Ireland: general election confirmed for 29 November
Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially confirmed that Ireland will hold a general election on Friday 29 November, ending months of speculation. Following a European Council meeting in Budapest, Harris plans to return to Dublin to initiate the three-week campaign, expected to focus on critical issues such as housing, healthcare, the cost of living, immigration, and climate. The election announcement follows pressure on Harris from within his own party, Fine Gael, particularly after his personal approval rating surged to 55% in September. It comes on the heels of this summer’s local and European elections, where Sinn Féin underperformed, prompting the party to adjust its strategy and field around 70 candidates. The Taoiseach’s decision for an early election was also influenced by support from coalition leaders.
Starmer gets tougher on freebies
Keir Starmer is updating the ministerial code to address growing concerns over ministers accepting hospitality and gifts. While an outright ban was considered, the revised code instead emphasises public perception and accountability, allowing ministers to accept gifts if they can justify them in alignment with public expectations. New procedures include a hospitality register that requires full disclosure of gift values, submitted every month instead of quarterly. This brings their reporting requirements closer to MPs, who must update interests within 28 days. The changes respond to recent controversies surrounding Starmer and other ministers who accepted high-value gifts, including Taylor Swift concert tickets and designer clothing. Although he has faced criticism for delayed declarations, he asserts that all rules were followed. The update aligns with Labour’s commitment to high standards in government, though some feel stricter measures are needed. The establishment of a dedicated Ethics and Integrity Commission remains pending as part of Labour’s broader ethics reform efforts.
Firefighters and fire engines attacked on Bonfire Night in 'disgusting' scenes
On Bonfire Night, County Durham firefighters faced multiple attacks, including fireworks being aimed at them and bricks thrown at their fire engines. The Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (DDFRS) reported six incidents of anti-social behaviour, with significant damage to two fire engines. One officer condemned these 'disgusting' attacks, emphasising that such actions put lives at risk by delaying emergency response times. He urged parents to educate young people about the dangers of attacking emergency responders, stressing that damaging fire engines could prevent timely help in real emergencies. He expressed gratitude for the majority of the community who celebrated Bonfire Night safely, as well as for the dedication of his crews, support staff, and police colleagues. Footage from fire engine CCTV and body-worn cameras has been handed over to Durham Constabulary to assist in holding perpetrators accountable.
GAFCON demands that Justin Welby publicly repent
The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) has called on Archbishop Justin Welby to publicly repent for endorsing same-sex blessings, claiming his stance contradicts the traditional 'doctrine of Christ’. In a recent podcast, Welby advocated for allowing same-sex couples in civil partnerships or marriages to receive blessings in church, stating that sexual activity should be confined to committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation. GAFCON contends that this viewpoint alters the doctrine of sin and supports what they see as a sanctification of sin. Evangelical groups across the UK, including the Evangelical Council and Christian Concern, have also voiced disapproval, suggesting that Welby’s remarks represent a significant departure from Anglican orthodoxy. Some groups are forming alternative structures, like the Anglican Network in Europe, to support members who feel unable to remain in the CofE under these evolving doctrines.
