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Toronto Sun
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Britain will lower voting age to 16 in bid to strengthen democracy
Published Jul 17, 2025 • 2 minute read A woman exits a polling station set up at St. Anne's Church, Bermondsey, in London, on July 4, 2024. Photo by Vadim Ghirda / AP LONDON (AP) — Britain will lower the voting age from 18 to 16 by the next national election as part of measures to increase democratic participation, the government announced Thursday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The center-left Labour Party pledged before it was elected in July 2024 to lower the voting age for elections to Britain's Parliament. Scotland and Wales already let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in local and regional elections. Britain will join the short list of countries where the voting age is 16, alongside the likes of Austria, Brazil and Ecuador. A handful of European Union countries, including Belgium, Germany and Malta, allow 16-year-olds to vote in elections to the European Parliament. The move comes alongside wider reforms that include tightening campaign financing rules to stop shell companies with murky ownership from donating to political parties. Democracy Minister Rushanara Ali said the change would strengthen safeguards against foreign interference in British politics. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There will also be tougher sentences for people convicted of intimidating candidates. Additionally, the government said it will introduce automatic voter registration and allow voters to use bank cards as a form of identification at polling stations. The previous Conservative government introduced a requirement for voters to show photo identification in 2022, a measure it said would combat fraud. Critics argued it could disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly the young, the poor and members of ethnic minorities. Elections watchdog the Electoral Commission estimates that about 750,000 people did not vote in last year's election because they lacked ID. Turnout in the 2024 election was 59.7%, the lowest level in more than two decades. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Harry Quilter-Pinner, head of left-leaning think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research, said the changes were 'the biggest reform to our electoral system since 1969,' when the voting age was lowered to 18 from 21. The changes must be approved by Parliament. The next national election must be held by 2029. 'For too long, public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline,' Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said. 'We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in U.K. democracy.' Stuart Fox, a politics lecturer at the University of Exeter who has studied youth voting, said it's 'far from clear' whether lowering the voting age actually increases youth engagement. 'It is right to help young people be heard,' he said. 'But there are other measures which are more effective at getting young people to vote — particularly those from the poorest backgrounds who are by far the least likely to vote — such as beefing up the citizenship curriculum or expanding the provision of volunteering programs in schools.' Celebrity World MMA Sunshine Girls Relationships
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
NATO Scrambles Multiple Fighter Jets After Long-Range Russian Strikes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NATO member Romania scrambled two fighter jets overnight after Russia launched fresh drone attacks close to its border with Ukraine, the country's defense ministry said on Wednesday. Two F-16 fighter jets took off from a major airbase east of the Romanian capital at 11:15 p.m. local time after Moscow "resumed its drone attacks on civilian targets and port infrastructure in Ukraine," Bucharest said in a statement. Russia has frequently attacked the Ukrainian port of Izmail, which sits directly across from the Romanian town and broader region of Tulcea. The Danube River marks the border between the two countries. Oleh Kiper, the governor of the southern Odesa region covering Izmail, said the area around the port came under drone strikes overnight. Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter planes flying outside Fetesti, Romania, in November 2023. Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter planes flying outside Fetesti, Romania, in November 2023. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda This is a breaking story. Updates to follow.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tour de France final stage will include Montmartre climb, three times
FILE - Competitors ride past the Sacre Coeur basilica, during the women's road cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File) PARIS (AP) — Tour de France riders will climb the Montmartre hill three times during this year's final stage — a significant break from tradition that will add a dose of suspense and requires heightened security measures. There was a village atmosphere when massive crowds lined the streets of Montmartre during last year's Olympics to cheer on riders who climbed narrow cobbled streets in the northern area of Paris. Advertisement Tour director Christian Prudhomme said on Wednesday that he wanted to recapture that popular fervor, while offering new race scenarios. Traditionally, the final stage is largely processional until a sprint decides the day's winner on the Champs-Elysées. This summer, the final climb up the cobbled Rue Lepic will come less than 7km from the finish, and it's unlikely many sprinters will still be in the mix for the stage win when the leading group reaches the iconic avenue. 'It will be more complicated for the sprinters," Prudhomme said as he unveiled the stage route, which could however favor one-day classic specialists good at tackling short and steep hills. The 21st stage of the Tour on July 27, starting from the Paris suburb of Mantes-la-Ville, will include three passages beneath the Sacré-Coeur basilica. The Montmartre area is a maze of narrow streets and it will require a deployment of extra security forces, urban planning and many security barriers. Advertisement During the Olympics, the road races attracted more than 500,000 spectators in Paris, organizers said. Laurent Nunez, the Paris police prefect, said 'several thousand' security forces will be on duty to guarantee the safety of riders and fans. 'But it does not pose any particular challenge, we proved that during the Paris Olympics,' he added. The inclusion of Montmartre will derail the pure sprinters' quest for glory on the Champs-Elysées. It could even have an influence on the general classification if gaps between the main contenders remain tight heading into the final stage. 'Imagine an attack by one of the main contenders of the Tour de France at the last moment, a few kilometers from the finish,' Prudhomme said. Advertisement The last time the final stage proved decisive was in 1989, when Greg LeMond won his second Tour de France with the closest finish ever, edging Laurent Fignon by 8 seconds. LeMond started the day 50 seconds behind Fignon and won the final stage, a 15-mile race against the clock from Versailles to Paris. Not all riders are thrilled by the change. 'Montmartre was nice to do in the Olympics, it seemed good, a lot of people, a really good atmosphere,' two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard said this week. 'But when they came to the Montmartre, there was only 15 riders left in the bunch. And when we do the Tour de France, there will be 150 guys fighting for positions on a very narrow climb. It could end up being more stress than they want to have.' Advertisement The Tour starts from the northern city of Lille on July 5, and the women's race kicks off on July 26 from the Brittany town of Vannes. Last year's final stage was held outside Paris for the first time since 1905 because of a clash with the Olympics, moving instead to Nice. The Champs-Élysées returns this year for the conclusion of the 3,320-kilometer (2,060-mile) race. ___ AP cycling:
