“Not a single Marxist has any doubt that opportunism expresses bourgeois policy within the working-class movement, expresses the interests of the petty bourgeoisie and the alliance of a tiny section of bourgeoisified workers with “their” bourgeoisie against the interests of the proletarian masses, the oppressed masses.” – Vladimir Lenin, Socialism and War
New trade relations with China sought by traditional US allies, prompting threats from Trump.
Details. Marking the first UK prime ministerial visit to Beijing (www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c150yv75pn7o) since 2018, UK PM Keir Starmer travelled to deepen bilateral economic ties, securing reduced tariffs on whisky exports, potentially expanded services cooperation, a forthcoming 30-day visa-free travel arrangement, and the lifting of Chinese sanctions (www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyel3z9xxno) on several Conservative MPs. Trump called the talks “very dangerous.” Shortly before the trip, London approved (www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-approves-china-plan-it…) a long-stalled Chinese “super embassy.”
► Trump responded by threatening (www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4qww3w72lo) a 100% tariff on Canadian goods. On Truth Social, he claimed China was “completely taking over” Canada, warning (www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8r4kxgpx6o) it could become a “drop-off port” for Chinese commodities to bypass US trade restrictions. He later told Carney at Davos to “remember” Canada’s existence depends on the US.
► Since the start of the year, China has also hosted talks (www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/28/china-pitches-its…) with other traditional US allies such as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and Irish leader Micheál Martin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected (www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353548.shtml) to visit Beijing later this month.
► The aggressive US response, involving coercive threats, tariff ultimatums, and open economic pressure, is a central element of its strategy to contain its principal imperialist rival, China. Washington is tightening control over “its” hemisphere (us.politsturm.com/us-seized-two-venezuela-linked-o…) and closing “loose ends” in an effort to sustain its eroding global hegemony.
Lenin on leftist bloggers who are afraid to explain the truth to the masses: "What is required of us is the ability to explain to the masses that the social and political character of the war is determined not by the “good will” of individuals or groups, or even of nations, but by the position of the class which conducts the war, by the class policy of which the war is a continuation, by the ties of capital, which is the dominant economic force in modern society, by the imperialist character of international capital..." – Vladimir Lenin, The Tasks of the Proletariat in Our Revolution.
Noam Chomsky and Simon Montefiore's connections to Epstein and his accomplice were uncovered in newly released files on his case.
Details. Noam Chomsky is directly named in released emails and financial records. Documents confirm repeated (www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/03/epstein-fi…) meetings with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, along with extensive correspondence. In one instance, Chomsky stated (www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2011/EFTA023…) he was “really fantasizing about the Caribbean island.”
► Files show Chomsky maintained connections with elite political figures, including Steve Bannon, Trump’s far-right White House strategist. In an introductory email, he told (www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA0105…) Bannon he was “quite disappointed to have missed you the other night… Lots to talk about.”
Context. Chomsky, a “libertarian” socialist, anarchist, and linguist, became widely known for books critiquing “power” and the media’s role in supporting aggressive US foreign policy, including "Who Rules the World" and "Manufacturing Consent".
► Simon Sebag Montefiore built (aspectsofhistory.com/author_interviews/simon-sebag…) his reputation through elite-funded, anti-communist “pop history” works such as "Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar" and "Young Stalin". These rely on selective sources and speculative narratives, privileging personalised intrigue over serious historical analysis. Ironically, Montefiore is the primary proponent of Stalin’s alleged relationship with a 13-year-old, though no archival evidence has been presented to support this.
► A $10 million film adaptation of Young Stalin is now in production (x.com/simonmontefiore/status/1922996001037529436), co-written by Montefiore, further commercialising his sensationalised pop-history.
The war is not a product of the 'evil will' of rapacious capitalists, although it is undoubtedly being fought only in their interests and they alone are being enriched by it. The war is a product of half a century of development of world capitalism and of its billions of threads and connections. – Vladimir Lenin, The Tasks of the Proletariat in Our Revolution
Context. After nearly two years of conflict, Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict was approved (www.euronews.com/2025/11/18/un-security-council-ap…) in November 2025 by the UN Security Council. The plan (www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70155nked7o) included the creation of an international transitional body to resolve the conflict and oversee reconstruction, gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, Hamas disarmament, and international management of the post-conflict situation.
