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The remains of four Israeli hostages, Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz, are set to be returned on Thursday, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) planning a solemn ceremony in Gaza upon receiving them. The Israeli government confirmed the transfer on Wednesday evening after receiving an official list of the deceased from Hamas. The Lifshitz couple were among the founders of Nir Oz and were lifelong advocates for peace. They dedicated years to assisting Palestinian patients from Gaza in accessing medical treatment in Israel. Oded, a respected journalist and passionate human rights advocate, was known for his commitment to fostering dialogue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation in a video statement, calling Thursday “a shocking day, a day of grief.” He said, “We are bringing home four of our beloved abductees, who have fallen. We embrace the families, and the heart of an entire nation is torn apart. My heart is torn. Yours is too. And the heart of the whole world should be torn as well, because here we see who we are dealing with, what we are dealing with—monsters. We mourn, we hurt, but we are also determined to ensure that such a thing never happens again.” Shiri Bibas, 32, was kidnapped along with her two sons from their home in Nir Oz. Her husband, Yarden, was abducted separately after leaving their safe room in an attempt to divert the attackers and protect his family. He was later freed from Gaza on February 1. Footage from the Hamas-led assault showed Shiri clutching her red-haired children as they were forcibly taken. The IDF later released a video showing the family being moved between buildings in Khan Younis in the early days of their captivity. Ahead of the transfer, the IDF announced preparations for a brief military ceremony in Gaza. The bodies will be handed over to the Red Cross, which will then transport them to Israeli forces inside the Strip. A rabbi will be present at the ceremony, and the remains will be placed in coffins draped with Israeli flags before being carried into IDF vehicles. Once in Israel, the remains will be transferred to the Abu Kabir forensic institute for identification, a process that may take up to 48 hours depending on their condition. Officials will update the families on the timeline as soon as possible. The IDF has also stated that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the hostages. At this stage, officials have not verified Hamas’s claims about how they died. It remains unclear how Hamas will conduct the handover, though Israeli media has been urged not to broadcast any potential public displays involving the remains. The Red Cross emphasized the need for dignity during the transfer, stating, “We must be clear: any degrading treatment during release operations is unacceptable.” Meanwhile, Hamas is expected to release six living hostages on Saturday: Tal Shoham, Omer Shem-Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed. Al-Sayed and Mengistu have been held captive in Gaza for over a decade after entering the Strip voluntarily, while the others were taken during the October 7 attacks that ignited the war. Hamas has previously indicated that these six will be the last to be returned under the first phase of hostage releases. Based on a report by TOI | Talk TV 2025-02-20

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A popular tourist village in China, known for its picturesque winter scenery, has issued an apology after attempting to replicate snow using cotton wool and soapy water. The Chengdu Snow Village faced widespread criticism as unseasonably warm weather in Sichuan province left the area without its usual snowy landscape. The management admitted that their attempt to recreate a "snowy" atmosphere did not go as planned. In an official statement posted on its WeChat account on February 8, the Chengdu Snow Village project acknowledged that during the Lunar New Year holiday at the end of January, the warmer weather prevented the area from achieving its anticipated winter scene. "In order to create a ‘snowy’ atmosphere the tourist village purchased cotton for the snow... but it did not achieve the expected effect, leaving a very bad impression on tourists who came to visit," the statement read. The village offered a "deep apology" for the incident and promised refunds to affected visitors. The attraction has since been closed. Images shared on WeChat revealed large sheets of cotton wool scattered across the grounds, only partially covering the green landscape. One visitor commented that while the houses appeared to be covered in thick snow from a distance, it became clear upon closer inspection that it was merely cotton. Another user described the scene as "a snow village without snow." The backlash prompted the village to begin removing the fake snow. Some online users criticized the site’s misleading presentation. "In today’s age of well-developed Internet, scenic spots must advertise truthfully and avoid deception or false advertising, otherwise they will only shoot themselves in the foot," one commenter remarked. The controversy highlights broader environmental concerns in China. The country's weather bureau has warned that climate change is leading to hotter and longer heatwaves, as well as more frequent and unpredictable heavy rains. As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China continues to grapple with the consequences of a warming climate. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-20

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has made a significant shift in his stance on former U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that he would "absolutely" be welcome to visit the UK. This marks a dramatic change from his previous position in 2019 when he called for Trump’s state visit to be banned. Sir Sadiq, who was recently knighted in the King’s New Year Honours, had previously been outspoken in his criticism of Trump, labeling him “ignorant” on Islam, “racist,” “sexist,” and a “homophobe,” even comparing his tactics to "the fascists of the 20th century." When asked if he still held these views, he responded, “President Trump has fairly and squarely won a second term. Let’s judge President Trump on what he does to his second term rather than what he did in his first term.” The mayor also criticized the new U.S. vice president, JD Vance, for claiming that free speech was under threat in the UK and Europe. Referring to remarks made by Vance at the Munich Security Conference, Sir Sadiq countered, "Woe betide me being criticised for exercising my freedom of speech. Contrary to what JD Vance might think, we have freedom of speech in this country." In addition to discussing Trump, Sir Sadiq addressed concerns over trade relations between the U.S. and the UK, warning against “trade wars and tariffs” that could harm American companies operating in London. “London is the number one city of choice for foreign direct investment for many businesses across the globe,” he said. “We’ve got many great American companies invested in London, whether it's in culture—Netflix and many other studios have opened recently in this great city of ours—financial institutions, legal and others currently invested in London.” He stressed the importance of continued trade cooperation, warning that “more people lose out from trade wars and tariffs than win.” On the prospect of another Trump state visit, the mayor appeared eager for the former president to witness London’s multiculturalism firsthand. “I'd like President Trump to come to London so he can see some of the misunderstandings he has of our city. So he can see there is no threat to freedom of speech in this great city of ours. So he can see that actually Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs don't just tolerate each other, we respect, celebrate, and embrace each other. So he can see for himself the fact that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. He can see for himself that many people in this great city of ours and country of ours love America, love American culture, indeed in the past have loved American politics and are looking forward to working closely with him going forward.” Sir Sadiq also appeared to take a more measured approach toward the expansion of Heathrow Airport, softening his once rigid opposition to a third runway. While he previously threatened a legal challenge, he now says he is open to Heathrow’s proposals if they adequately address concerns over noise, air pollution, and climate impact. “I'm a pro-growth mayor,” he said. “I'm a pro-business mayor, as evidenced by the policies of the last eight years. I want a better Heathrow, not a bigger Heathrow.” He added that Heathrow must propose solutions that account for environmental impacts and infrastructure costs. “If Heathrow can come up with plans that address issues around noise, around air, around climate change, that pays for the underground M25, re-routing the A4, improvements to Southern Rail, improvements on the Piccadilly line, improvements on the Elizabeth line, we’ll look at them.” Denying that this shift reflected a change in his stance, he clarified, “Not at all. I'm quite clear in relation to standing up for London, but also standing up for our environment, for air quality, for noise pollution, and for Londoners. And it’s really important to wait for Heathrow to have their plans before I launch a legal challenge against hypotheticals.” Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-20

The federal government is currently deliberating over whether to destroy or continue distributing a massive stockpile of COVID-19 tests, with more than 160 million tests, valued at over half a billion dollars, potentially facing disposal. According to internal documents and officials within the public health sector, the Biden-era program that provided free COVID-19 tests to American households may soon be dismantled under the Trump administration’s policy changes. Internal reports indicate that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is weighing two primary options: continuing to distribute the stockpiled tests or opting for large-scale disposal. Despite concerns about expiration dates, officials confirm that only a small percentage of the tests have expired. The program has been a key public health initiative, operating intermittently over the years depending on the state of the pandemic. A recent internal directive requested employees to identify all COVID-19-related projects, initiatives, and webpages in response to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This order rescinded multiple COVID-related policies implemented by the Biden administration, including those aimed at expanding test distribution. The officials discussing these developments requested anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. “It’s expensive to stockpile these tests,” said Dawn O’Connell, a former chief of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) under Biden, who is not involved in the current decision-making. “Destruction costs a significant amount of money, but hanging on to them costs a significant amount of money.” One of the key distribution channels, COVIDTests.gov, is set to be shut down, with the program expected to cease operations soon, according to internal government sources. While Americans would no longer be able to order free tests through this site, they would still have the option to purchase them over the counter. The White House and HHS have not issued any statements in response to inquiries about the decision. The potential disposal of these tests marks another significant shift in the federal response to COVID-19, a virus that has presented both political and public health challenges since it first emerged five years ago. Trump initially embraced a proactive response, referring to himself as a “wartime president” in the early days of the pandemic. However, he later grew critical of public health officials, accusing them of exaggerating the threat for political reasons. His administration’s latest actions, including an executive order targeting Biden-era vaccine mandates in schools and universities, reflect an ongoing move away from previous COVID-19 policies. Based on a report by WP 2025-02-20

Brian Molko, frontman of the alternative rock band Placebo, is facing defamation charges in Italy after making controversial remarks about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a concert. The incident took place in July 2023 at the Sonic Park festival in Turin, where Molko addressed the crowd of around 5,000 fans in Italian, calling Meloni a “piece of s***” and labeling her “fascist” and “racist.” His comments were met with cheers from the audience but have now landed him in legal trouble. Following his remarks, Turin prosecutors launched an investigation in August 2023 on the grounds of “contempt of the institutions.” Now, according to reports from Italy, the country’s justice ministry has authorized prosecutors to proceed with legal action against the musician. If convicted, Molko could face a fine of up to €5,000 (£4,300). Representatives for Placebo have not yet commented on the case. Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, is no stranger to legal battles over defamation. In 2023, she won a lawsuit against journalist Roberto Saviano, who had called her a “bastard” during a 2020 television interview in response to her hardline anti-immigration stance. Since taking office in 2022, Meloni has been a polarizing figure in Italian politics. One of her most contentious policies includes a recently passed law criminalizing couples who travel abroad for surrogacy. The charges against Molko highlight the ongoing tensions between Italy’s right-wing government and public figures who openly criticize its policies. As the legal proceedings move forward, the case is likely to spark further debate on freedom of speech and political expression in Italy. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-20

The leader of an alleged extremist group known as the Zizians—a bizarre vegan, transgender cult suspected of multiple homicides, including the killing of a Border Patrol agent—interrupted a judge during a hearing, declaring that imprisonment without access to vegan food would lead to starvation. Jack "Ziz" LaSota, 34, who identifies as a woman and uses she/her pronouns, was arrested alongside followers Michelle Zajko, 33, and Daniel Blank, 26, in rural Frostburg, Maryland, on Sunday. The trio appeared in Allegany County Courthouse in Cumberland on Tuesday morning, where they were denied bail. Prosecutor James Elliot described the Zizians as a dangerous extremist group suspected of involvement in multiple homicides across the country. He further asserted that LaSota is the group's leader. During the hearing, LaSota interjected, pleading with the judge, "I might starve to death if you do not intervene. I need the jail to be ordered to have a vegan diet. It’s more important than whatever this hearing is." Appearing via video, LaSota also proclaimed innocence, stating, "I shouldn’t be here, I haven’t done anything wrong." However, Judge Erich Bean ruled that LaSota posed both a community threat and a flight risk, ordering incarceration without bail. Authorities believe the Zizians originated in the San Francisco Bay Area, drawing in highly intelligent individuals, particularly computer scientists in their 20s and 30s, who initially connected over anarchist ideologies before turning to violence. Reports suggest the group consists largely of young transgender women, many of whom are former employees of NASA, Google, and Wall Street. Their allegiance to LaSota is reportedly built upon an intricate mix of Silicon Valley Rationalist movement theories and a militant commitment to animal rights. Investigators, as well as acquaintances of the group, have described many members as estranged from their families and potentially on the autism spectrum. They are said to reject traditional sexual relationships, take hormones for gender transition, and adhere to unusual lifestyle practices, including "unihemispheric sleep," a method akin to self-induced hypnosis where they sleep with one eye open, resulting in chronic exhaustion. “They talk as if they really believe they have supernatural powers,” an investigator familiar with the group told The Post. "They believe movies like ‘The Matrix’ are real and that they can manipulate reality." The Zizians also reportedly engage in discussions about historical atrocities, including the Holocaust, further complicating investigators' efforts to track them. Their reliance on aliases and frequent relocations has made them particularly elusive. “They’ve made it very difficult and confusing to catch them,” the investigator added. "We think a lot of what’s happened can be traced back to Ziz." With LaSota now behind bars, authorities continue their investigation into the cult’s activities, trying to untangle a web of secrecy, radical ideologies, and alleged crimes. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-20

