Friday briefing: Why Europe is divided over how to defend Ukraine – and itself
www.theguardian.com
Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:01:06 +0200
In todays newsletter As Zelenskyy urges the EU to step up, divisions remain on how to secure the continents future amid Russian aggressioGood morning.
Yesterday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a European Council summit in Brussels, and emphasised the urgency of the EUs role in Ukraines future as Donald Trump turns away.
Its crucial that our partners support for Ukraine doesnt decrease but instead continues and grows, he said.
And he added Europe must always be at the table in discussions about its own security.EU countries certainly agree on that, and said yesterday that they were ready to again increase sanctions against Russia but they are sharply divided on how to achieve it.
Meanwhile, after a meeting with western military planners near London, Keir Starmer yesterday appeared to step back from his pledge to put boots on the ground in Ukraine, saying instead that allied forces would be deployed by sea and air in support of Kyivs own forces.Heathrow Londons Heathrow airport will be closed all day on Friday after a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport caused a significant power outage and left thousands of homes without power.
The shutdown at one of the busiest hubs in the world is likely to affect about 1,300 flights.Climate crisis The government is absolutely up for the fight over net zero, energy secretary Ed Miliband has said, as he accused the Conservatives and Reform of a total desertion and betrayal of future generations by failing to tackle the climate crisis.
Some Labour MPs fear the government could row back on funding and targets under political pressure.Middle East Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to call for a new ceasefire in Gaza and to protest against what they say is an attack on the countrys democracy by the rightwing governing coalition of Benjamin Netanyahu.Interest rates The Bank of England said UK businesses are freezing their hiring plans in response to Rachel Reevess tax increases and amid mounting global uncertainty as it kept interest rates on hold at 4.5.
The banks monetary policy committee voted by eight to one to pause its cycle of rate cuts after three reductions in the past year.UK news One of Stephen Lawrences killers may now accept he was involved in assaulting the teenager, according to a report by the Parole Board.
The board said yesterday that David Norris, now 48, will face his hearing in public with the reported support of Stephens parents.
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