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The National
4 days ago
- General
- The National
Labour's defence document exposes some major cracks
However, the document itself makes no reference to it. There are important reasons for that, not least of which is the cost. But the danger and threat still lurks. It is technically credible that the UK's 30 (soon to rise to 47) F-35 multi-role fighters be fitted to carry nuclear bombs. The F-35 has that capability as does some other aircraft and there are more than 100 US-controlled gravity bombs stored in Europe stationed in several Nato countries. But the US nuclear control of the bombs would be a sticking point that deal-maker Donald Trump would not miss. Even faux British operational independence would up the cost of the F-35 option. READ MORE: Leading pro-indy figures write to Keir Starmer over referendum 'snub' An explicit endorsement of the re-introduction of tactical nuclear bombs carried aboard the F-35 multi-role fighter would signal a significant change to British nuclear policy. It would be seen by the 94 member states of the UN who support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as a destabilising move by the UK. That includes the 73 whose sovereign legislatures have ratified it into international law and chose to abide by its terms. Indeed, the non-nuclear nations could throw sections of the SDR back in Britain's face as the document makes much of – possibly even overhypes – global insecurity – a selling point for those arms companies that received advanced copies before even the shadow defence secretary. This was revealed when Defence Secretary John Healey finally deigned to brief parliament, late in the afternoon. To openly re-introduce British tactical nukes in a document which claims that one of its key aims is to de-escalate international tension would be the equivalent of the fire brigade claiming, with a straight face, that pouring rocket fuel on a fire would help put it out. However, the prepublicity over the weekend has ensured that notion of the reintroduction of British tactical nuclear weapons is still out there, mostly likely to test the political temperature. Indeed, within the document itself, Russia is rightly criticised for retaining the possible use of tactical nukes. Looking both ways at once is not a novel idea. But even by the standards of the Starmer administration, to do so in writing in the same document would be a bit of a stretch. The military dangers of devolving a degree of command and control of nukes from the political leadership to generals of at least four-star level is fraught with risk, though most top brass are usually near their political leadership. To devolve control three steps away further to one-star level is asking for trouble. Going even further, handing control of a nuclear weapon to a lowly pilot in a cockpit is more than a bit of a gamble. Maybe the naive LibDems had not thought that through when they briefly floated the idea of replacing the clapped-out Vanguards with nuclear-capable F-35s a few years ago. For the same reason, I find it hard to believe that a group with the ear of Keir Starmer are punting an F-35 option. But maybe it is to divert attention from the increasingly clapped-out Vanguards – something, inadvertently, that the Prime Minister made mention of in his Govan shipyard speech. However, the SDR did touch upon the increasing costs of the maintenance and potential expansion of the UK's nuclear arsenal with reference to £15 billion earmarked for the 'sovereign warhead programme'. READ MORE: 'A bit rich': Kate Forbes responds to Keir Starmer ruling out referendum That it is given a title with the word 'sovereign' in it, rather than just 'warhead programme' or 'new' or 'replacement' warhead programme, suggests that recent work by the anti-nuclear movement on the fact that President Trump actually owns the Trident missiles is impacting on public perception, or risks doing so. Starmer was surely on thin ice (and some military brass must have been nervous) when the Prime Minister mentioned that during his last visit to Scotland, he was aboard a Vanguard coming off patrol. Yesterday he said that the length of the patrol was a record breaker, implying that this was something to be proud of, when in fact it was the exact opposite. The Prime Minister did not reveal the real cause of the over-lengthy deployment, though he inadvertently revealed that the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) concept is under severe strain. The deployment of Vanguards is getting longer and longer. That's because it appears there are not four boats in various states of readiness, but three, or even less. In his widely viewed Rented Missiles And Worn Out Submarines YouTube presentation, military historian Mark Felton succinctly explains why. He even speculates that at times no Vanguard has been at sea at all. Behind the SDR lurk many questions, problems and dangers. We should not let the UK Government hide them. Bill Ramsay is secretary of SNP CND and convener of the SNP Trade Union Group
Mint
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Trump Weighs Suspending Migrants' Ability to Challenge Detention
The White House is 'actively looking at' whether to suspend the ability of migrants to challenge their detention in court as part of an effort to speed its deportation efforts, senior adviser Stephen Miller said Friday. 'The Constitution is clear that, of course, it is the supreme law of the land that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in time of invasion — so it's an option we're actually looking at, but a lot of it depends on whether the court will do the right thing or not,' Miller told reporters. Habeas corpus allows for those detained by the government to challenge the detention and be released from imprisonment after wrongful arrest. In immigration proceedings, habeas reviews can consider how long migrants are being held before deportations, and the conditions of their imprisonment. Habeas corpus has only occasionally been suspended throughout US history: during the Civil War and reconstruction, in the US-controlled Philippines in 1905, and in Hawaii following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Miller spoke hours after a federal judge in Vermont ordered the immediate release of a Tufts University doctoral student who was detained by immigration officers in March, as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on foreign students who participated in campus demonstrations against Israel. Rümeysa Öztürk wrote an op-ed in her school newspaper critical of the university's response to the war in Gaza; the administration has alleged, without providing evidence, that she participated in activities in support of Hamas. Asked about the case, Miller said there was 'a judicial coup' underway in the country and that the executive branch had 'absolute authority' to revoke visas without review by the courts. 'This judicial coup by a handful of Marxist judges to frustrate that effort can only be understood as an attack on democracy,' Miller said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What is US-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, key element in new mineral deal
The US Treasury Department announced the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund on Wednesday, as the two countries signed a long-anticipated minerals deal. Announcing the signing of the accord, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it showed "both sides' commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine." Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on national television that the agreement was "good, equal, and beneficial." He further added in a post on Telegram that the two countries would establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund with each side having 50 percent voting rights. Read More: Inside US-Ukraine mineral deal: Kyiv gets massive haircut, EU boost in big blow to Russia "Ukraine retains full control over its subsoil, infrastructure and natural resources," he said. 'The fund's profits will be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine.' According to a press release by the Treasury Department, the fund will have the 'two countries work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery.' 'Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership,' it further added. The US-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund is a US-controlled investment fund designed to support Ukraine's long-term reconstruction and modernization following Russia's invasion. Purpose: The fund collects profits from US-backed investment projects in Ukraine's natural resources, such as aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas, to finance rebuilding efforts. US Priority: The US has first claim on profits transferred into the fund, ensuring American investments are prioritized. Aid Terms: Only future US military assistance counts toward contributions to the fund, with no repayment required for prior aid provided since Russia's invasion began in 2022. "Thanks to President Trump's tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today's historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund," Scott Bessent said. 'As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.'
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Inside US-Ukraine mineral deal: Kyiv gets massive haircut, EU boost in big blow to Russia
The US and Ukraine have reached a deal over access to the latter's natural resources, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the accord. Key aspects of the deal include Washington's push for Kyiv's European Union membership, providing 'de facto' security, and the formation of a Reconstruction Fund. This comes as President Donald Trump has time and again spoken about being 'frustrated' with Russia and Ukraine amid failed ceasefire talks. According to Bloomberg, the deal will grant the US privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraine's natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas. Read More: Donald Trump on fallout from trade war: 'US kids may get 2 dolls instead of 30' US and Ukrainian officials have discussed the key minerals deal for weeks. President Volodymyr Zelensky also visited the White House, where Trump and VP JD Vance snapped at him for being 'ungrateful'. Bloomberg reported that the two sides had 'agreed on the main accord' but were discussing technical details spelled out in separate texts. The deal will give US first claims on profits transferred into a special reconstruction investment fund that would be controlled by Washington. The US also agreed that only future military assistance that it may provide to Ukraine would count toward its contribution to the fund, Bloomberg added. The deal reportedly does not include the repayment of billions of dollars in aid already delivered since the start of Russia's invasion. Read More: Donald Trump claims Carney to visit next week, Canadian PM eager to make deal Washington also agreed not to hinder Kyiv's moves to join the European Union, the report stated. Russia has time and again opposed Ukraine's EU ambitions. US Priority Access: The US will have first dibs on investment projects involving Ukraine's aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas resources. Reconstruction Fund: A US-controlled investment fund will receive priority profits from these projects, dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine's infrastructure devastated by Russia's invasion. No Repayment of Past Aid: The agreement excludes repayment of prior US aid, with only future military assistance counting toward the fund. Security Benefit: President Donald Trump emphasized that the U.S. business presence will deter 'bad actors,' indirectly bolstering Ukraine's security. EU Alignment: The deal aligns with Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union, a non-negotiable condition for Kyiv.
