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World News

Fresh news brought to you daily from around the world. Hot news, breaking stories as they happen.

Netanyahu: Iran War Not Over Until Uranium Removed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the conflict with Iran cannot be considered finished until the country’s highly enriched uranium is removed and its nuclear enrichment infrastructure dismantled.

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Speaking in an interview broadcast Sunday on the TV programme 60 Minutes, Netanyahu said that despite a fragile ceasefire involving the United States and Iran, key elements of Tehran’s nuclear capability remain intact.
Netanyahu told the programme’s chief Washington correspondent, Major Garrett of CBS News, that Israel had significantly weakened Iran’s military and nuclear-related capacity during the conflict but that further action was still required.
Uranium removal central to Israeli position
Netanyahu said that highly enriched uranium held by Iran must be taken out of the country and that enrichment facilities should be dismantled to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
“Now, we’ve degraded a lot of it,” he said, referring to Iran’s nuclear programme as well as the capabilities of allied militant groups in the region and Iran’s missile production.
“But all that is still there, and there’s work to be done,” he added.
International monitoring bodies estimate that Iran retains about 970 pounds (roughly 440 kilograms) of uranium enriched to levels close to weapons-grade.
According to Netanyahu, removing that stockpile would be a crucial step in ensuring that Iran cannot quickly advance towards producing a nuclear weapon.
Possibility of negotiated solution
Netanyahu said that reaching an agreement with Iran to remove the enriched uranium would be the most effective path.
“You go in, and you take it out,” he said when discussing how such material might be removed.
If a deal could be negotiated, he said, it would represent “the best way” to eliminate Iran’s highly enriched uranium reserves.
His comments come as diplomatic efforts continue following a fragile ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and Iran, aimed at halting direct hostilities and preventing a wider regional escalation.
No timetable for further action
The Israeli leader declined to say what actions Israel might take if an agreement with Iran is not reached regarding the nuclear material.
Netanyahu said he would not provide a timetable for any further steps but emphasised the importance Israel places on the issue.
“I’m not going to give a timetable to it,” he said, describing the removal of Iran’s enriched uranium as “a terrifically important mission”.
The remarks underline Israel’s continuing focus on Iran’s nuclear programme even as ceasefire efforts attempt to stabilise the situation following recent tensions.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 May 2026
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Orbán Era Ends as Péter Magyar is Sworn In as Hungary's PM

Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar, has taken office after his Tisza party secured a sweeping election victory that ended 16 years of rule by Viktor Orbán.

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Speaking after being sworn in before parliament in Budapest, Magyar pledged to govern in service of the country rather than dominate it. “I will not rule over Hungary — I will serve my country,” he said following the oath ceremony.
The result marked a dramatic political shift. Tisza, founded only two years ago, captured 141 seats in Hungary’s 199-member parliament, surging from having no representation previously. Orbán’s governing Fidesz party saw its parliamentary strength collapse from 135 seats to just 52.
Thousands were expected to gather outside parliament along the Danube in Budapest for what organisers described as a “celebration of freedom and democracy”. Magyar has framed the moment as a decisive break with the previous political era, urging Hungarians to step through what he called a “gateway of regime change”.
Collapse of the old governing bloc
Following the defeat, Orbán and several senior figures from Fidesz decided not to take their seats in the new parliament. The party has signalled only a broad intention to regroup politically, leaving its immediate future unclear.
Meanwhile, allegations of corruption linked to the previous administration continue to surface. The outgoing government had overseen Hungary largely unchallenged since 2010.
Members of the incoming administration say they intend not only to change leadership but to overhaul the system of governance.
“The main priority is to set up the government on the ruins of the previous one,” said Zoltán Tarr, the incoming minister for social relations and culture. He added that the new leadership expects to inherit a difficult economic situation but said the scale of the challenge remains uncertain.
Economic concerns and political scrutiny
Officials say public finances are under strain following a surge in government spending during the final months of the Orbán administration. That spending came after years in which state contracts and funds were widely directed toward business networks linked to Fidesz.
Hungary’s budget deficit has already climbed close to the full-year target set by the previous government.
The new administration has sought to demonstrate a break with past practices. Businessman György Wáberer, who switched his support from Fidesz to Tisza shortly before the election, revealed he had donated €280,000 to the party. Magyar ordered the funds returned.
Questions over ethics also surfaced when Magyar’s brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna, was nominated for justice minister. After criticism online, he withdrew from consideration, saying he did so to ensure no doubts overshadowed the transition.
Incoming ministers say they will avoid political retaliation against their predecessors but insist that financial wrongdoing will be investigated. Plans are underway to establish an office dedicated to recovering misused public assets.
Tarr stressed that any investigations would follow legal procedures rather than political retribution.
Investigations and EU tensions
Authorities have already begun several inquiries. One investigation involves the media network linked to businessman Gyula Balásy, whose companies received government contracts and ran pro-government campaigns targeting critics including philanthropist George Soros, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and Magyar himself.
Balásy recently said he was willing to hand over his companies and investments to the state, although he denied any wrongdoing. Some company accounts connected to his businesses have been frozen.
Another investigation concerns Hungary’s National Cultural Fund, including its Urban Civil Fund, which has a budget of about €64.9m. Authorities are examining claims that money may have been directed toward Fidesz candidates.
The government’s most urgent challenge may lie in relations with the European Union. Around €17bn in EU funding has been withheld by the European Commission during Orbán’s tenure.
Commission officials have indicated that some of those funds could be permanently lost.
Hungary must also decide its stance on an EU migration pact set to take effect on 12 June. The country continues to face daily fines of €1m for failing to comply with rulings by the European Court of Justice over migrant policies.
Despite the challenges, Tarr said the new leadership remains optimistic about working with EU partners while responding to domestic concerns about migration, Ukraine’s possible EU membership and Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy supplies.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 May 2026
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UK Troops Parachute to Remote Island Amid Hantavirus Case

British Army medics have parachuted onto one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands to assist a British man with suspected hantavirus after concerns grew over limited medical resources on the remote territory.

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A team of British paratroopers and medical staff landed on Tristan da Cunha, a tiny island territory in the South Atlantic, to help a resident who developed symptoms weeks after leaving a cruise ship linked to a deadly outbreak.
Emergency mission to Tristan da Cunha
The patient had disembarked from the vessel MV Hondius on 14 April before returning to the island, where he lives. According to the World Health Organization, he reported diarrhoea on 28 April and developed a fever two days later.
Officials say he is currently in a stable condition and isolating.
The island has a population of 221 British citizens and normally relies on a medical team of only two people. With oxygen supplies running critically low, the UK government launched an emergency mission.
Six paratroopers and two clinicians from 16 Air Assault Brigade parachuted onto the island to provide additional medical support. An Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft from the Royal Air Force dropped oxygen supplies on Saturday.


High-risk parachute operation
The aircraft departed from RAF Brize Norton before flying via Ascension Island en route to Tristan da Cunha.
Because the island has no airstrip and can only normally be reached by sea, parachuting was considered the only viable option to quickly deliver assistance.
Two of the soldiers jumped in tandem with an intensive care nurse and an intensive care doctor, who will help support the island’s limited medical services.
The drop itself posed significant challenges due to strong winds and the island’s small landing area.
Brigadier Ed Cartwright said the team exited the aircraft roughly 5km above the South Atlantic before navigating the wind back toward the island. A miscalculation could have sent them into the ocean.
The paratroopers eventually landed on the island’s golf course, according to local officials, while residents helped prepare facilities and welcome the team.
Officials said around 3.3 tonnes of medical supplies were also delivered for the island’s hospital.
Cruise ship outbreak and response
The emergency operation follows a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius.
Six confirmed infections have been recorded so far, including two other British nationals who are receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa.
Three people connected to the outbreak have died, two of whom were confirmed to have had the virus.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses usually carried by rodents. Most strains do not spread between people, but the Andes strain — detected among passengers from the cruise ship — can transmit between humans.
The ship has now arrived in Tenerife, where authorities are helping more than 100 passengers disembark so they can return home.
The remaining 22 British passengers will be flown back to the UK on a charter flight. They will then isolate for 45 days at Arrowe Park Hospital under monitoring by the UK Health Security Agency.
Health authorities say the risk to the general public remains very low.
Support for overseas territories
UK officials said the operation demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting British citizens and overseas territories, even in extremely remote locations.
The paratroopers and medical team are expected to leave Tristan da Cunha later by ship once the medical situation allows.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 May 2026
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Top Democrat: Trump Terribly Weakened Ahead of China Visit

Senior Democratic Senator Jack Reed has said President Donald Trump will arrive at upcoming talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a weakened position, citing tensions with Iran, economic pressures at home and shifts in U.S. military deployments.

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Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing on Thursday and Friday for a summit with Xi. The meeting will mark the first in-person talks between the two leaders since October, and the first visit to China by a U.S. president in more than eight years.
Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the comments during an interview on Fox News Sunday.
“President Trump is going into this meeting terribly weakened,” Reed said, pointing to the wider consequences of the conflict involving Iran.
Iran tensions and oil concerns
Reed argued that the ongoing confrontation with Iran has complicated Washington’s position ahead of the summit.
He said the situation had reached a stalemate and warned that Iran’s military restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz put a significant portion of the world’s oil supply at risk.
According to Reed, the uncertainty surrounding the waterway — a crucial global energy route — has added pressure on the United States and contributed to rising fuel costs.
The meeting between Trump and Xi comes as Washington seeks a permanent end to hostilities with Iran. China, which maintains close relations with the Iranian government, has taken steps that could undermine U.S. efforts to isolate Tehran economically.
Earlier this week, Chinese authorities instructed domestic companies to disregard U.S. sanctions on Chinese refineries linked to Iranian oil purchases.
Last month, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical Refinery, describing the company as one of Iran’s largest customers for crude oil and petroleum products.
China’s energy strategy
Reed also pointed to China’s investments in alternative energy, arguing that they have strengthened Beijing’s economic position despite sanctions targeting Iranian oil trade.
China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. However, it has rapidly expanded renewable energy production in recent years.
In 2024, the country installed 360 gigawatts of new wind and solar capacity — more than half of the global additions that year — according to figures cited by the World Economic Forum.
Reed said these developments meant China was “doing quite well” in maintaining energy supplies while diversifying its energy mix.
Military shifts and regional tensions
The senator also raised concerns about the redeployment of U.S. military personnel and equipment during the confrontation with Iran.
According to Reed, some forces and assets have been moved from the Indo-Pacific region to the Middle East, which he said could affect American military readiness in relation to China.
The Indo-Pacific remains a key strategic focus for Washington, particularly as Beijing has increased military activity near Taiwan in recent months. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, though the island governs itself independently.
Reed argued that the combination of military shifts abroad and economic pressures at home weakens Washington’s position heading into the summit.
“We’re seeing at home significant gas prices, significant increases in grocery prices and in all sorts of prices for the American home,” he said. He added that public concern over the Iran conflict was also growing.
Reed said those factors meant Trump was not negotiating with China from a position of strength when engaging with a major geopolitical and economic rival.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 May 2026

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Putin Says Ukraine War ‘Coming to an End’

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war between Russia and Ukraine may be nearing its conclusion, as both sides observe a short ceasefire announced to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.

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Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Putin said he believed the conflict, which has lasted more than four years, was approaching its final stage. According to Reuters, the Russian leader said he believed “the matter is coming to an end.”
He also indicated Russia was willing to discuss broader European security arrangements, suggesting that negotiations on the continent’s future security framework could follow the fighting.
Ceasefire Linked to Victory Day
The comments came shortly after the announcement of a temporary halt in hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to pause fighting for three days beginning on Saturday. The pause coincides with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, an annual commemoration marking the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
Trump said he hoped the temporary ceasefire could lead to a longer break in fighting.
“I’d like to see a big extension,” he said in an interview with NewsNation when asked whether he planned to speak with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about prolonging the truce.
The U.S. president said the brief halt in combat could save lives and create space for further diplomacy.
“We have a little period of time where they’re not going to be killing people,” Trump said. “That’s very good.”
Prisoner Exchange Planned
Trump also said both sides had agreed to conduct a prisoner exchange during the ceasefire period.
According to the president, around 1,000 prisoners held by each side are expected to be transferred back in what would be one of the largest exchanges since the war began.
“They also agreed to give a thousand prisoners back,” Trump said, adding that the transfers were expected to begin almost immediately.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has sought to broker an end to the conflict and has met separately with both Putin and Zelensky.
Despite those diplomatic efforts, the war has continued, and negotiations have yet to produce a lasting settlement.
Relations between Trump and Zelensky have at times been strained. A meeting between the two leaders in 2025 drew significant attention after it became marked by visible tensions.
The latest ceasefire announcement and Putin’s comments about the war nearing its end may signal a potential shift in the conflict. However, it remains unclear whether the temporary truce will lead to extended negotiations or a more durable halt to the fighting.
Uncertain Prospects for Peace
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has resulted in widespread destruction, heavy military casualties and millions of displaced people.
Although the current ceasefire is limited to three days, officials in Washington have suggested they hope the pause could create momentum for broader peace talks.
For now, the truce offers only a short respite from the fighting while diplomatic efforts continue.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 May 2026

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Iran Submits Reply to US Peace Proposal

Iran has submitted its response to a U.S. proposal aimed at easing tensions in the region, according to Iranian state media. The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Tehran had delivered its reply to Washington, citing a source familiar with the matter.

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The report said ongoing contacts between Iran and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump were focused on halting hostilities in the region.
The development comes after Washington presented a short memorandum earlier in the week outlining a potential path toward broader negotiations.
Proposed Framework for Talks
According to a source familiar with the discussions, the U.S. proposal consists of a one-page document intended to establish a framework for future negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The outline was reportedly shared with Tehran earlier in the week. Details of the document have not been publicly confirmed by the White House.
Media reports say the proposal includes a temporary halt to Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities. In exchange, the United States would lift sanctions imposed on the country and release billions of dollars in Iranian funds that have been frozen abroad.
The proposed arrangement would also involve removing restrictions on shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
The White House has not publicly commented on the reported proposal. Requests for comment were sent by media outlets including The Hill.
Iranian Officials React
Iranian officials have responded cautiously and, at times, critically to reports of the U.S. offer.
Ebrahim Rezaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian parliament on national security matters, dismissed the reported proposal as unrealistic.
Writing on the social media platform X, Rezaei described the plan as a “wish list” from Washington. He warned that the United States would not achieve through conflict what it had failed to obtain in direct negotiations.
“Iran has its finger on the trigger and is ready,” he wrote, adding that Tehran would respond forcefully if the United States or its allies attempted hostile actions.
President Signals Defiance
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, also signalled a defiant stance in remarks posted on social media after the response was reportedly submitted.
Pezeshkian said that engaging in dialogue with Washington should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness or concession.
“We will never bow our heads before the enemy,” he wrote. “If talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat.”
He added that Iran’s objective in any discussions would be to defend national interests and uphold the rights of the Iranian people.
Uncertain Path Ahead
The reported exchange marks the latest development in a period of heightened tension between Washington and Tehran.
While the U.S. proposal appears to aim at de-escalating hostilities and opening the door to broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, Iranian officials have publicly pushed back against elements of the reported plan.
It remains unclear whether the response submitted by Tehran will lead to further talks or adjustments to the proposed framework.
Neither side has publicly confirmed the details of the memorandum or outlined a timeline for potential negotiations.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 May 2026
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Porn Site 'Motherless' Taken Down by Dutch Authorities

Dutch authorities have taken the pornography website Motherless offline after mounting international scrutiny over content linked to sexual abuse and non-consensual imagery.

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The move follows a CNN investigation that highlighted how the platform and associated messaging groups were used to distribute videos depicting suspected drug-facilitated sexual assaults and other forms of gender-based violence.
A spokesperson for the Dutch Public Prosecution Service confirmed that the site had been taken down and said prosecutors in the Zeeland-West-Brabant region had opened a preliminary investigation.
The platform appeared to go offline on Thursday evening.
Investigation and hosting arrangements
Motherless had been hosted on servers in the Netherlands operated by NFOrce Internet Services, a hosting provider based in Steenbergen in the south of the country.
Public attention intensified after CNN reported on a broader online network where the site hosted large amounts of material involving non-consensual imagery and alleged drug-facilitated assaults. Earlier investigations by journalists in Germany and Canada had also documented thousands of videos appearing to show unconscious women being raped or sexually abused.
According to reporting by the Dutch broadcaster NOS, the platform had been hosted on Dutch servers since at least 2024. Coverage by NOS and the current affairs programme Nieuwsuur increased pressure on Dutch authorities to intervene after the CNN investigation.
An analysis of 20,000 videos that appeared on the site’s homepage last week found that clips tagged “incest” were among the most viewed categories. One of the most watched videos during the same period was labelled with the tags “rape,” “sister” and “school girl,” the broadcasters reported.
CNN had earlier found more than 20,000 videos classified as “sleep” content using tags such as “#passedout” and “#eyecheck.” Although those tags appeared to have been removed after the investigation was published in March 2026, videos appearing to show drug-facilitated sexual abuse were still visible earlier this week.
Hosting provider review
In response to the media reports, NFOrce said on Thursday it had launched an urgent compliance and abuse-handling review and had given the platform 12 hours to respond.
The company later published the response it said it received from the site’s operators. In the statement, Motherless said it had carried out a comprehensive review of content linked to the allegations and removed files considered potentially unlawful, exploitative or non-consensual.
It also said accounts associated with repeat offenders had been suspended or permanently banned.
The platform added that it had reviewed high-risk search terms and moderation categories while strengthening filtering systems, upload restrictions and escalation procedures. A retrospective review of archived uploads had also been conducted, it said.
NFOrce stressed that it provides only infrastructure services and does not manage or moderate content on customer platforms. The company said complaints about illegal material must normally include specific web addresses to be assessed through formal abuse-reporting channels.
Reactions and concerns
Advocacy groups welcomed the shutdown but warned that removing content from the internet remains difficult once it has been widely shared.
Robbert Hoving of the Dutch online safety group Offlimits described the action as an important signal that websites normalising sexual violence could face consequences. However, he said regulators should act proactively rather than waiting for investigations before intervening.
Survivor advocate Zoe Watts, who spoke publicly during CNN’s reporting and helped launch the #EndEyeCheck campaign with fellow survivor Amanda Stanhope, said the site’s existence had enabled widespread abuse.
Campaigners also caution that similar platforms can quickly reappear by relocating servers or registering new domains in other jurisdictions.
Motherless itself issued a statement on Saturday saying it had “voluntarily taken the site offline” while reviewing content and addressing system vulnerabilities that allowed certain uploads to bypass rules. The operators said they intended to remove violating material and close those loopholes before bringing the site back online.
A complex global structure
The platform drew about 82 million visitors in March and describes itself as a “moral free file host where anything legal is hosted forever.”
Its domain name is registered in the Czech Republic, while its parent company is registered in Costa Rica — a structure that advocates say reflects a common tactic used by platforms accused of hosting abusive material to complicate regulatory action across multiple jurisdictions.
Hoving said the shutdown should be only the first step. Those responsible for enabling the platform, he said, should ultimately be held accountable.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026
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Ocasio-Cortez Leaves Door Open to 2028 Presidential Run

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has declined to rule out a potential run for the White House in 2028, saying her political goals are focused on broader national change rather than holding a particular office.

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The New York Democrat made the remarks during a Friday event in Chicago when she was asked about speculation surrounding a possible presidential campaign.
Responding to the question from Democratic strategist David Axelrod, Ocasio-Cortez rejected the suggestion that her ambitions were tied to seeking a specific title or position.
Remarks Fuel Questions About Future Bid
“They assume that my ambition is a title or a seat, and my ambition is way bigger than that,” she said. “My ambition is to change this country.”
She added that while elected officials may come and go, policies such as single-payer healthcare can have lasting impact.
Ocasio-Cortez said she bases her political decisions on current circumstances rather than long-term plans tied to a particular role.
“Conditions change radically all the time,” she said, explaining that she evaluates the political landscape day by day to determine which actions might help advance her policy goals.


Decisions Guided by ‘Conditions’
The congresswoman, who is serving her fourth term in the House of Representatives, said she seeks to make decisions that move the country “closer to that future, stronger, faster, better than yesterday.”
Her comments come amid growing discussion about possible Democratic candidates in the 2028 presidential race.
Democrats Eye Possible Contenders
Several Democratic figures are already being mentioned as potential contenders to return the party to the White House in 2028.
Among those frequently cited are Gavin Newsom, governor of California; former vice president Kamala Harris; Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer; former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg; Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro; and Kentucky governor Andy Beshear.
Illinois governor JB Pritzker recently praised what he described as the Democratic Party’s strong bench of possible candidates.
Speaking at an event in New York, Pritzker said he was focused on winning re-election as governor but stressed his commitment to helping the party reclaim the presidency.
“We have a pretty good bench,” he said, adding that he intends to work to elect a Democrat in 2028.
Republican Field Also Taking Shape
On the Republican side, several figures are also seen as potential successors to Donald Trump after his second term.
Among those widely viewed as possible candidates are Vice President J. D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump himself has at times suggested he might seek a third term, despite the limit set by the Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which restricts presidents to two terms in office.
The president’s business organization, the Trump Organization, introduced “Trump 2028” hats last April, and Trump later told reporters he would “love to” run again.
Speculation Likely to Continue
While Ocasio-Cortez did not confirm any presidential ambitions, her comments left open the possibility of a future bid as discussion about the 2028 race continues within both major political parties.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026
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Putin Vows Victory at Reduced Moscow Parade

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin declared that his country would ultimately prevail in the war in Ukraine as he presided over a scaled-down Victory Day parade in Moscow, held under tight security amid concerns about possible Ukrainian attacks.

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Speaking in Red Square, Putin linked the conflict in Ukraine with the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany during the Second World War. He said the sacrifices of the wartime generation continued to inspire Russian troops engaged in what the Kremlin calls a “special military operation”.
“They stand against an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc,” Putin told the crowd. “Despite this, our heroes move forward. Victory has always been and will always be ours.”
Heightened security across Moscow underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding the annual event. Authorities restricted internet services across the city and deployed extensive protective measures amid fears of Ukrainian drone or missile strikes.
Parade scaled back
Despite Putin’s confident tone, the parade itself was markedly reduced compared with previous years. The event lasted about 45 minutes — roughly half the usual duration — and lacked many of its traditional displays of military hardware.
Missiles and armoured vehicles, a central feature since they were introduced to the parade in 2017, were not shown this year. Instead, attendees watched a video presentation highlighting Russia’s drone technology and nuclear capabilities.
The audience included a small group of foreign leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Soldiers from North Korea also marched through the square, reflecting increasingly close ties between Moscow and Pyongyang as North Korean troops have supported Russian forces in Ukraine.
Pro-Kremlin commentator Sergei Markov described the ceremony as “a modest parade”, adding that Russia still faced “enormous challenges”.
Ceasefire and security concerns
Uncertainty over potential attacks lingered until shortly before the event began. On the eve of the parade, Donald Trump, the US president, announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a three-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.
The temporary halt in fighting was expected to last until 11 May.
Earlier in the week, Putin had urged Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to observe a ceasefire during the celebrations. Kyiv initially dismissed the suggestion as an attempt to protect the parade from drone attacks.
Zelenskyy responded shortly before the event with a decree stating that Ukraine would “permit” the parade to go ahead by choosing not to strike Moscow, citing the request by the US president.
Russian officials acknowledged that the extensive security measures in the capital were designed largely to protect Putin, reflecting the ongoing threat posed by Ukrainian long-range strikes.
War strains and uncertain outlook
This year’s parade marked the first Victory Day celebration since Russia’s war in Ukraine has lasted longer than the Soviet Union’s entire campaign against Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
Putin has repeatedly portrayed the current conflict as a continuation of that historic struggle, a comparison rejected by Ukraine and its allies.
Symbolically, the Russian leader was seated alongside soldiers who had fought in Ukraine rather than veterans of the Second World War, as had been customary in earlier years.
Inside Russia, the prolonged conflict has begun to strain both public sentiment and the economy. Weeks of internet shutdowns ahead of the parade, introduced as security precautions, have prompted public frustration.
Economic growth, which had been supported by heavy military spending, has slowed sharply. Inflation is rising and the federal budget deficit has reached record levels.
On the battlefield, the war has largely stalled. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses and are struggling to make significant advances while continuing attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure.
Despite the stalemate, there has been little sign of a shift in Moscow’s position. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Russia saw no basis for new talks involving the United States and Ukraine unless Ukrainian forces withdrew from the Donetsk Oblast region — a demand Kyiv has rejected.
Ukrainian forces continue to hold several fortified cities in Donetsk, positions that have been defended at significant human cost.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026
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Frontier Jet Hits Runway Trespasser at Denver Airport

A Frontier Airlines aircraft struck and killed a person who had breached security and run onto a runway at Denver International Airport late on Friday, forcing the jet to abort take-off and triggering an emergency evacuation of passengers.

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Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot reporting the incident moments after the aircraft accelerated for departure.
“We just hit somebody,” the pilot of Frontier Flight 4345 told the control tower. “We’re stopping on the runway. We have an engine fire.”
The Airbus A321 had been preparing to depart for Los Angeles International Airport at about 23:00 local time when the collision occurred, according to airport authorities.
Smoke was reported in the cabin, but firefighters from the Denver Fire Department quickly extinguished the engine fire. All 224 passengers were evacuated using inflatable emergency slides as a precaution, Frontier Airlines said.
Airport officials said 12 passengers reported minor injuries during the incident. Five of them were taken to nearby hospitals, though their conditions were not immediately known.
Security breach before take-off
Authorities said the individual had climbed over a perimeter fence and entered the runway area roughly two minutes before the aircraft struck them.
The person is not believed to have been an airport employee, Denver International Airport said in a statement.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said the aircraft was travelling at a “high speed” when the impact occurred. Commercial airliners typically reach speeds of around 150–180mph (240–290km/h) during take-off.
“Late last night, a trespasser breached airport security at Denver International Airport, deliberately scaled a perimeter fence, and ran out onto a runway,” Mr Duffy said.
“No one should ever trespass on an airport,” he added.
Airport authorities said an inspection of the perimeter fence after the incident found it to be intact.
Pilot alert captured on audio
Air traffic control audio shows that the Frontier crew had just been cleared for take-off shortly before the collision.
An air traffic controller told the pilot the aircraft was cleared for departure and wished the crew a good night.
After a brief pause, the pilot contacted the tower again to report the emergency.
“We’re stopping on the runway,” the pilot said, adding that there had been “an individual walking across the runway”.
The crew also told the tower that there were 231 people on board the aircraft, including seven crew members.
Passenger accounts
Images and video shared by passengers showed smoke inside the aircraft cabin shortly after the impact.
Passenger Jose Cervantes told a local television station affiliated with CBS that he heard a loud impact before noticing flames near the wing.
“I heard a thud,” he said. “I just see the right wing just on fire and like, it’s exploding.”
He said the sight of flames and smoke made him fear the worst.
“I thought I was going to burn to death,” he added.
Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft and transported by bus back to the terminal while emergency crews responded at the scene.
Investigation launched
The runway was closed as federal authorities began investigating the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are examining what happened.
Frontier Airlines said it was cooperating with investigators.
“We are deeply saddened by this event,” the airline said in a statement.
Denver International Airport also expressed sympathy to those affected, saying it was “extremely saddened by this incident and express our sympathies to those involved”.
Most passengers later continued their journey to Los Angeles on a replacement Frontier flight.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026
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One Nation Wins Historic First Lower House Seat in Australia

Australia’s right-wing One Nation party has secured its first seat in the federal lower house, marking a historic breakthrough for the populist party in a by-election in New South Wales.

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With most votes counted, One Nation candidate David Farley won the seat of Farrer with around 57% of the two-candidate preferred vote, comfortably ahead of independent contender Michelle Milthorpe.
The vote was triggered by the resignation of Sussan Ley, who stepped down after losing her position as leader of the opposition Liberal Party.
Although the result will not threaten the Labor government’s sizeable parliamentary majority, the outcome is widely seen as a sign that some voters are shifting away from Australia’s traditional political parties.
Breakthrough for One Nation
Saturday’s vote represented the first federal electoral test for One Nation since the party performed strongly in the South Australian state election in March, where it recorded the second-largest share of votes among all parties.
Celebrating the victory, party leader Pauline Hanson told supporters the result represented more than just a local win.
She said the outcome was a “win for Australia” and indicated that the party intended to contest other electorates in future.
Farley, whose professional background is in agribusiness, described the result as a turning point for the party.
Addressing supporters, he said One Nation had moved beyond its early stage and suggested the party was entering a new phase of political growth.
Preferential voting system
Australia uses a preferential voting system in federal elections, requiring voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
If no candidate wins an outright majority of first-choice votes, preferences from lower-ranked candidates are redistributed until two remain. The final result is then calculated between those two candidates to determine who commands majority support.
Farley’s victory came after preferences were distributed, producing a final two-candidate preferred tally in his favour.
A seat long held by major parties
The electorate of Farrer covers about 127,000 square kilometres across regional New South Wales—an area larger than South Korea—and includes centres such as Albury, Griffith and Deniliquin.
Historically, the constituency has been held by candidates from either the Liberal or National parties, making One Nation’s win a significant break from long-standing voting patterns.
One Nation had previously never secured a seat in the federal House of Representatives. In the late 1990s, Hanson held a parliamentary seat as an independent before losing her re-election bid. She later returned to federal politics as a senator.
During the by-election campaign, Farley said he had grown disillusioned with the major parties, arguing that their promises often differed from their actions once in parliament.
Test for opposition leadership
The by-election also provided an early test for the newly appointed leaders of the Liberal and National parties.
Angus Taylor replaced Ley as leader of the Liberal Party in February, while Matt Canavan took over leadership of the Nationals from David Littleproud in March.
Both parties remain under pressure following their heavy defeat in last year’s federal election, the worst result in the coalition’s history.
Since then, the opposition alliance has faced internal disputes and declining support in opinion polls.
The result in Farrer adds to the challenges confronting the coalition as it seeks to rebuild support among voters.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026
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Canada’s Military Recruitment Hits Highest Level in 30 Years

Canada’s armed forces are experiencing their strongest recruitment growth in three decades, marking a potential turning point after years of severe personnel shortages and criticism over the country’s defence spending.

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The increase comes amid global conflicts, expanded military funding and domestic political tensions that have renewed attention on national defence.
Global tensions drive renewed interest
Recruitment applications began rising sharply around 2022, roughly when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Analysts say heightened global instability has prompted more Canadians to consider military service.
Charlotte Duval-Lantoine, a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute who studies military culture, said recruitment often rises when people perceive a growing threat to national security.
“When people see that the world is not as safe, that their country might be at risk, we tend to see people join the military,” she said.
The surge has also coincided with comments by US President Donald Trump referring to Canada as the “51st state”, remarks that many Canadians viewed as challenging the country’s sovereignty.
At the same time, economic pressures have played a role. Youth unemployment in Canada stood at nearly 14% in March, making the armed forces’ job stability and improved pay more attractive to young people considering their career options.
New funding and higher salaries
The recruitment boost follows significant new defence spending under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
In March, Canada announced it had reached Nato’s target of allocating 2% of its gross domestic product to defence spending for the first time since the late 1980s. The move represents more than C$63bn ($46bn; £34bn) in defence spending in a single year.
Carney has also joined a Nato pledge to increase defence spending to as much as 5% of GDP by 2035.
The funding includes higher salaries for military personnel, investment in new equipment, upgrades to existing bases and new infrastructure projects in the Arctic.
The government has described its defence plan as an ambitious effort to modernise and expand the Canadian Armed Forces after decades of underinvestment.
Recruitment numbers rise sharply
In late April, the military said it had enrolled more than 7,000 new members during the past fiscal year — the highest annual intake in 30 years.
Interest in joining the armed forces has been even greater than those final enrolment numbers suggest.



According to Canada’s Department of National Defence, confirmed applications nearly doubled over the past year, increasing from 21,700 to 40,116. Total expressions of interest reached close to 100,000.
This marks a significant rise compared with the 2019–20 period, when around 36,000 people applied.
Travis Haines, a lieutenant colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces, said part of the increase stems from reforms that simplified the application process.
For years, the military faced criticism for slow recruitment procedures that discouraged potential candidates. The system has since been partially digitised, allowing applicants to submit documents electronically and speeding up reviews.
“There was always interest,” Haines said. “It was just hard to get through the system.”
Opening recruitment beyond citizens
Another major change came in 2022, when Canada began allowing permanent residents — not only citizens — to apply for military service.
Foreign nationals accounted for about 20% of new recruits last year.
Canada is also planning to significantly expand its military. Current plans aim for 85,500 regular service members and a mobilisation force of up to 300,000 reservists.
Duval-Lantoine said Canada has not pursued a mobilisation strategy on that scale since 2004, reflecting concerns about future conflicts and lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine.
Challenges remain despite gains
Despite the improved recruitment figures, analysts say Canada’s military capacity still trails many allies.
Richard Shimooka, a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, said the armed forces currently have the ability to deploy only a few thousand troops at a time along with a limited number of fighter jets.
By comparison, the United Kingdom can deploy around 10,000 troops when necessary.
“The state of the Canadian Armed Forces is currently at a very low point,” Shimooka said, adding that it could take five to 10 years before increased funding translates into meaningful improvements.
Canada has long been criticised for relying heavily on the United States for its defence, with several US officials accusing the country of failing to meet its Nato commitments.
Even after reaching the 2% spending benchmark, Canada still ranks among Nato’s lower defence spenders compared with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and France.
Morale improving within the ranks
Service members say recent funding commitments have begun to boost morale.
During a recent Arctic sovereignty operation in Nunavut, Royal Canadian Air Force first officer Alden Campbell said the military had fallen behind after years of underinvestment but welcomed the new measures.
“We’re a couple of decades behind, but at least we’re trying to do things now,” he said.
Campbell added that improved pay and promises of upgraded equipment have helped restore confidence among personnel.
“Hopefully I can be at an age and a time in my career where I can be a beneficiary of these updates.”

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026
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Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill 39, Health Ministry Says

Thirty-nine people were killed in a new wave of Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Saturday, according to the country’s health ministry, as hostilities between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah continued despite a ceasefire announced last month.

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The ministry said one Israeli strike on the southern town of Saksakiyeh killed at least seven people, including a child, and injured 15 others. Three of the wounded were children.
Israel’s military said it had been targeting Hezbollah positions and acknowledged reports that civilians had been harmed.
Strike in southern Lebanon
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported multiple Israeli strikes across southern parts of the country, including the attack in Saksakiyeh.
The Lebanese health ministry described the incident as a raid that produced an “initial toll of seven martyrs, including a girl,” along with several injuries.
The Israeli military said the strike targeted “Hezbollah terrorists operating from within a structure used for military purposes”.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said steps had been taken to reduce the risk to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance before the attack. The military added that it was reviewing the details of the incident.
Drone attack in Nabatieh
The health ministry also reported a separate strike involving a motorbike in the city of Nabatieh.
It said the attack initially targeted a Syrian national and his 12-year-old daughter. After they moved away from the first strike site, a drone carried out a second attack that killed the father, according to the ministry.
Officials said the drone then struck a third time, targeting the girl directly. She was undergoing emergency surgery in hospital, the ministry added.
Continued cross-border attacks
Hezbollah said it carried out a drone strike against northern Israel on Saturday, which it described as retaliation for ongoing Israeli attacks.
The Israeli military said an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah near the northern border injured three army reservists. One of the soldiers was reported to be seriously wounded.
Israel has continued to conduct air strikes largely in southern Lebanon, saying it is targeting infrastructure and personnel linked to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia and political party.
Rising toll since March escalation
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 120 people across the country over the past week, including women and children. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures.
The Israeli military is also occupying a strip of territory along the Lebanon border. Israeli officials say the objective is to establish a security zone free of Hezbollah fighters to protect northern Israeli communities.
Lebanese villages in the area have been heavily damaged or destroyed during the fighting. Some rights organisations say certain actions by Israeli forces could amount to war crimes.
Hezbollah has also launched rockets and drones at Israeli positions in Lebanon and northern Israel during the clashes.
The latest violence follows a ceasefire agreement announced on 16 April by US President Donald Trump between the governments of Israel and Lebanon.
Israel and Hezbollah had previously agreed to a truce in November 2024 that ended an earlier conflict, though Israeli strikes on suspected Hezbollah targets continued afterward.
The conflict escalated again after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, killing Iran’s supreme leader. Hezbollah responded on 2 March by launching rockets and drones into Israel.
Israel then intensified air strikes on Lebanon and redeployed troops into southern areas in early March. Israeli forces currently remain in a zone extending about 10km inside Lebanese territory.
Since the renewed escalation began on 2 March, Lebanon’s health ministry says 2,795 people have been killed in the country.
Israeli authorities say 17 soldiers and one civilian have been killed in southern Lebanon during the fighting, along with two civilians in northern Israel.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026
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Labour MP Urges Cabinet to Force Starmer to Resign

Labour MP Catherine West has warned that she will try to trigger a leadership contest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer if a cabinet minister does not step forward to challenge him by Monday, following heavy election losses for the governing party.

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In an interview with the BBC, West said her preferred outcome would be for senior ministers to reorganise leadership internally and replace Starmer with a stronger communicator, avoiding a full leadership election.
However, the MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet said she would seek backing from colleagues if no cabinet figure emerges. Under Labour Party rules, at least 20% of Labour MPs — 81 members — would need to support her move for a leadership contest to begin.
West said she had already secured the support of around 10 MPs willing to back such a bid and expressed confidence that more would come forward.
Pressure after election losses
West’s intervention follows severe setbacks for Labour in recent elections across the UK.
The party lost more than 1,460 seats in English council elections, while the right-wing party Reform UK made significant gains in several former Labour strongholds across northern England and the Midlands.
In London, the Greens took control of councils in Waltham Forest, Lewisham and Hackney — areas that had previously been dominated by Labour — and also won their first elected mayors in Hackney and Lewisham.
Labour also suffered a historic defeat in the Welsh Parliament election, finishing third behind Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.
In Scotland, the party endured further losses as the Scottish National Party secured a fifth consecutive term in government.
Despite the results, Starmer has insisted he will not resign, saying he would not “walk away and plunge the country into chaos”.
Cabinet and MPs divided
Some members of Starmer’s government have urged colleagues to avoid further instability.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds warned that repeatedly replacing party leaders while in government would undermine the administration’s ability to focus on delivering policy.
Immigration minister Mike Tapp also criticised West’s move, arguing that public disputes within the party only benefit its political opponents.
Others within Labour reacted with surprise. One government minister described West’s move as misguided, while a prominent backbench critic of Starmer called it an “irresponsible solo mission”.
Yet some MPs suggested that dissatisfaction with the prime minister runs deeper than public comments indicate. One Labour MP told the BBC they expected West could reach the required number of supporters by Monday.
Potential successors discussed
West has not named a preferred successor and said part of the problem was that no candidate had yet stepped forward.
She said Starmer had made significant progress rebuilding the party and had handled foreign policy well, but argued he had less control over the domestic agenda and needed to challenge Reform UK more directly.
Several potential leadership contenders have been discussed among Labour figures.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is viewed by some as a possible candidate, although allies deny he is preparing a bid. Streeting has publicly backed Starmer but said the government must take responsibility for mistakes.
Other figures mentioned include former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who resigned last year amid a tax investigation, and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Burnham, however, is not currently a member of parliament, a requirement for Labour leadership candidates.
Attempt to stabilise leadership
In an effort to reinforce his position, Starmer has appointed former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown and former deputy leader Harriet Harman as advisers on global finance and violence against women.
The appointments were met with scepticism from some MPs, who questioned their practical impact.
Starmer is expected to deliver a major speech next week outlining a renewed legislative programme. In a newspaper interview, he also pledged to speak more strongly about closer ties with the European Union while addressing the economic consequences of the conflict involving Iran.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 May 2026

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IS-linked Families’ Return Reignites Security Fears

Australia is grappling with renewed debate over security, justice and humanitarian responsibility after several women connected to the Islamic State group returned from detention camps in Syria.

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Four women arrived in Australia this week after years held in camps housing relatives of fighters from the militant group. Their arrival was swiftly followed by arrests, reigniting controversy in a country still shaken by a deadly attack linked to extremist ideology late last year.
Three of the women were detained soon after landing, while a fourth faced intense media attention with her young children as authorities continued investigations into her case.
Government officials and the public have long been divided over whether Australians who travelled to territory once controlled by the Islamic State should be allowed to return.
Background to the returns
The women had been living for years in camps in northern Syria that held thousands of relatives of Islamic State fighters after the militant group lost its territorial control following a campaign led by the United States and local allies.
For several governments, including Australia and the United Kingdom, the camps have presented a complex dilemma involving national security concerns, legal obligations to citizens and humanitarian considerations.
Australia has resisted calls for the repatriation of many of its nationals held in these camps. However, citizens retain the legal right to return to their home country.
The debate has become more intense following Australia’s deadliest terrorist attack in recent years. In December, a mass shooting at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach, allegedly inspired by Islamic State ideology, killed 15 people.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has repeatedly expressed strong condemnation of the militant group. “If you make your bed, you have to lie in it,” he has said in reference to those who travelled to join it.
Lives in Syrian camps
Many of the Australians who travelled to Syria were young when they left, and some say they were influenced or coerced by extremist partners.
One of the women who returned, Janai Safar, 32, arrived in Sydney with her nine-year-old son and has since been charged with terrorism offences.
Another returnee, Zahra Ahmed, 33, came back to Melbourne alongside her sister Zeinab, 31, and their mother Kawsar Abbas, 54. The family has said they became trapped in Syria after travelling there for a wedding without knowing the groom had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
Authorities have charged Abbas and Zeinab Ahmed with crimes against humanity linked to slavery. Zahra Ahmed remains under investigation.
The nine children who returned with the group will undergo community integration programmes and initiatives designed to counter violent extremism, according to the Australian Federal Police.
Twenty-one Australian citizens — seven women and fourteen children — remain in the Al-Roj camp in northeastern Syria.
National divisions
The return of individuals linked to the militant group has triggered strong reactions across Australia.
Some members of the public argue those who travelled to join Islamic State should remain in Syria.
Others, including survivors of the group’s violence who now live in Australia, have expressed concern about encountering former supporters of the organisation.
At the same time, advocates argue the children in the camps deserve protection and opportunities for rehabilitation.
Sydney doctor Jamal Rifi, who has helped provide telehealth services to families in the camps and assisted with documentation for travel, has urged authorities to allow them to return and face Australian courts if necessary.
“If those women have done anything wrong by our legal system… let the law deal with them,” he said earlier this year.
Legal limits on preventing returns
Australia’s government says it did not facilitate the latest returns and does not intend to organise further repatriations.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said authorities face “very serious limits” on preventing citizens from returning.
In one case, an unnamed woman was barred from coming back earlier this year following national security advice, but officials say the legal threshold for such measures is high.
Opposition politicians have called for stronger laws to prevent further returns, reflecting heightened public concern after the December attack.
Analysts say the issue has become increasingly politically sensitive.
For campaigners seeking the return of the remaining Australians in Syrian camps, the latest arrivals represent only a partial step. Many of the women and children still detained there face uncertain futures as authorities weigh security risks against legal and humanitarian obligations.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026
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Hantavirus Outbreak Sparks Global Cruise Passenger Hunt

Health authorities worldwide are attempting to trace dozens of passengers who left a cruise ship before a hantavirus outbreak was confirmed, amid concerns that the illness could spread through close contact.

