International
Starmer asks Sunak to call elections after the Labour advance in the municipal elections
The head of the opposition in the United Kingdom, Labour Keir Starmer, urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday to immediately call general elections that allow the country to “sturn the page,” after the collapse of the conservative vote in the by-elections held yesterday.
In an intervention in Blackpool (northwest), where Labour snatched the seat of that constituency from the ‘tories’, Starmer described that result as “historic” and considered that he sends a direct message – since a deputy was chosen in the House of Commons – to Sunak.
The opposition leader stressed that the transfer of vote from conservatives to Labour has exceeded 20% for the fifth time in the last by-elections to choose seats that have been left vacant due to the resignation of their occupants during this legislature.
For his part, the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, called the first results declared so far of the municipal elections “disappointing” although he warned that there are still “many to be announced.”
However, the British conservatives scored a relevant victory that will alleviate their lousy result in the municipal elections, by managing to keep Ben Houchen as mayor of the metropolitan area of Tees Valley, in the northeast of England.
According to the provisional results, Houchen, one of the most popular ‘tories’ councilors, obtained 53.6% of the votes, compared to 41.3% of his Labour opponent, Chris Mcean, and 5% of the Liberal Democrats.
In a slow count, which will continue throughout the weekend, the triumph in Tees Valley is presented as one of the few bright moments for the conservatives of the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who faces a historic collapse in these partial local elections.
Despite everything, the percentage of Houchen, mayor since 2017 of that metropolitan area that includes cities such as Middlesbrough, Darlington or Hartlepool, plummets compared to the 72.8% support he obtained in the elections in 2021.
For his part, the president of the Conservative Party, Richard Holden, said that “there is no doubt” that the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, will lead that formation in the next general elections, scheduled for this year, although he predicted “a few hard days” before the first results of the municipal elections in England.
Citizens elected their representatives in 107 out of a total of 318 consistories in England, the most populous region of the United Kingdom, which were last chosen in 2021. There were also elections for the mayor of London and 9 other mayor’s offices and 37 police commissioners were elected.
The final results are not expected to be known until tomorrow, Saturday.
One of the most painful for the ‘tories’ was the result achieved in the by-election that was held in the constituency of Blackpool South (northeast England) to elect the new deputy to occupy that seat in the House of Commons after the resignation of conservative Scott Benton due to accusations of alleged influence peddling.
In it, Labour deputy Chris Webb prevailed, who snatched the seat from the ‘tories’ with 10,825 votes – a majority of 7,607 -, above the conservative David Jones, with 3,218 votes.
The ‘tories’ barely avoided falling to third position in that constituency, with only 117 votes above the candidate of the nationalist Reform UK party, Mark Butcher.
The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, called the triumph in that consistory “really historic” for his formation.
For his part, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson forgot to carry a document with an identification photo when going to vote in the municipal elections, a mandatory requirement that, ironically, introduced by his Government in 2022.
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International5 days agoCristiano Ronaldo Makes History as First Player to Score in Six World Cups
-
Central America4 days agoEl Salvador and Chile Mark 150 Years of Relations With Expanded Bilateral Cooperation
-
International3 days agoUnited Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
-
International4 days agoWHO Expects Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship to End by July 2
-
International3 days agoOAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
-
International4 days agoBill Gates Says Jeffrey Epstein Made “Veiled” Threats Over Extramarital Affairs
-
International5 days agoU.S. Proposes Higher Citizenship Fees and Limits on Immigration Fee Waivers
-
Central America5 days agoCosta Rica Launches Largest Police Operation in History, Dismantles Major Drug Cartel
-
International20 hours agoUN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people