The former prime minister warned that transferring control to Mauritius could be a “colossal mistake,” but the Foreign Office maintains its position.

The UK Foreign Office has rejected concerns raised by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the potential handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Johnson, in a statement, warned that Britain was on the brink of making a “colossal mistake” by relinquishing control of the islands, which has been a point of contention in British foreign policy for decades.

Johnson’s remarks come in the wake of ongoing discussions about the future sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that has been under British control since the 19th century. The islands have long been a source of diplomatic tension, particularly with Mauritius, which claims the islands as part of its territory.

In his statement, Johnson argued that giving up the Chagos Islands would undermine the UK’s global standing and security interests, particularly in relation to its military presence on the island of Diego Garcia, which hosts a significant US military base. He described the potential transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius as a “strategic blunder” that could jeopardise both British and American military operations in the region.

However, the Foreign Office has firmly rejected these assertions, insisting that the UK government remains committed to resolving the sovereignty issue through ongoing discussions with Mauritius. The government has previously expressed a willingness to negotiate, but has stressed that any handover must take into account the long-term interests of the British overseas territories and the security of the region.

“The UK has a longstanding commitment to the Chagos Islands, and we continue to work with Mauritius towards a mutually beneficial solution,” a Foreign Office spokesperson said. “The decision on the future sovereignty of the islands will be based on careful consideration of all relevant factors, including international law and the interests of all parties involved.”

Johnson’s comments have sparked further debate within political circles, with some members of Parliament supporting his stance and others backing the government’s approach to resolving the dispute. Human rights groups, meanwhile, have long advocated for the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing the displacement of Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the US military base.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and legal challenges shaping the future of the Chagos Islands. As the UK grapples with the complex issue of sovereignty, both domestic and international pressures are likely to continue influencing the outcome.

The President launches the first-ever federal office aimed at finding solutions to gun violence and supporting communities affected by shootings.

President Joe Biden has described gun violence as the “ultimate superstorm” in the United States, as he announced the creation of the first-ever federal office dedicated to tackling the ongoing crisis. This new initiative aims to uncover solutions to reduce gun violence while providing support for communities devastated by mass shootings and gun-related tragedies.

In a press conference held at the White House, Biden declared that the U.S. government is committed to taking decisive action in the fight against gun violence, a problem that has been plaguing the nation for decades. “Gun violence in America is a public health crisis, and it’s time to address it with the urgency it deserves,” Biden said. “It is the ultimate superstorm, and we must act now to protect our children, our families, and our communities.”

The newly established office, which will be part of the Department of Justice, will focus on a range of efforts, including investigating the root causes of gun violence, implementing evidence-based prevention programs, and supporting victims and communities affected by shootings. Biden emphasized that the office will work in close collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, and non-governmental organisations to develop and execute strategies to combat gun violence on the ground.

This move comes amid rising concerns over the increasing frequency of mass shootings and the broader impact of gun violence in the U.S., which has sparked nationwide protests and calls for stricter gun control laws. Despite efforts from Congress to pass more comprehensive legislation, including background checks and assault weapon bans, meaningful progress on federal gun control laws has stalled in the face of political opposition.

Biden’s announcement of the new office is seen as an important step in his administration’s broader efforts to address gun violence, but it also comes with challenges. While the new office will provide a coordinated federal response, many advocates argue that more robust legislative action is necessary to curtail the widespread availability of firearms and address systemic issues like racial disparities in gun violence.

The creation of the office signals the administration’s recognition of the profound impact gun violence has on public safety, with the president pledging to continue advocating for stronger gun laws. “We cannot wait any longer. Every day that passes without action means more lives lost, more families shattered,” Biden stated.

This new initiative has been welcomed by many advocacy groups and survivors of gun violence, though it remains to be seen whether it will result in meaningful policy changes or whether it will face resistance from opponents of more stringent gun laws.

As the U.S. grapples with this ongoing crisis, President Biden’s pledge to take a more comprehensive, federal approach offers a potential turning point in the battle to reduce gun violence and its devastating toll on American society.

A new report reveals that only a dozen states explicitly ban firearms at polling stations amid growing concerns over political violence.

A recent report has highlighted significant gaps in US gun laws that are putting the safety of elections at risk, as political violence continues to spread across the country. The findings reveal that only a dozen states have explicit laws banning firearms at voting sites, raising concerns about the potential for voter intimidation and violence during elections.

The report, conducted by a nonpartisan organisation focused on election security, underscores the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of political violence and armed protests at polling stations. As the nation braces for the upcoming elections, experts have warned that the lack of uniform laws across states regarding firearms at voting sites creates a dangerous environment for both voters and election workers.

While some states have implemented strict regulations to prohibit firearms at polling locations, many others lack clear laws on the matter, leaving voters vulnerable to potential threats. This uneven patchwork of laws contributes to heightened anxiety and the possibility of clashes between armed groups and peaceful voters.

The rise in political violence in recent years has been fuelled by divisive rhetoric, misinformation, and the growing militarisation of political activism. In some areas, armed individuals have been seen outside polling stations, ostensibly to ‘protect’ the vote, but often creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation that could deter eligible voters from casting their ballots.

The report also calls for federal action to standardise regulations regarding firearms at polling sites, noting that the safety of voters should be prioritised above all else. Advocates for election security argue that clear and enforceable rules, such as federal laws banning weapons at voting sites, are essential to ensuring a free and fair election process.

As the US prepares for another pivotal election cycle, concerns about the safety of voters continue to mount. The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder that despite the progress made in voting rights and access, significant gaps in gun legislation remain that threaten the integrity of the democratic process.

Lawmakers are now being urged to take action to address these vulnerabilities and ensure that voters can safely exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation.