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    Theresa May accused of being ‘deeply insensitive’ after referring to assisted dying as ‘suicide’

    Theresa May has been accused of being “deeply insensitive” after the former prime minister referred to assisted dying for terminally ill people as suicide during a debate on the matter last week. Baroness May, one of around 190 peers with their names down to speak on the bill across a two-day debate that will resume on Friday, referred to it as an “assisted suicide bill” and said it “effectively says suicide is OK”.In a letter to the former prime minister, seen by The Independent, 13 assisted dying campaigners have denounced the language she used, saying they “listened with dismay” as she made her intervention. “We are not suicidal – we want to live, and to make the most of the time we have left with the people we love. But we are dying and we have no choice or ability to change that,” they said. Theresa May speaking about the assisted dying bill in the House of Lords More

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    Trump tells Starmer to use the military to stop illegal migration and small boats

    Donald Trump has told Sir Keir Starmer he needs to use the military to end the small boats crisis, warning illegal migration can “destroy” countries.After a day of talks, the US president offered his advice in a blockbuster press conference that rounded off his historic second state visit.Standing in the Great Hall of Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, the leaders emphasised their positive relationship and the “unbreakable bond” between their countries as they basked in their £150bn technology partnership deal, which they say will allow the UK and US “to shape the world this century like we shaped the world in the last century”.Trump and Starmer address the press at Chequers More

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    Voices: ‘Weak and cringeworthy’: Trump’s second UK state visit sparks division among readers

