Jemima Goldsmith Urges UK PM Andy Burnham to 'Speak Out' for Ex-Husband Imran Khan Jemima Goldsmith, the British-born ex-wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has publicly called on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to intervene in the treatment of her estranged husband, whom she describes as a victim of a human rights crisis. In a tweet posted on X, Goldsmith accused the British government of remaining silent on Khan’s prolonged detention and alleged that his conditions in Pakistani custody have amounted to torture. The plea comes amid renewed concerns about Khan’s health and the ongoing legal battles over his treatment. Goldsmith detailed Khan’s alleged mistreatment, claiming he has been subjected to “brutally penalised” conditions over the past three years. She cited reports of prolonged solitary confinement, which she argued violates the UN Nelson Mandela Rules, as solitary confinement exceeding 15 consecutive days constitutes torture. Khan, 73, has been denied regular contact with his family, access to legal counsel, medical care, and books, according to Goldsmith. She emphasized that his family has been barred from visiting him for nearly ten months, leaving him isolated and deprived of basic human contact. The controversy escalated after Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered Khan to be transferred to a private hospital for comprehensive medical treatment, including access to his personal doctor, family visits, and regular phone calls with his sons. However, the government transferred him to a state-run hospital instead, citing the presence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers outside the private Shifa International Hospital.#imran_khan #pakistan_tehreek_e_insaf #andy_burnham #jemima_goldsmith #ed_miliband
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's provocative remark labeling the United Kingdom as the "Islamic Republic of Britain" has intensified tensions between Israel and the UK’s Labour government, marking a significant escalation in their already strained relationship. The comment, made during an interview on the Israeli podcast Melech Blitzer Haim, came as Netanyahu criticized British media coverage of Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict. He claimed, “Someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic Republic of Britain,” before adding, “We are making sure there won’t be another one here, in Iran.” The remark has drawn sharp condemnation from Jewish community leaders in the UK, who warned against the inflammatory language amid rising concerns about antisemitism and social division. Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Lev, co-leads of the Movement for Progressive Judaism, stated, “Prime Minister Netanyahu does not speak for British Jews. His words do not represent us.” They emphasized that such rhetoric is “dangerous and irresponsible” in a climate where anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism are already causing widespread fear. The incident underscores deepening discord between Israel and the UK, which has grown since the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, took power in 2024. Under Starmer’s leadership, the UK paused free trade negotiations with Israel and suspended some arms export licenses, signaling a shift in diplomatic priorities. The UK has also joined France and Canada in imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli cabinet members Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, further straining ties.#israeli_prime_minister_benjamin_netanyahu #keir_starmer #andy_burnham #united_kingdom_labour_government #movement_for_progressive_judaism
Benjamin Netanyahu Labels UK as 'First Islamic Republic to Get Nuclear Weapon' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced sharp criticism from political rivals and international allies after he described the United Kingdom as “the Islamic republic of Britain” and the “first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon” during a podcast interview. The remarks, which drew condemnation from Israeli opposition figures and Muslim leaders in the UK, came amid growing tensions in the UK-Israel relationship and a broader diplomatic crisis for Israel. Netanyahu’s comments were directed at the UK’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he claimed had led to a “horrific diplomatic failure.” In the interview, he praised journalist Randolph Churchill, the son of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, for his positive coverage of Israel decades ago. He then contrasted that with the UK’s current approach, stating, “Go find that in today’s Britain, in what is called the Islamic republic of Britain.” The remark was interpreted as a veiled attack on the UK’s recent policies toward Israel, particularly under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Burnham, who took office in 2024, has taken a more critical stance toward Israel’s military actions in Gaza compared to his predecessors. Shortly before becoming prime minister, he apologized for Labour’s initial response to the conflict, acknowledging the party “didn’t get it right” and vowing to “do better” under his leadership. Since then, Burnham has pushed for increased pressure on the Israeli government, including sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the conflict and potential restrictions on trade with illegal settlements. The UK’s relationship with Israel has been further complicated by domestic political dynamics.#donald_trump #benjamin_netanyahu #united_kingdom #sadiq_khan #andy_burnham
Wes Streeting Confirms He Will Run for Labour Leadership if Contest Is Triggered Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, has announced he will enter a Labour leadership race if one is triggered, emphasizing the need for a “proper contest” to determine the party’s next leader. Speaking at a conference organized by the Progress thinktank, Streeting outlined his vision for the party, including a call for a “new special relationship” with the European Union and a critique of Keir Starmer’s leadership style. His remarks come amid growing tensions within the Labour Party over its direction and strategy. Streeting argued that the UK’s departure from the EU was a “catastrophic mistake” and suggested a closer ties with Europe could help “rebuild our economy and trade” while improving defense against shared threats like Russian aggression and “America First” policies. He also warned against allowing “siren voices” to dominate Labour’s approach to the next general election, urging the party to avoid “out Reform” or “out Green” tactics. Streeting criticized the spread of misinformation online, accusing the country of “handing the pen to tech moguls in Silicon Valley to write our future for us” and calling for a return to democratic control over national direction. The former health secretary also condemned what he described as Starmer’s “heavy-handed” leadership culture, which he claimed stifled creative policy thinking in government. He criticized Labour’s first two years in power, stating the party “arrived in government underprepared in too many areas and lacking clarity of vision and direction.” Streeting highlighted the impact of antisemitism within the party, arguing it left little room for intellectual renewal or policy debate on the centre-left.#keir_starmer #wes_streeting #tommy_robotson #andy_burnham #progress_thinktank
UK Ex-Health Minister Wes Streeting Announces Leadership Bid Against Starmer Wes Streeting, the former British health secretary who resigned from the government this week, has confirmed he will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the Labour Party leadership contest is triggered. The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on Starmer’s government, which has faced intense scrutiny following a disastrous performance in recent local elections. Streeting, who stepped down from his role as a minister on Thursday, emphasized the need for a “proper contest with the best candidates on the field” and declared his intention to vie for the leadership of the centre-left Labour Party. Streeting’s decision to challenge Starmer follows a series of resignations within the Labour Party, including his own departure from the government. He cited a lack of “confidence” in Starmer’s leadership, accusing the prime minister of leading the party into government “underprepared” and “lacking clarity of vision and direction.” His remarks, reported by the UK’s Guardian newspaper, marked a direct critique of Starmer’s administration. Streeting also endorsed Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, as a top contender for the leadership, calling him “one of the best players on the pitch” and urging Labour members to prioritize his candidacy over factional interests. Burnham, who has already secured support from several Labour MPs, is now positioned to challenge Starmer directly. To do so, Burnham must first win a parliamentary seat in the Makerfield by-election, scheduled for next month. Labour has agreed to allow him to seek election, a move that could reshape the party’s leadership race.#keir_starmer #wes_streeting #andy_burnham #angela_rayner #makerfield_byelection
