Headline

Badenoch Slams UK PM For Cutting Defence Funding Amid Global Threats

Published

1 year 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.

Headline

Six-year-old Nigerian Girl Dies After Fall From Apartment In Canada

Published

12 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

A six-year-old Nigerian girl has died after falling from a high-rise residential building in Toronto, Canada, in a tragic incident that has left the community in shock.

Reports indicate that her mother was in Nigeria at the time of the incident.

The incident occurred at an apartment complex on Chalkfarm Drive in North York, close to Jane Street, at about 8:15 p.m.

Toronto Police Service said officers responded to a report described as “unknown trouble” and later found the child unresponsive on the ground outside the building.

Residents of the building described the girl as cheerful and familiar within the community, saying her death had deeply unsettled neighbours.

One resident told CP24 that the child was regularly seen playing around the premises.

“She used to come here all the time and play… she was a lively kid. It’s very, very sad,” the neighbour said.

Another resident said the news had been devastating for people living in the building, adding that the girl was a familiar face during daily routines such as school runs.

“It’s crazy that I will never see this child again. I see her every morning. It’s heartbreaking,” the resident said.

According to neighbours, the girl had been staying with a family friend who lives on the top floor of the building while her mother was away in Nigeria.

Some residents also questioned how the incident occurred, noting that the building is fitted with window safety features designed to prevent full opening.

“To be fair, they do have precautions on these windows to make sure these things don’t happen,” one resident said.

Another added that the windows are secured and cannot be fully opened, further adding to uncertainty surrounding the circumstances.

The property management company, Greenwin, which manages the building at 200 Chalkfarm Drive, described the incident as “deeply saddening,” adding that its thoughts are with the child’s family.

The company confirmed that emergency responders attended the scene promptly and said it is fully cooperating with investigators.

It declined to comment on the condition or inspection history of the windows, citing an ongoing investigation.

Police in Toronto said the case is not being treated as suspicious at this stage, though investigations are continuing pending autopsy results.

Headline

US Govt Finally Releases Files On UFOs, Alien Life

Published

12 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

President Donald Trump’s administration has released a batch of previously unseen files, videos and photographs on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, UAP.

The government described the development as part of a push for greater transparency on government-held information about extraterrestrial-related sightings.

According to Fox News, the White House said the materials, drawn from across multiple government agencies, have been made publicly accessible without security clearance requirements.

Officials said the release is intended to allow the public to review the information and draw their own conclusions.

“The latest UAP videos, photos, and original source documents from across the entire United States government are all in one place,” the White House said, adding that past administrations had sought to limit public disclosure.

The release is part of a programme identified as the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, PURSUE, which officials say will continue with further disclosures.

Among the initial materials are images reportedly linked to Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 space missions, including a photograph from the lunar surface showing three small dots in the sky.

The release also includes transcripts of communications from Apollo 17, in which crew members described observing bright, fast-moving particles or fragments outside their spacecraft.

In one exchange, astronauts described seeing “very bright particles” and “jagged, angular fragments” while in orbit, comparing the appearance to fireworks.

Trump previously said he would support declassifying government files related to UFOs and UAPs, following renewed public interest in the subject.

He had earlier directed federal agencies to begin identifying and releasing relevant documents.

Headline

Strait Of Hormuz: Pakistan Thanks Trump For Pausing ‘Project Freedom’

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed gratitude to United States President Donald Trump for temporarily pausing ‘Project Freedom’, an initiative to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement posted on X, Sharif thanked Trump for pausing the “Project Freedom” mission, praising him for his courageous leadership and timely announcement.

According to him, Trump’s decision was made in response to requests from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other brotherly countries.

He added that the pause would go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during the sensitive period.

“Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

“We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” Sharif said.