THREAD: boris johnsons resignation

UK PM Faces BACKLASH: Apologize to Trump or Risk Trade Deal?

07 November 2024 — Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to apologize to President-Elect Donald Trump for past harsh words. Concerns about the “special relationship” between the U.S. and the UK are growing, especially with a potential trade deal on the line. Brexit leader Nigel Farage urged the Labour government to welcome Trump, seeing his friendship as a big opportunity for Britain.

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch supported this view during her first Prime Minister’s Questions session. She urged Starmer to formally apologize for Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s derogatory remarks about Trump, which included inflammatory language and actions against him speaking in Parliament. Badenoch congratulated Trump on his win and asked if apologies were made during recent meetings with him.

Starmer avoided directly addressing the apology issue, describing his meeting with Trump as “constructive.” However, he did not respond to calls for an apology. His previous comments have shown anti-Trump sentiment, accusing the Tory party of following Trump’s politics by neglecting democratic principles for self-interest.

This stance raises questions about future UK-U.S relations under Starmer’s leadership if tensions remain unresolved. The situation could impact diplomatic ties and economic agreements between these long-time allies if not addressed soon.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY President Quits Amid Campus Chaos

15 August 2024 — Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned Wednesday after a brief, tumultuous tenure. Her resignation follows heavy scrutiny over her handling of protests and campus divisions related to the Israel-Hamas war. The Ivy League school faced intense student demonstrations, leading to police intervention and clashes.

The announcement comes days after three Columbia University Deans resigned for exchanging disparaging texts about Jewish life and antisemitism. Shafik was criticized by Republicans in Congress for not adequately addressing antisemitism concerns on campus. She began her role in July last year but announced her resignation just weeks before the new semester starts on Sept. 3.

In an emailed letter, Shafik mentioned progress in important areas but admitted it was difficult to overcome divergent views within the community. She cited the toll on her family as a reason for stepping down, believing it would help Columbia navigate future challenges better. The university has started restricting campus access to curb potential disruptions as classes resume soon.

DEMOCRAT Calls for BIDEN to Resign Over Health Concerns

12 July 2024 — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) called for President Biden to step down and resign on Thursday. She cited concerns from her constituents about the President’s age and health. “I doubt the President’s judgement about his health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions,” she stated.

Perez emphasized that Americans deserve a president who is fit enough to lead. She urged Biden to put national interest first by resigning. “The crisis of confidence in the President’s leadership needs to come to an end,” she added.

Later in the day, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) also called for Biden’s resignation after a NATO press conference. Despite praising Biden’s record and accomplishments, Himes joined Perez in suggesting it was time for him to step down.

LABOUR SCRAPS Rwanda Plan, Sparks Outrage Over Immigration

06 July 2024 — The Labour government has abandoned the plan to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda for asylum processing. This scheme, introduced by ex-PM Boris Johnson in 2022, aimed to address the migrant crisis in the English Channel. A party insider confirmed that the plan is "dead.

Critics argue that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak knew the Rwanda plan wouldn’t work and called an election to avoid embarrassment from potential European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) interventions. Nigel Farage had previously suggested this was Sunak’s strategy.

Unlike Farage, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer opposes withdrawing from the ECHR and seeks closer ties with the EU on immigration matters. Starmer may even consider accepting a quota of EU migrants annually in exchange for a returns policy.

Scrapping the Rwanda policy means forfeiting £270 million already sent to Kigali but saves future payments of £50 million each in 2025 and 2026. The Conservatives had claimed this policy would deter future boat migrants, a stance now abandoned by Labour.

LABOUR PARTY’S Landslide WIN Ends Conservative Rule In UK

05 July 2024 — Britain’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, has pledged to reverse the despair that accumulated over 14 years of Conservative rule. He promises an urgent mission of national renewal after Labour’s landslide victory.

The challenges are significant. Rising poverty, crumbling infrastructure, a lagging economy, and an overstretched National Health Service have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The defeat marks the worst ever for Conservatives in the UK.

Labour will now form the next government amid calls for immediate action to address these pressing issues. Follow AP’s live coverage of the election for more updates on this historic shift in British politics.

LABOUR PARTY Surges Amid UK Election Betting Scandal

29 June 2024 — The U.K. general election on July 4 is approaching, with the Labour Party expected to defeat Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives. Polls indicate Labour leader Keir Starmer will likely form the next government.

The Conservative campaign has struggled, facing allegations of election betting involving figures close to Sunak. This scandal has further dampened their already lackluster efforts.

In the U.K., the prime minister decides election dates, unlike fixed schedules in countries like the U.S. This unique system has led to a market for predicting election dates and outcomes.

Police officers and Conservative insiders are under investigation for their involvement in this betting scandal, adding another layer of controversy as over 50 countries prepare for elections in 2024.

FARAGE BLASTS Sunak: Migrant Crisis Threatens Election

25 June 2024 — With just over a week until the July 4th general election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces criticism for failing to “stop the boats.” Populist challenger Nigel Farage filmed 45 migrants in a small dinghy entering British waters, escorted by the Border Force. This brings the total crossings to over 13,000 for 2024 and marks 50,000 since Sunak took office in 2022.

Farage has labeled this year’s vote as the “migration election,” arguing that Sunak’s government has failed to control illegal immigration. “Rishi can’t stop the boats,” Farage declared, emphasizing that migrant numbers have surged under Sunak’s leadership. He pointed out that during Boris Johnson’s tenure, although longer, fewer migrants crossed into Britain.

“The significance of this boat is that this number on this vessel takes it beyond 50,000 since Rishi became Prime Minister,” Farage told GB News from the Channel. He warned viewers not to underestimate the severity of the situation as it continues to worsen. The ongoing crisis highlights a key issue for voters as they head to the polls next week.

SUNAK’S D-DAY Exit Sparks Outrage: Apologizes for TV Appearance

09 June 2024 — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized Friday for leaving D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, early to appear on TV. His decision sparked backlash at home and added to the Conservative Party’s struggles against Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in opinion polls.

“On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay longer, and I’ve apologized for that,” Sunak told reporters. He emphasized that the focus should be on veterans rather than politics during such events.

Starmer remained in Normandy for the entire commemoration, engaging with world leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, Sunak delegated other duties to ministers including Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

Sunak’s early departure was planned weeks before the general election call but failed to consider its negative optics. Critics argue this move undermined his leadership during a significant historical event.

SUNAK SHOCKS Nation: Calls Surprise Election for July 4

23 May 2024 — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shocked many by calling a general election for July 4. Known for being thorough and evidence-led, this move contrasts sharply with his usual cautious approach.

Opinion polls suggest that Sunak’s Conservative Party is trailing behind the opposition Labour Party, which could spell trouble for his leadership. Sunak took office in October 2022, replacing Liz Truss after her economic policies caused market turmoil.

Sunak had warned against Truss’s unfunded tax cuts, predicting economic havoc that indeed followed. His rise to power was rapid, becoming Britain’s first leader of color and youngest prime minister in over two centuries at age 42.

Sunak previously served as Treasury chief during the coronavirus pandemic, where he introduced an unprecedented economic support package. Now at age 44, he faces a critical test with this upcoming election amid challenging political landscapes.

SCOTTISH LEADER Faces Political Turmoil Amid Climate Dispute

27 April 2024 — Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has firmly stated he will not step down, even though he faces a no-confidence vote. This situation arose after he terminated a three-year collaboration with the Greens, leaving his Scottish National Party in control of a minority government.

The conflict started when Yousaf and the Greens disagreed on how to handle climate change policies. As a result, the Scottish Conservatives have put forward a no-confidence motion against him. This critical vote is set for next week in the Scottish Parliament.

With the withdrawal of support from the Greens, Yousaf’s party now lacks two seats to hold a majority. If he loses this upcoming vote, it could lead to his resignation and potentially prompt an early election in Scotland, which isn’t scheduled until 2026.

This political instability highlights deep divisions within Scottish politics over environmental strategies and governance, posing significant challenges for Yousaf’s leadership as he navigates these turbulent waters without sufficient backing from former allies.

Theresa May’s SHOCKING Exit: Former British PM Bids Farewell to Parliament

11 March 2024 — Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her plans to resign as a Member of Parliament. This surprising revelation precedes an anticipated election later this year, signifying the conclusion of her 27-year long parliamentary journey.

May, who navigated Britain through the turbulent Brexit era, pointed out her escalating involvement in combating human trafficking and modern slavery as reasons for stepping down. She voiced apprehensions about not being able to cater to her Maidenhead constituents in the quality they deserve.

Her tenure was characterized by Brexit-induced hurdles and tense relations with then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite these obstacles, she continued serving as a backbench legislator after her premiership while three Conservative successors dealt with the repercussions of Brexit.

Renowned for sporadically critiquing her more populist successors like Boris Johnson, May’s exit will undeniably create a gap in both the Conservative party and British politics.