► The resolution mandates that the Board of Peace and the International Stabilisation Forces operate until 2027 (press.un.org/en/2025/sc16225.doc.htm), which effectively legalises US influence in the region. Pro-US governments and partners have been given a key role in Gaza's reconstruction and security, ensuring their interests are maintained.
"Opportunism has “matured,” and is now playing to the full its role as emissary of the bourgeois in the working-class movement. Unity with the opportunists has become sheer hypocrisy." – Vladimir Lenin, Socialism and War
The US is escalating the energy crisis in Cuba. Similar measures were used before the strikes on Venezuela.
Details. On January 29, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order declaring (www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2026/2/us-declares-natio…) a “national emergency” with respect to Cuba and authorising tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The order invokes emergency economic powers to address what the US government describes (www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2026/0…) as “threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba.”
French Prime Minister bypassed parliament to add €6.7 billion to military spending.
Details. France has passed its delayed military spending bill, granting an additional €6.7 billion to the Defence Ministry, citing Russia, cyberattacks, and terrorism as potential urgent threats.
► Prime Minister Lecornu invoked special constitutional powers (Article 49.3) to pass the bill without a parliamentary vote, breaking his prior public promise not to use these powers. Under the Constitution, this forced passage automatically allows parliament to table a no-confidence motion.
► Lecornu’s minority government survived two no-confidence votes, with the centre-left “Socialist Party” abstaining in exchange for concessions, such as €1 lunches for university students, breaking from their former allies in the opportunist “New Popular Front.”
Context. This move occurred amid severe political instability in France. The government has nearly collapsed six times in the past two years, with the latest prime minister briefly attempting to resign before being persuaded to remain in office.
► Each cabinet has attempted unpopular austerity measures, such as a planned €44 billion in public spending cuts, which resulted in massive strikes and the former PM’s resignation. The far-right has been emboldened by the government's instability, calling for new elections.
► The EU has been rapidly militarising as inter-imperialist contradictions intensify and the United States becomes increasingly unreliable. Throughout 2025, EU governments promoted war hysteria and pursued large military budget increases and spending cuts. France has been a particularly extreme example, introducing a “voluntary” conscription program for men aged 18–25.
Senior Starmer ally calls for his resignation, reflecting weakening capitalist “democratic” rule in Europe.
Details. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called (www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/09/scottish-…) for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign. Formerly a major backer, Sarwar now denounces the Labour government’s “too many mistakes” and demands a change in leadership.
► Within days, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, his communications director, and his cabinet secretary all tendered their resignations (www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/09/top-civil…) due to their involvement.
Politsturm International
“Not a single Marxist has any doubt that opportunism expresses bourgeois policy within the working-class movement, expresses the interests of the petty bourgeoisie and the alliance of a tiny section of bourgeoisified workers with “their” bourgeoisie against the interests of the proletarian masses, the oppressed masses.” – Vladimir Lenin, Socialism and War
15 hours ago | [YT] | 137
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New trade relations with China sought by traditional US allies, prompting threats from Trump.
Details. Marking the first UK prime ministerial visit to Beijing (www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c150yv75pn7o) since 2018, UK PM Keir Starmer travelled to deepen bilateral economic ties, securing reduced tariffs on whisky exports, potentially expanded services cooperation, a forthcoming 30-day visa-free travel arrangement, and the lifting of Chinese sanctions (www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyel3z9xxno) on several Conservative MPs. Trump called the talks “very dangerous.” Shortly before the trip, London approved (www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-approves-china-plan-it…) a long-stalled Chinese “super embassy.”
► Canada has reached (www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/01/16/prim…) an initial trade agreement with China aimed at reducing tariffs on electric vehicles and agricultural exports. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special…, Prime Minister Mark Carney presented the move as a break from “US hegemony,” defensively framing it by likening Canada’s position to living in a socialist bloc (us.politsturm.com/canadian-pm-likens-us-to-sociali….
