent as protection from the rain and a metal drum as a firepit.

Persons: ” Locations: Roscrea, Ireland

☆ A Sudden Turn in Voter Sentiment Helped Quash Changes to Ireland’s Constitution
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In early February, as a referendum approached that had been called by Ireland’s coalition government to consider two proposals to alter the country’s Constitution, polls showed that a clear majority of voters intended to support it. Many analysts assumed it would be the latest in a series of votes in recent years amending the country’s 1930s-era Constitution to reflect Ireland’s increasingly secular and liberal identity. But as the day of the referendum, held to coincide with International Women’s Day, drew closer, public opinion seemed to turn, with polls showing support for the “yes” vote plummeting. When voters cast their ballots on Friday, they delivered a definitive “no” to both proposed amendments — one to change long-criticized language about women’s duties being in the home and another to broaden the definition of family beyond marriage. The outcome dealt a blow to a government hoping for an easy victory.

Organizations: Ireland’s

☆ Ireland Rejects Constitution Changes, Keeping ‘Women in the Home’ Language
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Voters in Ireland have rejected two proposed changes to the country’s Constitution that would have removed language about women’s duties being in the home and broadened the definition of family beyond marriage. The results, announced on Saturday, were an unexpected defeat for equality campaigners and for Leo Varadkar, the taoiseach, or prime minister. Mr. Varadkar, speaking late Saturday afternoon after most of the votes had been counted, said that it was clear that the proposals had been defeated, and that the government respected the results. “As head of government and on behalf of the government, we accept responsibility for the result,” he said. “It was our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote ‘Yes,’ and we clearly failed to do so.”

Persons: Leo Varadkar, ” Locations: Ireland

☆ Vaccination Rates Dipped for Years. Now, There’s a Measles Outbreak in Britain.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The 5-year-old looked nervously at her older brothers, scanning their faces for any sign of distress as needles were swiftly stuck into their upper arms, the syringe plungers pushed in and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine administered. Whether it was for her benefit or not, they barely flinched. Then it was her turn. “It’s what we have to do, and it’s important to do,” Mr. Nnagbo said. And it was easy, you could just walk in.”

Persons: Michael Nnagbo, Mr, Nnagbo, “, ” Organizations: Oma Nnagbo Locations: Wolverhampton, England’s West Midlands, Birmingham

☆ London Police Should Not Have Hired Officer Who Killed Woman, Inquiry Finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

An inquiry published Thursday into the murder of a young woman three years ago by a London police officer — a case that rattled Britain and set off a broader reckoning in the country about violence against women — has found that the police force missed signs of a troubling past that should have prevented him from being hired. The woman, Sarah Everard, 33, was abducted, raped and murdered in March 2021 by Wayne Couzens, a member of London’s Metropolitan Police Service. Mr. Couzens was later sentenced to life in prison for the killing. “Wayne Couzens was never fit to be a police officer. Police leaders need to be sure there isn’t another Couzens operating in plain sight.”

Persons: —, Sarah Everard, Wayne Couzens, Couzens, Everard’s, ” Elish, “ Wayne Couzens Organizations: London’s Metropolitan Police Service, Police Locations: London’s

☆ Belfast Court Rules Against Granting Immunity for ‘Troubles’ Violence
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A Belfast court ruled on Wednesday that a new British law granting people immunity from prosecution for crimes committed during Northern Ireland’s bloody sectarian conflict — known as the Troubles — would be a breach of human rights. The British government introduced the legislation, known as the Legacy Act, last year, aiming to “promote reconciliation” in the region, despite opposition from every political party there. Crucially, the law also includes provisions for conditional amnesty for people suspected of crimes committed during the Troubles, including serious offenses. Wednesday’s decision, by the High Court in Belfast, was the result of a judicial review that it carried out after victims and families affected by the Troubles brought the issue to the court. Judge Adrian Colton, who delivered the ruling, said he believed that granting immunity from prosecution under the act would breach the European Convention on Human Rights.

Persons: Adrian Colton Organizations: High, Human Rights Locations: Belfast, Northern

☆ Developers Who Leveled ‘Britain’s Wonkiest Pub’ Ordered to Rebuild
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Crooked House, a pub in England’s West Midlands that was demolished last year after a suspicious fire, could soon be rising from the rubble after its owners were ordered to restore the pub to its former lopsided glory. The tavern, known as “Britain’s wonkiest pub” for its slanting walls and floors, was sold to a private developer in July 2023. Around two weeks later, the pub caught fire in a suspected arson attack and the developers who had bought it brought in the bulldozers. With the support of local politicians, they launched a public campaign to see the building restored and someone held accountable for its destruction. South Staffordshire Council, the local authority for the area where the pub once stood, on Tuesday ordered the owners to rebuild the pub within three years, restoring it using original materials and with its original character maintained.

Organizations: South, South Staffordshire Council Locations: England’s West Midlands, South Staffordshire

☆ ‘Beginning of the End’ as Assange Case Returns to Court
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Since 2019, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been held in a high security prison in southeast London while his lawyers fight a U.S. extradition order. Now, that particular battle may be nearing its end. On Tuesday, Mr. Assange’s case returned to a British court for a two-day hearing that will determine whether he has exhausted his right to appeal within the U.K. and whether he could be one step closer to being sent to the United States. Image Julian Assange leaving Westminster Magistrates Court in London in 2020. A High Court hearing this week will determine whether he has exhausted his right to appeal in the U.K. Credit... Henry Nicholls/ReutersMr. Assange did not appear before the court, declining to attend virtually because of ill health, according to his lawyers, but dozens of protesters gathered outside, demanding his release.

