International
Starmer says that the electoral result gives him a “clear mandate” to govern for change
Labour Keir Starmer, the new British Prime Minister, said this Saturday that the resounding victory achieved in the general elections has given his party “a clear mandate” to govern “for change” in the four nations of the United Kingdom.
In a press conference held today at the headquarters of the Government in Downing Street after meeting for the first time with his newly formed cabinet, Starmer said that his Executive will launch “a policy in this country that works” for citizens.
Labour won overwhelmingly, with 412 seats (out of a total of 650), in the advance general elections held in this country last Thursday, where the ‘tories’ suffered their worst defeat in their history, leaving only 121 deputies.
Starmer revealed that in that first meeting with his team of ministers he has conveyed to them “how to implement the plans that we have detailed in our electoral program” in addition to detailing “exactly” what I expect “in terms of standards, execution and the trust that the country has placed in them.”
Starmer brought together for the first time his newly launched cabinet, before which he stressed the “enormous amount of work to be done” that awaits his Government after winning the general elections by a large majority.
Starmer and his new team posed briefly and very smiling for the local media at the beginning of the meeting, held at the headquarters of the British Executive on Downing Street.
“Colleagues, it is absolutely fantastic to welcome you to the Cabinet, our first meeting. And it has been the honor and privilege of my life to have been invited by the king, His Majesty the king, yesterday to form a Government and to form the Labour Government of 2024,” Starmer told his new ministers.
“And now we are holding our first cabinet meeting. With which I welcome you. We have a huge amount of work to do, so now we get to it,” Starmer added to the applause of the team, in which there are heavyweights of labor such as the “number two” and head of Housing, Angela Rayner, or the new head of Economy, Rachel Reeves.
At the end of that meeting, Starmer is scheduled to hold a press conference.
In that cabinet meeting, according to the labor environment, the “first steps” that this government will take in power will be outlined, which include, among others, how economic stability will be achieved, how the huge waiting lists in the public health system will be resolved or how the problem of illegal immigration will be addressed.
Labour put an end to 14 years of conservative governments at the polls, sinking the formation of Rishi Sunak, by achieving a resounding majority of 412 seats (out of a total of 650) compared to the 121 of the ‘tories’.
The now opposition British Conservative Party focuses its efforts on finding a new leader who manages to straighten the course of the formation, in its worst crisis after the electoral defeat of last day 4 and the departure of the until then head of the formation and prime minister, Rishi Sunak.
Faced with this calamitous panorama, the conservatives have returned to the opposition as a weakened and management-less formation after 14 years in power.
The party must begin the process to elect its new leader after Rishi Sunak announced his intention to resign once the formal process to fill that vacancy has been enabled.
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
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