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News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Trump Confirms Zelensky Will Not Attend Alaska Talks With Putin On Ukraine Ceasefire
Curated By : Last Updated: August 11, 2025, 22:39 IST Under Trump, America risks collapsing from the inside out, writes the author. (Reuters File) Donald Trump has confirmed that Volodymyr Zelensky will not be present at his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska later this week. The two leaders will hold talks on Friday aimed at exploring the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine. This follows statements from European leaders, including Keir Starmer, who stressed that the path to peace for Kyiv 'cannot be decided without Ukraine," and that the current line of contact between Russia and Ukraine should serve only as 'the starting point of negotiations." Ahead of the summit, the US President suggested a peace deal could include 'some swapping of territories", with reports suggesting this could involve Ukraine giving up its Donetsk region – a claim Zelenskyy strongly denied, LBC News reported. 'Of course, we will not give Russia awards for what it has done. The Ukrainian people deserve peace," the Ukrainian leader said. 'The answer to the Ukrainian territorial question is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. No one will deviate from this, and no one will be able to. Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier. Ukraine is ready for real decisions that can bring peace. Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not achieve anything. These are stillborn decisions. They are unworkable decisions," he added. When asked if Sir Keir Starmer believes the Russian President can be trusted in negotiations, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said the UK supports Kyiv and the US President's efforts for peace, but not Moscow. 'Never trust President Putin as far as you could throw him, but we obviously will support Ukraine. We will obviously support President Trump and European nations as we enter these negotiations."But it is exactly why we've been leading this work on the coalition of the willing, because any ceasefire, as I say, cannot just be an opportunity for President Putin to go away, re-arm, restrengthen, and then go again. So we're not going to leave it to trust. We're going to ensure that we're prepared such that we achieve a ceasefire," he said on Monday. Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the leaders of Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission affirmed that Ukraine has the sovereign right to determine its own future, adding that meaningful negotiations can only occur under a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities. 'The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force." view comments News world Trump Confirms Zelensky Will Not Attend Alaska Talks With Putin On Ukraine Ceasefire Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
The Herald Scotland
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Top Boy actor Michael Ward charged with two counts of rape
Ward is known for playing Jamie in the third and fourth series of the crime drama TV series Top Boy. He has also appeared in films such as Empire of Light, Blue Story, The Old Guard, The Beautiful Game and Eddington. Top Boy actor Micheal Ward, 27, has been charged with rape and sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police. — LBC News (@LBCNews) July 25, 2025 For his work, he has been nominated for a BAFTA twice, in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category for Empire of Light, and for Lovers Rock, which is one of the films in the Small Axe collection from Steve McQueen. He also won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020, which acknowledges new talents in the acting industry. In a statement, Catherine Baccas, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, said: "Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023. "He will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 28 August 2025. "We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial. "It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings." The Met's Det Supt Scott Ware said: "Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward - we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports."
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
John Swinney: 'I have confidence in NHS Fife despite Sandie Peggie row'
John Swinney has 'confidence' in NHS Fife despite Sandie Peggie being cleared of gross misconduct allegations. The First Minister told LBC News he expected the under fire health board to get on with the job of providing services to patients in Fife. Hours before the employment tribunal began, Kirkcaldy nurse Ms Peggie was cleared of four disciplinary charges made against her. She was being investigated after Dr Beth Upton, a trans doctor, accused her of a "hate incident" and patient safety breaches following a changing room confrontation at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. Ms Peggie's solicitor Margaret Gribbon said her client was "delighted" at the conclusion of the 18-month internal process. High profile figures have called on the leadership at NHS Fife to resign, including former SNP health secretary Alex Neil. He said it was "unacceptable" that NHS Fife had already spent in the region of £220,000 on the legal dispute. But Mr Swinney would not do the same when asked by LBC News. Read more: Sandie Peggie cleared of gross misconduct allegations Sandie Peggie Employment Tribunal: The story so far Who's who in the Sandie Peggie employment tribunal Why we can learn from Darlington nurses in Sandie Peggie and NHS Fife row He said: "NHS Fife have got important work to undertake to deliver health care, to deliver health care effectively to the people of Fife. 