More effective cancer treatment with iontronic pump

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7 July 2024

More effective cancer treatment with iontronic pump — Neurons – illustrative photo. Image credit: Pixabay (Free Pixabay license)

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When low doses of cancer drugs are administered continuously near malignant brain tumours using so-called iontronic technology, cancer cell growth drastically decreases.

Researchers at Linköping University and the Medical University of Graz demonstrated this in experiments with bird embryos. The results is one step closer to new types of effective treatments for severe cancer forms.

Malignant brain tumours often recur despite surgery and post-treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. This is because cancer cells can “hide” deep within tissue and then regrow. The most effective drugs cannot pass through the so-called blood-brain barrier – a tight network surrounding blood vessels in the brain that prevents many substances in the blood from entering it. Consequently, there are very few available options for treating aggressive brain tumours.

In 2021, a research group from Linköping University and the Medical University of Graz demonstrated how an iontronic pump could be used to locally administer drugs and inhibit cell growth for a particularly malignant and aggressive form of brain cancer – glioblastoma. At that time, experiments were conducted on tumour cells in a petri dish.

Proven concept

Now, the same research group has taken the next step towards using this technology in clinical cancer treatment. By allowing glioblastoma cells to grow using undeveloped bird embryos, new treatment methods can be tested on living tumours. The researchers showed that the growth of cancer cells decreased when low doses of strong drugs (gemcitabine) were continuously administered using an iontronic pump directly adjacent to the brain tumour.

“We have previously shown that the concept works. Now we use a model with a living tumour, and we can see that the pump administers the drug very effectively. So even though it is a simplified model of a human, we can say with greater certainty that it works,” says Daniel Simon, professor of organic electronics at Linköping University.

The concept behind a future treatment for glioblastoma involves surgically implanting an iontronic device directly into the brain, close to the tumour. This approach allows for the use of low doses of potent drugs while bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Precise dosing, both in terms of location and timing, is crucial for effective treatment. Additionally, this method can minimize side effects since the chemotherapy doesn’t need to circulate throughout the entire body.

Treatment for various cancer forms

Beyond brain tumours, researchers hope that iontronics can be applied to many types of difficult-to-treat cancer forms.

“It becomes a very persistent treatment that the tumour cannot hide from. Even though the tumour and surrounding tissue try remove the drug, the materials and control systems we use in iontronics can continuously deliver a locally high concentration of medication to the tissue adjacent to the tumour,” explains Theresia Arbring Sjöström, a researcher at the Laboratory for Organic Electronics at Linköping University.

The researchers compared the continuous drug delivery of the pump with once-daily dosing, which more closely resembles how chemotherapy is administered to patients today. They observed that tumour growth decreased with the ionic treatment but not with the daily-dose approach, even though the latter was twice as strong.

More research required

These experiments were conducted using bird embryos at an early developmental stage. According to Linda Waldherr, a researcher at the Medical University of Graz and a guest researcher at LiU, this model serves as a good bridge to larger animal experiments:

“In bird embryos, certain biological systems function similarly to those in living animals, such as the formation of blood vessels. However, we don’t need to surgically implant any devices in them yet. This demonstrates that the concept works, although there are still many challenges to address,” she says.

The researchers believe that human trials could be feasible within the next five to ten years. The next steps involve further developing materials to allow for the surgical implantation of iontronic pumps. Subsequent experiments will also be conducted on rats and larger animals to further evaluate this treatment method.

The study was mainly funded by the Austrian Science Fund, the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the European Research Council. Theresia Arbring Sjöström, Tobias Abrahamsson, Magnus Berggren and Daniel Simon are shareholders in the company OBOE IPR AB which owns the patents related to the iontronic technology.