Observer
12-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
US, Ukraine reopen talks on contentious minerals deal
A Ukrainian delegation was in Washington on Friday for a new round of talks about a deal that would give the United States a major stake in Ukraine's natural resources. The visit marked the latest twist in a monthslong saga that has seen Ukraine and the US haggling over a deal that President Donald Trump sees as a way to 'recoup' past US aid to Ukraine, and which President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes can help secure defence guarantees for his country. The talks will be the first in-person meeting since the White House presented a revised draft agreement that revived tough demands Ukraine had earlier rejected — effectively bringing negotiations back to square one. The talks in Washington, which were expected to start on Friday and last two days, will be mostly technical and will not involve top officials, officials in Ukraine said. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Taras Kachka, a deputy economy minister in charge of trade, and includes representatives from the ministries of economy and justice. The White House has not provided details on the talks. The new proposal reverts to Trump's initial demand that Ukraine repay the United States for the billions it has received in military and financial aid since Russia's attack three years ago. As in earlier proposals, Ukraine would have to contribute half its revenue from natural resource projects — including critical minerals, oil and gas, as well as related infrastructure such as ports and pipelines — to a US-controlled investment fund. Profits from the fund would be reinvested in Ukrainian natural resource projects, though the exact share of such profit remained unclear. The new draft also echoes earlier versions by omitting any mention of security guarantees for Ukraine, a provision that Ukraine had long pressed for and managed to include in a draft last month — but one that Washington had long resisted. The new proposal includes stricter terms than earlier drafts: Washington would claim all profit from the fund until Ukraine repaid at least the equivalent of the US aid received during the war plus 4% annual interest. The United States also would retain a 'right of first offer' on new projects and the power to veto sales of Ukrainian resources to third countries. And in the first year of the agreement, Ukraine would be prohibited from offering any investment projects to third parties with better financial or economic terms than those offered to the United States. The fund would be controlled by the International Development Finance Corp., a US government agency responsible for investing in companies and projects abroad. The agency would nominate three board members — while Ukraine would have only two — and would oversee each project where earnings from the fund are invested. The United States opened the negotiations in February with tough financial demands that Zelensky warned would take 'generations of Ukrainians' to repay. After intense talks, Ukraine managed to soften some of Washington's toughest demands and reached an agreement that it considered more acceptable. But the deal collapsed after a disastrous Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky. The debacle prompted the US to briefly suspend military aid to Ukraine. Since then, Ukraine has treaded carefully to avoid angering the White House. Now demands that Ukraine had previously succeeded in removing — that Washington retains control of the fund and that Ukraine repays past US aid — have resurfaced in the latest proposal. The security guarantees also disappeared. Officials in Ukraine say they consider the new demands to be an opening bid for further negotiations. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said any future agreement should be mutually beneficial and should not jeopardise Ukraine's accession to the European Union by granting preferential treatment to US businesses. 'This is a key principle for the Ukrainian side,' Sybiha said this week. Still, Ukrainian officials have not rejected the new American demands outright, mindful that the past refusals strained US-Ukraine relations. Instead, they have framed the new round of talks as constructive discussions. 'This dialogue reflects the strategic interests of both nations and our shared commitment to building a strong, transparent partnership,' Yulia Svyrydenko, the Ukrainian economy minister, said. Ukraine is seeking consulting services to advise on the minerals deal and 'protect Ukraine's national interests.' A government order published on Tuesday stated that $2.7 million had been allocated for hiring consultants with experience in public debt management and lawyers.
