US missile defence system intercepts and destroys mock ICBM amid North Korea threats

US missile defence system intercepts and destroys mock ICBM amid North Korea threats

Pentagon on Tuesday (30 May) said it successfully staged its first-ever missile defence test, intercepting and destroying an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The $244m test comes amid the increasing threats from North Korea. A ground-based interceptor, launched from a California airbase, shot down a mock ICBM warhead over the Pacific Ocean, said the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The mock threat was launched from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands. The Ground-based Midcourse Defense program (GMD) has so far cost about $40bn in the past 15 years and often been criticised for its expensive nature. Interestingly, of the nine intercept attempts, only four have been successful in the past since the GMD was declared combat-ready in 2004. May 31, 2017
Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn both grilled over future EU Brexit deal

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn both grilled over future EU Brexit deal

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday (May 29) she was ready to walk away from Brexit negotiations without a deal with the European Union if the agreement wasnt good enough. By contrast, the leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn said he would ensure there was a Brexit deal with the European Union were he to win power. May 30, 2017
US Senator John McCain says Putin bigger threat than Isis

US Senator John McCain says Putin bigger threat than Isis

U.S. Senator John McCain said on 29 May that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a bigger threat to global security than ISIS. McCain warned that the Senate would push for sanctions against Moscow for its alleged interference in the U.S. election. May 30, 2017
Barack Obama warns information bubbles endanger democracy

Barack Obama warns information bubbles endanger democracy

Former US President Barack Obama said on Thursday (May 25) he was concerned about how technology advances had made it easier for people to retreat into our own bubbles. In his first speech in Europe since leaving the White House, he also warned against taking peace and prosperity for granted. May 26, 2017
Angela Merkel: Europe must take its fate in its own hands

Angela Merkel: Europe must take its fate in its own hands

In a speech during the campaign trail for the upcoming German elections, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that she believes Europe should look after itself and not rely on others, for example the US or UK. I can only say that we Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands, Merkel said one day after the end of the G7 summit in Sicily. May 28, 2017
Duterte takes full responsibility for consequences of martial law in Philippines

Duterte takes full responsibility for consequences of martial law in Philippines

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has taken full responsibility for soldiers actions on Mindanao island. He declared martial law on the island currently engulfed in fighting between soldiers and Islamist militants. Duterte warned soldiers not to rape women and told them to shoot anyone resisting arrest. Human rights groups warn martial law could lead to abuse by security forces. Isis-affiliated extremists took control of parts of the city of Marawi earlier in the week. At least 80 people have been killed in the fighting so far and many civilians have been displaced. May 27, 2017
Palestinian prisoners end mass hunger strike after securing concessions

Palestinian prisoners end mass hunger strike after securing concessions

Around 1,100 hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners ended their 40-day fast. They reached a compromise with Israel on additional family visits. Israel agreed to allow the inmates a second family visit each per month. 18 prisoners are being treated in hospital because of the hunger strike.Palestinians rallied behind the hunger strikers as national heroes. More than 6,000 Palestinians are currently in prison for offences linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. May 27, 2017
Armed police patrol major U.K. train stations after terror attack

Armed police patrol major U.K. train stations after terror attack

Armed and unarmed officers have been deployed on British railways on 26 May, after the suicide bombing attack in Manchester that killed 22 people. Police will patrol major stations and trains across the country today to reassure the public, as the threat level in the U.K. remains at Critica. May 26, 2017