NASA has once again adjusted its predictions regarding Asteroid 2024 YR4, warning that the probability of it colliding with Earth has risen to 3.1 percent. This marks a significant jump from previous estimates, bringing the odds of an impact on December 22, 2032, to 1 in 32. NASA’s latest warning makes 2024 YR4 the most threatening asteroid ever recorded by modern forecasting. The last time an asteroid posed a similar risk was in 2004, when Apophis briefly had a 2.7 percent chance of hitting Earth in 2029—until further observations ruled out the possibility of impact. Astronomers first detected 2024 YR4 on December 27, 2024, at Chile's El Sauce Observatory. While it may directly strike Earth, another possibility is that it could explode midair in an event known as an "air burst," similar to the Tunguska event of 1908. That explosion flattened over 800 square miles of Siberian forest, making it the most powerful impact event in recorded history. In an effort to better understand the asteroid, NASA has announced plans to use the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to gather more data. "Webb is able to see things that are very, very dim," said planetary scientist Bruce Betts, highlighting the telescope’s ability to detect subtle details about 2024 YR4’s structure and trajectory. Currently, the asteroid is traveling toward Jupiter, with its next close approach to Earth expected in 2028. If the impact probability surpasses 10 percent, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) will issue a formal alert, which could lead to a global call for preparedness measures. "A risk above 10 percent would trigger a recommendation for all UN members who have territories in potentially threatened areas to start terrestrial preparedness," Moissl explained. For now, astronomers and space agencies worldwide continue to monitor 2024 YR4, hoping further observations will clarify whether Earth is truly in its path—or if the planet will once again be spared from cosmic catastrophe. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-20 Related Topics: UN Monitors Potential Asteroid Threat to Earth, collision "cannot yet be entirely ruled out" Earth in the Crosshairs? Neil deGrasse Tyson Sounds the Alarm on Devastating Asteroid

The BBC is facing accusations of failing to disclose crucial details about a child featured in its recent documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone. The film, which aired on BBC2, follows the lives of three Palestinian children affected by the ongoing war in Gaza. However, concerns have been raised after it emerged that one of the main subjects, a 14-year-old boy named Abdullah Al-Yazouri, is reportedly the son of Ayman Alyazouri, a senior figure in the Hamas-run government, currently serving as deputy minister of agriculture. Critics argue that by failing to disclose this connection, the BBC allowed itself to be used as a propaganda tool for Hamas. The campaign group Labour Against Antisemitism has formally complained, accusing the broadcaster of a failure in due diligence. Alex Hearn, a representative of the group, stated, “This documentary appears to have been a failure of due diligence by the BBC, with Hamas propaganda promoted as reliable fact at the taxpayers’ expense. There needs to be an urgent investigation into how this happened once again. Misinformation is the story of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and this is not an isolated case. There has been a failure of news platforms to adequately scrutinise sources and a willingness to regurgitate Hamas disinformation repeatedly.” The BBC has defended the documentary, stating that it maintained full editorial control and that the parents of the children featured had no involvement in shaping the content. However, when asked specifically about Abdullah’s alleged links to Hamas, the broadcaster declined to comment. Concerns about the documentary were first raised by investigative journalist David Collier, who questioned whether the BBC was aware of Abdullah’s background. Abdullah, who previously attended the British school in Gaza, had also appeared in a Channel 4 news segment in November 2023, discussing the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes. In that broadcast, he was accompanied by a man introduced as his father. However, it has since been suggested that the man was his uncle, Khalil Abu Shamala, a former director of the Palestinian NGO Al Dameer. This organization has been accused of having ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is designated as a terrorist organization by the US, EU, Canada, and Israel. Social media posts by Ayman Alyazouri further fuel suspicions. In a 2023 post, he referred to his son as “Aboud” and expressed hopes for his safety. Additionally, Alyazouri is alleged to have previously praised two Hamas members described as “martyrs” who were involved in the killing of four Israelis. The revelation has raised questions about whether Abdullah’s family ties should have been known to the BBC’s production team. David Collier noted, “The two photographers followed these children around for months. They absolutely knew who he was. Did either of the producers? How did the BBC let a son of a Hamas minister walk around looking for sympathy and demonising Israel for an hour in a BBC documentary?” This controversy comes shortly after Danny Cohen, the former director of BBC Television, warned that the network risks becoming a mouthpiece for Hamas. Reacting to the allegations, Cohen stated, “This appears to be another appalling example of journalistic failure and anti-Israel bias. The BBC appears to have given an hour of prime-time coverage to the son of a senior member of the Hamas terrorist group. Questions must be asked as to whether the BBC carried out the most basic journalistic checks.” He further added, “Licence fee payers across the UK are being repeatedly conned into paying for Hamas PR. There can be no doubt now that the BBC has a very serious problem with the quality of its journalism and anti-Israel bias.” The documentary, which took nine months to produce, was directed by Jamie Roberts, known for previous work on conflict-related documentaries. In addition to Abdullah, it follows the experiences of Zakaria, 11, who volunteers at a hospital, and Renad, 10, who is shown cooking with her sister amid ongoing bombings. At one point, Zakaria is asked about his opinion on Hamas, to which he responds, “No, because they started the war… They caused all this misery.” The BBC maintains that the documentary offers a unique perspective into life in Gaza and highlights the voices of various civilians, some of whom criticize Hamas. A spokesperson stated, “Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, a documentary showing the conflict through the eyes of three children in Gaza, was produced in line with BBC editorial guidelines and the BBC had full editorial control. The film told the children’s own stories, showing viewers their direct experiences of living through a war, and the children’s parents did not have any editorial input. As the BBC has previously explained, the film was edited and directed from London, as independent international journalists are not allowed into Gaza. The film gives audiences a rare glimpse of Gaza during the war, as well as an insight into the children’s lives. It hears the voices of other Gazan civilians, several of whom voice anti-Hamas sentiments.” Despite these reassurances, criticism persists regarding the BBC’s handling of the documentary and the potential influence of its subjects’ backgrounds on the portrayal of events. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-20 Related Topics: BBC Faces More Serious Accusations of Bias in Gaza Hostage Release Coverage "Controversy Surrounds BBC Arabic's Coverage of Israel-Gaza Conflict" BBC uses account of journalist working for Iran-backed news agency in Gaza deaths article MPs demand inquiry Gaza doctors at centre of harrowing BBC report are Hamas supporters BBC criticized For failing To Disclose Affiliations of Palestinian Journalists Hamas Ties BBC Faces Backlash Over Terminology in Hamas Coverage BBC Chairman Calls For a Thorough Review of Israel-Hamas War Bias BBC Accused of Bias in Israel-Hamas Coverage: Over 1,500 Breaches of Guidelines Jeremy Bowen Defends BBC Amid Allegations of Bias Over Israel-Hamas Coverage New Report from former BBC Director Criticizes Coverage of Israel-Hamas Conflict Whistleblower Alleges Normalized Anti-Semitism at the BBC

Inflation in the UK has surged to its highest level in ten months, driven by increasing food prices, airfares, and the recent application of value-added tax (VAT) on private school fees. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics, released on Wednesday, shows that consumer prices rose by 3% in January compared to the previous year, up from 2.5% in December. This exceeded the 2.8% forecast by economists and the Bank of England (BOE). The figures are likely to reinforce the BOE’s cautious stance on cutting interest rates, despite concerns over the UK’s struggling economy. While BOE Governor Andrew Bailey has downplayed the risks of an inflationary surge, officials remain wary of “second-round effects” that could prolong underlying inflationary pressures. The central bank expects inflation to peak at 3.7% in the third quarter due to rising energy costs. A key concern for the BOE is inflation in the services sector, which is closely monitored for signs of domestic price pressures. Service-sector inflation accelerated to 5% in January from 4.4% in December, though it remained slightly below the BOE’s 5.2% forecast. Following the report, the pound pared its earlier gains and remained relatively stable at $1.2616. The increase in inflation distances the economy further from the BOE’s 2% target, and analysts anticipate further price hikes in the coming months. Rising energy bills are expected to be a major contributor, with energy consultancy Cornwall Insight Ltd. forecasting another increase in the energy price cap in April. This would mark the third consecutive quarter of rising gas and electricity bills, adding more pressure on households. Earlier this month, the BOE lowered interest rates for the third time since August, but policymakers warned that any further reductions would be “gradual and careful.” Market expectations suggest only two additional rate cuts this year, which would bring the base rate down to 4%. The case for a cautious monetary policy approach was further reinforced by labor market data released on Tuesday. Wage growth reached an eight-month high in the fourth quarter, while the job market remained more resilient than expected. Tax records indicated an increase in the number of payrolled employees in January, with job losses remaining minimal despite the impact of Labour’s national insurance hike for businesses and the minimum wage increase. Based on a report by Bloomberg 2025-02-20

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced that its cost-cutting measures have resulted in an estimated $55 billion in savings for the federal government. According to a post on its website, these savings come from a combination of renegotiated contracts, programmatic changes, asset sales, and workforce reductions. A significant portion of these savings comes from dismantling or cutting contracts from various federal agencies. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) led the list, with $6.5 billion in reported savings. USAID, which provides international aid and food assistance, was among the first targets of DOGE under Musk’s leadership, with his team quickly moving to scale back the agency’s operations. Following USAID, the Department of Education saw cuts totaling nearly $502 million, while the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) also experienced reductions. Other agencies affected included the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. When ranking cuts as a percentage of their overall budgets, USAID was again at the top, followed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Executive Office of the President. Additional agencies in this category included the GSA, Department of Education, OPM, DHS, Department of Commerce, EPA, and USDA. To support its claims, DOGE published a “wall of receipts” detailing various cost-saving actions. These included canceling subscriptions to Bloomberg Government, Politico, and The Washington Post from the CFPB budget, which saved nearly $30 million. The agency also reported $144 million in savings from ending real estate leases, including closing State Department offices in Miami, Department of Justice offices in Cincinnati, and a GSA office in Illinois. Additionally, DOGE reported cutting $199 million from programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In total, the website listed 1,126 contracts responsible for $16.4 billion in savings and 97 real estate contracts responsible for $144.5 million in savings. However, no specific evidence was provided for the remaining $38 billion of the claimed $55 billion in cuts. DOGE stated that it plans to update its website twice a week with the latest data and aims to make all cost-cutting measures fully transparent and easily accessible. “We are working to upload all of this data in a digestible and fully transparent manner with clear assumptions, consistent with applicable rules and regulations,” the agency said. The push for federal cost-cutting measures has intensified under Musk’s leadership, with DOGE actively identifying areas of waste, fraud, and inefficiency across multiple government agencies. Similar efforts were made during the Trump administration, which offered buyouts to federal workers, leading to 75,000 employees voluntarily leaving their positions. Despite its claims of success, DOGE has faced increasing pressure to provide greater transparency regarding its actions, particularly as questions arise over the unaccounted $38 billion in cuts. As the agency continues its aggressive approach to reducing government spending, scrutiny over its methods and the long-term impact of these reductions is likely to grow. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-20