    The arrival of Donald Trump in the UK for a second state visit has divided readers of The Independent.When we asked for your views, many were critical of the lavish ceremonies at Windsor Castle, describing the state banquet as extravagant, cringeworthy, and out of touch with the realities of austerity. Commenters highlighted the contrast between the pomp and the struggles of ordinary citizens, noting rising food insecurity and underfunded public services. Several readers characterised the visit as sycophantic, with the prime minister and monarch “grovelling” to Trump.At the same time, a minority acknowledged the potential diplomatic and economic benefits of hosting Trump. The tech partnership and investment deals announced during the visit were seen as an opportunity to strengthen the UK-US “special relationship,” create jobs, and secure long-term trade advantages.Still, unease persisted over political optics and ethical implications, including Starmer’s perceived closeness to Trump and the divergence of UK and US positions on Israel and Ukraine.Overall, while some readers saw strategic value in the visit, the majority questioned the timing, extravagance, and symbolism of a state occasion that prioritised spectacle over domestic concerns.Here’s what you had to say:Focus on UK problems firstAmong these are steel, tariffs, Ukraine and even the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which put paid to Peter Mandelson and threatens to drag in the US president. But, most pressing, is Gaza, a subject on which Starmer and Trump are in no way aligned.Can we please concentrate on our problems first and make life better for people living in the UK? I’m not saying to pull out of international problems, but don’t waste political credit on things abroad before using it for our own problems: trade, tariffs, defence.fredIt isn’t just about usCan all the posters who said we should not allow the visit now see why it was important we did? It isn’t just about us, it is about people all over the world. Starmer is just about the only political leader Trump listens to. Chuckles has strong influence, as does William. The world needs it.much0adoStarmer’s reputation at riskIn terms of trade deals with the US there may be benefits.But in terms of Starmer’s reputation, it is likely to be a massive failure, partly because Trump is intensely disliked by so many Brits. But far worse (even than the Mandelson scandal), is the UN Commission’s view on Israel committing genocide in Gaza.That accusation of genocide has long hung around Starmer’s neck, as he has been far too reluctant to criticise Israel. So any official recognition of genocide was never going to make him look good. And now it has happened.Just as he is cosying up to Trump, the very man who could, but won’t, put pressure on Israel… all of which makes Starmer look like he is on the wrong side of history.BanderaDining with the devilOne of the downsides of politics is that you do, literally, have to dine with the devil to push your agenda… or try to accommodate his… hence the sumptuous state banquet at a very public-free state visit by Federal convict Trump at Windsor Castle this evening.Are authoritarian “Dictator for a day” Trump and Monarch of the Realm Charles compatible dining fellows, or like Pinochet’s visit during Thatcher’s iron-fisted reign, merely uncomfortable but politically expedient get-togethers? With Trump’s unpredictable and oscillating political judgements, what may seem to be achieved today may not hold good tomorrow, so this very shielded-from-public state visit really should have been kept back from so early in Trump’s presidency as a reward for playing political ball with Britain, a tenterhook moment that would have focused Trump’s attention and behaviour but now achieved is lost.BenjaminrabbitLavish jolly while people sufferOne is tempted to say little things please little minds and bring forth happiness.Many of us cringed when a sheepish Starmer presented the invitation for an unprecedented second state visit. The man has done nothing to deserve it.Well, they are all enjoying a lavish jolly while many go hungry. Go figure. And all leaders barring Ed Davey are attending.Davey has given his reasons clearly, and many will agree with his stand. It may appear futile, but attending the banquet would achieve nothing. Trump will simply not listen.Our politicians, with honourable exceptions, I find depressing and weak.49ninerNo commonalityThere is no commonality between them. Trump loves the limelight and the centre of geopolitical attention and will just be as happy to go to Beijing or Moscow for a state visit.The differences between Starmer and Trump are there for all to see:Labour’s support for the Democrat candidate during the presidential election campaign. Trump’s desire to bring the Ukraine/Russia conflict to a swift conclusion, as opposed to Starmer’s gathering of the Coalition of the Willing and sending of troops to Ukraine. Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson as US ambassador despite Trump’s objection. Starmer’s recognition of the state of Palestine, which Trump is against. OpinatorLavish banquet amid austeritySomething just doesn’t rest right within me for the UK government to host a lavish banquet at taxpayers’ expense for the likes of US President Trump.May I remind everyone that food, water, shelter, medicines, surgical aid, generators, and hygiene kits have been deliberately blockaded by the genocidal (according to the UN, but not Trump or Starmer) regime of Israel. It is bad taste indeed, regardless of the pomp and circumstance around this visit, and the possibility of favourable iron and steel tariffs with the US, be you an officer and a gentleman/lady, a serving soldier, or a British worker. In this country of great austerity, the money could have been put to fund UK food banks (Starmer is not interested) or soup kitchens in our big cities, offering a bowl of nutritious broth, bread and a hot drink. This would show the people that the government is concerned about them, rather than a laissez-faire attitude typical of Starmer when it comes to welfare, in contrast to his support for Ukraine or the pariah genocidal state of Israel.I am sorry, but I’m not going to wish the participants in this ill-timed state banquet a successful evening. I hope the electricity fails and they are forced to eat cold dinners!SophieSchollDamage limitation missionIt’s happening, so there’s no point in debating whether it’s a good idea or not.Can Britain gain anything from it? Just possibly. We’re pretty good at diplomacy. We see (in the Guardian) we’ve just done a deal with the US on small modular reactors, which might be good for both countries.But mostly I see this as another damage limitation mission: sucking up to Trump to prevent him doing more harm. And that’s a big ask when you are dealing with someone who is certifiably insane.It is also, to give it its proper name, appeasement. The King and Starmer will probably be choking on their state banquet.Kudos to Ed Davey who is boycotting the whole thing.SteveHillGrovelling under the guise of diplomacyJust another asinine British display of unabashed sycophancy and grovelling, all under the heading of preserving the “special relationship” which has never existed and never will.Embarrassing, pathetic, weak, laughable, cringeworthy.67ChapTrump’s unpredictabilityWe are quite good at diplomacy with people with identifiable goals and objectives and a rational or broadly predictable mind.You can agree with Trump on anything, and by the time you have walked down a flight of stairs, Trump will have changed his mind to a new position, changed it back to the original plan, and then sought a new plan and started to implement it, genuinely thinking he stuck to the position agreed with his protagonist.Jim987Diplomacy versus dignityThere is a time for diplomacy, then there is a time for dignity and the truth. In this instance, we have descended into the realm of suckers. Plain and simple as that.NikstipsSome of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.The debate isn’t over. Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day’s top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click ‘log in’ or ‘register’ in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment click here. More

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    Six key takeaways from Donald Trump’s press conference with Keir Starmer

    Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer were clearly on a mission to make each other’s lives easier at their joint press conference on Thursday. Despite plenty of thorny topics threatening to cast a cloud over an otherwise successful state visit, both steered clear of sticking the boot in despite tricky questions being asked. From Lord Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Russia, The Independent runs you through the key takeaways after the pair’s media grilling. Jeffrey EpsteinPerhaps the biggest risk for Sir Keir and Mr Trump was the scandal around Lord Mandelson’s ties to the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The US president has his own historic links to the financier, and Sir Keir last week fired his ambassador to Washington over a series of emails he had exchanged with Epstein. Peter Mandelson was sacked over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein despite it having been widely known about before his appointment More

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    Trump backslaps Starmer as prime minister says Hamas has ‘no future’ in Palestine

    President Donald Trump patted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on the back as the UK leader insisted Hamas would have “no part in any future governance of Palestine”. The comments came at a joint press conference in Chequers on Thursday during the American leader’s historic second state visit to the UK. The politicians discussed the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the “special relationship” between the UK and US leading to several trade deals, and Israeli military action in Gaza where a humanitarian catastrophe has been declared by several groups. Asked a question about recognition of the State of Palestine and whether it would “reward” Hamas, the prime minister said: “Hamas is a terrorist organisation who can have no part in the future governance of Palestine.”Donald Trump appeared pleased with Keir Starmer’s comments against Hamas More

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    Your Party co-leaders in major row as Sultana accuses Corbyn of running ‘sexist boys’ club’

    Jeremy Corbyn is seeking legal advice after Zarah Sultana sent an “unauthorised email” from Your Party’s account inviting its supporters to become paid-up members. As the left-wing MP accused Your Party of being run as a “sexist boys’ club”, Mr Corbyn called on his backers to ignore Ms Sultana’s email. In a statement signed off by the party’s five male MPs, ignoring Ms Sultana, he said anyone who signed up should immediately cancel direct debits and that “legal advice is being taken”.Jeremy Corbyn urged supporters to cancel any payments to Your Party More

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    Boris Johnson in furious spat with Andrew Neil after broadcaster questioned Tories’ record

    A state reception dinner for British right-wingers descended into a bust-up between Boris Johnson and other senior Tories over the party’s record in government. In an astonishing turn of events, a witness described “real anger” as the meeting of minds led to a spat between Liz Truss, Mr Johnson and his former boss, broadcaster Andrew Neil. The event, at the luxury Peninsula hotel in London’s Mayfair, was hosted by US broadcaster Newsmax and included guests of honour Marco Rubio and US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent. Both are in the UK for Donald Trump’s state visit. Boris Johnson mounted a robust defence of his record as PM More

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    Albania’s government debuts its AI ‘minister’ to parliament

    An AI-generated government “minister” was debuted in the Albanian parliament on Thursday, with Prime Minister Edi Rama presenting the bot as a symbol of his government’s push for transparency and innovation.“The Constitution speaks of institutions at the people’s service. It doesn’t speak of chromosomes, of flesh or blood,” the avatar declared in a three-minute address delivered from two large screens. “It speaks of duties, accountability, transparency, non-discriminatory service.”“I assure you that I embody such values as strictly as every human colleague, maybe even more,” added the artificial persona. It has been named Diella, which means sun in Albanian, and is depicted as a woman in traditional Albanian dress.Rama argued that the AI-generated bot will help the government work faster and with full transparency. It is one element in a larger plan to highlight the Balkan nation’s technological innovations as it works toward European Union membership. Albania hopes to join the 27-member bloc by 2030.Opposition lawmakers are highly critical of the AI bot, and believe Diella is actually a way for the government to hide graft. They banged their hands on their tables, pushing the speaker to cut short the debate on the government program. The session ended after 25 minutes.They also boycotted a vote on the Cabinet’s program, but it passed anyway with 82 votes in favor in the 140-seat parliament.The opposition did not explain how it thinks the government would exploit Diella to hide corruption in public finances.Diella was created earlier this year in cooperation with Microsoft as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania public service platform. It has helped users navigate the site and get access to about 1 million digital inquiries and documents.“I am not here to replace people but to help them,” the bot said in its address to parliament. “True I have no citizenship, but I have no personal ambition or interests either.” More