Article: Continuous Iontronic Chemotherapy Reduces Brain Tumor Growth in Embryonic Avian in vivo Models, Verena Handl, Linda Waldherr, Theresia Arbring Sjöström, Tobias Abrahamsson, Maria Seitanidou, Sabine Erschen, Astrid Gorischek, Iwona Bernacka Wojcik, Helena Saarela, Tamara Tomin, Sophie Elisabeth Honeder, Joachim Distl, Waltraud Huber, Martin Asslaber, Ruth Birner-Grünberger, Ute Schäfer, Magnus Berggren, Rainer Schindl, Silke Patz, Daniel T. Simon, Nassim Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy; Journal of Controlled Release; published online 11 April 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.044

Written by Anders Törneholm

Youth in Haiti remain optimistic amid worsening instability

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6 July 2024

Youth in Haiti remain optimistic amid worsening instability

The agency surveyed over 3500 young people in early June, the majority of whom believe their rights are rarely or never respected.

“When I ask children if their rights in Haiti are being respected, the answer is often a resounding: “no”,” said Samarre Tercier Marcellin, Youth Advocate for UNICEF Haiti.

“Children are abused, die of diseases and malnutrition that could be cured or prevented, and lack access to quality learning. This needs to change,” he added.

Despite this stark reality, a shocking majority of youth respondents to the UNICEF survey still believe the future of children is brighter than it is in the present.

Haiti continues to suffer a series of political, socio-economic and security crises. Rival gangs are battling for control of territory across the capital Port-au-Prince forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. This has further exacerbated poverty and severe hunger across the nation.

Despite the ongoing gang violence and deep humanitarian crisis, Haitian youth remain optimistic.

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Worsening crisis

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) added Haiti to the list of countries of “greatest concern due to the escalation of violence by armed groups,” in their most recent outlook report for the months of June to October 2024.

FAO and WFP have also identified Haiti as a “famine or risk of famine hotspot,” with over five million people now experiencing acute food insecurity, the highest numbers seen since the 2010 earthquake.

The number of displaced people in Haiti has also greatly increased in recent months, from 362,000 in March to 580,000 currently, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

More than 100,000 left Port-au-Prince alone due to the deteriorating security situation.

This situation has had grave consequences on the children of Haiti. Of the 2,500 people killed or injured from January to March, many of them were children, said UNICEF.

“Each day, children are being injured or killed,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell told the UN Security Council in April. “Some are being recruited, or they are joining armed groups out of sheer desperation.”

Around 600,000 of the 1.6 million people facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity are children and many schools have shut down due to attacks, leaving thousands of children stripped of their right to education.

Still optimistic

Despite the devastating conditions, many youth remain hopeful. According to the UNICEF survey, 24 per cent are very hopeful and 41 per cent are at least a little. Fourteen per cent said they are not very hopeful, and just 10 per cent reported no hope at all.

When asked about what would allow the country to change the most, 40 per cent cited better access to education, 24 per cent the economic development and poverty reduction, 19 per cent security around the country and seven per cent improved health services.

Haitian youth cited education as a key factor to make lasting change in their country.

Increased humanitarian action

Humanitarian efforts have been intensified as a result of the worsening conditions. WFP has delivered 43,600 hot meals to nearly 13,500 displaced people in Port-au-Prince since 1 June. It has also allocated $1 million as part of its social protection and resilience activities to approximately 65,000 people across the country.

There have also been joint efforts on behalf of the Haitian authorities and national and international organizations to prepare Haitian civilians for the hurricane season that began on 1 June.

UN rights chief urges free and open space for debate in Venezuela

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6 July 2024

UN rights chief urges free and open space for debate in Venezuela

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported increasing restrictions on civic spaces, urging stakeholders to reverse course.

“My Office (OHCHR) continues to receive reports of detentions as election day approaches, including of supporters and members of the opposition,” he said, addressing the Geneva-based Human Rights Council.

“This does not augur well, and I urge a change to such practices.”

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Key opportunities

Venezuelan Presidential elections are scheduled for 28 July, while local, regional and legislative polls are planned for 2025.

These are “key opportunities to respect the people’s will”, Mr. Türk emphasized.

