Approval of east London datacentre labelled ‘slap in the face’ for local democracy

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https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/04/brick-lane-redevelopment-approval-datacentre-london

Campaigners Jonathan Moberley and Susanna Kow. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Campaigners decry Angela Rayner’s backing for Brick Lane project that has only 11 affordable homes

A £500m redevelopment of the Truman Brewery estate in Brick Lane, east London, has been approved, clearing the way for the construction of a datacentre, offices and apartments despite opposition from Tower Hamlets council and local campaign groups.

The housing secretary, Angela Rayner, made the decision in a letter issued on her behalf last week by the housing minister Matthew Pennycook, rejecting demands from the council and campaigners for for the site to be used for hundreds of homes instead.

The Save Brick Lane coalition, made up of nine groups opposed to the project, said their “community should not be expected to accept a noisy, energy-intensive development that consumes a significant amount of power”.

One person who works in the area said: “We don’t need it … Brick Lane is the heart of community, there’s already been so much change and adding a datacentre will just be another bad change.”

Of the 44 homes to be built, 11 will be affordable and six will be designated as social homes available to rent. More than 30,000 households are registered as awaiting social housing in Tower Hamlets.

The Save Brick Lane coalition is seeking expert advice on whether Rayner’s decision can be challenged.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/04/brick-lane-redevelopment-approval-datacentre-london

Deputy Labour Party Leader Angela Rayner calls for police to kill and harass innocent people.
Deputy Labour Party Leader Angela Rayner calls for police to kill and harass innocent people. dizzy ” … should not be elected to high office …” ed: Perhaps I shoud have been more precise and said “appointed” instead of elected. I think that the meaning is clear and I certainly didn’t mean for a few months.

Continue ReadingApproval of east London datacentre labelled ‘slap in the face’ for local democracy

IRGC says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US operations stop

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A view of the vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz following the two-week temporary ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran on the condition that the strait be reopened, seen in Oman on April 08, 2026. [Shadi J. H. Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a fresh warning to Washington, saying the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to shipping and that oil and gas exports from the region will not be allowed to resume as long as what it described as US aggression in the region continues.

In a statement, the IRGC said US military operations and its intervention in international shipping lanes were the main threat to regional stability. It added that continued US attacks would only delay the reopening of the strategic waterway.

OPINION: Chokepoints of power: Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the new corridor wars

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIRGC says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US operations stop

World Cup fans turn stadiums into platform for solidarity with Palestine

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Fans open a Palestinian flag prior the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group G match between Egypt and IR Iran at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States on June 26, 2026. [Samah Zidan – Anadolu Agency]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a visible platform for expressions of solidarity with Palestinians, despite the absence of the Palestinian national team from the tournament, according to an opinion article by American writer David Vine.

Writing for Foreign Policy in Focus on 14th July 2026, Vine argued that the tournament has witnessed widespread public displays of support for Palestinians amid the continuing war in Gaza and increasing restrictions on pro-Palestinian demonstrations in some countries.

According to the article, fans, players, and coaches from numerous countries—including Egypt, Scotland, Brazil, South Korea, Morocco, Mexico, Türkiye, Norway, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Algeria, and Spain—publicly expressed support for Palestinians and called for their rights to life, freedom, and return.

READ: Palestine solidarity takes center stage throughout 2026 FIFA World Cup

The article states that demonstrations of solidarity extended beyond individual statements. Palestinian flags were displayed in stadiums, some players and coaches were seen carrying them, and chants of “Free Palestine” were heard both inside stadiums and in surrounding public areas.

Vine also noted that many spectators wore jerseys of the Palestinian national football team during matches.

According to the article, some fans displayed banners reading “Expel Israel from FIFA” and “Red Card for Israel,” referring to the football sanction used to send a player off the field for a serious offense.

The article reflects the author’s analysis and observations of fan activity during the tournament. FIFA has not issued a statement in connection with the reported displays described in the article.

READ: Norway uses influence in football to push for Israel’s suspension from FIFA

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingWorld Cup fans turn stadiums into platform for solidarity with Palestine

Israel’s Netanyahu appears in court as corruption trial resumes

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv on December 16, 2024. [Stoyan Nenov / POOL / AFP/Getty images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared before the Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday as proceedings resumed in his long-running corruption trial, Anadolu reports.

Video footage showed Netanyahu entering the courtroom.

Wednesday’s hearing featured testimony from Minister Ze’ev Elkin, whose name appears several times in the indictment related to Case 2000, in which Netanyahu is charged with fraud and breach of trust, according to the Israeli daily Maariv.

The trial is scheduled to continue through July 20 before the judiciary begins its summer recess. Proceedings will resume in early September, with judges deciding that hearings will be held five days a week after the court returns from its October holidays, the newspaper said.

Israel is scheduled to hold general elections on Oct. 27, with Netanyahu seeking another term as prime minister.

Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases, known as Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. Then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit filed the indictments in November 2019.

READ: Herzog seeks mediation to end Netanyahu trial, not pardon

Case 1000 centers on allegations that Netanyahu and members of his family received expensive gifts from businesspeople in exchange for political favors.

Case 2000 concerns allegations that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, publisher of the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, to secure favorable media coverage.

Case 4000 alleges that Netanyahu granted regulatory benefits to former Bezeq owner Shaul Elovitch, who also controlled the local news website Walla, in exchange for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu’s trial began in 2020. He has denied all wrongdoing, describing the charges as “a politically motivated campaign” to remove him from office.

Separately, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu on Nov. 21, 2024, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, where more than 73,000 people have been killed in a brutal offensive since October 2023.

READ: Trump urged Netanyahu to pull Israeli troops out of Syria, Lebanon: Report

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIsrael’s Netanyahu appears in court as corruption trial resumes

Burnham must end arms sales to Israel, anti-war campaigners demand after 1,000 days of genocide

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/burnham-must-end-arms-sales-israel-anti-war-campaigners-demand-after-1000-days-genocide

 Palestinians walk along a street surrounded by buildings destroyed in Israeli military strikes during the Israel-Hamas war, in Gaza City, July 2, 2026

INCOMING PM Andy Burnham must finally put an end to arms sales with Israel, anti-war campaigners demanded today as they marked 1,000 days of genocide in Gaza.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Stop the War Coalition (StWC) and the BDS movement renewed their calls for the government to take a clear stance against Israel as Britain prepares for a new leader.

PSC deputy director Peter Leary said activists should use this “horrifying milestone” and Mr Burnham’s likely crowning as PM to call for an end to economic and political enabling of the genocide.

He told the Morning Star: “As Britain braces for a new Prime Minister, we must use this horrific landmark to reaffirm our demand that the British government finally puts an end to all arms trade with Israel and calls a halt to its ongoing economic and political support for Israel’s crimes.

“One thousand marks a horrifying milestone since the start Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip – 1,000 days in which more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, millions displaced and homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure destroyed.”

Mr Leary highlighted the ongoing nature of attacks on Palestinians, adding that “despite the so-called ceasefire, that genocide continues with over a thousand Palestinians violently killed by Israel in Gaza since it supposedly took effect.”

Jeremy Corbyn said: “For 1,000 days, Britain has armed and enabled the worst crime of our time.

“Keir Starmer may have gone, but his shameful record on Palestine remains. 

“This issue is not going away – and we will carry on for as long as it takes until we have exposed the full scale of the British government’s complicity in genocide.”

Morning Star article continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/burnham-must-end-arms-sales-israel-anti-war-campaigners-demand-after-1000-days-genocide

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Continue ReadingBurnham must end arms sales to Israel, anti-war campaigners demand after 1,000 days of genocide