Theresa May’s SWAN SONG: Former British PM to Exit Politics After 27-Year Stint

09 March 2024 — Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has shared her plans to retire from politics. This announcement comes after a distinguished 27-year career in Parliament, which included a challenging three-year term as the nation’s leader during the Brexit crisis. The retirement will take effect when an election is called later this year.

May has been representing Maidenhead since 1997 and was only the second female prime minister in Britain, following Margaret Thatcher. She cited her growing commitment to fighting human trafficking and modern slavery as reasons for stepping down. According to May, these new priorities would hinder her ability to serve as an MP according to her standards and those of her constituents.

Her prime ministership was fraught with Brexit-related obstacles, culminating in her resignation as party leader and prime minister in mid-2019 after failing to gain parliamentary approval for her EU divorce deal. Additionally, she had a strained relationship with then-US President Donald Trump due to divergent views on Brexit strategies.

Despite these challenges, May chose not to leave Parliament immediately after ending her term as many former prime ministers do. Instead, she continued serving as a backbench legislator while three subsequent Conservative leaders dealt with the political and economic repercussions of Brexit.

JOHNSON’S Shocking U-Turn: Unveils Separate Israel AID Bill Plan

04 February 2024 — In a surprising twist, Johnson has unveiled a plan to separate the aid for Israel. This unexpected move, disclosed in a Saturday letter to his colleagues, marks a dramatic shift from his earlier position.

Under Johnson’s leadership last year, the House approved a colossal $14.3 trillion bill to support Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The funding was balanced with an equivalent cut in IRS funding but is still awaiting Senate consideration.

However, it seems that the Senate is gearing up to examine a more comprehensive aid package this year. This includes substantial aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan along with an undisclosed border agreement.

Despite doubts about the fate of the border and foreign aid bill in the Senate, Johnson’s recent maneuvers suggest promising possibilities for additional assistance to Israel.

Sunak’s RWANDA Gamble: A Crucial Test Amid Conservative Uproar

17 January 2024 — UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a rebellion within his own party. He’s pushing for approval of a controversial plan to deport certain asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The plan has already been blocked by the UK Supreme Court, and 60 members of his party have attempted to toughen the legislation. This led to the resignation of two deputy chairmen and a junior ministerial aide from his party.

The “Safety of Rwanda Bill” could face defeat if another rebellion occurs within Sunak’s party. This would pose a significant threat to Sunak’s government, which is just over a year old. The Prime Minister has placed this contentious immigration policy at the center of his election campaign strategy, even though he trails significantly behind Labour in opinion polls.

Sunak believes that deporting unauthorized asylum-seekers will discourage dangerous crossings over the English Channel and disrupt people-smuggling operations. However, he faces an uphill battle in convincing both fellow Conservatives and voters that this plan is effective.

Navigating tensions between liberal and law-and-order factions within his own party adds another layer of complexity for Sunak as he tries to push through this divisive policy.

FORMER UK Energy Minister RESIGNS: Climate Policy U-Turn Sparks Outrage

06 January 2024 — Chris Skidmore, the former energy minister of Britain, has declared his resignation from the Conservative Party and his position as a lawmaker. He attributes this decision to the government’s sudden shift away from its environmental commitments.

Skidmore, known for his strong advocacy for reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, voiced disappointment over an upcoming bill. This controversial legislation promotes new North Sea oil and gas drilling which Skidmore sees as a glaring departure from the UK’s climate objectives.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly watering down several green initiatives due to 'unacceptable costs’ for ordinary citizens. Actions include pushing back a ban on new gas and diesel vehicles, scrapping an energy-efficiency regulation, and green-lighting numerous North Sea oil and gas licenses.

Skidmore is set to officially step down when Parliament reconvenes after its Christmas break next week. His exit indicates a rising wave of dissatisfaction within conservative circles over the government’s shifting environmental policies.

PENN PRESIDENT Steps Down: Donor Pressure and Congressional Testimony Fallout Takes Its Toll

10 December 2023 — Under mounting pressure from donors and facing backlash over her congressional testimony, Liz Magill, the University of Pennsylvania’s president, has tendered her resignation.

During a U.S. House committee hearing on antisemitism in colleges, Magill was unable to confirm whether advocating for Jewish genocide would breach the school’s conduct policy.

The university announced Magill’s resignation late Saturday afternoon. Despite relinquishing her presidential role, she will retain her tenured faculty position at the Carey Law School. She will also continue to serve as Penn’s leader until an interim president is appointed.

