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Category: Speeches

  • John Swinney – 2026 Comments on a Bank Holiday in Scotland for World Cup

    John Swinney – 2026 Comments on a Bank Holiday in Scotland for World Cup

    The comments made by John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, on 5 January 2026.

    Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

    This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

    Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

    That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Eluned Morgan – 2026 Statement on Venezuela

    Eluned Morgan – 2026 Statement on Venezuela

    The statement made by Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister, on 3 January 2026.

    The ongoing situation in Venezuela is deeply concerning. Like many around the world, people in Wales are following events closely and our thoughts are with those affected.

    As the Prime Minister has made clear, the UK was not involved in the US military action. The priority now must be de escalation, the protection of civilian life and renewed efforts through diplomacy and international institutions, in line with international law.

    There is widespread hope for a path to dialogue, democracy and peace. The Venezuelan people deserve a future built on their own democratic choices.

  • John Swinney – 2026 Statement on Venezuela

    John Swinney – 2026 Statement on Venezuela

    The statement made by John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, on 3 January 2026.

    I am deeply concerned at the events we have witnessed unfold in Venezuela over the course of today. The Maduro regime is without doubt illegitimate and authoritarian but it is absolutely essential that all nations act within the international rules based system.

    The international community must now ensure that de-escalation, diplomacy and democracy are the foundations of what follows the events of the last few hours.

  • Ed Davey – 2026 Statement on Venezuela

    Ed Davey – 2026 Statement on Venezuela

    The statement made by Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, on 3 January 2026.

    Keir Starmer should condemn Trump’s illegal action in Venezuela.

    Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe.

    Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity.

  • Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Statement on Iran Demonstrations

    Kemi Badenoch – 2026 Statement on Iran Demonstrations

    The statement made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 2 January 2026.

    The brave Iranians on the streets protesting against their despotic and oppressive government are a beacon of hope for us all.

    The Iranian regime denies its own people basic liberties while exporting terrorism and instability beyond its borders, threatening the UK and our allies.

    We stand with those risking everything for freedom.