Politics
Starmer cancels Sunak’s £40m helicopter contract
In a decisive move to signal a shift from previous practices, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has canceled a government helicopter contract estimated to be worth £40 million. This decision comes in response to widespread criticism of Sunak’s frequent use of helicopters and RAF jets for domestic travel during his tenure in No. 10.
The contract, which was set for renewal, has been scrapped by Downing Street in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. The cancellation is intended to demonstrate a break with past administration policies, ahead of a key speech by the prime minister, where he plans to emphasize that it will not be “business as usual” when Parliament reconvenes next week.
Sunak’s reliance on helicopters for domestic flights came under scrutiny after a BBC investigation in 2023 revealed that he used these modes of transport more frequently than the three prime ministers before him.
A Labour source criticized the contract as the “Tories’ VIP helicopter service,” calling it a “grossly wasteful” example of a government “out of touch” with the country’s challenges. The source added, “It’s only right that this service is brought to an end,” and praised the move as a step towards “getting a grip of the public finances.”
The cancellation also follows comments from Conservative MP John Glen, who last month questioned whether the Labour government planned to reduce the number of domestic flights taken by ministers. In response, Cabinet Office Minister Ellie Reeves did not commit to reducing the number but assured that travel plans would be made with consideration for the best use of a minister’s time and the interests of the taxpayer.
In a related development, the government has restarted the recruitment process for a new national security adviser. Sunak had appointed General Gwyn Jenkins to replace Sir Tim Barrow in the role, but Downing Street has now decided to cancel the appointment and begin the search anew.
News
Trump Appoints Energy Executive as Energy Department Head; Biden Heads to Amazon Rainforest
President-elect Donald Trump has named Chris Wright, an oil and gas executive, to head the US Energy Department. Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, is known for his scepticism regarding climate change and is expected to advance Trump’s agenda of increasing fossil fuel production.
Trump praised Wright in a statement, describing him as a “key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.” The president-elect also announced that Wright will serve on a newly formed Council of National Energy, which aims to guide the United States toward energy dominance through deregulation and encouraging private sector investments.
In related news, Trump’s campaign revealed that Will Scharf, one of the president-elect’s personal lawyers, will become the assistant to the president and White House staff secretary. Trump highlighted Scharf’s legal expertise, referring to him as a “highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team.”
Scharf notably represented Trump in a Supreme Court hearing on presidential immunity, where the court ruled that Trump was partially immune from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency. In his new role, Scharf will manage key documents, including reports and briefings for the president.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is set to visit the Amazon rainforest later today, where he will engage with Brazilian indigenous leaders. This visit underscores his administration’s commitment to environmental and conservation efforts on a global scale.
News
Trump Announces Key Appointments: Elise Stefanik as UN Ambassador, Tom Homan as Border Tsar
President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled two significant appointments as he prepares for his return to the White House in January. Elise Stefanik, a 40-year-old New York Congresswoman, has been confirmed as Trump’s choice for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, Trump has appointed Tom Homan, 62, to be his “border tsar.” Homan previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term.
This move comes as the Republican Party inches closer to securing full control of Congress. The GOP has already captured a majority in the Senate and is three seats away from winning the House of Representatives. The Republicans currently hold 215 seats, while Democrats have 210. Control of the 218-seat majority in the House would grant Republicans significant legislative power, including initiating spending bills and launching impeachment proceedings.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce Homan’s appointment, saying, “Tom Homan will be in charge of our Nation’s Borders (‘The Border Czar’), including… the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.” Trump emphasized Homan’s role in deportation efforts, adding, “Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”
News
Biden to Host Trump at White House for Transition Talks Next Week
President Joe Biden has invited President-elect Donald Trump to the White House for a meeting in the Oval Office next week. This tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their successors has been observed for decades, though it was notably absent in 2020 when Trump did not extend the invitation to Biden.
These meetings typically focus on the transition period and key considerations for establishing a new administration. During their sessions, outgoing and incoming presidents often discuss both domestic and foreign policy and emphasize a smooth transition of power.
In 2016, President Barack Obama hosted Trump and later said they agreed to collaborate for the good of the country. Similarly, when President George W. Bush met President-elect Obama in 2008, they talked about economic and security matters, while Laura Bush and Michelle Obama explored the White House grounds.
This upcoming meeting between Biden and Trump marks a significant step as the nation prepares for the presidential transition.
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