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Received today — 17 May 2026 France 24 - International News

UK leadership crisis: ‘Keir Starmer is a lame duck Prime Minister’ says former Labour adviser

17 May 2026 at 13:22
It’s been a tumultuous week for Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, who is facing a leadership crisis. Following a chaotic week in which nearly 90 Labour MPs called on Starmer to resign, along with a series of ministerial resignations, the Prime Minister is clinging on to power. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said he would stand in any leadership contest, while Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, is plotting a return to Parliament after confirming he will stand in the Makerfield by-election. To discuss the unfolding events, France 24’s Gavin Lee is joined by Karl Hansen, former Labour adviser and political writer for Tribune Magazine.

Around 10 'new' victims come forward in France's Epstein investigation

17 May 2026 at 13:07
French prosecutors investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged trafficking network say around ten previously unidentified suspected victims have recently contacted authorities, widening a probe into possible abuse committed in France or involving French accomplices linked to the late financier.

White House to host mass prayer event to promote Christian origins of the US

17 May 2026 at 12:44
The White House is making prayer a focal point of this weekend’s celebrations marking the US's 250th anniversary, staging a large-scale mass prayer that underscores the Trump administration’s wider push to amplify Christianity’s role in public and political life.

WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

17 May 2026 at 09:23
General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and neighboring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths. In a post on X, the World Health Organization said the outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic, and advised against the closure of international borders.

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France 24 - International News