THREAD: frances hung parliament political chaos leaves

TRAGIC Migrant DEATHS in English Channel Demand Urgent Action

05 September 2024 — A day after 12 migrants died in the English Channel, dozens more tried the dangerous crossing from France to Britain. French patrol boats watched as a crowded vessel struggled through the seas. This incident shows the big problem facing both French and U.K. governments.

The mayor of Wimereux, Jean-Luc Dubaële, called for urgent action from French and British officials to stop more tragedies. “Smugglers keep sending people to their deaths,” he said. "It’s high time that a lasting solution is found with Britain.

Cross-Channel migration was a key issue in the recent U.K. general election, which saw Keir Starmer become prime minister. A French prosecutor revealed that 10 of the 12 dead were women and six were minors, many appearing to be Eritrean. The boat sank about three miles off the French coast with many aboard lacking life vests.

BANGLADESH CHAOS: Prime Minister Flees Amid Violent Protests

05 August 2024 — Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country Monday after weeks of protests turned violent. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence, challenging her 15-year rule.

Her departure has sparked further instability in the nation already grappling with high unemployment and corruption. Dhaka’s main airport suspended operations amid security concerns as Hasina was seen boarding a military helicopter with her sister.

The military chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, promised to restore order and discussed forming an interim government with opposition leaders. Celebrations erupted in the streets, but some protesters attacked government buildings, setting fires and ransacking properties.

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.

Tice DEMANDS Right-Wing REALIGNMENT in UK Politics

03 July 2024 — Reform UK leader Richard Tice criticized the Conservative Party for its failures and called for a complete realignment of right-wing politics. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he emphasized that the Conservatives should not be rewarded for their shortcomings.

“Labour is going to win this election,” said Tice, adding that people are tired of the culture of fear created by Tory desperation. He argued for a new, common-sense approach, predicting millions of votes for Reform UK.

Host Nick Robinson suggested Nigel Farage’s revolt against legacy parties might fail due to extreme views within Reform UK. Tice dismissed this as “absolute nonsense,” claiming strong support from voters during his campaign efforts.

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.

GLOBAL Elections SHAKE-UP: Major Voter Impact in Coming Days

28 June 2024 — In the coming days, voters in countries like Mauritania, Mongolia, Iran, Britain, and France will head to the polls. These elections could significantly impact global politics amid ongoing conflicts and economic concerns.

Iran faces a critical election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seeks a successor among hard-liners Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.

National elections this year are happening in over 50 countries with significant political changes in India, Mexico, and South Africa. Russia remains unchanged despite global shifts.

POPULIST PVV Surge: Historic Gains in European Parliament

07 June 2024 — The Party for Freedom (PVV) is set to secure at least seven seats in the European Parliament, according to exit polls. This marks a significant gain from zero seats in 2019. Ipsos estimates show this as the largest gain for any Dutch party and a historic high for PVV.

Despite this success, the Green Left and Labour Party alliance is predicted to win eight seats, one fewer than their combined total in 2019. Geert Wilders expressed optimism about potentially gaining an additional seat when official results are released. He stated, “We have never had seven seats before… We are by far the biggest winner.”

Wilders believes this result signals a broader trend across Europe against mass migration policies. He said that Eurosceptical voices will grow stronger within the European Parliament, sending a clear message to Brussels elites.

Tom Van Grieken of Belgium’s Vlaams Belang echoed Wilders’ sentiment, calling it a “very hopeful signal” for similar parties across Europe. He noted that what happened in the Netherlands could also happen in Flanders on Sunday.

NIGEL FARAGE’S Bold Return: Reform UK Aims to Shake UP British Politics

04 June 2024 — Nigel Farage is back at the helm of the Reform UK Party, formerly known as the Brexit Party. He will stand for election in Clacton, a seat where his former party UKIP previously found success. Farage’s ambitions extend beyond this election, aiming for significant influence in future elections.

A recent poll indicates a potential Conservative Party defeat under Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Farage believes Reform UK could surpass the Conservatives in votes next month. He stated, "We’re going to get a huge number of votes... they are on the verge of total collapse.

Reform UK has outpolled Conservatives before, notably in the 2019 EU Parliament elections with 5.2 million votes against 1.5 million for Conservatives. However, replicating this success in Westminster elections would be challenging due to Britain’s electoral system favoring established parties like Labour and Conservatives or regional parties like SNP and Greens.

Farage aims to use this campaign as a springboard for future success, positioning Reform UK as the main opposition party against an internally conflicted Conservative Party. “We are going to be the voice of opposition,” he declared confidently, promising to surprise everyone once again with his political prowess.

REFORM UK BLASTS Conservatives For Immigration Failure

24 May 2024 — Reform UK launched its general election campaign by highlighting the Conservative Party’s failure to control immigration. The party, formerly known as Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, displayed a graph showing a dramatic rise in immigration since 1997.

The Conservatives have been criticized for increasing net migration to one million every 18 months despite promising to reduce it. Reform UK’s campaign material questions who voted for mass migration and accuses both the Conservatives and Labour of failing the public on this issue.

Party leader Richard Rice emphasized that voting for either major party results in socialism, higher taxes, lower wages, and increased immigration. He argued that both parties have governed similarly despite their differing rhetoric.

Rice and deputy Ben Habib criticized decades of decline under both Labour and Conservative governments. They pointed out record-high taxes, government spending, waiting lists, debt levels, and poor public sector outcomes over the past 70 years as evidence of systemic failure.

LABOUR PARTY’S NEW Promises: Empty Words or Real Change?