“Now, more than ever, a constructive and open dialogue among the people and with the institutions of the State is crucial to overcome the deep divisions and rebuild the social contract among Venezuelans,” he said.

Economic worries

In his briefing, the UN rights chief also expressed concerns over economic conditions.

He said that despite official figures indicating a 5 per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) last year, Venezuelans “still face serious obstacles” accessing food, health and education.

Women, people in rural areas and indigenous peoples are disproportionately affected.

He also cited reports indicating that almost three quarters of the country’s health centres lacked medical or nursing staff between July and August last year, while abortion continues to be criminalized, leading to unsafe procedures and resulting in maternal mortality and morbidity.

“I urge the authorities to take steps to address all of these concerns – on health, education, food, and dignified remuneration – in line with the State’s international obligations,” he said, calling also for lifting of sectoral sanctions that have exacerbated pre-existing human rights challenges.

Alarming numbers of femicide

High Commissioner Türk voiced concern over cases of femicide, noting that between January and November last year, 186 such cases were reported.

“Investigation into these killings is essential, as are much stronger prevention and response efforts. A protocol developed by the Office of the Attorney General is a first step but much more is needed,” he said.

UK general election: Labour wins an absolute majority in Parliament

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EuropeanTimes

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6 July 2024

UK general election: Labour wins an absolute majority in Parliament — Keir Starmer by Simon Dawson / N°10 Downing Street - Wikimedia Commons

Following Labour’s victory, the Conservatives suffered their worst defeat since the beginning of the 20th century.

Labour has won the general election by a large margin. Labour secured 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, more than the 326 seats needed to obtain an absolute majority and form the future British government on its own.

The Conservatives suffered their worst result since the beginning of the twentieth century. The centrist Liberal Democrats appear to be gaining strength, while the anti-immigration party Reform UK has scored its first electoral success. Its leader, Nigel Farage, a fervent supporter of Brexit, was elected to the British Parliament.
On the other hand, the Scottish separatists suffered a serious setback, winning only nine seats out of the 57 representing Scotland, compared with 48 previously.

Labour’s comeback

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is set to take office at Downing Street, ending 14 years of opposition for Labour following a resounding victory over the Conservatives in the general election. The election was also marked by a significant surge from the hard right. The 61-year-old former human rights lawyer is expected to be tasked by King Charles III on Friday to form a new government.

The incoming British Prime Minister has promised a “national renewal” for the United Kingdom. “Our task is nothing less than to renew the ideas that hold our country together,” he stated in a speech as his party secured an absolute majority in the next Parliament. “I do not promise you that it will be easy,” he added.

Starmer has vowed to transform the country as he did with the Labour Party, focusing on economic re-centering methodically and pragmatically. He aims to boost growth, revitalize public services, strengthen workers’ rights, reduce immigration, and bring the UK closer to the European Union without reversing Brexit, a campaign taboo.

“Our national renewal is a task that we must undertake with determination and unity,” Starmer said, emphasizing his commitment to tackling the significant challenges facing the country. His approach, characterized by careful planning and steady progress, promises to address the key issues that have plagued the UK for years, offering a hopeful vision for the future.

Conservative Ministers Ousted in UK Elections

In a stunning series of defeats, several key Conservative ministers lost their seats in the latest UK general elections. Leading the fall was Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who lost his North London constituency to a Labour candidate. This was soon followed by Penny Mordaunt, the minister for parliamentary relations and a 2022 contender to succeed former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who also lost her seat.

In an unexpected turn, former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who spent 49 days at Downing Street, lost her South West Norfolk seat. This constituency, a Conservative stronghold since 1959, has now flipped to Labour.

Dozens of incumbent MPs had chosen not to run for re-election, including notable figures such as former Prime Minister Theresa May. Conversely, several prominent Conservatives managed to retain their seats, including Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, and Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch, often mentioned as a potential future leader of the Tories, is considered a strong contender to succeed Rishi Sunak after the party’s defeat.

