France accused of encouraging people-smuggling
Fresh controversy has erupted after video footage emerged showing French border officers handing life jackets to migrants mid-Channel, fuelling claims that France is aiding illegal crossings rather than preventing them. The footage, captured by migrants, shows a French patrol vessel approaching a small migrant boat and supplying safety vests. Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and former Border Force chief Tony Smith, argue this action undermines UK-funded efforts to stop smuggling and sends the wrong message to those attempting the journey. Smith insists that if the French can approach boats at sea, they should redirect them back to French shores. With over 11,500 crossings recorded by early May (up 35% from last year), the Government faces mounting pressure to resolve the crisis. Officials stress that life jackets are distributed based on safety assessments, but the video has triggered strong political backlash. The Home Office reaffirmed its goal to dismantle smuggling networks exploiting vulnerable people for profit, as calls grow for firmer preventative measures.
Process of appointing next Archbishop of Canterbury an ‘omnishambles’
The Church of England’s process to appoint the next Archbishop of Canterbury has been described as an 'omnishambles'. Following Justin Welby’s resignation, the post has been vacant since January. Although an announcement was expected this autumn, the appointment may now be delayed due to three vacant positions on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), which must be filled by elected members from the Diocese of Canterbury. Complications arose when the General Synod changed eligibility rules mid-process, introducing gender and clergy-lay balance requirements. This disqualified several previously nominated individuals and enabled the selection of others who had received little or no diocesan support. Critics argue that the diocese applied new rules incorrectly, bypassing normal procedures. Despite the confusion, the CNC hopes to maintain its original timetable, with key meetings scheduled for May, July, and September. A recent public consultation on the future Archbishop received nearly ten thousand responses, reflecting widespread interest and concern over this pivotal appointment in the Anglican Communion.
Ukraine / Russia: delegations arrive in Istanbul, but not Putin
Peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine took a cautious step forward as Russian delegates arrived in Istanbul on 15 May for proposed negotiations. Volodymyr Zelensky had invited Vladimir Putin to meet in person, but Putin declined, appointing aide Vladimir Medinsky to lead Russia’s delegation. The absence of top Russian officials, including foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, cast doubt on Moscow’s seriousness. Ukraine, emphasising the need for high-level talks, questioned the format and substance of the meeting. Zelensky said he would decide Ukraine’s response after seeing Russia’s true intentions. Ukraine and its allies had urged an unconditional ceasefire from 12 May, a proposal Moscow ignored. Donald Trump, who at one stage expressed interest in attending, will not participate, though Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and NATO secretary Mark Rutte could do so. The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding whether the talks will lead to meaningful de-escalation or remain another missed opportunity.
EU: court rules against EC refusal to release text messages to Pfizer
The EU General Court has ruled that the European Commission failed to justify its refusal to release text messages between Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla regarding Covid-19 vaccine contracts. The case, brought by the New York Times, has been described as a landmark in institutional transparency. The EC had argued that texts are too ephemeral for official documentation, but the court rejected this, stating that all communication must be treated as potentially subject to public access. Critics, including the EU Ombudsman, had said that the secrecy risked favouring private interests over public welfare. Previous attempts to obtain vaccine contract details had also been met with redactions and resistance. Reacting to the decision, one commentator said, '(It is) everyone’s win as this judgment is set to lead greater accountability of EU leaders' actions’.
