Latest news with #REFORM
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
In surprise victory, UK's Labour wins Scottish by-election after racism row
LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party won a surprise victory on Friday in a fiercely fought by-election for the Scottish parliament, while support for the right-wing Reform UK party surged in a contest tainted by a row over racism. After one of the most bitter election campaigns in Scotland, Labour won the seat of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from the Scottish National Party after it became vacant following the death of a Scottish government minister. The result provides some relief for Starmer, whose party has suffered a steep fall in support since its landslide victory in a British parliamentary election last year after it raised taxes, cut welfare benefits and got into a row over donations. Voters rallied around Labour in the closely watched contest after Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, repeatedly referred to the ethnicity of the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who is of Pakistani heritage, drawing criticism from the other parties. The Labour candidate Davy Russell won 31.6% of votes in the election for the Scottish parliament, which has devolved powers over issues such as health and education. The SNP won 29.4% votes and Reform finished third with 26.1% votes. The betting odds had predicted a comfortable victory for the SNP with Labour pushed into third place behind Reform. Russell told his supporters in the area southeast of Glasgow that his victory had 'sent a message to Farage and his mob, the poison of Reform isn't us, it isn't Scotland and we don't want your division here'. REFORM SURGE But a recent rise in support for Reform - which has overtaken Labour in opinion polls as the most popular party in Britain - suggests it is making inroads in Scotland as well as England, a year before the Scottish parliament elections are held. John Curtice, Britain's most respected pollster, said although Labour had won an unexpected victory, the main takeaway from the result was the increase in support for Reform after the party won only 0.2% of the vote at the last election for the Scottish parliament in 2021. Starmer may hope that the victory will ease Labour lawmakers' anxiety but the party's share of the vote is down compared with recent elections, Curtice said. 'There is nothing in this result that suggests that Labour have turned around the reverse in the polls,' he said. The support for Reform in Scotland is particularly surprising because the party's brand of low tax, anti-immigration, anti-EU politics, has often been more associated with English nationalism. Farage visited Scotland on Monday, days after a row over an online video put out by his party that falsely claimed Sarwar had said he would 'prioritise' the Pakistani community. Labour branded the advert 'blatantly racist' and SNP leader John Swinney urged voters to reject Reform's 'gutter politics'. Farage responded by accusing Sarwar of introducing sectarianism into Scottish politics.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Labour wins Scottish seat as Reform UK surges in polls
LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party won a surprise victory on Friday in a fiercely fought by-election for the Scottish parliament, while support for the right-wing Reform UK party surged in a contest tainted by a row over racism. After one of the most bitter election campaigns in Scotland, Labour won the seat of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from the Scottish National Party after it became vacant following the death of a Scottish government minister. The result provides some relief for Starmer, whose party has suffered a steep fall in support since its landslide victory in a British parliamentary election last year after it raised taxes, cut welfare benefits and got into a row over donations. Voters rallied around Labour in the closely watched contest after Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, repeatedly referred to the ethnicity of the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who is of Pakistani heritage, drawing criticism from the other parties. The Labour candidate Davy Russell won 31.6% of votes in the election for the Scottish parliament, which has devolved powers over issues such as health and education. The SNP won 29.4% votes and Reform finished third with 26.1% votes. The betting odds had predicted a comfortable victory for the SNP with Labour pushed into third place behind Reform. Russell told his supporters in the area southeast of Glasgow that his victory had 'sent a message to Farage and his mob, the poison of Reform isn't us, it isn't Scotland and we don't want your division here'. REFORM SURGE But a recent rise in support for Reform - which has overtaken Labour in opinion polls as the most popular party in Britain - suggests it is making inroads in Scotland as well as England, a year before the Scottish parliament elections are held. John Curtice, Britain's most respected pollster, said although Labour had won an unexpected victory, the main takeaway from the result was the increase in support for Reform after the party won only 0.2% of the vote at the last election for the Scottish parliament in 2021. Starmer may hope that the victory will ease Labour lawmakers' anxiety but the party's share of the vote is down compared with recent elections, Curtice said. 'There is nothing in this result that suggests that Labour have turned around the reverse in the polls,' he said. The support for Reform in Scotland is particularly surprising because the party's brand of low tax, anti-immigration, anti-EU politics, has often been more associated with English nationalism. Farage visited Scotland on Monday, days after a row over an online video put out by his party that falsely claimed Sarwar had said he would 'prioritise' the Pakistani community. Labour branded the advert 'blatantly racist' and SNP leader John Swinney urged voters to reject Reform's 'gutter politics'. Farage responded by accusing Sarwar of introducing sectarianism into Scottish politics.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Reform chairman QUITS & says helping Farage become PM is ‘not a good use of my time'