► Trump responded by threatening (www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4qww3w72lo) a 100% tariff on Canadian goods. On Truth Social, he claimed China was “completely taking over” Canada, warning (www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8r4kxgpx6o) it could become a “drop-off port” for Chinese commodities to bypass US trade restrictions. He later told Carney at Davos to “remember” Canada’s existence depends on the US.
► Since the start of the year, China has also hosted talks (www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/28/china-pitches-its…) with other traditional US allies such as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and Irish leader Micheál Martin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected (www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353548.shtml) to visit Beijing later this month.
Context. The sharpening of inter-imperialist contradictions (us.politsturm.com/2026-starts-with-war-hysteria) is forcing formerly compliant allies to choose between economic submission to Washington or retaliatory trade wars as they defend their own national capital interests. The EU has emphasised “strategic autonomy (us.politsturm.com/france-pushes-autonomy-through-r… expanding militarisation (us.politsturm.com/eu-militarisation-accelerated-th…) budgets to lessen dependence on US military force, and has begun making some formal foreign policy (us.politsturm.com/american-allies-recognise-palest…) moves against US wishes.
► This same reorientation is pushing these allies to seek new trade relations and alternative markets. The China talks are part of a wider diversification, reflected in EU agreements with India (commission.europa.eu/topics/trade/eu-india-trade-a…) and Latin America (www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250903-eu-presents…, as well as negotiations with the Gulf (us.politsturm.com/eu-renews-gulf-engagement-despit…) states.
► The aggressive US response, involving coercive threats, tariff ultimatums, and open economic pressure, is a central element of its strategy to contain its principal imperialist rival, China. Washington is tightening control over “its” hemisphere (us.politsturm.com/us-seized-two-venezuela-linked-o…) and closing “loose ends” in an effort to sustain its eroding global hegemony.
For a deeper analysis of the China–US rivalry, see our in-depth article (us.politsturm.com/china-usa-will-there-be-war) on this subject.
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Politsturm International
Lenin on leftist bloggers who are afraid to explain the truth to the masses: "What is required of us is the ability to explain to the masses that the social and political character of the war is determined not by the “good will” of individuals or groups, or even of nations, but by the position of the class which conducts the war, by the class policy of which the war is a continuation, by the ties of capital, which is the dominant economic force in modern society, by the imperialist character of international capital..." – Vladimir Lenin, The Tasks of the Proletariat in Our Revolution.
2 days ago | [YT] | 259
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Politsturm International
Noam Chomsky and Simon Montefiore's connections to Epstein and his accomplice were uncovered in newly released files on his case.
Details. Noam Chomsky is directly named in released emails and financial records. Documents confirm repeated (www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/03/epstein-fi…) meetings with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, along with extensive correspondence. In one instance, Chomsky stated (www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2011/EFTA023…) he was “really fantasizing about the Caribbean island.”
► The files show that in February 2019, Epstein received advice from Chomsky on handling negative media coverage, including a message suggesting (www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9ykjlyv50o) he ignore the “horrible way (www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA0103… he was being treated in the press and public.
► Files show Chomsky maintained connections with elite political figures, including Steve Bannon, Trump’s far-right White House strategist. In an introductory email, he told (www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%209/EFTA0105…) Bannon he was “quite disappointed to have missed you the other night… Lots to talk about.”
► Simon Sebag Montefiore does not appear in Epstein’s direct correspondence but is documented (www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2011/EFTA023…) in exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s trafficking accomplice (apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-convicted-jef…, concerning his work on Stalin (www.justice.gov/epstein/files/DataSet%2011/EFTA023….
Context. Chomsky, a “libertarian” socialist, anarchist, and linguist, became widely known for books critiquing “power” and the media’s role in supporting aggressive US foreign policy, including "Who Rules the World" and "Manufacturing Consent".
► Despite his “radical” image, Chomsky has denounced (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxhT9...) socialist projects that have uplifted the lives of millions of workers (youtube.com/shorts/GoXpsz63s-.... He regards (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxhT9...) the October Revolution as a “coup” orchestrated through Lenin’s “opportunistic vanguardism” that later sought to destroy “workers' control.”
