Starmer meets Zelenskyy: is a new peace plan possible? – podcast

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness for elections in Ukraine, responding to increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called for a national vote amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to hold elections within the next three months, contingent on support from Ukraine's parliament and foreign allies. This statement follows criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Zelenskyy was using the ongoing war as a pretext to avoid elections.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on European leaders to amend the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to enable stricter border control measures aimed at countering the rise of far-right populism across Europe. This appeal comes ahead of a significant European summit, where he urged member states to modernize their interpretation of human rights laws to prevent asylum seekers from evading deportation.

Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, met with Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally, in London, where Bardella expressed confidence that Farage could become the next British Prime Minister. This meeting highlights the growing connections between far-right political movements in Europe.

Ian Cooper, the former leader of Staffordshire County Council and a member of Reform UK, has resigned following a social media investigation that revealed racist remarks he allegedly made online. His membership in the party was previously revoked due to these allegations, which included derogatory comments about public figures such as Sadiq Khan and David Lammy.

A group of 21 public figures, including actors Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley, have urged UK leader Keir Starmer to abandon plans to amend human rights laws related to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This call comes ahead of a significant European summit where discussions on legal changes to address fraudulent asylum claims are expected to take place.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome, discussing updated peace proposals that Ukraine plans to send to the United States to help resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting highlights the diplomatic efforts being made to seek a peaceful resolution to the war.

The Reform UK campaign led by Nigel Farage for the Clacton seat has been described as a 'juggernaut' by defeated Tory and Labour candidates, who are now facing police scrutiny over allegations of overspending during the election. Essex police are assessing claims of misreported election expenses following a referral from the Metropolitan police, which adds a layer of controversy to Farage's victory in the last general election.