Calls for Magill’s resignation amplified following her Tuesday testimony. She faced questioning alongside presidents from Harvard University and MIT regarding their respective universities’ inability to safeguard Jewish students amidst escalating global antisemitism fears and repercussions from Israel’s escalating conflict in Gaza.

PARAGRAPH 5: "When Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., asked if “calling for the genocide of Jews” would violate Penn’s code of conduct, Magill responded that it would be a “context-dependent decision,” igniting further controversy.

MASSIVE Stand Against ANTISEMITISM: Boris Johnson Joins Thousands in Historic London March

28 November 2023 — On Sunday, an unprecedented number of people, including former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, took to the streets of London to protest against antisemitism. The march was strategically organized a day after a large pro-Palestinian rally and amidst rising tensions due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Organizers hailed it as the most significant demonstration against antisemitism in nearly a century.

The crowd was a sea of Israeli flags and Union Jacks, with participants bearing powerful placards like “Never Again Is Now” and “Zero Tolerance for Antisemites.” Alongside Johnson, U.K. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and other high-ranking government officials marched in unity with the Jewish community.

Notably detained at the event was Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, former leader of the far-right English Defence League. Earlier this month, Robinson had an altercation with police during an Armistice Day march in London after refusing to leave despite warnings that his presence could distress others.

Among those marching was 75-year-old Malcolm Canning from London who voiced his concerns about current anti-Jewish sentiment. He expressed his alarm at how anything associated with Judaism feels under attack now and lamented reaching such a stage in this country.

UK Government’s RWANDA Deportation Plan DERAILS: A Major U-Turn in Policy Revealed

19 November 2023 — The UK government has confessed that it can’t assure any Rwanda deportation flights will depart before the forthcoming general election. This revelation from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt marks a significant shift from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s earlier statements. The Supreme Court recently deemed the Rwanda plan unlawful, prompting Sunak to hustle to regain control of the situation.

In an interview with Sky News, Hunt expressed optimism for flights next year but conceded, “We can’t guarantee that.” The United Kingdom is set for a general election next year at the latest by early January 2025. Current polling suggests that the ruling Conservatives are likely to be defeated.

An ex-government minister responsible for this policy cautioned that it won’t work as the government lacks boldness to implement necessary steps for deportations. Sunak had previously pledged in an emergency address to eliminate any further obstacles to enforce this policy and ensure planes depart as scheduled in Spring next year.

This reversal pushes back the revised date for deportation flights further into the future than initially expected. Despite this drawback, James Cleverly, new Home Secretary (interior minister), maintains they are “absolutely determined” to see them

BRAVERMAN SHOCKER: Home Secretary Booted Amid Fierce Police Bias Controversy

13 November 2023 — In the early hours of Monday, Suella Braverman was abruptly dismissed from her position as Home Secretary. This marks the first significant shake-up in the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle. The decision follows a rising tide of political opposition demanding her departure in light of her critique on police conduct during recent Israel-Palestine protests in London.

Braverman had pointed fingers at senior police officers for displaying left-wing bias. She referenced incidents where those opposing lockdown measures were dealt with severely, while Black Lives Matter protestors were allegedly permitted to flout rules. Moreover, she argued that right-wing and nationalist demonstrators faced harsh consequences, whereas pro-Palestinian groups exhibiting similar conduct were largely overlooked.

Her remarks ignited a firestorm of criticism, predominantly from left-leaning detractors and some centrists within the Conservative Party. Despite facing backlash, Braverman continued to express concerns over Palestine protests on Sunday. She hinted at inadequate policing by Metropolitan Police leadership that needed attention.

Whether these comments were strategic moves towards leadership or attempts at legacy building remains uncertain.

Rishi Sunak’s TURBULENT First Year: Is History About to REPEAT Itself for the Conservatives?

26 October 2023 — Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, has marked his first year in office amidst a storm of international conflicts and domestic challenges. His Conservative Party is haunted by the ghost of 1996, when they were dethroned by the Labour Party after ruling for more than a decade.

Recent opinion polls reveal that the Conservatives are lagging 15 to 20 points behind Labour. This gap has remained steady throughout Sunak’s term. An Ipsos poll showed that a whopping 65% of respondents felt the Conservatives did not deserve another term, while merely 19% believed they did.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine have added layers of complexity to Sunak’s situation. Despite acknowledging his challenging year and vowing to continue serving hardworking families nationwide, there are widespread fears these hurdles may trigger another Conservative downfall.