'That's what I expect them to do and that is what they're doing.' He added: 'I have confidence in the board of NHS Fife. They have got to get on with delivering health services for the people of Fife.' The First Minister added: 'There has been an internal disciplinary process that has reached its conclusion and it's important when ever issues of this type are taken forward that there is a fair process put in place that respects the interests of absolutely every party in these circumstances. 'That has happened here and it's reached its conclusion. There is a separate process underway which is the employment tribunal that has been brought forward by Sandie Peggie. 'It is up to NHS Fife to determine NHS Fife to determine how to approach that particular issue and how to handle that and the must take cognisance of all of the obligations and issues of the process as they do so.' NEW: John Swinney says he still has confidence in the board of NHS Fife. @LBC asked him if he thought the board should call it quits at the tribunal after the internal disciplinary against Sandie Peggie cleared her of allegations of gross misconduct @LBCNewsScot l @LBCNews — @GinaDavidson (@ginadavidsonlbc) July 16, 2025 The employment tribunal resumed on Wednesday morning despite the significant development. Evidence has been heard by Isla Bumba, who is NHS Fife's Equalities and Human Rights Lead Officer. She advised Dr Upton had a "right" to use the female changing rooms because the medic "identifies as a woman". But she admitted the health board did not have its own policy on trans inclusion and instead "Googled" the guidance of other health boards, including Lanarkshire and Highlands. Kirkcaldy nurse Sandie Peggie. (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) Ms Peggie was suspended following Dr Upton's complaint about a confrontation on Christmas Eve. The nurse had experienced a sudden heavy period and was worried she had bled through her scrubs. When she went to the changing room and found Dr Upton there, she stated that, in her view, the medic was a man and should not be in the space. The specific words exchanged between the two are disputed. Ms Peggie was placed on special leave on December 30, 2023, and formally suspended on January 4, 2024, following the complaint. During the investigation, further allegations were made against Ms Peggie, raising 'clear fitness to practise questions'. These included a claim she 'walked out of a resuscitation unit when Dr Upton entered, leaving a patient unseen'. Another allegation involved a 'missing patient incident' on December 18, 2023, in which a patient was triaged and left the hospital without being seen. Dr Upton noted that Ms Peggie 'did not acknowledge my presence'. In a statement, NHS Fife said there was "insufficient evidence" to support any misconduct accusations against Ms Peggie. A spokeswoman confirmed the internal conduct hearing had concluded. The statement said: "After reviewing the evidence presented, including written submissions and witness testimony, the panel found that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of misconduct. While no formal sanctions have been imposed, the panel concluded that a facilitated reflective practice discussion would be appropriate. "NHS Fife acknowledges that this was a complex and sensitive matter, and we are satisfied that the process has been appropriately followed and is now concluded. We remain committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and safe working environment for all of our staff and patients. "As this matter relates to an individual member of staff, NHS Fife will not be making any further comment on the outcome."
Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out MORE tax hikes after spending spree plunged into turmoil
RACHEL Reeves refused to rule out hiking up taxes after her spending plans were threatened by dismal growth figures. The Chancellor insisted she wasn't going to write Budgets for the next four years after the UK economy for shrank by 0.3 per cent in April - the biggest monthly drop for 18 months. 1 Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted today she's not going to write the next four Budgets after being pressed on autumn tax rises Credit: Sky News The move came after she hit back at suggestions she was the 'Klarna Chancellor' after accusations her spending review was buy now and pay later. Ms Reeves told LBC News: "I am not going to write four years worth of budgets... It would be very risky for a Chancellor to write a budget in a world as uncertain as this. "I can say I won't have to repeat a budget like last year, I wiped the slate clean. We do now have that path to lower borrowing and debt". The Chancellor was speaking after she revelled in a £300 billion spending splurge increasing spending for health and defence and outlining new infrastructure projects. But Ms Reeves pointed to "uncertainty about tariffs" had led to the fall in GDP for April following Donald Trump''s global tariff war. The world trade war combined with stubborn inflation and slow growth are likely to see tax rises or major spending cuts at the Budget this autumn. She said: 'We know that April was a challenging month. "There was a huge uncertainty about tariffs, and one of the things if you dig into those GDP numbers today is exports weakening and also production weakening because of that uncertainty in the world around tariffs.' Analysis: Growth figures are wake up call after spending splurge By Ryan Sabey, Economics Editor Rachel Reeves revelled in a major spending splurge yesterday - but this morning she wakes up to a reality check. The Chancellor says that the figures are "clearly disappointing" but its a stark reminder of the fragility of the UK economy and how difficult it will be to turbo-charge growth. The effects of 'Awful April' - when a slew of added costs for business including that national insurance rise came in - has hit