Politics - breaking news stories from Westminster, Holyrood and around the world

Politics

Trump team blasts 'absurd' impeachment on eve of trial

The proceedings will take place in the very Senate chamber that was raided by rioters, threatening the lives of lawmakers in an effort to stop the ceremonial certification of Biden's election victory.

19 days ago

By Michael Mathes

Donald Trump

SAG-AFTRA permanently bans Donald Trump from readmission after his exit

The board had first moved against Trump in a meeting held after the riots in January.

20 days ago

By Amanda

Donald Trump US Election White House

Biden vows to 'act fast' on US stimulus amid weak January hiring

Biden's efforts received a big endorsement, when IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva offered her support for the plan, and rejected the notion it was excessive.

22 days ago

By Chris Stein

Trump refuses to testify in 'unconstitutional' impeachment trial

The Democratic House prosecutors, or impeachment managers, say the Republican leader was "singularly responsible" for the Capitol attack, which left five dead.

23 days ago

By Paul Handley

Donald Trump US Election

Melania didn't 'care,' but Jill Biden wants to show she does

First ladies have the odd position of being married to the most powerful man in the country but without a formal public role.

24 days ago

By Sebastian Smith

Donald Trump

US leads world condemnation of Myanmar's military coup

The UN Security Council will convene in emergency session Tuesday to discuss the situation in Myanmar.

26 days ago

By AFP News

Republican party future in balance as Trump trial looms

Trump, who left the White House for Florida before Joe Biden's inauguration, has vowed to stay active in politics in some form.

27 days ago

By Ben Sheppard

Donald Trump US Election

Myanmar's military stages coup, detains Aung San Suu Kyi

Suu Kyi -- a former democracy icon and Nobel peace prize winner whose image internationally has been in tatters over her handling of the Muslim Rohingya crisis -- remains a deeply popular figure.

27 days ago

By AFP News

Russian billionaire Arkady says he owns 'Putin palace'

Russian state television on Friday rejected claims that the property was owned by Putin and dismissed reports that it had an aquatic disco, showing an empty fountain at the purported site.

28 days ago

By AFP News

Russia Moscow Vladimir Putin

Far from Moscow, disenchantment with Putin starts to show

The jailing of Navalny after the attempt on his life proved the last straw for many.

Jan 29, 2021

By Thibaut Marchand

Russia Vladimir Putin Moscow

Trump impeachment 2021: Ex-POTUS acquittal very likely

A censure resolution against Trump is being planned by Senator Kaine

Jan 28, 2021

By Danielle Ong

Donald Trump

Virus-plagued Italy in political turmoil after PM quits

Conte, a once obscure law professor, has already led two governments of different political shades since taking office after the 2018 general election.

Jan 27, 2021

By Alice Ritchie, Alvise Armellini

Italy

Democrats push stimulus and $1,400 checks, with or without Republicans

The proposal has a $15 minimum wage, a third round of $1,400 checks and extensions to federal protections

Jan 26, 2021

By Cullen Paradis

Donald Trump

Wuhan marks a year since Covid lockdown as Brazil faces protests

In the world's worst-hit country, US President Joe Biden warned America's death toll could pass 600,000.

Jan 24, 2021

By AFP bureaus

United Kingdom Brazil

Boris Johnson, Joe Biden discuss 'deepening alliance': PM's office

Johnson also praised Biden for joining the Covax initiative, a global pool of coronavirus vaccine doses for poorer nations.

Jan 24, 2021

By AFP News

United Kingdom

Facebook 'Supreme Court' to judge Trump suspension

Reaction to the Trump ban has ranged from criticism that Facebook should have booted him long ago to outrage over his online voice being muted.

Jan 22, 2021

By AFP News

Donald Trump Facebook Twitter YouTube Mark Zuckerberg

Sanitizer-in-chief: Mysterious alcohol wipes-wielding man at Biden inauguration captures Twitter

He never reneged on his duty to wipe the podium with alcohol wipes in between speakers to ensure that the area remained virus-free.

Jan 21, 2021

By Snow Digon

Twitter

Trailblazer Kamala Harris: America's first woman vice president

Harris, 56, enters the post having already forged a unique path, as California's first Black attorney general and the first woman of South Asian heritage elected to the US Senate.

Jan 21, 2021

By Joshua Melvin

US Election