Unsurprisingly, Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as leader of the Conservative Party. “The Labour Party has won this general election,” Sunak conceded. “The British people have delivered a clear verdict tonight (…) and I take responsibility for this defeat,” added the Prime Minister after being re-elected in his Richmond constituency in Yorkshire.

Electronic medicine – at the intersection of technology and medicine

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6 July 2024

Electronic medicine – at the intersection of technology and medicine

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Imagine a future where your doctor can inject a gel into your tissue and the gel forms a soft current-conducting electrode. This can then be used to treat your nervous system disease. After a while, the electrode has dissolved and vanished. Swedish researchers have already developed the gel and over time they want to be able to connect electronics to biological tissue – such as the brain.

The conductivity of the injectable gel is tested on a microfabricated circuit. Image credit: Thor Balkhed/Linköping University

Electronic medicine is a field of research that does not neatly fit into an existing field.

“Right now you’re talking to a physicist, a chemist and me, who has a background in biomedicine. We work together along with material scientists and electrical engineers to integrate the knowledge from our different fields. For this to work, you need to understand the brain and you need to understand chemistry and physics,” says Hanne Biesmans, PhD student at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, LOE, at Linköping University.

The research she refers to is about so-called organic electronics that can be connected to living tissue. The long-term goal is to be able to treat various nervous system and brain diseases. Her colleague Tobias Abrahamsson is a chemist.

“The interdisciplinary nature of our research, where we combine different aspects and fields of knowledge, is very exciting. You could also say that I have a more personal motivation, as in my family there are diseases that affect the nervous system,” he says.

Translates between biology and electronics

But what is organic electronics? And how could it be used to treat diseases – such as epilepsy, depression or Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s – that are difficult to treat nowadays?

“In the body, communication takes place through lots of small molecules, such as neurotransmitters and ions. Neural signalling is for example also a wave of ions that gives rise to an electric impulse. So we want something that can take all that information and act as a translator between ions and electrons,” says Xenofon Strakosas, assistant professor with a background in physics.

In 2023 they managed, together with other researchers at Linköping University, Lund University and the University of Gothenburg, to grow gel electrodes in living tissue.

“Instead of using metals and other inorganic materials to conduct current, electronics can be created using different materials based on carbon and hydrogen atoms – in other words, organic materials – which are conductive. These are more compatible with biological tissues and therefore better suited to integrate with, for example, the body,” says Tobias Abrahamsson.

The organic electronic materials are very useful for conducting biological signals, as they can conduct ions as well as electrons. Also, they are soft, unlike metals.
Electrical brain stimulation is already used to treat some diseases. Electrodes are implanted in the brain, for example to treat Parkinson’s disease.

“But the implants used clinically today are quite rudimentary; they are based on hard or rigid materials such as metals. And our body is soft. So there’s friction, which could lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue. Our materials are softer and more compatible with the body,” says Hanne Biesmans.

Electrodes inside plants

As early as some ten years ago, their colleagues at LOE showed that they could make plants suck up a water-soluble substance, which inside the stem of the plant formed a structure that conducts electricity. A kind of electrode, in other words, inside a plant.

The substance in question is a so-called polymer – a substance that consists of many small similar units that together can form long chains through a process called polymerisation. That time, roses were used and the researchers were able to show that they had created organic electrodes. This opened the door to a new field of research.

“But a piece was missing. We didn’t know how to make the polymers form inside mammals and in the brain, for example. But then we realised that we could have enzymes in the gel and use the body’s own substances to start polymerisation,” says Xenofon Strakosas.

The idea led to the researchers now being able to inject the mildly viscous gel-like solution into the tissue. When it comes into contact with the body’s own substances, such as glucose, the properties of the gel changes. And the Swedish researchers were the first in the world to succeed with the method used to activate the formation of electrodes in the tissue.

“The gel self-polymerises in the tissue and becomes electrically conductive. We let biology do it for us,” says Xenofon Strakosas.