► Simon Sebag Montefiore built (aspectsofhistory.com/author_interviews/simon-sebag…) his reputation through elite-funded, anti-communist “pop history” works such as "Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar" and "Young Stalin". These rely on selective sources and speculative narratives, privileging personalised intrigue over serious historical analysis. Ironically, Montefiore is the primary proponent of Stalin’s alleged relationship with a 13-year-old, though no archival evidence has been presented to support this.
► A $10 million film adaptation of Young Stalin is now in production (x.com/simonmontefiore/status/1922996001037529436), co-written by Montefiore, further commercialising his sensationalised pop-history.
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Politsturm International
The war is not a product of the 'evil will' of rapacious capitalists, although it is undoubtedly being fought only in their interests and they alone are being enriched by it. The war is a product of half a century of development of world capitalism and of its billions of threads and connections. – Vladimir Lenin, The Tasks of the Proletariat in Our Revolution
3 days ago | [YT] | 192
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Politsturm International
Trump’s “Board of Peace” may attempt to replace the financially struggling United Nations.
Details. During the Davos conference, Trump established (time.com/7357067/trump-gaza-board-of-peace-members…) the Board of Peace, an international organisation originally intended to administer (time.com/7357067/trump-gaza-board-of-peace-members…) the ceasefire in Gaza and oversee its reconstruction.
► The Board of Peace has evolved to include not only individual political figures, but also states (www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-30/nz-refuses-trump-in…) as members of the organisation. Any country wishing to become a permanent member of the organisation must pay $1 billion (edition.cnn.com/2026/01/18/politics/board-of-peace…) into a fund to “reconstruct Gaza”. Otherwise, each country serves (timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/shield-gold-a…) a three-year term that can be renewed at Donald Trump's discretion.
► Trump appointed (www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-30/nz-refuses-trump-in…) himself as the organisation's chairman. He has the right to veto key decisions and implement resolutions on behalf of the Board without prior consultation. He did not impose a term limit on himself and will be chairman for life or until he picks a successor. Trump has stated (www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/18/trumps-board-of-p…) that the organisation's goal is to establish peace in Gaza and beyond. Noticeably, the charter (www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-charter-of-trumps-…) is deliberately broad and never mentions Gaza.
► Several invited countries, such as France (www.politico.eu/article/france-rejects-trump-gaza-…) and the UK (bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9jj1j74ggo), refused to participate in the Board of Peace. The main criticism was that the structure could be an attempt (www.tbsnews.net/world/world-leaders-show-caution-t…) to replace or bypass the UN, particularly the Security Council. Further concerns were raised regarding corruption (www.inss.org.il/publication/bop/) risks and the 'money for influence' model, as well as Belarus' (www.euronews.com/2026/01/28/belarus-joins-trumps-b…) participation and the invitation extended to Russia (www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/russia-belarus-discuss-t….
Context. After nearly two years of conflict, Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict was approved (www.euronews.com/2025/11/18/un-security-council-ap…) in November 2025 by the UN Security Council. The plan (www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70155nked7o) included the creation of an international transitional body to resolve the conflict and oversee reconstruction, gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, Hamas disarmament, and international management of the post-conflict situation.
► The resolution mandates that the Board of Peace and the International Stabilisation Forces operate until 2027 (press.un.org/en/2025/sc16225.doc.htm), which effectively legalises US influence in the region. Pro-US governments and partners have been given a key role in Gaza's reconstruction and security, ensuring their interests are maintained.
► The UN’s financial and political power has significantly weakened (us.politsturm.com/un-powerless-in-redivision-world…. Secretary-General António Guterres has warned (www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/30/no-one-power-can-…) that global problems cannot be solved by “one power calling the shots” and has called (news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166853#:~:text=%E2%8…) for a multipolar world.
► The organisation is facing (apnews.com/article/united-nations-financial-crisis…) substantial debt and could run out of funds by July 2026 due to unpaid membership fees, particularly from the US.
