Keir Starmer's pitch for disillusioned Conservative supporters, Israel's risky options to retrieve abducted civilians, EU's review of development funding for Palestinian territories after Hamas attack.
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Quick takeaways
Keir Starmer outlines his vision for the UK at the Labour Party's conference, emphasizing stability, hope, and the challenge of winning over conservative voters.
The European Union is reviewing its developmental aid to the Palestinian territories amid concerns over funding potentially falling into the hands of Hamas, which could have a significant economic impact if suspended or cancelled.
Deep dives
Labour Party's Vision and Goals for the General Election
Labour leader Keir Starmer outlined his vision for the UK at the Labour Party's annual conference. He emphasized the need for stability and hope, highlighting that a Labour government could offer security and rebuild what has been ruined. Starmer also proposed bulldozing the restrictive British planning system to stimulate economic growth and the construction of factories, infrastructure, and one and a half million homes. While Labour currently leads in the polls, Starmer acknowledges the challenge of winning over conservative voters to secure a majority in the upcoming general election.
EU's Review of Aid Sent to Palestinian Territories
The European Union is conducting a review of its developmental aid to the Palestinian territories. This follows concerns that previous payments may have fallen into the hands of Hamas, the terrorist group in control of the Gaza Strip. Although Commissioner Oliver Voorhele initially announced a suspension of funding, the EU clarified that it was conducting a review and that no payments were currently foreseen. The EU has been a major donor to Palestine, providing funding for developmental and humanitarian projects, which could have a significant economic impact if suspended or cancelled.
Dilemma Faced by Israel in Hostage Situation
Israel faces a challenging dilemma in securing the release of hostages taken by Hamas militants. With conflicting reports estimating the number of hostages between 50 and 150, Israel has two risky options: negotiating prisoner swaps or attempting a forced rescue operation. Negotiations pose the risk of releasing Palestinian prisoners who may later commit attacks against Israel, while a rescue operation could inadvertently harm hostages due to Hamas' complex network of hiding places. The hostages further complicate Israel's plans to deal with Hamas as they may serve as human shields during a potential ground invasion.
Sir Keir Starmer made a pitch for the votes of disillusioned former Conservative supporters, abductions of dozens of civilians present Israel with risky options to get them back, and the EU has put its development funding to the Palestinian territories under review after Hamas’s attack on Israel.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Samantha Giovinco, Monica Lopez, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.