The government must take swift and decisive action to ensure the troubling employment trends highlighted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) do not become a long-term problem. When Labour unveiled its *Get Britain Working* White Paper before Christmas, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized, “Getting Britain back to work is at the heart of my mission to grow the economy.” His assessment is correct—economic growth cannot be achieved without a strong and active workforce, which is why the latest employment figures are cause for concern. According to the ONS, the number of payrolled employees increased by only 49,000 in January compared to the previous year, following a decline of 32,000 the month before. For a government that aims to increase the employment rate to 80 percent by bringing two million more people into the workforce, these numbers suggest that progress is falling dangerously behind. At this pace, it would take more than 40 years to reach the target. Labour’s ambition to *Get Britain Working* is commendable, as economic inactivity has been a persistent issue since the pandemic. Under the Conservatives, the number of people leaving the workforce grew significantly, and real-term spending on incapacity and disability benefits is now nearly 40 percent higher than in 2013. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has acknowledged the scale of this challenge and has pledged to reform the benefits system to encourage employment. She has made her position clear, stating, “There are people who shouldn’t be on benefits who are taking the mickey.” Even former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair recently admitted that the country “really cannot afford to be spending the amount of money we’re spending” on an ever-expanding welfare bill. However, businesses remain the key drivers of job creation, and current policies appear to be discouraging rather than incentivizing employment. The ONS data reveals that Labour’s increase in Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the looming Employment Rights Bill are having a predictable effect—businesses are cutting jobs instead of hiring. This should come as no surprise. The government is well aware of how taxation influences behavior. In her Budget last October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves increased the soft drinks levy to curb sugar consumption, raised alcohol duties to discourage drinking, and hiked tobacco taxes to incentivize quitting smoking. These measures rest on the widely accepted principle that higher taxation reduces demand. The same logic applies to employment—if hiring becomes more expensive due to increased Employer NICs, businesses will inevitably reduce job opportunities. The concerns surrounding the Employment Rights Bill further compound the issue. The Federation of Small Businesses has reported that 92 percent of small business owners are worried about the Bill, with 67 percent stating they plan to hire fewer employees as a result. Some MPs have even proposed amendments that would push for a four-day working week with no reduction in pay, a move that would significantly increase costs for businesses and further stifle job creation. Revitalizing the UK’s workforce should be a national priority. The Jobs Foundation has been engaging with businesses across the country, and many leaders have expressed their strong commitment to providing employment opportunities for those in need. However, they require government support to make this possible. Starmer and Reeves have made a show of their engagement with business leaders, but this dialogue must translate into policies that create a favorable environment for job growth. The government should back Liz Kendall’s proposed welfare reforms to ensure that work is incentivized rather than discouraged. It must also approach the Employment Rights Bill pragmatically, acknowledging the legitimate concerns of businesses and recognizing that most employers act in good faith. Additionally, the upcoming Spring Statement presents an opportunity for bold measures to stimulate economic growth and restore confidence in the job market. By adopting these strategies, the government can rebuild business confidence and ensure that the worrying employment trends reported by the ONS remain only a temporary setback in the journey toward *Getting Britain Working*. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of spreading disinformation, responding to false claims made by Trump about Ukraine’s role in the war with Russia. Zelensky’s remarks mark one of the most public clashes between Kyiv and Washington since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky rejected Trump’s assertions while emphasizing that any resolution to the war must involve Ukraine directly. “Unfortunately, President Trump—I have great respect for him as a leader of a nation that we have great respect for, the American people who always support us—unfortunately lives in this disinformation space,” Zelensky said. His comments followed high-level discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Kyiv was not included in the talks, which aimed at negotiating an end to the war and reestablishing diplomatic channels. Zelensky criticized the meeting, arguing that U.S. engagement with Moscow “helped Putin out of his long isolation,” as Russia has been largely ostracized on the global stage since the war began. Trump reacted to Ukraine’s exclusion from the negotiations by making a series of inaccurate claims. “Today I heard, ‘Oh well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you been there for three years. You should’ve ended it after three years. You should’ve never started it. You could’ve made a deal,” he said late Tuesday. The claim that Ukraine initiated the war has been a persistent falsehood promoted by the Kremlin. The conflict began in 2014 when Russia illegally annexed Crimea and backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. In February 2022, Moscow escalated its aggression by launching a full-scale invasion, sending troops across the border, bombing Ukrainian cities, and attempting to capture Kyiv. Trump further questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, repeating another narrative frequently used by Moscow. “We have a situation where we haven’t had elections in Ukraine, where we have martial law,” he said at his Mar-a-Lago resort, while falsely claiming that Zelensky’s approval rating was “at 4%.” Zelensky dismissed these statements as Russian propaganda, saying Ukraine had evidence that such claims were discussed between the U.S. and Russia. He pointed to a recent survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), which showed that while his popularity has declined since the war’s early days, his approval rating has never fallen below 50% and currently stands at 57%. Zelensky says the cost of the war in Ukraine so far is $320bn, saying Kyiv and US have different numbers on this. About $120bn has come from Ukraine taxpayers, and $200bn from the US and EU, he adds. The US supplied $67bn in weapons as well as budget support, he says. Trump has previously said the US wants the equivalent of $500bn worth of rare earth minerals from Ukraine in exchange for its continued support. “It’s not $500bn – that’s not a serious conversation," Zelensky says. He says that the US alleges 90% of support for Ukraine comes from them, but "the truth is somewhere else". "We are grateful for their support," he adds. Zelensky also clarified that elections were not held last year due to martial law, which was implemented after Russia’s invasion. The law prohibits elections from taking place in wartime. Despite Trump’s comments, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine remains steadfast in its fight and that any decisions about the war’s resolution must involve Kyiv. Based on a report by CNN | BBC 2025-02-20

A surge of energy detected in the brain of a dying patient who had no measurable blood pressure or heart rate could be a sign of the soul leaving the body, according to an expert in the field. Dr. Stuart Hameroff, an anesthesiologist and professor of anesthesiology and psychology, discussed a recent study that recorded unusual brain activity in a clinically dead patient. The study, which used electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, captured a sudden burst of energy post-mortem, raising intriguing questions about consciousness and the nature of life after death. “They saw everything go away and then [psh] you got this activity when there was no blood pressure, no heart rate,” Hameroff explained during an interview with Project Unity. “So that could be the near-death experience, or it could be the soul leaving the body, perhaps.” This remarkable energy burst, known as gamma synchrony, is a type of brainwave pattern typically associated with conscious thought, perception, and awareness. According to Hameroff, this phenomenon can last between 30 to 90 seconds, occurring even when the patient is deemed clinically dead. While skeptics argue that this may simply be the final neural firings of a dying brain or a neurological illusion, Hameroff proposes that it might actually represent the departure of consciousness from the body. He suggests that consciousness might not require the same level of energy as other brain functions and could exist on a more fundamental level, making it the last function to cease during the dying process. “The point is it shows that consciousness is actually, probably, a very low energy process,” he stated. Hameroff credits Dr. Lakhmir Chawla as one of the pioneers in studying this phenomenon. He noted that anesthesiologists routinely use EEG technology to monitor brain activity in brain-dead patients before organ donation. According to Hameroff, this unique brain activity has been observed in about 50% of cases where such monitoring is conducted. Further supporting his theory, Hameroff referenced a study by Dr. Robin Lester Carhart-Harris, a researcher examining the effects of psychoactive drugs on mental health and behavior. In this study, volunteers were given a steady drip of psilocybin while inside MRI machines or while being monitored by EEGs. Participants were instructed to remain quiet and still during the test and later describe their experiences. Despite reporting vivid hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness akin to a psychedelic trip, the MRI scans remained dark and inactive, as if the subjects were comatose. “I think they were expecting the MRI to light up like a pinball machine when they gave them the psilocybin because all this stuff would be going on,” Hameroff said. “They were at a loss to explain this.” As the chair of one of the sessions discussing the findings, Hameroff proposed that consciousness might be operating at a “deeper quantum level.” The concept of quantum brain activity, as discussed in Neuroscience News, suggests that certain brain functions may occur at a microscopic level within neurons, beyond the conventional neural pathways. This theory posits that consciousness could emerge from quantum vibrations within neurons, rather than from classical neural activity alone. Hameroff believes Carhart-Harris’s study may also explain why the brain exhibits a final surge of activity at the end of life. “I think consciousness is actually low energy,” he reiterated, suggesting that these observations could provide insight into the fundamental nature of human awareness and the possibility of an existence beyond death. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-20

@beautifulthailand99 another of your trolling posts has been removed. This is getting tedious and will result in more than posts removed if it carries on. There is already a topic on that incident here This is not it.

Another troll post @frank83628 if you can't offer any updates on the conflict and refuse to engage in productive discussion then don't bother posting as they will be removed.

More off topic posts removed, perhaps time to read the topic header: Updates and events in the War in Ukraine 2025

A couple of off topic and antisemitic slurs have been removed. 15. You will not discriminate or post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, paternity, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant factor. Please discuss the topic: Thai PM Assures Locals: No Israeli Takeover in Pai District - video

Speaking in Riyadh, Senator Marco Rubio emphasized that the European Union would inevitably need to be involved in discussions regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. “They’re going to have to be at the table at some point because they have sanctions as well that have been imposed,” he stated. Addressing concerns over Ukraine’s absence from the meeting, Rubio insisted that no one was being excluded. “No one is being side-lined,” he said. “Everyone involved in that conflict has to be OK with it, it has to be acceptable to them.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared visibly exhausted and frustrated when reacting to the meeting during a news conference in Turkey. “We want everything to be fair and so that nobody decides anything behind our back,” he said. “You cannot make decisions without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine.” Despite his concerns, Zelensky is likely aware that there is little he can do to influence any agreements reached without his direct involvement. The sight of both American and Russian officials engaging in discussions in Riyadh will be deeply unsettling for him. More critically, he understands that Ukraine’s ability to resist—let alone defeat—Russian forces remains heavily dependent on continued American support. Based on a report by BBC 2025-02-19

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters delivered a controversial speech at the United Nations, appearing via Zoom during a Security Council meeting in New York. Wearing a small Palestinian flag pin on his lapel, the 81-year-old musician addressed diplomats about the ongoing war in Ukraine but also briefly referenced the situation in Gaza. Russia once again rolled out their guest clown, Roger Waters, at the UN Security Council as they probably couldn’t find someone else to play their act. During his monologue, Waters primarily focused on Ukraine but made a passing comment about Palestine, saying, "Palestine isn't really a war, is it? Don't get me started. Back to Ukraine." He began his remarks by addressing skepticism over his qualifications to speak on global conflicts. "I sense an objection, somewhere out here in this room, a questioning of my credentials, so forgive me," Waters said. "I may be just a musician, but I'm here to talk about war and peace and love, and my credentials are firmly in place." He justified his authority on the topic by referencing his father’s death in 1944 while fighting the Nazis at Anzio when Waters was just five months old. Waters condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, saying his "blood ran cold" on February 24, 2022. He argued that the war could have been prevented through "diplomacy, common sense, and talking to each other." He also accused former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson of undermining early peace negotiations in Istanbul, claiming that Johnson encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to prolong the war for the benefit of the United States. Imitating Johnson’s alleged conversation with Zelensky, Waters said, "'It's been decided to continue it (the war) for as long as it takes, and just between you and me, the longer it takes, the better. They (the Americans) will keep sending you ammo of course, and they'd like you to, just, you know, fight on.'" Waters' remarks come after a series of controversies that have impacted his career. In late 2023, his record label BMG dropped him, with Waters later claiming he was "fired" by CEO Thomas Coesfeld. This move halted the planned release of a re-recorded version of Pink Floyd’s 1973 album *Dark Side of the Moon*, which was ultimately reassigned to UK-based label Cooking Vinyl. The musician has also faced allegations of antisemitism. Former producer Bob Ezrin has publicly criticized him, alleging that Waters once referred to his ex-agent Bryan Morrison as a "f***ing Jew." His latest appearance at the UN has only added to the controversy surrounding him, with critics calling his speech unhinged and politically charged. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-19

A third of Labour voters have lost confidence in the economy following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s sweeping tax increases and the decision to strip millions of pensioners of winter fuel payments. A survey by Ipsos reveals that more Labour supporters have been disheartened by her policies than reassured, with just 29 percent believing the party has improved the economy, while 26 percent remain undecided. Overall, 52 percent of Britons feel more pessimistic due to Reeves’s economic decisions, compared to only 14 percent who are more optimistic. Additionally, around half of the public expects unemployment to rise this year. According to Gideon Skinner of Ipsos, although many support increased NHS spending, "the public remain unconvinced about the overall direction of the economy under Rachel Reeves’s stewardship." He added, "The fact that half of Britons believe she is doing a bad job as Chancellor, coupled with widespread pessimism about rising unemployment, should sound alarm bells in Downing Street." A significant 50 percent of the public feel less confident about economic growth as a result of Reeves’s policy choices. While she has attempted to highlight investment and long-term economic planning, voters continue to feel the financial strain. This widespread discontent poses a challenge for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who secured a parliamentary majority with a modest 34 percent vote share. Businesses, too, are reeling from Labour’s economic strategy. Confidence among company leaders has plummeted following the unexpected £25 billion National Insurance hike in October’s Budget. Many in the private sector had assumed such a tax increase had been ruled out in Labour’s election manifesto. Recent surveys from the Bank of England indicate that more than half of business leaders plan to offset at least part of the tax hike by reducing staff, while a similar percentage intend to increase prices to pass the burden onto consumers. Defending her policies, Reeves insisted they are part of a broader strategy to reverse years of economic stagnation. "It’s not possible to turn around more than a decade of poor economic performance in just a few months. But we are doing what is necessary to bring stability back to the economy," she said. "We need to go further and faster in doing that, to turn around our poor growth performance and to make working people better off." Older voters have been especially critical of Labour’s handling of the economy. Nearly three-quarters of those over 55 have lost confidence since Starmer took office, compared to just under a third of 18 to 34-year-olds. With economic anxiety growing and businesses expressing uncertainty, Labour’s leadership faces mounting pressure to restore public trust. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-19

A chilling moment captured on CCTV shows a predator stalking a lone woman at an east London station before launching a brutal attack. Edward Ampeh, 33, targeted women traveling alone, assaulting them and robbing them in a series of violent encounters that ultimately led to his conviction and an eight-year prison sentence. The first attack took place just after midnight on May 6, 2022, at Greenwich Station. Ampeh was seen following a female passenger off a DLR train, trailing her along the platform before launching his assault. As she reached the top of a staircase, he struck her on the back of the head and began verbally threatening and abusing her. Demanding to know the contents of her handbag, the frightened woman complied, handing over some money and a phone charger. Shockingly, after robbing her, Ampeh attempted to initiate further contact. He asked the woman where she lived and insisted she email him her phone number and follow him on Instagram, a bizarre and unsettling demand after his violent attack. A second victim fell prey to Ampeh on September 5, 2022, after she disembarked from a train at Limehouse Station. In this instance, he crept up behind her and forcefully grabbed her handbag straps. Startled, the woman screamed and struggled to hold on to her belongings. As she resisted, she lost her balance and fell down a set of stairs, landing heavily on her leg and twisting it. Footage from the incident shows Ampeh rummaging through the woman’s bag before leaving the scene, carelessly discarding it on the ground as he made his escape. Despite clear video evidence, Ampeh denied any involvement and displayed no remorse during police questioning. However, he was found guilty of two counts of robbery and sentenced at Inner London Crown Court. Investigating Officer Detective Constable Tom Bolton expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, *"I am extremely pleased with the outcome in this case. Ampeh acted in a predatory and violent manner, targeting lone women for his own gain. His actions will have a lifelong impact on his victims, and I hope this result will bring them some closure."* He reinforced the authorities’ commitment to tackling such crimes, adding, *"Violent and abusive behaviour will never be tolerated on the railway, and we will ruthlessly investigate these sorts of dangerous offenders and hold them to account before the courts. Anyone who witnesses this sort of offending, or any other crime on the railway, is urged to text us on 61016 or call 999 in an emergency."* Ampeh’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by lone commuters and the importance of reporting suspicious or threatening behavior. With his sentencing, authorities hope to send a strong message that such violent crimes will not go unpunished. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-19

The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board has called on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to distance himself from his long-held anti-vaccine positions as Texas faces a growing measles outbreak. The op-ed, published Monday, comes as nearly 50 confirmed cases—primarily among unvaccinated children—have been reported in the South Plains region of Texas. “We are on record as skeptical of RFK Jr.’s nomination. The Senate confirmed him. Now the best-case scenario would be for Mr. Kennedy to internalize that he is no longer an activist outsider who needs to take provocative potshots to get attention,” the Journal’s editorial board wrote. As of last week, 48 children had been diagnosed with measles, with 13 requiring hospitalization. Health officials warn that the disease is highly contagious, with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases stating that up to 90% of unprotected individuals exposed to measles will become infected. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, all of the infected children were either unvaccinated or had unconfirmed vaccination statuses. Officials have cautioned that the outbreak could continue to grow due to measles’ extreme transmissibility. “The tragedy is that this doesn’t have to keep happening. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S., meaning 12 months with no continuous spread,” the Journal’s op-ed noted. “Yet for some people, the reality of measles feels like a sepia-toned history lesson, whereas the antivax hooey featured on podcasts these days sounds current.” The editorial directly criticized Kennedy’s role in spreading vaccine skepticism. “RFK Jr., an environmental lawyer by trade, has long been part of the problem, and at his Senate confirmation hearings he presented himself as just asking questions, man. That undersells his role in spreading doubt and confusion.” The piece also pointed to the declining vaccination rates among U.S. kindergarteners. While states and Washington, D.C., mandate vaccinations for school attendance, exemptions are commonly granted. During the 2023-2024 school year, coverage for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine among kindergarteners fell to 92.7%, below the federal “Healthy People 2030” target of 95%—the threshold considered necessary to maintain herd immunity. With Kennedy now leading HHS, concerns remain about how the administration will address declining immunization rates. Though federal health officials have long emphasized the importance of MMR coverage, Kennedy has signaled that his priorities will focus on chronic illnesses rather than infectious disease. As the measles outbreak unfolds, the WSJ’s editorial serves as a pointed reminder of the stakes involved in vaccine policy and public health leadership. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-19

A Jamaican drug dealer has avoided deportation from the UK after convincing an immigration judge that he would refrain from selling drugs, though he admitted he would continue using cannabis. Shawn Rickford McLeod, 40, who arrived in Britain in 2000, was initially ordered to be deported following a prison sentence of three years and four months for supplying class A drugs. However, he successfully appealed the order, arguing that deportation would violate his right to a family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as he has three young children in the UK with his wife. Judge David Chaim Brannan, presiding over a lower immigration tribunal, ruled in McLeod’s favor, stating that deportation would be “unduly harsh” on his children and acknowledging that “he genuinely wants to avoid reoffending (except for cannabis use) so he can care for his children.” Despite this, McLeod openly admitted to both his prison and probation officers, as well as Judge Brannan, that he intended to continue using cannabis regardless of whether he was permitted to remain in the country. The Home Office challenged the ruling, and an upper tribunal judge, Karim-ullah Akbar Khan, sided with the government in December, sending the case back to the lower court for reconsideration. The case, revealed through court documents, highlights a broader trend where illegal migrants and convicted foreign criminals use human rights laws to resist deportation. Similar cases include an Albanian national who avoided removal after claiming his son had an aversion to foreign chicken nuggets and a Pakistani man convicted of child sex offences who was permitted to stay in the UK because his deportation was deemed “unduly harsh” on his own children. The backlog of immigration appeals has reached a record 34,169 cases, the majority based on human rights arguments, posing a challenge to Labour’s pledge to fast-track the removal of illegal migrants. Last week, Sir Keir Starmer promised to close a loophole that allowed a family from Gaza to enter the UK through an application under a Ukrainian refugee scheme. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a major overhaul of human rights laws to restrict judges from using ECHR family rights provisions to block deportations. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the decision in McLeod’s case, calling it “mind-boggling” and “appalling.” He stated, “These foreign criminals should all be kicked out. The ever-expanding interpretation of ECHR articles by weak immigration judges has to end. Immigration judges seem more interested in letting foreign drug dealers and paedophiles stay in the UK than in upholding the law and protecting the British public from likely re-offending. This farce has to end, and it’s clear fundamental changes to human rights laws are needed.” Judge Brannan referenced the 2002 Immigration Act, which mandates deportation for individuals sentenced to less than four years in prison unless they can demonstrate a “genuine and subsisting” relationship with a qualifying child and prove that removal would be “unduly harsh.” He concluded that McLeod’s deportation would be too severe a hardship for his three children, aged seven, four, and one, despite noting that there was no evidence his imprisonment had caused them “any specific harm.” The judge did warn McLeod about his continued cannabis use, stating, “You cannot look after your children properly or do a job properly if you are stoned. It is also illegal, and the rule of law overrides any contention that it is legitimate because it is part of [McLeod’s] culture.” However, he ultimately ruled in McLeod’s favor, accepting that “it is [McLeod] who has the power to decide what to do, and I accept that he genuinely wants to avoid reoffending (except for cannabis use) so he can care for his children.” Judge Khan, in rejecting the lower court’s ruling, found a “contradiction” in McLeod’s claim that he wanted to avoid reoffending while simultaneously stating he would continue using cannabis. Cannabis remains illegal in the UK, carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years for possession. In the year leading up to March 2024, police recorded over 90,405 cannabis-related offences. “The judge was well aware that [McLeod] intended to continue to use cannabis,” Judge Khan stated. “Despite this clear evidence, the judge goes on to find that if he refrains from offending, including from the use of drugs, that the prospects of the children will be considerably improved.” A Home Office spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s position, saying, “We have been clear that we do not agree with this judgment and vigorously contested this case last year. We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring there are no barriers to deport foreign criminals, as it is in the public interest for these people to be removed swiftly.” Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-19

French President Emmanuel Macron’s sudden shift against European Union green regulations has ignited a storm of opposition, even from within his own political circle. Once a leading advocate for stringent environmental policies, Macron is now accused of undermining his own environmental legacy and bowing to external pressures from business groups and international competitors, particularly the United States. Key figures within Macron’s camp are voicing their discontent over his administration’s push to weaken upcoming EU rules that mandate companies to report on their environmental impact and potential human rights violations in their supply chains. Many believe this reversal betrays France’s hard-earned reputation as a champion of green policies in Europe. They also warn that succumbing to anti-regulation lobbying could ultimately harm both France and the EU. “We are aiming at the wrong target,” said Macronist lawmaker and former minister Olivia Grégoire in defense of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), a regulation requiring businesses to disclose their environmental footprint and climate-related risks. France had previously supported the directive wholeheartedly. “My fear is disavowal, my fear is that we are naive enough to think for a minute that we'll be able to confront the new American economy with the tools it uses itself,” said Grégoire, who had helped negotiate the directive’s text in Brussels. Last month, a confidential note leaked by POLITICO revealed that France urged the European Commission to indefinitely delay the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and postpone the CSRD by two years. The French government contends that stringent environmental regulations could hurt Europe’s struggling economy by placing undue burdens on businesses. This shift in stance aligns with Macron’s recent call for a “massive regulatory break,” in which he described the impending regulations as a threat to economic competitiveness. “We ourselves have supported certain regulations with very good intentions, and I share their philosophy. But at the moment we’re living in, we need to be able to suspend them until we’ve regained our ability to compete,” Macron told French ambassadors in January. This U-turn mirrors a broader change in direction within the European Commission, which has pivoted from aggressive green policymaking to a more pro-business industrial approach, emphasizing deregulation and red tape reduction. Many see this as a concession to rising right-wing political forces across Europe, causing unrest among Macron’s liberal allies. “Let’s not give in to populism that consists in thinking, like the far right, that every time there is a rule, you shoot against it,” warned Grégoire, arguing that if Europe fails to uphold its green standards, it will ultimately have to conform to those dictated by global powers such as the United States. With the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, his administration is expected to dismantle much of the environmental agenda implemented under Joe Biden. “We don’t see any reason to postpone,” said Pascal Canfin, a French MEP from Macron’s Renew Europe group, reaffirming the group's position: “Yes to simplification, but no to delay.” France was one of the first EU countries to introduce a national-level due diligence law in 2017. The government had proudly positioned the EU-wide directive as an expansion of France’s own regulations, requiring companies to monitor their supply chains for compliance with environmental and labor standards. During France’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2022, Macron and his ministers championed both the due diligence directive and the CSRD as key economic priorities. Yet, even at the time, critics accused France of not fully committing to these measures behind closed doors—particularly as the financial sector was exempted from due diligence rules. With business groups complaining that excessive red tape would make them less competitive against U.S. and Chinese companies, the French government has shifted its stance. A French industry lobbyist with inside knowledge of the negotiations admitted they were “positively surprised” by the change in France’s position, crediting Macron’s office as instrumental in this shift. However, for many within Macron’s party, this change has been met with frustration and disappointment. “France was the one that defended and obtained these achievements at [the] European level in recent years. It is not acceptable to start a movement in which we would undo regulations and standards,” said MP Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade, chairman of the National Assembly’s European affairs committee and a member of Macron’s party. Similarly, Clément Beaune, who served as Macron’s Europe minister during France’s EU presidency, condemned the move, warning that aligning with right-wing demands could lead France and the EU toward a diluted form of Trumpism. The combination of increasing pressure from business lobbies and the rise of right-wing political forces opposing EU green policies has significantly influenced Macron’s change in direction, according to Phuc-Vinh Nguyen, head of the Jacques Delors Energy Center in Paris. With Macron doubling down on his call for a “massive regulatory break,” France’s commitment to its once-proud environmental leadership now hangs in the balance. As European leaders debate the fate of these directives, the fallout from France’s U-turn continues to reverberate through the corridors of power. Based on a report by Politico 2025-02-19