Insiders said that the chairman had felt 'shafted' into running the party's DOGE efficiency unit WALKS OUT Reform chairman QUITS & says helping Farage become PM is 'not a good use of my time' REFORM was plunged into a chaotic civil war last night after its chairman Zia Yusuf announced he's quitting the party. Mr Yusuf announced on social media that after 11 months in the job 'I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time'. Advertisement 2 Reform chairman Zia Yusuf announced he's quitting the party Credit: PA Insiders said that the chairman had felt 'shafted' into running the party's DOGE efficiency unit, aimed at slashing waste in local authorities. He also earlier on Thursday clashed with Reform's newest MP, Sarah Pochin, over the idea of a burqa ban. Mr Yusuf said: 'Eleven months ago I became Chairman of Reform. 'I've worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30 per cent, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results. Advertisement Read More REFORMER REGRET I was excited to get Aldi's pilates machine but 1 issue has me returning it 'I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office.' Mr Yusuf was seen as a rising star in the party and close ally of Nigel Farage. While not an MP, the entrepreneur fronted several of the parties press conferences. He worked as chairman in a voluntary capacity. Advertisement This comes after Farage earlier this week blasted "net stupid zero" for obliterating the UK's oil industry, ahead of a showdown Scottish by-election on tomorrow. The Reform chief drew battle lines against the SNP as he warned Scotland is "literally de-industrialising before our eyes". In Aberdeen Mr Farage slammed the nats, led by First Minister John Swinney, for sacrificing an entire industry and thousands of jobs at the alter of green diktats. He claimed neighbouring Norway is "laughing" as it watches ministers import Scandinavian fossil fuels while dismantling local industry. Advertisement Against the shouts of protesters, at a posh fish and chips restaurant the Reform leader said: "We can con ourselves as much as we like. "There will be more coal burned this year than ever before in the history of human kind. The same applies to oil and gas. 'Even the most adren proponent of net zero has to accept the world will still be using oil and gas up until 2050 and beyond. 'And yet we've decided to sacrifice this industry as a consensus around Net Zero has emerged.' Advertisement Mr Farage added that the fight to save oil and gas is "almost the next Brexit". He said: 'Believe me, the scales are falling from the eyes of the public when it comes to Net Zero. "They realise we are putting upon ourselves a massive cost, let alone the opportunity cost of what we're missing... 'When we closed down refineries.. and steelworks... all we're doing is exporting the emissions of CO2 with the goods then being shipped back to us. Advertisement 'The public are waking up to this." It comes ahead of a Hoylrood by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse on Thursday, described by Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice as an "absolute cat fight" with the SNP and Labour. Mr Farage acknowledged it would be an "earthquake" level shock if Reform's candidate wins the seat. But activists have reported being surprised at levels of support on the doorstep. Advertisement Mr Farage insisted the Reform "can replicate success in Scotland". 2 He said: "I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time' Credit: AFP More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Black America Web
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Chips For Change: REFORM Alliance Announces Return Of Casino Night & Gala W/ The Weeknd As Headline Performer
Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty Today (May 19th), we got some big news from REFORM Alliance! The national advocacy organization announced the official return of its star-studded Casino Night and Gala event. Co-hosted by board members Michael Rubin, Meek Mill, and Shawn 'JAY-Z' Carter, this year's gala will return on Saturday, September 13th in Atlantic City. This year's REFORM Casino Night & Gala will feature a special headlining performance by Grammy Award-winning artist The Weeknd and once again will feature a high-stakes $1 million blackjack tournament. The event aims to raise crucial funds to fuel REFORM's mission of transforming the probation and parole system in the U.S. The inaugural event in 2023 smashed expectations, raising over $24 million and drawing an A-list crowd including Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Kevin Hart, Matthew McConaughey, Lil Baby, and more. Since its founding in 2019, REFORM has become a national leader in criminal justice reform. Inspired by Meek Mill's own experiences with the probation system, the organization is focused on advancing bipartisan legislation, evidence-based policy, and grassroots partnerships. To date, REFORM has helped pass 21 bipartisan bills across 12 states, creating pathways for 850,000+ people to exit the justice system. All proceeds from this year's gala will directly benefit REFORM's continued work to provide opportunity, support reentry, and reduce recidivism for millions of Americans impacted by the system. A stable job is one of the most effective ways to break cycles of recidivism – REFORM is actively connecting justice-involved individuals with opportunities and support to help people succeed. Salute to the REFORM team for continuing to make a difference. We can't wait to see how this year's event turns out. Check out some photos from the first Casino Night and Gala below! Chips For Change: REFORM Alliance Announces Return Of Casino Night & Gala W/ The Weeknd As Headline Performer was originally published on Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Source:Getty Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Japan Today