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The controversial addition to Tour de France which has the cycling world talking
The Tour de France is breaking with tradition, and not everyone is happy about it. The announcement of plans to include the iconic Montmartre climb in the final stage this July has sparked debate across the cycling world. Will this shakeup decide the overall winner, or simply disrupt the traditional celebratory sprint? Advertisement Traditionally, the Tour final stage is largely processional until a sprint decides the day's winner on the Champs-Élysées. However, the inclusion of the Montmartre climb throws a wrench into the predictable proceedings. This steep, cobbled climb, situated in the heart of Paris's artistic district, could force teams to rethink their strategies, potentially creating a more dynamic and unpredictable race. Last year's Olympic road race offered a glimpse of what to expect. Massive crowds thronged the streets of Montmartre, creating an electric atmosphere as riders battled up the hill. Inspired by this spectacle, Tour organisers decided to incorporate the climb into this year's race. Riders will ascend the hill, passing beneath the Sacré-Coeur basilica, before contesting the final sprint. Advertisement While some worry about disrupting the traditional final stage, others see the Montmartre climb as an exciting innovation. It promises a dramatic and visually stunning finale to cycling's most prestigious race, potentially offering a thrilling twist to the usual sprint finish. Cyclists ride past the Sacre Coeur basilica, during the men's road cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) Whether this change will ultimately crown a new champion or simply add a layer of chaos remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the final stage of this year's Tour de France will be a spectacle unlike any seen in recent decades. Last year's final stage was held outside Paris for the first time since 1905 because of a clash with the Olympics, moving instead to Nice. Advertisement The world famous avenue is back on the program this year for the conclusion of the 3,320-kilometer (2,060-mile) race. The inclusion of the steep Montmartre climb could dramatically change the dynamics of the stage. If the hill features just a few kilometers from the finish line, or is climbed several times, pure sprinters will likely be dropped before they can compete for the stage win. And if the general classification remains tight ahead of the final stage, the yellow jersey itself could be decided in Paris. Full details of the route will be presented at a news conference on Wednesday. With a peloton roughly twice as big as it was at the Olympics, organisers are working with Paris authorities and the Prefecture of police to ensure the security of the race on the narrow and cobbled streets of the area. But some top riders have already expressed their lack of enthusiasm about the addition. 'Montmartre was nice to do in the Olympics, it seemed good, a lot of people, a really good atmosphere,' two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard told reporters this week. 'But when they came to the Montmartre, there was only 15 riders left in the bunch. And when we do the Tour de France, there will be 150 guys fighting for positions on a very narrow climb. It could end up being more stress than they want to have.' Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar will hope to win Tour de France for a fourth time (EPA) Even Remco Evenepoel, who won the Olympic men's road race in Paris last year and the gold medal in the time trial, is also opposed to the idea. Advertisement 'There will be enough battle for positioning in the first week of the Tour," he told sports media Sporza. "With Montmartre added, that would mean we have to do the same on the last day. We will be tired enough by then.' Evenepoel also lamented the fact that sprinters would be robbed of a rare chance to claim a prestigious win on the world famous avenue. 'They get a big chance every year to sprint for a stage win on the Champs-Elysées," he said. 'That chance is then taken away from them. In my opinion, Montmartre is an unnecessary obstacle.' Marc Madiot, who manages the Groupama-FDJ team, said bad weather on the final day could make the stage more treacherous. Advertisement 'Imagine a slight rain in Paris; it's not going to be easy for the riders,' he told RMC Radio. 'Do we want a show? Do we want to visit Paris? Do we want to commemorate the Olympics? If we expect a real race, we could be disappointed. And if we do get a real race, we put everything that has happened in the last three weeks in jeopardy." The Tour starts from the northern city of Lille on July 5, and the women's race kicks off on July 26 from the Brittany town of Vannes.
Toronto Sun
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Canada welcomes UN body's decision holding Russia responsible for MH17 tragedy
Published May 14, 2025 • 1 minute read A pro-Russian rebel touches the MH17 wreckage at the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, on July 22, 2014. Photo by Vadim Ghirda, File / AP OTTAWA — The Canadian government is welcoming a recent decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to hold Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The plane was shot down on July 17, 2014, over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, including one Canadian. Global Affairs Canada says the UN body has found Russia breached an obligation not to use weapons against a civil aircraft in flight under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention. A Dutch-led investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down from territory held by separatist rebels using a missile system delivered from Russia. Moscow has denied any involvement in the tragedy and is rejecting the council's findings. Global Affairs says the council will in the coming weeks consider what form of reparation is in order. 'We commend the council for fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law in civil aviation and for reaffirming that violations of it will not go unanswered,' the department said in a statement. 'Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives aboard Flight MH17. Canada continues to support efforts to ensure that justice is served and to reinforce international mechanisms that protect civilian lives.' — With files from The Associated Press Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto & GTA Relationships Olympics Columnists