Also, it remains in the place where it was injected. This is important because the researchers want to be able to control where in the tissue the gel is located. The research team has shown that they can grow electrodes in the brain of zebrafish and around the nervous system of leeches in this way. They are now investigating whether it also works in mice.

But there is a long way to go before treating diseases with the gel becomes a reality. First, the research team will explore how stable the gel is inside the tissue. Does it break down after a while and what happens then? Another important question is how the conductive gel can be connected to electronics outside the body.

“It’s not the easiest thing to do, but I hope that over time the method can be used to monitor what happens inside the body, down to the cellular level. Then perhaps we can understand more about what triggers or leads to different diseases in the nervous system,” says Tobias Abrahamsson.

“There’s a lot left to solve, but we’re making progress,” says Xenofon Strakosas. It would be awesome if we could eventually use the electrodes to read signals inside the body and use them for research or in healthcare.”

Written by Karin Söderlund Leifler

Source: Linköping University

Extra-Time Elation: Spain’s La Roja Edges Past Hosts Germany in EURO 2024 Nail-Biter

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6 July 2024

Spain celebrates victory against Germany in EURO 2024 — Photocredit: Screenshot from RFEF -

Spain secured a spot in the EURO 2024 semi-finals by defeating Germany with a late header from Mikel Merino. The intense quarter-final match was full of excitement and last minute heroics keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the end.

The game started with both teams displaying attacking skills, highlighted by Pedri‘s early shot that tested Neuer. Unfortunately, Pedri had to leave the field due to an injury, allowing Dani Olmo to step in and make an impact.

Throughout the half Spain dominated possession and created scoring chances with Yamal and Olmo getting close to scoring. Germany also showed strength through Havertz‘s header well saved by Unai Simón. The deadlock was broken in the half when Olmo calmly scored a low shot giving Spain the lead and prompting strategic changes, from the German side.

Julian Nagelsmann‘s tactical changes brought a dynamic to the German offense as Niclas Füllkrug and Florian Wirtz posed challenges for the Spanish defense. Füllkrug’s header and Wirtz’s late equalizer heightened the tension of the game pushing it into time with both teams tied at 1-1.

The extra period saw opportunities on both sides with Oyarzabal and Wirtz coming to scoring before the crucial moment unfolded. Merinos powerful header from Olmos cross sparked jubilation among Spanish fans while breaking German hearts. Despite Carvajal‘s red card Spain managed to secure a hard earned victory solidifying their spot in the semi-finals.

Dani Olmo’s outstanding performance earned him the Vivo Player of the Match title, with his goal, assist and defensive contributions playing a role in Spain’s triumph. Post game reactions from coaches and players underscored the intensity and spirit of the match, with Luis de la Fuente commending his team’s determination and Nagelsmann acknowledging Germany’s display despite defeat.

The showdown between Spain and Germany, at EURO 2024 will go down in history as a quarter-final clash that epitomized European football at its finest. The game displayed flashes of brilliance, exciting moments and a strong sense of determination, highlighting the beauty and unpredictability of soccer.

Yemen: UN chief demands release of aid workers held by Houthis

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5 July 2024

Yemen: UN chief demands release of aid workers held by Houthis

Four additional UN staff members have been detained and held incommunicado by the de facto authorities since 2021 and 2023, without access to their families or their respective organizations and agencies.

“This is an alarming development that raises serious concerns about the Houthis’ commitment to a negotiated solution to the conflict. The United Nations condemns all arbitrary detention of civilians,” Mr. Guterres said. “I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel.”

The UN chief’s call came as he met with his Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, in Jordan. They discussed recent developments in Yemen including an escalating crackdown on civic space by the de facto authorities that reportedly led to the arbitrary detention of dozens of UN, NGO, and aid workers.

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UN and civil society targeted

The Special Envoy’s Office noted that the four staff held ahead of the latest detentions worked for the UN education, scientific and cultural agency, UNESCO, and the UN human rights office, OHCHR.