home. This Labour government has put that push for growth as their number one mission which will have the knock-on effect of driving up living standards. After a positive start to the year - where we saw growth up by 0.7 per cent - today we see it drop by 0.3 per cent for April. We shouldn't take one month's figures in isolation but the fear is conditions for business and entrepreneurs have hit them hard. The hike to national insurance contributions and minimum wage for firms kicked in at the start of April and this is how the economy has reacted. As the British Chambers of Commerce outline the NI rise has hit investment, recruitment and prices. The uncertainty of Donald Trump's tariffs is also a drag on the UK with the largest monthly fall on record in goods exports to the US. With dismal economic growth, the global trade war and stubborn inflation, the Chancellor will surely be left with little choice but to cut spending or raise taxes in the autumn. She has iron-clad fiscal rules she insists are non-negotiable so it feels inevitable something will have to give. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch hit out at Ministers saying they were waging a "war" with business. She highlighted how 'Awful April' when National Insurance contributions for business were hikes and minimum wage payments went up. The party leader said: "This is a war on the private sector, where private businesses are having to cut their coat according to their cloth. "They're having to downsize. They're having to let go of staff, but no reforms are being asked for any parts of the public sector. 'Of course, we want to fund public services, but we need to make sure that we're doing things better.' Ms Reeves outlined her spending review yesterday saying it was time for national renewal. She told Labour MPs at an event last night that she needed to "sell" the benefits of her plans to voters on the doorstep.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out MORE tax hikes after spending spree plunged into crisis
RACHEL Reeves refused to rule out hiking up taxes after her spending plans were threatened by dismal growth figures. The Chancellor insisted she wasn't going to write Budgets for the next four years after the UK economy for shrank by 0.3 per cent in April - the biggest monthly drop for 18 months. 1 The move came after she hit back at suggestions she was the 'Klarna Chancellor' after accusations her spending review was buy now and pay later. Ms Reeves told LBC News: "I am not going to write four years worth of budgets... It would be very risky for a Chancellor to write a budget in a world as uncertain as this. "I can say I won't have to repeat a budget like last year, I wiped the slate clean. We do now have that path to lower borrowing and debt". The Chancellor was speaking after she revelled in a £300 billion spending splurge increasing spending for health and defence and outlining new infrastructure projects. But Ms Reeves pointed to "uncertainty about tariffs" had led to the fall in GDP for April following Donald Trump''s global tariff war. The world trade war combined with stubborn inflation and slow growth are likely to see tax rises or major spending cuts at the Budget this autumn. She said: 'We know that April was a challenging month. "There was a huge uncertainty about tariffs, and one of the things if you dig into those GDP numbers today is exports weakening and also production weakening because of that uncertainty in the world around tariffs.' Analysis: Growth figures are wake up call after spending splurge By Ryan Sabey, Economics Editor Rachel Reeves revelled in a major spending splurge yesterday - but this morning she wakes up to a reality check. The Chancellor says that the figures are "clearly disappointing" but its a stark reminder of the fragility of the UK economy and how difficult it will be to turbo-charge growth. The effects of 'Awful April' - when a slew of added costs for business including that national insurance rise came in - has hit home. This Labour government has put that push for growth as their number one mission which will have the knock-on effect of driving up living standards. After a positive start to the year - where we saw growth up by 0.7 per cent - today we see it drop by 0.3 per cent for April. We shouldn't take one month's figures in isolation but the fear is conditions for business and entrepreneurs have hit them hard. The hike to national insurance contributions and minimum wage for firms kicked in at the start of April and this is how the economy has reacted. As the British Chambers of Commerce outline the NI rise has hit investment, recruitment and prices. The uncertainty of Donald Trump's tariffs is also a drag on the UK with the largest monthly fall on record in goods exports to the US. With dismal economic growth, the global trade war and stubborn inflation, the Chancellor will surely be left with little choice but to cut spending or raise taxes in the autumn. She has iron-clad fiscal rules she insists are non-negotiable so it feels inevitable something will have to give. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch hit out at Ministers saying they were waging a "war" with business. She highlighted how ' Awful April' when National Insurance contributions for business were hikes and minimum wage payments went up. The party leader said: "This is a war on the private sector, where private businesses are having to cut their coat according to their cloth. "They're having to downsize. They're having to let go of staff, but no reforms are being asked for any parts of the public sector. 'Of course, we want to fund public services, but we need to make sure that we're doing things better.' Ms Reeves outlined her spending review yesterday saying it was time for national renewal. She told Labour MPs at an event last night that she needed to "sell" the benefits of her plans to voters on the doorstep.
