Sunak dangers all-out Middle East struggle with assaults on Houthis – we want ceasefires

When British army interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya proved, to place it politely, not gorgeous successes, it’s no marvel there’s unease over the PM authorising assaults on Houthis in Yemen.

Avoiding a vote in Parliament and never even notifying Opposition chief Keir Starmer exhibits how gung-ho Rishi Sunak is changing into. This Red Sea battle he appears to be getting us sucked into may change into as unpredictable as earlier wars within the area. Nobody ought to fake there’s a simple approach to cease the Iran-backed Houthis launching missiles and drones at transport. But these advocating army motion must put ahead a transparent technique for the way this confrontation will be delivered to an finish. The Middle East requires ceasefires and peace offers – no more wars.

Ban the blades

Keir Starmer’s accusation that the Conservative Government failed a technology by leaving knives on Britain’s streets is a cost with the ring of reality to it. The horrible toll of individuals killed by blades – final 12 months a heartbreaking 247 – is greater than a stunning statistic. Each considered one of that complete is a misplaced life and a grieving household. The quantity has quadrupled for the reason that Tories got here to energy in 2010, a chilling and dismal file. Five Tory Home Secretaries in eight years promising however failing to ship a ban on zombie knives and machetes proves that spin was at all times extra necessary than motion. We welcome Starmer’s vow that Labour would take into account outlawing a wider vary of weapons, presumably together with swords.

A toy’s story

At least snubbed director Greta Gerwig and the movie’s lead Margot Robbie can console themselves with the truth that if there was an Oscar for probably the most enjoyable movie of the 12 months, Barbie would sweep the board.