Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham poised to succeed him
via Le Mauricien3 min read
Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, less than two years after taking office following a landslide victory in the July 2024 general elections. Starmer, 63, stated his decision was made to prioritize the country and that he would step down as leader of the Labour Party. His resignation comes after months of pressure, intensified by the election of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to Parliament last Thursday. Burnham, who reaffirmed his ambition to succeed Starmer, is now seen as a strong contender for the Labour leadership and Downing Street. Former Labour Health Minister Wes Streeting, who had declared his candidacy, has since rallied behind Burnham. Starmer informed King Charles III of his decision on Monday morning and will remain in his post until a successor is chosen, pledging to facilitate the transition. The Labour National Executive Committee is expected to formally open nominations for Starmer's successor on July 9. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, has called for new general elections, but Labour maintains a large parliamentary majority, and elections are not mandated until 2029. Starmer highlighted his government's achievements in the economy, healthcare access, and support for Ukraine, but acknowledged his party's desire for a new leader. His departure marks the UK's seventh Prime Minister in ten years, reflecting unprecedented instability. Starmer's tenure faced challenges including an apathetic economy and risin
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadMauritius's education system is experiencing a significant psychological crisis, marked by a student's tragic death at Polytechnics Mauritius and a police investigation into assault and bullying at a Curepipe college. M茅lanie Vigier de Latour-B茅renger, a psychosociologist and director at Konekte, advocates for a comprehensive transformation of support structures. The bullying incident involved a 14-year-old student filing a complaint against another student at a denominational institution in Curepipe, with the incident reportedly filmed. The Family Protection Brigade and police are investigating, and the accused student has been suspended. The Diocesan Service of Catholic Education stated that all necessary measures have been taken, and confidentiality is being maintained to protect the minors involved. Following this, a 19-year-old student was found dead at Polytechnics Mauritius, and a 21-year-old man subsequently died by suicide in Goodlands, reportedly due to grief. Polytechnics Mauritius expressed condolences and confirmed psychological support is available, urging against speculation. Vigier de Latour-B茅renger emphasizes that school violence and harassment should not be minimized, highlighting the severe psychological impact beyond physical injuries, affecting self-esteem, trust, and mental well-being. She notes that trauma and chronic stress can alter brain development and function, leading to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and an increased risk of suicidal beh
Must ReadA ceremony was held on June 17 to honor the memory of Malini Veeramalay, the only Mauritian woman to have publicly declared living with AIDS. This act of courage led to her being ostracized by her family and community, and she died heartbroken on June 17, 2005. Her funeral was attended by social workers, with her parents and relatives present but distant from her grave. The event, held at the Petite-Rivi猫re cemetery, brought together friends, social workers, and people living with HIV PLHIV. Achagar Soondarajen Maistry, who led a prayer, highlighted the ongoing stigma and rejection faced by PLHIV, and also addressed the growing drug problem in the country. Nicolas Ritter, co-founder of PILS Prevention, Information and Fight Against AIDS and the first Mauritian man to publicly disclose his HIV status, expressed his sadness and anger, noting that 21 years after Malini's death, discrimination and ignorance persist, even intensifying in some areas, including healthcare settings. Ritter emphasized the need for citizens to act, educate, and inform, asserting that an AIDS patient is not a mortal threat and deserves fair treatment and a place in society, just as Malini sought her right to live freely with her medical condition. Malini's public disclosure, made on national platforms, was intended as an act of bravery and solidarity to encourage others not to be ashamed of their illness. However, it resulted in her being cast out by her family. She found refuge at La Chrysalide center,
The Mauritian government's 2026-2027 budget, presented by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Navin Ramgoolam, prioritizes environmental protection and climate resilience. Measures include a 4 billion Rupee allocation for the Coastal Erosion Adaptation Programme to rehabilitate over 11.5 kilometers of severely affected coastline across 17 priority sites over the next five years. The budget also emphasizes nature-based solutions like reforestation, wetland preservation, dune restoration, and coastal vegetation rehabilitation, alongside the development of a National Shoreline Management Strategy. The revival of the Maurice 脦le Durable project, now integrated into the country's ecological transition strategy, and the creation of a Just Transition Commission are also highlighted. Eco-citizen groups Mru2025-AKNL and Platform Moris Lanvironnman offered mixed reactions. Carina Gounden, spokesperson for Mru2025-AKNL, views the budget announcements as largely confirming existing initiatives rather than introducing groundbreaking changes. She welcomes the focus on nature-based solutions but stresses the need for courageous decisions and better inter-institutional coordination. Gounden also notes the decision to no longer grant new leases for state lands and Pas G茅om茅triques under the G+2 regime for apartment sales to foreigners, though she believes its scope is limited as it doesn't affect already approved projects or the preservation of undeveloped Pas G茅om茅triques. A major concern