The 13 UN staff detained over the past few days included six from OHCHR, one each from the Office of the Special Envoy (OSESGY), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), UN World Health Organization (WHO) and two from UNESCO. At least 11 civil society workers were also arrested.

In the meeting between the Secretary-General and Mr. Grundberg, the Special Envoy briefed on efforts to secure the release of the personnel including a meeting on Monday with Mohamed Abdul Salam, the Houthi chief negotiator, in Muscat. He also met senior Omani officials to solicit support.

“We are working diligently to secure the immediate and unconditional release of our detained personnel through all available channels,” Mr. Grundberg told UN News, as he called for the release of all arrested NGO workers as well.

During their encounter, the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy also stressed that the United Nations stands in solidarity with all humanitarian workers and civil society actors who play a crucial role in providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen.

Human rights chief’s call

Echoing the call to immediately release all the detainees, UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed deep concern about the conditions in which they were being held, while also rejecting false allegations about their activities.

Two of the UN personnel detained last week are women, along with at least one other female civil society worker, continued the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as he insisted on an immediate end to “any further targeting” of human rights and aid workers in Yemen.

The UN human rights office has been working in Yemen since 2012, Mr. Türk noted, “for the promotion and protection of the rights of all the people of Yemen, including through engagement with the de facto authorities”.

Humanitarian crisis impact

The development has added to deepening concerns about the humanitarian emergency in Yemen where needs remain huge.

After nearly a decade of conflict between the internationally recognized government in and despite truce conditions largely holding, aid teams have repeatedly warned that 17.6 million people – half of the population in Yemen – face food insecurity and nearly half of all children under five suffer from moderate to severe stunting.

According to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, 4.5 million people remain displaced across the Arabian peninsula country, many of whom have experienced multiple displacements over several years, as a result of more than nine years of conflict between the Government of Yemen and the de facto Houthi authority in control of the capital, Sana’a, and other areas of the country.

Top relief official’s plea

According to UN’s top relief official, the recent wave of detentions could have a negative impact on an already dire situation.

“Aid workers are neutral in a conflict. Their safety and the safety of the civilians they serve must be guaranteed,” said Martin Griffiths, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator to UN News. Ahead of the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha beginning this weekend, he added: “My heart goes out to the families of the detained personnel who fear for the wellbeing of their loved ones instead of celebrating Eid al-Adha together.”

Peace moves

In his briefing to the Security Council last month, UN Special Envoy Grundberg noted that the warring parties had agreed to a number of commitments in December including a nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive political process under UN auspices.

However, he warned that announcements by Ansar Allah – the official name for the Houthi movement – to expand the scope of attacks on Red Sea shipping were a “worrisome provocation in an already volatile situation”.

On Tuesday, Mr. Grundberg told UN News that the recent arrests hinder his efforts and erode trust. However, he noted that his efforts to convene the parties to address key issues related to the economy, a nationwide ceasefire and the launch of talks to reach a sustainable political settlement will continue for the benefit of the Yemeni people.

Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK

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5 July 2024

London – In a seismic shift in British politics, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, has achieved a resounding victory in the UK general election, bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative governance. The results, which had been foreshadowed by months of polling, have given Labour its strongest parliamentary majority since 2001.

Labour secured an impressive 412 seats, far surpassing the 326 required for an absolute majority and more than doubling their 2019 performance. This landslide victory marks a dramatic turnaround for the party and signals a clear desire for change among the British electorate.

Upon learning of his victory in his central London constituency, Starmer declared, “The people have spoken, and they are ready for change.” This statement encapsulates the mood of a nation seemingly eager to embark on a new political chapter.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK — Photo credit: UK @RoyalFamily

The Conservative Party, in stark contrast, suffered its worst defeat since its founding in 1834. The Tories lost at least 250 seats compared to their 2019 performance under Boris Johnson, ending up with a mere 121 seats. This historic collapse prompted the outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to apologize to “those Conservatives who have lost despite their dedication” while congratulating Starmer on his victory.