Persons: Julian Assange, Assange’s, Henry Nicholls, Assange Organizations: WikiLeaks, Court, Credit, Reuters Locations: London, U.S, United States, Westminster

☆ ‘Feel a Bit Like Gulliver’: Peek Inside a 100-Year-Old Royal Dolls’ House
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The silver crown is set with diamonds. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds and seed pearls are peppered through the design. And the red velvet cap inside would be fit to cushion the head of a monarch. Scrutiny of Britain’s royal family was supercharged this past week by the announcement of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis, which followed the hospitalization of Catherine, Princess of Wales, in January. But while the modern monarchy finds itself under a sometimes unwelcome microscope, the dolls’ house has for a century allowed visitors to peer inside the rooms of a palace — albeit at a tiny scale.

Persons: Mary’s, King Charles III’s, Catherine , Princess of Organizations: Imperial State Crown Locations: Windsor Castle, London, Catherine , Princess of Wales

☆ King Charles Appears in Public for First Time Since Cancer Announcement
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Megan Specia | More About Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

King Charles III on Sunday was seen publicly for the first time since Buckingham Palace announced last week that he was being treated for cancer, strolling into a church on the royal Sandringham estate where he has his residence. Charles, 74, waved and smiled at well-wishers who had gathered nearby to capture a glimpse of the monarch as news cameras flashed. He walked alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, before heading into the 11 a.m. service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. Later, both the king and queen smiled and waved for the cameras as they headed back to their home at Sandringham House. In a message released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday, King Charles thanked the public for supporting him since the news of his cancer diagnosis was announced.

Persons: King Charles III, Charles, Queen Camilla, Mary Magdalene, Buckingham, King Charles Organizations: Buckingham, Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham House Locations: Sandringham, St

☆ Northern Ireland Has a Sinn Fein Leader. It’s a Landmark Moment.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

As Michelle O’Neill walked down the marble staircase in Northern Ireland’s Parliament building on Saturday, she appeared confident and calm. She smiled briefly as applause erupted from supporters, but her otherwise serious gaze conveyed the gravity of the moment. The political party she represents, Sinn Fein, was shaped by the decades-long, bloody struggle of Irish nationalists in the territory who dreamed of reuniting with the Republic of Ireland and undoing the 1921 partition that has kept Northern Ireland under British rule. Now, for the first time, a Sinn Fein politician holds Northern Ireland’s top political office, a landmark moment for the party and for the broader region as a power-sharing government is restored. “I would never ask anyone to move on, but what I can ask is for us to move forward.”

Persons: Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein, Ms, O’Neill, ” Organizations: Northern, Sinn Fein Locations: Northern Ireland’s, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

☆ U.K. High Court Throws Out Trump Dossier Privacy Case
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Megan Specia | More About Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The High Court in London decided on Thursday that a lawsuit filed by Donald J. Trump against Christopher Steele, a former British spy who compiled a dossier in 2016 detailing unproven claims of links between the former president and Russia, would be thrown out. The lawsuit was brought by Mr. Trump against Orbis Business Intelligence, Mr. Steele’s firm. Mr. Steele had compiled the dossier and it was leaked to the press shortly before he was sworn in as president. In the decision, handed down virtually on Thursday morning, the court ruled that Mr. Trump “has no reasonable grounds for bringing a claim for compensation or damages, and no real prospect of successfully obtaining such a remedy.”The judge, Karen Steyn, said she had “not considered, or made any determination, as to the accuracy or inaccuracy” of the dossier, and noted that Mr. Trump had said the allegations were “wholly untrue.”

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Christopher Steele, Steele, Trump “, Karen Steyn, “ Organizations: Court, Mr, Orbis Business Intelligence Locations: London, British, Russia

☆ Britain’s Foreign Secretary Signals Willingness to Recognize Palestinian State Sooner
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

David Cameron, Britain’s foreign secretary, has signaled that Britain is willing to move up conversations about formally recognizing a Palestinian state, saying that his country and other allies should show Palestinians “irreversible progress” toward that long-sought goal. A top priority “is to give the Palestinian people a political horizon so that they can see that there is going to be irreversible progress to a two-state solution and crucially the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Mr. Cameron said, according to the BBC, which reported his remarks. On Tuesday, a spokesman for the prime minister said that Mr. Cameron’s comments were not a departure from the government’s longstanding position about a Palestinian state. “Our position has not changed on recognition of a Palestinian state: We would do so at a time that best serves the cause of peace,” the spokesman said. “The U.K. for its part, and I think along with its allies, continues to believe that a two-state solution protects the peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Persons: David Cameron, Cameron, ”, Cameron’s, Mr Organizations: Conservative Middle East Council, Conservative Party Locations: Britain, Palestinian, Israel, London

☆ U.K. to Ban Disposable Vapes in Plan to Combat Use by Children
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Megan Specia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The brightly colored packaging is a slick mix of ombré pink and lime green. The nicotine inside comes wreathed in a “strawberry kiwi” flavor. Increasingly, plastic disposable vapes like this one are making their way into the hands of children, with one in five young people in Britain between the ages of 11 and 17 trying vaping last year, according to Action on Smoking and Health, an independent public health charity. Soon, they will be banned in Britain, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Monday, as he unveiled a package of measures to ban single-use vapes, restrict flavors, and regulate packaging and displays. Britain is following several other nations, and a number of American states, that have already taken steps to curb underage vaping, as the colorful and trendy packaging and fruit or candy flavoring has proved appealing to teenagers and children.

Persons: vaping, Rishi Sunak Locations: Britain

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