Burnham on brink of becoming UK PM after securing overwhelming Labour backing

Andy Burnham has moved to the verge of becoming the United Kingdom’s next prime minister after securing the backing of 322 Labour MPs in the first round of nominations for the party’s leadership contest.

Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is the only declared candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, who resigned as Labour leader following the party’s poor performance in recent local elections. His tally leaves him just one nomination short of the 323 required to make it mathematically impossible for another contender to enter the race.

Several Labour MPs who were unable to vote on the opening day have indicated they intend to back Burnham once Parliament reconvenes, making his election all but certain if no rival emerges before nominations close next week.

If the contest remains uncontested, Burnham is expected to be confirmed as Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on July 20.

In a statement, Burnham thanked Labour MPs for their support, describing it as a sign of confidence from across the party.

“That is the circuit breaker I am offering: power out of Westminster, an economy rewired for ordinary people, and good growth in every postcode,” he said.

His rapid rise follows a by election victory in Makerfield only weeks ago, after which growing pressure from Labour MPs forced Starmer to step aside. by-election have until next Wednesday to secure the backing of at least 81 MPs and support from affiliated trade unions and socialist societies to qualify for the leadership race.

India protests intensify after rape and murder of 11-year-old girl

Violent protests have spread across India’s eastern state of West Bengal following the rape and murder of a 11-year-old girl, triggering political tensions and renewed concerns over women’s safety.

The girl’s body was recovered from11-year-old Surjyapur village near Kolkata a day after her family reported her missing. She had left home to buy a birthday gift for a friend but never returned.

Public anger quickly erupted into demonstrations, with mobs clashing with police. One innocent man was reportedly lynched during the unrest, while police shot dead one of the main suspects. Three other suspects remain in custody.

The incident has become a major political issue, with opposition parties accusing the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal of failing to protect women and children.

The victim’s family said they alerted police the same evening she disappeared after searching unsuccessfully for several hours.
Authorities have launched investigations into both the murder and the violence that followed as security remains heightened across the affected communities.

Ukraine expands strikes on Russian supply routes near Crimea

Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian military logistics around occupied Crimea, targeting both land and maritime supply routes in what Kyiv describes as an effort to disrupt Moscow’s military operations.

According to Ukraine’s drone force commander Robert Brovdi, at least 25 vessels have been struck in the Sea of Azov over four days, with many reportedly carrying fuel destined for Crimea. Ukrainian military sources say as many as 36 ships have been hit, although the exact number has not been independently verified.

The attacks form part of Ukraine’s broader “logistics lockdown” strategy aimed at choking off supplies reaching Russian forces in occupied territory.

Russian officials confirmed attacks on two empty fuel tankers in Taganrog Bay, saying both vessels caught fire but stopped short of acknowledging wider losses.

Satellite imagery reviewed by analysts also indicates a reduction in tanker traffic near Kerch Port following previous Ukrainian strikes on the facility, suggesting Russia may already be adjusting shipping movements in response.

The latest operations highlight Kyiv’s growing reliance on long range drones to weaken Russia’s military infrastructure far from the front line.

Iran and US exchange fresh strikes as Hormuz tensions escalate

The United States and Iran exchanged a second consecutive night of military strikes, deepening fears of a wider regional conflict and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington said it struck around 90 military targets, including sites near the strategic waterway, after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial shipping. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones towards US assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Iraq, according to state linked media.

Iran’s health ministry said the latest US strikes killed 14 people and injured 78 across five provinces. Authorities also reported damage near the Bushehr nuclear power plant and to transport infrastructure leading to Mashhad, where funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are taking place.

The renewed fighting comes despite efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire following months of conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes earlier this year.

Meanwhile, international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly declined sharply, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies.

Court hears Charlie Kirk murder suspect confessed to roommate

A Utah court has heard that the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk admitted the shooting to his roommate shortly after the attack and expressed regret.

During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented testimony from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner, who told investigators that Tyler Robinson texted him after the shooting instructing him to “look under your keyboard.”

When Twiggs asked whether he had carried out the attack, Robinson allegedly replied: “I am. I’m sorry.”

Twiggs told investigators Robinson later broke down in tears and said he wished he had not carried out the killing.

Prosecutors also revealed that Robinson had previously requested an engraving tool, claiming he wanted to mark bullets for a hunting trip.

Robinson, 23, has not entered a plea. He faces aggravated murder and other charges in connection with the September 2025 killing of Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if the case proceeds to trial.

AFRICA

Ugandan judges reject lawyers’ move to drop colonial court titles

Uganda’s judiciary has rejected attempts by the country’s legal profession to abolish colonial era courtroom traditions, insisting judges will continue to expect lawyers to address them using traditional titles.

The dispute follows a directive by the Uganda Law Society instructing lawyers to stop using honorifics such as “My Lord”, “My Lady” and “Your Worship”, arguing that such language reflects outdated colonial hierarchies and undermines equality before the law.

The society also prohibited its members from bowing before judges, describing the practice as one of physical subservience incompatible with a modern justice system.

Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye dismissed the directive, saying the Law Society has no authority to dictate courtroom protocol and that judges would continue to demand established standards of decorum.

Uganda, like many former British colonies, inherited much of its legal system and courtroom customs from Britain.

The debate has reopened wider discussions about decolonising public institutions while preserving judicial authority and respect within the legal system.

Ghanaian influencer extradited to US over alleged $8 million romance scam

Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face charges over an alleged online romance scam that prosecutors say defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.

US authorities accuse Kumi of using artificial intelligence to create fake online identities before building relationships with victims through social media and dating platforms.

Prosecutors allege the victims were later persuaded to send money for fabricated medical emergencies, travel expenses and investment opportunities.

Kumi denies all charges, which include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

His lawyer, Oliver Barker Vormawor, criticised Ghanaian authorities, alleging they rushed the extradition before a local court could rule on efforts to halt the transfer. He argued the move raises significant constitutional concerns.

Kumi, who amassed more than 100,000 Instagram followers while displaying luxury cars and expensive lifestyles, was arrested last year during a joint operation involving Ghanaian and US law enforcement agencies.

Egypt’s core inflation rises despite slower consumer price growth

Egypt’s annual core inflation accelerated to 14.3 percent in June from 13.8 percent in May, according to data released by the Central Bank of Egypt, even as overall urban inflation eased slightly.

Official statistics agency CAPMAS reported annual urban consumer inflation slowed to 14.3 percent from 14.6 percent in May, reflecting a modest easing in headline price pressures.

On a monthly basis, core inflation increased by 0.3 percent after rising 1.6 percent in May.

The figures suggest underlying inflationary pressures remain resilient despite signs that broader consumer prices are stabilising.

Egypt has been implementing economic reforms under an International Monetary Fund programme while attempting to contain inflation that surged following repeated currency devaluations and higher import costs.

AfDB approves $234 million loan for Morocco’s rail expansion

The African Development Bank has approved a €205 million loan, equivalent to about $234 million, to support Morocco’s ambitious railway expansion ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The financing will help extend the country’s high speed rail network and improve infrastructure along the busy Kenitra to Marrakech corridor, one of Morocco’s most important passenger and freight routes.

The project forms part of Morocco’s wider $10 billion investment plan to modernise both intercity and urban rail systems before it co hosts the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

The new high speed line will stretch about 430 kilometres from Kenitra through Rabat and Casablanca before reaching Marrakech, significantly reducing travel times and boosting economic connectivity.

The African Development Bank said the investment is expected to improve operational efficiency while supporting Morocco’s long term transport and economic development goals.

Russian military convoy attacked in northern Mali

A convoy transporting Malian troops and Russian fighters from the Africa Corps came under attack in northern Mali on Thursday as violence intensified across the country’s conflict ridden north.

Security sources told Reuters that the convoy included more than 200 Russian personnel and over 100 Malian soldiers travelling towards the town of Anefis, where clashes have continued since coordinated attacks on military positions earlier this month.

The Tuareg led Azawad Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the ambush, although it remains unclear whether the Al Qaeda linked Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin also participated.

The latest assault follows a series of coordinated attacks on army positions across Mali, underscoring the increasingly complex security environment despite the presence of Russian forces supporting the military government.

Authorities have not released casualty figures, and military operations remain ongoing in the affected region.