► In the past, the UN was used to preserve the interests of US capital, but the Trump administration has since withdrawn (us.politsturm.com/us-pulls-out-of-66-global-organi…) from several international and UN-affiliated organisations, claiming that they “do not serve the national interest” any longer, with Trump personally criticising (us.politsturm.com/un-meets-for-80th-anniversary) the UN and questioning its purpose. The UN’s charges (news.un.org/en/story/2024/11/1157286) against Netanyahu and condemnation (www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2025/12/114314…) of the US operation in Venezuela, for example, are obstacles to the US.
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Politsturm International
"Opportunism has “matured,” and is now playing to the full its role as emissary of the bourgeois in the working-class movement. Unity with the opportunists has become sheer hypocrisy." – Vladimir Lenin, Socialism and War
4 days ago | [YT] | 150
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Politsturm International
The US is escalating the energy crisis in Cuba. Similar measures were used before the strikes on Venezuela.
Details. On January 29, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order declaring (www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2026/2/us-declares-natio…) a “national emergency” with respect to Cuba and authorising tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The order invokes emergency economic powers to address what the US government describes (www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2026/0…) as “threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba.”
► New tariffs authorised under presidential emergency powers target (www.investing.com/news/commodities-news/trump-says…) countries that supply oil to Cuba, directly striking at the island’s energy imports. Fuel shortages (apnews.com/article/cuba-airplanes-fuel-shortages-u…) are already causing (anewz.tv/world/world-news/17965/cuba-faces-aviatio…) blackouts, affecting transport, tourism, electricity supply, and access to basic services.
► Trump and other US officials have previously (www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/05/tr…) stated that Cuba is “ready to fall.” He has also recently said that talks to reach an agreement and avoid a humanitarian crisis are already (https://youtu.be/HaFZ7Z_v-L8?si=Mkqxc...) taking place.
► The Cuban government has publicly denied (anewz.tv/world/world-news/17798/cuba-denies-formal…) engaging in any official negotiations, admitting only to “communication (www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260203-cuba-confir… and stated that it will resist US pressure. At the same time, US naval forces previously deployed (www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/0…) around Venezuela remain active in the region, including north of Cuba.
Context. These developments take place in the context of the broader US campaign of pressure against China (us.politsturm.com/china-usa-will-there-be-war) and its allies.
► In Venezuela (us.politsturm.com/us-strikes-venezuela-position), US sanctions and military actions were intensified (www.pbs.org/newshour/world/a-timeline-of-u-s-milit…) to push the Maduro government into talks, despite public statements of resistance. After negotiations failed, the US attacked (us.politsturm.com/trump-invades-venezuela-after-pr…, resulting in the capture of Maduro.
► In Iran, the US has paired (us.politsturm.com/us-meets-with-iran-amidst-tensio…) talks with sanctions (www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/…) and a military build-up (us.politsturm.com/iran-gripped-by-economic-protest…) in the Persian Gulf, including expanded naval deployments. President Trump publicly warned (www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/06/us-iran-talk…) that Iran would face “serious consequences” should it reject American terms.
► In Cuba, capitalist elements (us.politsturm.com/private-sector-dominant-in-cuban…) have been strengthening for decades and will exert growing pressure toward a negotiated “deal (us.politsturm.com/maduros-secret-concessions-to-us… similar to Venezuela, where the interim leadership is openly aligning (edition.cnn.com/2026/02/12/americas/venezuela-oil-…) with the US interests.
► Cuba’s economy remains weak, poorly (english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-11/the-bl…) diversified, and dependent on larger imperialist (us.politsturm.com/china-becomes-cubas-key-economic…) powers, limiting its ability to withstand sustained economic pressure. The island produces only a small fraction of the oil it consumes and remains heavily reliant on imports – historically (oncubanews.com/en/cuba/venezuela-today-scenarios-a…) from Venezuela – whose reduced shipments have deepened the energy crisis.
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French Prime Minister bypassed parliament to add €6.7 billion to military spending.
Details. France has passed its delayed military spending bill, granting an additional €6.7 billion to the Defence Ministry, citing Russia, cyberattacks, and terrorism as potential urgent threats.