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Five infections linked to the Dutch expedition vessel MV Hondius have been confirmed so far, including three deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
Officials are now working to locate passengers who disembarked during the voyage, as well as anyone who may have had close contact with them after leaving the ship.
Hantavirus Cases Linked to Cruise Voyage
The outbreak occurred during a journey operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The company said 114 guests and 61 crew members from 22 countries boarded the vessel for the trip.
During the voyage, 32 passengers disembarked at Saint Helena on 24 April, before the hantavirus outbreak was identified. Health officials are attempting to locate those travellers as part of an international contact tracing effort.
Reports indicate around 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries were initially on board the ship before some guests left during the cruise.
The vessel departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on 1 April and is scheduled to arrive in the Canary Islands in Spain on 10 May.
On Friday, Oceanwide Expeditions published a detailed timeline outlining when passengers and crew disembarked at various stops during the journey.
WHO: Hantavirus Not Like Covid Pandemic
The World Health Organization said the outbreak is not considered the start of a pandemic similar to COVID-19.
According to the agency, the hantavirus strain involved spreads mainly through “close, intimate contact”, making widespread transmission less likely than viruses that spread easily through the air.
Nevertheless, health officials warned that the incubation period for Hantavirus infection can be lengthy. Symptoms may take up to six weeks to appear after exposure.
Because of this delay, the WHO said additional cases linked to the cruise could still be reported in the coming weeks.
International Contact Tracing Effort
Passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius came from multiple countries, meaning health agencies around the world are now involved in tracking potential exposures.
Authorities are focusing particularly on those who disembarked in Saint Helena, as well as anyone who may have interacted with them after they left the vessel.
Oceanwide Expeditions said it has shared detailed passenger and crew movement records with health authorities to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Officials say monitoring will continue while the ship completes its journey and authorities assess whether further hantavirus cases linked to the cruise emerge.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026
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US to Revoke Passports Over Child Support Debt

The United States government will begin revoking passports from Americans who owe significant amounts of unpaid child support, the US State Department has announced, as authorities seek to strengthen enforcement of existing federal laws.

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Officials said parents with more than $2,500 (€1,844) in outstanding child support obligations could face the loss of their passports, though the policy will primarily target individuals with what the department described as “significant outstanding” debt.
The move expands the use of powers granted under a federal law passed in 1996, which allows the government to deny or revoke passports for individuals who fail to meet their child support responsibilities.
Stronger enforcement of existing law
In a statement, the State Department said the measure is intended to reinforce both the legal and moral responsibility of parents to support their children.
The department said it is deploying “commonsense tools to support American families and strengthen compliance” with US laws governing child support payments.
“This action supports the welfare of American children by exacting real consequences for child support delinquency under existing federal law,” the statement added.
Under the policy, individuals whose passports are revoked will no longer be able to use them for international travel. They will also be ineligible to receive a new passport until their outstanding child support debt has been fully settled.
Authorities urged parents who owe money to arrange payment with the relevant state child support agencies to avoid losing their travel documents.
Change from previous practice
The authority to restrict passports over unpaid child support has existed since the mid-1990s but has rarely been enforced through direct revocation.
Until now, the rule was typically applied when individuals attempted to renew their passports. In such cases, those with qualifying debt could be denied renewal until their payments were brought up to date.
Under the new approach, the State Department will proactively identify individuals who owe substantial amounts and move to revoke their passports even if they are still valid.
Officials said the department will work alongside the US Department of Health and Human Services to locate people with unpaid obligations and enforce the policy.
Impact on travellers abroad
The department did not specify exactly when enforcement would begin. However, the Associated Press reported the new policy could take effect as early as Friday.
Those whose passports are revoked while they are outside the United States may face additional complications. According to the report, affected travellers would need to contact a US embassy or consulate to obtain an emergency travel document that would allow them to return to the country.
Such documents would permit entry back into the US but would not restore full passport privileges until the outstanding debt is cleared.
Officials said the aim of the policy is to ensure stronger compliance with child support obligations and to reinforce existing laws designed to protect the financial wellbeing of children.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026
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David Attenborough Turns 100 as Tributes Pour In

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have joined a wave of tributes marking the 100th birthday of British broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough.

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The royal couple shared a birthday message celebrating the veteran presenter, alongside historic photographs including one from 1958 showing Attenborough introducing a young Charles III and Princess Anne to a cockatoo named Cocky during filming of the television series Zoo Quest. In their message, the King and Queen wished him a happy birthday and encouraged him to enjoy the celebrations planned for the evening.
Attenborough said he had been “completely overwhelmed” by the number of messages sent ahead of the milestone. While he could not reply individually, he thanked supporters and those organising local celebrations in his honour.
The centenary is being marked with a week of special programming and events, culminating in a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday evening.
Messages from public figures
Tributes have come from across public life, including members of the royal family, entertainers and environmental advocates.
Prince William, speaking in a video for the Earthshot Prize initiative, wished Attenborough a happy birthday and thanked him for his longstanding support, saying his work continues to inspire him.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry described the broadcaster as a “secular saint” in an article for Time. He said Attenborough’s work had helped challenge the belief that environmental problems occur only elsewhere, adding that younger audiences still turn to him for perspective in an uncertain world.
Former England football captain David Beckham referred to Attenborough as a national treasure, while actress and campaigner Joanna Lumley shared a video message featuring residents from Stroud in Gloucestershire offering birthday wishes.
Television presenter Chris Packham wrote that Attenborough had made an unmatched contribution to inspiring public interest in the natural world.
A tribute video from the World Wide Fund for Nature featured a spoken-word version of the song What a Wonderful World, originally recorded by Louis Armstrong. The recording was voiced by actors including Judi Dench, Morgan Freeman, Miranda Richardson, Asa Butterfield, Sam Heughan and Iwan Rheon, alongside singer Geri Halliwell and wildlife presenter Liz Bonnin.
Composer Hans Zimmer said that despite his extensive film work, collaborating with Attenborough had been the most meaningful project of his career because of its connection to the future of the planet.
Actor Ian McKellen also praised Attenborough’s role in popularising natural history broadcasting, saying his programmes brought both enthusiasm and joy to audiences.
Celebrations at Royal Albert Hall
Friday evening’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall will serve as the centrepiece of the centenary celebrations.
The 90-minute programme, hosted by presenter Kirsty Young, will be broadcast on BBC channels. Guests including Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin and Chris Packham are expected to reflect on Attenborough’s career and influence.
The event will revisit notable wildlife sequences from programmes such as Planet Earth II, Frozen Planet II and Planet Earth III. Live performances from the BBC Concert Orchestra will accompany highlights from these series.
Musical guests include Dan Smith of the band Bastille performing the song Pompeii, which featured in Planet Earth III. Icelandic band Sigur Rós will perform Hoppípolla, previously used to promote earlier Planet Earth programmes, while singer Sienna Spiro and harpist Francisco Yglesia are also scheduled to appear.
A century of broadcasting
Born in London in 1926, Attenborough joined the BBC in 1952 and went on to become one of the most recognised figures in wildlife broadcasting. His work includes landmark series such as Life on Earth, The Trials of Life and The Blue Planet.
To mark the centenary, the BBC has aired special programmes revisiting his career, including a documentary reflecting on the making of Life on Earth and the recent series Secret Garden, which explores wildlife in British gardens.
In another tribute, the Natural History Museum announced that a species of parasitic wasp discovered in its collection had been named after Attenborough. The insect, Attenboroughnculus tau, is native to lakes in Chilean Patagonia.
Over the years, numerous species — from plants and insects to a dinosaur — have been named in honour of the broadcaster.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026
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Man Charged Over Alleged Threat to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during an incident close to his residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