The election also saw significant shifts for other parties. The Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, emerged as the third-largest party with 71 seats, a gain of 63 from the previous election. The Scottish National Party (SNP) experienced a dramatic decline, securing only nine seats, a loss of 38 compared to 2019. Sinn Fein, the Irish republican party, maintained its seven seats.

In a surprising development, the nationalist-populist Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, entered Parliament with four seats, exceeding all poll predictions. The Green Party quadrupled its representation, winning four seats in total.

Starmer’s first address as Prime Minister was filled with promises of change and renewal. “We did it!” he exclaimed, emphasizing that Britons would wake up to find “a weight has finally been lifted from the shoulders of this great nation.” He stressed the urgency of rebuilding trust in politics and committed to serving all citizens, regardless of their voting preferences.

The new Prime Minister outlined his government’s priorities, including improving security on streets and borders, rebuilding infrastructure, and enhancing opportunities in education and employment. “Changing a country isn’t as easy as pressing a button,” Starmer cautioned, “We will rebuild the United Kingdom, brick by brick.”

The work of change begins today. pic.twitter.com/DfP1UG1Upr
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 5, 2024

Rishi Sunak, in his farewell speech, acknowledged the clear signal for change sent by the electorate. “I have heard your anger and disappointment. I take responsibility for these results,” he stated. Sunak announced his intention to step down as Conservative Party leader, but not immediately, allowing time for a formal process to choose his successor.

The election also marked a personal triumph for Nigel Farage, who finally won a parliamentary seat on his eighth attempt, representing Clacton-on-Sea. Farage hailed his party’s performance as “extraordinary” and vowed to fill what he sees as a “huge void in the center-right.”

In regional developments, Sinn Fein became the largest Northern Irish party in the British Parliament for the first time, maintaining its seven seats while the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) fell to four. In Scotland, the SNP lost its dominance, dropping from 48 seats in 2019 to just 8, with Labour making significant gains. Wales saw the Conservatives lose all representation, with Labour dominating the results.

As the United Kingdom enters this new political era under Starmer’s leadership, the country faces significant challenges. The incoming government must address economic concerns, social policies, and perhaps most critically, work to restore public trust in the political system. The scale of Labour’s victory suggests a strong mandate for change, but the real test lies in translating this electoral success into effective governance in the years to come.

UK parliamentary elections: Labour heavily favoured, Rishi Sunak Faces Imminent Defeat

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EuropeanTimes

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5 July 2024

westminster — By David Hunt from Warwickshire, UK - [1], CC BY 2.0 - The Palace of Westminster in London, home of the House of Commons.

ELECTIONS-Britons vote this Thursday to renew the 650 seats in the House of Commons. Polls across the UK are unanimous: Rishi Sunak is unlikely to remain Prime Minister after Friday.

As Britons vote in Thursday’s general election, a new chapter in the country’s history is set to begin. The Conservative Party, after 14 tumultuous years in power, is facing severe unpopularity.

The question now is not whether the Conservatives will lose, but by how much Labour will win and the extent of Rishi Sunak’s defeat, as he has failed to gain any significant momentum after 20 months in office. Approximately 46 million voters are expected to cast their ballots to renew the 650 seats in the House of Commons. Each MP is elected through a single-member district plurality voting system. Polling stations will be open from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Numerous Crises Since 2010

From Brexit turmoil and managing the Covid-19 pandemic to soaring prices, increased poverty, an overstretched public health system, and a revolving door of Prime Ministers, the succession of crises since 2010 has created a strong desire for change. In recent days, even Conservatives have admitted they are fighting not to win but to limit Labour’s promised majority.

Barring any surprises, it will be Keir Starmer, a 61-year-old former human rights lawyer, who will be tasked by King Charles III on Friday to form a government. Starmer has shifted his party back to the center-left and promised a return to “serious” governance.

