Latest United Kingdom government News

Lessons from the elections held in 70 countries in 2024

Dec. 30, 2024 07:53 AM EST

LONDON (AP) — When voters around the globe had their say in 2024, their message was often: “You’re fired.” Some 70 countries that are home to half the world’s population held elections this year, and in many incumbents were punished. From India and the United States to...

3 die off northern France coast in a Channel crossing attempt

Dec. 29, 2024 12:27 PM EST

PARIS (AP) — At least three migrants died early Sunday while attempting to cross the English Channel to Britain from northern France, authorities said. The deaths were confirmed after an early morning rescue operation involving French emergency services and the navy’s “Dauphin” helicopter. ...

Brother of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has died at 60

Dec. 27, 2024 10:54 AM EST

LONDON (AP) — The younger brother of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has died, Downing Street said in a statement Friday. Nick Starmer, who was 60, had cancer and died Thursday. The prime minister, who is 62, paid tribute to his brother, describing him as a “wonderful...

Today in History: December 26, massive earthquake triggers Asian Tsunami

Dec. 26, 2024 00:09 AM EST

Today is Thursday, Dec. 26, the 361st day of 2024. There are five days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet (30 meters) high, killing an estimated 230,000...

US and UK criticize Pakistani military court convictions of civilian supporters of Imran Khan

Dec. 24, 2024 11:00 AM EST

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The United States and the United Kingdom have expressed concern over convictions imposed by Pakistani military courts to 25 civilian supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan over their alleged involvement in riots last year. The convictions had previously...

Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists

Dec. 24, 2024 06:56 AM EST

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests. According to the warrants, the six are wanted for national security...

Trump taps 'Apprentice' producer, Mark Burnett, as special envoy to the United Kingdom

Dec. 21, 2024 17:57 PM EST

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to a national television audience with “The Apprentice,” is being tapped by the president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his upcoming administration. “With a...

Veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson named UK ambassador to the US

Dec. 20, 2024 12:34 PM EST

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Friday that veteran Labour Party politician Peter Mandelson will be the U.K.'s next ambassador to Washington, a rare appointment for someone outside the diplomatic corps. Mandelson, who served in senior posts in the...

Veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson set to be named UK ambassador to the US

Dec. 19, 2024 16:09 PM EST

LONDON (AP) — Veteran U.K. Labour Party politician Peter Mandelson will be Britain's next ambassador to Washington, people familiar with the decision said Thursday. Mandelson, who served in senior posts in the governments of former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, is...

Elon Musk considers funding Nigel Farage's populist party, a move that could shake up UK politics

Dec. 19, 2024 11:08 AM EST

LONDON (AP) — It’s a photo that sent a tremor through British politics: Elon Musk flanked by British politician Nigel Farage and a wealthy backer, in front of a gilt-framed painting of a young Donald Trump. Taken this week at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, the image...