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Badenoch Slams UK PM For Cutting Defence Funding Amid Global Threats

Published

7 months ago

February 23, 2025

The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, has condemned the British government’s decision to cancel the planned increase in defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, calling it “indefensible” amid rising global threats.

In a letter dated February 22, 2025, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failing to act decisively on national security, warning that “these decisions cannot be delayed.”

She argued that with Russia escalating its aggression and former U.S. President Donald Trump insisting that NATO allies contribute more, Britain risks losing its leadership position in global security.

“Your decision to cancel that planned expenditure and reverse the commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent by 2030 is indefensible,” she wrote in the letter, which she also shared on X on Sunday.

She queried, “Why did you think, as it became apparent that Russia was trying to strengthen its hand in the conflict, that cancelling planned increases in defence expenditure up to 2030 was right?”

Badenoch highlighted the worsening security landscape in Europe, stressing that “the threat picture in Europe has worsened.”

She also pointed out the Prime Minister’s apparent contradiction in suggesting that British troops could be deployed in Ukraine while simultaneously refusing to boost military spending.

“And yet, at the same time as offering a major new deployment of British military forces on the frontline with Russia, you refused to accept the case for increasing defence expenditure now,” she stated.

The Opposition leader urged the government to restore the planned spending increase and commit to further defence investments before the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to meet President Trump.

“As a bare minimum, you should adopt the plan sitting on your desk – set out by your predecessor – to fund the increase to 2.5 per cent. And you should announce this before your imminent visit to see President Trump. But you will need to go further and faster.”

Calls for Budget Reallocation

Badenoch proposed redirecting funds from other areas to bolster defence, suggesting that “some of the 0.5 per cent of GDP currently spent on Overseas Development should be repurposed – at least in the short term – to fund the more pressing defence and security challenges, because every pound of taxpayers’ money spent overseas must be directly furthering our safety and stability.”

She also criticised the government’s welfare policies, arguing that the Welfare Secretary’s current approach prioritises increased welfare spending over national security.

“The Welfare Secretary is now reportedly considering such policies, having previously rejected them. This is, of course, welcome, but there are reports she is seeking to spend any savings on further welfare, rather than critical national priorities such as defence,” the letter read.

Chagos Islands Controversy

Badenoch further attacked the government’s handling of the Chagos Islands, calling it an “indefensible surrender of British territory.”

She warned against striking a rushed deal with Mauritius that would see Britain cede control of the islands.

“You should not be concluding a deal that would mean British taxpayers paying Mauritius billions of pounds to take our territory,” she wrote, demanding clarity on whether defence funds were being used for the negotiations.

‘Procrastination Over Action’
The letter concluded with a strong warning about the consequences of inaction.

“I will always back you when you do the right thing. But I will not be silent about the risks facing our country and our security. History has been unforgiving to politicians who, faced with growing threats, chose procrastination over action,” it concluded.

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Six Dead, Others Trapped As Gold Collapse

Published

11 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

Six people have been killed and up to 20 others are feared trapped after a gold mine collapsed in northern Sudan, authorities said on Saturday.

The accident occurred on Friday in the Um Aud area, west of the city of Berber in River Nile state, said Hassan Ibrahim Karar, executive director of the Berber locality.

“Efforts are ongoing to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble,” Karar said, without specifying the cause of the collapse of the artisanal mine.

Since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, both sides have largely financed their war efforts through the country’s gold industry.

Official and NGO sources say nearly all of Sudan’s gold trade is funnelled through the United Arab Emirates, which has been widely accused of supplying arms to the RSF — a charge it denies.

Despite the conflict, the army-backed government announced record gold production of 64 tonnes for 2024.

Sudan, Africa’s third-largest country by area, remains one of the continent’s top gold producers.

However, most gold is extracted through artisanal and small-scale mining operations, which lack proper safety measures and often use hazardous chemicals, resulting in severe health risks for miners and nearby communities. Buy vitamins and supplements.

Before the war pushed 25 million Sudanese into acute food insecurity, artisanal mining employed more than two million people, according to industry figures.

Today, mining experts say much of the gold produced by both warring factions is smuggled through Chad, South Sudan and Egypt before reaching the UAE — currently the world’s second-largest gold exporter.

The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced roughly 10 million people, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis. An additional four million Sudanese have fled across borders.

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Popular Nail Polish Ingredient Banned Over Fertility Fears

Published

18 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

The European Union has outlawed the use of TPO in all cosmetic products as of September 1, citing evidence that it may cause long-term fertility problems. The move forces nail salons in all 27 EU countries, as well as Norway and others that follow EU rules, to stop offering TPO-based gels and safely dispose of their stock. Manufacturers will now be required to reformulate their products without the chemical.

TPO has been a staple in the beauty industry, used as a photoinitiator to harden polish quickly under ultraviolet light and give manicures a glossy, long-lasting finish. But while gel polish has been praised for staying chip-free for weeks, experts say the ingredient behind its durability may carry hidden dangers.

Industry insiders expect the UK and other countries to follow suit with a similar ban by late 2026. The US, however, has yet to propose any such restrictions, though American salons that import products from Europe could be affected.

“This ingredient could not be defended. The industry was unable to prove there were no safer alternatives,” said Francesca Rapolla of the UK’s Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association.

Still, not everyone agrees with the ban. Belgian retailer ASAP Nails and Beauty Supply warned of “major economic damage” to small businesses and argued there is “no human evidence of danger”. Meanwhile, US-based consultant Doug Schoon criticised the EU’s decision as “disproportionate”, saying it would waste safe products and undermine confidence in regulators.

The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of chemicals in everyday cosmetics. Experts warn that toxic compounds, including endocrine disruptors, may contribute to rising cases of infertility, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. One striking trend is the surge in endometriosis cases — a painful condition linked to infertility — as global cases have risen to nearly 190 million. Scientists believe endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and now TPO could be a driving force.

“These chemicals can linger in the body for years, stored in fatty tissue. They affect the immune system, disrupt hormones, and in some women, may trigger reproductive problems and endometriosis,” said Professor Katie Burns of the University of Cincinnati.

For now, Europe has chosen precaution over profit. The debate over TPO could prove a turning point in the battle over hidden toxins in beauty products — and their long-term toll on women’s health.

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Trump Threatens Severe Consequences Against ‘Wrongful’ Detention Of U.S. Nationals Abroad

Published

18 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

Trump threatens severe consequences against ‘wrongful’ detention of U.S. nationals abroad
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to protect U.S. nationals from what he termed “wrongful detention” abroad.

U.S. Department of State, in a statement issued on Friday, threatened severe consequences for those who “wrongfully” detain Americans abroad.

“Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order that takes unprecedented action to impose new consequences on those who wrongfully detain Americans abroad,” the statement read.

“Through this Executive Order, actors designated as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention may face severe penalties,” the statement added.

The penalties include economic sanctions, visa restrictions, foreign assistance restrictions and travel restrictions for U.S. passport holders, according to the statement.

“Like the State Sponsor of Terrorism determination, no nation should want to end up on this list.

“The bottom line: Anyone who uses an American as a bargaining chip will pay the price.”

This administration is not only putting America first but also putting Americans first, the statement said