16 May 2024 — Labour Party leader Keir Starmer announced key pledges to win over voters in the upcoming U.K. election. His promises focus on economic stability, security, health, and education. Labour aims to regain power after 14 years in opposition.

Starmer’s six promises include restoring economic stability amid high inflation and mortgage rates, establishing a publicly owned green-energy company, and toughening border controls. Labour also plans to cut NHS waiting times, recruit more police officers, and hire thousands of new teachers.

Funding for these initiatives will come from measures like a windfall tax on oil and gas companies and ending tax breaks for private schools. At an event in Essex, Starmer called these pledges “our down-payment on change” that would take a decade to implement.

Since taking over from Jeremy Corbyn in 2020, Starmer has moved Labour toward the political center ground by supporting military aid to Ukraine and committing to balancing the books while addressing antisemitism within the party under Corbyn’s leadership.

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.

SCOTLAND on the BRINK: First Minister Faces Critical No Confidence Vote

26 April 2024 — Scotland’s political scene is heating up as First Minister Humza Yousaf faces a potential ousting. His decision to end a coalition with the Scottish Green Party over climate policy disagreements has sparked calls for an early election. Leading the Scottish National Party (SNP), Yousaf now finds his party without a parliamentary majority, intensifying the crisis.

The termination of the 2021 Bute House Agreement has stirred considerable controversy, leading to severe repercussions for Yousaf. The Scottish Conservatives have declared their intention to hold a no-confidence vote against him next week. With all opposition forces, including former allies like the Greens, potentially unified against him, Yousaf’s political career hangs in balance.

The Greens have openly criticized SNP’s handling of environmental issues under Yousaf’s leadership. Green co-leader Lorna Slater remarked, “We no longer trust that there can be a progressive government in Scotland committed to climate and nature.” This comment sheds light on profound disagreements within pro-independence groups regarding their policy focus.

The ongoing political discord poses a significant threat to Scotland’s stability, possibly forcing an unplanned election well before 2026. This situation highlights the complex challenges faced by minority governments in maintaining cohesive alliances and achieving policy goals amidst conflicting interests.

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

11 April 2024 — South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

14 March 2024 — Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in South Africa’s political scene, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 1994. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a decline in support from 44% to 39% since November 2022.

On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has seen its share rise from 23% to a notable 27%. A newcomer on the scene, the MK Party, has made an impressive debut with a surprising 13%, while support for the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has dwindled to just 10%.

This changing landscape could potentially pave the way for DA to form a majority coalition with other parties excluding ANC and EFF. This tactic proved successful in Cape Town’s municipal elections back in 2006. Despite ANC’s historical appeal due to its instrumental role in ending apartheid, ongoing issues such as electricity and water shortages, high crime rates, and rampant corruption have strained voters’ loyalty.

The shifting political climate suggests that voters are seeking change and are willing to look beyond traditional party lines. This could lead to significant changes in South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

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.

ASYLUM-SEEKERS Shock: UK Lawmakers Vote to Send Refugees to Rwanda Despite Heated Controversy

13 December 2023 — In a move that has stirred up considerable controversy, British lawmakers have given their approval to the government’s controversial plan. This plan involves sending asylum-seekers on a one-way journey to Rwanda. Human rights groups have expressed strong disapproval, and the policy has already cost the U.K. a staggering $300 million without any flights having taken off yet. The House of Commons gave its nod to the government’s Rwanda bill by 313-269 votes, thereby preventing a defeat that could have undermined Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s authority.

The primary aim of this bill is to bypass a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that declared it illegal for migrants who reach Britain via boats across the English Channel to be sent off to Rwanda. This vote was pivotal for Sunak’s Conservatives who command an impressive majority and haven’t seen a government bill defeated at its first Commons vote since 1986.

However, not everyone in the Conservative party is onboard with this decision. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill faces opposition from Conservative centrists who argue it teeters on violating international law, as well as lawmakers on the party’s authoritarian right who believe it doesn’t go far enough in ensuring unauthorized migrants can be deported. Earlier this week, many hard-liners threatened

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

UK Parliament SHUNS Cease-Fire Call Amid Israel-Hamas CONFLICT: A Blow to Labour Party Unity

16 November 2023 — The UK House of Commons has recently dismissed a proposed amendment that urged the government to demand a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Scottish National Party presented this amendment, but it was turned down by 290 Parliament members, while only 183 voted in favor.

This decision is perceived as a significant blow to Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Despite his efforts to display unity within his party ahead of next year’s national election, fifty-six members from his own party backed the amendment.

Following this setback, Starmer expressed disappointment over his colleagues’ lack of support for his stance. He said, “I wanted my position on this matter to be clear and consistent,” after the vote.

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.

LABOUR PARTY Triumphs: Shocking Upset in Special Elections Reshapes UK Political Landscape

21 October 2023 — In a surprising turn of events, Britain’s Labour Party has managed to secure two Parliament seats previously dominated by the Conservatives. This unexpected victory took place in the special elections held in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, with a significant number of voters switching their loyalty to Labour.

This win strengthens Labour’s standing as the primary challenger for next year’s national election. It also piles pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to rejuvenate his party’s reputation. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, proclaimed that his party is “redrawing the political map”.

The victories were marked by Sarah Edwards’ success in Tamworth and Alistair Strathern’s triumph in Mid-Bedfordshire, both overcoming substantial Conservative majorities from 2019. However, it should be noted that voter turnout was relatively low at 36% and 44% respectively. Additionally, these elections took place under unique circumstances due to resignations from former lawmakers.