► Prime Minister Lecornu invoked special constitutional powers (Article 49.3) to pass the bill without a parliamentary vote, breaking his prior public promise not to use these powers. Under the Constitution, this forced passage automatically allows parliament to table a no-confidence motion.
► Lecornu’s minority government survived two no-confidence votes, with the centre-left “Socialist Party” abstaining in exchange for concessions, such as €1 lunches for university students, breaking from their former allies in the opportunist “New Popular Front.”
Context. This move occurred amid severe political instability in France. The government has nearly collapsed six times in the past two years, with the latest prime minister briefly attempting to resign before being persuaded to remain in office.
► Each cabinet has attempted unpopular austerity measures, such as a planned €44 billion in public spending cuts, which resulted in massive strikes and the former PM’s resignation. The far-right has been emboldened by the government's instability, calling for new elections.
► The EU has been rapidly militarising as inter-imperialist contradictions intensify and the United States becomes increasingly unreliable. Throughout 2025, EU governments promoted war hysteria and pursued large military budget increases and spending cuts. France has been a particularly extreme example, introducing a “voluntary” conscription program for men aged 18–25.
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Senior Starmer ally calls for his resignation, reflecting weakening capitalist “democratic” rule in Europe.
Details. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called (www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/09/scottish-…) for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign. Formerly a major backer, Sarwar now denounces the Labour government’s “too many mistakes” and demands a change in leadership.
► Labour-affiliated yellow unions, the right-wing opposition Reform UK (www.lbc.co.uk/article/reform-general-election-fara…) and the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats (www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/09/keir…, and the “left-wing” opposition Greens (www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/starmer-pol…) have also called for Starmer’s resignation.
► The Prime Minister responded (www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20j65ldg9zo) that he will “never walk away.” Despite mounting attacks, the cabinet and most senior Labour politicians rallied to his defence. This included major internal rivals (www.lbc.co.uk/article/who-challenge-starmer-rayner…, who chose not to challenge Starmer for leadership yet (www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/10/streeting…) – but the government’s position remains fragile.
Context. This UK political crisis was sparked by a scandal. The British ambassador to the US was revealed, through newly released (www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqxynz2l0g2o) FBI files, to have been a long-standing collaborator (www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/world/europe/ties-peter…) of American paedophile capitalist Jeffrey Epstein (us.politsturm.com/anti-communist-intellectuals-lin…. Starmer knew (www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/02/10/starmer-wa…) of this when he appointed him.
► Within days, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, his communications director, and his cabinet secretary all tendered their resignations (www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/09/top-civil…) due to their involvement.
► This follows another scandal (www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/08/28/angela-ray…, in which Starmer’s Deputy Prime Minister resigned after an investigation for tax fraud. Starmer is massively disliked (www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/01/07/labour-mor…) with the British public – now reported as the most unpopular (edition.cnn.com/2025/09/30/uk/keir-starmer-labour-…) Prime Minister on record. Speculation (www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/starmer-lab…) about his resignation was already high in November, even before the Epstein revelations.
► Starmer’s government has overseen continued declines (www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/02/10/poor-famil…) in living standards, expanded policing (us.politsturm.com/uk-will-spend-millions-on-mass-s…) and surveillance, and renewed attempts to maintain or deepen austerity (us.politsturm.com/starmer-under-fire), before facing pushback (www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/01/welfare-b…) from both the public and his own party.
► The previously ruling Conservative Party faced a similar crisis (www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/06/24/world/europ…, rotating through multiple deeply unpopular Prime Ministers within months. This parliamentary crisis is not unique to Britain. France has seen its sixth government collapse (us.politsturm.com/french-government-collapses-agai…) in just two years, driven by Macron’s lack of a majority and repeated calls for snap elections (us.politsturm.com/french-far-right-calls-for-snap-…. In Germany, the ruling liberal coalition abruptly shattered (us.politsturm.com/conservatives-win-far-right-surg…) last year, triggering an election. In all three countries, far-right parties have recently topped the polls (www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/far-right-populists-t….
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