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Norfolk Police said officers arrested a man shortly after 19:30 BST on Wednesday following reports of someone acting in an intimidating way in the village of Wolferton.
According to reports from the Daily Telegraph, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was confronted by a man wearing a balaclava while he was walking his dogs near the estate. The newspaper said he and his security team quickly returned to a nearby vehicle after the alleged threat.
Arrest and charges
Police confirmed that Alex Jenkinson, 39, from Stowmarket in Suffolk, has been charged following the incident.
He faces two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intended to harass someone or cause alarm or distress. He has also been charged with failing to provide a specimen of blood while in custody.
Jenkinson has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Norfolk Police said the charges followed an investigation into the reported confrontation in Wolferton, a village located close to the royal estate.
Incident near Sandringham residence
The alleged incident occurred near Marsh Farm, a property within the Sandringham Estate where Mountbatten-Windsor now lives.
He moved to the property after leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor. The relocation came amid continued scrutiny over his past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Police did not provide further details about the alleged encounter but confirmed that officers responded quickly after receiving the report of threatening behaviour.
Background controversy
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s public role has been significantly reduced in recent years following criticism over his links to Epstein.
Late last year, the King removed his remaining royal titles, including his right to be known as a prince and his dukedom.
Despite the controversy, Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein.
The investigation into Wednesday’s incident remains ongoing, with the accused due to face court proceedings in London.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026


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Pentagon Publishes First Set of Declassified UFO Files

The US Department of Defense has released a first batch of declassified documents on unidentified flying objects, publishing what it described as “never-before-seen files” following an order earlier this year from President Donald Trump.

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The material outlines decades of investigations into sightings of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) — the term now used by the US government to describe UFOs. Officials said the records include videos, photographs and original documents gathered across multiple federal agencies.
In a statement posted on X, the Pentagon said the public could now access the files without restrictions. “The American people can now access the federal government’s declassified UAP files instantly,” the department wrote, adding that the materials bring together evidence from across the US government in a single location.
The Pentagon also said more documents would be released over time. New material will be posted periodically as additional records are discovered and cleared for public release.
Files span decades of reports
Some of the documents had been previously disclosed in part by the FBI, but officials said the newly released versions contain fewer redactions.
One large FBI file, running to hundreds of pages, compiles eyewitness accounts and public reports of UFO sightings recorded between 1947 and 1968. The reports describe a range of unexplained aerial observations documented during the early decades of the Cold War.
Other documents include much more recent military reports. Among them are internal memos describing an encounter with “one possible small UAP” observed in Iraq in 2022.
Another report details “multiple glares or light from an unknown origin” seen in Syria in 2024. US forces were deployed in both Iraq and Syria at the time as part of operations against the militant group Islamic State.
Additional reports come from US personnel stationed in the United Arab Emirates and Greece.


This image, identified as "FBI photo B2" on the Department of Defense website, shows an “infrared still image (black hot) captured of unidentified object over western United States in December of 2025,” per the Defense Department.
Department of Defense
Pentagon urges caution over interpretations
Officials warned that the language used in many of the reports reflects the observations of the individuals who wrote them and should not be treated as definitive explanations.
A disclaimer on the Pentagon website notes that the “descriptive and estimative language” contained in the files represents the “subjective interpretation” of the reporting personnel. It adds that the wording should not be seen as conclusive evidence of what the events actually involved.
Historical sightings included
The documents also contain historical accounts from space missions.
During the Apollo 12 mission in 1969 — the second crewed landing on the Moon — astronaut Alan L. Bean reported seeing flashes of light moving through space. In communications with mission control, Bean described lights appearing to move rapidly away from the Moon.
Three years later, during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, astronauts again reported observing bright particles of light outside their spacecraft. Lunar Module Pilot Harrison “Jack” Schmitt likened the display to fireworks.
The astronauts later suggested the lights may have been caused by small particles of ice.
Renewed debate over extraterrestrial life
Interest in extraterrestrial life has grown in recent months after former US president Barack Obama said during a podcast that aliens are “real but I haven’t seen them.” Obama later clarified that he had not seen evidence during his presidency that extraterrestrials had made contact with Earth.
Shortly afterwards, Trump instructed the Pentagon and other agencies to begin identifying and releasing government records related to alien life, UFOs and UAP.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman welcomed the initiative, saying greater transparency could help expand public understanding of unexplained phenomena.
“We will remain candid about what we know to be true, what we have yet to understand, and all that remains to be discovered,” Isaacman wrote on X.
Trump said the newly released files would allow people to draw their own conclusions.
“Decide for yourselves what the hell is going on,” he wrote on Truth Social.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026


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Starmer Faces Revolt After Labour Election Rout

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will not step down as UK prime minister despite mounting pressure following heavy election losses for Labour across England, Scotland and Wales.

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The results have prompted renewed criticism of the Labour leader from within his own party, although senior cabinet ministers have so far rallied behind him.
Labour has lost power in Wales after more than a quarter century in government, while early results suggest the Scottish National Party (SNP) will remain the largest party in Scotland. In England, Reform UK has made sweeping gains, winning hundreds of council seats and taking control of several authorities traditionally dominated by Labour and the Conservatives.
Reform Surges in England
A projected national share (PNS) compiled by the BBC from results in more than 1,000 wards suggests Reform UK would win the largest share of the vote if the pattern were replicated in a general election.
The projection puts Reform on 26%, followed by the Green Party on 18%. Labour and the Conservatives are tied in third place on 17%.
Labour has already lost hundreds of council seats in England, including in parts of northern England and the Midlands that have historically been strongholds for the party. Further results are still expected as counting continues.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, described the outcome as a “historic shift in British politics”. Speaking after his party gained control of councils including Havering, he said the traditional dominance of Labour and the Conservatives was coming to an end.
Leadership Questions Grow
The scale of Labour’s losses has intensified questions over Starmer’s leadership.
Several Labour MPs have called on him to step down or set a timetable for his departure. Left-wing MPs Jon Trickett and Jonathan Brash renewed their calls for the prime minister to resign, while Ian Lavery said Starmer should “fall on his sword”.
Other MPs have suggested he should outline a timeline for leaving office. Privately, criticism of the prime minister is said to extend beyond Labour’s left wing.
However, some figures within the party have warned against triggering a leadership battle immediately. Former transport secretary Louise Haigh said that although Starmer’s unpopularity had been raised repeatedly during campaigning, an internal contest now would be irresponsible.
She said the prime minister was performing strongly on the international stage but warned that without changes he could not lead Labour into another election.
Mixed Fortunes Across the UK
In Wales, Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Senedd but fell short of an outright majority. Reform UK finished second.
The result ended Labour’s 27-year hold on power in Wales and marked the first time in more than a century that the party has lost a national vote there. Labour was reduced to nine seats in the expanded parliament.
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan lost her own seat and announced she would step down as leader of the Welsh Labour party.
In Scotland, the SNP is expected to remain the largest party but without an overall majority. In one notable upset, SNP minister Angus Robertson lost his Edinburgh seat to the Scottish Greens.
Cabinet Rallies Around Starmer
Despite the criticism, senior members of Starmer’s cabinet publicly backed him after the results.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the prime minister had won a mandate to reform the country and must now focus on delivering it. Defence Secretary John Healey said he believed Starmer could still reverse Labour’s fortunes, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper cautioned against a “knee-jerk reaction”.
Starmer acknowledged the results had been “tough” but said he would not resign.
“I’m not going to walk away and plunge the country into chaos,” he said.
The prime minister is expected to attempt a reset of his government in the coming week once the election results are fully confirmed.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026
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Iran Accuses US of 'Reckless Military Adventure'

Iran’s foreign minister has accused the United States of pursuing a “reckless military adventure” as tensions escalate in the Gulf, even as both sides say a ceasefire intended to enable peace talks remains in place.

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Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said Washington repeatedly resorts to force whenever diplomatic options emerge. Writing on the social media platform X, he said Iranians would “never bow to pressure”.
Araghchi’s remarks came a day after the United States and Iran blamed each other for new clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. The exchange followed further U.S. military action against Iranian vessels and continued friction despite the ceasefire announced earlier in the conflict.
“Is it a crude pressure tactic?” Araghchi wrote. “Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?”
Ceasefire Amid Continuing Tensions
Despite the latest confrontations, Donald Trump said the ceasefire remained intact. The truce is intended to create space for negotiations aimed at ending the war launched in February by the United States and Israel.
Washington says it is waiting for Tehran’s response to a set of proposals designed to resolve the conflict.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. secretary of state, said Iran was expected to respond on Friday.
“I hope it’s a serious offer, I really do,” Rubio said while visiting Italy.
Iran has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz and launched attacks on U.S. allies in the Gulf in retaliation for American and Israeli military strikes earlier in the war.
The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. Around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the strait, and disruptions there have pushed energy prices sharply higher.
Naval Blockade and Ship Incidents
Earlier this week, Trump authorised a U.S. military operation aimed at freeing roughly 2,000 vessels that have been stranded in the area since February. The operation was later paused.
At the same time, the United States has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports in an effort to pressure Tehran to accept U.S. negotiating terms. Iranian officials have condemned the blockade, describing it as an act of aggression.
On Friday, U.S. Central Command said American forces had disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers attempting to enter an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman in violation of the blockade.
According to the command, the vessels were not carrying cargo. U.S. forces fired precision munitions into their smokestacks, preventing them from docking.
The military said it was also stopping more than 70 tankers from entering or leaving Iranian ports as part of the blockade effort.
Clashes in the Strait of Hormuz
The latest incidents followed Thursday’s confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz, with each side accusing the other of initiating the attacks.
U.S. Central Command said Iran launched missiles, drones and small boats at three American warships in what it described as an “unprovoked attack”.
Iran’s senior military leadership gave a different account, claiming U.S. forces targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel approaching the strait and carried out aerial strikes against several coastal areas.
One cargo vessel attacked near the waters off Minab caught fire, according to Mohammad Radmehr, an official in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province.
Radmehr said ten injured sailors had been taken to hospital while local rescue teams searched for others who were aboard the vessel.
Late on Thursday, Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social that U.S. forces had destroyed several Iranian small boats, missiles and drones.
He warned that further strikes could follow if Iran failed to quickly agree to the proposed deal to end the conflict.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 May 2026
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US Carries Out Strikes on Two Sites in Iran

The United States carried out strikes against at least two locations in Iran on Thursday, according to a U.S. official, in what Washington described as a defensive response to an earlier Iranian attack on American naval vessels.

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The strikes targeted sites in Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island, both situated near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official said the action was defensive and should not be seen as a return to broader combat operations against Iran.
Naval vessels targeted in Strait of Hormuz
United States Central Command said two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers were attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz toward the Gulf of Oman.
In a statement posted on X, the command said Iranian forces launched several missiles and drones and deployed small boats toward the ships as they moved through the international shipping corridor.
The vessels involved were the USS Truxtun (DDG‑103), the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG‑115) and the USS Mason (DDG‑87).
According to the command, none of the American ships were hit during the incident.
US response described as defensive
CENTCOM said its forces intercepted and destroyed the incoming threats before carrying out strikes on Iranian facilities believed to be responsible for launching the attack.
The targets included missile and drone launch sites as well as locations used for command and control operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
Military officials said the response was aimed at neutralising the sources of the attack while protecting U.S. personnel and assets operating in the region.
“No U.S. assets were struck,” the command said, adding that the incoming missiles and drones had been eliminated before they could reach the American ships.
Washington says it does not seek escalation
In its statement, CENTCOM stressed that the United States was not seeking to escalate tensions with Iran despite the retaliatory strikes.
The command said U.S. forces remain positioned to defend themselves and safeguard American personnel in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil shipments and has long been a focal point of tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Thursday’s exchange marks the latest confrontation in the waterway, where U.S. and Iranian forces have frequently encountered one another.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026

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Trump Sets 4 July Deadline for EU Trade Deal

US President Donald Trump has warned the European Union (EU) it faces sharply higher tariffs unless the bloc fully implements a trade agreement by 4 July.

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Trump issued the ultimatum after speaking by phone with Ursula von der Leyen, saying he had agreed to give the EU until the United States’ 250th Independence Day anniversary to remove its tariffs on American goods.
Posting on social media, Trump said the EU had already signed a “historic trade deal” with Washington and committed to cutting its tariffs.
“I agreed to give her until our Country’s 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels,” Trump wrote.
The warning raises pressure on Brussels as negotiations continue over how to implement the agreement reached last year.
Dispute over implementation
The trade deal was initially struck in July last year between Trump and von der Leyen, aiming to ease tensions in transatlantic trade.
Under the agreement, exports from the EU to the United States would face a 15% tariff. Trump had previously threatened tariffs of up to 30% on European goods if talks failed.
Despite the announcement of the deal, efforts to formally enact it have stalled.
On Wednesday, negotiations between EU lawmakers and member state governments ended without a final agreement on the legislation required to implement the arrangement.
Von der Leyen said discussions were continuing and described the process as moving in a positive direction.
“We are making good progress towards tariff reduction,” she wrote on social media platform X, adding that both sides remained “fully committed” to carrying out the agreement.
European Parliament conditions
The European Parliament gave conditional approval to the trade deal in March.
A majority of lawmakers supported legislation needed to implement the agreement but added safeguards designed to ensure the United States would uphold its commitments.
Members of parliament said they would only accept zero tariffs on American goods if certain European exports were protected.
Specifically, they demanded that European products made with steel and aluminium be excluded from the United States’ global 50% tariffs on those metals.
The deal must also be approved by all 27 EU member states before it can take effect.
Negotiations continue
Talks between EU institutions and national governments are ongoing.
Bernd Lange, the European Parliament’s chief negotiator on the issue, said discussions were progressing but acknowledged more work remained.
“There is still some way to go,” Lange said earlier on Thursday.
Negotiators are scheduled to meet again on 19 May in Strasbourg for another round of talks aimed at resolving the remaining disputes.
Lange said parliament would continue pushing to secure guarantees for both European citizens and businesses.
“We remain more committed than ever to advance and defend Parliament’s mandate so as to provide additional guarantees that will benefit citizens and companies in both the EU and the US,” he said in a statement.
Rising tensions over tariffs
The latest warning follows earlier criticism from Trump that the EU was failing to meet its commitments under the agreement.
Last week, the US president accused the bloc of “not complying with our fully agreed to trade deal” in a post on his Truth Social platform.
He also threatened to raise tariffs on trucks and cars to 25% if the dispute continued.
The original trade framework was reached last July after Trump met von der Leyen following a round of golf at his resort in Turnberry, Scotland.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026
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Elections 2026: Votes Counted in England, Scotland and Wales

Counting is under way across the United Kingdom after voters cast ballots in elections in England, Scotland and Wales, with the first results expected in the early hours of Friday.

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Initial declarations from English councils are anticipated between midnight and 2am BST. Results from the Scottish and Welsh parliamentary contests are expected later in the day, beginning around midday.
Only a limited number of results will emerge overnight, but early declarations could shape the narrative of the elections and offer clues about broader political shifts.
Early Tests in English Councils
One of the earliest indicators of the night’s political direction may come from Hartlepool, where attention is focused on whether Reform UK can convert strong polling numbers into tangible gains at council level.
Election observers say the town could provide an early measure of the party’s ability to translate support into seats. A strong showing for Reform UK would raise concerns among Labour strategists that the party could become a sustained anti-establishment challenger in areas that once formed part of Labour’s traditional support base.
Oxford is also being watched closely. Analysts say the city may highlight growing fragmentation among voters opposed to the Conservatives, with Labour, the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats competing for similar constituencies of support.
Meanwhile, the result in Dudley is seen as a key test in the politically competitive Midlands. The area has experienced shifting voting patterns in recent years, and Labour faces pressure from Reform UK amid voter concerns about immigration, living standards and trust in Westminster politics.
Major Changes to Welsh Parliament
The elections also coincide with a major reform of the Welsh parliament, the Senedd. The chamber is expanding from 60 to 96 members under a new electoral system designed to produce more proportional outcomes.
Opinion polls suggest the change could reshape the political landscape in Wales. Labour, which has governed the Senedd since devolution began in 1999, is widely expected to lose its majority.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is predicted by some forecasts to emerge as the next first minister. Such an outcome would bring renewed attention to the party’s commitment to advancing the case for Welsh independence.
Coalition Scenarios and Close Margins
Even if Reform UK performs strongly in Wales, coalition mathematics make it unlikely the party would be able to form a government. Analysts say Plaid Cymru could instead attempt to govern as a minority administration if the numbers allow, avoiding formal coalition agreements with Labour or the Green Party.
Polls suggest Labour may face substantial losses in the Senedd election. Some projections place the party as low as fourth place, behind the Greens.
There is also speculation that Eluned Morgan, Labour’s current first minister in Wales, could lose her own seat.
The new electoral system introduces additional uncertainty. The revised list method means very small shifts in vote share could determine the final seat allocation in each constituency.
According to the polling group More in Common, margins as small as 0.06% of the vote could decide the final seat — the sixth — in a constituency list, making precise predictions difficult before counting is complete.
Results Expected Through Friday
With counting continuing across multiple elections, officials expect results to emerge gradually through Friday.
While only a small number of English council results will appear overnight, the outcomes from Scotland and Wales later in the day are expected to provide a clearer picture of the political balance across the three nations.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026
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