For Rishi Sunak, the fifth Conservative Prime Minister in 14 years, this election marks the end of a campaign that has become an ordeal. Despite trying to take the initiative by calling for an early election in July rather than waiting until autumn, the disastrous image of his announcement in the pouring rain without an umbrella lingered, leaving his party seemingly unprepared.

Sunak, a 44-year-old former investment banker and finance minister, has made numerous missteps and appeared politically tone-deaf. His strategy largely involved accusing Labour of planning to raise taxes, and in recent days, warning of the risks of a “super majority” that would leave Labour without any checks and balances, effectively conceding defeat.

In contrast, Keir Starmer has highlighted his modest beginnings—his mother was a nurse, and his father was a toolmaker—standing in stark contrast to his multimillionaire opponent. To counter right-wing attacks and distance himself from Jeremy Corbyn’s costly program, Starmer has promised strict management of public finances with no tax increases. He aims to revive growth through stability, state interventions, and infrastructure investments. However, he has cautioned that he does not have a “magic wand,” and Britons, according to polls, have tempered expectations for significant change.

Ukraine: UN report reveals ‘horrific toll’ of Russian attacks

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5 July 2024

Ukraine: UN report reveals ‘horrific toll’ of Russian attacks

Released on Wednesday by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), the report explained the hardships civilians faced, including physical and long-term socioeconomic harm.

It also emphasised the human rights impact of Russia’s renewed large-scale attacks on critical energy infrastructure in March, the ground offensive in the Kharkiv region in May and other developments in occupied and Government-controlled areas of Ukraine.

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Relentless attacks

“With May having the highest monthly number of civilian casualties in nearly a year, fighting this spring took a horrific toll on civilians, particularly in Kharkiv region and city,” said Danielle Bell, head of the HRMMU.

“The relentless attacks resulted in tragic loss of life, displacement, and destruction of homes and businesses,” she added.

According to the report, between 1 March and 31 May, at least 436 civilians were killed and a further 1,760 injured as a result of conflict-related violence. Casualties included six media workers, 26 employees of healthcare institutions, five humanitarian workers, and 28 emergency service workers.

It added that the majority (91 per cent) of the casualties occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine, and nine per cent in Russian-occupied territory.

In the reporting period, Russian authorities reported that 91 civilians were killed and 455 injured in the Russia from attacks launched by Ukrainian armed forces, primarily in Belgorod, Briansk, and Kursk regions.

Powerful weapons

UN monitors identified the use of powerful air-dropped bombs and missiles in populated areas and at least five instances of successive attacks on the same location, just as first responders arrived on the scene, causing casualties.

The spring escalation in hostilities also saw Russian armed forces launch their “largest campaign of attacks” against critical energy infrastructure since the winter of 2022-23, killing and injuring civilians, while also affecting millions of people across the country with power cuts, the report said.

Rippling effects

The attacks also had rippling consequences on water supplies, mobile and internet access, and public transportation, Ms. Bell noted.

“The full impact of the attacks on energy infrastructure will only be clear this upcoming winter when the reduced power-generating capacity of Ukraine could leave many without access to heating and other services necessary for their survival,” she said.

Among other findings, the report noted that the Russian armed forces pressured civilians in occupied territory to get Russian citizenship to receive medical services and keep their property rights.

The report will be presented to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council on 9 July.

UN Assembly President visits Ukraine

On Wednesday, the President of the UN General Assembly completed a two-day official visit to Kyiv, where he met with several official leaders including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In his discussions Assembly President Dennis Francis stressed that the Russian aggression against Ukraine violated the UN Charter.

He reiterated the General Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Mr. Francis also noted that the Organization has worked closely with the Government, local authorities and international partners to rebuild Ukraine from the destruction.

“I would like to think the darkest of the night is behind Ukraine, not ahead of it,” he said, expressing hope that the recent Summit for Peace in Ukraine would bring further progress in the near future.