Singapore will hold a national election on May 3, as announced by the election commission. This will be the first electoral test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as leader of the People’s Action Party (PAP) in 2024. The election occurs amid economic concerns, including U.S. tariffs and a downgraded growth forecast. Despite PAP’s historical dominance, its popular vote share will be scrutinized following a poor performance in 2020. Wong emphasized the need for Singaporeans to choose a leadership team at this critical juncture. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 3:00 pm
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed attacks on several French prisons, including Toulon, involving burning vehicles and automatic weapons. Darmanin linked these attacks to anti-drug strategies and vowed to support affected officers. Vehicles were torched, and gates were targeted with heavy guns. In Toulon, a prison gate was hit with a “Kalashnikov-type” weapon. Unions called for a strong government response, highlighting insufficient staff to secure prison perimeters. The attacks are seen as coordinated efforts against anti-drug measures. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 3:00 pm
Four women have filed a groundbreaking legal case against Andrew Tate, accusing him of coercive control, rape, and assault between 2013 and 2015. Two women were in relationships with him, while the others worked for him. This case is the first in the UK to consider coercive control in a civil claim. Tate denies the allegations, calling them fabrications, and is accused of using victim-shaming tactics. The CPS previously declined to press charges in 2019. Legal costs for Tate’s defense exclude travel expenses to Romania. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 3:00 pm
Singapore will hold its 14th general election on May 3, following the dissolution of parliament by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Nomination Day is set for April 23, with candidates filing papers before nine days of campaigning and a “cooling-off day.” This marks Lawrence Wong’s first election as prime minister, succeeding Lee Hsien Loong. The ruling People’s Action Party, in power since 1965, faces challenges for all 97 seats amid voter concerns over living costs and jobs. In 2020, the PAP won 61.24% of the vote. Global tensions, including U.S. tariffs, add to the election’s backdrop. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 11:30 am
Sudan’s information blackout has left families of Zamzam refugee camp residents desperate for news after the camp was overrun by the RSF. The RSF’s assault displaced 60,000-80,000 households, with many fleeing to nearby camps. The violence, reportedly killing hundreds, underscores the need for peace talks in London to prioritize restoring communications for safety alerts and healthcare access. The RSF’s attack also killed nine medical workers and a children’s health center manager. Efforts to improve communication include airdropping satellite phones, but these remain costly and unreliable. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 11:30 am
Britain’s efforts to improve relations with China face challenges after Parliament intervened to prevent the closure of a Chinese-owned steel mill in Scunthorpe, risking 2,700 jobs. The move raises concerns about Chinese investment in sensitive sectors. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds criticized the Chinese company Jingye for not ordering essential materials, potentially leading to the mill’s closure. This incident complicates Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s strategy to foster warmer ties with China amid global trade tensions. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 11:30 am
A high-level international conference in London, hosted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, seeks a “pathway to peace” in Sudan amid its two-year civil war, causing a severe humanitarian crisis. The UK pledges $120m in aid. With 30 million in need and widespread violence, Lammy emphasizes the moral duty to act. Over 12 million are displaced, and recent RSF assaults in Darfur exacerbate the crisis. The conference, co-chaired by the UK, EU, and African Union, aims to unite international efforts for aid and peace, though Sudan’s warring parties are not invited. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 11:30 am
Mediators Egypt and Qatar presented a new Israeli ceasefire proposal to Hamas, but key elements were rejected by Hamas, including disarmament and a complete halt of hostilities. Hamas demands an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel seeks Hamas’s elimination and hostage return. Talks in Cairo ended without progress, with Hamas studying the proposal and promising a quick response. Israel resumed its offensive in March, ending a January ceasefire. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 8:00 am
President Trump expressed frustration over the slow pace of nuclear talks with Iran, as new negotiations are set to occur in Rome. While Iran hasn’t officially confirmed, their Foreign Minister indicated the talks would be in Rome. Trump emphasized Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, despite wishing prosperity for the nation. The first round occurred in Oman, which may continue mediating. Italy is prepared to host the talks, aiming for positive outcomes. The UN’s nuclear watchdog plans to visit Iran to discuss inspection access. Tensions remain high, with Trump threatening airstrikes if no deal is reached. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 8:00 am
The UK government has secured raw materials to keep British Steel’s blast furnaces running for weeks, following a scramble for supplies. Coking coal and iron ore from the US will be delivered to Scunthorpe, while a shipment from Australia is en route after a legal dispute. The government took control of British Steel from its Chinese owner, Jingye, to prevent furnace shutdowns, which would end the UK’s virgin steel production capability. The intervention aims to stabilize the plant, employing 2,700 people, amid tensions with Beijing over trade politicization. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 8:00 am
