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  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 December 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 December 1925

    22 DECEMBER 1925

    The Prime Minister stated in the House of Commons that the safeguarding of a basic industry of the magnitude of the iron and steel trades would have repercussions which might be held to be in conflict with the Government’s declaration in regard to a general tariff. While in all the circumstances of the time they had decided that the application of these trades could not be granted, the Government would keep them under observation with a view to promoting their well-being should any other measures be deemed desirable.

    By 239 votes to four, the Socialists taking no part in the debate or the division, the House of Commons carried the Prime Minister’s resolution expressing approval of the action taken by the British representatives at Geneva in accepting the Iraq boundary award.

    In the House of Lords, the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, replying to a question regarding Rosyth, stated that when the full economies the Admiralty proposed were brought into operation it would be found that Scotland had not been unfairly dealt with as compared with England.

    A cheque of £1000 has been sent by the Prince of Wales to Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., the desire of His Royal Highness being “to share in some small degree the burdens” shouldered by the guarantors of the British Empire Exhibition.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 December 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 December 1925

    21 DECEMBER 1925

    Proposals made by French industrialists with a view to the rehabilitation of the country’s finances are on the whole meeting with a good reception in France.

    Attired in the distinctive dress of the Order, the Prince of Wales was present at the celebrations in London of the tenth birthday of Toc H, when he consented to light the lamp of maintenance.

    “The Scotsman” express train travelling to Glasgow ran into a goods train at Linlithgow, both trains being badly smashed. Passengers on the express had miraculous escapes.

    President Coolidge is sounding both sides in the Senate as to American participation in a Disarmament Conference. He has consulted Colonel House.

    Edinburgh’s housing problem is the subject of an article in which the position is considered in view of the Prime Minister’s declaration to withdraw the £40 subsidy and the vote taken at the Edinburgh Town Council meeting last week.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 December 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 December 1925

    20 DECEMBER 1925

    It was reported that there had been an explosion at Birchenwood colliery in Staffordshire, killing seven miners and injuring seven others. It was later confirmed that there had been 374 persons underground when the explosion took place.

    It was confirmed that the men had returned to work at the Ulster Special Constabulary and duties were being completed as usual.

  • Mette Frederiksen – 2026 Statement on US Aggression over Greenland

    Mette Frederiksen – 2026 Statement on US Aggression over Greenland

    The comments made by Mette Frederiksen, the Prime Minister of Denmark, on 5 January 2026.

    If the United States decides to militarily attack another NATO country, then everything would stop, that includes NATO and therefore post-Second World War security.

  • NEWS STORY : UK urges “safe and peaceful transition” in Venezuela in UN Security Council statement

    NEWS STORY : UK urges “safe and peaceful transition” in Venezuela in UN Security Council statement

    STORY

    The UK has called for a “safe and peaceful transition” to a legitimate government in Venezuela, telling the UN Security Council that Venezuelans “have suffered for years” under Nicolás Maduro’s rule and deserve a government that reflects their vote at the ballot box.

    Speaking in New York, Ambassador James Kariuki said Maduro’s actions had fuelled poverty, violent repression and failing basic services, while also driving a displacement crisis across the region. He repeated the UK’s longstanding position that Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent and pointed to the fact that Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has still not published full results from the July 2024 presidential election, alongside reports citing irregularities and a lack of transparency.

    The remarks came as the Security Council met at what the UK described as a “pivotal moment” for Venezuela’s future, amid heightened international scrutiny of events in the country and wider debate over how external powers are responding to the crisis.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom wants to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom wants to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 January 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela.

    The Venezuelan people have suffered for years.

    This Council now meets at a pivotal moment for Venezuela’s future.

    Maduro’s actions created extreme levels of poverty, violent repression, and failing basic services. 

    His regime’s rule precipitated a displacement crisis affecting the whole region. 

    The United Kingdom has long been clear that Maduro’s claim to power was fraudulent. 

    To date, Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has failed to publish the full results of the July 2024 Presidential elections. 

    Independent domestic and international reports also observed significant irregularities and a lack of transparency. 

    President, the United Kingdom wants to see a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. 

    They deserve a government which reflects their vote at the ballot box, and delivers a more stable, prosperous future for all Venezuelans.

    Finally, President, the United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  

    These foundations are essential for maintaining global peace, security, and the rule of law.

  • European Commission – 2026 Statement on Iran

    European Commission – 2026 Statement on Iran

    The statement made by the European Commission on 3 January 2026.

    We follow closely the unfolding situation across Iran, with demonstrations reflecting the demands of many Iranians. We are concerned by the reported deaths and injuries and urge Iran’s security forces to exercise maximum restraint in handling peaceful protests. Socio-economic challenges were acknowledged by authorities and should be addressed through inclusive dialogue, not through violence.

    We call on Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and to enable the free flow of information and access to the internet. All individuals arrested for peacefully exercising their rights should be immediately released.

  • Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Greenland

    Ed Davey – 2026 Comments on Greenland

    The comments made by Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, on 4 January 2026.

    First Venezuela, next Greenland?

    You don’t suck up to bullies like Trump, he will just see it as a sign of weakness.

    Keir Starmer needs to get on the phone to our European allies including the Danish PM, and show a united front against Trump’s threats.

  • OFCOM – 2026 Statement on Grok and Sexualised Images of Children

    OFCOM – 2026 Statement on Grok and Sexualised Images of Children

    The press release issued by OFCOM on 5 January 2026.

    We are aware of serious concerns raised about a feature on Grok on X that produces undressed images of people and sexualised images of children.

    We have made urgent contact with X and xAI to understand what steps they have taken to comply with their legal duties to protect users in the UK. Based on their response we will undertake a swift assessment to determine whether there are potential compliance issues that warrant investigation.

  • Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill

    Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Comments on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill

    The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 5 January 2026.

    Labour should scrap the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

    Our veterans are being treated “worse than terrorists”. That damning indictment is not from me as Leader of the Opposition, but from Labour’s own Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner.