Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
England – Labour won a massive landslide victory in the UK general election, with Keir Starmer, the incoming prime minister, saying “change begins now”. The Conservative Party suffered a humiliating loss after 14 years in power, ending Rishi Sunak’s term as prime minister. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party won four seats, splitting the right-wing vote and hurting Conservative chances. The Liberal Democrats are now the third largest party, with their best results in years, while the Greens also gained. The Scottish National Party suffered a significant drop in support, winning only nine seats.
Jamaica – Hurricane Beryl, now about 160 miles from Tulum, Mexico, has grown to a Category 3 storm with strong winds. It weakened to Category 2 after causing flooding and damage in Jamaica, passing 45 miles south of Kingston as a Category 4 hurricane. Beryl is the closest major hurricane to Jamaica since 2007. It affected the Cayman Islands with strong winds and a storm surge. Beryl is expected to weaken further and may hit the Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing 120 kph winds, a metre-high storm surge, and up to 20cm of rain.
France – There are rising concerns about political violence in France as lawmakers face attacks during election campaigns. Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot’s team was attacked, as were other politicians like Marie Dauchy and Nicolas Conquer. President Emmanuel Macron warned that a far-right victory could lead to protests and possibly civil war. Four people are being questioned about the attack on Thevenot’s team, which left two members in the hospital.
US – Kanye West’s lawyer, Brian Brumfield, wants to abandon a lawsuit involving autograph dealer Justin Poplawski and his wife, Tiffany Marshall. They say Kanye attacked Poplawski over an autograph request due to stress from his divorce. The couple claims assault, battery, emotional distress, negligence, and loss of marital benefits. Brumfield says Kanye ended their relationship on 21 June and won’t communicate with or pay him. The incident happened in January 2022, outside Soho Warehouse in Los Angeles. A hearing for the lawyer’s withdrawal is set for 29 July.
Pictured above: Keir Starmer.
Source: Labour Party