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Trump confronts South Africa's Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque By Nandita Bose and Jeff Mason U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday with explosive false claims of white "genocide" and unfair land seizures during a tense White House meeting that was reminiscent of his February ambush of Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Murder rates are high in South Africa, but the overwhelming majority of victims are Black. Ramaphosa arrived prepared for an aggressive reception, bringing popular white South African golfers as part of his delegation and saying he wanted to discuss trade. But in a carefully choreographed Oval Office onslaught, Trump pounced, moving quickly to a list of concerns about the treatment of whites, which he punctuated by playing a video and leafing through a stack of printed news articles that he said proved his allegations. "We have many people that feel they're being persecuted, and they're coming to the United States. So we take from many ... locations, if we feel there's persecution or genocide going on," Trump said, referring specifically to white farmers. "People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they're being killed." South Africa, which endured centuries of draconian discrimination against Black people during colonialism and apartheid before becoming a multi-party democracy in 1994 under Nelson Mandela, rejects Trump's allegations. A new land reform law, aimed at redressing the injustices of apartheid, allows for expropriations without compensation when in the public interest, for example if land is lying fallow. No such expropriation has taken place, and any order can be challenged in court. Ramaphosa, sitting in a chair next to Trump and remaining poised, pushed back against his claims. "If there was Afrikaner farmer genocide, I can bet you, these three gentleman would not be here," Ramaphosa said, referring to golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen and billionaire Johann Rupert, who were present in the room. That did not satisfy Trump. "We have thousands of stories talking about it, and we have documentaries, we have news stories," Trump said before directing that the video be played. "It has to be responded to." He then asked that the lights in the Oval Office be turned down. The video, played on a television that is not normally set up in the Oval Office, showed white crosses, which Trump said were the graves of white people, and opposition leaders making incendiary speeches. Trump suggested that one of them, Julius Malema, should be arrested. LAND REFORM AND ISRAEL Ramaphosa mostly sat expressionless during the presentation, occasionally craning his neck to look at the screen. He said he had not seen the material before and that he would like to find out the location. Trump then displayed printed copies of articles that he said showed white South Africans who had been killed, saying "death, death" as he flipped through them, eventually handing them to his counterpart. Ramaphosa said there was crime in South Africa, and the majority of victims were Black. Trump cut him off and said: "The farmers are not Black." Ramaphosa responded: "These are concerns we are willing to talk to you about." The South African president cited Mandela's example as a peacemaker, but that did not move the U.S. president, whose political base includes white nationalists, either. The myth of white genocide in South Africa has become a rallying point for the far right in the United States and elsewhere. "I will say: apartheid, terrible," Trump noted. "This is sort of the opposite of apartheid." Unlike Zelenskiy, who sparred with Trump and Vice President JD Vance during their White House meeting and ended up leaving early, the South African leader kept his calm, praising Trump's decor - the president has outfitted the Oval Office with gold accessories - and saying he looked forward to handing over the presidency of the Group of 20 next year. Trump declined to say whether he would attend the G20 meeting in South Africa in November. In recent months, Trump has criticized the land reform law and South Africa's genocide court case against Israel. He has canceled aid, expelled South Africa's ambassador and offered refuge to white minority Afrikaners based on racial discrimination claims Pretoria says are baseless. The United States is South Africa's second-biggest bilateral trading partner after China. But the country is facing a 30% tariff under Trump's currently suspended "Liberation Day" regime, and Ramaphosa was keen to discuss a trade deal and business opportunities. Later in the meeting, South African business tycoon Johann Rupert, who was part of Ramaphosa's delegation, stepped in to back up Ramaphosa, saying that crime was a problem across the board and many Black people were dying too. He nodded to Elon Musk, Trump's South Africa-born billionaire ally who was also present in the Oval Office, by saying that his Starlink telecoms systems were needed in every South African police station to combat crime. © Thomson Reuters 2025.
